The Blog of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH

Ask Drs. David Ostreicher & Bronwyn McAndrews: “How do I prevent tooth decay during my treatment?”

2012-02-29T11:28:00.000-08:00

Greatquestion!

If you are brushingand flossing daily during your orthodontic treatment with Drs. David Ostreicher & Bronwyn McAndrews, we think that’s great! But, don’t forgetthat it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign), of course).Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health,especially during orthodontic treatment.

Tooth decay, which iscaused by sugars left in your mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn canbreak down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay becauseadolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing andflossing routines, combined with regular dental visits, help keep tooth decayaway.

Ifyou have any questions, please be sure to keep ask Drs. David Ostreicher & Bronwyn McAndrews or our team during your next adjustment appointment, or ask us on Facebook!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

2012-02-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

One in four parents says their child has had an injury duringan organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room, according to theAmerican Association of Orthodontists, or AAO. That’s why Drs. David Ostreicher & Bronwyn McAndrews and team at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign thought February—also known as NationalChildren’s Dental Health Month—would be a great time to remind our patients tobe mindful of their braces and teeth while playing sports. Here are a few tips to stay safe on thefield this spring, courtesy of the AAO:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such asbaseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.

2. Wear a helmet

3. Wear protective eyewear

4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched orbruised skin

5. Be alert, even as a spectator

Wehope that helps. Protectivegear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips,please contact Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign.Stay safe and have fun!

Ask Drs. David Ostreicher & Bronwyn McAndrews : Now that I have braces, what can I eat?

2012-02-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Let’s say you just got bracesand Drs. David Ostreicher & Bronwyn McAndrews has informed you that during your orthodontic treatment you will want to avoideating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, our friends at the AmericanAssociation of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipesthat will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with yourorthodontic care!

Recipes include main dishes, side dishes andeven yummy desserts! After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients andhelps the patient achieve the best possible results from treatment at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign.

If you have anyquestions about the recipes listed or about the foods you should be avoidingduring your orthodontic treatment, please ask us during your next adjustment, giveus a call or ask us on Facebook!

Enjoy!

Ask Drs. David Ostreicher & Bronwyn McAndrews: What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

2012-02-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

"Dentists,Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients askingthis question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and adentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Drs. David Ostreicher & Bronwyn McAndrews started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dentaldegree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Drs. David Ostreicher & Bronwyn McAndrews decided tolearn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within thedental field. So they stayed in school for a few more years and became anexpert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and biteproblems like overbites and under bites.

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

Isn't it nice to know there's a complete dental expert here at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign to help youthrough any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Cold season is here, from Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign

2012-02-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

Cold and flu season is here yet again. The folks at Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention say that a common cold usually includessneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to twoweeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Drs. David Ostreicher & Bronwyn McAndrews and our entirestaff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in ouroffice at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizinginstruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and ourstaff at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign,we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any typeof cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contactwith those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Dr. David Ostreicher, reminding you to protect your mouth this winter

2012-01-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

With winter sports under way for a lot of our patients, Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign thought it would be a good time to remind our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this winter.

More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt. Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during games and practices.

Many people think a mouth guard is effective just to protect your teeth. But research has shown mouth guards can also reduce lower jaw impact that causes concussions. Our staff at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign encourage you to head over to the American Association of Orthodontists’ website for a quick primer on the importance of mouth guards and facial protection.

We hope this helps you remember to always wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in winter sports! We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!

Three-Cheese Macaroni Extravaganza, a hearty and braces-friendly winter recipe!

2012-01-19T16:52:00.000-08:00

It’s chilly outside, and sometimes nothing satisfies the team here at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign more than a hot meal. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) winter dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
Water for boiling noodles
(optional: 1 or 2 onions, chopped)
(optional: 1 to 2 Tablespoons margarine for sautéing onions)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best, but the canned type works too)
½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
1½ cups milk
½ cup bread crumbs or dry stove-top stuffing

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium pot, boil macaroni in water until you can just cut it with the side of a fork; drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, sauté the onions in the margarine until they are clear and tender. In a 3-quart greased casserole, stir together the macaroni and milk. Sprinkle with the cheeses and onion, then stir it all together. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top. Cover and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Serves six to eight.

The benefits of a beautiful smile

2012-01-09T01:22:00.000-08:00

Dr. David Ostreicher and our team know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!

Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.

Happy New Year from Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign!

