More About Getting Invisalign in Lakewood California

Have you been considering Invisalign but haven't been able to find any unbiased information online about it? I came across this video today that shows exactly how one patient has reacted to her Invisalign aligners. Clearly, she loves the product, but she also lets people know exactly how she feels in her first 10 minutes of wearing Invisalign:

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.

Baby Teeth – and Gums! – Need Special Care

Baby Teeth – and Gums! – Need Special Care

One question we hear all the time is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?” In fact, you should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast- or bottle-feeding, use a clean, damp washcloth to rub your baby’s gum tissue – gently. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in, you can switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, give us a call at 562-732-4750.

Thinking About Getting Invisalign in Lakewood California?

Have you been considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth? As an ELITE Premier Provider of Invisalign in Lakewood, Northern Orange County, and Lakewood, California, I understand the excitement patients have when it comes to invisible aligners. Invisalign is a unique advancement in orthodontics, and I'm happy to put that invisible smile on the face of my patients! To learn more about Invisalign, check out this informative video I came across:

Get rewarded!

Get Points and Redeem for Great Prizes!

For as little as 3 points, you can start redeeming for great prizes. Look for additional contests throughout your journey to earn even more points! Visit our website often for the latest updates! You can view your points any time at www.drbrodskysmile.com, then click Patient Rewards on the menu. Enter your 9 digit Rewards Card number to see your current points, view the on-line Reward Guide and check for special contests and prizes.

How You Earn Points...

You can earn points several different ways, here is how:

Clinical Rewards - Earn 3-10 Points

• Having Diagnostic records the same day as your consultation - 10 points
• Having Diagnostic records on any other day then the consultation - 3 points

Clinical Rewards - Earn 1 Point

• Terrific Oral Hygiene
• Nothing Loose or Broken
• Wearing Appliances as instructed
• Brushing effectively after signing in for appointments
• Being on Time for your appointment
• Scheduling you next appointment before leaving the office

General Dentist Visitation - Earn 1-2 Points

• Seeing your Dentist or Hygienist for a cleaning - 1 point
• No cavities at your dental exam - 1 point
• Seeing Dentist as requested for treatment (extractions, restorations, chain, etc) - 2 points

Practice Building Rewards - Earn 2-100 Points

• Referring a friend or family member for a consultation - 100 points
• When your referral starts their treatment with us - 100 points
• Wearing our office T-shirt to your appointment - 1 point
• Participating in an office contest - 1 point
• Sharing a written testimonial about our office - 5 points
• Becoming a member on our “myspace” page - 2 points

Patient Leadership Rewards - Earn 1-2 Points

• For each “A” earned on Report Card - 1 point
• Community Service (5points for every 30 minutes)
• Personal Successes (Pt earns an award, article in paper) - 2 points

"Kids Club" Rewards - Earn 1-2 Points

• Each baby tooth lost - 2 points
• Recall check up - 1 point
• Bring in your drawing of the “Tooth Fairy” - 1 point
• Write a story about the “Tooth Fairy” - 2 points

Tooth Fairy pictures coming soon!

Are You Getting a Rebate Check from the IRS?

The Internal Revenue Service will begin sending more than 130 million economic stimulus payments starting May 2.

If anyone in your family or you have been considering orthodontic treatment this may be the time to visit our office and discuss how you can use your rebate for the down payment.

Below is some important information about "Stimulus" payments you might not know:

Payments will be made by direct deposit for individuals who have chosen to receive their 2007 income tax refunds through direct deposit. All others will receive their economic stimulus payments in the form of a check.

Stimulus payments will be sent out in the order of the last two digits of the Social Security number used on your tax return. Taxpayers may receive their checks at different times than their neighbors or other family members. On a jointly filed return, the first Social Security number listed will determine the mail-out date.

The IRS offers the availability of an on-line calculator on www.IRS.gov to help taxpayers determine if they are eligible to receive an economic stimulus payment and how much they can expect.

Welcome aboard - Dr. Van Allen

Dr. Miriam Van Allen was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California Los Angeles in 2000. After completing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Van Allen then attended the UCLA School of Dentistry, where she was president of the Alpha Omega dental organization, president of the student chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists, and vice-president of her dental school class. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2005.



After dental school, Dr. Van Allen moved to Colorado to complete her orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Colorado, Denver. During her orthodontic residency training, she received an advanced certification in Invisalign clear braces treatment and attended numerous lectures on orthodontic miniscrew implants, along with completing a research project involving digital modeling for orthodontic treatment plans. Dr. Van Allen enjoys enhancing her orthodontic knowledge by pursuing the most advanced proven techniques the orthodontic profession has to offer. In return, Dr. Van Allen is able to provide her patients with only the best of care in a compassionate manner.

Currently, Dr. Van Allen enjoys being back in Southern California, taking full advantage of both the sun and surf. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the Los Angeles Dental Society, the California Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. In addition to her involvment in both the local and dental communities, she loves the theater, dancing, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

We are proud to have her as a part of our team.