Meet Marisa, our new orthodontic assistant (RDA)

Some of you may have noticed a new face in our office the last time you came in for an appointment. We would like to introduce you to our newest staff member, Marisa.

From the first minute we met with Marisa, we felt comfortable with her outgoing and friendly demeanor. She has a wonderful down-to-earth inviting personality that makes everyone feel like they have known her for years. She wears her heart on her sleeve and is willing to go out of her way to help others.

Marisa is a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and has worked in the orthodontic field for over five years. Her favorite orthodontic procedure is removing braces because she says, “I get so excited to see their beautiful smile without their braces on for the very first time.”

A couple of her favorite things to do (outside of work) include watching movies and going out to listen to Reggae Bands perform with her friends and family. In addition, she loves to sing and listen to music with her little pet Chihuahua, Lulu.

We hope that you get to meet Marisa in the office soon. She certainly is a true professional. We are happy to add her to our outstanding staff.

Ask Dr. Brodsky: Do cold germs live on toothbrushes?

Fall is here, and so is the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook if you have any questions!

More happy smiles at Brodsky Orthodontics!

Check out what a few of our patients are saying about our staff and Brodsky Orthodontics lately! Thanks for writing in, everyone!

"Dr. Brodsky was my orthodontist 20+ years ago. He is the nicest man and always cared about how I was doing. Two of my three children are now in treatment with him. I am still impressed with how professional his office is and the fun environment he is able to create. My teeth are still perfectly straight and I can't wait for my children to have straight teeth too :)" ~ Jenn

"I am 11 years old and I don't like people looling at my teeth or in my mouth and my mom told me that when I went to the doctor's he would probably tell me that I had to quit sucking my thumb. When I did go, the young Dr. Brodsky was so nice! I also like putting my finger on the computer (when I check in) and all my friends go here. I'm still afraid but everyone is so nice and it is fun and I have finally stopped sucking my thumb." ~ Cory

"I just started my 3rd child in braces treatment with Dr. Brodsky. Every time I enter that office I am amazed at how professional and cheerful the staff are. The doctors always run on-time (yes no waiting in the reception area). The best part is that the doctors really care about the wellbeing of everyone. My son and daughter both have a magnificent smile and are much more self-confident. They also gave me a real nice family discount for my 3rd child. I trust Dr. Brodsky with my family." ~ Francis

"Dr. Brodsky's office is fantastic!‎‎ Both my sister and I are patients of Dr. Brodsky. We love the way we are treated when we go to our appointments. We love the office with all the great things for kids. Everyone at his office is friendly, efficient and professional. We highly recommend Dr. Brodsky for your braces!!!" ~ Brandon and Brianna

The common cold is back, from Brodsky Orthodontics

Here we go again: it's officially cold and flu season, and once again time to remind our patients at Brodsky Orthodontics to try and steer clear of that cold that's been going around lately.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Lakewood office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients, Drs. Brodsky and Van Allen and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

- The Brodsky Orthodontics team

Dr. Charles is getting married!

Dr. Charles's and Vicky's wedding weekend is about to begin.....stay tuned!

At Brodsky Orthodontics, October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy Friday! For our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics, October means National Orthodontic Health Month. Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and recipes for the Halloween Season.

Here is a brief list of foods we'd like you to avoid:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

Our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics encourage you to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Drs. Joel or Charles or Dr. Van Allen during your next visit if you have any questions!

Ask Brodsky Orthodontics: Why are straight teeth so important?

People ask our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics why we work so tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s great to have a smile full of evenly-aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Lakewood's Brodsky Orthodontics 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, please give us a call at (562) 496-2000 to set up a consultation. Dr. Joel or Charles Brodsky or Dr. Miriam Van Allen can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Brodsky Orthodontics has been providing quality orthodontic care in Lakewood and the Greater Long Beach area for more than 30 years.

Refer a friend, win an iPad at Brodsky Orthodontics!

With the holidays rapidly approaching and the end of the year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to think about gift giving. Why not give a friend or relative that perfect gift (a beautiful smile). It's easy to do, with no cost to you.

Just give them a referral for our office to receive a FREE examination and consultation. For each referral that begins treatment, you will receive a gift or prize and a chance at the grand drawing for an Apple iPad!

