The importance of retainers, from Dr. John Cordoba

If you recently completed treatment at Cordoba Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. John Cordoba 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. John Cordoba 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 with Dr. John Cordoba, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth. Don't hesitate to give us a call at our DeBary or Lake Mary office if you have any questions or concerns regarding retainers!

More happy smiles at Cordoba Orthodontics!

Cordoba Orthodontics, serving DeBary, Lake Mary and surrounding communities in central Florida, have been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. John Cordoba and team!

"I love the set up and how they walk you through on the progress and what to look forward to on the next visit as long as i have follow the strict instructions on taking care of my braces." ~ Shirley R.

"That over the past 18 years I have been dealing with the same problem and no dentist/orthodontist office has ever taken the time to help me as much as your office has and I truly appreciate all that has been done for me already, and I have only had two appointments!" ~ Tracy L.

"Short waits for visits and the friendly receptionists. Dr. Cordoba is very knowledgeable and took his time explaining the treatment plans for both my daughters."~ Alicia D.

We encourage you to give us a call if you've been thinking about getting braces. As a family orthodontist, Dr. John Cordoba and his talented staff work hard to build your beautiful smile. We look forward to working with you or your child and providing treatment by Dr. Cordoba, voted one of the top orthodontists in Central Florida.

Cordoba Orthodontics want to know: what's on your summer reading list?

With summer only weeks away, some of us at Cordoba Orthodontics have been thinking a lot about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easier to go play ball or kick back and watch television when there's no reading or homework, but reading during the summer is a key step in being prepared for classes in the fall, as well as maintaining your skill level.

Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our helpful staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out various summer reading lists that we came across last week.

Happy reading and have a terrific upcoming week!

Ask Dr. Cordoba: what are cavities and how do we get them?

DeBary and Lake Mary orthodontist Dr. John Cordoba knows that one word no patient wants to hear when they visit their dentist or orthodontist is "cavity." 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? 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 dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities during your treatment with at Cordoba Orthodontics:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (remember to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for check-ups

We hope this helps! Give us a call for more info about cavities, your oral health or your treatment at our office!

June is National Smile Month! From Dr. Cordoba and team

Wouldn't you believe it, it's already June! Time really flies! For our team at Cordoba Orthodontics, June means only one thing: National Smile Month, and it's once again time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition and visit their dentist regularly (as well as visiting our office) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there's more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

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

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call! We hope you had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend!