Toothbrush Trivia! - Brodsky Orthodontics

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

$1.50 for a Cavity?? Dr. Brodsky Can Help!

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Soft Bread
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Sliced meat

Good Breath Gone Bad! - Brodsky Orthodontics

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!

Fluoride Is Your Friend!

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

What's So Special About an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Brodsky started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Brodsky decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Moooove Over Gum Disease!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults 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. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at 562-732-4750 or visit www.drbrodskysmile.com.

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 562-732-4750. Dr. Brodsky can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

When is Thumb-sucking a Cause for Worry?

Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call at 562-732-4750 and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Why Is it So Important to Have Straight Teeth?

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 562-732-4750 to set up a consultation. Dr. Brodsky can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brodsky please call 562-732-4750 and visit our web site.

Is Invisalign® Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Brodsky is a premier certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 562-732-4750.

Aquarium came to us!

July 17th We had a day with the Fishes!

We invited the Aquarium of the Pacific to stop by so we can bring the Pacific Ocean to our patients and friends. They brought their dynamic mobile tide pool exhibit truck "Aquarium on Wheels." The aquarium staff will taught us all about California marine inhabitants. There was a touch tank that had REAL LIVE sharks, sea stars, anemones and a whole lot more marine life. It's was an awesome experience to feel a slippery sea cucumber or experience the rough textured skin of a shark.

Little Yellow "Green" Car!

Maybe some of you have noticed the little bright yellow car parked in our parking lot. That's Dr. Brodsky's new Smart Car. A few years ago while Dr. Brodsky and his wife were in Europe, he decided he would buy a Smart Car if they ever became availabe in the US.
It was a long wait and process to get that little car. Initially, Dr. Brodsky had to put his name on a 9 month waiting list just to order the car. Next, it took another month before he could pick up his sporty yellow car.
This stylish foreign car weighs about 1800 pounds, carries the driver and one passanger. People worry about its safety on the road but amazingly it passed with an outstanding four star crash test rating. The Smart Car is distributed through Mercedes-Benz . It has a three cylinder engine and gets 35 miles to the gallon.
Dr. Brodsky says, "It's the coolest car I've ever owned and I am happy to be a part of the 'green' generation!"

Doctors went fishing!

The Doctors Fishing Adventure

Dr. B. and Dr. Charles headed to Alaska over the July 4th weekend to a small fishing village named Seldovia some 120 miles south of Anchorage. Dr. B. caught a large 40 pound King Salmon and numerous halibuts. Dr. Charles' largest catches were a 35 pound halibut and a 35 pound King Salmon. It was special for the doctors to have their fishes filleted and packaged to fly home with them. They returned home with 100 pounds of frozen fish for their family and friends. Wow! When's the BBQ?

Why Braces?

Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Treatment by Dr. Brodsky can be less costly than the additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident.

Brodsky Imaging

We are pleased to announce the addition to our orthodontic office of a craniofacial imaging center called Brodsky Imaging. Our imaging center will provide low radiation three-dimensional Computerized Tomography (3-D CT) images to our orthodontic patients utilizing the overwhelmingly popular I-CAT Cone Beam CT scanner. This new and exciting technology will enable the doctors to obtain high definition, 3-D CT scans of our patients' maxilla and mandible. With one scan, lasting under 10 seconds, the doctor will be able to obtain all the necessary x-rays required for orthodontic treatment.

Because of the uniqueness of our I-CAT machine, we allow the surrounding dental and medical community to use our machine to create images for their patients. All scans are taken in a very patient-friendly atmosphere where the patient can be seated in an upright position similar to a standard panoramic procedure. We will provide the referring doctor with either a CD-ROM or printed copies of the data. This 3-D data can be utilized for:

• Dental implant planning
• Orthodontic/Surgical Studies
• Impacted teeth evaluations
• TMJ studies
• Bone grafting evaluations
• Sinus and Airway studies
• Oral path/reconstruction studies
• Endodontic studies

The level of radiation exposure with this technology (34-68 uSv) is much lower than your typical medical CT scan (1200-3300 uSv) or full mouth series x-rays (150 uSv).

For dentists interested in taking this technology a step further, Brodsky Imaging will help you navigate the world of computer-guided implant surgery. The CT scans we provide are easily imported into third party dental implant planning software such as: Nobel Guided Surgery™, Simplant™, and VIP/Implant Logic Systems™. The software listed allows you to precisely plan an implant case prior to surgery, avoiding regional anatomy, measuring bone width pre-operatively, order surgical drill guides and even generate a provisional or final prosthesis if desired.

Brodsky Imaging is excited and proud to provide the latest and most advanced craniofacial imaging for our patients as well as the local medical/dental community.