Here's how it works:

1st referral: 400 Brodsky points and ONE drawing entry ticket
2nd referral: 600 Brodsky points and TWO drawing entry tickets
3rd referral: 800 Brodsky points and THREE drawing entry tickets
4th referral: 1,000 Brodsky points and FOUR drawing entry tickets
5th referral: 1,500 Brodsky points and FIVE drawing entry tickets

You'll receive your prizes after new patient begins treatment with us between October 1st and December 31st, 2010.

GOOD LUCK!

Brodsky Orthodontics, reminding you September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month

Fall is almost upon us, which means it's a great time for Drs. Brodsky and Van Allen to remind all our patients (especially you athletes) to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in sports this fall. Let's face it: this is a busy time of year sports-wise, whether you're kicking the soccer ball around in the park or training for high school football around Orange County.

With September being National Childhood Injury Prevention Month, our entire staff at Brodsky Orthodontics want you to know that only by using a mouth guard can athletes with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. So, the next time you're in for a visit at our convenient Lakewood office, we encourage you to ask Drs. Joel, Charles or Van Allen for a mouth guard, and we will provide one! For more info on sports injuries and how to avoid them, check out this article.

We hope you've had a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend!

Retainers and YOU, from Brodsky Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Brodsky Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Again! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Brodsky or Van Allen will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth may shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by our doctors and staff is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment, please read this helpful article about retainers or give us a call at (562) 496-2000!

Some fun facts about braces, from Dr. Charles Brodsky

At Brodsky Orthodontics, we know everyone loves fun facts. Who doesn't? The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, have come up with some fun facts about orthodontics we know you'll get a kick out of.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Five reasons to visit Brodsky Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation this summer

With the country still in a recession, many folks in Lakewood, Long Beach and surrounding areas are putting off visiting the orthodontist for a consultation. At Brodsky Orthodontics, we hear all the reasons - vacations, chores, emergencies, etc. Today, Dr. Charles Brodsky and our staff thought we'd give you five reasons to visit our office this summer for an orthodontic consultation.

1. Kids do not need to miss school to get their braces on

2. It is easier for kids to adjust to their braces during the summertime while out of school

3. Fewer scheduling conflicts with homework or organized sports

4. Open enrollment (for Insurance and Flex Plans) usually occurs in the Fall

5. Summer Rewards for starting treament before the end of August

And here's another reason to visit: did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven? Give us a call at (562) 496-2000 to schedule a complimentary consultation!

Drs. Joel and Charles want to know: what's on your summer reading list?

With summer here for another six weeks, our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. With school out, we know it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and helps ward off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, sitting down with a book is always fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites?

Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and we'll be happy to provide a few good titles. Or, you can check out these summer reading ideas that we came across this morning from Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Summer heat safety tips with Brodsky Orthodontics

Let's face it, it gets pretty darn hot in California during the summer, and with the heat wave sweeping through the country recently, we want you to be extra careful when you’re out and about. A few weeks ago, Good Morning America ran a segment on the many ways you can protect yourself from heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related conditions this summer.

We encourage you to watch this short clip and remember to always have a bottle of water handy when heading out! Lastly, here are a few summer safety tips from our friends at WebMD. We hope you’re having a GREAT summer!

Will you be a part of the Braces Brigade?

If you've ever thought about sharing your experience in braces in writing, have we got the perfect opportunity for you! Thanks to our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, here's your chance! The AAO is proud to offer the Braces Brigade campaign, where you can blog about your experience in orthodontic treatment with millions of people and come away with a $100 American Express gift card!

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100-word minimum)

In your blog, you may answer questions such as:

• Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment at Brodsky Orthodontics?
• What advice would you share with other orthodontic patients?
• What does it feel like to get braces on?
• What foods do you miss the most?
• What new foods have you discovered?
• Do your friends have braces or retainers?
• Where is the first place you’re going to show off your new, beautiful smile?
• How has your new smile changed your life?

All applicants must either be an orthodontic patient at Brodsky Orthodontics or the parent of a patient (pre- and post- treatment stages are fine). If you happen to be under 18, your parents must fill out a consent form along with your official entry, giving you permission to enter the contest.

We encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade today! GOOD LUCK!

