Dr. Farina and team, wishing you a pleasant and relaxing Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend is a time Americans remember all those who bravely gave their lives for our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids, getting out of town for three days with parents after being in school all these months is sure to be sweet, sweet relief.

At Farina Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the 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, we’d like to hear all about it! Enjoy the holiday!

Ask Dr. Farina: When should my child come in for a check-up?

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

We hope this helps! Please give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Love your smile? Tell the world all about it!

At Farina Orthodontics, Dr. Mark Farina and our entire staff are committed to excellence in orthodontics. It is our goal to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment available in a professional, caring and fun environment where patient's needs are our top priority.

Whether you’ve just come in for a complimentary consultation or your family has been visiting our Tampa office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

Talkin' cavities with Dr. Farina

At Farina Orthodontics, we know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit their dentist is Cavity! Yes, the dreaded cavity - especially while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment! But what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? Well, a cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities while you’re wearing braces:

· Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily

· Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)

· Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth and braces where your toothbrush can’t reach

· Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat or drink

· Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Farina

We hope that helps! Give us a call to learn more about keeping your braces and oral health in tip-top shape!