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.