Patient question: What's Invisalign, and is it right for me? [Video]

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign treatment at Brodsky Orthodontics manages to straighten your teeth without using traditional metallic braces? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient Lakewood office. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call at (562) 496-2000 for a free consultation to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Drs. Charles and Joel are specially trained in Invisalign, and have had extensive experience working with the system with his patients. Elite Premier Providers like Drs. Brodsky have achieved the highest level of experience with the Invisalign system, and are the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the United States!

Ask Brodsky Orthodontics: What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Drs. Brodsky and Van Allen call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Drs. Brodsky and Van Allen will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Brodsky Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

Brodsky Orthodontics present: Patriotic fun facts!

This Sunday, our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics will be celebrating America's 234th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, here are some fun facts about Independence Day we thought you might enjoy! Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Brodsky Orthodontics want to know: What do you love about summer?

At Brodsky Orthodontics, we can't believe summer is already in full force! Today, we thought it'd be a good time to ask: What’s your favorite part about summer? Is it the hot California sun? The free time you get? Spending quality time with friends and family? Grilling barbecue in the backyard and relaxing?

Drs. Joel, Charles and Van Allen (as well as our entire team) would like to know what makes your summer truly special. Let us know by posting on our Facebook page!

Happy Friday!

More happy patients at Brodsky Orthodontics!

About a month ago, we asked our patients to write reviews about their experience at Brodsky Orthodontics. And boy, did they! Thanks so much for your kind words, everyone - here are just some of the things they wrote!

"The staff so far have been outstanding and do their best to work with you. I have to have a gadget screwed to my upper palate and am mortified but have confidence in the staff when they say it will not be that bad. The staff are also very friendly. ~ Janira B.

"Everyone is very friendly, gentle, and personable. I look forward to my orthodontist oppointments to say hi to old friends. I can't wait until my next visit!" ~ Brandi B.

"The staff (of course!!) All of you are so personable to myself and my whole family. I appreciate the time you take to make us comfortable while in your office. My twins love it there and cannot wait to get their appliances on!!!" ~ Traci G.

"One of the things i like about my orthodontist is that thier really nice and have a l of of patients with me. even thought my mom gets mad or angry of the most weirdest things we still love you guys. my orthodontist has a lot of patients..is very gentle..makes me laugh and always puts a smile on my face." ~ Kathy C.

"I am new to this office, having never been to an orthodontist. I find Dr. Brodsky and his staff to be quite professional and warm. Professionalism and friendliness of staff, as well as its overall organization and cleanliness, are of key importance to me. Brodsky Orthodontics has exceeded my expectations in each of these areas." ~ Jennifer B.

Summer sports Q&A with Dr. Charles Brodsky

While we know summer brings joy and fun, we're also aware that the summer season brings with it a greater chance of our athletes in treatment damaging their teeth. If you're playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse, kickball and many, many more. Today, Dr. Charles thought he'd answer some of the most frequent questions we get from patients:

Q: How can I help prevent my teeth from becoming chipped or broken while I play sports this summer?
Wear a mouth guard!

Q: If I’m hit in the mouth, and a tooth gets knocked out, what can/should I do?
1. Find the tooth and determine if it is a baby tooth or adult tooth
2. Hold the tooth by the crown (the surface farthest from the gumline) - not the root
3. If it is an adult tooth, try to put the tooth back in the socket right away and have the child hold it in place
4. If the tooth can not be put back in the socket, store it in cold milk (DO NOT STORE IN TAP WATER)
5. Have the child bite down on a gauze pad to relieve bleeding and pain
6. Go to the dentist or Emergency Room right away

Q: What should I do if I am injured on a weekend when the office is closed?
Call our office for the emergency phone number. One of the doctors will be on call for emergencies 24 hours per day.

Q: Can my teeth be fixed if they are chipped, broken or knocked out?
In most cases, if you see a dentist soon after a tooth injury occurs, the tooth can be fixed. Unfortunately, the long-term health of the injured tooth is compromised.

Q: Are sports drinks bad for my teeth?
Some of them are bad for your teeth depending on the amount of sugar content. They are okay to drink only if you are brushing regularly.

Q: What can I drink to stay hydrated and keep my teeth healthy?
Lots of water.

Q: If I wear Invisalign aligners, will they help protect my teeth, or do I still need to wear a mouth guard?
Invisalign aligners will help protect your teeth from damage and wearing a mouth guard is not necessary.

Q: Can I still play sports while wearing my retainer, or is it best to take it out?
It is best to remove your retainer while playing sports. We have found that retainers are often lost or stepped on while playing sports.

