Tell Brodsky Orthodontics what’s on your mind!

By now, you’re familiar with the drill: Every week, our creative team at Brodsky Orthodontics blog about topics related to orthodontic care and your health, including innovative orthodontic techniques offered at Brodsky Orthodontics. This week, we thought we’d ask our patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Drs. Joel or Charles for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

Give us your best shot, and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Wishing you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day, from Brodsky Orthodontics

We hope you remembered to wear green when you stepped out the door this morning! Whether Irish or not, millions of people in the U.S. and around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day with toasts, parades and "the wearing of the green." Here are some fun facts about St. Patty’s Day that Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky thought you might enjoy:

• St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17th because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history.

• The name “leprechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which simply means “shoemaker.”

• Some American towns have Irish names. They include: Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio and Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia.

• Despite what you may have heard, St. Patrick never banished snakes from Ireland. In fact, no snakes exist or ever existed in Ireland. Ireland is surrounded by icy ocean waters, much too cold to allow snakes to migrate from Britain or anywhere else.

• St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in Boston, in 1737. Approximately 34 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.

Happy New Year from Brodsky Orthodontics!

Drs. Brodsky and our team at Brodsky Orthodontics wish you all a safe, healthy and happy New Year! We are looking forward to seeing you on January 4!

Happy Holidays from Brodsky Orthodontics!

The holiday season is upon us, and as Drs. Brodsky and their team at Brodsky Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Brodsky Orthodontics

When should you call Brodsky Orthodontics?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Brodsky Orthodontics for treatment. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us.

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call today!
Hope this helps, and Happy Monday!

--The team at Brodsky Orthodontics

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

How To Stay Young & Healthy From Brodsky Orthodontics

Whether you’re 5 or 50, your health depends on your awareness of what’s good for you. But in a world filled with fad diets, blaring advertisements, and unintelligible ingredient lists, we at Brodsky Orthodontics know it can be difficult to determine exactly what is good for you – and what’s not.

For straightforward guidance on how to live a long, healthy life, we recommend Brush Your Teeth! And Other Simple Ways to Stay Young and Healthy by Dr. David Ostreicher. The book sums up good health in six fundamental principles: hygiene, diet, attitude, exercise, sleep and personal safety.

Drawing on nearly three decades of experience as an orthodontist and professor of health and nutrition, Dr. Ostreicher definitively answers age-old debates, like the best way to prevent colds and flu (your mom was right: wash your hands). He provides straight talk on a variety of diet choices including salt, fats, carbs and organic food, and he documents the importance of regular sleep, stress reduction and positive thinking to your overall health. His suggestions throughout are simple, clear, and inexpensive.

Dr. Ostreicher advocates a back-to-basics, common-sense approach to staying young and healthy. We at Brodsky Orthodontics couldn’t agree more, and we’d like to repeat the title of his book as our favorite piece of advice: don’t forget to Brush Your Teeth!

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!

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.

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection - Dr. Joel Brodsky

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.

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

1. 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!
2. Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
3. 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.
4. Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease. Invisalign™ can eliminate crowding without metal brackets and wires.

Moooove Over Gum Disease!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at 562-732-4750 or visit www.drbrodskysmile.com.

Improving your oral health will improve your overall health

As science continues to evolve and answer questions about why things are the way they are, we are gaining abundant knowledge on how oral health affects overall health. Though younger generations are getting educated even earlier about the importance of keeping your teeth clean, there is a different generation that has been left untapped... at least until recently.

In an article I read entitled: Museum event focuses on oral health needs, news for older adults, I got to read first hand about how a company called OralLongevity is working to educate the elderly about the importance of oral health.

This event is one of several outreach activities the OralLongevity initiative has planned this year to reach consumers and patients age 55 and older with oral health information targeted directly to their needs.

"The National Museum of Dentistry's new Elderhostel program addressed issues that affect older Americans, such as how mouths change as we age, and how this change can alter utilization of dental services," said Dr. Janet Yellowitz, director of geriatric dentistry at the University of Maryland Dental School

Take some time to read the article and then let me know what you think.

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!