Happy New Year from all of us at BFO!

2010 is almost over—and what a year it was at BFO! Dr. Brown and our team at Brown Family Orthodontics thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in New Orleans, Metairie and surrounding communities.

What helps you or your child relax at Brown Family Orthodontics?

Dr. Brown and our staff at BFO understand not everyone is always thrilled at the prospect of visiting the orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each of your visits. For four decades, Brown Family Orthodontics has set the standard of excellence in orthodontic care, with offices in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington and Franklinton.

Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Brown Family Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our friendly staff? Is it something about Dr. Brown?

Let us know on our Facebook page! Happy Holidays!

Share your winter break plans with BFO!

Dr. Brown and our team at BFO want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? None of the above? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

Also, don't forget we are accepting your new and unwrapped toys through Dec. 16 as part of our Toys for Tots program!

Brown Family Orthodontics partners with Toys for Tots ‎

Our team at Brown Family Orthodontics would like to invite our patients and community members to join us in delivering a message of hope to those less fortunate in our community. We are now accepting new, unwrapped toys and clothing to be donated to less fortunate youngsters in our area through Toys for Tots.

Please stop by our office anytime during regular business hours to drop off your donations. Thank you for teaming up with us to reach out to our community. Nothing is more rewarding than helping an unfortunate child experience the joy of the holidays.

We will be accepting your donations through Dec. 16. Please head to our Facebook page for more info. Thank you for all your help this holiday season!

From our entire team at BFO!

Dr. Brown wants to know: Do you know where your retainer is?

If you recently completed treatment at Brown Family Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you, again! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Brown will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, you see, 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 our staff at BFO is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment here at BFO, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Giving thanks this holiday season

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to thank all of our patients and their families, our referring doctors and patients and our own families for all their support, encouragement and help throughout the year! We will continue striving to keep giving back to our community and thank them for their participation in making us the best orthodontic practice in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington and Franklinton.

We hope everyone takes out the time this year to spend Thanksgiving with their families and friends - we consider you our family and we feel blessed to know you. Deepest wishes for a wonderful Holiday from Dr. Brown and all of us at Brown Family Orthodontics!

Ask Brown Family Orthodontics: Do cold germs live on toothbrushes?

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Ed and Dr. Jessica Brown will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• 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 your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook. Happy Friday!

Connect with BFO on Facebook!

Did you know Brown Family Orthodontics are on Facebook? Our fan page provides you the latest news, updates and announcements from Dr. Brown and our office. We invite you to connect with us and be "in the loop" for all things Brown Family Orthodontics, which serves Covington, Mandeville, Metairie, Franklinton and surrounding communities.

Become a "fan" today and have a great rest of the weekend! From Dr. Ed Brown and the entire team at Brown Family Orthodontics!

Ask Dr. Brown: What's the deal with all that Halloween candy?

As Halloween nears closer and closer, our staff at Brown Family Orthodontics know a lot parents here in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington and Franklinton are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend.

For those undergoing orthodontic treatment, it's important to be careful of the types of candies you consume this weekend. We encourage you to watch the video above about which candies you should avoid, but feel free to ask us if you have any questions about what is and isn't braces-friendly!

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

From Dr. Brown & the BFO team

Your turn! From Brown Family Orthodontics

By now, you’re probably familiar with the drill: Every week, our creative staff at Brown Family Orthodontics write about topics related to orthodontic care and your health, including innovative orthodontic treatments offered at our offices in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington and Franklinton.

This week, though, we thought we’d ask our remarkable patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog going forward? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Drs. Brown but haven’t found the time? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

Give us your best shot, and our team will try to answer any questions you may have!

Cold & flu season is back, from Brown Family Orthodontics

It's fall, and the cold and flu season is once again upon us. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks, according to the CDC.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Brown and our staff at Brown Family Orthodontics give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Metairie, Mandeville, Covington, and Franklinton offices 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.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Have a great rest of your weekend!

When should you call Dr. Brown and BFO?

We hope you're enjoying your weekend! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Brown Family Orthodontics for treatment. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with Dr. Brown and the BFO team.

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call this week!

Hope this helps!

--The team at BFO

At Brown Family Orthodontics, October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Did you know October is National Orthodontic Health Month? This month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Drs. Ed & Jessica Brown and our team at BFO realize this is a great opportunity for us and to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Brown and other dental professional in greater New Orleans.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Brown during your visit this month!

