What is your New Year's Resolution?

2010 is almost over—and what a year it was! Drs. Claro & Ghafouri, as well as our team at Irvine 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 Irvine and surrounding Orange County.

See you in 2011!

What is two-phase treatment and when is it necessary?

First of all, happy holidays! Usually patients undergoing orthodontic treatment at our Irvine office already have their permanent teeth, but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Drs. Claro & Ghafouri call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. Our staff at Irvine Orthodontics will follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in.

In order to catch early problems, Drs. Claro & Ghafouri recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontists). To learn more about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a complimentary consultation at our office, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Share your winter break plans with us!

Drs. Claro & Ghafouri and our team at Irvine Orthodontics 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? Spending time with friends? 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!

Staying connected with Irvine Orthodontics

At Irvine Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments Drs. Claro & Ghafouri offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, however, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog in the coming weeks or months? Please post your thoughts on Facebook or tell us during your next visit!

Love your new smile? Tell the world all about it!

With years of experience and training, and backgrounds in growth and development, Drs. Wanda Claro and Bahar Ghafouri are able treat patients of all ages, and we know the importance of having a great smile! At Irvine Orthodontics, we want to help you achieve the healthy, straight, confident smile that you’ve always wanted.

Whether you've visited us for an orthodontic consultation or have taken your family for years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice 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 Places page and leave a quick review there. Your generous reviews help us create more beautiful smiles!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy the rest of your weekend! Drs. Claro and Ghafouri, as well as our entire team, look forward to reading your reviews!

We hope you're enjoying the long Thanksgiving Day weekend!

Giving 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! We will continue striving to keep giving back to our community and thank them for their participation in making us the best orthodontic practice in Irvine.

We hope everyone takes out the time this year to spend Thanksgiving with their families and friends - we consider you our family and we feel blessed to know you. Deepest wishes for a wonderful Holiday from Drs. Claro and Ghafouri and all of us at Irvine Orthodontics!

Patient Referral Contest at Irvine Orthodontics!

At Irvine Orthodontics, we value the relationships we’ve developed with our patients over the years. Even if you visit our office on a regular basis, did you know you can always connect with us on Facebook and other social networks?

By “Liking” us on Facebook, you will receive regular updates, contest announcements and exclusive special offers from our office – all through your news feed! In fact, we’re excited to announce our new patient referral contest:

With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to think about gift giving. Why not give a friend or relative that perfect gift (a beautiful smile). It's easy to do, with no cost to you.

Just give a friend a referral for our office to receive a FREE examination and consultation. For each referral that begins treatment, you will be entered for a chance at the grand drawing for an iPod Touch (first place), Flip camera (second place) or an iTunes gift card (third place)!

Here's how it works:

1st referral: ONE drawing entry ticket
2nd referral: TWO drawing entry tickets
3rd referral: THREE drawing entry tickets
4th referral: FOUR drawing entry tickets
5th referral: FIVE drawing entry tickets

You'll receive your prizes after new patient begins treatment with us between December 1st and March 31st, 2011.

GOOD LUCK!

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Great question! With fall season upon us, so is the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Wanda Claro and our experienced staff at Irvine Orthodontics 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 give us a call or ask us on Facebook.

Happy November! From Irvine Orthodontics

Happy November, everybody! Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before we at Irvine Orthodontics forget about the spooky month that just wrapped up, we’d like to know how you celebrated Halloween! What did you wear? How much candy did you get? Did you have fun?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or feel free to post them on our Facebook page!

We hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween! Also, what are you up to this month? Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we’d love to hear all about it.

Lastly, have you been in for a dental checkup lately? It’s important that you see your general dentist, as well as visiting Drs. Claro & Ghafouri. If you have questions about your orthodontic treatment or just want some general information, give us a call or ask us during your next visit!

Happy Tuesday!

Ask Irvine Orthodontics: What's the deal with Halloween candy?

October may almost be over, but not before we get a chance to acknowledge this month as National Orthodontic Health Month! Our staff at Irvine Orthodontics wanted to remind all our wonderful patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time!

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!

What puts you at ease at Irvine Orthodontics?

Drs. Claro and Ghafouri, as well as our staff at Irvine Orthodontics, understand that not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our convenient Irvine office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our personable staff? Is it something about our fun and friendly doctors?

Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Dr. Claro at the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists annual meeting

This weekend, Dr. Wanda Claro is attending the annual Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists meeting in Honolulu as a board of director for the California Association of Orthodontists

Continuing education is very important for Dr. Claro - the field of orthodontics is always searching for more comfortable and effective techniques to achieve the best outcomes possible. Dr. Claro prides herself in keeping up on and offering the latest technological advancements to our patients at Irvine Orthodontics by continuing her education yearly.

