flossing

Flossing Your Permanent Retainer (With Tips)

Flossing is the most important part of oral hygiene. If you have braces or a retainer, it can be difficult to get all of those little nooks and crannies between your teeth. This can cause an easy target for plaque buildup which leads to oral health issues like tooth decay and gingivitis. In this post, you’ll see why you need to take extra care when flossing with a permanent retainer.  Firstly, let’s get into what a permanent retainer is.

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VIRTUAL Orthodontic Visits Now Available in Manhattan Beach

VIRTUAL Orthodontic Visits Now Available!

We won’t be physically open, but we’re still here for you.

Last week, we sent an email stating our commitment to keeping our patients safe and healthy while our community, and the world in general, does its best to deal with COVID-19.

It was heartbreaking walking out of the office last Friday night, seeing the clinic so empty, knowing it will be at least 4 weeks before we return to treat patients in person. We feel confident we are making the right decision to help protect the community and our team, but it is hard to say goodbye, even for a brief time.

The amazing news in all of this, is that we have a plan for virtual visits.  Patients can use their smart phone, tablet or computer for the session.  While we cannot do our hands-on care, Dr. Panucci can expertly assess how you are progressing, observe your hygiene and monitor aligner/elastic/appliance wear.  Dr. Panucci will give you recommendations on how to modify and/or progress your orthodontic treatment.  Please download the ZOOM app on your phone or visit https://zoom.us/ to have access to your virtual appointment. We will be calling patients this week to schedule these.

If you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency, please visit our website www.beachbraces.org and follow the instructions in the pop-up box “Start Virtual Appointment.”  This explains how to take your photos properly so that Dr. Panucci may assess your condition.

In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we will continue to send out updates on all our platforms.

Just some reminders:

  • The front desk will be closed, so all calls will go to our voicemail.  We will still be checking our voicemail for urgent messages daily, and will get back to patients in a timely manner, if required.
  • Emails will still be received at the following addresses, and checked daily:

drpanucci@beachbraces.org – For any treatment-related questions and to schedule a Virtual orthodontic appointment

treatment@beachbraces.org – For all appointment questions and inquiries

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.  Our thoughts are with all of our patients and your families.  We will get through this, and we will be back in person as soon as it is safely possible.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patti Panucci and the Beach Braces Team

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(5 Facts) Children with Chronic Health Conditions & Orthodontics

Parents today are much more aware of dental procedures that can improve or enhance their kids’ teeth for life. Pediatric dentists frequently refer children who are patients to an orthodontist who can evaluate them for the potential benefits of wearing braces. Diagnosing an orthodontic issue at a child’s optimum age can help to ensure that timely, effective treatment is provided. However, children with chronic health conditions sometimes need extra support or precautions when getting orthodontic work done. Here are a few tips for parents of a chronically ill child who is in need of orthodontic.

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toothpaste tube

Fluoride for Oral Health [7 Facts to Use it or Not?]

The American Dental Association has assessed minimal risks with the use of fluoride in children under the age of 8. There is a small risk of them developing white spots on their teeth due to overconsumption of it. This is called mild fluorosis. Let then 2 percent of the cases cause any symptoms more severe than this. While mild fluorosis is a concern, poor oral cavity health is even more concerning. Cavities are the most common disease among both adults and children.

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Orthodontics

New Address & Expanded Services for Beach Braces

Beach Braces - Orthodontics for Ages - Manhattan Beach CADr. Patricia Panucci announces that her Manhattan Beach, California-based BEACH BRACES opens the doors to its new and expanded offices Tuesday, May 3 at 220 N. Aviation Blvd. Suite A. (Click here for directions)

The new home for the 11-year-old orthodontic practice is three times the size of the former location on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and offers patients additional state-of-the-art features such as an iCAT 3D scanner that allows the most thorough evaluation of individual patient needs (the only unit of its kind currently in a South Bay orthodontic office), the option of a semi-private procedure room, in addition to five chairs arranged in a large airy patient bay with ceiling “sky” lights, a full on-site technician lab for the preparation of appliances, iPad work stations and massage chairs for waiting patients and parents. Plus, there’s a “multi-media room” for patient before and after photos, social media, as well as green screen technology that allows patients and parents to explore the planet (and elsewhere), with fun and creative photography.

Beach Braces Dr. Panucci and team in new office

“The Beach Braces team has always prided ourselves on providing the latest in orthodontic technology and the best patient care. With our new location, we’ve added the most comfortable and attractive premises possible,” beams Dr.  Panucci.  “Our goal is to make “moving teeth” a fun experience.”

