Joseph Catania DDS

With the school year close to winding down for a lot of our patients, we wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading is a vital step in brain development and literacy. And if you needed any more reason to read, May marks “Get Caught Reading Month.”

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our team would be happy to provide a few. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas on what to read next!

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your book picks or your all-time favorite novels or literature on our Facebook page!

Visiting your dentist during your orthodontic treatment will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy while you have braces, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Your dentist is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next adjustment appointment. Take care of your teeth!

Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile of any age! In society where appearance matters and can help make the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.

Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:
• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease
• Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly

Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment at our office can be successful at any age, and adults especially can appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

As an adult patient, we recognize that you have different needs than our younger patients, and we will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation. We understand you have a busy schedule, and will work with you to find a time that is convenient for you. Please visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!

We will be rolling out our new Facebook Timeline page soon and would love for you to check it out! You’ll find all the useful information that was there before, but now in a fun, new layout. When you Like us on Facebook, you’ll be able to check out photos of our office, find out about new events and contests, or you can even leave a note about how much you enjoyed your visit at our office. We love hearing your feedback to make our practice serve you and your family even better. To make life even easier, if you “Like” us on Facebook, you’ll automatically receive updates from our office right on your own news feed!

See you on Facebook!

Monday, Feb. 20 marks Presidents’ Day, a day known for celebrating of both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s combined Birthdays. Presidents’ Day was created in 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the birthdays of two of our most well-known presidents into one single federal holiday. Presidents' Day also marks a hard-earned day off from work and school for a lot of the patients of Dr. Joseph Catania.

Here are a few fun facts about our nation’s presidents:

*Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, carried letters, bills and notes in his tall stovepipe hat.

*George Washington is the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.

*Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, broke the so-called "20-year curse," in which every president elected in a year ending in zero died in office.

*Abraham Lincoln was the tallest of the U.S. presidents, measuring 6’ 4” tall.

*Virginia is the birthplace of more United States presidents than any other state, followed by Ohio and Massachusetts.

*Harry S. Truman was the first president to have his Inauguration and speeches televised.

Your smile is totally unique, so the time you’ll need to spend undergoing orthodontic treatment will also be unique. Generally, orthodontic treatment will take about two years, and this is for good reason. During this time, your teeth will slowly move into their desired positions, leaving you with a great smile with as little discomfort as possible. Rushing treatment can result in a less than perfect smile with a greater chance of tooth movement after your treatment is complete. Dr. Joseph Catania doesn’t want to waste your time with treatment that won’t retain your smile for the rest of your life.

Of course, treatment time will vary depending on your specific situation. Very minor tooth movement may only take a few months to correct, while serious malocclusion (poor bite) may need more than two years to correct. Only Dr. Catania will be able to accurately estimate the time your treatment will take. But trust us—it’ll all be worth it in the end!

Dr. Joseph Catania 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 with Dr. Catania. 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.

2012 is here, and it's a great time of year to get started on a lifetime of straight, dazzling and confident smiles. Dr. Joseph Catania offers some of today's most innovative orthodontic technologies that can straighten your smile in less time than you ever imagined. Not only do today’s braces and other orthodontic treatments straighten teeth quicker, they also offer greater comfort for the patient and require fewer visits to our office.

So if obtaining a healthy, beautiful smile is one of your New Year’s resolutions, we invite you to give us a call to schedule an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Catania.

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2011 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2012? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from Dr. Catania and team!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Dr. Joseph Catania and team reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2012? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

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

-- Dr. Joseph Catania and team

The countdown begins! There's only one week left until the Joseph Catania DDS Annual Haunted House. Don't forget to pick up your non-perishable food items & tell your friends and family. We hope to scare up lots of donations for our local food pantries!

Please join us for our Haunted Office next Friday, October 28th 7pm-9pm and Saturday, October 29th 1pm-3pm. There will be FREE raffles for Visa gift cards both days, FREE donuts and cider!

Happy Halloween!

Happy October! For those who don't know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month. This October also marks the 10th anniversary of our “Candy for Cash” event!

This year's "Cash for Candy" is being held from November 1st through November 10th during office hours. Patients, friends and community members are welcome to bring in candy, which will then be weighed for cash (remember hard, sticky, gooey candies should be avoided with braces). Dr. Catania will buy the candy for $1 per pound. He will also match $1 per pound to Golisano Children’s Hospital. The candy is given to the local food pantries (along with food staples) for holiday treats!

Please don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions. Trick-or-treat!

Dr. Joseph Catania, serving Fayetteville, NY and surrounding areas, 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!

Just select the "Write a Review" button above to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,
The team at Dr. Catania's office

According to the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Joseph Catania, DDS to support National Smile Month this June.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss every day to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Catania.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call.

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 Dr. Joseph Catania's office, 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.

There are a variety of foods Dr. Catania recommends you 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 Joseph Catania DDS a call or ask our staff during your next visit.

Whether you're the parent of a child with braces or an adult with braces, Dr. Joseph A. Catania wants you to look forward to coming to his office. After all, Dr. Catania wants what you want — a big smile with beautiful, straight teeth.

