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!