BEACH BRACES is a leading INVISALIGN ELITE provider, along with Invisalign Teen, Esthetic (clear) Braces, traditional metal braces, and Lingual Braces.

About the Company:

Beach Braces

220 N. Aviation Blvd. Suite A

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

310-379-0006

https://www.beachbraces.org

New Address & Expanded Services for Manhattan Beach Orthodontist

Orthodontics

Beach Braces is on the MOVE

Beach Braces since 2005Hello Beach Braces Friends!!

After celebrating 10 years on Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Dr. Panucci and the Beach Braces Team is expanding.  The new office is located at 220 North Aviation Boulevard, Suite A, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.  Our new space is much larger, features new state-of-the-art equipment and more PARKING!!

Our phone number (310-379-0006) and emails will remain the same. During the move we will still be answering your phone calls but will be unable to move or schedule appointments between April 29th to May 2nd.

Thank you for your continued support and patience with us during this transition, we are so excited to see you in the new office!!

Dr. Panucci and the Beach Braces Team

Beach Braces

Pursuing a Career as an Orthodontist

How to Become An Orthodontist Specialist:

A career as an orthodontist is a great choice. An orthodontist is a specialist in dentistry who understands how to straighten teeth. An orthodontist also uses devices to readjust teeth, such as braces. Because advanced skills are needed to become an orthodontist, several years of training is required. An undergraduate program is also required; students must spend two to four years studying at a school. Dental school classes are needed too. Students must spend four years in dental school. After dental school is completed, students must attend a postgraduate orthodontics program. The program lasts two to three years.

Step One – Undergraduate Details And Dental School:

Students must finish the pre-dental requirements before they can train to be orthodontists. Many dental programs only admit individuals who have a bachelor’s degree. However, there are a few programs that accept individuals who have a limited undergraduate education.

There are a few required pre-dental courses that students must take. The courses are biology, physics, chemistry, and several other courses. Students can major in whatever subject they choose. Though, because students must take science courses, most individuals choose chemistry and biology. However, all students must take the Dental Admission Test when applying for dental school. The American Dental Association provides the test.

Step Two – Graduate:

Most dental programs last for about four years. After students graduate, they get a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. During the first few years of school, students spend a lot of time taking physiology courses, microbiology courses, biochemistry courses, and anatomy courses. During the last two years, students spend time with licensed dentists.

Step Three – Finish Postgraduate Orthodontics Classes:

After the dental program is complete, students must apply for orthodontic programs. Most students use a Postdoctoral Application Support Service to apply for the programs. Orthodontic programs last a few years. During this time, students gain knowledge that is helpful, such as tooth movement. Students may also receive training depending on the program.

Step Four – Board Certification:

After the training requirements are completed, students usually earn board certification. The certification displays a student’s skill and knowledge in orthodontics. Students who pass a clinical exam can gain certification from the American Board of Orthodontics. Students can take the exam after completing the postgraduate orthodontic program.

Step Five – Getting Licensed:

Orthodontist specialists must have a license. The state regulates the licensing requirements. In most cases, graduating from an established school is a requirement. Students who want to practice a specialty must finish a postgraduate program. In many states, a license lets individuals provide orthodontic and dentistry services.

When students finish school, the pursue careers at established locations, such as Beach Braces. Board certified American Association of Orthodontists companies provide the best services.

At Beach Braces, we have brought together some of the highly qualified professionals in the area to provide you with brilliant orthodontic care in your neighborhood. So go on, feel free to contact us for consultation or any oral issues that you might be facing.

Beach Braces, 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.

Pursuing a Career as an Orthodontist

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Merry Xmas

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us!

Merry Christmas 

The holidays are a busy time for everyone. Over the Christmas holidays our office will have shortened hours and many of our employees may be out of the office or on vacation. We understand that it can be a difficult time to schedule an appointment in especially if you require emergency treatment or an adjustment, however you can find some temporary fixes online to get you through part of the holidays. You can also call into our answering service to schedule an appointment after the holidays have completed. Getting any orthodontic appliance adjusted immediately is the best way to ensure that your treatment can continue without having to extend the length of your treatments.

Merry Xmas

Glenn Waters via Compfight

Our office is very excited about Christmas and all of our staff are bright and enthusiastic, filled with Christmas cheer. We get excited about the holidays and all of the great things that they can bring such is good food, quality time with family and friends and lots of great gift giving and receiving.

