Meet Marisa, our new orthodontic assistant (RDA)

Some of you may have noticed a new face in our office the last time you came in for an appointment. We would like to introduce you to our newest staff member, Marisa.

From the first minute we met with Marisa, we felt comfortable with her outgoing and friendly demeanor. She has a wonderful down-to-earth inviting personality that makes everyone feel like they have known her for years. She wears her heart on her sleeve and is willing to go out of her way to help others.

Marisa is a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and has worked in the orthodontic field for over five years. Her favorite orthodontic procedure is removing braces because she says, “I get so excited to see their beautiful smile without their braces on for the very first time.”

A couple of her favorite things to do (outside of work) include watching movies and going out to listen to Reggae Bands perform with her friends and family. In addition, she loves to sing and listen to music with her little pet Chihuahua, Lulu.

We hope that you get to meet Marisa in the office soon. She certainly is a true professional. We are happy to add her to our outstanding staff.

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!

More happy smiles at Brodsky Orthodontics!

Check out what a few of our patients are saying about our staff and Brodsky Orthodontics lately! Thanks for writing in, everyone!

"Dr. Brodsky was my orthodontist 20+ years ago. He is the nicest man and always cared about how I was doing. Two of my three children are now in treatment with him. I am still impressed with how professional his office is and the fun environment he is able to create. My teeth are still perfectly straight and I can't wait for my children to have straight teeth too :)" ~ Jenn

"I am 11 years old and I don't like people looling at my teeth or in my mouth and my mom told me that when I went to the doctor's he would probably tell me that I had to quit sucking my thumb. When I did go, the young Dr. Brodsky was so nice! I also like putting my finger on the computer (when I check in) and all my friends go here. I'm still afraid but everyone is so nice and it is fun and I have finally stopped sucking my thumb." ~ Cory

"I just started my 3rd child in braces treatment with Dr. Brodsky. Every time I enter that office I am amazed at how professional and cheerful the staff are. The doctors always run on-time (yes no waiting in the reception area). The best part is that the doctors really care about the wellbeing of everyone. My son and daughter both have a magnificent smile and are much more self-confident. They also gave me a real nice family discount for my 3rd child. I trust Dr. Brodsky with my family." ~ Francis

"Dr. Brodsky's office is fantastic!‎‎ Both my sister and I are patients of Dr. Brodsky. We love the way we are treated when we go to our appointments. We love the office with all the great things for kids. Everyone at his office is friendly, efficient and professional. We highly recommend Dr. Brodsky for your braces!!!" ~ Brandon and Brianna

The common cold is back, from Brodsky Orthodontics

Here we go again: it's officially cold and flu season, and once again time to remind our patients at Brodsky Orthodontics to try and steer clear of that cold that's been going around lately.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Lakewood office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients, Drs. Brodsky and Van Allen and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• 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 toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

- The Brodsky Orthodontics team

Dr. Charles is getting married!

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

At Brodsky Orthodontics, October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy Friday! For our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics, October means National Orthodontic Health Month. Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and recipes for the Halloween Season.

Here is a brief list of foods we'd like you to avoid:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

Our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics encourage you to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Drs. Joel or Charles or Dr. Van Allen during your next visit if you have any questions!

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.

Refer a friend, win an iPad at Brodsky Orthodontics!

With the holidays rapidly approaching and the end of the year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to think about gift giving. Why not give a friend or relative that perfect gift (a beautiful smile). It's easy to do, with no cost to you.

Just give them a referral for our office to receive a FREE examination and consultation. For each referral that begins treatment, you will receive a gift or prize and a chance at the grand drawing for an Apple iPad!

Here's how it works:

1st referral: 400 Brodsky points and ONE drawing entry ticket
2nd referral: 600 Brodsky points and TWO drawing entry tickets
3rd referral: 800 Brodsky points and THREE drawing entry tickets
4th referral: 1,000 Brodsky points and FOUR drawing entry tickets
5th referral: 1,500 Brodsky points and FIVE drawing entry tickets

You'll receive your prizes after new patient begins treatment with us between October 1st and December 31st, 2010.

GOOD LUCK!

Brodsky Orthodontics, reminding you September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month

Fall is almost upon us, which means it's a great time for Drs. Brodsky and Van Allen to remind all our patients (especially you athletes) to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in sports this fall. Let's face it: this is a busy time of year sports-wise, whether you're kicking the soccer ball around in the park or training for high school football around Orange County.

With September being National Childhood Injury Prevention Month, our entire staff at Brodsky Orthodontics want you to know that only by using a mouth guard can athletes with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. So, the next time you're in for a visit at our convenient Lakewood office, we encourage you to ask Drs. Joel, Charles or Van Allen for a mouth guard, and we will provide one! For more info on sports injuries and how to avoid them, check out this article.

We hope you've had a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend!

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!

Summer heat safety tips with Brodsky Orthodontics

Let's face it, it gets pretty darn hot in California during the summer, and with the heat wave sweeping through the country recently, we want you to be extra careful when you’re out and about. A few weeks ago, Good Morning America ran a segment on the many ways you can protect yourself from heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related conditions this summer.

We encourage you to watch this short clip and remember to always have a bottle of water handy when heading out! Lastly, here are a few summer safety tips from our friends at WebMD. We hope you’re having a GREAT summer!

Will you be a part of the Braces Brigade?

If you've ever thought about sharing your experience in braces in writing, have we got the perfect opportunity for you! Thanks to our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, here's your chance! The AAO is proud to offer the Braces Brigade campaign, where you can blog about your experience in orthodontic treatment with millions of people and come away with a $100 American Express gift card!

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100-word minimum)

In your blog, you may answer questions such as:

• Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment at Brodsky Orthodontics?
• What advice would you share with other orthodontic patients?
• What does it feel like to get braces on?
• What foods do you miss the most?
• What new foods have you discovered?
• Do your friends have braces or retainers?
• Where is the first place you’re going to show off your new, beautiful smile?
• How has your new smile changed your life?

All applicants must either be an orthodontic patient at Brodsky Orthodontics or the parent of a patient (pre- and post- treatment stages are fine). If you happen to be under 18, your parents must fill out a consent form along with your official entry, giving you permission to enter the contest.

We encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade today! GOOD LUCK!

Patient question: What's Invisalign, and is it right for me? [Video]

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign treatment at Brodsky Orthodontics manages to straighten your teeth without using traditional metallic braces? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient Lakewood office. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call at (562) 496-2000 for a free consultation to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Drs. Charles and Joel are specially trained in Invisalign, and have had extensive experience working with the system with his patients. Elite Premier Providers like Drs. Brodsky have achieved the highest level of experience with the Invisalign system, and are the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the United States!

Ask Brodsky Orthodontics: What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Drs. Brodsky and Van Allen call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Drs. Brodsky and Van Allen will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Brodsky Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

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!