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Please give us a call today to schedule your orthodontic consultation with Dr. Catania!

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 Dr. Catania!

Can Braces Work for Adults?

People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment with Dr. Catania. 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 Dr. Catania a call, so we may set up a consultation to determine what type of treatment best meets your needs.

If you ever sustain damage to your braces and need to call Joseph Catania DDS, 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!

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Dr. Catania understands that some patients are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and the treatment time has been reduced. In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

If you have any questions about how Dr. Catania uses state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask!

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

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

Trust us when we say Dr. Catania and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Dr. Catania's office, feel free to give us a call.

Braces at Joseph Catania DDS are more fun than ever! With the Brace Painter, parents and children are able to “paint their braces,” and visualize how teeth will look with different colors of bands.

Would you like to try out pink and purple bands this February, without the commitment of an all-out Valentine’s Day look? The Brace Painter allows for you to select different colors, and then assign those colors of bands to certain teeth. Now, you can visualize your braces before you even come in for your appointment!

As always, please let Dr. Catania know if you have any questions about the Brace Painter, or your orthodontic treatment at Joseph Catania DDS. Have a great week!

Each February for the past 61 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign, which is removable, make it easier for you to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Catania is available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited us lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!

The activism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was integral to the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s. As the social justice leader once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” There are many ways that you may answer this question, whether it is by participating in a environmental impact project, volunteering through an education program, or serving veterans and military families. Are you in search of a Day of Service project? You can always ask Dr. Catania, or visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service website.

All of us here at Joseph Catania, DDS would love to hear what you’re doing for others in Fayetteville, NY community. We encourage you to share any pictures, videos, or information about your Day of Service project on our Facebook page. Happy MLK Day!

At Dr. Catania's office, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Joseph Catania, DDS encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Catania!

Winter is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Catania will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Joseph Catania, DDS if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Joseph Catania, DDS would like to wish all our patients and their families the merriest of holidays and best wishes for the New Year.

We thought we’d 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 all of us at Dr. Catania's office!

Winter is officially here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, Dr. Catania and our team would like to share a few winter safety tips that we found on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

• Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
• A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
• It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
• Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
• When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
• The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your loved ones stay safe and sound this winter season. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at the office of Dr. Catania.

Dr. Joseph Catania, your Fayetteville Invisalign provider, specializes in teen and adult orthodontic treatment. The state-of-the-art Invisalign system uses clear, removable aligners that are nearly invisible. For more information about Invisalign, watch this short patient video.

Don't hesitate to give Dr. Catania a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our office.

Last week, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about your experience at Joseph Catania, DDS. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share one with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Catania and team love getting patient testimonials!

"Everyone made us feel so welcome at our first consultation, I couldn't imagine anyone else taking such good care of my son."

Have you thanked a veteran lately? November 11 is Veterans Day - the perfect holiday for thanking and honoring the men and women who have served our country. In celebration of Veterans Day, Dr. Catania and our team would like to share a few facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

• There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.
• The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777
• Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth
• Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump
• Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.
• When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).
• There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania
• The VA healthcare system now has 171 medical centers, 126 nursing home care units, and 35 live-in care facilities
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day
• Take a Veteran to School Day is a program that was developed by HISTORY in 2007 to connect students and veterans.
• Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served and currently serve our country.

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Joseph Catania and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy candy that is often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find orthodontic-friendly options.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. This Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this treat will not cause damage to your beautiful smile.

Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients:

1 pkg. yellow or white cake mix
½ cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
¼ cup water (add 2 tbl. of water if eggs are small)

Directions:

Put cake mix in a large bowl. Make an indentation in the center and pour in the oil and one egg. Mix using mixer, then add the rest of the eggs one at a time, beating after each one.

Add pumpkin, sugar, spices, and then water.

Bake in greased and floured tube pan in 350 degree oven for 60-70 minutes (depending on oven calibration). Cool before removing from pan.

Hey, Moms! Have you signed the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge?

Here at Joseph Catania, DDS, we care about your pearly whites, and we want to help keep you protected from sports injuries that can be damaging to your beautiful smile. As a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontics have introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Dr. Catania will tell you that mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey and basketball, just to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their children’s smile from facial injuries.

We’ve discussed the importance of using facial protection in the past. Today, we thought we’d invite moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

At Joseph Catania, DDS, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook 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 facebook 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. Catania 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!

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

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Joseph Catania DDS a call at 315-446-3360.

Two weeks ago, you might recall, Dr. Joseph Catania and our staff asked you about your summer plans. Well, with summer only a week away, some of us at Syracuse's Joseph Catania DDS have been thinking more and more about the importance of reading. More specifically, of course, summer reading. We know that during the summer, it’s easier to go play some ball with your friends or watch TV for that matter, but reading during the summer is a key step in being prepared for your classes in the fall and maintaining your skill level.

If you're out of ideas for summer reading material? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be happy to provide a few good suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out various summer reading lists that we found recently.

Happy summer reading, from Dr. Catania and team

Syracuse orthodontist Dr. Joseph Catania and team love hearing from our current and former patients and receiving testimonials. Well, we've been getting quite a lot lately, and thought we'd share a few with you!

