Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Duffin, Adams and Gimlen Orthodontics is not only committed to the health of our patients, but we are also committed to the health of our community at large. Breast cancer has touched our lives intimately; our team members, spouses, patients and dear friends. During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our team wanted to do something to show our support for breast cancer research. Our offices challenged our patients to “Get Pink” by chosing pink elastics for their braces. To acknowledge their participation, a donation would be made to breast cancer research.
The response was heartwarming: 185 patients left our office with pink elastics! Duffin, Adams and Gimlen Orthodontics have made a donation to Dr. Helena Chang, Director of the Revlon/UCLA Breast Cancer Center. Her research focuses on the development of immunotherapy in treating adult ductal epithelial cancer, of which our team member Sandy, Dr Gimlen’s Auntie Sue, Dr Duffin’s wife and Dr Gimlen’s co-resident Dr. Elizabeth Gohl are survivors.
Thank you to all of our patients who participated.

The LA 25 fundraiser supporting the Manhattan Beach Roundhouse Aquarium

October 20th 2011 the LA 25, of which Dr Amy Gimlen is a member, held a fundraiser benefiting the Manhattan Beach Roundhouse Aquarium. It was an amazing event with an art auction that raised over $10,000 for the aquarium. Dr Adams and Gimlen are committed to not only their patients, but also to the community at large. Please check out the video about the roundhouse and all that it does for the community http://vimeo.com/30922510.

Healthy Gums = Healthy Heart

Did you know the bacteria in your mouth can lead to blood clots? Optimum dental health is important for the overall health of our bodies. People with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have a heart attack. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory process, which could lead to other types of inflammation in the body (especially in the lining of the blood vessels). Periodontal disease is also associated with poor wound healing, lung infections and premature/low-birth weight babies.
Flossing everyday controls the bacteria in the mouth which cause periodontal disease. It is essential to get regular dental care from your dentist, including check ups and cleanings at least every 6 months. Regular dental care is also very important while undergoing orthodontic treatment, more frequent cleanings may be necessary for some patients.
Straight teeth are easier to floss and easier for the hygienist to clean. People with crowded/crooked teeth have a higher incidence of periodontal disease.
If you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth or if it is becoming difficult to floss due to crowding, please contact Drs Adams and Gimlen for a complimentary consultation. Orthodontics is not limited to children. Adults who are looking for a more beautiful smile and a healthier mouth can also enjoy the benefits of orthodontics.

Can smiling make you live longer?

People with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. The team at Duffin, Adams and Gimlen Orthodontics have known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball 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 then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and 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 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Keep smiling and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Duffin, Adams and Gimlen Orthodontics? If not, give us a call!

When should I bring my child to the orthodontist

Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr Adams and Gimlen, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

Most parents think that seven is too early, so why then. At age seven the average patient has enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” 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 and the child will be monitored on a regular basis to watch their growth and dental development.

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 7, give us a call at Braces By The Sea to schedule an appointment.

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!

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!

Drs. Gimlen, Duffin and Adams, supporting National Children’s Dental Health Month

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing traditional braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Drs. Gimlen, Duffin and Adams are available to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics lately? Give us a call!

Getting social with Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

At Duffin, Adams and Gimlen Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social media is hugely popular these days, we know it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Drs. Gimlen, Duffin and Adams and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

Mouth guards and sports injuries, with Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

At Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics we know how important it is to protect your face. The spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. We also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s why the team at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Drs. Adams, Gimlen or Duffin may recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics.

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!

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ at Duffin Adams Gimlen Orthodontics

Our team at Duffin Adams Gimlen knows image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! We thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

For many teens, Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Invisalign Teen works in the same way as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.