early treatment

When Is The Best Age To Start Wearing Braces?

The Optimal Age to Start Wearing Braces 

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for an orthodontic consultation?

By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the development of the bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front to back and side to side tooth relationships. For example, the present erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smile.

What is Phase One (early) Treatment?

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12 months- 21 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image. A second phase takes place when the child has most or all of their permanent teeth.

What are the advantages of “early treatment”?

Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

early orthodontics

  • Creating room for crowed, erupting teeth
  • Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
  • Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
  • Preserving space for erupted teeth
  • Reducing the need for tooth removal
  • Reducing treatment time with  full braces

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow the patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendation.

Does every child need head gear and expander?

No. Every patient is different.  The orthodontist will evaluate the patients orthodontic treatment needs and recommend the appropriate appliances. Expanders are used to expand jaw/palate growth, while the headgear is used to influence the growth of the upper or lower jaws.

How long will my child’s expander be in place?

We typically keep the expander in place for the duration of the Phase One treatment. This allows us to hold the space that was created for the erupting adult teeth to come in and allows the upper jaw to stabilize in its new position.

Contact us for a free consultation or to get more information about orthodontic treatments.

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

When Is The Best Age To Start Wearing Braces?

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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!

Lingual Braces

FAQ About Lingual Braces

Lingual Braces Explained 

How long will I have a lisp? Will I talk funny?

Speech may be affected causing a lisp or excess saliva. You will be given a poem called The Rainbow Passage which helps with pronunciation. We recommend you practice aloud 3x per day, until your speech sounds normal. This usually takes just a few days. Click here to view The Rainbow Passage .

Does it hurt to have lingual braces?

No, it does not hurt to have lingual partial braces. You may experience a temporary soreness at the beginning of treatment due to the pressure from the arch wire. Some patients will take an over the counter pain reliever, but most don’t need it. Lingual Braces

How do I floss?

Flossing does take some practice. View our patient care videos about flossing. Ask your orthodontist about a floss threaders and instructions on how to floss with braces.

What can I eat? What can’t I eat?

You will need to avoid eating anything hard, chewy or sticky. These types of foods can shear off the brackets, so be careful with your lingual braces. Your orthodontist will provide a food list for you, most patients eat their normal foods, only modified (maybe cut into smaller bites).

Will people notice or see my lingual braces?

Lingual braces are meant to be an esthetic option. The braces “hide” behind your teeth. Unless you are standing on your head or laugh with your mouth wide open, most people will not notice you have braces.

Do I have to have wear retainers when I am finished?

Yes, as with all orthodontic treatments, it will be necessary to wear lifetime retainer(s). These may be either removable or fixed retainers. In most cases, the fixed (or non-removable type) will be recommended.

How often are my appointments?

Appointments will be from three (3) to six (6) week intervals. Due to the rapid nature of the tooth movement, a strict schedule must be adhered to. If a scheduled appointment is missed it may be necessary to reschedule at a time which may be convenient in order to maintain proper control of tooth movement.

How do you tighten lingual braces?

Adjustments are made by using different sizes and materials of wires to align the front teeth. We use specific wires designed for lingual braces.

If you need more information about lingual braces, read this comprehensive blog post.

For all orthodontic procedures including Invisalign clear aligners, feel free to contact our leading orthodontic office today.

Beach Braces 220 N. Aviation Blvd. Suite A
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

 TEL: 310-379-0006 

FAQ About Lingual Braces

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Toothbrushing Mistake 10

Toothbrushing Mistake No.10

Toothbrushing Mistake No.10: “Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough”

Toothbrushing Mistake 10

As part of your overall oral health care, changing the toothbrush within the recommended timeline can help you clean your teeth and mouth more efficiently.

When your toothbrush wears down, it becomes less effective as the day goes by, hence more bacteria, plaque and other food debris are not removed properly upon brushing your teeth. If this goes on, even if you brush your teeth three to four times daily, floss regularly, spend two to three minutes of your time when brushing, and perform the right brushing routine, there’s still a higher risk of losing your teeth earlier than expected.

So how often should you change your toothbrush in order to ensure that you are effectively cleaning your teeth and mouth? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends changing your toothbrush every three to four months. However, the timeline alone is not the sole indicator for you to change your toothbrush. Richard H. Price, DMD, the consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, recommends that you perform a visual inspection of the bristles of your toothbrush.

If the bristles look frayed, then you need to change your toothbrush even if it hasn’t reached three months yet. Price stressed that once the bristles loses its normal flexibility and start to fall apart, then you have a clear indicator that you should buy a new one. “You need to look more on the state of your toothbrush than just following the time period”, Price added.

Are you following Dr Panucci on Twitter? Follow today for useful tips straight to your Twitter profile.

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

Toothbrushing Mistake No.10

Invisalign Teen Los Angeles

Invisible Aligners Explained

Invisible Aligners 

How many hours a day do I have to wear them?

Your appliances should be worn at all times (except when eating), even when you sleep.  It is recommended that you wear them 22 hours per day. You should only remove the appliance for eating and to brush your teeth. It is also recommended that you remove them to drink hot liquids (ie: coffee or tea) – so not to compromise the material or burn your mouth. Cold beverages are okay to drink while wearing the aligners.

