TOMS One Day without Shoes Event

Thank you to all that made it out to our TOMS One Day without Shoes event and thank you to TOMS and Rubios for their donations.

Congratulations to Lauren, Elizabeth and Andrea who all won TOMS sunglasses and Ms. Pastor who got a free meal at Rubios.

For more information about TOMS mission visit their website http://www.toms.com/

Sports Mouth Guards- Protect your investment

Getting your braces off can be one of the most momentous occasions in your life. You are so excited to show off your new smile to your friends and family. Now that your smile is perfect, you want to keep it that way for your entire life. So how do you do that? Two ways: 1. Wear your retainers as instructed by Drs Adams and Gimlen and 2. Wear a mouth guard when you participate in any sport where you could be hit in the mouth/jaw.
Mouth guards protect your teeth, lips, jaws and gums; and current research suggests that they also may aid in reducing the incidence of concussions. Anyone who plays a sport where they can suffer trauma to the mouth/jaw should have a custom fit mouth guard. This would include any sport using a ball, gymnastics, martial arts, hockey, etc…
At Duffin, Adams and Gimlen Orthodontics we want to protect the smiles of our patients and our community’s athletes. We fabricate custom mouth guards at an extremely affordable price. All we need is a simple impression to create a customized mouth guard in your choice of colors. Please give us a call 310-545-6525 or visit our website www.bracesbythesea.com for additional information.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!