Understanding cavities, from Irvine Orthodontics

At Irvine Orthodontics, we know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? Well, a cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities while you’re wearing braces:

· Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily

· Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)

· Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth and braces where your toothbrush can’t reach

· Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat or drink

· Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Claro or Dr. Ghafouri

We hope that helps! Give us a call to learn more about keeping your braces and oral health in tip-top shape! Happy Holidays!

Season’s Greetings from Irvine Orthodontics!

The holiday season is upon us, and as the team at Irvine Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? 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. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Irvine Orthodontics

Are dental checkups important during your orthodontic treatment? You bet.

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!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Irvine Orthodontics!

Share your winter break plans with us!

Drs. Wanda Claro, Bahar 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!

Do we have your current contact info?

Happy holidays from all of us at Irvine Orthodontics! As you probably know, you can always connect with Drs. Wanda Claro, Bahar Ghafouri and our team on our Facebook page, but we also encourage you to call us and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

Please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so that we may be able to reach you. Thank you!

- The team at Irvine Orthodontics

Irvine Orthodontics, giving thanks this holiday season

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!

Ask Drs. Claro & Ghafouri: "I just got braces. Now what?"

We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before before orthodontic treatment began.

Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Drs. Claro & Ghafouri and our team at Irvine Orthodontics recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse as well; ask us for a recommendation!

When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.

Drs. Claro & Ghafouri and team will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our Irvine, CA orthodontic office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.

Lastly, in addition to visiting Irvine Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

What are your November plans?

Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before you go celebrating, Drs. Wanda Claro, Bahar Ghafouri and our team at Irvine Orthodontics want to know: What are your plans for November? Do you have plans for Thanksgiving? Are you planning a winter vacation? If so, we’d love to hear all about it!

You may share your stories with us below, or by posting on our Facebook page!

–The team at Irvine Orthodontics

Happy Halloween from Irvine Orthodontics!

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.

We wish you all a safe, fun and happy Halloween!

In love with your smile? Tell us all about it!

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!

Cold season is here, from Irvine Orthodontics

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Drs. Wanda Claro, Bahar Ghafouri and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Irvine office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Irvine Orthodontics, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Irvine Orthodontics on California Adventure TV

Check us out on California Adventure TV to learn a little about Irvine Orthodontics! Drs. Claro and Ghafouri help explain why we do what we do: create beautiful smiles! With years of experience and training, and backgrounds in growth and development, our doctors are able treat patients of all ages.

Serving Irvine and the Surrounding Orange County, CA, Drs. Wanda Claro and Bahar Ghafouri 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. Choosing to receive orthodontic treatment can change your life; are you ready to begin the journey? Please contact Irvine Orthodontics for your complimentary orthodontic consultation.

At Irvine Orthodontics, October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

October is here, and here is our 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 week!

Ask Drs. Claro & Ghafouri: When should my child come in for a consultation?

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.

As a part of her deep commitment to supporting research to improve oral health in orthodontic patients, Dr Claro was involved in a joint research project with visiting researcher Dr Rebecca Ho from Taiwan’s National Yang-Ming University School of Dentistry and Dr Petra Wilder-Smith from the University of California at Irvine. Goal of the study was to determine which orthodontic cement is most resistant to dental plaque accumulation. This is important because, if dental plaque accumulation can be reduced adjacent to orthodontic brackets, your teeth and gums will stay healthier. The study found that the amount of plaque retained varies considerably between cements. By using the best cement for your brackets, we ensure that your mouth remains even healthier throughout orthodontic treatment.

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 the rest of the week!

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!

Nancy, our unsung hero!

At Irvine Orthodontics, there are a lot of unsung heroes - the folks who work behind the scenes every day to ensure you get a great smile.

Our office has chosen Nancy Casillas Ruiz, our office manager, as our "unsung hero."

The testimonials from fellow staff are the following:

"She always has a calm and sensible attitude for any problem that may arise. She not only keeps our office running smoothly, whether it be financial, or helping in the clinic, but she keeps our patients happy with understanding and knowledge of their visits and accounts. Nancy always goes the distance with her attention t detail, kindness, time dedicated and overall award winning title as office manager."

"She is very considerate."

