Ask Dr. Caponera: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. Rinaldo Caponera. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do 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. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Now that I have braces, what can I eat?

You just got braces at Caponera Orthodontics and Dr. Rinaldo Caponera has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!
Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Enjoy!

-Your friends at Caponera Orthodontics

Famous Braces!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Caponera.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Caponera Orthodontics a call.

Smoke Screen

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco users are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75 percent of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health, we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For support, start with Caponera Orthodontics! We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. Give us a call or ask Dr. Caponera during your next visit. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

Make 2011 the year to improve your Oral Health

Many folks in Plantation consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2011? Dr. Caponera and our team recommend that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It is important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum, disease? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health, or visit this helpful article from our friends at the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile. Happy New Year!

-Your friends at Caponera Orthodontics

Ask Dr. Caponera : What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Caponera Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Caponera the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

The common cold is back, from Caponera Orthodontics

It's fall season, which means it's also cold and flu season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks, according to the CDC.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Caponera and our staff at Caponera Orthodontics give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Plantation, FL office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Have a great rest of your weekend!

Ask Dr. Caponera: Which foods are actually healthy for my teeth?

With so many foods and drinks to choose from during your treatment at Caponera Orthodontics, it's hard to decipher which ones are truly good for you. So we thought we'd provide some answers to some of the more important questions you may have.

Which foods and drinks are actually healthy for my teeth?

Natural food and drink are the healthiest! The best drink to have is water. Water re-hydrates the body and does not cause cavities. Plain coffee also does not cause cavities – but it can lead to dehydration. All other drinks either cause an increase in mouth bacteria. If you are drinking juice or milk, make sure to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste! Even though these are natural drinks, they can increase the sugar in the mouth which can lead to cavities. The fluoride helps the enamel of the tooth become harder and better defended against attacks from bacteria.

Can hard candies or hard mints cause damage to my teeth?

Dense mints and candies can, in some cases, chip teeth. If you have a lot of large fillings then the tooth is more apt to crack with a hard, dense food. Also, hard candies tend to be sticky in the mouth. Sticky pieces of candy can lodge in the grooves of the teeth and cause cavities. Natural candy (like chocolate) is better because the saliva is better able to dissolve & wash away the sugars.

Is sugar-free gum good for my teeth, or can it still cause cavities?

The American Dental Association has approved some sugar-free gum brands. Chewing gum increases the amount of saliva that is released into the mouth. This increased saliva carries proteins that help break down the sugars that can cause cavities. So, in some cases, sugar-free gum can be good for you! If you are wearing braces or retainers, ask Dr. Caponera if you can chew gum!

Are spicy or acidic foods bad for my teeth?

Acidic foods, such as citric juices or sodas, can change the balance of the saliva in the mouth. The combination of acid and sugar is the real enemy. The acid can attack the enamel structure of the tooth and the sugar feeds the cavity-causing bacteria. If you drink water or brush with fluoride toothpaste, the teeth are better protected and the acid is neutralized. Spicy foods actually increase the saliva production in your mouth.

Hope this helps!

-- Dr. Caponera and team

Ask Dr. Caponera: What can I expect during my consultation?

Great question.

When you first come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Rinaldo Caponera will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. Dr. Caponera will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. (This will help Dr. Caponera when examining your diagnostic records).

At your second appointment, Dr. Caponera will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Dr. Caponera can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Caponera Orthodontics. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand Dr. Caponera’s recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Love your new smile? Then we encourage you to tell the world all about it!

At Caponera Orthodontics, we are dedicated to working with you every step of the way during your treatment. Whether you wear traditional metal braces with fun, colorful bands, or Invisalign, your new smile will be spectacular.

Whether you've visited Dr. Caponera's office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office has fared during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Caponera create more beautiful smiles in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and surrounding communities. Thank you in advance, and we hope you have a terrific week!

You may write your review here.

Fun facts about braces with Caponera Orthodontics!

Our patients at Caponera Orthodontics love fun facts - LOVE THEM. Who doesn't, really? But what about orthodontic fun facts? The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Caponera and our team thought you would enjoy. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Back to school with Dr. Caponera

Now that many of the schools in Plantation and Palm Beach are in session again, Dr. Caponera and our staff would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs and sports to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Caponera Orthodontics. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give Dr. Caponera and our team advanced notice if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call at 954-376-3845 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment. We hope everyone is enjoying the first couple weeks of classes!

- Dr. Caponera and team

Ask Dr. Caponera: Why are regular checkups so important?

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Caponera Orthodontics during your treatment, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Dr. Caponera can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam, your general dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know and we’ll provide a few great references in Plantation, Palm Beach or surrounding areas!

Happy Monday!

Summer plans?

It’s summertime here at Caponera Orthodontics, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great, great memories is here for at least a couple of months. Whether you're headed to a family barbecue, taking in a Rays game, headed on a camping trip with friends, hitting Florida’s open roads or just having fun on the beach, Dr. Caponera and our staff want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer!

We also encourage you to post any photos to our Facebook wall as the summer rolls along!

Connect with Dr. Caponera on Facebook!

At Caponera Orthodontics, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and neighboring communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Caponera and team on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “Like” Caponera Orthodontics on Facebook, where we share all office news, announcements and updates. By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your Facebook news feed!

See you online and enjoy the rest of your weekend,

- Dr. Caponera and staff

Dr. Caponera, helping you save face this summer

With summer here, Dr. Caponera and our team know this is a time when most people - especially athletes - damage their teeth. If you'll be playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult Dr. Caponera for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards, Dr. Caponera & staff will tell you, are advised for playing summer sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and many more.

In case of any accident involving the face, we want you to check your mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, please schedule an appointment with us immediately. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Caponera will be more than happy to provide a mouth guard for any patient in treatment!

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call at 954-791-6510 if you have any questions about mouth guards or your orthodontic treatment.

Tell Caponera Orthodontics: What should we blog about?

As the summer approaches, our staff at Caponera Orthodontics strive to continue writing about important topics related to braces and your treatment with Plantation orthodontist Dr. Rinaldo Caponera.

To help us continue blogging through the course of the hot Florida summer, however, we'd love your opinion: What would you like us to focus on our blog over the summer months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Caponera for a while and haven't found the right opportunity? Give us your ideas by posting here or on our Facebook page! We want your great ideas!

We hope you have a great rest of the weekend!

Ask Dr. Caponera: Any truth to those rumors about braces?

Trust us when we tell you our entire team at Caponera Orthodontics is well-aware that there are a lot of myths and half-truths flying around these days when it comes to braces and orthodontic treatment. But, before you buy into those myths, Dr. Caponera thinks you should get the facts first! Our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists have some helpful information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, and we definitely encourage you to check them out before settling for rumors about braces!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment at Caponera Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call at our convenient office in Plantation.

We hope you have a great rest of your Memorial Day weekend, and we can't wait to see you all again!

Early treatment at Caponera Orthodontics

Dr. Rinaldo Caponera will tell you that Braces were originally considered to be best suited for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are usually not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists say it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Caponera to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give our team at Caponera Orthodontics a call at 954-791-6510 if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Smile now, smile later, smile often! From Dr. Caponera

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Wayne State University. The researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they studied photos of 230 baseball players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile).

The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009, and the researchers took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and, yes folks, even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be almost 80 years old.

So smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Caponera Orthodontics on a regular basis? If not, give us a call at 954-791-6510!