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.

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.

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!

Learn About Invisalign

Invisalign®

Both Dr. Joel and Charles Brodsky are

ELITE Premier Invisalign® Providers

Consider Invisalign® to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted – without braces. A complimentary consultation with the doctors can determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Because both doctors have treated well over 300 cases, they have been given a special ELITE designation by Invisalign, indicating their special experience which most other orthodontists in the area do not have.

What is it?

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.

Why would I want it?

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 no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in the office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How does it work?

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Brodsky has prescribed. You'll visit Dr. Brodsky about once every 6-8 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.



Learn more about Invisalign on their web site at www.invisalign.com.