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Patients with special needs, conditions and disabilities deserve a team of professionals who are experienced and willing to work with them to create a comfortable, relaxing environment. We warmly embrace special needs patients in our office, and as a result, have enjoyed their unique talents and gifts. Some of our most amazing and compliant patients are special needs patients. We are careful with each patient and always make sure that the parents and patient are well-informed on the treatment and progress. If your child is initially skeptical about orthodontics or even just plain scared, we recommend that you bring them in once a month until your child feels comfortable with Dr. Douglas and Larry Harte, our staff, and our office environment. By seeing your child monthly we are building a relationship with them, ensuring their comfort.

We encourage you to ask any questions while you are in our Spartaor Livingston, NJ office. You can also give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas and Larry Harte. We look forward to serving your family!

In honor of June being Dairy Month, Dr. Douglas and Larry Harte and our team at Harte Orthodontics would like to remind our patients about the importance of dairy to your overall health! Regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, has been found to lower your chances of contracting gum disease (also known as periodontal disease).

Those who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth and a smile that will last a lifetime.

Questions about which foods you should steer clear of and which you should enjoy? Give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Most of our patients at Harte Orthodontics will need to wear rubber bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment. The main reason our patients are instructed to wear rubber bands is to correct their bite. If your teeth do not fit together properly, Dr. Douglas and Larry Harte will recommend that rubber bands be used. Dr. Douglas and Larry Harte may also recommend using rubber bands to close or open spaces.

Rubber bands are a critical part of your treatment, and wearing them as Dr. Douglas and Larry Harte and our team recommend will help move your teeth into the desired position. Dr. Douglas and Larry Harte may ask you to wear your rubber bands full time, meaning that they should only be taken out when you brush and floss your teeth three times a day. Other times, you may be asked to only wear them part-time, like only during the day or only during sleep.

If you still have any questions about orthodontic rubber bands, we invite you to give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment appointment. Remember, wearing rubber bands as prescribed by Dr. Douglas and Larry Harte is an important step during your treatment, and can reduce the time you have your braces. If you lose your rubber bands or run out, stop by our Spartaor Livingston, NJ office and pick up more!

Memorial Day didn't become an official holiday until 1971, but Americans started gathering annually in the spring to remember those who lost their lives in war during the 1860s, right after the Civil War. Celebrated on the last Monday in May, people still decorate the grave sites of war veterans and hold memorial services, but Memorial Day has also evolved into a day that signifies the beginning of summer.

During the summer months, many people take road trips to visit family members. Some head off to the airport to enjoy a long-awaited vacation far away, while others look forward to spending time with friends and family at home. However you spend Memorial Day and the subsequent summer months, there are a few things you can take care of to ensure your summertime is enjoyable.

Checklist for an Enjoyable Summer

• Have the AC Checked. During the hottest days of summer, many families find themselves sweating it out due to a broken air conditioning system. Be proactive so you can avoid waiting for hours or days because the HVAC repair person is booked solid. Have your air conditioning system checked before or around Memorial Day each year.
• Ensure Security While You're Away. When you leave for vacation, the last thing you should have to worry about is the security of your home. Install a home security system, if possible, and put a timer on your lights so they go on and off at normal hours. You can also alert your local police department that you'll be gone, and ask them to drive by your house once in a while to make sure everything is okay.
• Visit Dr. Douglas and Larry Harte Before Vacation. Many people put off school-related or annual health exams until after summer vacation. Avoid the crowds and make sure your physical and oral health are in top shape prior to vacation time so there are no unpleasant surprises.
• Plan Your Memorial Day Traditions. Whether you host a barbecue in the Spartaor Livingston, NJ area or beyond, gather for the parade, or spend time at a loved one's grave site, plan your Memorial Day happenings in advance so those you wish to include can be there.

Our team at Harte Orthodontics wants you to look forward to Memorial Day and the days of summer by preparing to spend the time safely and comfortably. As you plan ahead, take care of your health and secure your home, you can place your focus on creating memories with family members and friends while enjoying your favorite Memorial Day traditions.