Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates, P.C.

06/20/2024

Happy first day of Summer 2024! ☀️

06/12/2024

Summer is almost here!☀️🌊 Traveling with braces requires a bit more preparation than usual to ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track even while you’re away from home. By planning ahead, you can alleviate potential issues and make your journey more comfortable. Here are some quick tips to help you prepare effectively for your summer adventures with braces 😎

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆: https://www.tightbite.com/summer-travel-guide-braces-edition/

05/15/2024

05/13/2024

We’ve all heard of braces, the traditional metal brackets that create a healthy bite and great smile, but did you know that some people are getting braces just for fun? As shocking as it sounds, “fashion braces” are on the rise, with young people across the nation gluing faux braces to their teeth.

While this may seem harmless, fashion braces can have serious consequences on your oral health and may even worsen your bite and teeth alignment. In this article, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) explores the dangers of do-it-yourself braces at home and offers safe alternatives to fake braces.

Read More:

The Rise of Fashion Braces: Why You Should Avoid This New Trend. A custom smile created just for you by an AAO orthodontist.

05/02/2024

Here at Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, Dr. Kotin, and the whole team are passionate about helping you smile bigger. A big part of that is giving you insight into some of our most popular treatments! For instance, what is the process for getting fitted for custom clear aligners? Let’s find out!

Read More: https://www.tightbite.com/what-is-the-process-for-getting-fitted-for-custom-clear-aligners/

03/28/2024

When you think about orthodontics, you might first picture teenagers with braces. However, adult orthodontics has become increasingly popular as more adults look to improve their smiles and oral health. Central Mass Orthodontics, led by Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, and Dr. Kotin, offers a range of discreet orthodontic options tailored for adults who want to maintain a professional and unobtrusive look

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆: https://www.tightbite.com/what-are-the-most-discreet-orthodontic-options-for-adults/

03/25/2024

Our office will be closed tomorrow 3/26/2024 for a staff meeting. We will re-open on Wednesday 3/27/2024 at 8:00 AM. Wishing everyone a wonderful Tuesday 😁

03/19/2024

Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be 🐝

03/04/2024

We want to wish all of you a happy Dental Assistants Recognition Week! 🦷

Thank you to Jessica, Julie, Delia, Mayelin, Susan, Becky, Amanda, and Jasmeiry for all of your hard work and dedication. Thank you for all that you do inside and outside the office to serve your patients, teammates, and practice. It does not go unnoticed. You truly are the heart of the office.

02/28/2024

Realigning your teeth is a huge step in the right direction for your oral health. Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates, P.C. works to make your experience as simple and easy as possible. Thanks to appliance advancements, we can provide the latest technology for efficient and effective care plans. You may wonder how our team uses braces to straighten teeth. Read on to learn more about how this appliance is used to achieve your smile, the benefits of living with straightened teeth, and the treatment options we provide.

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆: https://www.tightbite.com/how-do-braces-straighten-teeth/

02/23/2024

Thank you to everyone who voted us the most loved orthodontist of 2024! 🏆

02/14/2024

You will find a lot of love at the front desk this morning!🩷❤️

📸- Lori and Sarah

02/14/2024

Brace yourself! It's Valentine's Day 🖤🦷

02/12/2024

Please stay safe and off of the roads tomorrow ❄️ We will re-open Wednesday at 8:00 AM

02/07/2024

𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐎𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐆𝐞𝐭?

When you come into our practice for the first time, we offer a consultation where our team is able to understand your teeth, and you can learn more about your orthodontic needs, what you are looking to achieve with treatment, and your options.

Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, or Dr. Kotin will review your x-rays, a digital impression, and other materials as they provide expert recommendations based on their findings while keeping in mind your lifestyle and aesthetic choices. Please share your questions and concerns with us during this time so our team can help you make an informed choice.

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆: https://www.tightbite.com/which-orthodontic-treatment-should-i-get/

01/29/2024

We are starting to feel the love at CMOA. Ask for Valentine's Day colors at your next appointment. You can never go wrong with the classic pink and red ❤️

01/23/2024

Have you ever wondered what the different parts of braces are and how they shift your teeth into the perfect position? Well, look no further!

𝑹𝙚𝒂𝙙 𝙤𝒖𝙧 𝙗𝒍𝙤𝒈 𝒉𝙚𝒓𝙚: https://www.tightbite.com/the-different-parts-of-braces-and-what-they-do/

01/18/2024

Screen time and our children; Some interesting studies cited

A sudden, unprecedented change in mental disorders has scientists worried about what it could mean.

01/11/2024

Did you know that you can use your HSA and FSA accounts for orthodontics? These are types of savings accounts that let you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses, including orthodontic treatment. Money set aside throughout the year is a salary you do not have to pay taxes on. You can use these funds for yourself, your spouse, and your children!

