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 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."

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!

Patient reviews for Brodsky Orthodontics

Brodsky Orthodontics, serving Lakewood and surrounding communities, has been receiving some great patient testimonials lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Drs. Brodsky and team! Have a great week!

"Very friendly staff and modern office. Patient and courteous doctors." ~ Karmela V.

"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. Staff are also very friendly." ~ Janira B.

"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.

"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.

What Do You Love About Brodsky Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to our orthodontic office, the team at Brodsky Orthodontics strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Have you been especially impressed by our orthodontists? Did our front office team go out of their way to make your day? Do you love your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for generations, we’d love to hear your feedback on our networks. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call!

Thank you,
Brodsky Orthodontics and the Brodsky Orthodontics Team

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

More Patient Reviews for Brodsky Orthodontics!

We at Brodsky Orthodontics in the Lakewood and Long Beach area have been receiving some amazing compliments from our patients. Take a look at what they have been saying!



The entire office is very efficient. I'm usually not there much longer than the allocated appt time. Love that! ~ Lynn F.

I like a lot of things about my Dr. Brodsky. one of the things I like about my othordontist is that he is really nice and has a lot of of patience with me. My orthodontist is very gentle, makes me laugh and always puts a smile on my face. ~ Kathy C.

Very friendly staff and modern office. Patient and courteous doctors. ~ Karmela J.

Everyone in the office was very friendly, and caring! Dr. Brodsky, has been highly recommended to us by, not only by our dentist; Dr. Denette Anderson, but we just found out that our friend had him years ago! Her teeth look great! ~ Aletta E.

Bottled Water May Be Behind Tooth Troubles: Brodsky Orthodontics Explains

We at Brodsky Orthodontics want you to know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

As of 2005, bottled water is second only to soft drinks as the most popular drink in the United States, beating out milk, juice, and – more significantly – tap water. Between 2001 and 2006, the amount of bottled water sold in the U.S. rose an average of 10% per year. And many dental health specialists point to bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. The benefits of fluoride were noticed in the early part of the twentieth century, when researchers found communities with low levels of tooth decay. It turned out that these towns had measurable levels (around 1 part per million) of fluoride in their drinking water.

Beginning in the 1940s, communities have fluoridated their water supplies, and dentists have seen a significant decline in cavities ever since. The American Dental Association endorses both community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-containing products as a safe means of preventing tooth decay. Between tap water and toothpaste, most of us get sufficient amounts of fluoride.

But if your family avoids fluoridated tap water in favor of ever-more-popular bottled water, you could be missing out on the levels of fluoride necessary to make a difference in your oral health.

If bottled water is your water of choice, check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the FDA allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your choppers in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting us at Brodsky Orthodontics regularly.

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection from Brodsky Orthodontics

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Brodsky Orthodontics want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

--Brodsky Orthodontics

Parsley and Other Ways To Brighten Your Smile from Dr. Brodsky

At Dr. Brodsky's Office we see lots of patients concerned about their bad breath. So we want to educate you about what you can do to really keep your chompers clean and breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first set. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check.

Certain foods, medications, smoking, sinus issues, or even gum disease cause most bad breath. If the stink lingers for longer than 24 hours, you should see us at Dr. Brodsky's Office. It might be something more serious, like dehydration, zinc deficiency, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, or even certain kinds of cancers!

In the meantime, here are some home remedies to keep you smiling bright from Dr. Brodsky's Office.

--Spice Up Your Life
Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.
--Don’t forget the tongue
Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!
--Watch your drinking habits
The worst options are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer.
--Frequent brushing
Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.
--Make your own Gargle
Gargling with a home mixture of sage, calendula, and myrrh gum extracts four times a day should ward off that bad breath potential.
--Parsley’s there for a reason
Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.
--Sugarless Gum
Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.
--Don’t cut that cheese
The stronger the cheese, the stinkier your breath can become. Think about blue cheese and Roquefort? They really get the party started in your mouth and it’s hard to make them leave!

A Sour Smile Is Not A Happy Smile -- Brodsky Orthodontics

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Brodsky Orthodontics thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Brodsky Orthodontics(even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Brodsky Orthodontics.

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!

Lower Radiation For Our Patients at Brodsky Orthodontics

Safety is always our concern for our staff and patients at Brodsky Orthodontics. With a low exposure rate a Cone Beam 3-D x-ray is comparable to three traditional panoramic x-rays. But the diagnostic images created from just one iCAT scan produces a panorex x-ray, lateral ceph, frontal ceph, TMJ series, numerous slices, anatomical structure information and interactive 3D volumetric renderings.

This is wonderful news! Cone Beam Imaging technology is reducing the amount of radiation to our patients and produces many more images from the one scan. Come check us out at Brodsky Orthodontics for the latest technological advances in orthodontics.

Invisalign: The No-Braces Way to Straight Teeth -- Dr. Brodsky

You can have perfectly straight teeth without months of wearing metal brackets and wires. And Brodsky Orthodontics can walk you through it!

Invisalign can give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted. It works through a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners. No one can tell you're wearing them, so you can smile more during and after treatment.

Invisalign has been proven effective and is widely available. In fact, more than 70% of orthodontists in the U.S. and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.

How Does Invisalign Work?

* Each set of aligners is worn for about 2 weeks. These aligners are removed 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 position your orthodontist has prescribed.
* You'll visit our office about once every 6 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.

Call us at Brodsky Orthodontics to find out if you're a candidate for Invisalign.

Aquarium came to us!

July 17th We had a day with the Fishes!

We invited the Aquarium of the Pacific to stop by so we can bring the Pacific Ocean to our patients and friends. They brought their dynamic mobile tide pool exhibit truck "Aquarium on Wheels." The aquarium staff will taught us all about California marine inhabitants. There was a touch tank that had REAL LIVE sharks, sea stars, anemones and a whole lot more marine life. It's was an awesome experience to feel a slippery sea cucumber or experience the rough textured skin of a shark.

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.

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!