Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring affects millions of people of all ages, both male and female. Approximately one in seven North Americans have a chronic sleep disorder. Oral appliance therapy is the most common treatment for snoring without sleep apnea. Treatment procedures range from changing your sleep patterns to utilizing orthodontic-related appliances that help open the airways during sleep.

What causes snoring? Snoring is caused by the vibrations of your soft and/or hard tissue palates; these vibrations occur because of increasingly narrow air passages. When air passes through these passages, a “flapping” sound occurs because the tissue is soft in nature.
 Common risk factors for snoring:
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Health Problems
• Obesity
• Obstructed Nasal Passages - Deviated Septum
• Poor Muscle Tone of the Tongue
• Daytime Fatigue
• Sleep Apnea
• Hypothyroidism
• Allergies

 Sleep Apnea
The word “apnea” literally means “without breath.” There are three types of apnea. In all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common is usually caused when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses people with sleep apnea in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.

Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. Fatigue, day time sleepiness, irritability, depression, headaches, impotence, high blood pressure and motor vehicle accidents are risks associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

Treatment options for sleep apnea include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, and surgery. Your medical doctor will recommend the treatment of choice based on your sleep studies.

Oral Appliances
A mouthpiece, sometimes called an oral appliance, does not cure Obstructive Sleep Apnea however it may help in preventing the apnea and/or snoring from occurring during sleep. Two thirds of the patients report a significant improvement using oral appliances. A dentist/orthodontist is the best person in delivering oral appliances to the patients because they can monitor the changes that occur to the dentition. Furthermore, they can fabricate an appliance that will fit most comfortably and therefore, is used more regularly for ideal results.

Consultation Phase

During the initial consultation and examination with the orthodontist, the use of the oral appliance and procedures involved during the follow-up visits will be discussed. After four months of appliance wear you will be referred back to your medical doctor for follow-up sleep study to assess the effectiveness of the appliance.

Appointment Sequence
1. An initial consultation appointment with the orthodontist to discuss the use of Oral appliances for Sleep Apnea.
2. A records appointment to take radiographs, molds of the teeth and bite registration to fabricate the appliance.
3. Insertion of the appliance appointment within 2-4 weeks. Instructions regarding appropriate appliance wear.
4. Regular follow up appointments to improve fit and effectiveness of the appliance.
5. Four months later, an appointment to go back to your medical doctor for a follow-up sleep study.
6. One year later, a follow-up appointment for the assessment of symptoms, appliance wear and dental occlusion. For more information please contact Drs Adams and Gimlen

Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, supporting National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Did you know the month of May is observed as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Reagan encouraged people to incorporate more activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more important today as kids are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can - and do - improve their health, productivity and overall well being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided some public health guidelines for your reference. The guidelines call for children and teenagers to exercise one hour every day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, we encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participate in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often you should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

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.

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!

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!

Get 24/7 access to your account at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics!

At Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Manhattan Beach and El Segundo.

Did you know our patients have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service!

"I can review appointment information anytime of the day,even when the office is closed." ~ Shellie S.

"I've just started using it, but like the ease of being able to have all of the information at hand now." ~ Heather G.

"The reminders are great since I am so busy at work and forget about appointments." ~ Vickie G.

"Being able to viewing appointmetns and financial history is very helpful, if I ever need to view this information it is right there at my finger tips..." ~ Gloria C.

You may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics if you have any questions!

Ask Duffin Adams Gimlen: When should my child come in for a check-up?

Too many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started much sooner.

Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists, AAO, recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

It's true. Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Gimlen, Duffin or Adams to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for “bad bite,” or malocclusion. Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age seven, give us a call at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Have a great week!

What helps you relax at Duffin Adams Gimlen?

Drs. Duffin, Adams and Gimlen understand understand not everyone is thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our amiable staff? Or is it something about our wonderful doctors?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Breaking Down the Myths and Facts, from Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

Drs. Duffin, Adams and Gimlen know there are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! The team 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. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics answers the question: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why the team at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call to set up a consultation. Our doctors can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays from Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics!

The holiday season is upon us, and as the doctors and their team at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay safe, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Duffin Adams Gimlen

What makes Duffin Adams Gimlen Special?

People always ask us, "What makes you so great?" And here's our answer:

The majority of our patients have been referred to our office by their dentist, friends and/or family members. We view this as testimony that our office is highly regarded for the results we achieve and the way we care for our patients.

Drs. Duffin, Adams and Gimlen have over 70 years of combined experience delivering quality orthodontics and creating beautiful smiles. Our patients not only benefit from this experience but from having access to three orthodontists. All doctors are members of the American Association of Orthodontists, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontist, American Dental Association and Western Los Angeles Dental Society.

The doctors feel it is essential to be at the forefront of all the technological advancements in orthodontics. They and the staff attend numerous education programs each year in order to stay current with the ever-changing field of orthodontics. The doctors encourage innovation and creativity in each other and in their team.

Our entire team is experienced, well-trained and dedicated to providing a superior level of orthodontic treatment and personalized care. We maintain the highest standards in the field of orthodontics. We adhere to the CDC guidelines for sterilization and infection control assuring your health and safety.

Our state-of-the-art equipment includes digital radiography and imaging and computerized communications so you can access your appointment and account information from your home computer. The doctors see our patients at every visit. The bands and bracket placement and the wire activations are done by the doctors only.

Our office has been Invisalign certified since February 2000. We are designated by Invisalign as Premier Providers (top 5% of offices in the United States). We strive to stay on schedule and not keep our patients waiting; we know your time is important. We take pride in being able to provide quality orthodontics to second and third generation family members.

Patient reviews for Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics, serving Manhattan Beach, El Segundo and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient testimonials lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about our doctors and their staff! Happy Monday!

"We had my son's first appointment and everyone was friendly and helpful." ~ Nicole W.

"Everyone in the office is very respectful, professional and treat the kids in such manner. The office is clean, calm and organized." ~ Gloria C.

"Very user-friendly on all levels -- staff and doctors alike. On time with appointments (even though we were ten minutes late!). Took time to explain any questions we asked (including those of my nine-year-old son who was "along for the ride." ~ Andrew R.

"We have heard wonderful things about our orthodontist which is why we chose to go to this office. He explained all procedures to us and did not jump the gun on braces!" ~ John O.

"Great chairside manner with my children." ~ Jim B.

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.