2012-01-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

At Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign, the New Year is a time to look back to the past, and more importantly, forward, to the coming year. Our wish is that our patients continue to keep their teeth healthy, as well as wear their rubber bands, headgear and appliances as prescribed during their treatment.  

We look forward to meeting those patients who are planning to begin their orthodontic treatment this year—we think it's a great resolution!  

Happy New Year from Dr. David Ostreicher and all of us at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign!

Make 2012 the year to improve your oral health

2011-12-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

Many folks in 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 2012? Our team recommends 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. After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!

-Your friends at Dr. Ostreicher's office

Giving thanks this holiday season

2011-12-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season here, Dr. David Ostreicher and our entire staff at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign, wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, this holiday season.
As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.
We hope that this holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Beware of those Christmas goodies!

2011-12-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

At Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign, we know maintaining a healthy diet over the holiday season can prove a difficult task. After all, who can resist the tasty treats of Christmas? With grandma and everybody else offering you candy, chocolate logs or Christmas pudding, you just can’t say “I’ll pass” each time. But trouble lurks: every time you chow down on that chocolate or candy, the bacteria in your mouth have a feast on the sugar—at your expense. The sugar turns into acid, and the acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth and between your braces. Then, you start getting cavities.

Instead, try pumpkin pie, marvelous molasses cookies, wonderful waffles or other braces-friendly recipes, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman.

If you must indulge in chocolaty goodness this Christmas or holiday season, remember to brush your teeth after eating sugary treats. Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Happy Holidays!

Share your winter break plans with us!

2011-12-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

Dr. David Ostreicher and our team at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? Spending time with friends? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

Do we have your current contact info?

2011-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays from all of us at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign! As you probably know, you can always connect with Dr. David Ostreicher and our team on our Facebook page, but we also encourage you to call us and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

Please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so that we may be able to reach you. Thank you!
- The team at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign

Happy Thanksgiving, from Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign

2011-11-21T10:21:00.001-08:00

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season knocking at our door, our entire team at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.
We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Join the conversation.

2011-11-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

Whether you just began your orthodontic treatment at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign and have a follow-up question for Dr. David Ostreicher or team, or if you’d simply like to drop us a quick line, we’d love to hear from you! We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook page.

Please visit Dr. Ostreicher and our team on the following networks:

Facebook: Dr. Ostreicher's Page
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/DrDavidOstreicher

See you online!

What are your November plans?

2011-11-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before you go celebrating, Dr. David Ostreicher and our team at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign want to know: What are your plans for November? Do you have plans for Thanksgiving? Are you planning a winter vacation? If so, we’d love to hear all about it!

You may share your stories with us below, or by posting on our Facebook page!

–The team at Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign

Cold season is here, from Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign

2011-10-31T13:11:00.000-07:00

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. David Ostreicher and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Levittown 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 Dr. David Ostreicher, Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign, 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!

Halloween TIPS from the American Association of Orthodontists

2011-10-25T13:51:00.001-07:00

It’s almost that spooky time of year again and Levittown orthodontist, Dr. David Ostreicher, and our team thought we’d share some Halloween tips from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists.

Trick-or-treating safety guidelines:

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

To protect your braces, steer clear of the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• All hard candies
• All chewy candies
• Caramel
• Nuts
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Bubblegum
• Popcorn (including unpopped kernels)
• Ice

Of course, Halloween does not have to be completely treat-less. Braces-friendly Halloween treats can help you enjoy the “spook-ta-cular” holiday. For example, plain chocolate candy is okay, provided you remember to brush and floss afterwards. Bobbing for apples as well as caramel apples are not recommended. However, you can enjoy thinly sliced apples, dipped in yogurt or creamy chocolate sauce.

Dr. David Ostreicher suggests looking for foods that are soft, such as soft chocolate that can melt in one’s mouth or peanut butter cups. Overall, candies that aren’t sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy are generally acceptable.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from the entire team at Dr. David Ostreicher!

5 tips to avoid plaque, from Dr. David Ostreicher

2011-10-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

At Dr. David Ostreicher, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly.. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth.
The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. David Ostreicher. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

This month's winner of the $100 American Express Gift Card is.....

2011-10-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

This month's winner of the $100 American Express Gift Card is..... Gianna Imperiale! Our entire team at the orthodontic office of Dr. David Ostreicher wants to thank her for supporting oral health by wearing her I LoveToSmile.org wrist band.