Talkin' fluoride with Dr. Brown

There are so many ways you protect your pearly whites during your treatment at Brown Family Orthodontics! You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there's another way to keep your teeth sparkling and healthy during your treatment at BFO?

Fluoride.

Yes, fluoride, the 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. Orthodontists like Drs. Ed and Jessica Brown use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in our office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask Dr. Brown how to purchase professional strength fluoride). Dr. Brown 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 approval. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness.

We hope that helps! Let us know if you have any other questions about fluoride or your treatment at BFO!

"My son is seven - when should he visit BFO?"

Great question! Our staff at Brown Family Orthodontics will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Ed or Dr. Jessica Brown to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s orthodontic treatment at BFO! We hope you have a WONDERFUL rest of the weekend!

A sour smile is not a happy smile! From Brown Family Orthodontics

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? Our team at Brown Family Orthodontics thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

A 2008 study from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Brown Family Orthodontics](even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Dr. Brown and Brown Family Orthodontics.

In love with your smile? Then we invite you to review us on Google!

For four decades, Brown Family Orthodontics has set the standard of excellence in orthodontic care. With offices in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington and Franklinton, Dr. Ed and Dr. Jessica Brown provide a winning smile and improved self-confidence to every patient.

Whether you've visited our office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice on the Web, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Drs. Brown and our team create more beautiful smiles!

You may write a review here.

Back to school with Brown Family Orthodontics

Now that many of the schools in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington and Franklinton are back in session, Dr. Brown and our entire staff at BFO would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs and sports to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Brown Family Orthodontics. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

Have a GREAT weekend - we look forward to seeing your smiling faces this fall!

Thanks to Invisalign at BFO, mom and dad can have an amazing smile, too!

Hey, moms and dads! Focusing on your kids' oral health so much that you've been neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, Drs. Ed and Jessica Brown can definitely help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth: Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Drs. Brown are certified Invisalign providers in Franklinton, Mandeville, Metairie and Covington.

Please give us a call to set up a consultation. We hope you're having a wonderful summer!

Dr. Brown and the BFO team, reminding you to protect your mouth this summer

With summer here for another seven weeks, Dr. Ed Brown & our BFO staff would like to remind our young athletes going through treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this summer.

Remember, only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you're in for a visit at BFO, be sure to ask us for a mouth guard, and we'll provide one for you! Enjoy your weekend, and we hope you're enjoying your summer thus far!

Brown Family Orthodontic present: Fun facts about braces!

Who loves fun facts? Most people. Who loves orthodontic facts? Everyone we know here at BFO! The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our BFO staff thought you might enjoy. Have a terrific rest of the week!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Dr. Brown wants to know: Are you ready for the Braces Brigade?

Our entire staff at Brown Family Orthodontics are looking for current, former and future orthodontic patients, as well as parents of orthodontic patients, to join the AAO's Braces Brigade and blog about the unique, heartwarming and - let's face it - sometimes hilarious experiences that come with orthodontic treatment. All applicants must either be an orthodontic patient here at BFO or the parent of an orthodontic patient (pre- and post- treatment stages are just fine).

To complete the Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100 word minimum)

If you're under 18, you must get your parents' permission and have them fill out this form along with your submission.

As a part of the American Association of Orthodontists' Braces Brigade you'll have the chance to share the journey to your healthy, beautiful smile with the world AND receive a $100 American Express gift card for their work! Dr. Ed Brown and our team encourage you to apply! GOOD LUCK!!

What’s on your reading list this summer?

With summer in full swing, some of us at Brown Family Orthodontics have been thinking more and more about the importance of reading for kids and teens. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading and play video games or watch a movie, but our staff will tell you reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development - and it's fun!

What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian in Metairie, Covington or Franklinton for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across recently, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us some of your all-time favorite reads on our Facebook page!

Getting social with Brown Family Orthodontics

In honor of Social Media Day, Dr. Ed Brown and our staff would like to take today to discuss our approach to social media and online patient communications. At our convenient offices in Franklinton, Metairie, Mandeville and Covington offices, we embrace technology and the benefits that social media can bring to our team at Brown Family Orthodontics. Our website, innovative orthodontic treatments and social media presence (including our interactive Facebook page), are all examples of ways that our office uses state-of-the-art technology.