Q: Can I still wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes, a mouth guard is a must while playing contact sports with braces! We sell them in the reception area or you can purchase one at any sporting goods store. Make sure the mouth guard says "for orthodontics." The doctors will be happy to mold it to your teeth so that it fits properly while your teeth move.

We hope that helps! Give us a call at (562) 496-2000 if you have other questions about protecting your mouth this summer!

Let's go Lakers!

Have any predictions for the rest of the series? Let's hear them! Let's go Lakers!

Brodsky Orthodontics, supporting National Smile Month

Now that we’re in June, Drs. Charles and Joel Brodsky and team thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our office.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Charles and Joel Brodsky.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at (562) 496-2000. We hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend!

Post a review of Brodsky Orthodontics online!

Brodsky Orthodontics has been providing quality orthodontic care in Lakewood and the Greater Long Beach area for over 30 years. Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky are dedicated to using the most advanced orthodontic technology and offer a modern, friendly, open environment where patients and their families are encouraged to get involved in their treatment.

Whether you've visited Brodsky Orthodontics for a week or months, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our doctors and staff are faring during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about Brodsky Orthodontics with the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp if you wish. After all, reviews help Drs. Joel and Charles create more beautiful smiles in Lakewood, Long Beach and surrounding communities!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy your week! We look forward to reading all your reviews!

Brodsky Orthodontics, Invisalign Elite Premier Providers in Lakewood

While you probably know that we offer Invisalign treatment at Brodsky Orthodontics, did you know that Dr. Charles and Joel are Invisalign Elite Premier Providers?

You're probably thinking: Ok, so what does this certification mean?

Dr. Charles and Joel are specially trained in the Invisalign system of clear removable aligners, and has had extensive experience working with the system with his patients. Elite Premier Providers like Drs. Brodsky have achieved the highest level of experience with the Invisalign system, and are the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the United States!

If you are considering the Invisalign system, please give us a call at 562-496-2000 at our convenient Lakewood location to schedule a consultation. During this appointment we can work with you to determine if the Invisalign system is right for you!

Drs. Joel and Charles at the AAO Annual Session, part two

Last week, we discussed Drs. Joel and Charles' passion for new technology and continuing education when it comes to orthodontics. Check out this short clip of the doctors after Dr. Joel gave an outstanding presentation on 3D scanning (with lots of help from Dr. Charles).

Enjoy!

Brodsky Orthodontics at the AAO Annual Session!

To better serve Lakewood and surrounding communities -- Bellflower, Long Beach, Cerritos and others -- with highest quality orthodontic care available, Drs. Joel and Charles are committed to to staying at the forefront of the field of orthodontics and accomplish this by attending continuing education courses and conferences all over the country.

One of these conferences is the AAO Annual Session, and through Tuesday, Drs. Joel and Charles are in Washington D.C. attending the Annual Session, an always-educational event that happens to be one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world. It's also a time for us to rub elbows and consult with orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, of course, allows Drs. Joel and Charles to give you, our great patients, the best treatment experience possible.

If you've got an appointment scheduled with us in the coming weeks, we invite you to ask us about our trip, including what we learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us treat you more effectively!

For photos of our trip, head over to our Facebook fan page!

Anyone can have braces! From Brodsky Orthodontics

It's true: Tom Cruise had braces. Not when he was a pimply-faced teenager. No - just 8 years ago! During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Just check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder or Valkyrie! The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky.

In fact, plenty of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Brodsky Orthodontics a call at (562) 496-2000.

New Video! From Brodsky Orthodontics

You know a little about us already, but we'd like to point you to a helpful video about Brodsky Orthodontics and the innovative orthodontic treatments Drs. Joel and Charles offer. We worked hard on producing this video, so check it out and give us a little feedback here or on our Facebook fan page! You may also view other videos on our YouTube channel! Happy Monday!

Dr. Charles shares his experience with braces

Growing up as the son of an orthodontist, I knew from a very young age that if my teeth grew into my mouth crooked, my dad was going to put braces on them. Sure enough, my teeth grew into my mouth twisted, jagged and extremely “bucked.” At the age of 11, my father told me that it was time to start my orthodontic journey. This journey could not have come at a better time for me because a couple of my really good friends from school would tease me about my teeth. While the teasing didn’t bother me too much, I was glad it was not going to go on much longer.