"Dr. Catania is always happy and willing to answer any questions." ~ Brian N.

"He is very nice and I understand him when he talks about my treatment." ~ Thomas P.

"Professional, yet friendly and approachable to both parents and children." ~ Gary F.

"Friendly employees, fun games like which pet belongs to which employee and how much money is in the jar. You also have the wooden nickle for brushing & a gift certificate to target which my son can strive for. Along with this online info its a great fit." ~ Colleen K.

"Wonderful for children." ~ Joseph B.

Memorial Day Weekend is a time to reflect and honor the men and women who have served to protect America and ensure our freedom. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids in Syracuse, Fayetteville and surrounding communities, getting out of town for three days with parents after being cooped up at school all these months is sure to be sweet, sweet relief.

Memorial Day weekend, which is ripe for travel, also marks the unofficial start of summer and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends. What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work?

Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun this weekend, Dr. Catania and our dedicated staff would love to hear all about it! Enjoy the long weekend if we don't see you this week!!

SureSmile is in the news again! This week, CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta filed a short report on SureSmile, which is becoming quite popular with our patients at the office of Dr. Joseph Catania. We encourage you to check out the video and let us know what you think! Give us a call at 315-446-3360 if you're interested in SureSmile, the treatment that has made quite a splash in the orthodontic industry!

Whether you're the parent of a child with braces or an adult with braces, Dr. Joseph A. Catania wants you to look forward to coming to his office. After all, Syracuse orthodontist Dr. Catania wants what you want — a big smile with beautiful, straight teeth. Dr. Catania is committed to making orthodontics convenient, affordable and gentle, even fun.

Whether you've visited Joseph Catania DDS for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and post a review.

After all, reviews help Dr. Catania create more beautiful smiles in Fayetteville, Syracuse and surrounding communities.

You may write also post a review here.

Thank you and enjoy your week! Dr. Catania and team look forward to reading your reviews!

Mother's Day -- which falls next Sunday, May 9 -- is special to all of us, isn't it? Everyone looks forward to this day to let our mom know how special she is to us. The day is observed by giving gifts, visiting our moms or taking them out to celebrate. Tell Dr. Catania and team, what are you planning on mom's special day this upcoming Sunday?

Out of ideas? Then check out this helpful video about clever, inexpensive Mother's Day gift ideas, courtesy of Good Morning America's recent segment. We're sure mom will love whatever you come up with!

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Joseph Catania DDS thought you might enjoy.

• 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.

People with big, happy smiles may live than those who don’t, after all. That, according to a new study at Wayne State University.

Dr. Catania has known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers there used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball before 1950. The players' photos were enlarged, and researchers studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile).

The players' smile ratings were then compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then corrected their analysis to account for other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance. The researchers found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting the office of Joseph Catania regularly? If not, give us a call!

You may recall that in February, Dr. Catania and our team blogged about the advantage of wearing a mouth guard when playing sports. Well, we thought a reminder today wouldn’t hurt. You see, April happens to be National Facial Protection Month, and it’s a good time to remind our young athletes about staying safe on the field this spring.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. By simply wearing a properly fitted mouth guard, these accidents could prevent this along with other traumatic facial injuries.

The above video from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists outlines five ways you can protect yourself this spring. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our team at Joseph Catania DDS. And remember to stay safe and have fun!

By now, you know how it works: Each week, Dr. Catania and our professional staff write about important topics pertinent to orthodontics and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques offered at our office, including SureSmile and Invisalign. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Catania for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

Give us your best shot, and our team will try to answer any questions you may have!

Did you remember to wear green when you stepped out the door this morning? Whether Irish or not, millions of people around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day with toasts, parades and "the wearing of the green." Here are some fun facts about St. Patty’s Day Dr. Joseph Catania and our staff know you will enjoy:

• St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17th because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history.

• The name “lephrechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which simply means “shoemaker.”

• Some American towns have Irish names. They include: Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio and Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia

• Despite what you may have heard, St. Patrick never banished snakes from Ireland. In fact, no snakes exist or ever existed in Ireland. Ireland is surrounded by icy ocean waters, much too cold to allow snakes to migrate from Britain or anywhere else.

• St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in America in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1737. Approximately 34 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.

Dr. Catania and our dedicated team deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment, serving Fayetteville, Syracuse and surrounding communities here in Onondaga County. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"I was impressed with the state of the art equipment. All the people working there were extremely welcoming and friendly." ~ Susan O.

"Friendly employees, fun games like which pet belongs to which employee and how much money is in the jar. You also have the wooden nickle for brushing & a gift certificate to target which my son can strive for. Along with this online info its a great fit." ~ Colleen K.

"The friendliness of the office and the giving back to the community (candy drive, coat drive, etc.) that they support." ~ William B.

"The doctor and his staff are all very friendly. We like the programs he has the kids to participate in." ~ David B.

"He's honest and does a good job." ~ Tony S.

It may be just 24 degrees outside, but wouldn’t you believe it, it’s almost springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. If you're planning on spring sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Catania for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Joseph Catania DDS.