Congratulations Gianna!

It's National Orthodontic Health Month!

2011-10-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

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

Dr. David Ostreicher and our team realize this is a great opportunity for us and to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Ostreicher and other dental professionals in the Levittown, Nassau County, and Suffolk County area.

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 our Levittown office a call, ask us on Facebook, or ask Dr. Ostreicher during your visit this month!

A great braces-friendly fall recipe!

2011-09-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

Fall is here, and sometimes we here at the office of Dr. David Ostreicher 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. Dr. Ostreicher 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 Dr. Ostreicher and staff

What was your favorite part of Summer 2011?

2011-09-20T11:10:00.001-07:00

The end of Summer and then subsequently the beginning of Fall are just around the corner. Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and we’re sure that you’ll be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans.

But wait! First, we want to know: What were your favorite parts of the Summer of 2011? Did you go on a wonderful family trip? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you try to spend as much time outside and in the sun as possible?

Share your favorite memories, stories, or photos with us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.

-Dr. David Ostreicher and team

Age 7 is the Magic Number for an Orthodontic Check-up

2011-09-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. David Ostreicher for a complimentary consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Ostreicher to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

20 things that can ruin your smile

2011-09-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

At the orthodontic office of Dr. David Ostreicher, we know your smile is important. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things can ruin that perfect smile you have.

These include:

- Sports drinks
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods

Dr. Ostreicher and our team encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our convenient Levittown office. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing dental treatment, we invite you to ask Dr. Ostreicher during your next visit! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Braces-friendly recipes from the American Association of Orthodontists

2011-09-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

You just got braces at the orthodontic office or Dr. David Ostreicher and Dr. Ostreicher 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!

Breaking Bad Habits

2011-08-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

At the orthodontic office of Dr. David Ostreicher, 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. Ostreicher.

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. Ostreicher 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 our office or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

The Go-To Mom Talks Invisalign

2011-08-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

Our team at the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH found a great video that discusses the advantages of Invisalign. In the video, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, "The Go-To Mom," discusses the Invisalign and Invisalign Teen treatment and her personal experience with Invisalign.

To determine if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation with Levittown orthodontist, Dr. Ostreicher. Have a great week!

Getting social with the office of Dr. Ostreicher!

2011-08-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

At the office of David S. Ostreicher DDS MS MPH, we embrace technology through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on Facebook. 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. Ostreicher and our staff takes 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 or Facebook?

Please share your thoughts by posting a comment below or on our Facebook page!

Who Benefits From Braces?

2011-08-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. David Ostreicher will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a complimentary consultation and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Invisalign: Customized for Each Patient

2011-07-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do at our office 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!

Dr. David Ostreicher is a certified Invisalign provider in Levittown. 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.

What Do You LOVE About Summer?

2011-07-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here, and the team at the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH thought we’d ask: What’s your favorite part about summer? Is it the warm weather? The free time you get? Spending quality time with friends and family? Grilling barbecue in the backyard?

Dr. Ostreicher and team would like to know what makes your summer truly special. Let us know by posting a comment below, on our Facebook page, or by giving us a call!

Why do you choose the office of David S. Ostreicher?

2011-07-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

The office of Dr. David Ostreicher, serving Levittown, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, strives to provide exceptional treatment in an informative and friendly environment. Have you had a great experience at our office?

Share your story with the world!

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You're Never Too Old to Treat Yourself to a New Smile!

2011-07-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Did you know one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult? We’re living longer and technology is improving, making orthodontic treatment an appealing and safe option for patients of all ages. As the trend toward treatment later in life grows, we’re seeing braces on parents as well as children – and even adult celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani and Nicholas Cage have shown off their braces. It’s never too late to look and feel your best with the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH!

Can Braces Work for Adults?

People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment with (Insert Doctor’s name). The physical process for moving teeth is the same, young or old, which means it’s never too late to address issues such as an overbite or underbite, crooked or crowded teeth, or jaw disorders.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, we’ll make a consultation appointment with you. During this meeting we will perform a general assessment of your oral health, discuss options for treatment, and answer any questions you may have. We will also discuss matters of cost and insurance. The next step is an orthodontic records appointment in which we take x-rays, photos, and an impression of your teeth. This information drives your unique treatment plan.

What Are the Benefits?

