How important is your smile? From Dr. Brown

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.

And speaking of smiling, in a poll conducted by Glamour Magazine last spring, 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 a person’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 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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!