Dental Xrays and Increased Tumor Risk

There was a new study released showing a relationship (not a cause) between the number of dental X-rays (taken 30 years ago when dosages were higher) and a benign form of brain tumors.

The video is also informative from a patient point of view. We always try to minimize the radiation dosage we expose our patients to by reducing the number of dosages and utilizing the most advanced cutting edge digital technology. Please feel free to ask Dr Adams and Gimlen about the study. We want to make sure our patients, families and communities are informed.

Tooth whitening under braces

Did you know you can actually bleach your teeth with braces on!

Many Invisalign patients know that they can bleach with their aligners, but whitening gel can actually penetrate the tooth surface underneath your braces and bleach them from the inside out. Since tooth bleach gel is made out of hydrogen peroxide it also helps to bubble off any bacteria and food left on the teeth.

Many patients, when bleaching their teeth experience mild to moderate tooth sensitivity, so talk to Dr Adams or Gimlen before you whiten your teeth.

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.

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.

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!