Ask Duffin Adams Gimlen: What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Drs. Adams, Gimlen and Duffin call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and, yes, even your appearance.

Drs. Adams, Gimlen and Duffin will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

Smile now, smile later, smile often!

Great news! People with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Researchers there looked at photos of 230 baseball players who began their careers prior to 1950 - and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers of course then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and, YES, even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be almost 80 years old!

So smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics on a regular basis? If not, give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Celebs get braces, too! From Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

Yep, it's true. Back in 2002, Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise had braces, and during this time he was 40 years old! During this time, Cruise filmed the films Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out Cruise's smile in Jerry Maguire, The Firm or Rain Man and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without El Segundo and Manhattan Beach orthodontists Drs. Adams, Gimlen and Duffin!

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this list of famous names, courtesy of ABC News. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please call Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics. We're waiting to hear from you!

Drs. Duffin, Adams and Gimlen, reminding you to play it safe this spring

With spring here, many children, teens and adults will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! Not so fast: April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Drs. Duffin Adams and Gimlen urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring.

If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact our staff at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics. And remember to have fun and stay safe on the field!