Brodsky Orthodontics want to know: What did you do in November?

Believe it or not, we’re almost in December – and in full holiday mode! But before you go celebrating, Drs. Brodsky and team want to know: Did you do anything exciting this month? Do you have plans for Thanksgiving? If so, we'd love to hear all about it!

You may share your stories with us here, on our social networks or by giving us a call!
--The team at Brodsky Orthodontics

20th Annual Skate Depot Summer Party, with Brodsky Orthodontics

This past Tuesday evening from 6-8pm, Brodsky Orthodontics held its 20th Annual Skate Depot Summer Party in Cerritos for all of their patients. Approximately 350 patients and friends showed up for this fabulous event. The evening started with a free skate around the ring. After about one hour, everyone did the “hokey pokey” and turned themselves around. The evening concluded with a raffle where 10 lucky patients won a gift certificate to Golden Spoon.



Many Brodsky Orthodontics team members were seen slowly making their way around the ring. Both Dr. Charles and Dr. Brodsky made multiple appearances skating around the ring. Dr. Charles decided to go with in-line rollerblade skates, while Dr. B chose to go with the more “traditional” skates. Thankfully, neither doctor was seen falling.

Thanks for attending this wonderful exciting event. If for some reason anyone was unable to make it this year, we look forward to seeing you on skates next August.

Dr. Brodsky Uses His Cleft Palate Skills In Zambia

Dr. Brodsky was able to use his skills in Cleft Palate care while in Zambia. Dr B’s guide confided to him that his newborn baby daughter was born with a cleft lip and palate and it remained unrepaired. The guide brought his wife and 2 month old daughter to the hotel Dr. Brodsky was staying at in Livingstone, Zambia for an examination and consultation.

This beautiful little girl did indeed have a cleft lip and palate. Unfortunately, there was not a trained surgeon who could correct this problem there. Upon returning to the US, Dr. B networked with his colleagues and was able to arrange for a surgeon to go to Livingstone and operate on the child. This will occur at the beginning of June. Dr. Brodsky never thought his skills as an orthodontist would be required in Africa!

Dr. Brodsky Visits Africa!

Dr. Joel Brodsky and his wife recently returned from a 2 week visit to Africa. They visited three countries: South Africa, Zambia and Botswana. While there they saw many animals including Lions, Rhinos, Giraffes, Hippos, Elephants, Zebras, Monkeys, Baboons, etc. Dr B’s favorite animal was the wart hog which is featured in the movie Lion King.

The saddest part of the trip was visiting a village in Zambia where 30% of the children are orphans because both parents have died of AIDS. These three countries have the highest rate of AIDS infection in the world--affecting more than 10% of the population! Despite efforts to educate the people the rate of AIDS infection is not decreasing in Africa nor is the rate of death from the disease. In Zambia, a country of 10 million, almost 1 million have the disease. This year 89,000 people will die from it. The number of orphans in the country is already over 800,000!

Dr. Brodsky Patient Reviews

Here at Brodsky Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on making your orthodontic experience enjoyable and efficient. Just hear what our patients are saying about our excellent service! Dr. Brodsky is always in the office and I never have to see different doctors. The office setting is beautiful and always clean. They have cutting edge technology and there are cookies and coffee. I do not feel like having braces is a punishment! I could go on and on!
-Zindy T.

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

They are nice and friendly and they try their best to make it as painless as possible
-Marsea W.

They are very accommodating!
-Candace S.

Brodsky Orthodontics is so kid-oriented. They have x-boxes and a TV so we can watch movies. Also, the staff is really nice.
-Donna H.

They talk to you like a person, not a patient!
-Nadia S.

I was a patient of Dr. Brodsky’s when I was a teen and I really liked the atmosphere in his office and his service and rewards programs. My sister and I have brought our kids and families to him. He's great and his staff is also. He must treat them well, because they are always pleasant and helpful.
-Cynthia G.

I have known Dr. Brodsky for a very long time as all four of my children have come to his office for orthodontics. His office is very cheerful and Dr. Brodsky and his staff are wonderful.
-Cindy F.

A Nifty "Eggs"periment from Dr. Brodsky

As the winter months drag on you may be running out of ideas to keep your little ones occupied. Why not use a fun and simple science experiment to focus their attention for a while? This one includes a lesson about why it’s important to brush teeth to make plaque go away.

