Dispelling myths about orthodontics, from Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

Our doctors and staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around these days. Before you buy into those myths, you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. Check them out today and give us a call if you have any questions!

Is fluoride your friend? You bet it is!

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask the team at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness.

Hope this helps! Take care of your teeth, smile bright and give us a call if you have any questions!

What's the connection between your mouth and your heart? Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics explain...

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth

Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

Hope this helps! The team at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

Is Invisalign® Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment here at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Our doctors are certified Invisalign providers. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call!

Thanks and enjoy your weekend!

Meet the Doctors

Dr. James M. Duffin
James M. Duffin, DDS earned his Dental and Orthodontic degrees at UCSF. He is currently on the Cleft Palate Team at St. John's Medical Center (Santa Monica, CA). He has been a lecturer/instructor at the UCLA School of Dentistry for 30 years. Dr. Duffin is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society - UCSF Chapter, Pierre Fauchard Honorary Dental Society and UCSF Dental and Orthodontic Associations. Dr. Duffin served as a past-president of the Western Dental Society.

Dr. Duffin has been practicing in Manhattan Beach and El Segundo since 1967 and provides treatment for adults and children. He is an Invisalign Certified Premier Provider.

Dr. Duffin is a native of Utah and has lived in the South Bay since 1967. He is married, has five children and fourteen grandchildren. Dr. Duffin’s hobbies include photography and travel.

Dr. Michael P. Adams
Michael P. Adams, DDS completed his BA degree in Psychology at UCLA, his Dental degree at Loyola University (Chicago, IL) and his Orthodontic degree at UCLA. He is currently a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, California Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society and UCLA Orthodontic Alumni Association.

Dr. Adams served as a past-president of the UCLA Orthodontic Alumni Association. He was also elected to the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society and the International College of Dentists. He has been practicing in the Manhattan Beach and El Segundo area since 1977 where he is an Invisalign Certified Premier Provider. Dr. Adams’ philosophy is to provide exceptional orthodontics in a warm, friendly environment.

Dr. Adams is a native of Los Angeles, CA and has lived in the South Bay since 1977 with his wife and two daughters. Dr. Adams enjoys golfing and skiing.

Dr. Amy A. Gimlen
Amy A. Gimlen, DDS, MS completed her degree in Biochemistry at UCLA and continued to graduate Magna Cum Laude from UCLA dental school. She earned her Masters degree in Craniofacial Biology along with her Orthodontic degree from USC. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics, California Dental Association, and the Western Los Angeles Dental Society (where she acts as the Chair of the Membership Committee). Dr. Gimlen was also elected to the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society. Dr. Gimlen served as president of the UCLA chapter of the American Dental Student Association and president of her residency program at USC. She also acted as a member of the USC Orthodontics Alumni Association Board and is an active members of Sandpipers, a South Bay philanthropic organization.

Dr. Gimlen has been a part of Duffin, Adams and Gimlen Orthodontics since June of 2006. She is an Invisalign Premier Provider and a certified iBraces provider. Her mission is to provide excellent, cutting edge orthodontic care in a warm and comfortable environment. She believes that orthodontics goes beyond the function and esthetics of her patient's smiles, and strives to help them achieve personal growth and self confidence in addition to their beautiful smile.

Dr. Gimlen grew up in the South Bay and has also lived in Hawaii and in Northern California. She and her husband, Scott reside in El Segundo with thier dog, Ruby. In addition to her commitment to serving her patients and her community, Dr. Gimlen enjoys traveling and going to the beach.