Everybody Benefits from Braces!

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Celebrating Getting Your Braces Off?

Today I came across a video that was too funny to pass up! This boy is celebrating getting his braces off, and what better way to do it than to show off his new pearly whites in song. While you're watching his hysterical rendition of today's pop music, check out how straight his teeth are after treatment.

Braces Come in Different Shapes

I know that title sounds odd, but it's true! An orthodontist from Omaha just patented a new fun way to wear braces - as hearts, stars, soccer balls, you name it! Here's the whole story:

Omaha orthodontist Dr. Clarke Stevens tries to run a fun practice.

He keeps videos running in his office. He holds contests. One day, he noticed an 8-year-old patient's little heart necklace. "I thought, 'You know, it would be cute if she had hearts on her teeth'."

So he found a manufacturer to make brackets for braces in shapes. He started in 2001 with hearts and stars. Then he added soccer balls, footballs, flowers and diamonds to the patented WildSmiles Braces lineup.

They're popular with kids, he said, but some adults opt for them, too. Women in their 40s have chosen them. Two 50-year-old guys picked footballs.

The company now sells the braces around the world — they're big in South America — and has representatives in Dubai, London, Australia and Spain, Stevens said. About 460 doctors now use WildSmiles, which he said are made in the United States.

Shaped brackets might add $35 to an orthodontist's costs, he said, but most don't pass that on to patients.

Another Invisalign Patient Testimonial

How to Beat Bad Breath

Yup, you read it right, how to beat bad breath is the topic of the week. I know that it's not the most elegant thing to write about, but that doesn't change the fact that it's important. Here are some quick tips on how to tackle any bad breath problems:

• Gargle with water.

• Brush your teeth, tongue, roof of your mouth, and gums at least twice a day with toothpaste.

• Floss your teeth once each day.

• Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

• Eat less meat.

• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products, such as snuff or chewing (spit) tobacco.

• Avoid foods and drinks that cause bad breath, such as garlic and alcohol.

Tooth Spas in London

Yes, you read the title of this post right. I was scanning the local news about Invisalign and how it has become the huge topic of conversation these days, and found that oral health is now the new big "fad" in London! It turns out, that dentists are getting together and offering their services in much the same way as nail salons with what they call walk in "Tooth Spas."

It's quite an interesting idea. Instead of walking into a nail salon and getting your nails painted, you can step into a tooth spa for a teeth whitening or a "gloss and shine." One noted Tooth Spa in London is called Toothplace. Though this seems like a great idea, my only fear is the level of expertise that can be provided in a walk-in environment. The health of your teeth will effect the overall health of your entire body, so it's important, when choosing an orthodontist or dentist, that you don't take it lightly.

What are your thoughts on this new fad?

More About Getting Invisalign in Lakewood California

Have you been considering Invisalign but haven't been able to find any unbiased information online about it? I came across this video today that shows exactly how one patient has reacted to her Invisalign aligners. Clearly, she loves the product, but she also lets people know exactly how she feels in her first 10 minutes of wearing Invisalign:

Improving your oral health will improve your overall health

As science continues to evolve and answer questions about why things are the way they are, we are gaining abundant knowledge on how oral health affects overall health. Though younger generations are getting educated even earlier about the importance of keeping your teeth clean, there is a different generation that has been left untapped... at least until recently.

In an article I read entitled: Museum event focuses on oral health needs, news for older adults, I got to read first hand about how a company called OralLongevity is working to educate the elderly about the importance of oral health.

This event is one of several outreach activities the OralLongevity initiative has planned this year to reach consumers and patients age 55 and older with oral health information targeted directly to their needs.

"The National Museum of Dentistry's new Elderhostel program addressed issues that affect older Americans, such as how mouths change as we age, and how this change can alter utilization of dental services," said Dr. Janet Yellowitz, director of geriatric dentistry at the University of Maryland Dental School

Take some time to read the article and then let me know what you think.

Baby Teeth – and Gums! – Need Special Care

Baby Teeth – and Gums! – Need Special Care

One question we hear all the time is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?” In fact, you should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast- or bottle-feeding, use a clean, damp washcloth to rub your baby’s gum tissue – gently. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in, you can switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, give us a call at 562-732-4750.

Thinking About Getting Invisalign in Lakewood California?

Have you been considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth? As an ELITE Premier Provider of Invisalign in Lakewood, Northern Orange County, and Lakewood, California, I understand the excitement patients have when it comes to invisible aligners. Invisalign is a unique advancement in orthodontics, and I'm happy to put that invisible smile on the face of my patients! To learn more about Invisalign, check out this informative video I came across:

Get rewarded!

