woman checking watch

What is the Right Time for an [Orthodontist] Checkup?

Whenever a child’s teeth emerge, they start to shape the jaw line and make various changes which may or may not cause problems in the future. It is important to have a child screened and evaluated by an orthodontic specialist very early. It is never too late to have a checkup though and most experts will recommend having an orthodontic checkup before age seven, as an orthodontist can determine whether or not there may be issues down the line that may cause discomfort or dangers to the bite.

Read more

smiling children

Wear a Smile: Be the Height of Fashion 2017

Lee Mildon believes that most people won’t notice your old clothing when you wear a smile. Your face is the first thing that people look at when meeting you, and having an attractive smile with straight teeth can make a difference in how you are greeted.
Read more
couple driving convertable

Smiles Are Great Investments 2017

Smiles are great investments: the more you collect, the better you feel. Have you ever had a perfect stranger make your day just by giving you a friendly smile? You can pass that gift along by sharing your smile with others. If you are shy about smiling, consider these suggestions to make your smile more attractive and make you more confident.

Read more

manhattan beach office

Orthodontic Reputation Checklist 2017

reputation

What Makes a Good Orthodontist?

An orthodontist’s prime duty is to deal with correcting misaligned or malpositioned teeth. However, like many professions, there’s a difference between a good orthodontic specialist, and just an okay one. Here’s what makes an orthodontic practice a good one.

The Character of the Orthodontic Specialist

Just like any doctor, you want an orthodontic specialist who carries themselves in a way that makes you feel like you’re in good hands. This doesn’t apply just to the doctor. You would want everyone in the office to have a modicum of professionalism. The staff is an extension of this.
If you walk in, or call, and don’t feel at ease, then you will likely not want to deal with the practice.

A good orthodontic practice knows this and builds a reputation on it. The office will do everything possible to make you understand they know they’re doing. They want you to feel comfortable while they do it.

 

The Integrity of the Orthodontic Practice

Integrity is extremely important, and it consists of a lot of different things.

The truth about procedures and pricing – The practice should remain upright and honest about all things. This can include pricing, how a procedure works, and what outcomes to expect. For example, when discussing pricing for a procedure, the practice should readily let you know what that price includes. Is everything in there?

  • Appointments
  • Appliances (and additional appliances)
  • X-rays
  • Retainers
  • Other fees

The office should let you know if everything is included, or if you’re paying piecemeal for certain things. If they offer payment options, they should let you know about all the ones available to you, and not just the ones they would prefer you use. In addition, the office should make absolutely sure of what your insurance can and cannot cover. From there they should work with you to fill in any gaps in your coverage.

Establishing trust – You should find it easy to trust the practice and everything it does. The practice shouldn’t hold back any information from you about anything concerning a procedure.

Showing references and allowing you to look into the practice – The practice should offer references. You should be able to look up reviews of the practice and see what others have to say. Finally, peruse the practice’s website for testimonials. All of these things tie into the office’s integrity.

 

Professional Associations, Accreditation, and Ongoing Training

You want a Board Certified specialist. Board certification means the specialist has gone through 100’s of hours of training beyond what they need to claim the title of Orthodontist. This points to a degree of dedication above and beyond the norm.

In fact, that certification must be renewed every 10 years. This means the specialist goes through continuing training. Continuing training means the specialist is up-to-date with their knowledge and the techniques involved with orthodontics.

 

reputation
When on the practice’s website, you can also look for logos indicating they are a part of professional associations and boards.

Only specialists can claim the AAO association. All other associations and boards typically include AAO certified specialists. There are also associations by locality and greater geographic area. Associations and group affiliations show you are dealing with a professional.

Specifically, you’re dealing with a professional that maintains their credentials. These distinctions are important. They differentiate an orthodontic specialist from those who just practice some aspects of orthodontic dentistry.

