How important is your smile? From Brown Family Orthodontics

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving! For four decades, Brown Family Orthodontics has set the standard of excellence in orthodontic care. 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.

The bottom line is, we know having a beautiful smile is important to you. It’s important to us, too. And speaking of smiling, in a poll conducted by Glamour Magazine earlier this year, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?”

Well, 44 percent of folks out there chose teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of one’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Give us a call to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Brown!

Happy Thanksgiving from Brown Family Orthodontics!

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 Dr. Brown: “I got my braces. Now what?"

We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before before orthodontic treatment began.

Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Dr. Brown and our team at BFO recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse as well; ask Dr. Brown for a recommendation.

When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.

Our team at Brown Family Orthodontics will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair. (We have offices in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington, Franklinton and New Orleans - Uptown).

Lastly, in addition to visiting Dr. Brown's office during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

Ask Dr. Brown: "My son is turning 7 - when should we visit BFO for a consultation?"

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 Monday!