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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!