January 5th, 2016

ClearCorrect treatment has become a very popular treatment for teens as well as adults in the past few years. There are many reasons why they are rated as one of the number-one options for realigning teeth, but some of the options may stand out more than others.
ClearCorrect is custom made with modern 3D technology to ensure the perfect fit. This means that each aligner that is provided to you by Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow has been specifically made for you based on impressions and X-rays of your teeth. The aligners are conveniently replaced every few weeks to keep your teeth adjusting correctly.
Although traditional metal braces do the job they aren’t always comfortable. They have to be adjusted every month and can cause some soreness for several days after. The rubber bands and brackets can also be an aggravation while eating, not to mention the rubber bands have been known to come off and be swallowed while eating.
Visibility
ClearCorrect are clear, hence the name. They are literally unnoticeable and have a very smooth surface. Traditional braces are very obvious and usually metal colored. The option of having a clear or invisible form of treatment helps teens stay self-confident.
Convenience of Each Type of Treatment
Unlike traditional braces ClearCorrect is easily removable to be able to eat, drink as well as to brush and floss teeth. This helps greatly with oral hygiene.
Clear Correct also causes less soreness after changing to new aligners versus getting the traditional braces adjusted. There is also no mouth irritation due to not having wires or brackets to deal with.
Overall, ClearCorrect is more desired because of the many options as well as the convenience. Make an appointment at our Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA office today to see if ClearCorrect will work for your individual orthodontic needs.
December 29th, 2015

Our team at Donald P. Connolly, DDS knows that there are many ways you can protect your pearly whites throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you follow the rules and brush your teeth twice a day, floss often, and protect your appliances from damage, you should have a successful treatment.
But did you know there’s another way to keep your teeth sparkling and healthy during your time wearing braces?
Fluoride, the mineral that helps you prevent cavities and tooth decay, can also help keep your teeth strong. Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Depending on your oral health or the recommendation of Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. We may also prescribe a fluoride product such as a mouthwash, gel, or antibacterial rinse for at-home treatment to keep your teeth happy in between visits.
If you have any other questions about fluoride or your treatment, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!
December 22nd, 2015

You can probably see how teeth straightening can make your smile more attractive, but you might be wary of how Invisalign Teen treatment works. If you’re like most teens at our Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA office, you love hanging out with your friends, and you don’t want to be different, watch what you eat, or worry about how you look. Invisalign Teen has several benefits over traditional metal braces that can make your treatment easier.
People won’t know you’re wearing them.
Invisalign Teen consists of clear trays that are virtual impossible for others to see. Chances are, the only people who know that you are getting your teeth straightened will be your family and any of your friends whom you choose to tell. You won’t need to answer to “Tinsel Teeth” and “Metal Mouth” as some of your classmates with metal braces do.
You can eat what your friends eat.
You take your Invisalign Teen aligners out of your mouth for meals and snacks, so you can eat just like you normally would. You don’t need to worry about food getting stuck in your braces or leading to a bracket popping off. Unlike with braces, you can enjoy the following foods with your friends during Invisalign Teen straightening treatment:
- Popcorn at the movies
- Trail mix with dried fruit when you’re hanging out together
- Ribs and chicken wings at a party
- Eating a peanut butter sandwich, apple, and carrot sticks for lunch
You can take care of your teeth more easily.
It would be a shame if you took the trouble to straighten your teeth and then found out that you had developed tooth decay while wearing braces. This is less of a problem with Invisalign Teen aligners because they are removable. You can brush and floss your teeth as normal just by taking the trays out of your mouth.
Getting straighter teeth can be a serious confidence-booster in the long run, and with Invisalign Teen, the treatment isn’t that bad. You can wear these clear aligners without letting people know that you’re straightening your teeth, and they won’t interfere with your diet or dental hygiene.
December 15th, 2015

The advancement of orthodontic procedures has a come a long way. Today, there is always a way to meet each individual's personal smile needs in a relaxing, stress-free, and pain-free way. In-Ovation technology is no different. With its free-sliding system, many patients report positive experiences. Let's take a look at how the In-Ovation treatment process takes place.
What You'll Experience When You Choose In-Ovation
In-Ovation helps your teeth shift gently over time without added pressure. The process has been designed for you to spend less time in our Santa Cruz, Aptos, or Watsonville, CA office at long appointments having braces checkups, while still achieving a beautiful smile.
Our patients share that there are many advantages to selecting In-Ovation braces. Your visit with us will be shorter, and the overall time from when you begin the treatment process to finishing with a new smile is much shorter than traditional braces. Patients also tell us that far less irritation occurs when selecting these braces.
In-Ovation braces are referred to as self-ligating braces. We find that the free-slide technology that makes them unique also results with improved facial proportion and appearance. Another noteworthy characteristic is the small size of these braces. This means that patients can perform efficient teeth cleaning, leading to less plaque buildup.
Many of our patients are surprised to hear that braces are not simply for children. We assure our patients that there is no better time than now to achieve your best dental health. Because the In-Ovation system requires far less time and maintenance from start to finish, they are very ideal for busy adults. At your visit, Dr. Don Connolly and Dr. Stanley Sokolow will discuss which In-Ovation style best reflects your needs depending on how much overall movement will be necessary to achieve long-term results.
Trying to decide if the In-Ovation dental procedure is right for you? Our highly trained team invites you to call us for an appointment. We look forward to seeing you at a visit soon.