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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!

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

columbus_

Happy Columbus Day!

What is Columbus Day? 

As the second Monday in October is approaching very quickly we are almost ready to celebrate Columbus Day. On October 12 1492 Christopher Columbus arrived in America, today we celebrate Columbus Day over an extended long weekend holiday. Many of us spend Columbus Day together with family or friends enjoying good food and good times. It’s important to enjoy yourself over Columbus Day but also to be careful especially if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

We understand that accidents over the course of the Columbus Day holiday can happen and it can be very difficult to receive treatment especially with our offices facing shortened hours. If you have an emergency that requires immediate attention feel free to check through our website for a number of quick fixes that you can make to orthodontic appliances to ensure your short-term comfort.

Are you going away for Columbus Day? 

columbus_

If you are going away for Columbus Day or spending time with friends is also very important that you keep track of any removable appliances. For patients that use retainers or Invisalign dental aligners it’s very important that they keep track of their appliances and continue to use them over the course of the holiday. We understand that sometimes appliances can be lost or damaged over the long weekend and if this occurs make sure to phone into our answering service or e-mail us directly so that we can order you a replacement appliance as soon as possible.

If you go without your appliance for a long period of time it can greatly impact the length of your treatment and extend the length of your treatment. Make sure to continue wearing your appliance and to keep track of it especially when you are traveling, it can be a costly expense to replace it. Enjoying Columbus Day with friends and family may also affect your diet especially if you have a permanent orthodontic appliance. Make sure to consider your food options before going out to an event.

It is important to consider that their are certain foods you will need to avoid in order to maintain your oral health. For a description of the foods that you should best avoid over Columbus Day feel free to consult our website on some of the foods to avoid with braces.

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

Happy Columbus day!

Opperation

Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude: A Candy Buyback

With Halloween fast approaching, there are many orthodontists that are looking for solutions to steer their patients away from all of the sugar and junk that could ruin the progress of their orthodontic treatment. Luckily there is a solution and it comes in the form of operation gratitude which is a candy buyback program for orthodontists and dentists. 

US Army

first_msc via Flickr

As children collect candy for Halloween and throughout the Halloween season,  participating orthodontists can encourage them to hold back on eating the candy and to collect it. At an appropriate time participating practices will be able to buy back the stockpiles of candy and in exchange give children coupons for food, services, toothbrushes or other creative exchanges. After the orthodontists and dentists collect all of this candy up and exchange it, they are asked to send the candy off to operation gratitude.

Where does all the candy go?

Operation gratitude then bundles up all of the candy that is collected from practices across North America to eventually send the candy along with supplies in the operation gratitude program which is a military support group designated to support US military troops. All of these candies and supplies will eventually be sent overseas and deployed to US military troops who are in harms way.

The program is a big win for orthodontists as it can work to reduce any October issues in orthodontic and oral care. The program also works to benefit American soldiers were deployed in harm’s way and gives them a much-needed morale boost. Many practices that participate in this program experience overwhelming support and the children, who have been told to avoid candy throughout October, certainly enjoy getting some type of treat in exchange for their Halloween efforts.

Halloween is a fun time of year for kids and there is no reason why they should have to miss out because they are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. Kids with orthodontic appliances can still go out and collect candy and with a program like this one orthodontic office can still reward them for taking part in the Halloween season.

The program has been widely successful and this year will be shipping its 1 millionth care package on December 7, 2013. Operation gratitude runs entirely on donations and even some money is needed to handle the shipping costs for their care packages. Donations can be made via the website, or at any one of the orthodontic candy buyback programs that occur throughout early November and October.

For more information contact our office by clicking here, alternatively post any comments on our Facebook wall.

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

Operation Gratitude

TM3-BB

Toothbrushing Mistake No.3

Toothbrushing Mistake No.3: “Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough”

Brushing teeth correctly

Not brushing often enough or long enough can cause faster degradation of teeth and gums. There’s actually a recommended duration and frequency when it comes to brushing. This ensures all the parts and areas of the mouth and teeth are covered. Brushing your teeth twice daily is good but three times per day is best according to Sesemann, DDS, and president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Sesemann added that with the amount of time in between brushings, bacteria can build up which will in turn boost the risks of having gum inflammation and other related problems. Brushing after your meals (at least three times a day) will lessen the probability of gum diseases and tooth decay. It is also important to bear in mind the recommended duration of at least two minutes when brushing your teeth. You can actually divide your mouth into four quadrants and spend 30 minutes for each quadrant to make sure you are spending an equal brushing time for all your teeth.

