Breaking bad habits, with Cohanim Smileworks

At Cohanim Smileworks, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Robert Cohanim.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Cohanim if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Cohanim Smileworks or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

Emergency Care at Cohanim Smileworks

At Cohanim Smileworks, we know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient nor timely. If you are a patient of record, Dr. Robert Cohanim and our team are committed to your dental health and are more than willing to see you after hours or over the weekend. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. If you have a orthodontic emergency after regular office hours, please give us a call. If you are calling us after hours, please follow the emergency prompts to learn how you may be able to solve the problem yourself, or, if you cannot, how to contact Dr. Cohanim and team.

Common issues include:

*Broken Brace
*Broken Wires
*Tie has come off of a Brace
*Loose Expander
*Poking Wire Tie
*Sharpness Felt on the Tongue Side of a Brace
*Loss of a Separator
*Initial Soreness
*Wire Poking

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you visit our office.

Now that I have braces, what can I eat?

You just got braces at Cohanim Smileworks and Dr. Robert Cohanim has informed you that during your orthodontic treatment you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care!

Recipes include main dishes, side dishes and even yummy desserts! After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps the patient achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about the recipes listed or about the foods you should be avoiding during your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Enjoy!

The Go-To Mom Talks Invisalign

Our team at Cohanim Smileworks found a great video that discusses the advantages of Invisalign. In the video, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, "The Go-To Mom," discusses the Invisalign treatment and her personal experience with Invisalign.

To determine if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Robert Cohanim. Have a great weekend!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Robert Cohanim and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Cohanim Smileworks, feel free to give us a call.

The benefits of fluoride, from Cohanim Smileworks

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment at Cohanim Smileworks. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist or orthodontist's office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

What puts you at ease at Cohanim Smileworks?

Dr. Robert Cohanim and his team understand that not everyone is thrilled to see the orthodontist. However, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Here are just a few things that we do to put you at ease while you are in the office:

• We take the extra time to explain options in detail, and what each procedure entails. We make sure to do this for both the patients and the parents.

• We partner with our patient’s other dental professionals to make sure they receive superior treatment. We coordinate appointments with their dentist, as well as communicate with their other dental professionals via email and phone.

• Our office uses state-of-the-art technology to make procedures more efficient and cause less discomfort. For example, we use digital radio graphs (or x-rays).

• We are currently looking into getting wireless internet for our patients. We also have homemade cookies to make you feel right at home in our office.

• Have you heard of Cohanim Cash? Patients can earn this "cash" by having good oral hygiene, being on time, and having nothing broken.

• Patients will always see the doctor at each appointment. Dr. Cohanim is available to answer all of your orthodontic questions.

What puts you at ease when you come to our office? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!