"The Record Straight" at Irvine Orthodontics [Video]

Eric and Mackenzie show you how "set the record straight" at Irvine Orthodontics! You may check out more videos on our YouTube channel!

October is a great time to get YOUR teeth straight - it's National Orthodontic Health Month! We'll have more on this next week!

Ask Dr. Claro: What, exactly, is a temporomandibular disorder?

Thanks for the question!

TMJ is an acronym that our staff at Irvine Orthodontics use to describe the temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint. This joint is one of the most complicated in the body, and, in fact, is the only joint in the body capable of both rotary and sliding function (ginglimo-arthrodial). TMD, or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints, is one of the most common problems people face in today's high-stress environment. These problems are commonly related to painful spasms of the muscles that act upon the joints and/or to structural changes within the joints themselves. Symptoms of TMD can range from pain in the facial and neck musculature to popping and/or locking of the jaw joint.

While treatment of such conditions can often be challenging and multifaceted, we'd be happy to evaluate you for these problems to ascertain your individual likelihood for successful therapeutic intervention.

For more questions on TMD, Drs. Claro and Ghafouri encourage you to give us a call at (949)786-7800 and set up a consultation.

More happy smiles at Irvine Orthodontics!

In southern California and especially Orange County, our staff at Irvine Orthodontics know the importance of having a great smile! Dr. Wanda Claro and Dr. Bahar Ghafouri want to help you achieve the healthy, straight, confident smile that you’ve always wanted. Choosing to receive orthodontic treatment can change your life. Check out what a few of our patients are saying about our office!

"Very professional and extremely friendly and a fun atmosphere." ~ John T.

"Quality work and Saturday Appointments! We live over 100 miles away!" ~ Richard F.

"They are always nice and friendly." ~ Stefanie S.

Ask Dr. Claro: What makes braces sooooo cool?

Where do we even begin?

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign and Incognito (iBraces), advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning and Serena Williams, to name a few—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Wanda Claro and Dr. Bahar Ghafouri, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Irvine Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation? If not, please give us a call at (949) 786-7800 and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Irvine Orthodontics, reminding you September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month

This month, Dr. Claro and Dr. Ghafouri want you to be extra careful with your braces and appliances. After all, September marks the start of fall sports. Of course, that also means an increased risk for mouth injuries. September also happens to be National Childhood Injury Prevention Month, and our staff at Irvine Orthodontics thought we'd share a few sobering facts about sports and facial injuries, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Injuries can happen at any age: More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24, according to the CDC. Collision and contact sports have higher injury rates, and account for about 80 percent of all sports-related emergency room visits. Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during games and practices.

Here's why:

Mouth guards are not being used: Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70% say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt. And here’s a chilling stat: One out of every four (27 percent) parents say their child has sustained an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room, according to the AAO.

Not enough support for mouth guards: Of the parents whose children do not wear a mouth guard, 84 percent say it's because the league or coach does not require it, the AAO says.

Hard hits occur in every sport: The average high school baseball pitcher can throw a fast ball between 75-to-85 miles per hour. This compares to being hit in the mouth by a speeding car!

We hope this helps you remember to always wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in fall sports! For more ways you can stay safe on the field, check out these tips. We encourage you to give us a call at (949)954-5765 if you have any questions! Have a wonderful week!

Tell Irvine Orthodontics: What should we blog about?

As the summer winds down in Orange County and a lot of our patients begin to head back to school, our staff at Irvine Orthodontics strive to continue writing about important topics related to orthodontics and your treatment with Dr. Claro and Dr. Ghafouri.

To help us continue doing that through the course of the fall, we're looking for your help: What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Drs. Claro or Ghafouri for a while and just haven't found the perfect opportunity? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you have a relaxing rest of the weekend! See you soon!

Fun facts! From Drs. Claro and Ghafouri

Our patients at Irvine Orthodontics love fun facts - LOVE THEM, in fact. Who doesn't, really? But what about orthodontic fun facts? The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Claro and Dr. Ghafouri and our team thought you would enjoy. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend & an enjoyable rest of the summer!

• 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.

Thanks to Invisalign at Irvine Orthodontics, parents can have an amazing smile, too!

Hey, moms and dads! Focusing on your kids' oral health so much that you've been neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, Dr. Wanda Claro and Dr. Bahar Ghafouri can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth: Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Drs. Claro and Ghafouri are certified Invisalign providers in Irvine, Lake Forest, Santa Ana and surrounding Orange County.

