Retainers and YOU, from Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Gimlen, Adams or Duffin will provide—or have provided you—with retainers.

After braces are removed, teeth have the ability to shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Drs. Gimlen, Adams or Duffin is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

Ask Duffin Adams Gimlen: Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

No one is "too old" for treatment. A few weeks ago, we blogged about who benefits from braces and thought we'd get a bit more specific and discuss adult orthodontics. Recently, there was an article that reported adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! In fact, did you know one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21?

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest—rather wisely—in orthodontics. While orthodontic treatment is often associated with teens, adult orthodontics and braces at our Manhattan Beach and El Segundo offices can achieve amazing results for adult patients. With treatments such as Invisalign, you can have your teeth straightened less noticeably. Orthodontic treatment at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics can be successful at any age, and our staff knows adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Drs. Duffin Adams and Gimlen would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Burning questions about Invisalign® with Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

We've written about the advantage of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen when performed by Drs. Gimlen, Adams and Duffin, and today thought we'd answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign. Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Here are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics.

At this point, you're probably wondering: How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience any pain during my treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing!

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You may eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners after you're done eating.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing or flossing.

Will my speech be altered by my aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Drs. Duffin, Gimlen or Adams will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan. A complimentary consultation with Drs. Duffin, Adams & Gimlen can determine if Invisalign is right for you.

To learn more about Invisalign, please give Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics a call! Have a great week!

Update on Dr. Gimlen!

Dr. Gimlen is back at work as of last Monday, and wanted to share some news on her new daughter, Kiele Gimlen Burrin, born January 27th at 12:31. She was 6 lbs., 14 oz and 20 1/2 inches.

For more photos, head over to the Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics Facebook fan page!

What are patients saying about Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics?

Drs. Adams, Gimlen and Duffin deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment in El Segundo and Manhattan Beach. Our dedicated team makes orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Service, Absolutely! I love the smiles and friendly faces! I love how everyone knows your name ;-). I love my smile! And most of all I love the CARE I received there." ~ Mark F.

"The things I like best about Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, is that they all are very caring. I enjoy going to my visits because they are all so friendly and I enjoy talking to them." ~ George B.

"They are very friendly and efficient." ~ Helen J.

"Expertise - well known in the community for their outstanding work." ~ Melissa L.

Keep the great reviews coming! You may post a review of us on our Google Local page or on our social networks! We appreciate all of our patients!

Ask Duffin Adams Gimlen: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Drs. Adams, Gimlen or Duffin will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment; whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life! Happy Monday!