Ask Dr. Berger: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Berger will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road. If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family, and all our dental and medical colleagues in Torrance, Redondo Beach and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Season's greetings from Dr. Berger and team!

The holidays are here, and as Dr. Berger and our team reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays on our Facebook page. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays from Dr. Berger and our entire team!

"I'm 31 years old - am I too old for braces?"

Of course not!

At the office of Dr. Jeffrey Berger, nobody is "too old" for orthodontic treatment! In fact, according to a new study, adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent since 1996! Even more, did you know one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21?

Yes, braces help make your teeth strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: cosmetics. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Berger can be successful at any age, and we know adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

We provide quality orthodontic care for adults and children in Torrance and surrounding communities, and Dr. Berger offers more efficient and comfortable orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign and the Damon System.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Berger and our dedicated team would love to have you visit for a complimentary initial consultation. Give us a call to set one up.

Fun facts with Dr. Berger!

At the office of Dr. Jeffrey Berger here in Torrance, we know our patients love fun facts - LOVE THEM. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Berger and our team thought you would enjoy. Happy Monday!

• 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.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

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

Foods to avoid during your treatment, from Dr. Berger

There are a variety of foods Dr. Jeffrey Berger wants you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should definitely avoid include:
• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
• Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give us a call or ask our staff during your next visit! We also encourage you to check out this helpful article about eating with braces, courtesy of Parenthood.com.

Also, we hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Thanks...

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!

Dr. Jeffrey Berger and our entire team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It’s a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or photos to share with us, we’d encourage you to send them along or post them on our Facebook page!

Gobble Gobble!

Featured patient testimonial for Dr. Berger! [Video]

Watch as Ana, who has been a patient of Dr. Berger for nearly two years, talk about her smile transformation at our office! Great job Ana - you deserve a great smile! We've been uploading lots of happy patient testimonials to our YouTube page lately - check out all the happy smiles!

You’re invited to visit our practice for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Berger. Please contact us at (310) 542-7331. Early morning and evening appointments are available to accommodate your busy schedule. We look forward to meeting you, and working with you to achieve a healthy, beautiful, South Bay smile!

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Berger and our team 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 call us at (310) 542 7331 if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!

Invisalign at Dr. Berger's office: How, exactly, does it work? [Video]

We've blogged about Invisalign
before, but today thought we'd share a helpful video for those who are intrigued by the idea of straightening their teeth without using traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system at the office of Dr. Jeffrey Berger is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient Torrance office. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call at (310) 542-7331 for a complimentary consultation to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in our office getting adjustments. Dr. Berger is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in the entire South Bay area, including Torrance, Redondo Beach, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

We hope you've had a frighteningly good Halloween weekend!

Ask Dr. Berger: What's the deal with Halloween candy?

For moms and dads worried about kids going overboard on sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event.

Dr. Jeffrey Berger and our staff will tell you those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities!

Sour and fruity candy are the worst for your child’s teeth – these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin your enamel. This Halloween season, try to limit the amount of these candies that your child eats, and when your child does eat them, either have him rinse his mouth with water afterward or have him drink some milk or eat some cheese. Or, try these braces-free Halloween treats instead!

Connect with Dr. Berger and team on Facebook!

High-tech, friendly, and fun - our practice in Torrance, California has a reputation for providing unique, quality services for patients of all ages and orthodontic needs.

Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

We invite you to “like” our page, where we share office news, updates and contest announcements! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook!

- Dr. Berger and team

"Hey Dr. Berger! What the heck is malocclusion?"

Great question!

Malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment may be necessary to correct the issue.

Dr. Jeffrey Berger will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At the orthodontic office of Dr. Jeffrey Berger, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call at (310) 542-7331 and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

Happy Monday!

Dr. Berger and staff support National Orthodontic Health Month!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our staff at the office of Dr. Jeffrey Berger want to remind all our wonderful patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this Halloween season. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding while you're wearing your braces! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time at our Torrance office!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and braces-friendly recipes for the Halloween Season.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

In love with your new smile? Then we encourage you to tell the world all about it!

Since 1978, Dr. Jeffrey Berger has been serving South Bay area, including Torrance, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes. High-tech, friendly, and fun, our practice has a reputation for providing unique, quality services for patients of all ages and orthodontic needs.

Whether you’ve just come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Berger or your family has been visiting our convenient Torrance office for years, we’d love to know: What made you choose us for your orthodontic treatment? You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

Thank you in advance, and we look forward to reading your generous reviews! After all, your valued testimonials help Dr. Berger and our staff create more and more beautiful smiles!

You may write a review here.

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

If you recently completed treatment at Dr. Jeffrey Berger's office, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Berger will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers 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 Dr. Berger is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.

* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)

* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.

* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.

* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.

* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact us if you have any questions!

Featured patient review for Dr. Berger! [Video]

Mitchell Hashimoto, one of Dr. Berger's wonderful patients, stopped by our office recently to share his experience with braces. In just 14 months, Mitchell's teeth look just fantastic! Just listen to what he has to say about Dr. Berger and his treatment!

