Our Blog

Congratulations to our Summer Contest winner!

September 10th, 2013

Now that the summer days have come to a close, so has our fun summer contest! Ashley (an awesome patient!) was the winner. She took home a brand new Google Chromebook!

At Meade & Riolo Orthodontics, we absolutely love rewarding our incredible patients, and our contests are just one way that we make orthodontics pretty fun!

Ask Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo: "Why should I visit the dentist during my treatment?"

September 6th, 2013

So, you just got your braces on, and you're wondering why you should continue visiting your general dentist since you’re seeing Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo every other month. Patients always ask us if they should continue to see their dentist while in orthodontic treatment. In short, the answer is yes.

Today, we thought we would share a few reasons why it’s crucial to keep up with your regular visits with your dentist in addition to coming in for your regular adjustments at Meade & Riolo Orthodontics.

One of the best reasons to visit your dentist while you undergo orthodontic treatment is to remove plaque and tartar. Having braces provides additional nooks and crannies in which food particles and bacteria can hide. Eventually, plaque and tartar can form around your brackets, bands or other appliances which can lead to cavities.  Having your teeth professionally cleaned can help ensure most—if not all—plaque and tartar is removed. Even if you are undergoing Invisalign treatment, dental checkups and cleanings are equally as important.

The next reason to visit a dentist is to help protect your teeth from decalcification, or the loss of calcium in your teeth. A potentially serious condition in which white spots on your tooth surfaces, decalcification is irreversible and if left untreated, can lead to cavities. Decalcification is preventable—patients who cut down on sugary sweets and acidic foods, practice good oral hygiene, and visit their regular dentist regularly can help prevent decalcification.

The final reason we recommend visiting your dentist while you have braces is this: cavities can prolong your treatment. If you are interested in completing your orthodontic treatment on time and without any delays, visiting your dentist every six months or as recommended can go a long way toward making that a realistic goal. Your dentist can provide fluoride treatments or other treatments that strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.

Making sure to visit your dentist will help ensure your teeth look their best once your braces come off. If you do not have a general dentist and would like a recommendation on finding one in the Ypsilanti, MI area, please give us a call or let us know at your next adjustment appointment!

Ask Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo: "Why should I visit the dentist during my treatment?"

September 6th, 2013

So, you just got your braces on, and you're wondering why you should continue visiting your general dentist since you’re seeing Dr. Betsy Meade and Dr. Christopher Riolo every other month. Patients always ask us if they should continue to see their dentist while in orthodontic treatment. In short, the answer is yes.

Today, we thought we would share a few reasons why it’s crucial to keep up with your regular visits with your dentist in addition to coming in for your regular adjustments at Meade & Riolo Orthodontics.

One of the best reasons to visit your dentist while you undergo orthodontic treatment is to remove plaque and tartar. Having braces provides additional nooks and crannies in which food particles and bacteria can hide. Eventually, plaque and tartar can form around your brackets, bands or other appliances which can lead to cavities.  Having your teeth professionally cleaned can help ensure most—if not all—plaque and tartar is removed. Even if you are undergoing Invisalign treatment, dental checkups and cleanings are equally as important.

The next reason to visit a dentist is to help protect your teeth from decalcification, or the loss of calcium in your teeth. A potentially serious condition in which white spots on your tooth surfaces, decalcification is irreversible and if left untreated, can lead to cavities. Decalcification is preventable—patients who cut down on sugary sweets and acidic foods, practice good oral hygiene, and visit their regular dentist regularly can help prevent decalcification.

The final reason we recommend visiting your dentist while you have braces is this: cavities can prolong your treatment. If you are interested in completing your orthodontic treatment on time and without any delays, visiting your dentist every six months or as recommended can go a long way toward making that a realistic goal. Your dentist can provide fluoride treatments or other treatments that strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.

Making sure to visit your dentist will help ensure your teeth look their best once your braces come off. If you do not have a general dentist and would like a recommendation on finding one in the Ypsilanti, MI area, please give us a call or let us know at your next adjustment appointment!

Labor Day: Our Favorite Holiday to Rest!

August 30th, 2013

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday each September here in the United States, is a holiday devoted to the American working community. The purpose of the holiday is honoring the country's workers and their contributions to the strength of our country as a whole.

How Labor Day Started

There is actually some debate as to the origins of Labor Day. It is uncertain whether Peter McGuire, a co founder for the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, who was the secretary of Central Labor Union of New York had the great idea. However, the Central Labor Union's plans were what launched the first Labor Day in America.

The First Labor Day

The very first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5th, 1882. The Central Labor Union then held annual celebrations on September 5th for what they called a working man's holiday. By the year 1885, the Labor Day celebration had spread to many different industrial areas, and after that it began spreading to all industries in the United States!

Labor Day Today

Labor Day today is a huge United States holiday during which we honor the country's workers with a day of rest and relaxation or a day of picnics and parades. This holiday is truly one to honor the many people who work hard to contribute to the economic well-being of our great country!

Our team at Meade & Riolo Orthodontics hope all of our patients celebrate Labor Day, and every holiday, safely and happily. Whether you stay in the Ypsilanti, MI area, or travel out of town, have fun, and don't forget to brush!

American Association of Orthodontists American Board of Orthodontics