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!