We love engaging in conversation with our patients online. It’s great to connect with our patients by sharing news, ideas and upcoming events at our offices. We have found that our Facebook fan page and blog are great tools for making that type of connection.

Dr. Brown and team are interested in hearing your thoughts on social media. How would you prefer we use our social networks this summer? What would you like to see us share on our blog? Let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

We hope you have a safe, relaxing and FUN Fourth of July weekend!

Enjoy your Fourth of July weekend everybody!

Patient question: What should I do in case of an emergency with my appliances?

Dr. Brown and staff will tell you true orthodontic emergencies are very rare during your orthodontic treatment, but when they do occur, we want you to know we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call Brown Family Orthodontics when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We'll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with our office. When working with your appliances, you need to know the names of the parts of your appliances so you are able to identify what part is broken or out of place. After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions in your treatment plan.

Please give us a call if you have any questions about emergency care of your treatment at Brown Family Orthodontics. For four decades, Brown Family Orthodontics has set the standard of excellence in orthodontic care. We have built a reputation on care, expertise and convenience. With offices in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington, and Franklinton, Brown Family Orthodontics maintains a network of convenient locations to accommodate patients and parents.

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Share your summer adventures with Brown Family Orthodontics!

It's almost summer here at Brown Family Orthodontics, a season full of adventures, vacations and great memories. Whether you're headed to a barbecue, an exotic destination, a camping trip, or just having fun in the backyard this summer, Dr. Brown and team want to hear about it! Share your plans and experiences on our Facebook page all summer long!

Happy travels,

The BFO team

What are happy patients saying about Brown Family Orthodontics?

Dr. Ed Brown and our team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Brown Family Orthodontics, serving Covington, Mandeville, Metairie and Franklinton, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Wednesday!

"I like the fact the is a good bed side manner. That is one thing that I look for in a Doctor." ~ Amy C.

"Patients are seen at their appointment time... no waiting!" ~ Robert F.

"Their kindness and the way they relate to the patients, no matter their age. Dakota is treated like a person." ~ Terry K.

"The personable staff and easy treatment." ~ Krystal K.

Win an iPad at Brown Family Orthodontics!

Our team at Brown Family Orthodontics is excited to announce our next patient contest! Our next Share-A-Smile prize will be a new Apple iPad, and it starts now!

There are five ways to earn entries! You may refer a friend to our office, which gets you one entry. You may write a testimonial on our Facebook wall about your experience at our office, which also gets you one entry. If you post a video testimonial, we will award you two entries.

You may also write a review of Dr. Brown and team on our Google, Yahoo or Bing listings, which will net you one entry. Or, you may update your Facebook status when you visit the Brown Family Orthodontics Team, and we will award you one entry.

If you have any questions about our contest rules or how to join, please feel free to give us a call!

This Memorial Day, what are you up to? From Dr. Brown

Memorial Day weekend is a time Americans remember all those who bravely gave their lives for our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids, getting out of town for three days with parents after being in school all these months is sure to be sweet, sweet relief.

At Brown Family Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends. What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work?

Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun this weekend, we’d like to hear all about it! Enjoy the holiday!!

Share your experience at Brown Family Orthodontics with the world!

For four decades, Brown Family Orthodontics has set the standard of excellence in orthodontic care. They have built a reputation on care, expertise and convenience. With offices in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington, and Franklinton, Brown Family Orthodontics maintains a network of convenient locations to accommodate patients and parents. Combining a keen eye on technology, a commitment to continuing education, and a steadfast dedication to five-star patient service, Brown Family Orthodontics provides a winning smile and improved self-confidence to every patient.

Whether you've visited Drs. Ed or Jessica Brown for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Drs. Brown and our team create more beautiful smiles in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington, Franklinton and surrounding communities.

You may write a review here.

Thank you and enjoy your week! Drs. Brown and team look forward to reading your reviews!

Brown Family 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 Ronald Reagan encouraged people everywhere to incorporate more activity into their lives. The president's reminder is even more significant today as kids are distracted more and more by TV, 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 these public health guidelines, which call for kids 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 Brown Family Orthodontics, we encourage our patients to exercise 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.