Please give us a call at (949)954-5765 to set up your complimentary consultation. We hope you're having a wonderful summer!

The importance of regular dental visits, from Irvine Orthodontics

Dr. Wanda Claro and Dr. Bahar Ghafouri want to know: Are you remembering to brush your teeth twice a day in-between your visits to our office? If the answer is yes, we think that's great. But, it’s also important to visit your general dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth, flossing and visiting us. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth during orthodontic treatment

During an oral exam your dentist will also 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 visited a dentist in the last six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment! Don't have a dentist in Irvine or greater Orange County? Ask us, and we'll be happy to provide a few great references :)

We hope you're having a great summer!

Drs. Claro & Ghafouri present: Age 7, the magic number in orthodontics

Many parents here in Irvine and surrounding Orange County believe they should wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Drs. Claro or Ghafouri for a complimentary orthodontic consultation, only to find that treatment would have been much simpler if started sooner. It's important to know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

You're probably thinking, "All right, what, exactly is sooo great about age seven?" Well, by then, enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Claro or Ghafouri to make a determination about whether any problems are present. Also, by then, the first molars have come in, providing us an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what we at Irvine Orthodontics call “bad bite.”

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For most 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 detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age seven, please give us a call at (949) 954-5765 to schedule an complimentary consultation.

At Irvine Orthodontics, quick and easy access to your account information

At Irvine Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it's through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located here in Irvine and serving surrounding Orange County.

Did you know that patients of Dr. Wanda Claro and Dr. Bahar Ghafouri have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our convenient website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

"Convenient, especially on weekends." ~ Rebecca F.

"I do like the availability of knowing what I owe and what was paid ... I don't have any other health care professional that has this type of interaction." ~ Gabi K.

"More efficient, professional service with easy access for busy patients." ~ Andrea T.

"I am very much in favor of the financial info, appointment confirmations, and especially the ability to make payments on line. This is the life for me. Although, I still like communicating with the 'super friendly' front desk staff." ~ Ryan W.

"This will be much easier in maintaining my family's busy schedules." ~ Richard F.

You, too, may 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!

Tell Irvine Orthodontics: What's on YOUR summer reading list?

With summer already in full swing, our staff at Irvine Orthodontics wanted to remind all our young patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, 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, we'd be more than 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 on Friday, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

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

Patient question: What's the deal with retainers?

If you've recently completed treatment at Irvine Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you again! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Claro or Ghafouri will provide—or have provided you by now—with retainers. After your braces have been removed, your teeth may still shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, provide the stabilization your teeth need.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment, please check out this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth. Or, you may give us a call! Enjoy your week everyone!

Drs. Claro & Ghafouri, wishing our patients a safe and happy Fourth!

For many of our patients at Irvine Orthodontics, the Fourth of July is a day of fireworks, picnics, playing at the lake or spending quality time with family. Most people recognize Independence Day as a time to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence.

What about you? What are your Fourth of July plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the open road with family? Are you planning on using fireworks to light up the ice blue California sky?

Share your July 4th adventures with us on our Facebook page! We even encourage you to post your photos! If you're out of ideas for the family this weekend, check out this helpful guide on all things Orange County!

Have a FANTASTIC weekend everyone!

Ask Irvine Orthodontics: How do I know when I have an emergency?

Dr. Wanda Claro will tell you true orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur our dedicated staff at Irvine Orthodontics are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our office 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.

Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with Drs. Claro and Ghafouri:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, please give us a call at (949) 954-5765 as soon as possible!

Drs. Claro and Ghafouri want to know: Are you suffering from a sleep disorder?

Drs. Claro and Ghafouri know sleep disorders are fairly common, with some 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder. Some of these progress to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms of sleep apnea, and as the condition worsens it can lead to airway blockage, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Our staff at Irvine Orthodontics will tell you sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that, if left untreated, can lead to high blood pressure, which is known to increase your risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, we definitely encourage you to give us a call at (949) 954-5765.

* Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
* Loud snoring at night
* Waking up at night short of breath
* Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
* Headaches upon waking in the morning
* Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
* Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

Enjoy the rest of Father's Day weekend and we'll see you soon!

Irvine Orthodontics, supporting National Smile Month!

With National Smile Month officially upon us, Irvine orthodontists Dr. Wanda Claro and Dr. Bahar Ghafouri thought this might be a good time to remind all of our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our office.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many more years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss everyday to thoroughly clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart or as recommended).