With all of these celebrations going on it can be difficult to focus on your orthodontic treatment. We understand that there is a lot of traveling involved over the course of Christmas so orthodontic appliances can get lost and you can forget about some of the dietary restrictions that you might face if you are wearing braces.

Make sure to remain adamant about your oral care and to avoid some of the foods that have been listed on our website as being harmful to people wearing braces. These types of food can get caught in braces and also cause damage so they are really best to avoid even though it is the holiday season. For lost orthodontic appliances make sure that you call our offices immediately after you have lost your appliance so that we can order you a new one as soon as we get back.

This will ensure that your orthodontic treatment is not extended. It is important to keep track of your orthodontic appliances over the holiday season to help avoid future expenses.

For a list of our holiday hours or to schedule an appointment over Christmas when you are off work or off school feel free to call into our office to see when we can schedule you in. We are currently taking appointments through e-mail answer our by phone. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from all of us!

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Support Our Veterans on Veterans Day!

Veterans Day

We are happy to celebrate our veterans on Veterans Day each and every year. We understand there are 23.2 million veterans currently residing in the United States and their service deserves recognition each and every year. So take some time out on November 11 and think about the veterans that have given so much of themselves to our country to protect our freedom.

Our office proudly flies the flag and is filled with extremely energetic and patriotic people. If you are a veteran we would love to hear your story.American Flag

We believe in supporting our current veterans and also support those who have given the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day as well. Our client base consists of a number of veterans from various branches of military and we are always available to take on new patients who have served in all branches of the US military, Navy and Air Force to name a few.

We understand that scheduling appointments around your busy schedule can be a difficult task. We are flexible and building appointments and believe in supporting our troops. We can also offer up orthodontic appliances and solutions that work with your military career. Whether you are currently serving, retired or in the reserves we can establish solutions for your oral health and work to support you as a patient and as a veteran.

As always come out on Veterans Day so that we can show you our appreciation and support. We are taking appointments in and around this holiday and are also pleased to pay our respects throughout the day. Veterans Day is no normal day for our practice and we believe in emphasizing and communicating as a staff and clinic our true appreciation for our local veterans and veterans across the United States.

Feel free to visit us or call us on Veterans Day so that we can express just how appreciative we are to all of our veterans. Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice, we would love to hear your stories share your pride in your family members and their commitment to our country.

If you cannot join us for Veterans Day please make sure to stop and take a minute to thank a veteran and think about all they have done to protect you.

Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.

Support our veterans on Veterans Day!

Halloween

It’s Halloween Season!

Halloween can be one of the most fun holidays that many young adults and children experience every single year. It is however very important to consider that if you are wearing orthodontic appliances that Halloween might be just a bit different for you during your treatment.

If you have braces it’s very important to consider that much of the candy that you might normally be eating on Halloween should be cut entirely out of your diet.

Halloween

Denis Collette via Compfight

Eating candy and sweets on Halloween can be a lot of fun and even though many dentists do not recommend an excessive amount of sugar as this can promote cavities, it is important to enjoy yourself especially on Halloween.

For patients that have orthodontic appliances in traditional braces however most types of candy should be avoided. Candy is usually very chewy and can get stuck in braces which can cause real damage to your teeth and to your oral health. Hard candies can damage braces and also get stuck promoting issues with oral health. Even worse, sticky candies and soft candies can stick in the wires of braces and cause cavities.

Rather than face issues cleaning your braces or even damaging your braces by eating candy on Halloween, it’s usually a good idea to just abstain. Stick with some of the foods that you can regularly eat. If you would like to go out for Halloween however consider collecting a donation for a local charity in lieu of candy or donating your candy to some of the other local neighborhood children. There is no reason why you can’t dress up and enjoy Halloween even with braces on.

For patients that have Invisalign and other removable appliances you can take off your aligners for just a short time in order to enjoy some candy on Halloween. Make sure to properly clean your aligners and thoroughly clean your teeth after you have enjoyed your night of fun. Invisalign makes it easier to enjoy holidays like Halloween but we still strongly encourage our patients to dress up and enjoy the holiday as well.

Feel free to come by our offices throughout October to see our Halloween decorations. If you have any questions about foods to avoid on Halloween, or should you need to schedule an emergency appointment after Halloween please do not hesitate to call or contact our office so that we can provide you with some answers.

Dr Panucci – Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.

It’s Halloween Season!