Brown Family Orthodontics and AAO present: "How Orthodontics Changed My Life" video contest

Dr. Ed Brown would like to direct your attention to an exciting contest that our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists are currently running. The contest, “How Orthodontics Changed My Life,” is all about you, the patient - tell the AAO your story about treatment at Brown Family Orthodontics and you may just win a $2,500 scholarship!

Contest entrants should tell their stories on video, and answer the following questions while filming:

* What were you like before you had orthodontic treatment?
* How have you changed How proud are you of your new smile?
* When did you notice changes in yourself?
* What kinds of changes have you noticed?
* What does your new smile mean to you?
* What would you say to others whose smiles make them self-conscious?

There will be two winners; the contest is open to students who are age 18 who have completed active orthodontic treatment (braces must have been removed) and be in the active retention phase of treatment or have completed active retention.

The contest guidelines provide instructions to contestants on submitting their videos, which are to be submitted on DVDs or USB flash drives and accompanied by a signed release. All entries must be postmarked by July 15th.

Dr. Brown and our entire team at Brown Family Orthodontics hope you'll find time to submit your video! GOOD LUCK!!

Parents and daughters, from Brown Family Orthodontics

Recently, we came across the AAO's Twitter page, where we found a gem of an article about parenting teenage girls we thought we'd pass along to the moms who come into our office every day. The article, from our friends at momlogic, pointed to a recent survey that involved 2,000 mothers and fathers of children over the age of 18, and noted that teenage girls - specifically 14-year-olds - are the toughest to parent "due to their desire to grow up too quickly, their demands for greater freedom and peer pressure to be thin."

At Brown Family Orthodontics, we know parenting isn't always easy. But we want you to know you're not alone - millions of moms and dads are struggling - or have struggled - with their teenagers' behavior. If you feel your son or daughter is acting out, we encourage you to read "Teen Anger: Techniques to Avoid the Buildup."

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

This Earth Day, what are you up to? From Dr. Brown

At Brown Family Orthodontics, we support Earth Day, designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment and marks its 40th anniversary today.

Whether lending a helping hand to plant trees or getting out to volunteer in various projects in our community, today is your opportunity to get started in making your impact year-round. Are you making a difference today? Tell us, what are you up to? How long have you participated in helping our planet?

If you’d like to join the millions of people around the world who are making small but important changes to help sustain our ecosystem, try these helpful environmental tips, courtesy of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA.

Happy Earth Day!

At Brown Family Orthodontics, a pursuit of excellence

At Brown Family Orthodontics, we make every effort to provide you with the best orthodontic treatment possible. For four decades, Brown Family Orthodontics has set the standard of excellence in orthodontic care. We have built a reputation on care, expertise and convenience. With offices in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington, and Franklinton, Brown Family Orthodontics maintains a network of convenient locations to accommodate patients and parents.

Combining a keen eye on technology, a commitment to continuing education, and a steadfast dedication to five-star patient service, Brown Family Orthodontics provides a winning smile and improved self-confidence to every patient.

There are many things that help Dr. Ed Brown achieve great results. Some of them are:

1. Using the most up to date and proven technologies available
2. Spending time and resources on continuing education to stay current and relevant
3. Training our entire team on new techniques
4. Educating our wonderful patients about the pursuit of excellence

If you or a family member has been thinking about orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. We look forward to seeing you.

Smile for a Lifetime in the news!

You may remember our post from a few weeks ago, when we discussed Dr. Brown’s involvement with Smile for a Lifetime, the outstanding program that is changing lives every day. Over the weekend, we found a great article in DentistryIQ about Smile for a Lifetime, and thought we'd share this well-written piece with you.

Drs. Ed and Jessica Brown and Brown Family Orthodontics are proud partners with Smile for a Lifetime. Remember, to become a candidate at Brown Family Orthodontics, interested patients and their families must be at or below poverty level and must complete a one-page application for their child. The applications can be picked up at our office. Please give us a call to learn more about Smile for a Lifetime, or to find out if you qualify.

Save face this spring, from Brown Family Orthodontics

April is almost upon us, and for Drs. Brown and our team at Brown Family Orthodontics that only means one thing: it’s time to remind our young patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. By simply wearing a properly fitted mouth guard, these accidents could prevent this along with other traumatic facial injuries.