Straightening your teeth can improve your smile, your self-esteem, and your dental health. Technologically advanced new treatments make it easier to identify the option that best fits your lifestyle. Modern techniques and materials have made braces and aligners more effective, comfortable and unobtrusive than ever.

If you think you might benefit from orthodontic treatment, give our office a call, so we may set up a consultation to determine what type of treatment best meets your needs.

Stay Cool with a Braces-Friendly Summer Treat!

2011-06-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

Summer is here! Kids and adults alike will now be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. What’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients

• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

Happy Summer!

-Dr. David Ostreicher and team

Orthodontic Emergency Care with Dr. Ostreicher

2011-06-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. 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 with Levittown orthodontist, Dr. David Ostreicher.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with our office.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance: If your appliance s poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it's worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.

General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

June's "I Love To Smile" Contest WINNER is......

2011-06-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Julia, this month's I Love To Smile contest winner! She WON a $100 American Express Gift Card.

You can participate in our next I Love To Smile contest by wearing your "I Love To Smile" wristband to each visit to the office of Dr. David S. Ostreicher. When you do you'll receive a free gift: a large tube of toothpaste, lip balm, sugarless mints or hand sanitizer. Also, you'll be entered to WIN the $100 American Express gift card.

There's a new contest every month. Good luck everyone!

What do you LOVE about Levittown?

2011-06-08T15:33:00.000-07:00

The office Dr. David Ostreicher, your Levittown orthodontist, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Ostreicher and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Levittown? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite getaway in New York?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Levittown, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods” in New York.

If you need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call! Have a great week!

Dr. Ostreicher attends the 2011 American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in Chicago

2011-06-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

To better serve our patients at the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH with the highest quality orthodontic care available, our entire team is committed to continuing education into the exciting world of orthodontics.

One of the ways we improve our service is by attending conferences, meetings and seminars. Dr. Ostreicher attended the 2011 American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual Session in Chicago that took place May 13th-17th. The AAO Annual Session is an educational event that is one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world – and one that allows us to consult with orthodontists and current partners from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, in turn, allows us to give you the best treatment experience possible.

If you’ve got an appointment scheduled with us soon, we invite you to ask Dr. Ostreicher about his Chicago trip, including what he learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us treat you more effectively.

The office of Dr. David Ostreicher wishes you a Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2011-05-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend, a time to remember and honor the men and women lost while serving for our country. Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer, and for many folks in Levittown, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the classroom or the office spells sweet, sweet relief.

What about you? What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just hitting the great American open roads, we’d like to hear all about it!

Our entire team at the office of David S. Ostreicher DDS MS MPH wishes you a happy, safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

7 Reasons To Straighten Your Teeth, the NEW book by Dr. David Ostreicher

2011-05-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

While your eyes may be your window to the world, your smile is the world's window to you! A nice smile, with straight teeth, has a big impact on how others perceive your personality and your attractiveness. People with a bright, straight smile demonstrate high self-worth, and radiate confidence. Millions of adults, teenagers and children have improved their lives by straightening their teeth. Today, with high-tech braces and nearly invisible Invisalign, you can comfortably straighten your teeth and have that spectacular smile that you always wanted.

You can learn a lot more about the importance of having straight teeth in Dr. Ostreicher's latest book, 7 Reasons To Straighten Your Teeth, now available on Amazon.com. Dr. Ostreicher has lectured worldwide, has published dozens of articles and has appeared on national television on several occasions. Dr. Ostreicher's first book, Brush Your Teeth! and other simple ways to stay young and healthy is also available at Amazon.com.

Imagining your life with Invisalign® at the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH

2011-05-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Dr. Ostreicher and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I shouldn’t eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How do I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.
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How often must I visit Dr. Ostreicher's office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Ostreicher will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Ostreicher the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page!

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!

2011-05-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know the month of May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more physical activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more significant in this day and age, as kids everywhere are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can improve their health, productivity and overall well-being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your convenience. The guidelines call for children and teens to exercise for at least one hour each day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At the office of David S. Ostreicher DDS MS MPH, we always encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participating in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often your child should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

April's ILoveToSmile.Org Wristband Contest Winner!

2011-04-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Every month at the orthodontic office of Dr. David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH, our patients have the chance of winning $100 American Express Gift Card just for wearing their ILoveToSmile.Org wristbands! Just wear your wristbands to our office and your name will be entered into the drawing.

This month’s winner is Victoria Cuttone. Congratulations Victoria, we hope you enjoy the Gift Card!