12/15/2023

It's the most wonderful time of the year 🎶 What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

12/11/2023

At Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates, we understand the stress some patients feel about going into a dentist or orthodontist’s office. You may have had a bad experience somewhere that made you apprehensive about returning for appointments. We strive to understand the needs and concerns of every patient to provide an easy, efficient experience while we work on keeping your teeth healthy. Our team has put together some tips to help you deal with dental anxiety at the orthodontist.

Have dental anxiety? Ease dental worries with our proven tips for a stress-free visit at Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates.

11/22/2023

We are wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂
"Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot." –Hansa Proverb

10/30/2023

And the winner in our Worcester office is... Mekhi! Congratulations for winning our electric toothbrush in our September drawing! You won just in time to help keep your smile healthy during Halloween and the upcoming holiday season! Congrats!

10/27/2023

Can you believe that Halloween is only a few days away? Sarah can't 🎃 At CMOA, spooky season is one of our favorite times of the year. After all, who doesn’t love to play dress up and chow down on yummy treats? We sure do — and so do the patients at our Worcester, Spencer and Auburn offices.

That said, it’s no secret that Halloween candy isn’t exactly good for your teeth. Candies and chocolates are full of sugar that can cause cavities, so it’s important to choose your treats wisely and always brush your teeth after eating. And if you have braces, there are a few extra rules to follow when it comes to Halloween candy. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑦 𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓𝑓

👻 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐰𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐬
🎃 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬
⚰️ 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥
🦇 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐬
🍬 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬

Okay, now let’s get to the good stuff! Fortunately, the most braces-friendly Halloween candies also happen to be the best. Chocolates, cookies, ice cream — and did somebody say Reese’s? 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠:

🕷️ 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥, 𝐭𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞. 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐬, 𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐌&𝐌’𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐬, 𝐏𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐬.

☠️ 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐤𝐞: 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞, 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐬.

Staying away from sticky and hard candies this Halloween is the name of the game. In addition to avoiding broken brackets and bent wires, we encourage you to brush and floss between teeth immediately after eating candy, including around brackets and at the gum line, as well as swishing water in your mouth--even “good” candy can cause cavities!

10/23/2023

As Halloween quickly approaches, saying no to your favorite candy is hard. This Orthodontic Health Month, Central Massachusetts Orthodontics reminds you that you can still eat sweet treats with your braces, given you take proper care of your appliance and teeth. Our orthodontists, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, and Dr. Kotin, want to share with you the appropriate ways to do so, as well as inform you of issues to be aware of and foods to avoid.

Read More: https://www.tightbite.com/orthodontic-health-month/

Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates, P.C. has 3 locations, in Worcester, Spencer, and Aubur

10/06/2023

HAPPY WORLD SMILE DAY 2023!

If you see someone without a smile today, give them yours 🖤

10/02/2023

Get into Two-Phase Treatment options! 🦷

Curious about the treatment options that pave the way for radiant smiles? Our latest orthodontic blog breaks down the dynamic duo of Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatments. 😁

Unlock the power of Two-Phase Treatment. Explore what treatment options are used during two-phase treatment for optimal results!

09/13/2023

09/13/2023

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲?

Just as bacteria can build up on your teeth and create plaque, it can also accumulate between taste buds and other crevices on your tongue. Along with dead skin cells and food debris, bacteria become trapped on the tongue and need to be physically removed with brushing or scraping. If not cared for properly, your tongue essentially becomes a sponge spreading bad bacteria throughout the mouth, which can cause a number of health issues including:

𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡– The most common side effect of bacteria buildup on the tongue is halitosis. The odor-causing bacteria tends to congregate at the back of the muscle, so be sure to get your brush back there!

𝐃𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐬- The biofilm that builds up and coats your tongue can also cover your taste buds, leaving your sense of taste dulled.

𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞 – While it sounds like a horror movie, this is a real condition that occurs when the papillae become stained from leftover food and drink particles. These remnants give the tongue a dark, furry appearance.

𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 – This occurs when bacteria levels in your mouth go beyond the normal range and naturally occurring yeast grow out of control.

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 – Because bacteria buildup on your tongue can spread to your teeth and gums, it increases the likelihood of gingivitis (red, inflamed gums). If left untreated, the inflammation can advance to periodontal disease, which occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth and the space in between becomes infected. Not only can this lead to loss of teeth, chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease is linked to more severe health issues, such as a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and miscarriage.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲?

A healthy tongue should be pink in color with papillae (tiny bumps) covering the surface. The best way to ensure your tongue stays healthy is to brush it every time you brush your teeth. Be sure to brush front to back and side to side, as bacteria hide in hard-to-reach places. Just be careful not to over brush, as that can cause irritation. Some patients prefer to use a tongue scraper and, though not necessary, inexpensive scrapers are generally available where toothpaste and dental floss are sold.