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If you are wearing braces and are planning a vacation, our team at McSweeney Orthodontics would suggest that you be prepared. We put together a list of items that will be handy to have with you at all times while you are out of town. They include:

• Toothpick, flosspick, or other interdental cleaners
• Travel toothbrush
• A water bottle or a mini bottle of mouth rinse
• Orthodontic wax to help with discomfort from protruding wires
• A small mirror for examining any possible issues in your mouth

Putting these items together in a “braces/oral hygiene kit” may be wise. You may even buy pre-made braces kits. Please ask us for more information.

If you happen to be on vacation and experience problems reaching our office, we suggest calling us so that we can search for orthodontic practices in your area that use the bracket system we use. Most orthodontists will lend a helping hand to another orthodontic patient and get him or her out of pain or discomfort.

We also suggest avoiding the following foods to prevent broken brackets and/or wire distortion while you are on vacation:

• Chewy, sticky, or gummy food
• Apples, pears, and other whole fruits (cut fruit into wedges before consuming)
• Bagels and hard rolls
• Corn on the cob
• Hard candies
• Hard cookies or pretzels
• All varieties of nuts, including peanuts, almonds, and cashews

Finally, if you are wearing clear aligners and happen to lose your tray, don’t worry! Simply put in the previous trays and contact us as soon as possible!  If you are going to be away for a while, we can order you replacement trays.  Remember, do not simply move to the next tray, or you could do some damage to your roots!  Let Dr. McSweeney decide....  :-)

Follow these tips and you can have a worry-free vacation! Please give us a call if you have any questions!

“The purpose of all war is peace.” - Saint Augustine

Fire truck sirens, baton twirlers, marching bands covering patriotic tunes, colorful floats, costumes, and millions of red, white, and blue American flags being waved in the air on a beautiful day in late May, that is what Memorial Day is all about. It is a federal holiday celebrated with town parades, remembrance, and a sense of unity and community togetherness.

Our team at McSweeney Orthodontics wants to take this time to wish you and your family a happy Memorial Day, as well as pause for a moment to reflect on what this holiday means and how it has changed over time. No, this is not a history lesson, but just a couple of thoughts and observances for you to take with you on your way to the next barbecue.

On the last Monday in May, America observes Memorial Day as a time to remember and celebrate the men and women who have lost their lives while serving our country in the Armed Forces. The holiday originated after the Civil War; at that time it was known as Decoration Day. While holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter remain the same from year to year, Memorial Day has changed over time, and in the 21st century we observe a far different holiday than what Americans did after the Civil War, or even the World Wars.

While many people place flags at cemeteries and visit national memorials in order to honor those who have passed away serving the country, Memorial Day is also a time for family barbecues, pool parties, trips to the beach, blockbuster movies, long weekend getaways, and fireworks. In America, Memorial Day has come to represent the unofficial start of the summer – a long, sunny, warm weekend devoted to family togetherness, outdoor events, and community.

It is time to load up the potato salad and the apple pie and head over to the neighbor’s house for their annual barbecue. And yes, contrary to popular belief, we do eat sweets, especially homemade apple pie! Everything in moderation, of course.

So whether you’re in the Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake area or beyond, Happy Memorial Day to you and yours from Dr. McSweeney!

The purpose of braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment at McSweeney Orthodontics is to correct malocclusion, also known as crooked or crowded teeth, or “bad bites.” Past orthodontic practice dictated that wisdom teeth be removed, especially in cases of crowding.

The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, and are officially known as the third molars. The teeth typically erupt, or break the surface of the skin, in young people between the ages of 13 and 20.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth are impacted. That means they cannot break through the gum tissue. This typically happens when the mouth or jaw is too small to accommodate the teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected, and some dentists and orthodontists may want to remove them as prophylaxis to prevent possible future infection.

Justification for removing wisdom teeth

Dr. McSweeney will tell you that in some cases, wisdom teeth attempt to come in the wrong way, either tilting in the jaw, or sideways. If the mouth is too small to accommodate these additional teeth, they inevitably become impacted. Swelling or infection of the gum flap above an impacted wisdom tooth may cause pain. The greatest danger is pericoronitis, a potentially dangerous infection that can occur in the gum area around an impacted wisdom tooth, or around a wisdom tooth that has erupted.

Orthodontists base their decision to remove wisdom teeth on each patient's individual circumstances. To learn more about the impact wisdom teeth have on orthodontic treatment, or to schedule a visit with Dr. McSweeney, please give us a call at our convenient Plattsburgh and Saranac Lake office!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment with Dr. McSweeney. Preparing for treatment is an important part of getting the smile you want.

Basic exams

The first step of preparation is the examination. An oral exam and X-rays taken at our office are necessary to identify potential problems and ensure the right steps are taken to prepare for orthodontic treatment at McSweeney Orthodontics.

Dr. McSweeney will first examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine whether or not you need orthodontic treatment.  It is very important to take X-rays at the first appointment to make sure there are no problems he can't see just by looking in your mouth!   You will be prepared for the next step of treatment after your exam is complete!

Extracting teeth

Dr. McSweeney does not suggest pulling teeth unless it is absolutely necessary.  With the bracket system he uses, most teeth can be fit without extraction!

Model for bite

When you're ready for orthodontic treatment, the next step is taking a model of the mouth-- we do this digitally!  We take the models on the day you get your braces or have your Invisalign scan.  It used to be that orthodontists would take a (goopy) plaster model, but we have a new scanner that takes 3-D models of the teeth!  With the model, Dr. McSweeney will be able to determine how the jaw is aligned so that appropriate adjustments can be made to the mouth and jaw with braces or Invisalign.

When your teeth are crooked, have a gap, or otherwise make you unhappy, consider orthodontic treatment at McSweeney Orthodontics. Making the decision to seek treatment can provide the opportunity to show the world your  beautiful smile.

For more information about orthodontic treatment and its benefits, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. McSweeney, please give us a call at our office!