 

Reputation is Key

A good orthodontic practice will offer various options, and help you to choose which will work best for you. That also means the practice should have the equipment and technology available to do the kind of work you need.
For example, if you had your heart set on clear aligners, you wouldn’t want the specialist to tell you that’s just not possible. You wouldn’t want them to say they don’t have the proper equipment.

The practice should let you know exactly why you’re not a candidate, and offer you a solution. Or, they should let you know there are alternatives that can work better or cost less.

 

The Ability to Answer Any and All Questions

A good orthodontic specialist can and should answer all of your questions. In fact, you should compile a list of questions to ask before your first visit. There’s no reason a specialist or the office cannot answer even your most detailed questions. Questions about treatment:

  • What does whole treatment plan entail?
  • When’s the best time to start the treatment?
  • Are there alternatives to the particular treatment?
  • What happens if you don’t go through with the treatment?
  • Questions about timeframes
  • Questions about all costs
  • What should you do between visits?
  • Questions about the practice and prices
  • How long has the practice existed?
  • How long has the specialist practiced?
  • Does the office have any references

Correspondingly, a good practice will not leave you in the dark about anything you want to know. So feel free to ask your questions. The practice should give you straightforward and honest answers to your questions, without fail.

 

A Good Rapport with Children and Young Adults

Many people who need braces find out at an early age. That means the specialist should have a good rapport with young people. Both the specialist and the office should make young people feel comfortable and welcome.
The specialists should have the ability to put both parents and children at ease about any procedure. They should have the ability to explain to both you and your child what a procedure entails and how it will affect their life.

This means the specialist should have compassion and empathy, as well as an overall friendly demeanor.
All of these things are the hallmark of a good orthodontic specialist. They’re also all signs the orthodontist has a reputation that he or she cares about and cultivates. Therefore, if you want a good orthodontic specialist, start with the professionals at Beach Braces, an orthodontic practice for all ages.

 

Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Skype: Beachbraces
https://www.beachbraces.org/

Orthodontic Reputation Checklist 2017

Wear a Perfect Smile 2017

smile

Your Smile

Smile. There are many reasons to smile. Some people smile for their significant others and children usually smile for their parents. The one thing that all these smiles should have in common is a healthy set of teeth. One thing that your orthodontist knows is that there is nothing more satisfying than smiling without feeling self-conscious due to dental issues.

What You Can Remedy

You will see what it feels like to talk to a skilled orthodontist when you give us an opportunity to help. There are a number of things that we can help with like the following:
  • Worn teeth that could lead to tooth sensitivity
  • Misaligned teeth that could lead to cavities or plaque
  • Bad bites that could make it hard to chew properly or speak
  • Overbites and underbites can be dealt with
  • Structural issues with the jaw

 

Of course, these are just some of the issues that our orthodontic specialists can help you with, but there are others. You should know that we have a number of different ways to help you with some of these issues, too.

 

Other Options

For example, many of our clients love Invisalign, which is akin to traditional braces except they are totally invisible. Invisalign could take as long as traditional braces to fix certain issues and are also removable.

The treatment does require you to come into the office every two weeks to get an adjusted set of aligners to put enough pressure on the teeth. The pressure helps correct issues with your teeth. We know that living in Manhattan Beach, Calif., can get hectic due to the traffic, but our team will do what is possible to accommodate any visit around your schedule. Visit us at Beach Braces, or give us a call at 310-379-0006 to see if we can give you another reason to smile.

 

Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Skype: Beachbraces
https://www.beachbraces.org/

Wear a Perfect Smile 2017

dr pannucci and penny

5 Ways Orthodontics Can Help You

orthodontics

You’re never fully dressed without a smile ~Martin Charnin

Orthodontics is ready to help you. A day in Manhattan Beach, Calif., is not complete without a great outfit and smile, yet some people do not let their smiles shine because of an orthodontic issue. There is no need to live without smiling because you have the orthodontic specialists at the Beach Braces office to help you deal with any dental issues.

A good orthodontist knows how important a smile is. Smiling helps a person feel happier than they would otherwise, and correcting dental issues can help improve self-esteem. You know that self-esteem can propel you forward in more ways than one. Your happiness matters to a good orthodontist.