I was definitely a little scared for my first appointment, but it was very comforting to know that my dad was nearby watching over me and doing a lot of the work. Sure enough, getting my braces put on my teeth was rather simple. I had to bite on a special plastic instrument a number of times and stay very still. Unfortunately, the hard part did not start until after I ate dinner at home. My parents tell me that I locked myself in my room and I did not come out for a few days. My teeth were very sore and it hurt to talk. Luckily, after 3 days I was feeling much better. Knowing what I know now, my advice to anyone getting braces would be to relax and take plenty of Tylenol and ibuprofen.

As you might be able to see from my photo, colored braces had been invented prior to me getting my braces on. My teeth went from very crooked to very “cool” overnight. I still remember the first colors I chose for my braces. I chose purple and gold to show off my “Lakers Pride”. However, I felt the most pride the day my braces were removed which marked the end my orthodontic journey (at least I thought it was the end). I was given the gift of straight teeth and now I am lucky enough to give this wonderful gift to all of my patients. While my journey is far from over, I always enjoy watching my patients come to the end of their orthodontic journey with a smile on their face.

Play it safe this spring, from Drs. Joel and Charles

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is upon us, and for Drs. Joel and Charles and our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics that only means one thing: it’s once again time to remind our dear patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

For Drs. Joel and Charles, that’s simply unacceptable.

Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring. We hope the above video helps. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact our staff by calling (562) 496-2000, and we’ll try to answer any question you may have. And remember to have fun and stay safe!

Dr. Joel at the Edward H. Angle Orthodontic Society meeting!

Dr. Joel Brodsky returned from his trip to Baltimore after attending the annual meeting of the Edward H. Angle Orthodontic Society. Dr Angle is considered the father of orthodontics having invented "braces" in the late 1800s. Dr. Brodsky is one of about 100 members of this very prestigious and elite organization made up of orthodontists from around the world who are researchers, academicians and/or clinicians.

Members are invited to join, and must present an original research project and show difficult cases that they have treated. The annual meeting is both a social and scientific event. Orthodontists from the US, Canada, Turkey, England, Australia, Italy, Germany and Japan were in attendance.

The most interesting paper was delivered by an orthodontist from Japan who uses orthognathic surgery first prior to treating his most difficult cases with orthodontics. This runs counter to the accepted thought that you prepare the patient first and set them up for the surgery before the surgery is done. The advantage to this technique is that patients' faces looked more normal near the onset of treatment, as opposed to waiting 18 months for the surgical phase.

Dr. Brodsky was asked to review a paper titled ”Vertical Control with the Herbst Appliance: Fact or Fiction?” presented by an internationally-known orthodontist from Australia. This Herbst appliance is used extensively at Brodsky Orthodontics to correct malocclusions that initially have large overbites. The paper was extremely well done and Dr. Brodsky led a discussion on its merits and posed some interesting questions to the author which led to some spirited discussions as well. We are happy to reaffirm that the manner in which we use this appliance is supported by the science that was presented in this paper.

Dr. Joel Brodsky will be traveling to Washington D.C. at the end of April to present a paper titled “Cone Beam CT in the Private Practice” at the annual meeting of the American Association of Orthodontists. More about that in weeks to come!

Happy Monday!

Tell Brodsky Orthodontics what’s on your mind!

By now, you’re familiar with the drill: Every week, our creative team at Brodsky Orthodontics blog about topics related to orthodontic care and your health, including innovative orthodontic techniques offered at Brodsky Orthodontics. This week, we thought we’d ask our patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Drs. Joel or Charles for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

Give us your best shot, and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Wishing you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day, from Brodsky Orthodontics

We hope you remembered to wear green when you stepped out the door this morning! Whether Irish or not, millions of people in the U.S. and around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day with toasts, parades and "the wearing of the green." Here are some fun facts about St. Patty’s Day that Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky thought you might enjoy:

• St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17th because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history.

• The name “leprechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which simply means “shoemaker.”

• Some American towns have Irish names. They include: Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio and Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia.

• Despite what you may have heard, St. Patrick never banished snakes from Ireland. In fact, no snakes exist or ever existed in Ireland. Ireland is surrounded by icy ocean waters, much too cold to allow snakes to migrate from Britain or anywhere else.

• St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in Boston, in 1737. Approximately 34 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.