In addition to these tips, we encourage you to eat cheese (and other dairy foods), Shiitake mushrooms, fish, cooked vegetables, onions and eggs to keep your teeth healthy and sparkling. If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at (949) 954-5765. Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!

Share your summer plans with Dr. Claro and Irvine Orthodontics!

As the school year wraps up for a lot of our patients at Irvine Orthodontics, the days get longer and the sun begins to heat up in Irvine and surrounding Orange County, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool or cool off under the shade with a beverage (non-sugary, of course). For most of our patients, summer brings with it a chance to get away from it all and escape everyday life, if only for a week or two. For others, it means a season of relaxation and relief from homework and studying.

How about you?

What are your summer plans? Do you have any interesting plans for a summer vacation? Does your family have a reunion planned? Our staff would be interested in how you are all spending your summer vacations. If you’re going somewhere exotic, let us know! If you're going camping, we'd like to hear about it! Even if you're staying at home here in Irvine, let us know!

Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with Drs. Claro and Ghafouri on our Facebook page as summer 2010 rolls right along!

Drs. Claro and Ghafouri, dispelling the myths about orthodontics

Trust us when we say Drs. Claro and Ghafouri both know there are a lot of myths and half-truths floating around these days when it comes to orthodontics (and orthodontists in general). But, before you buy into those myths, our doctors and experienced staff at Irvine Orthodontics 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 Irvine Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call at (949) 954-5765!

We hope you have a great rest of your Memorial Day weekend, and we'll see you soon!

Share your experience at Irvine Orthodontics with the world!

With years of experience and training, and backgrounds in growth and development, our doctors are able treat patients of all ages, and we know the importance of having a great smile! At Irvine Orthodontics, we want to help you achieve the healthy, straight, confident smile that you’ve always wanted.

Whether you've visited Drs. Claro or Ghafouri for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice 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 listing and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp if you'd like. After all, reviews help us create more beautiful smiles!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy the rest of your weekend! Drs. Claro and Ghafouri, as well as our entire team, look forward to reading your reviews!

Connect with Irvine Orthodontics on Facebook!

At Irvine Orthodontics, Drs. Claro and Ghafouri, as well as our entire team, truly value the relationships we have developed with our patients here in Irvine, Laguna Beach, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest and surrounding communities in Orange County. Even if you only visit us every three- to four months, did you know that you can now connect with Irvine Orthodontics on Facebook?

We invite you to “like” Irvine Orthodontics on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/IrvineOrthodontics. We share office news and updates on our Fan Page, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive all kinds of updates from our office automatically on Facebook!

See you on Facebook and enjoy your week,

- Drs. Claro and Ghafouri

How does Irvine Orthodontics "Go Green"?

We, at Irvine Orthodontics, have been making strides in "Going Green" for over 6 years, and have offered digital X-rays and photos since then. This year we are encouraging our patients to view their digital records through our website versus printing them on paper. We began scanning our records and charts over 2 years ago and are now all digital and chartless. Also, through our website, our patients have the option of making payments online. Two years ago we switched to automatic payments versus sending out statements. We also encourage our staff to sign up for automatic deposit versus paper checks and we try to make many of our office payments online.

Our office has been using non-toxic cleaning supplies for many years. We wash all uniform jackets and towels with environmentally friendly detergent. We recycle printed paper as scratch paper. Our trash service doesn't offer recycling yet, however, we are proud of one of our employees who recycles the plastics and cans that are used through the office and other staff members. We have master electrical, vacuum, compressor and water switches, which are turned off every evening. We use the least amount of electricity in our entire office complex.

In addition, Dr. Claro has driven a hybrid car for over 3 years and most of our staff have "green" cars or ride a bike or walk to work. Dr. Ghafouri used environmental friendly diapers for her children. We are all trying to preserve our environment for generations to come!

Lastly, we just finished our "Find Buster Bunny" contest - the winner will be announced and posted on our Facebook page soon. Our next contest is the "Eyes of Summer" - Stay'C is in the process of making up our eyes (like she did our lips) for all to guess who's eyes are who's! This will start in June. We have our ongoing quarterly contest for being on time, having clean teeth, and having intact braces and retainers or other appliances, too!

Ask Irvine Orthodontics: Which toothbrush should my child use?

Our team at Irvine Orthodontics will tell you that brushing your teeth - yes, even during orthodontic treatment - is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended, or polished, bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums and look for one that has large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles begin fraying. Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It really doesn't matter as long as your toothpaste has fluoride in it. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call at (949) 786-7800 and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible during treatment at Irvine Orthodontics!