Orthodontics Can Help

The following are just some of the things you can expect your orthodontic specialist to help you with:

  • Excessive wear on the teeth due to grinding or other oral issues
  • Misaligned teeth or crooked teeth
  • Bad bites, underbites, or overbites
  • Structural issues with the jaw, which could disfigure your face in time
  • Gaps between the teeth

These issues can make someone self-conscious, and your orthodontic specialist can help you reverse these problems. Some of these problems are a lot more serious than you might imagine. For example, excessive wear can actually lead to sensitive teeth because the enamel is compromised.

Misaligned teeth or crooked teeth give bacteria and food particles an opportunity to hide from your toothbrush or floss. This means the likelihood of cavities or other ailments is heightened due to these orthodontic-related ailments.

Rest Assured

You can be sure that everyone in our office will do everything in their power to make sure that your smile is as healthy and beautiful as it is meant to be. We can deal with some of these issues using options like Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are like traditional braces, except they are removable and invisible. You can visit us in our Beach Braces website, or call us at 310-379-0006 to schedule an appointment.

Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Skype: Beachbraces
https://www.beachbraces.org/

 5 Ways Orthodontics Can Help You

bb2-oct2016

4 Best Ways to Wear a Great Smile 2016

smile

Wear an Attractive Smile

When you get dressed in the morning, make sure to smile and look at your teeth because nothing you wear is more important than your smile. If you are spending hundreds of dollars on expensive blouses and slacks, then you can also invest in repairing your teeth by visiting an orthodontist. The first thing that someone notices about you is your smile instead of your outfit, so when you decide to learn more about modern orthodontic treatment, you are making a great choice. At an orthodontic facility, you will undergo a complete examination to determine if you have mild, moderate or severe malocclusions of your teeth.

Straighten Your Teeth

If you have a few teeth that are misaligned, then you are likely a candidate for Invisalign aligners. These plastic aligners are clear, and you can smile throughout the day without anyone noticing the devices. You must wear your aligners as much as possible, but it is possible to remove the devices when you are eating food or brushing your teeth. After two weeks, you will throw away the old aligners to change to a new set. Alternatively, if you have severely misaligned teeth, then you need to wear braces for two to four years. Fortunately, there are lingual devices that you can wear on the backs of your teeth to ensure that your smile is still gorgeous.

Call Our Orthodontist

To schedule your first appointment in California, call Beach Braces in Manhattan Beach. Dr. Patricia J. Panucci offers expert orthodontic care to adults, children, and teenagers with these types of orthodontic devices:

• Braces – lingual or self-ligating
• Invisalign – for adults and teenagers
• AcceleDent Aura – reduces orthodontic treatment time
• Colorful brackets – requested by teenagers and children

Call our orthodontist today at 310-379-0006 for a free consultation to learn how to wear a gorgeous smile for the rest of your life.

Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Skype: Beachbraces
https://www.beachbraces.org/

4 Ways to Wear a Great Smile

Beach Braces reception area

Smiling Is My Favorite Exercise

healthy

Exercise For a Healthy Smile

A healthy smile does indeed brighten up a person’s face like sunshine from within. Beautiful teeth not only improve a smile but also improve the overall health of teeth and jaw.

Importance of Straightening Teeth

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the straightening of teeth and improving the bite. Misaligned teeth and jaw problems can cause a myriad of problems further down the road. These include tooth loss, therefore a persons bone structure can be comprised and tooth enamel worn down.

Age for Orthodontics

A child can be evaluated for orthodontic check-ups around the age of 7, moreover, the child’s progression from baby teeth to adult teeth can be monitored annually to assess the need for orthodontia. The earlier misaligned teeth are corrected, the shorter the treatment and easier the correction.