Remember, this is a monthly contest so keep wearing your ILoveToSmile.Org wristbands, you might just be next month’s lucky winner!

Foods to Avoid During Your Orthodontic Treatment

2011-04-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

There are a variety of foods Dr. David Ostreicher wants you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should avoid include:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Also, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH a call or ask our staff during your next visit.

Braces 101 with Dr. David Ostreicher

2011-04-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

If you ever sustain damage to your braces and need to call the office of David S. Ostreicher DDS MS MPH, 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!

A great braces-friendly spring recipe! From Dr. David Ostreicher

2011-04-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Winter is over, and the weather is finally starting to get warmer. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) spring dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Soy Simmered Chicken Wraps

Ingredients:
• 3 boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 large onions, chunked
• Small flour tortillas (pkg. of ten) wheat or white
• (optional: 10-16 oz. of cooked chopped broccoli)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger
• 2 Tablespoons peach or apricot jam
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Directions

In a slow cooker, or a large pan on the stove, layer the onions and the chicken breast. Allow at least three hours in the slow cooker on medium, or at least one hour on the stove—the longer the better, but you don’t have to do anything to it while it cooks. Spoon out the chicken onto a cutting board, and with a knife and fork, shred the chicken as finely as you’d like. In a small saucepan, stir all sauce ingredients together over medium heat until the mixture starts bubbling, then let it simmer for five minutes on low heat to thicken. In a serving bowl, stir sauce and onion into chicken; if you’d like, add cooked chopped broccoli. Makes about six to eight servings.

Enjoy this great spring dish!

--From Dr. David Ostreicher and staff

A NEW SMILE in just 6 months with Dr. Ostreicher

2011-03-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Dr. David Ostreicher is pleased to offer our adult patients Streamlign, a unique combination of high tech composite resins and titanium alloy metals. "Streamlign" is a conservative alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment. It is designed for adults who are concerned primarily with an aesthetic improvement of their smile.Your teeth will look 90% better in just ¼ of the time of regular braces and only ½ the fee of Invisalign.

When you're ready for a new smile, please give us a call to schedule a Streamlign consultation!

What’s so bad about nail biting?

2011-03-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr.David Ostreicher or Dr. Bronwyn McAndrews visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

What Will YOUR Smile Look Like After Orthodontic Treatment?

2011-03-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

It is sometimes hard to believe the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment. Our office loves to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment with Dr. David Ostreicher, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO for short, has recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles”, which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment.

Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call our office to get started on improving your smile today!

What puts you at ease at the office of Dr. David Ostreicher?

2011-03-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

Dr. David Ostreicher and team understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know:

What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. David Ostreicher?

Let us know by posting here, on our Facebook page, or by giving us a call!

Now that I have braces, what can I eat?

2011-03-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

You just got braces from Dr. David Ostreicher DDS MS MPH and he has 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!

-Dr. Ostreicher and team

Ask Dr. Ostreicher: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

2011-02-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

Some people wonder why Levittown orthodontist, Dr. David Ostreicher 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 Dr. Ostreicher's office 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. Dr. Ostreicher can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ with Dr. Ostreicher

2011-02-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

Dr. David Ostreicher knows image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at the office of Dr. David Ostreicher thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

Kids getting braces at a younger age

2011-02-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

Dr. David Ostreicher will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest 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 the 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. Ostreicher to assess what the best age for treatment is.
Hope this helps!

Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

2011-02-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at the office of Dr. David Ostreicher thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Dr. David Ostreicher, you should visit your dentist regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 61st year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Dr. Ostreicher, please feel free to give us a call!

Ask Dr. Ostreicher: What's the real difference between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

2011-01-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

"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. David Ostreicher started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Ostreicher 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?

Invisalign® tips, from Dr. Ostreicher

2011-01-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

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, Dr. Ostreicher wants you to 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 necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky 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 simple: 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. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at the office of Dr. David S. Ostreicher DDS, give us a call!

Oral Health and Smoking

2011-01-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

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 the office of Dr. David Ostreicher! We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

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

2011-01-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

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 Dr. David S. Ostreicher 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. Ostreicher 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.

Happy New Year from Dr. Ostreicher and team!

2010-12-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from everyone at the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH.

Season’s Greetings from the office of Dr. David S. Ostreicher

2010-12-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at Dr. Ostreicher's office reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food?