Head to our YouTube channel for more patient testimonials!

Are you visiting your dentist regularly?

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, we think that’s wonderful! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Dr. Jeffrey Berger, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit with Dr. Berger and we will provide a few great references in the South Bay area, including Torrance, Redondo Beach and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

We hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!

Patient testimonials for Dr. Berger! [Video]

Check out what a couple of our patients - Hannah and Nita - had to say about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Berger recently! And keep checking our YouTube channel for more patient testimonials! Happy Monday!

Dr. Berger and team, helping combat myths about orthodontics

Dr. Berger and our team know there are quite a few myths about orthodontists (and orthodontics) flying around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists did some digging and have some great information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment with Dr. Berger, feel free to give us a call at (310) 542 7331! Have a GREAT rest of the week!

Dr. Jeffrey Berger, reminding you to protect your mouth this summer

Can you believe summer is fading so quickly? As the weather stays warm through September, the chances for athletes to sustain a mouth injury get likelier and likelier because of all the sports they play over the summer, including practicing for fall sports. Dr. Berger and our staff would like to remind you to always take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports.

The American Association of Orthodontists has six quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant even as a spectator

All of these serve to reduce injuries. Give us a call at (310) 542 7331 if you have any questions about mouth guards or your orthodontic treatment.

What are happy patients saying about Dr. Berger and our office?

High-tech, friendly, and fun, our practice has a reputation for providing unique, quality services for patients of all ages and orthodontic needs. Since 1978, Dr. Jeffrey Berger has been serving South Bay area, including Torrance, Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes. Our warm, friendly, attentive staff will greet you with smile and caring words as your enter our practice. Just see what a few of our patients are saying about us!

"I felt as if everyone was there just for me and my needs. Everyone was very caring and nice." ~ Daniel G.

"Dr. Berger is very very Personable! The second time I was there he already knew who I was!! That is Great!" ~ Noemi P.

"You are very good with the kids and take time to explain the procedures that will be done to my kids. My kids have been seeing you for about a year or almost a year and they have never complained once about going to make an appointment with you, where as when they go to see the regular dentist they often don't look forward to it. I hope that when they are finished with there work I will be able to talk to the Orthodontist about some concerns I have about me." ~ Liza L.

Share your summer plans & adventures with us!

Dr. Berger and our staff can't believe it's already August - summer sure does fly! With another full month of adventures, vacations and great memories until school resumes, we want to know: what are you up to? Whether you're headed to a barbecue, an exotic destination, a camping trip, or just having fun in the backyard this summer, we want to hear about it! Share your plans and experiences on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along!

Happy travels,

Dr. Berger and team

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Berger for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Berger to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Frequently asked questions about Invisalign®, from Dr. Jeffrey Berger

Dr. Berger and team know people are curious about Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces. Today, we thought we'd share with you a few popular questions people have about Invisalign treatment, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Q: How much does Invisalign cost?

A: As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign depends on the complexity of a patient’s case. We can determine your treatment cost at your complimentary consultation appointment.

Q: Does Invisalign really work?

A: In short, yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic and dental practices nationwide, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth.

Q: Does insurance cover Invisalign?

A: Each patient should review their coverage since medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy. If a patient has orthodontic coverage however, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as traditional braces.

Q: What are aligners made of?

A: Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

Q: What do aligners look like?

A: Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

Q: How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?

A: Invisalign aligners, much like brackets and archwires, move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The difference? Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

Want to know more about Invisalign? Set up a consultation with Dr. Berger by calling (424) 206 5841.

What’s on your summer reading list?

With summer in full swing, some of us at Dr. Berger's office wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading during the summer, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide”—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 (and Dr. Berger) would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Ask Dr. Berger: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Torrance, CA orthodontist Dr. Jeffrey Berger and our team 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 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. Dr. Berger can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign® tips, from Dr. Berger

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, we want you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Dr. Berger's office, give us a call!

With Dr. Berger, 24/7 access to your account

At the orthodontic office of Dr. Jeffrey Berger, 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 Torrance, CA.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? 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!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Dr. Berger & Team - Supporting National Smile Month

It’s June already! Where does the time go?

Dr. Berger and team are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call!

–Dr. Jeffrey Berger, Orthodontist Torrance, CA

Meet Dr. Berger

I find it very rewarding to be able to help my patients of all ages achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. My patients are my number one priority and I truly enjoy getting to know each and every one of them.

It takes special training to be an orthodontist, and the education I received helps me to provide the best care for my patients. I am also Boart Certified, another measure of my expertise. I have the distinction and honor of being one of only three orthodontists on the prestigious Peer Review Board. This board has the difficult task of judging and correcting orthodontic treatment procedures. I am also a clinical professor at White Memorial Hospital in their Craniofacial Pain and TMJ clinic.

I have a lovely wife, a son and a daughter. I have been very active coaching soccer, baseball and basketball for both my son and daughter. I am only an average tennis player but quite an excellent golfer with a handicap that fluctuates around seven. If I wasn't so committed to excellent orthodontic treatment and continuing education my handicap would be much lower!