However, it’s never too late for adults to obtain an evaluation and consultation with an orthodontist. Improving one’s smile is not just cosmetic, it keeps the jaw and the bite healthy and strong. In addition, it adds to confidence and bolsters self-esteem. In our practice, we firmly believe it is never too late to obtain and maintain a bright beautiful smile.

Braces

There are several types of orthodontic corrective devices available for both children and adults including colored braces. Traditional metal ones used in conjunction with rubber bands slowly move teeth to the desired position, additionally, there are the types that are attached to just the inner side of teeth where less correction is needed and invisible from the outside. Also available are invisible or clear ones which are less noticeable for minor to moderate correction. Invisalign is a system is nearly invisible and can correct minor orthodontic problems, thus they are easy to wear and to maintain and are completely inconspicuous. Braces or retainers can be in most cases worn at night.

For a healthy smile call Beach Braces for an orthodontist consultation today

Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Skype: Beachbraces
https://www.beachbraces.org/

Smiling Is My Favorite Exercise

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

dental-braces-542262_640

Can retainers fix a slight shift of teeth after braces?

 

retainers

Leading Manhattan Beach orthodontist has noted that an orthodontic patient’s most anticipated appointment day is probably the day that their braces are finally removed, and they are able to see the unencumbered results of the time and money that they have devoted to their teeth. While the excitement of seeing their new smile is justified, it is important for them to keep in mind that the treatment is not yet complete. They still need to make sure they continue with retainers.

After The Braces Are Removed

The process of teeth straightening doesn’t end with the removal of braces. As with any other diagnosis, you should follow the prescribed treatment plan to get the results that you want. In addition, there is a level of after-care for the teeth that has to be maintained in order to protect the investment that you have made.

After the removal of the braces, your orthodontist will want to evaluate how well the teeth have been aligned, possibly by taking a bite impression or an X-ray, if necessary. Thus, if the patient is a child or teenager, the teeth may be examined to determine if there has been a growth of wisdom teeth. If so, you may advised to have them removed as the emergence of the wisdom teeth could affect the alignment of the teeth that had been straightened.

Retainers

The natural shifting of teeth is inevitable as one grows into an adult and then ages. This is also true for teeth that have been straightened with braces. A retainer is an orthodontic device that is tailored-made for your teeth and mouth and that is used as a safeguard to maintain the alignment of the corrected teeth. They can be categorized as removable or fixed. Consequently each type of retainer has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Removable retainers can be removed and placed back into the mouth at will and requires some compliance on the part the patient in order to be used as prescribed by orthodontists. Finally, there are two types of removable retainers:

Removable

• Hawley – Accordingly, these retainers have a metal wire that runs across the front of your teeth and are attached to an acrylic piece that fits into the roof of your mouth. They tend to be the most-used type. You can have a creatively personalized retainer as they come in a variety of styles and colors. They will not prevent your teeth from touching naturally and can be adjusted to adhere to any change in teeth alignment. Furthermore, while they are durable and easy to clean, they can be very noticeable to others and can alter your speech when they are initially worn.

• Clear Plastic – These retainers are sometimes also referred to as vacuum-formed retainers. They are made of a clear plastic that is molded to fit the teeth and can appear almost invisible when worn. There are a few marked differences when compared to the Hawley retainers. They do not tend to last as long and prevent your teeth from touching naturally and cannot be adjusted.

Fixed

Fixed or permanent retainers are composed of a thin wire that runs across the back of the teeth where they are bonded or glued in place. They are invisible to others, but can make the flossing your teeth difficult. They can remain inside of the mouth indefinitely. In order to have them removed safely, you would have to see a professional.

Retainers FAQ

Are Retainers Able To Fix Shifts of Teeth?

Retainers are a vital part of oral care after the removal of braces. Consequently, they are used to ensure that the patient’s teeth remain straightened and in place. The muscles, bones, gums adjust to the new position of your teeth. If a retainer is not used as directed by the orthodontist the teeth return to their original positions and a loss of the investment that has been made into getting the smile that you wanted. This is particularly important with children and teenagers who have had their braces removed, as their bones are still growing.