Gather the items you will need for this experiment:

* 1 hard-boiled egg with the shell on
* 12 ounces of Coke, Pepsi or other dark-colored cola
* 1 container large enough to hold the cola and egg
* 1 plastic bowl
* 1 toothbrush
* 1 drop of fluoride toothpaste
* Clean-up supplies

Explain to your child that plaque is a sticky layer of germs that collects on her teeth. If she doesn’t brush, plaque can cause serious problems for her teeth, for example holes in the teeth (cavities) or swollen gums (gingivitis). Tell her that you are going to do an experiment to see how plaque coats her teeth, and why brushing twice a day is important for healthy teeth and gums.

Conduct the experiment:

1. Make the comparison between the white color of the egg and the white color of your child's teeth.

2. Place the egg into the container and pour the cola over it, so that it completely covers the egg.

3. Let the egg sit in the cola for 24 hours.

4. Remove the egg from the cola. The egg will be stained and yellowish.
5. Explain to your child that the colored layer that has appeared on top of the eggshell is just like the layer of plaque that occurs on her teeth.

6. Place the egg in the plastic bowl and give your child the toothbrush with the drop of toothpaste on it.

7. Let her brush the "plaque" off of the egg. The yellowish film will disappear, exposing the white eggshell. Explain that the same thing happens when she brushes her teeth.

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on You - Lakewood, CA Orthodontist

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling 562-732-4750. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Remember to See Your Dentist! - Brodsky Orthodontics

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to your orthodontic visits. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

The Tooth Fairy - Dr. Brodsky

Losing your first tooth, or any baby tooth for that matter, can be exciting! Your baby tooth may be gone, but in no time you will have a bigger, “grown-up” tooth in its place. So what do you do with the lost tooth? That’s simple…place it under your pillow at night and when you are fast asleep the tooth fairy will come and whisk your tooth away leaving behind a special gift just for you! Here’s a simple craft project I found a little while back that will help make the tooth fairy’s job a little easier and give your tooth a special place to stay until it is taken away. Please click on the link for instructions and pictures!

Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box
(remember to ask your parents for help when using hot glue and scissors)

What you will need
• I large empty match box
• Enough felt to wrap the box and inside sliding tray
• Ribbon
• Glue (tacky glue or a hot glue gun)
• Markers
• White, pink and blue (or your favorite color) felt for decorating the matchbox
• Scissors

Step 1: Pull the inner tray out of the box and line the inside with glue and felt as shown. Wrap the outside of the box with felt and glue it in place.

Step 2: Glue ribbon to the outside of the box in a hanging loop shape. Fold another piece of ribbon in half and glue it to the bottom of the inner tray to create a handle for sliding it in and out.

Step 3: Draw a tooth shape on paper, cut it out, and trace it onto the white felt twice. Cut out the teeth and face details.

Step 4: Decorate the teeth with the eyes and cheeks and draw on a mouth. Glue one tooth to the outside of the box.

Step 5: Create a tooth pocket by applying glue to the sides and bottom of the remaining tooth as shown, leaving an opening at the top. Glue the pocket to the inside tray. Once the glue dries, the box is Tooth Fairy-ready. Have your child put the tooth inside the inner pocket and hang it outside their door before your child goes to bed!

Katherine Heigl Struggles with Crooked Teeth

Everyone struggles with little imperfections. Making crooked teeth straight, stained teeth sparkling white and chipped teeth smooth is part of what I do as an orthodontist. The sense of renewed self confidence that comes to my patients after having some sort of reconstructive work is what makes my job worthwhile.

Consider Katherine Heigl, award winning actress, and considered by many the Grace Kelly of our day. She describes struggling with crooked teeth her whole life until finally there came a point when she said "enough is enough!" She decided to do something to straighten her teeth.

I think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell me what you think! Have you ever struggled with this same problem? Have you felt the relief of smiling to reveal a straight, bright smile after hiding crooked ones for so long? Contact us so we can hear your story, or help you create a new beautiful smile and a story of your own!

Understanding Cavities - Lakewood, CA Orthodontist

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between your teeth and braces where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up in addition to your regular orthodontic appointments

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

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?