Since most people fall short in both timelines (duration and frequency), it helps if you multi-task to take your mind off brushing. Two to three minutes will go faster if you watch TV while brushing or read a newspaper. In general, sticking to the recommended frequency and duration of brushing can help you preserve your teeth for the years to come.

If you have any other queries about caring for your teeth you can post a comment on our Facebook wall, or contact Dr Panucci directly for your complimentary consultation.

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

Toothbrushing Mistake No.3

Toothbrusing Mistake 2

Toothbrushing Mistake No.2

Toothbrushing Mistake No.2: “Not Picking the Right Bristles“

Toothbrusing Mistake 2

With the numerous toothbrushes and different bristle types available in the market today, consumers are having a hard time selecting the appropriate toothbrush. Aside from the abundant options, advertisements are also rampant and most of the time they are just promoting their products not bearing in mind that whatever they say on the commercials can affect the decision making of each individual which will later have an impact their overall oral hygiene.

So are there guidelines, tips, or clear-cut path to follow when choosing the toothbrush with the right bristles?

No matter how the bristles are placed (angled or straight); dentists do not agree that one type is better than the other. The sturdiness of the bristles should be hard enough to remove debris and plaque but should also be soft enough in order not to damage the gums while brushing, says Richard H. Price, DMD. Using natural bristles from animal hair or boar hair is also highly discouraged by Price.

Not picking the right bristles can lead to gum problems (very stiff or hard bristles can damage teeth and gums) or tooth decay (too softer bristles may not be able to remove plaque which will later cause tooth decay). Hence, it is important to find the balance on the sturdiness of the bristles for more effective teeth cleaning.

Are you following Dr Panucci on Twitter?  Follow all her latest tweets and oral hygiene tips.

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

Toothbrushing Mistake No.2

Toothbrushing Mistake1

Toothbrushing Mistake No.1

Toothbrushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush”

Toothbrushing Mistake1

Not using the right toothbrush brings a lot of negative effects to your overall oral health. If your toothbrush doesn’t fit your needs and if you’re not comfortable using it, then the tendency would be to finish brushing earlier than the recommended duration (or not to brush on the recommended frequency).

Later on, this will lead to tooth decay and in no time, you can count your remaining teeth in one hand. These may seem like terrible results for just not using the right toothbrush but it’s a fact you cannot deny. So how do you choose the right toothbrush for you?

Toothbrushes available in the market today come in different colors, shapes, types, and sizes which can be very overwhelming. The truth is, there’ no such thing as “one size fits all” when choosing the right toothbrush. Every person has unique needs and preference hence it really depends on the individual who will be using the toothbrush. The more comfortable you are when using your toothbrush the more likely you will use it. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are great for removing debris and plaque from your teeth. Aside from that, small-headed toothbrushes can also reach areas at the back of your teeth.

Using hard-bristled toothbrushes does not mean you are cleaning your teeth more effectively. It can even damage your gums so be careful when using these. The style and grip will depend on your preference so choose the one you are more comfortable with. Always remember that for optimum results, using the right toothbrush comes with brushing your teeth the right way too.

If you are unhappy with your smile you can get a free consultation by clicking here today!

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

Toothbrushing Mistake No.1

smile quote

A smile is the light in the window of your face

“A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you’re at home.”

smile quote

Beach Braces Smile Quote #24 “A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you’re at home.”

Showing others that you are confident, happy and content is very important to connecting with other people and remaining approachable. A smile is a universal symbol for showing that you are comfortable and that you are at home in your own skin. You would be amazed at the amount of people that might approach you if you simply include a smile in items that you wear daily.

People who walk around confident with a smile on their face managed to see life in a different way. Not only does it make them more approachable but it can also work to make others feel much more content and happy around them. Smiles are something that is meant to be shared, after all a smile is a universal symbol showing that you are happy and by showing off your smile to other people that care about you they can’t help but feel happy as well.

It can be easy to lose a smile when you are stressed, overthinking aspects of your job or even just having a difficult day but it is important to remember to take some time for yourself and to do something that makes you smile. A smile during a time of weakness or during a difficult time is a great way to show people that you still have hope and that you are still confident in your own abilities. A smile is the perfect way to show that you are happy to be in their company and you are fulfilled as a person.

If you’re having trouble with your teeth, feel free to contact Dr Panucci to increase your happiness showing off your radiant smile. You can get a free consultation by clicking here!

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

A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you’re at home.

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Invisalign v Braces

Which are your preferred braces?