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

--The office Dr. David S. Ostreicher

Staying connected with the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH

2010-12-17T08:12:00.000-08:00

At the office of David S. Ostreicher, DDS, MS, MPH, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our 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. Ostreicher 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!

Do I have something in my teeth??? Tips for keeping your BRACES sparklin’ clean

2010-12-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

Dr. Ostreicher and Team

"Hey, Dr. Ostreicher! What's the deal with retainers?"

2010-11-30T12:48:00.000-08:00

If you've recently completed treatment at the office of Dr. Ostreicher, we’d like to congratulate you, again! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Ostreicher or McAndrews will provide—or have provided you—with retainers.

After braces are removed, teeth may 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 Drs. Ostreicher or McAndrews 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 at our Levittown office, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call! We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The season for thanks

2010-11-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

All of us at the office of David S. Ostreicher extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together with you in the creation of your ideal smile and look forward to the day when your treatment is completed and you join our family of beautiful smiles, which we create daily at our Levittown office. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat, especially with those braces!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Access your account—any day, any time, anywhere!

2010-11-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at the office of David S. Ostreicher enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call at 516-342-4464 if you have any questions about getting started or ask us on Facebook!

Have a great rest of the week!

Dr. Ostreicher visits the 2010 Invisalign Summit

2010-11-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

Patients of Dr. David Ostreicher can feel confident they are receiving the best in orthodontic health care. Dr. Ostreicher’s goal is to provide the most up-to-date technology and techniques using the best equipment possible. He is devoted to continuing education and furthers his learning through reading, attending conferences and continuing education courses. One of those conferences includes the 2010 Invisalign Summit in Las Vegas, where Dr. Ostreicher headed this past weekend.

The Summit is an always-educational event that is also one of the most important orthodontic conventions in the U.S. It's also a time for Dr. Ostreicher to consult with dental experts and orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, of course, allows us to give you, our phenomenal patients, the best treatment experience possible.

To stay at the forefront of an ever-changing profession, Dr. Ostreicher is a proud member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, American Association of Dental Editors and the American Public Health Association. Dr. Ostreicher is also a lecturer for AlignTech, where he teaches other dentists how to use Invisalign.

Isn't it nice to know you have a complete dental expert in Dr. Ostreicher taking care of your perfecting your smile?

Connect with Dr. Ostreicher on Facebook!

2010-11-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

At the office of David S. Ostreicher, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Levittown, Long Island and surrounding communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with Drs. Ostreicher and McAndrews and staff on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” us at Facebook.com/OstreicherDDS. We share office news and updates on our Fan Page, so we encourage you to check us out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook and have a great rest of the week,

- Dr. Ostreicher and team

The 411 on Halloween treats, from Dr. Ostreicher

2010-10-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

For parents in Levittown and Long Island worried about kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

Dr. David Ostreicher will tell you that while all those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! 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! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which can ruin enamel. In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

So what's a parent to do?

As Halloween draws nearer, try to limit the amount of these candies that your child eats, and when your child does eat them, either have him or her rinse their mouth with water afterward or have them drink a glass of milk or eat a slice of cheese. Lastly, we encourage you to check out these braces-friendly (and delicious) Halloween treats, provided by the American Association of Orthodontists.

Hope this helps! Happy Halloween!

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

2010-10-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

Serving Levittown, Long Island, Nassau County and Suffolk County, we strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of orthodontic care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Drs. Ostreicher and McAndrews, as well as our knowledgeable staff, believe in a whole health-oriented orthodontic practice where patients are more than just teeth!

Whether you have visited our office for a week or for years, we'd love to hear your feedback about Dr. Ostreicher and team! 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 on our Google page. It only takes a moment!

You may share your story here.

Thank you in advance, and have a great rest of the week!

"Hey Dr. Ostreicher! What the heck is malocclusion?"

2010-10-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Great question, thanks! Malocclusion, or what Dr. David Ostreicher calls “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At the office of David S. Ostreicher, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook, and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

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

2010-10-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Drs. Ostreicher and McAndrews want to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If your answer happens to be yes, we think that’s wonderful! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our Levittown office, of course).

Yes, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. But did you know October is also National Dental Hygiene Month? It can be a great time for a checkup, which can help you maintain good oral health, especially while you're wearing braces.

Your general dentist 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 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 visited the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in Levittown or Long Island!

