Even Hollywood Stars Struggle with Crooked Teeth! Bogdan Orthodontics

Drs. Bogdan and their team at Bogdan Orthodontics know everyone struggles with little imperfections. Making crooked teeth straight, stained teeth sparkling white and chipped teeth smooth is part of what we do as orthodontists. The sense of renewed self confidence that comes to my patients after having some sort of reconstructive work is what makes our job worthwhile.

Consider Katherine Heigl, award-winning actress, and considered by many the Grace Kelly of our day. She describes struggling with crooked teeth her whole life until finally there came a point when she said "enough is enough!" She decided to do something to straighten her teeth.

We think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell us what you think! Have you ever struggled with this same problem? Have you felt the relief of smiling to reveal a straight, bright smile after hiding crooked ones for so long? Give us a call so we can hear your story, or help you create a new beautiful smile and a story of your own!

--The team at Bogdan Orthodontics

Happy Holidays from Bogdan Orthodontics!

The holiday season is upon us, and as Drs. Bogdan and their team at Bogdan Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this
year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Bogdan Orthodontics

What sets Bogdan Orthodontics apart?

The team at Bogdan Orthodontics is made up of a tightly knit group of individuals, who are dedicated to a common goal: enhancing the lives of our patients. Our commitment to excellence in orthodontic treatment and our approach—treat our patients as if they were a member of our family—is a great reason to visit us for your orthodontic treatment.

***We are committed to continuing our education, to keep abreast of the latest advancements in orthodontics and fine-tune our technical skills, so that we can maintain our practice on the "cutting edge."

***We are committed to a "team concept" of practice. Our staff has a caring, fun-loving and enthusiastic attitude in order to motivate our patients to cooperate so that we can achieve the best possible result.

***We are committed to using the highest quality appliances and materials available to the orthodontic profession today, as well as incorporating the latest technological advancements for diagnosis and treatment planning into our practice.

***We are committed to working with local dentists and specialists as our "extended team." An open line of communication with your family dentist is very important to the final result. Many complex cases require a multi-discipline approach in addition to maintaining regular checkups with your family dentist. We consider ourselves fortunate to practice in an area where there are so many excellent practitioners.

We are committed to you: We expect you to be so pleased with the treatment you receive in our office that you'll feel confident in referring your friends and family to us. Other patients and parents who have enjoyed their experience with us have referred more than half of our patients! We take great pride in the confidence they have placed in us. We think that speaks volumes about the quality of care you receive in our office.

If you have any questions about Bogdan Orthodontics or your orthodontic treatment, give us a call!

Happy Monday!

Patient reviews for Bogdan Orthodontics

Bogdan Orthodontics, serving Bayonne and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient testimonials lately! Check out what our patients are saying about Drs. Bogdan and their team! Have a great week!

"Staff is extremely friendly and very cool. Dr. Bogdan, both father and son are patient, friendly,down to earth and they make you feel very comfortable with your decisions and most importantly about getting braces!!... which almost no dentist could ever do! Office procedures are very professional, up-to-date and the actual office itself coupled with the lovely staff is impressive!" ~ Emmanuel R.

"The quality of the service is unmatched. The entire staff is courteous and friendly. Any questions I had were answered promptly and professionally. The entire operation is top notch in my opinion. Thank You for an awesome dental experience." ~ Joseph R.

"Dr. Bogdan is a warm, caring individual. The whole experience was easy and painless. Appointments were made easily to accommodate my needs. The plans to correct my daughters dental issues were clear and concise. Dr. Bogdan and his staff put my daughter at ease. They made her feel very welcomed!!! I wish all doctor offices were like Dr. Bogdan." ~ Lesley C.

"They're kind and they do their job very well. They make sure that their patients are completely satisfied and all of their questions are answered." ~ Lalena A.

"Very friendly and funny. Makes the kids feel comfortable and the explanation was very simple. I love the way the presentation was done - very efficient and friendly office staff. The waiting area, check-in and everything looks great - and fun for kids. I will totally recommend to my family and friends." ~ Cecilia V.

Pasta pomodorini, a delicious and braces-friendly fall recipe! From Bogdan Orthodontics

Fall is here, and sometimes we here at Bogdan Orthodontics just feel like a hot delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) fall dish that is sure to delight. Drs. Bogdan and team would like to remind you that a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Pasta Pomodorini
Ingredients:
•¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
•¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
•¼ cup sliced garlic
•½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
•Sea salt, preferably gray salt
•½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
•Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great fall dish and have a great week!
--From the team at Bogdan Orthodontics

Braces 101, from Bogdan Orthodontics

Should you need to call Bogdan Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

--Drs. Bogdan and the team at Bogdan Orthodontics

It's November! What are you up to? Drs. Bogdan and team want to know!

Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before you go celebrating, the doctors and team want to know: What are you doing this month?
Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we'd love to hear all about it!

You can share your stories with us here, on our social networks or by giving us a call!

--The team at Bogdan Orthodontics

Let Drs. Bogdan know how they're doing!

Whether you have visited Drs. Bogdan for a week or for years, we’d love to hear your feedback about your experience with Bogdan Orthodontics! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us. It only takes a moment!

