Ask Dr. Brodsky: Do cold germs live on toothbrushes?

Fall is here, and so is the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• 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 your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook if you have any questions!

Dr. Charles is getting married!

Dr. Charles's and Vicky's wedding weekend is about to begin.....stay tuned!

Ask Brodsky Orthodontics: Why are straight teeth so important?

People ask our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics why we work so tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s great to have a smile full of evenly-aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Lakewood's Brodsky Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call at (562) 496-2000 to set up a consultation. Dr. Joel or Charles Brodsky or Dr. Miriam Van Allen can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Brodsky Orthodontics has been providing quality orthodontic care in Lakewood and the Greater Long Beach area for more than 30 years.

Retainers and YOU, from Brodsky Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Brodsky Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Again! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Brodsky or Van Allen will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth may shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by our doctors and staff is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment, please read this helpful article about retainers or give us a call at (562) 496-2000!

Some fun facts about braces, from Dr. Charles Brodsky

At Brodsky Orthodontics, we know everyone loves fun facts. Who doesn't? The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, have come up with some fun facts about orthodontics we know you'll get a kick out of.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Five reasons to visit Brodsky Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation this summer

With the country still in a recession, many folks in Lakewood, Long Beach and surrounding areas are putting off visiting the orthodontist for a consultation. At Brodsky Orthodontics, we hear all the reasons - vacations, chores, emergencies, etc. Today, Dr. Charles Brodsky and our staff thought we'd give you five reasons to visit our office this summer for an orthodontic consultation.

1. Kids do not need to miss school to get their braces on

2. It is easier for kids to adjust to their braces during the summertime while out of school

3. Fewer scheduling conflicts with homework or organized sports

4. Open enrollment (for Insurance and Flex Plans) usually occurs in the Fall

5. Summer Rewards for starting treament before the end of August

And here's another reason to visit: did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven? Give us a call at (562) 496-2000 to schedule a complimentary consultation!

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!

Brodsky Orthodontics want to know: What do you love about summer?

At Brodsky Orthodontics, we can't believe summer is already in full force! Today, we thought it'd be a good time to ask: What’s your favorite part about summer? Is it the hot California sun? The free time you get? Spending quality time with friends and family? Grilling barbecue in the backyard and relaxing?

Drs. Joel, Charles and Van Allen (as well as our entire team) would like to know what makes your summer truly special. Let us know by posting on our Facebook page!

Happy Friday!

More happy patients at Brodsky Orthodontics!

About a month ago, we asked our patients to write reviews about their experience at Brodsky Orthodontics. And boy, did they! Thanks so much for your kind words, everyone - here are just some of the things they wrote!

"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. The staff are also very friendly. ~ Janira B.

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

"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.

"One of the things i like about my orthodontist is that thier really nice and have a l of of patients with me. even thought my mom gets mad or angry of the most weirdest things we still love you guys. my orthodontist has a lot of patients..is very gentle..makes me laugh and always puts a smile on my face." ~ Kathy C.

"I am new to this office, having never been to an orthodontist. I find Dr. Brodsky and his staff to be quite professional and warm. Professionalism and friendliness of staff, as well as its overall organization and cleanliness, are of key importance to me. Brodsky Orthodontics has exceeded my expectations in each of these areas." ~ Jennifer B.

Summer sports Q&A with Dr. Charles Brodsky

While we know summer brings joy and fun, we're also aware that the summer season brings with it a greater chance of our athletes in treatment damaging their teeth. If you're playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse, kickball and many, many more. Today, Dr. Charles thought he'd answer some of the most frequent questions we get from patients:

Q: How can I help prevent my teeth from becoming chipped or broken while I play sports this summer?
Wear a mouth guard!

Q: If I’m hit in the mouth, and a tooth gets knocked out, what can/should I do?
1. Find the tooth and determine if it is a baby tooth or adult tooth
2. Hold the tooth by the crown (the surface farthest from the gumline) - not the root
3. If it is an adult tooth, try to put the tooth back in the socket right away and have the child hold it in place
4. If the tooth can not be put back in the socket, store it in cold milk (DO NOT STORE IN TAP WATER)
5. Have the child bite down on a gauze pad to relieve bleeding and pain
6. Go to the dentist or Emergency Room right away

Q: What should I do if I am injured on a weekend when the office is closed?
Call our office for the emergency phone number. One of the doctors will be on call for emergencies 24 hours per day.