Dr. Ostreicher, supporting National Orthodontic Health Month

2010-09-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is already October? Seriously? For our staff at the office of Dr. David Ostreicher, October means one thing: National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, who put together a helpful website that provides important information on all-things orthodontics, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly Halloween recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while undergoing orthodontic treatment at our convenient office in Levittown.

Drs. Ostreicher and McAndrews recommend you check out the AAO’s website. If you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape, please feel free to give us a call at 516-342-4464, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Ostreicher during your visit!

Enjoy your weekend!

Ask Dr. Ostreicher: What's sooooo cool about braces?

2010-09-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

Ask, and Dr. David Ostreicher will always tell you that braces, are cool, hip and pretty exciting nowadays. In fact, these were among the findings of a nationwide survey this year of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Serena Williams and Dakota Fanning, to name a few—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s kids.

The study, conducted on behalf of our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Has your child visited the orthodontic office of Dr. David Ostreicher for a complimentary consultation? If not, please give us a call and let Drs. Ostreicher and McAndrews help your child begin the journey to a beautiful new smile!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Fun fact Friday with Dr. David Ostreicher!

2010-09-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

At the office of David S. Ostreicher, we know our patients love fun facts - LOVE THEM, in fact. The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Drs. Ostreicher and McAndrews thought you would enjoy. Have a great 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.

Invisalign®, giving parents on Long Island something to smile about!

2010-09-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

Attention, moms and dads! Have you been focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, Dr. David Ostreicher and Dr. Bronwyn McAndrews can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth on Levittown and Long Island called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and the best part is? No one will know it but you!

Please give us a call at 516-342-4464 to set up a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Drs. Ostreicher and McAndrews, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

When should you call Dr. David Ostreicher?

2010-08-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

We hope you're off to a great week so far! Our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. David Ostreicher or Dr. Bronwyn McAndrews for an appointment. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, please give us a call at 516-342-4464 as soon as possible!

Love your new smile? Then we invite you to review us on Google!

2010-08-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

At the orthodontic office of David Ostreicher, we strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of orthodontic care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Dr. Ostreicher, Dr. McAndrews and our knowledgeable staff believe in a whole health oriented orthodontic practice where patients are more than just teeth.

Whether you've visited our 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 Places page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Drs. Ostreicher and McAndrews create more beautiful smiles in Levittown and surrounding communities around Long Island. Thanks in advance, and we hope you have a GREAT rest of the weekend!

You may write your review here.

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

2010-08-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

Our staff at the office of Dr. David Ostreicher want to know: Are you brushing your teeth twice a day during your treatment? If the answer is yes, that’s wonderful! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Drs. Ostreicher or McAndrews, of course). An oral checkup is vital for maintaining good oral health for kids with and without braces.

Your general dentist 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 your treatment.

During an oral exam, the 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 during your next visit, and we will provide a few great references in Levittown or the greater Long Island area! Happy Monday!

Are you wearing your mouth guard this summer?

2010-08-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

With summer here for another six full weeks, Dr. David Ostreicher thought this would be a great time to remind all our young athletes in braces to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in sports - especially contact sports - this summer.

Remember, only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. So the next time you're in for a visit at our office, be sure to ask Drs. Ostreicher or McAndrews for a mouth guard, and we'll provide one for you! In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists has five quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• 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

We hope you're having a wonderful summer, and invite you all to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

Drs. Ostreicher & McAndrews, helping dispel all the myths about braces

2010-08-02T11:51:00.001-07:00

Trust us when we say that we are aware that there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) out there nowadays. But before you buy into all those myths, we want you to get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, help set the record straight and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We definitely encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about braces or your orthodontic treatment at the office of Dr. David Ostreicher, please feel free to give us a call at (516) 342-4464 or ask us during your next visit!

Age 7, the magic number in orthodontics

2010-07-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

Many parents here in Levittown and Long Island believe they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit our office, only to find that treatment would have been much simpler if started sooner. But did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

"All right," you think to yourself, "what’s so great about age seven?" Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Ostreicher or McAndrews to make a determination about whether any problems are present. Also, by then, the first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what we like to call “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some kids, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age seven, please give us a call to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation.

Hoping you're enjoying the weekend!

This summer, share your plans & adventures with us!

2010-07-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

We're well into summer here at the office of Dr. David Ostreicher, and that means another season full of adventures, vacations and great memories. Whether you're headed to a family barbecue, an exotic destination, a camping trip, or just having fun on Long Island this summer, Drs. Ostreicher, McAndrews and team want to hear about it! Share your plans and experiences on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along, and be sure to post photos on our wall!