Patients with special needs at Irvine Orthodontics

At Irvine Orthodontics, we cater to our patients’ individual needs. Patients with autism and other special needs, conditions and disabilities are welcome, and although most parents are well-versed in their child's condition and special needs, we at Irvine Orthodontics take our cues from the parents of autistic children. Basically - look the child in the eye when you speak to them and smile. Give them much positive reinforcement. Include parents in your discussions. Tell, show, do for all of your child patients, especially the special needs patients, i.e. you let them know that you will touch their cheek to stretch it so that you can look at their teeth; show them your fingers or mirror and then touch them lightly to stretch them out, etc.

We also see our special needs children during the morning and early afternoon - never in the late afternoon when the office is very busy and hectic. Most times, we have a private room for them as well. We dedicate one (and sometimes two) assistants to spend the entire time with the patient (which means we schedule more time for them) - so that the child never feels abandoned. Lastly, we never go beyond 1 hour for the treatment time (and for some children the time is only 30 minutes) - so that no one is stressed beyond their capabilities.

We ask that parents be positive about visiting the orthodontist and not to say too much about the procedure, "tools," or anything that might make their child anxious. A good questions to ask before an initial orthodontic evaluation is to inquire when the most appropriate age for orthodontic treatment is. A good question to ask before any treatment procedure is if their child will need Tylenol or Motrin and what will transpire at today's appointment. During the treatment any question pertaining to their child and their treatment is appropriate.

Ask Drs. Claro and Ghafouri: Am I too old for treatment?

Of course not.

In fact, our staff at Irvine Orthodontics recently read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great.

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, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Drs. Claro or Ghafouri can be successful at any age, and we know that adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Drs. Claro and Ghafouri would love to have you visit for a consultation! Please give us a call to set one up!

Invisalign: is it for everyone? Irvine Orthodontics explain...

Part of what makes Invisalign really "work" is that the treatment is customizable for so many different types of mouths. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing our staff at Irvine Orthodontics does is take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next, we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Drs. Claro and Ghafouri are certified Invisalign providers. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Irvine Orthodontics, helping you save face this spring

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is upon us, and for Drs. Claro and Ghafouri and our team at Irvine Orthodontics that only means one thing: it’s once again time to remind our dear patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Quite frankly, that’s not acceptable.

That’s why our team is doing its part to spread the word about the necessities of protecting your mouth. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator!

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Irvine Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!

Ask Drs. Claro and Ghafouri: Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why our staff at Irvine Orthodontics works 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! At Irvine Orthodontics, we truly care about our patients. Drs. Claro and Ghafouri want to help every one of our patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that transcends the boundaries of their expectations and gives them a renewed sense of self-confidence. Plus, in California, we know the importance of having a great smile! We want to help you achieve the healthy, straight, confident smile that you’ve always wanted.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call at (949) 786-7800 to set up a consultation. Drs. Claro and Ghafouri can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

What are patients saying about Irvine Orthodontics?

Drs. Claro and Ghafouri love getting reviews from our wonderful patients. And lately, Irvine Orthodontics, serving Irvine and surrounding communities in Orange County, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Tuesday!

"Up to date. Personable, honest, cares about me as an individual." ~ anonymous

"She's saintly! Great personality and awesome rapport with her patients. My sons adore her with her mellow voice." ~ Ryan W.

"Extremely friendly, gentle, thorough, and on time." ~ Kathy B.

Meet Our Orthodontists

Dr. Wanda Claro earned her DDS degree from the University of California San Francisco before attending UCLA in Los Angeles, where she received her Master of Science degree in Oral Biology, as well as specialty certificates in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry. The field of orthodontics is always searching for more comfortable and effective techniques to achieve the best outcomes possible. Dr. Claro prides herself in keeping up on and offering the latest technological advancements to her patients by continuing her education yearly.

Dr. Claro is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists and is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. During dental school she was recognized as a recipient of the Fleming Humanitarian Scholarship and a Regents Scholarship for her outstanding academic record and personal achievement.


Dr. Bahar Ghafouri attended the University of Southern California for dental school, earning her DDS degree, her Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology, and her specialty certificate in Orthodontics. She feels strongly about her responsibility to keep up on the new technology that is being introduced each day in the orthodontic community. To keep up to date, Dr. Ghafouri takes continuing education courses and seminars on the newest treatments available.

Dr. Ghafouri has complete the first two phases of the certification process for the American Board of Orthodontics and is currently completing the third and final phase. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and has served as past President of the Iranian Dental Association. She received the UCLA Excellence in Teaching Award, the American Women's Dental Association Leadership Award, and is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society.