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: 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."

With Brodsky Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Brodsky Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site (LAUNCHING SOON!) and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Lakewood and serving surrounding communities.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what our patients have to say about this service!

"I like the reminders Sesame sends me. I also liked to view the pictures of my daughter and see the progress she has made!" ~ Lauren C.

"I was able to check my account balance and make a payment online. Thank You!" ~ Ron T.

"Helps me remember appointments, billing info. I like the fact the I can see the "before" pictures of my children and compare them as treatment progresses." ~ Amina M.

"Complete access to my daughter's account in the comfort of my home to view at my leisure." ~ Natalie G.

"I pay all of my bills online, so when I was told I would be able to pay my daughter account online I could not believe it. I love it and more doctors should take this into consideration." ~ Jessica C.


You may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the professional team at Brodsky Orthodontics at (562) 496-2000 if you have any questions! Happy Monday!

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!

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!

Invisalign Tips, from Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively.

Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, Drs. Brodsky say, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.

If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Brodsky Orthodontics, give us a call!

It's January 4th, and we are glad to be back in the office!