Happy (and safe) travels everyone!

Patient question: "I'm 39 years old - am I too old for braces?"

2010-07-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

Absolutely not.

In fact, our staff read a fascinating statistic recently: the number of adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent since 1996! It's true that braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: folks all over the U.S., including in Levittown, Long Island and surrounding communities want to look and feel great.

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely—to invest in orthodontics. Treatment with Drs. Ostreicher and McAndrews can be successful at any age, and we know you adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful and healthy smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we'd love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation! Please give us a call at 516-342-4464 to set one up!

Ask Dr. Ostreicher: why is continuing education so important?

2010-07-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Dr. David Ostreicher is one of the most highly educated orthodontists in the country. After receiving his dental and orthodontic degrees from Columbia University School of Dental Medicine, he continued his education and earned a Masters of Nutrition and a Masters of Public Health at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Dr. David is a professor emeritus of Preventive Dentistry (Columbia University), of Nutrition (University of Bridgeport) and Public Health (University of New Haven).

Dr. David currently serves on the Orthodontic Advisory Board of Proctor and Gamble (the manufacturers of Crest toothpaste), and is a speaker for the Bone Alliance. Dr. Ostreicher has lectured worldwide for Align Technology (the manufacturer of Invisalign). He has authored dozens of journal articles, and two books, Brush Your Teeth! and other simple ways to stay young and healthy and Seven Reasons to Straighten Your Teeth.

Not only is Dr. Ostreicher a teacher, he is a student as well. While New York State requires every dentist to take 15 continuing education credit hours annually, Dr. David takes about three times that amount!

Isn't it nice to know you have a complete dental expert in Dr. Ostreicher taking care of your perfecting your smile?

What are happy patients saying about Dr. Ostreicher and team?

2010-06-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Last week, you may remember, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about David S. Ostreicher DDS. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Long Island orthodontist Dr. Ostreicher and team love getting patient testimonials!

"Your staff makes me look forward to my visits. They are very accommodating, and your staff always makes me feel like a celebrity,and they are always able to help solve any problems that I have encountered with my aligners." ~ Laura M.

"I've never met anybody in the entire medical community so passionate about not just teeth but overall health. In his office you will feel 100% comfortable and at ease, he's not only going to make your smile beautiful but his great personality is going to make your day! I was hesitant as an adult patient to go back to the orthodontist after 15 years of not wearing my retainer. Dr. Ostreicher is making my smile beautiful again with Invisalign...because I'm worth it!‎" ~ Marcy

"Go and see for yourself! Very organized and professional! Dr Ostreicher is awesome!‎" ~ Jean

"This is my favorite place to go besides the mall. :)" ~ Cathy

"What a wonderful office! had such a great experience with everyone that worked there. they're all extremely friendly!‎" ~ Veronica C.

What do you love about Dr. Ostreicher and team?

2010-06-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

From your very first visit the office of Dr. David S. Ostreicher, our professional team strives to provide you with superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.

Serving Levittown, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, Dr. Ostreicher and Dr. Bronwyn McAndrews provide our patients with the highest quality of orthodontic care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Dr. Ostreicher, Dr. McAndrews and our knowledgeable staff believe in a whole health oriented orthodontic practice where patients are more than just teeth.

Today, we thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Drs. Ostreicher or McAndrews? Did our dedicated team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

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

2010-06-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

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 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!

Dr. Ostreicher is an Elite Premier Invisalign provider, making him one of the top providers in the country! 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.

Meet Our Orthodontist

2010-06-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

I believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Every time one of my patient's braces come off, I can see their confidence and self-image increase. That's why I think being an orthodontist is so important.

To stay at the forefront of an ever-changing profession, I participate in continuing education courses throughout the year. I also serve on the Alpha Board of Invisalign® and am a lecturer for AlignTech, where I teach other dentists how to use Invisalign.

For 25 years, I was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dentistry at Columbia University School of Dentistry and a professor of nutrition at the University of New Haven. I have taught at the New Haven campus, at Pacific Presbyterian Hospital in San Francisco, and Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

After serving many years on the Board of Directors of the Nassau County Dental Society, I was President of the New York State Dental Association. I have published dozens of articles on dentistry and health, and served as editor of For Dentists Only, a scientific dental journal.