Q: Can my teeth be fixed if they are chipped, broken or knocked out?
In most cases, if you see a dentist soon after a tooth injury occurs, the tooth can be fixed. Unfortunately, the long-term health of the injured tooth is compromised.

Q: Are sports drinks bad for my teeth?
Some of them are bad for your teeth depending on the amount of sugar content. They are okay to drink only if you are brushing regularly.

Q: What can I drink to stay hydrated and keep my teeth healthy?
Lots of water.

Q: If I wear Invisalign aligners, will they help protect my teeth, or do I still need to wear a mouth guard?
Invisalign aligners will help protect your teeth from damage and wearing a mouth guard is not necessary.

Q: Can I still play sports while wearing my retainer, or is it best to take it out?
It is best to remove your retainer while playing sports. We have found that retainers are often lost or stepped on while playing sports.

Q: Can I still wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes, a mouth guard is a must while playing contact sports with braces! We sell them in the reception area or you can purchase one at any sporting goods store. Make sure the mouth guard says "for orthodontics." The doctors will be happy to mold it to your teeth so that it fits properly while your teeth move.

We hope that helps! Give us a call at (562) 496-2000 if you have other questions about protecting your mouth this summer!

Let's go Lakers!

Have any predictions for the rest of the series? Let's hear them! Let's go Lakers!

Drs. Joel and Charles at the AAO Annual Session, part two

Last week, we discussed Drs. Joel and Charles' passion for new technology and continuing education when it comes to orthodontics. Check out this short clip of the doctors after Dr. Joel gave an outstanding presentation on 3D scanning (with lots of help from Dr. Charles).

Enjoy!

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!

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.

Play it safe this spring, from Drs. Joel and Charles

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is upon us, and for Drs. Joel and Charles and our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics that only means one thing: it’s once again time to remind our dear patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

For Drs. Joel and Charles, that’s simply unacceptable.

Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring. We hope the above video helps. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact our staff by calling (562) 496-2000, and we’ll try to answer any question you may have. And remember to have fun and stay safe!

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 has a new web site!

If you happened to be browsing through our web site recently you might have noticed our new design, which has a refined, modern look that exudes warmth and is aesthetically appealing.

The website has many great features that we know you will enjoy and are very user friendly, innovative components including: patient testimonials, staff bios, before and after photos as well as links to our social networking sites. If you want to make your payment online, it’s a snap - just click on "Patient Login" at the top of the page. The site also has a virtual tour of the office and information about all aspects of orthodontic treatment, including TMJ problems, sleep apnea and iCAT 3D x-rays. If you would like to know more about Invisalign, we have two pages of information devoted to the topic with links to our YouTube page.

This website was personally designed by the doctors with you in mind. We have a terrific and beautiful office where patient care comes first. We hope that when you visit our website you will feel proud to be associated with our unique practice, which embraces technology.

While visiting our site, please click on the link to our Facebook Fan Page and become a fan of Brodsky Orthodontics. This is where you can get all the latest up-to-date information about what’s happening at Brodsky Orthodontics.

So... what do you think? Let us know by posting here or giving us a call!

February Marks National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and we thought we'd promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you're going to drink one of these beverages, don't sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Drs. Brodsky, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 60th year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Brodsky Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call!

Brodsky Orthodontics want to know: How did you spend MLK Day?

In the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the need to bring about social justice, strengthen America's communities and move the nation forward. Today, thousands of people of all ages and races in California spent their day building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Did you have the day off? If so, what did you do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call!

Drs. Brodsky and the entire team are proud of your work in our community! Happy MLK Day!

What puts you at ease at Brodsky Orthodontics?

Drs. Brodsky understand not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Brodsky Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our personable staff? Is it something about our fun and friendly doctors?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!