Choosing the Right Orthodontist, Part One: Why Should I Visit Orchin Orthodontics For My Invisalign Treatment When I Can Call My Dentist?

At Orchin Orthodontics, we are often asked, “Why should I come to an Orthodontist for Invisalign when my general dentist provides Invisalign?” and “Isn’t all the work done by computers? Won't the result will be the same?”

We want to take a moment to outline some very important basic concepts of orthodontic treatment and the choice of your orthodontist. Drs. Orchin and the team feel it is very important that the practitioner you choose is certified by the American Association of Orthodontists. While we are aware there are many general dentists who provide Invisalign, orthodontists are better qualified and have more extensive training in the movement of teeth than any of their peers.

Although Invisalign is created by computer-aided technology, the results are only as successful as the practitioner providing the prescription and treatment plan. We are Invisalign Premier Providers, which indicates a higher level of training in Invisalign as well as an increased case acceptance and successful completion of Invisalign cases.

We understand that choosing a provider is a very personal and important decision and know you must consider many factors in doing so. Please be aware that your care--before, during and after treatment--involves our entire team. We take great pride in our qualified team here at Orchin Orthodontics. We understand that continued education and team building is of the utmost importance. Rest assured that we are always looking for ways to improve so that we may meet our goals and exceed your expectations. Our combined experience makes us an outstanding team providing beautiful and dependable results.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, please give us a call!

A great braces-friendly fall recipe! From Orchin Orthodontics

Fall is here, and sometimes we here at Orchin Orthodontics just feel like a hot delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) fall dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Pasta Pomodorini
Ingredients:
•¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
•¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
•¼ cup sliced garlic
•½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
•Sea salt, preferably gray salt
•½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
•Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great fall dish and have a great week!
--From Drs. Orchin and the team at Orchin Orthodontics

What are you up to in November? Orchin Orthodontics want to know!

Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before you go celebrating, the team at Orchin Orthodontics want to know: What are you doing this month? Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we'd love to hear all about it!

You can share your stories with us here, on our social networks or by giving us a call!

--The team at Orchin Orthodontics

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season, from Orchin Orthodontics

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in Fall, but this year it seems to have started much earlier and with the number of patients canceling appointments because of flu and H1N1 symptoms Drs. Orchin and Orchin Orthodontics are taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

--The team at Orchin Orthodontics

Orchin Orthodontics Reminds You that Regular Checkups for Adults are Vital

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great. But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit your dentist every six months in addition to your normal orthodontic appointments here at Orchin Orthodontics. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam, your doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment.

And, as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us!