Get Points and Redeem for Great Prizes!

For as little as 3 points, you can start redeeming for great prizes. Look for additional contests throughout your journey to earn even more points! Visit our website often for the latest updates! You can view your points any time at www.drbrodskysmile.com, then click Patient Rewards on the menu. Enter your 9 digit Rewards Card number to see your current points, view the on-line Reward Guide and check for special contests and prizes.

How You Earn Points...

You can earn points several different ways, here is how:

Clinical Rewards - Earn 3-10 Points

• Having Diagnostic records the same day as your consultation - 10 points
• Having Diagnostic records on any other day then the consultation - 3 points

Clinical Rewards - Earn 1 Point

• Terrific Oral Hygiene
• Nothing Loose or Broken
• Wearing Appliances as instructed
• Brushing effectively after signing in for appointments
• Being on Time for your appointment
• Scheduling you next appointment before leaving the office

General Dentist Visitation - Earn 1-2 Points

• Seeing your Dentist or Hygienist for a cleaning - 1 point
• No cavities at your dental exam - 1 point
• Seeing Dentist as requested for treatment (extractions, restorations, chain, etc) - 2 points

Practice Building Rewards - Earn 2-100 Points

• Referring a friend or family member for a consultation - 100 points
• When your referral starts their treatment with us - 100 points
• Wearing our office T-shirt to your appointment - 1 point
• Participating in an office contest - 1 point
• Sharing a written testimonial about our office - 5 points
• Becoming a member on our “myspace” page - 2 points

Patient Leadership Rewards - Earn 1-2 Points

• For each “A” earned on Report Card - 1 point
• Community Service (5points for every 30 minutes)
• Personal Successes (Pt earns an award, article in paper) - 2 points

"Kids Club" Rewards - Earn 1-2 Points

• Each baby tooth lost - 2 points
• Recall check up - 1 point
• Bring in your drawing of the “Tooth Fairy” - 1 point
• Write a story about the “Tooth Fairy” - 2 points

Tooth Fairy pictures coming soon!

Are You Getting a Rebate Check from the IRS?

The Internal Revenue Service will begin sending more than 130 million economic stimulus payments starting May 2.

If anyone in your family or you have been considering orthodontic treatment this may be the time to visit our office and discuss how you can use your rebate for the down payment.

Below is some important information about "Stimulus" payments you might not know:

Payments will be made by direct deposit for individuals who have chosen to receive their 2007 income tax refunds through direct deposit. All others will receive their economic stimulus payments in the form of a check.

Stimulus payments will be sent out in the order of the last two digits of the Social Security number used on your tax return. Taxpayers may receive their checks at different times than their neighbors or other family members. On a jointly filed return, the first Social Security number listed will determine the mail-out date.

The IRS offers the availability of an on-line calculator on www.IRS.gov to help taxpayers determine if they are eligible to receive an economic stimulus payment and how much they can expect.

Welcome aboard - Dr. Van Allen

Dr. Miriam Van Allen was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California Los Angeles in 2000. After completing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Van Allen then attended the UCLA School of Dentistry, where she was president of the Alpha Omega dental organization, president of the student chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists, and vice-president of her dental school class. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2005.



After dental school, Dr. Van Allen moved to Colorado to complete her orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Colorado, Denver. During her orthodontic residency training, she received an advanced certification in Invisalign clear braces treatment and attended numerous lectures on orthodontic miniscrew implants, along with completing a research project involving digital modeling for orthodontic treatment plans. Dr. Van Allen enjoys enhancing her orthodontic knowledge by pursuing the most advanced proven techniques the orthodontic profession has to offer. In return, Dr. Van Allen is able to provide her patients with only the best of care in a compassionate manner.

Currently, Dr. Van Allen enjoys being back in Southern California, taking full advantage of both the sun and surf. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the Los Angeles Dental Society, the California Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. In addition to her involvment in both the local and dental communities, she loves the theater, dancing, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

We are proud to have her as a part of our team.

Pot of Gold Contest Winners

Congratulations to our six Pot of Gold winners!
They had the luck of the Irish as they searched the office for the forty Pots of Gold.
Our winners are: J. Girard, A. Jimenez, K. Hollisger, K. Padian, D. Chavez and J. Derouso. All winners will receive a $15 gift certificate for Target. Your gift cards will be mailed to you.

Upcoming Contests:
Soon we will be starting one of our favorite contests. Our patients will get to acknowledge their parents for Mother's and Father's Day.

New Technology in Our Office - Cone Beam 3-D Imaging

We are proud to announce that we are the only orthodontic office in Southern California with an iCAT2 Imaging machine. This state-of-the-art unit provides us with a 3-D x-ray scan of the head and has revolutionized the way we evaluate our orthodontic patients.