If the shifting of the teeth is minimal, a retainer could be used to move the teeth back to how they were positioned when the braces were initially removed. Finally, the retainer must never be forced onto the teeth if it doesn’t fit. Consequently, if this is the case, the patient should contact their orthodontic specialist regarding corrective procedures.

How Long Should Retainers Be Worn?

The frequency and the length of time a retainer is worn after braces are removed varies from patient to patient. You should follow the instructions of your orthodontist.

You will need to wear the retainer all day, for the first few months. In the case of a removable retainer, as the structures around the teeth adjust to the new position of the teeth, you may be able to wear the retainer with less frequency. Your retainer, whether it is removable or fixed, is a permanent part of your long-term treatment plan for maintaining straight teeth. This plan could conceivably last for years.

Contact Our Orthodontic Office Today

In conclusion, the orthodontist working at Beach Braces in Manhattan Beach, Calif., understands how to evaluate her patients with top-of-the-line computer software. Dr. Patricia J. Panucci works with children, teenagers and adults to improve their smile and bite with these orthodontic treatments:

• Lingual braces
• Self-ligating devices
• Wild smile brackets
• Aesthetic devices
• Invisalign for adults and teenagers

Make sure you visit an Invisalign specialist like Patricia J. Panucci of Manhattan Beach Orthodontics. She possesses great skill and knowledge along with a compassionate nature. Its easy to get a complimentary consultation. She will give you a thorough evaluation and help you achieve a new and improved smile with perfectly straight teeth. Schedule an appointment today!

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

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

Can retainers fix a slight shift of teeth after braces?

[super-post id=”sp55e1a494e1f34″ title=”Related Posts” items=”5″ show_title=”true” title_length=”0″ title_ellipsis=”…” show_thumbnail=”true” remove_no_thumbnail=”false” icon_height=”40″ icon_width=”40″ icon_empty=”3612″ show_comments=”true” comment_icon=”https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/plugins/super-post/images/comments.png” show_date=”true” show_date_link=”true” date_icon=”https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/plugins/super-post/images/date.png” date_format=”F j, Y” show_author=”false” author_title=”View all posts by {author}” author_icon=”https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/plugins/super-post/images/author.png” show_category=”false” first_category=”true” category_separator=”, ” category_icon=”https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/plugins/super-post/images/category.png” offset=”0″ page_range=”5″ load_text=”Load more posts” query=”related” order=”DESC” post_status=”publish” title_trim=”words” load_style=”none” template=”left”]

Save

Save

Save

Save

child-476507_640

Replacing Missing Teeth If There Are Remaining Spaces After Treatment

child-476507_640

Missing teeth are a more common concern that most patients think. Many people who have missing teeth are concerned about how it will affect the way they present themselves to the public. However, there are also health reasons for replacing missing teeth. When you have gaps in your teeth, it can lead to problems with your gums and it can also be rather inconvenient when eating some types of foods. Not all missing teeth need to be replaced, and it really depends a lot on the individual circumstances surrounding the missing teeth.

The Importance of Straight Teeth

Whether you get orthodontic appliances applied as an adult or child, it’s important to people to maintain a healthy and effective smile. Especially in America, straight teeth indicate a certain status. Crooked and missing teeth erroneously indicate that the individual doesn’t take good care of their health.

There are also good health reasons for wanting a straighter smile. It can help prevent disease, promotes better gum health and makes it easier to care for teeth. Simply put, straight teeth are more functional than crooked teeth. So, what do you do when you’ve had braces and there are gaps between the teeth after treatment?

There are a few possible remedies. In some cases, a prosthetic implant may be warranted. With younger children and some adults, it may be necessary to leave the space to allow the teeth to adjust and move. Each situation has to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Evaluating Spaces Between the Teeth

It’s important to realize that spaces between the teeth don’t always need to be filled. It’s not completely uncommon for an adult to have a few teeth that are missing, and only a few of them need to be replaced. In some situations, filling the space between the teeth can be risky to the patient’s overall long-term health.

