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!