Sleep disorders and treatment options in Lakewood and Long Beach, Calif., from Brodsky Orthodontics

Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky, as well as Dr. Van Allen, know sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, with many of these progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens it can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that - if left untreated - can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

Our team at Brodsky Orthodontics also know there are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you think you are suffering from sleep apnea, give us a call at (562) 496-2000. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.

Brodsky Orthodontics has a new web site!

If you happened to be browsing through our web site recently you might have noticed our new design, which has a refined, modern look that exudes warmth and is aesthetically appealing.

The website has many great features that we know you will enjoy and are very user friendly, innovative components including: patient testimonials, staff bios, before and after photos as well as links to our social networking sites. If you want to make your payment online, it’s a snap - just click on "Patient Login" at the top of the page. The site also has a virtual tour of the office and information about all aspects of orthodontic treatment, including TMJ problems, sleep apnea and iCAT 3D x-rays. If you would like to know more about Invisalign, we have two pages of information devoted to the topic with links to our YouTube page.

This website was personally designed by the doctors with you in mind. We have a terrific and beautiful office where patient care comes first. We hope that when you visit our website you will feel proud to be associated with our unique practice, which embraces technology.

While visiting our site, please click on the link to our Facebook Fan Page and become a fan of Brodsky Orthodontics. This is where you can get all the latest up-to-date information about what’s happening at Brodsky Orthodontics.

So... what do you think? Let us know by posting here or giving us a call!

February Marks National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and we thought we'd promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you're going to drink one of these beverages, don't sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Drs. Brodsky, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 60th year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Brodsky Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call!

Brodsky Orthodontics want to know: Where do you go to "get away"?

This morning, we told you about Dr. B's exciting skiing trip in Utah this week. He's skiing with friend Dr. Robert Kaplan, and they've been skiing together for 25 years! Dr. B, who learned how to ski 48 years ago, is still going strong after all these years! With skiing and snowboarding season in full force this winter, do you have a favorite getaway spot in California?

If so, where? What makes it your "spot"? The team at Brodsky Orthodontics would like you, our fellow outdoorsmen, to share with us your stories and tell us all about your favorite places where you go to "get away."

With Brodsky Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Brodsky Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site (LAUNCHING SOON!) and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Lakewood and serving surrounding communities.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what our patients have to say about this service!

"I like the reminders Sesame sends me. I also liked to view the pictures of my daughter and see the progress she has made!" ~ Lauren C.

"I was able to check my account balance and make a payment online. Thank You!" ~ Ron T.

"Helps me remember appointments, billing info. I like the fact the I can see the "before" pictures of my children and compare them as treatment progresses." ~ Amina M.

"Complete access to my daughter's account in the comfort of my home to view at my leisure." ~ Natalie G.

"I pay all of my bills online, so when I was told I would be able to pay my daughter account online I could not believe it. I love it and more doctors should take this into consideration." ~ Jessica C.


You may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the professional team at Brodsky Orthodontics at (562) 496-2000 if you have any questions! Happy Monday!

Drs. Joel and Charles visit the 2010 Mid-Winter Conference

What did you do this weekend? Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky attended a three-day interdisciplinary orthodontic/surgical course on "Dental and Facial Esthetics" in Palm Springs.

The 2010 Mid-Winter Conference, an event sponsored by AAO and AAOMS, held presentations on a variety of topics, including decalcification, restorative dentistry, the ethics of esthetics and facial contour surgery.

Why did we attend? Because the doctors and our entire team at Brodsky orthodontics are committed to continuing education and staying on top of new breakthroughs in the field of orthodontics.

If you have any questions on what we learned at the conference, please ask us next time you're in for an appointment! Have a great week!

Brodsky Orthodontics want to know: How did you spend MLK Day?

In the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the need to bring about social justice, strengthen America's communities and move the nation forward. Today, thousands of people of all ages and races in California spent their day building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Did you have the day off? If so, what did you do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call!

Drs. Brodsky and the entire team are proud of your work in our community! Happy MLK Day!

What puts you at ease at Brodsky Orthodontics?

Drs. Brodsky understand not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Brodsky Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our personable staff? Is it something about our fun and friendly doctors?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Invisalign Tips, from Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively.

Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, Drs. Brodsky say, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.

If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Brodsky Orthodontics, give us a call!

It's January 4th, and we are glad to be back in the office!