Cold season is here, from Ferry Orthodontics

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Michael Ferry and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Wakefield, RI 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 at Ferry Orthodontics, 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! Stay healthy!

Dentists, orthodontists … what’s the difference?

"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. Ferry started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Ferry decided to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So they 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 complete dental expert here at Ferry Orthodontics to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Ask Ferry Orthodontics: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Drs. Michael and Edward Ferry and our team work tirelessly 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 at Ferry Orthodontics 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, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Michael and Edward Ferry can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month at Ferry Orthodontics

Happy October! For those who don't know, it is National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Ferry and our team realize this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Ferry and other dental professionals in Cranston.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook, or ask Dr. Ferry during your visit this month!

Contests, Contests, Contests!

All of us at Ferry Orthodontics know that Fall is a very busy time of year for everyone - getting into the swing of school, crazy sports schedules, and making time to go see your favorite orthodontist. Well, we've got a lot going on too!

First, our Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt ended on Labor Day and we've received many great photos- the last day to submit entries is Friday, October 7th. We will be announcing the winner of the iPad and gift cards on Wednesday, October 12th. Make sure "Like" Ferry Orthodontics on Facebook to see the results.

Secondly, Ferry Orthodontics entered a contest with Sesame Communications. We wrote an essay on how technology has helped our practice. Many of you have commented about how great the e-mail reminders are and being able to pay online so we incorporated your thoughts in our submission. We would appreciate it if you took a moment to vote for our essay. To find our essay, go to www.facebook.com/sesamecommunications and click "Member Contest" on the left side of the page. The deadline for voting is Friday, September 30th at 12pm PDT.

Lastly, because of the great entries last year, we are having our Pumpkin Decorating Contest again this year! Any patient interested in decorating can come in and get a pumpkin (or decorate one you already have at home) and bring it back to the office. All pumpkins must be turned in by Friday, October 28th.

If you have any questions, feel free to call the office. We hope everyone has a happy and healthy Fall!

-The team at Ferry Orthodontics

Breaking bad habits, with Ferry Orthodontics

At Ferry Orthodontics, 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. Michael Ferry.

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. Ferry 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 Ferry Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

Ask Dr. Ferry: Now that I have braces, what can I eat?

You just got braces at Ferry Orthodontics and Dr. Michael Ferry 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!