The importance of retainers, from Dr. Covino

If you recently completed treatment at Covino Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Covino will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Covino is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Covino, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Ask Dr. Covino: How does Invisalign affect my oral health?

Patients often ask us how Invisalign is so different than braces when considering treatment options with Dr. Covino. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Dr. Covino than you may know. Invisalign is a series of clear, removable, and comfortable aligners that are nearly invisible. Besides straightening your teeth, did you know that Invisalign can improve your oral health? Here’s how Invisalign can help improve your health, while shaping your beautiful smile:

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 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. Covino the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, feel free to give us a call! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Covino Orthodontics presents, 7 tips for traveling with teens

Hey, parents! Have you been planning that perfect family vacation? Our team at Covino Orthodontics knows that summer is the season when many families choose to hit the open road—or catch a flight—to make those memories together. That’s why we want to share a few tips for summer travel from our friends at Yahoo! Shine.

1) Have your teens set the pace—and even the itinerary. No teen wants to be dragged around a city that they have no interest in, by allowing everyone a voice in the trip itinerary, children and parents alike become more invested in the vacation.

2) Everyone offers up a playlist. A trip soundtrack isn’t complete without a hodgepodge of every family member’s favorite music tracks!

3) Set a limit on phones/electronics use. This decision has to be specific to your family, but a good rule of thumb is that if you’re setting the rules for minute limits or check-ins that all family members should stick to them—not just teens and tweens.

4) Keep food and drinks on hand. Sometimes a snack is all you need to stay cheery- hunger can oftentimes create unnecessary arguments and tension between families.

5) Don’t make them clean the hotel room. While on vacation, the same rules that apply at home for cleaning don’t necessarily apply while staying in a hotel.

6) Set a gift shop budget. These costs can add up quickly, so be sure to set limits ahead of time!

7) Give them a little freedom. When traveling with tweens and teens, it is important that they are able to have some areas, maybe a five-block radius or even the hotel lobby, where they are able to wander without the whole family.

We hope these tips are useful for helping you plan that perfect family vacation this summer! For more articles on parenting and for the parenting pick of the day, check out Yahoo! Shine. Also, if you have any great family vacation photos, feel free to post them on our Facebook page!

Happy travels,

-Your friends at Covino Orthodontics

Ask Dr. Covino: Why the Damon® System?

The Damon System is revolutionizing the world of orthodontics, leaving Dr. Covino's patients with full, natural smiles. This new orthodontic treatment enables teeth to move more comfortably than traditional braces and aligns teeth using light biologically-sensible forces. With the Damon System, finding that perfect smile is easier than ever!

Why is Damon® better?
One of the greatest benefits of Damon braces is their ability to achieve amazing results with faster treatment periods. Depending upon your specific situation, this may mean saving several months of treatment! After analyzing your particular needs, we will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will have you smiling soon! Because Damon braces are so precise and effective, we can reduce the need for many of the time-consuming and complicated procedures that are used with traditional braces. Because Damon braces work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, your appointments will be faster and fewer in number. Due to the unique design of this new braces system, we can move your teeth into their correct positions with much less discomfort than traditional braces. Also, Damon braces are small, very comfortable, and easy to keep clean.

Dr. Covino is a certified Damon System provider. To learn more about the Damon System or your treatment here at Covino Orthodontics, please give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!

Ask Dr. Covino: Are retainers that important?

In short, yes, retainers are hugely important after your treatment at Covino Orthodontics. If you've recently completed treatment with Dr. Steven Covino, our staff would like to congratulate you again! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Covino will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth may - and do - shift out of position if they are not stabilized.

Retainers, however, provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

If you have additional questions about retainers or your treatment here at Covino Orthodontics, please give us a call. Our staff would love to hear from you!

We hope you're enjoying a great weekend!

Ask Dr. Covino: Are those rumors about braces really true?

In short, probably not.

Dr. Steven Covino and our professional team know there are a lot of myths and half-truths floating around these days when it comes to orthodontics (and orthodontists as well). But, before you buy into those myths, we think you should definitely get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some great 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 Covino Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call at one of our convenient locations in New Hope or Doylestown!

Dr. Covino and staff hope you're having a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!!

Dr. Covino at the AAO, part two

Last week, we discussed Dr. Covino's passion for new technology and continuing education when it comes to orthodontics. Check out this short clip of Dr. Covino, who has a special message for all our patients at Covino Orthodontics!

Smile wider, live longer, from Covino Orthodontics

Great news! People with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Wayne State University. Researchers there conducted their study by looking at 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. Then, of course, the researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and, yes, 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 79.9 years old!

So smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Covino Orthodontics on a regular basis as part of your treatment? If not, give us a call!

What helps you relax at Covino Orthodontics?

The fact is, Dr. Covino is well-aware that not everyone always enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But at Covino Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We are committed to providing you and your family & friends the utmost in exceptional service and orthodontic care in a friendly, supportive, and informative environment

So, today we’d like to know: What is it about Covino Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly professional staff? Is it Dr. Covino himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call! Happy Monday!

Senior High School Scholarship: deadline is Wednesday!

Are you a graduating senior this spring? Are you interested in pursuing a career in health care? Dr. Covino and team wanted to remind you that the deadline to be eligible for a $500 scholarship is this Wednesday, March 31. For those who wish to pursue a career in the health care field Dr. Covino has established a $500 scholarship award for those individuals who have demonstrated a desire to serve others in the health care profession and shown a commitment to following ones goals.

The scholarship is open to senior students who attend New Hope Solebury High School, Central Bucks East High School and Central Bucks West High School. All applications are to be submitted to you high school guidance office.

The requirements? A 500-word typed essay on “Why I Want a Career In The Health Field,” plus your senior photograph with a signed release. You may fill out an application here.

The importance of mouth guards, from Dr. Covino

Dr. Covino is well-aware that sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s why we at Covino Orthodontics are helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards.

If you are in treatment at Covino Orthodontics, Dr. Covino can provide you with a mouth guard. In addition, the AAO has six quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant, even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with braces avoid serious sports injuries. Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment here at Covino Orthodontics.

Staying connected with Covino Orthodontics

At Covino Orthodontics, we embrace technology, and that includes the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer and our Facebook fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Covino and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!