The 3-D x-ray scan allows us to look at any part of the skull in various aspects. The typical scan time is only 8.5 seconds and allows us to visualize the jaw joints, the dental arches and the face.

Certainly the iCAT system sets us apart and gives us a huge competitive edge. We are proud of the outstanding services and the quality of care we can provide to our patients.

One iCATscan can improve our diagnosis and treatment planning by providing us with multiple analyses that were not available to us before. It allows us to accurately assess tooth relationships from an amazing three dimensional image. We can use this information to plan treatment of impacted teeth , evaluate true root position and root length, diagnose TMJ problems, analyze arch length precisely, and fabricate virtual study models.

Using Cone Beam 3-D imaging in our office, unquestionably eliminates the quesswork inherent to our profession and results in better diagnosis and treatment planning.

Safety is always our concern for our staff and patients. With a low exposure rate a Cone Beam 3-D x-ray is comparable to three traditional panoramic x-rays. But the diagnostic images created from just one iCAT scan produces a panorex x-ray, lateral ceph, frontal ceph, TMJ series, numerous slices, anatomical structure information and interactive 3D volumetric renderings.

This is wonderful news! Cone Beam Imaging technology is reducing the amount of radiation to our patients and produces many more images from the one scan.

Types of Orthodontic Appliances in Lakewood, CA - Pt. 1

Types of Appliances

There are many types of orthodontic appliances available when choosing the best treatment to straighten your teeth. At Brodsky Orthodontics, we take your smile personally and work hard to ensure that you receive only the best orthodontic treatment available. As an orthodontist in Lakewood, California (CA), I understand the needs of my patients and their families. It is important to learn about all of the options available to you. As such, this is part one in a series of posts related to types of orthodontic appliances available at my Lakewood, CA orthodontic practice.

To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, patients must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands), headgear or other appliances as prescribed. The following paragraphs describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment.

Separators (Spacers)

Separators are little rubber rings that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before we place the bands. To prevent separators from being removed prematurely, please avoid eating sticky foods and do not try to floss around them.

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander (widens) the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Brodsky and his staff will instruct their patients how to adjust the expander.

Orthodontics & Braces for Children in Lakewood, California (CA)

Orthodontics for Children in Lakewood, California - Your Top Invisalign Orthodontist

It is best for Dr. Brodsky to see children around age 7 to advise if early interceptive orthodontic treatment is required. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by this time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can have significant importance in treating some malocclusions.

Early treatment does not benefit all children. If early treatment is not needed, orthodontic treatment may not need to begin until the age of 10 or 12. At this age, most children are about to lose their last couple “baby” teeth. This is the most ideal time to start treatment. Once children lose their last “baby” tooth, orthodontic treatment can become more challenging. It is recommended that all children be seen by Dr. Brodsky by age 15. At age 15 certain bones in the face permanently fuse together, which may make orthodontics more difficult and less predictable in certain cases.

Getting Braces in Lakewood, California - Your Invisalign Orthodontists

Serving Lakewood, Northern Orange County, and Long Beach California (CA) for years, we at Brodsky Orthodontics work hard to give our patients only the best state-of-the-art orthodontic appliances available. This is why we became Invisalign Certified orthodontists early on - to stay on the cutting edge of orthodontics and better serve our California patients. Part of our service includes educating each patient on their options to help them make an empowered decision. This blog is used to provide further information for current and prospective patients. For today's post, we are going to discuss the different types of braces available at our Lakewood, California (CA) orthodontic practice.

Traditional Metal Braces
Orthodontists in Lakewood, Northern Orange County, and Long Beach California (CA)

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Ceramic Braces
Braces and More in Lakewood, Northern Orange County, and Long Beach California (CA)

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefor less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, they are very popular with adults and teenagers. Ceramic braces are somewhat smoother than metal braces, and we have found them to be equal to metal braces in performance and durability. Clear ceramic braces also will not stain during treatment.

Invisible Braces (Invisalign)
Invisalign in Lakewood, Northern Orange County, and Long Beach California (CA)

Clear appliances (such as Invisalign) use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. And, no one can tell you are wearing those aligners because they are invisible! Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Lingual Braces
iBraces and More in Lakewood, Northern Orange County, and Long Beach California (CA)

Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore "invisible" when you smile. Lingual braces are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth, and therefore the metal appliances are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors/actresses, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals.

For more information about getting orthodontic treatment in Northern Orange County, Long Beach, or Lakewood California (CA) contact the Invisalign orthodontists at Brodsky Orthodontics!