An adult that has small gaps between the teeth may not need to have the spaces filled if they pose no functional issue. There are remedies that can be used to correct the spacing, but they are not considered medically necessary procedures. If the space between the teeth is more than a few millimeters, then there can be a negative effect on the long-term health of the patient.

When there are large spaces between teeth, the gums are not as well protected. This leaves the gums vulnerable to damage. Over time, damaged gums may begin to recede. One specific issue is when the bone beneath the gum begins to get damaged because there isn’t anything there to anchor the bone. As the bone becomes weaker, the teeth may begin to wobble around. Tooth decay and loss may ensue.

Typically the best case scenario with large spaces, is that the teeth begin to shift. If you’ve had braces, this can negate the positive effects of the treatment.

Fixing the Spaces After Orthodontic Treatment

If you’ve recently had treatment with Invisalign or other orthodontic appliances, you’ll want to keep your teeth in good condition. A dental implant is often the best remedy to replace a missing tooth. This requires the tooth to be anchored directly to the jaw bone. The tooth then functions much like a normal tooth.

Other options that are not as ideal include a bridge or partial denture. These options tend to stand out, and they are more noticeable. They also may allow the possibility of additional bone atrophy. In some cases, this may be your only option. However, you should definitely visit an orthodontist to find out what options are available to you. If the spaces are extremely small, you may even be able to use a composite resin filling to improve the aesthetics of the teeth.

If you need a remedy to replace a missing tooth and you haven’t yet straightened your teeth, all hope is not lost. One nice thing about Invisalign treatment is that even if you have a bridge or implant, you can still get treatment. The implant or bridge won’t be able to move, but all of the teeth around it can move. This is why it’s so important to consult with a competent orthodontist before you get any treatments to make sure you get the best possible treatment.

Your orthodontist may recommend getting Invisalign or other orthodontic appliances applied first, and then have a procedure to replace any missing teeth. This way, you can ensure that you get the best possible smile. This is important since once you get an implant for a missing tooth, that tooth can’t be moved. If the placement of a dental implant isn’t ideal, it can reduce your options for treatment.

Missing Teeth in Children

Children who have missing teeth after treatment is a pretty common occurrence, especially if the appliances were applied before all of their adult teeth have come in. There is a device that is very similar to a partial denture that can be used. The appliance is wired to the teeth. When the adult teeth begin to come in, the appliance can be removed. For children who have adult teeth that are missing, the procedures prescribed for adults are actually ideal. It really depends on the age of the children and the current condition of their teeth.

 


If you have any questions about treatment, give our orthodontic practice, Beach Braces, a call to find out what treatment options are available for you and your family.

How Can I Start The Straightening Process?

If you are in need of a straightening procedure, give a call to our Manhattan Beach, CA orthodontic practice. Our professionals are on hand ready to help you through the procedure and will explain the methods used in detail before they get started in properly straightening your child’s teeth. An appointment can be made for an initial consultation if desired. We look forward to hearing from you!

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

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

What Your Child Should Expect Before and After Braces

[super-post id=”sp570e3c1743b6d” title=”Related Posts” items=”5″ show_title=”true” title_length=”0″ title_ellipsis=”…” show_thumbnail=”true” remove_no_thumbnail=”false” icon_height=”40″ icon_width=”40″ icon_empty=”3612″ show_comments=”true” comment_icon=”https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/plugins/super-post/images/comments.png” show_date=”true” show_date_link=”true” date_icon=”https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/plugins/super-post/images/date.png” date_format=”F j, Y” show_author=”false” author_title=”View all posts by {author}” author_icon=”https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/plugins/super-post/images/author.png” show_category=”false” first_category=”true” category_separator=”, ” category_icon=”https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/plugins/super-post/images/category.png” offset=”0″ page_range=”5″ load_text=”Load more posts” query=”related” order=”DESC” post_status=”publish” title_trim=”words” load_style=”none” template=”left”]