You can write a review here.

Thank you and enjoy your week!

--Bogdan Orthodontics

The Myths and Facts of Orthodontics, Explained

Drs. Frank and Mark Bogdan know there are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, they think you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontists, check them out today!

Here’s the link: http://www.braces.org/mythsandfacts/index.cfm

Hope this helps. Contact us if you have any questions!

--The team at Bogdan Orthodontics

Gummy Tummy - Drs. Bogdan

Drs. Bogdan and their staff know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing! From the Bogdan Orthodontics team.

Gum Disease and You

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

•Gums that appear red or swollen
•Gums that feel tender
•Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
•Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
•Persistent bad breath
•Loose teeth
•Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
•Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling (201) 535-4698. Dr. Bogdan and his team can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Invisalign Tips

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.
--Bogdan Orthodontics

National Dental Hygiene Month

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Fall is here, and Halloween is coming soon, but now it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease! Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: see your dentist every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Make a resolution to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

--Bogdan Orthodontics

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Bogdan Orthodontics want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

--Bogdan Orthodontics

A Sour Smile is not a Happy Smile

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Bogdan Orthodontics thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Bogdan Orthodontics (even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Bogdan Orthodontics.

Summer Photo Raffle Winner

Along with Vincent, the winner of our Yankee ticket raffle at our family fun day, we have selected a winner of the summer photo raffle, Shannon H! Congratulations on your brand new iPod Touch Shannon! Patients brought in photos of themselves wearing a Bogdan Orthodontics t-shirt on a summer trip or vacation, and Shannon was the lucky winner! Stay tuned for our next contest!

--Bogdan Orthodontics

We Have a Winner!

Thank you to everyone who attended our First Annual Family Fun Day at the Bayonne Mini Golf Course last week! Congratulations to the winner of the Yankee Tickets Raffle, Vincent M! Be sure to visit our Facebook page to view all the photos from this event and to become a fan!

--The Bogdan Orthodontics Team

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth? From Bogdan Orthodontics

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 201-535-4698 to set up a consultation. Bogdan Orthodontics can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

What’s so special about an Orthodontist? Bogdan Orthodontics Explains

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Bogdan started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Bogdan decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Bogdan Orthodontics Around the Web

If you've ever visited us at Bogdan Orthodontics, you already know that we love connecting with our patients. We love the ability to communicate with all of you online too! Besides our web site and our blog, Bogdan Orthodontics is on many other networks too!

* Share a video with us, or watch one of ours on YouTube

* Become a "fan" of Bogdan Orthodontics on Facebook

* View and comment on our photos on MySpace

See you around the web!

--Bogdan Orthodontics

Summer Fun with Bogdan Orthodontics!

Its summer here at Bogdan Orthodontics, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun, we want to hear about it! Leave a comment on our blog and tell us about your summer!

Also don't forget about our summer photo raffle! Bring in a vacation photo of you in your Bogdan Orthodontics T-shirt and you will receive a raffle ticket to be entered into our raffle for an I-pod touch!

Happy Travels,

-From Bogdan Orthodontics

Is Invisalign® Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do at Bogdan Orthodontics is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Both Drs. Bogdan are certified Invisalign providers. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 201-535-4698.

Meet the Orthodontists

Orthodontics and teaching have always been Dr. Frank Bogdan's passion. He has done lectures for Orthodontic Societies, Study Groups, and Universities across the United States, Mexico, and Europe. The one and two day presentations on the ‘Damon System’ and advancements in jaw orthopedics have been well received. In addition, he heads up the regional Damon study group of orthodontists utilizing this state-of-the-art treatment system.

Dr. Bogdan is an avid skier and enjoys playing most sports including softball, golf and soccer. He coached his children for many years in the Bayonne Youth Soccer Association and obtained both a coaching and referee license. Besides his wife, family, and orthodontics, his next greatest passion is baseball. Whether it is radio, television or at the stadium you would be hard pressed to find a more avid Yankee fan. Scattered throughout the office you’ll find Yankee, Met and other baseball memorabilia as evidence of that passion.

Finally, one of his greatest joys is having his son Dr. Mark Bogdan join him in private practice.

Dr. Mark Bogdan enjoys all aspects of the orthodontic profession, working with both children and adults. He feels extremely fortunate to be practicing in a time when the profession is experiencing a technological revolution, so to speak. With the advent of high-tech orthodontic wires and brackets, the focus of orthodontics has shifted to the face and creating beautiful smiles to fit the face. It’s exciting to go to work and know that you can improve a patient’s smile, facial features and often their self-esteem.

Aside from orthodontics, baseball season consumes much of Dr. Mark’s spare time. He enjoys following the entire baseball season, as well as attending Yankee Stadium to watch his favorite team win another World Series Championship. A large number of memorabilia can be seen when visiting the office. He also enjoys skiing and trying to learn how to keep the golf ball out of the woods!

In addition, Dr. Mark, his wife Dr. Jaclyn Cardinale (D.M.D. in Bound Brook NJ), and son Justin will be welcoming a new addition to their family in January 2010.