The benefits of a beautiful smile

Drs. Brown and our team know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!
If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Brown Family Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!
Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.

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!

$1.50 for a cavity? Dr. Brown explains...

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that "sweet tooth," but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

•Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
•Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
•Bread
•Pretzels (low salt)
•Milk (low or non-fat)
•Cheese (low or non-fat)
•Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
•Sliced meat

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

--The team at Brown Family Orthodontics

"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 rest of the weekend!

Straight talk with Dr. Brown

Some people wonder why our team at Brown Family Orthodontics work tirelessly 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 at Brown Family Orthodontics 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, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Ed and Jessica Brown can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

See you soon!

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 new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, 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 are choosing 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!

How will YOUR smile look after orthodontic treatment at BFO?

At Brown Family Orthodontics, we know it's sometimes hard to believe the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment. Our team at BFO love to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Brown, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles,” which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment. Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call us at BFO to get started on improving your smile today!

Connect with Dr. Brown and 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 here in Louisiana.

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

Dr. Brown & team, dispelling the myths about braces

Trust us: Dr. Brown and our team at BFO are well-aware that there are a lot of myths flying around the topic of orthodontics these days. But, before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts first! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, and we encourage you to check them out before settling for rumors about braces!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment at Brown Family Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call. Have a great holiday weekend everyone!

Tell us what's on your mind!

By now, you’re probably 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!

Happy Valentine's Day!

At BFO, February marks National Dental Health Month

At BFO, February is National Children's Dental Health Month and our professional team 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 61st 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!

Ask Dr. Brown: What are "Dentofacial Orthopedics"?

You may have noticed that Drs. Ed and Jessica Brown and our team at BFO specialize in "Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics." While most people have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the "dentofacial orthopedics" part of the title.

Not to worry - we can explain!

You probably know that an orthodontist like Dr. Brown straightens teeth, and indeed: "ortho" comes from the Greek for "straight" or "correct," and "dontic" from the Greek for "teeth." But what about dentofacial orthopedics? "Dentofacial" is "teeth" plus "face" while "ortho" again means "straight" and "pedic" is from the Greek for "child."

Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. In both cases, appliances are frequently used – the more familiar braces for orthodontics, and other specialized appliances like headgear and expanders depending on what facial abnormalities are present. Sometimes orthopedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often the two are accomplished at the same time. So if your child gets braces and headgear, he's undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics!

Because Dr. Brown is skilled in both areas, he is able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.

We hope that helps! Contact our office and schedule a consultation for your child. It’s never too late to get a great smile, and all of us at BFO can’t wait to help you get started.

January featured patient reviews!

For four decades, Brown Family Orthodontics has set the standard of excellence in orthodontic care, with offices in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington and Franklinton. Check out what our patients are saying about BFO!

"I feel all the doctors are very concerned about patient care. My children always get the best care when we are there for our appointments. They communicate with them on a level that they can understand and are always available to me, if I have any questions. The office staff are wonderful and polite and the office is always very cleaned and organized." ~ Alton J.

"Dr Brown is outstanding! This man knows his stuff! He treated my daughter, me and even my grandson is now coming to your office. My hat is off to Dr. Brown." ~ Lisa L.

"Everyone is friendly and very helpful. It's like visiting family." ~ Tina D.

"Excellent Visit - Had a great time at BFO today. I got a new (pink!) powerchain. I got another (hopefully my last!) chain too. The staff was great (as always) and I grabbed a new sillyband while I was there. i also grabbed a card about the iPad contest. Yay!" ~ Emma F.

"Great Visit to BFO - I had a superb visit at BFO today. They replaced my wires today and and gave me some great floss. The staff was awesome as always. Overall a great visit. They got me in and out of the office quickly. The progress my teeth have made has been overwhelming. Thank you BFO!"

Ask Dr. Brown: What is sleep apnea?

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 is known to 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. Here 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 as soon as possible! We have offices in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington and Franklinton.

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!

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!