At Brown Family Orthodontics we are concerned for the health and safety of our patients at all times, but especially when playing contact sports. The above video from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists outlines five ways you can protect yourself this spring. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our team. And remember to stay safe and have fun this spring!

Tell Drs. Brown what’s on your mind!

By now, you’re familiar with the drill: Every week, our talented staff at Brown Family Orthodontics blog about topics related to orthodontic care and your health, including innovative orthodontic treatments offered at our office. This week, we thought we’d ask our remarkable patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog going forward? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Drs. Brown but haven’t found the time? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

Give us your best shot, and our team will try to answer any questions you may have!

Brown Family Orthodontics, partnering with Smile for a Lifetime

Dr. Ed Brown and our entire team at Brown Family Orthodontics are proud to partner with a nonprofit organization called Smile for a Lifetime. The organization helps under-privileged kids in Mandeville, Covington, Franklinton and Metairie who can’t afford to have a not only a great-looking smile, but a smile that will be healthy and last a lifetime!

To become a candidate at Brown Family Orthodontics, interested families must be at or below poverty level and must complete a one-page application for their child or candidate. Smile for a Lifetime Foundation applications can be picked up at our offices, school guidance offices, or by giving us a call. You may also visit www.s4L.org.

Sleep disorders and treatment options at Brown Family Orthodontics

Sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, and many of these progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as the condition causes an ongoing state of fatigue. At Brown Family Orthodontics, there are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, give us a call. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that Drs. Brown can custom-create for you.

This March, what are you up to? From Brown Family Orthodontics

It’s almost springtime, and that means the daffodils and buttercups are on their way, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting across baseball fields nearby. Drs. Edward and Jessica Brown thought this would be a good time to ask: What are your plans for March?

Are you ready for spring? Are you participating in school sports? Do you have exciting plans? We’d love to know them all!

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

February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month, from Brown Family Orthodontics

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and our professional team at Brown Family Orthodontics thought we'd share a few oral hygiene tips with you, our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you're going to drink one of these beverages, don't sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Dr. Brown, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 60th year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Brown Family Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call!

The Saints are Superbeauxl Champs!

Brown Family Orthodontics is proud of our Saints! A great game, a great Super Bowl and a great team! What was your favorite moment of the game? Did you like the on-side kick? The 74-yard interception? Share with us your favorite moments of the season!

24/7 access to your account at Brown Family Orthodontics

At Brown Family Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Covington, Mandeville, Metairie and Franklinton, and serving surrounding communities.

Did you know that patients of Drs. Brown have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients have to say about this service!

"It was amazing for me to view my pictures on line and see what my teeth looked like prior to brace and now. What a difference." ~ Lisa L.

"Brings it into the 21st century. You don't have to bother anyone with non-emergency issues." ~ Tina D.

"I can view my account whenever possible if I can't get someone in the office, and it's accessible anywhere." ~ James S.

"More convenient the other offices that rely only on phone communication." ~ Terry K.

"Ortho Sesame is really helpful and easy to access." ~ Debra C.

You can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Brown Family Orthodontics if you have any questions!

Facebook Fan Page for Brown Family Orthodontics!

Did you know Brown Family Orthodontics is on Facebook? Our fan page, which keeps growing each day, provides you the latest news from Drs. Brown and our office. We invite you to connect with us and be "in the loop" for all things Brown Family Orthodontics, which serves Covington, Mandeville, Metairie, Franklinton and surrounding communities.

Become a "fan" today and have a great rest of the week! From Dr. Ed Brown and the entire team at Brown Family Orthodontics!

What puts you at ease at Brown Family Orthodontics?

Drs. Brown understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But the team at Brown Family Orthodontics strives to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each of your visits. We’d like to know: What is it about Brown Family Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our friendly staff?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call! Happy MLK Jr. Day!

Webisodes that help you understand orthodontics, from Drs. Brown

The team at Brown Family Orthodontics would like to point you to a few important webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Brown Family Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Brown Family Orthodontics want to know: What are you up to in January?

The New Year is here, and, believe it or not, we’re only a couple months away from spring! Drs. Brown and their team at Brown Family Orthodontics want to know: What are you doing in January? Any big winter break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how! We also hope you all had a happy and safe holiday season!

Happy Monday from the entire team Brown Family Orthodontics!