Can I eat with my aligners on?

Unfortunately not. You will need to remove your aligners when you eat. Make sure to store the aligners in the case provided to avoid accidently throwing them away.Invisalign

Can I take them out to speak at a meeting?

Yes, this one of the advantages of aligners. You may remove them when extremely necessary.

I heard that aligners can get stuck on the teeth, is this true?

No. Aligners are made to fit “snuggly” but can always be removed. This process gets easier with practice.

Will aligners damage my crowns?

No. Crowns are cemented unto your tooth and the aligners are not strong enough to damage crowns. If a crown becomes loose during treatment, then the crown was already loose without you knowing it. You should contact your regular dentist to determine the treatment necessary.

How often are my appointments?

Your appointment intervals will correspond with the number of aligners that you receive at each appointment. You can expect your appointments to occur every 4-6 weeks.

How do I clean my aligners?

Your appliance should be cleaned by holding it in the palm of your hand under running water. Scrub it gently with toothbrush and hand soap. Never use bleach or any other cleaning solutions.  Do not use toothpaste as this scratches the aligner and collects more plaque.

*Remember: if the appliance isn’t in your mouth- it is not working! Your aligners should be in a carrying case when not in your mouth. A word of advice, dogs love aligners, and will nibble and eat the aligner if given a chance.

If you need more information about Invisalign, feel free to call us or contact our office.

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

Invisible Aligners Explained

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!

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Operation Gratitude

We need your Candy! Every Pound equals 10 Reward Points!

candy is bad for braces

National Orthodontic Month

National Orthodontic Health Month

National Orthodontic Health Month

This October is national orthodontic health month and it is especially important with the Halloween season coming up. National orthodontic health month is a time to raise awareness about the benefits of orthodontic treatment. We are interested in connecting with new patients, and educating people in the community about the benefits that they can experience after receiving proper orthodontic treatment.

The American Association of Orthodontists recognizes October as orthodontic health month and a time to raise awareness for these benefits. The AAO has over 16,000 members located across North America and is one of the oldest professional associations for orthodontists. They have established this month is a good time to educate people about these benefits because it falls in line with Halloween, and because it’s always a

National Orthodontic Month

Pamela Machado via Compfight

good idea to explain the benefits of orthodontic work. By banding together during the month of October we only hope that each orthodontic member of the AAO will do their part to reach out in the community and educate new people about what they can receive along with orthodontic care.

Currently undergoing orthodontic treatment?

For people who are currently undergoing orthodontic care, October is a great time to brush up on your skills and to learn more about the treatments that you are undergoing. By Learning about some food that you can avoid during Halloween, as well as how to properly clean your teeth even with orthodontic appliances on, you can be more prepared to handle October during your treatment. There are bound to be lots of treats floating around and plenty of temptations. It’s important to note that some of these sticky treats could really set your progress back and lead to some serious oral health issues. Opting for some melt in your mouth treats over some harder sticky items could make sure that your progress isn’t interrupted.

Professionals across all levels of orthodontistry are recognized across orthodontic health month. Orthodontists will receive awards and certificates based off of their performance over the past year. Certified orthodontic assistants and orthodontists can be recognized on behalf of their various boards if they are certified by an exam. Certification lasts just one year but some of the most elite orthodontists and assistants carry these certifications to show their commitment to excellence.

If you are interested in receiving orthodontic care or you are interested in learning more about the treatment that you are undergoing, October is perhaps one of the best months to look into your orthodontic health.

Dr Panucci is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to orthodontic treatments, you can book a complimentary consultation by clicking here !

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

National Orthodontic Health Month

Toothbrushing Mistake 9

Toothbrushing Mistake No.9

Toothbrushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry”

Toothbrushing Mistake 9

There is more bacteria found in your mouth than any part of your body hence when you brush your teeth, some stays on your toothbrush. People don’t usually mind if their toothbrush is not  dry before storing them, and since most people store their toothbrush in the bathroom, a place where airborne bacteria is common, your damp toothbrush is the most appropriate choice for these bacteria to thrive in.

Not letting the toothbrush dry well enough can contaminate it. Contamination happens because there’s moisture left in your toothbrush making it a good environment for bacteria and germs to grow. When bacteria builds up during the time your toothbrush is stored, you will be putting more bacteria into your mouth the moment you start brushing. This is not cleaning your mouth at all; this is reestablishing the old bacteria in your mouth through your contaminated toothbrush. Of course, you don’t want this happening as the more bacteria in your mouth means more tooth decay.

In order to prevent this, make sure to air dry your toothbrush first before storing it in a cool and dry place. Also make sure that the container allows the air to flow, so your toothbrush can breathe properly and moisture can be prevented. Keeping your toothbrush dry literally means keeping your toothbrush clean and safe from bacteria which loves to thrive in damp places.

Brushing teeth correctly is very important . For more Toothbrusing Facts, visit our blog.

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

Toothbrushing Mistake No.9