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Thank you and have a great rest of the week!

--Brodsky Orthodontics Team

The Myths and Facts of Orthodontics -- From Drs. Brodsky

There are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around. Before you buy into those myths, you should get the facts! We here at Brodsky Orthodontics came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontists, check them out today!

http://www.braces.org/mythsandfacts/index.cfm

Hope this helps,

--Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky and staff

A Spooky Good Time At Brodsky Orthodontics

Halloween is right around the corner and that means lots of tricks and treats for our patients! This year we are turning our office into a Haunted House Maze on Thursday October 29th from 6:00-7:30pm. Both doctors will be dressed up and scaring patients in the haunted maze. Outside of the haunted house (in our parking lot), we will have a few different Halloween games for all of our patients to participate in. Many great prizes and gift certificate will be given out to the winners.


During the month of October we also have our Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. All patients can participate and judging has three different age groups for MOST CREATIVE and FAVORITE HALLOWEEN THEME. Bring your pumpkin into the office before October 28th and receive 2 Rewards Points. You can either use a real pumpkin or a plastic one.



Real pumpkins can only be PAINTED and cannot have anything poking into them. NO LEAKERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Gluing onto a real pumpkin is acceptable. Plastic pumpkins can be cut and embellished. Judging will take place on October 29th at NOON and winners will be announced at our Halloween Event. If you would like your pumpkin back for Halloween, please pick it up on October 29th at our Haunted House.

This is a fun event for every age. We hope to see you there!




--Brodsky Orthodontics

National Dental Hygiene Month

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Fall is here, and Halloween is coming soon, but now it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These 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)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease! Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: see your dentist every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Make a resolution to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

--Brodsky Orthodontics

Answering All Your Burning Questions About Mouthwash

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride - fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.

• Antiseptic - an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.

• Combination - a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.

• Prescription - for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)


If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

--Brodsky Orthodontics

More About Orthodontics From Brodsky Orthodontics

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. Brodsky & Dr. Charles took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Brodsky Orthodontics. We'd love to hear from you.

Join the conversation on Facebook!

Did you know Brodsky Orthodontics is on Facebook? We have recently created a fan page, where you can ask us questions, learn about contests and events at the office, and show your support of our office by becoming a fan!

Right now we are looking for suggestions for our Halloween costumes, leave a comment today! We are also giving away a limited supply of Knott's Scary Farm coupons, give us a call to claim yours while supplies last!

--Brodsky Orthodontics