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.

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.