Traditional Metal Braces vs. Damon System Braces vs. Clear Aligners

Today you now have a choice in planning your orthodontic treatment! Taking a proactive part in designing your treatment can help you better understand how appliances work and why you should follow their strict instructions.  Since numerous types of appliances are now available, choosing among them might be hard for those who have little knowledge regarding their advantages and disadvantages. In order to prevent regrets during or after your treatment, it is best to gain broad awareness about orthodontic treatments.  Below is a good comparison of traditional metal braces and clear braces you can use as your guide. Invisalign v Braces

Examining each of them and comparing them with each other can help you calculate which option is best for you. By “best” we mean lesser pain, lesser discomfort, more convenience, lesser cost, and shorter treatment duration.  Since having all these advantages at once is hard to achieve given you have limited resources or other restrictions, you can pick which criteria you prefer the most such as price, duration, or convenience and base your decision on it.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are known for their strength and durability that can withstand the test of time for patients of all ages. These braces require an elastic rubber band, also called ligature, in order to connect or hold the archwire into the bracket. On the other hand, some orthodontists utilize metal tie wires instead of these elastic bands. These tie wires are twisted around the bracket thus enabling them to apply pressure on your teeth. This pressure will then slowly move your teeth to their desired positions over time.

Advantages

These kind of braces are less expensive compared to the other types of braces thus it is the most commonly used worldwide to keep orthodontists overhead down.  You are allowed you to play with multi-colored ligatures that serve as decorations on your teeth when you smile.  Aside from that, an option for a darker ligature is also available for those who smoke or drink coffee in order to hide staining.

Disadvantages

Traditional metal braces are easier to notice compared to the Damon System Bracket or Damon Clear Braces. Because of this, most teens and adults prefer the smaller Damon Braces or even clear aligners. Furthermore, since this type of braces is cemented on your teeth, proper brushing and cleaning is a must in order to prevent tooth decays.  Lastly, metal braces tend to be uncomfortable at first 3 weeks as your tongue, cheek, and lips get used to it.  The older bracket systems also require more force to get the teeth to move which translates to discomfort for the patient.  Because of this, Dr. Wilson has chosen to not use the older braces systems in his office due to less patient satisfaction upon completion of treatment and a less superior result that the Damon System

Damon System Braces

The Damon Bracket system is the leading orthodontic bracket on the market today.  It is the only “passive, self-ligating bracket” and has a special patent that no other braces system can reproduce.  It’s know for getting a more superior result in a shorter time with less discomfort.  It is the “Cadillac” of all braces systems out there today.  It’s also know for giving the patient a wider, more esthetic smile that can not be achieved with other braces systems.

Advantages

The advantages over traditional braces or the old bracket systems are many.  Just to list a few:  Smaller bracket, more hygienic, less discomfort, faster treatment times, fewer appointments, a broader/fuller smile, along with many more advantages.

Disadvantages

It is the most expensive braces system out there, which is why most orthodontists don’t use it because it increases their overhead.  However, Dr. Wilson has elected NOT to charge a premium or increase his fees because of this since he is able to finish his patients faster and in fewer appointments so this decreases the time needed for each patient as far as overall chair time, which tends to wash out his increased overhead on the bracket.  Thus, this creates a built-in savings for the patient.

Clear Aligners

Having clear braces is a good option for those who don’t have the confidence to wear metal braces. Clear braces are made up of plastic and the most common brand is Invisalign. Unlike metal braces, clear braces or aligners need to be replaced once every two weeks.

Advantages

The main advantage of using clear braces is cosmetic. Patients are conscious regarding how they look when friends and families notice their weird appliances such as palatal expander, metal braces, or metal retainers. Aside from that, since clear aligners are removable, it will be easier for you to clean the appliances as well as your teeth. You can even remove them when playing instruments, swimming, or engaging in sports.

Disadvantages

Because of its convenience and comfort, clear braces are slightly more expensive compared to other types of braces.  They are also more fragile so handling them carefully is a must in order not to break them.  Furthermore, there’s a higher risk of losing them since you can easily remove them and misplace your braces case or holder.  However, Invisalign Teen has 6 replacement aligners for free built in.

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

Which are your preferred braces?

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Your Orthodontic Experience at Beach Braces

Your Orthodontic Experience

We Want to Hear About Your Orthodontic Experience

We are inviting you to share your orthodontic experience with Dr. Panucci and the Beach Braces Team.

Your Orthodontic Experience at Beach Braces

We are always looking at ways to improve our service and give you the best orthodontic experience in Manhattan Beach.

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Simply click here to take the quick survey. Thank you! : )

Beach Braces – Specialist in Orthodontics in Manhattan Beach 90266, El Segundo 90245, Hermosa Beach 90254 and the South Bay area of Southern California. Patient Testimonials.

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

Your Orthodontic Experience

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