Ever thought about why you don’t see many seniors with braces in high school yearbooks today? Look at yearbook or prom pictures from the 1960s or ’70s and you’ll see many “tin grins”. You don’t often see that today. Why? Kids today undergo orthodontic care at a much earlier age in Berkley and Lafayette CA and treatment is usually completed before their junior year when most yearbook and prom photos are taken. Some patients, with special problems, begin orthodontic treatment as early as age 7 or younger.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children receive an orthodontic [...] Read More

At Iezman and Osterman Orthodontics, some teens and adults opt for Invisalign, the “braceless” alternative to traditional braces to straighten teeth. What would you do if something happened to your Invisalign aligners while you were out of town? What if an aligner breaks, is left behind at a restaurant while eating, or you lost your purse or luggage with your aligners inside? Here are some tips for Invisalign patients on what to do if you are out of town and something happens to your aligners!

Five Traveling Tips with Invisalign

Depending upon the length of your trip, [...] Read More

Oral piercings of the tongue, lips, and cheeks are growing in popularity and acceptance, and are considered a way to express one’s personality in an art form like tattoos. However, did you know the human bite can be more “toxic” than an animal bite? Keeping this in mind, imagine what could happen to your mouth with oral piercings that collect additional food and debris (that breed bacteria and germs) while banging against your teeth over 1500 times a day when you swallow…

The risks are numerous and oral piercings have the potential to wreak havoc on your teeth and gums:

[...] Read More

Sensitive teeth…Have you ever experienced sensitivity in your teeth when drinking hot coffee or eating ice cream? How about when brushing your teeth? Ever wonder why this happens? Most of the time it is due to enamel wear of teeth. When this happens, the dentin (sensitive part of the tooth) is exposed and left vulnerable to all kinds of painful experiences, depending upon how severe.

When the dentin loses the protection of hard enamel, the nerves under the tooth are less protected, triggering pain whenever it is hit with a hot or cold temperature. So, how do you fix this [...] Read More

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents understand the early warning signs of an orthodontic problem and recommends kids be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7 – 8. Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and a greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Well timed intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

There are many different types malocclusions or bite problems that require orthodontic treatment at Iezman and Osterman Orthodontics. Below is a list [...] Read More

Here is a thought! Why not give the gift of a smile to yourself or someone you love this Valentine’s Day? At Iezman and Osterman Orthodontics we specialize in beautiful smiles and can give you or anyone that smile you have so long deserved. The benefit of a healthy, happy smile is immeasurable. Choosing a trained orthodontic specialist for treatment can make that happen.

If your teeth are crooked, crowded or just not right, make the move to get that look you have always wanted. A great smile can drastically affect both your personal and professional lives.

One of [...] Read More

Some parents at Iezman and Osterman Orthodontics ask if stopping a child’s nail biting habit is another positive effect of orthodontic treatment. Since nail biting can be harmful to braces by breaking brackets and bending wires that delays treatment, our Doctors feel that finding ways to curtail the habit is in our patient’s best interest.

Here are a few facts about nail biting… technically called “Onychophagia”.

About 30 percent of children aged 7-10 bite their nails About 45 percent of teenagers bite their nails About 25 percent of young [...] Read More

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Depending on what stage you are in of orthodontic treatment, smiling may be the last thing you want to do. Whether you’re just starting with braces or Invisalign or near the very end, your confidence may have taken a tumble. With a new year comes a new mindset and we’ve got 8 reasons to expose your beautiful smile to the world in 2018:

1. Smiles are contagious. Studies have shown that people have a difficult [...] Read More

 

Happy Holidays to all from Iezman and Osterman Orthodontics! This is the time of year where giving means more than receiving. To see the joy on a loved one’s face as they look in their stocking or open a present is truly what giving is about. The Team at Iezman and Osterman Orthodontics would like to share some stocking stuffer ideas for your consideration. All of these suggestions apply to patients of different ages whether or not they are wearing braces or Invisalign.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Colgate Wisps for those on the go. Wisps are disposable [...] Read More

Now is the time to start thinking of the perfect gift for your special teen or adult in your life. What better way to express your sentiments and thoughts than to give someone you love the beautiful smile they always wanted. An Invisalign Smile is the perfect Holiday gift!

For the majority of people, celebrations, parties, holiday treats, cookies, and candy are all part of the holiday celebration. But for teens and adults in braces, it can be challenging to say the least. Invisalign gives a person the freedom to enjoy the holiday season and all of the things that [...] Read More