Dr. Kay O'Leary, breaking down myths about orthodontics

Our entire team at O'Leary Whitesides Orthodontics know there are plenty of 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 with Dr. Kay O'Leary, feel free to give us a call! We hope you enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend!

SureSmile works its magic on CNN! From Dr. O'Leary

Does the thought of having braces for two entire years bring you down? Our team at O'Leary Orthodontics understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment.

But you’re in luck, because Dr. Kay O'Leary specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires. SureSmile calculates the exact shape and pattern of the teeth and bends and cuts the braces wires, with more accuracy than regular braces.

This past week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta (of CNN fame) focused on SureSmile, which is becoming quite popular with a few of our patients. In the video, Dr. Gupta profiles a Maryland teenager named Jessica Thompson, who wasn't all that thrilled about traditional braces, and chose SureSmile as her treatment, just like many of our wonderful patients.

Dr. O'Leary and team encourage you to check out the above CNN video and let us know what you think! Have a terrific weekend!

"How Orthodontics Changed My Life" video contest at O'Leary Orthodontics!

Dr. O'Leary and our staff at O'Leary Orthodontics would like to point you to an exciting video contest that our friends at The American Association of Orthodontists are sponsoring. The contest - "How Orthodontics Changed My Life" - is all about you and your experience with braces at O'Leary Orthodontics. Tell the AAO your story about treatment at O'Leary Orthodontics and you may just win a $2,500 scholarship!

The deadline is June 1st.

The AAO's contest guidelines provide instructions to contestants on submitting their videos, which are to be submitted on DVDs or USB flash drives and accompanied by a signed release. By July 1st, the two winners will be announced. Finalists will be notified by phone or email before June 15 and winners will be notified by phone or email before July 1st.

Dr. O'Leary and our entire team encourage you to submit those videos! GOOD LUCK everybody!!

Access your account any time at O'Leary Orthodontocs!

At O'Leary Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it's through the innovative orthodontic treatments Dr. Kay O'Leary offers, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started and have yourself a great weekend!

"Hey, Dr. O'Leary! What is malocclusion?"

Malocclusion, or what Dr. O'Leary calls “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of your 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, yes, even your appearance.

If untreated, Dr. O'Leary will tell you malocclusion can lead to 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. If overcrowding is causing the problem, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda orthodontist Dr. Kay O'Leary may need to have you get one or more teeth removed as part of treatment.

At O'Leary Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

Patient question for Dr. O'Leary: Is oral piercing worth it?

Dr. O'Leary and our team know that piercing, like tattooing, is one of today’s popular forms of “body art” and self-expression. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing – or if you already have one or more – there are definitely some health risks you should know about.

Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Just touching your mouth jewelry (tongue barbells and lip and cheek labrettes) can lead to infection. Many people who have piercings tend to regularly touch them – which is a perfect opportunity for bacteria from hands to enter piercing sites. Also, food particles that collect around piercing sites can lead to infection.

There's also a chance for pain and swelling. You see, your tongue – the most popular piercing site in the mouth – could swell large enough to close off your airway! Piercing also can cause uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage. Damage to the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.

In addition, the hoop, ring, stud and barbell-shaped jewelry can hinder your ability to talk and eat. Some people also develop a habit of biting or playing with their piercings – which can lead to cracked, scratched teeth; gum damage and recession; and sensitive teeth. There may also be a need for restorations, such as crowns or fillings, and additional dental treatment due to piercings. Consider the potential pitfalls of piercing carefully before getting one. Keep in mind that it will be an added responsibility to your life, and will need regular upkeep. Make sure that you’re committed to the task of taking care of it for the full healing period and beyond.

If you have an oral piercing, pay special attention to it. Clean the piercing with antiseptic mouthwash after eating, and brush the jewelry when you brush your teeth. Of course, give us a call if you have any questions.

What puts you at ease at O'Leary Orthodontics?

Trust us when we say Dr. Kay O'Leary knows not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But at O'Leary Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Dr. O'Leary and our team offer excellent, quality orthodontic treatment in a caring and gentle environment. We provide a fun and enjoyable experience while creating your new smile.

Today, we’d like to know: What is it about O'Leary Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff? Perhaps it's something about Dr. O'Leary

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!