"She's very organized and helps the office run smoothly. She's very genuine and polite to patients."

"Without saying - Nancy is Mrs. Patience! Calm and always under control."


We also had 2 nominations (out of 7) for Kristine:

"Kristine is very organized and knows the flow of the clinic. She is very efficient and knows how to multitask well. She takes pride in her work and patient care is her priority! It shows as patients have requested to have her work on them exclusively. She is a great example and model to other assistants."

"She is very good at taking in everything and keeping all of us on track."

Back to School Braces Tips, from Drs. Claro & Ghafouri

We can’t believe it’s almost time for school again! Our entire at Irvine Orthodontics hope you had a great summer, but now it’s time to begin the school year anew. We have a few tips to keep in mind this school year while wearing braces:

1.Leave your retainers in your locker at lunch.

2. Remember to wear your elastics, it can make a big difference in getting your braces off on time.

3. Don’t forget to brush and floss after lunch.

4. Stay away from hard candy and foods – emergency appointments are generally taken care of during school hours.

5. Sign up for Text Message appointment reminders on our website. How cool!

We hope everyone has a great year at school! Lastly, a special request to all parents of kids returning to school: Please encourage your child to say ‘hi’ or smile if they see another child struggling to make friends or being bullied because he/she doesn't have many friends or because they are shy or not as pretty or not dressed in the most stylish clothes. Please let your child know that we never know what that person may be facing outside of school. And, tell them their kindness might just make a BIG difference in someone's life!

Tell Drs. Claro & Ghafouri about your summer!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for our team at Irvine Orthodontics to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited our nation’s capitol, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in the L.A. area and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients! We invite you to post your photos as well!

We look forward to hearing all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Smile Week at Irvine Orthodontics!

It’s National Smile Week, and a GREAT time to remind our patients at Irvine Orthodontics to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining during your orthodontic treatment!

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

* 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 your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist)!

And remember to smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not. Smiles are contagious, and are a good thing to give and to get. We hope you’re all having a relaxing summer!

- Drs. Claro, Ghafouri and team

Do we have your summer contact info?

We hope you’re having a great week and a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your scheduled appointment with Dr. Wanda Claro or Dr. Bahar Ghafouri, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient at that appointment time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call and and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Are dental checkups important during your orthodontic treatment? You bet.

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!

What helps you relax at Irvine Orthodontics?

Drs. Claro & Ghafouri understand not everyone is always thrilled at the prospect of visiting their orthodontist for an adjustment. But at our Irvine office, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit.

At Irvine Orthodontics, whe not only offer the most cutting edge treatments, but also put enormous emphasis on providing the very best customer service available to ensure that you not only get an effective and excellent outcome from your treatment, but also enjoy your time while you’re in our care.

Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Irvine Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Something about Drs. Claro & Ghafouri?

Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

Ask Drs. Claro & Ghafouri: “I’m 38 – am I too old for braces?”

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!

Patriotic Fun Facts with Irvine Orthodontics!

America turns 235 years old today, and because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we’d provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day! Have a great Fourth of July everyone, and we’ll see you soon!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn’t want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America’s mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there’s a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America’s leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Let us know how we're doing!

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 Places page 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!

Smile wide! June marks National Smile Month!

June may almost be over, but not before our team at Irvine Orthodontics remind you June is National Smile Month, and a great time to practice good oral hygiene between your adjustment visits to our office (as well as your general dentist) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

That means you too, parents! 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.

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

* 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 your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call, ask Drs. Claro or Ghafouri during your next visit ...or ask us on Facebook!

What's on your summer reading list?

With summer 2011 already almost here, 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!

We proudly offer complimentary consultations!

At Irvine Orthodontics, we want to help you achieve the healthy, straight, confident smile that you’ve always wanted. Drs. Wanda Claro and Bahar Ghafouri and our outgoing, dedicated team work extra hard every day to correct the structure of your mouth, ensuring a beautiful, healthy, esthetic smile.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Drs. Claro and Ghafouri, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call at one of our Irvine, CA office.

See you soon! Have a wonderful weekend!

Honoring our veterans and heroes this Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend is a time Americans remember all those who bravely gave their lives for our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids, getting out of town for three days with parents after being in school all these months is sure to be sweet, sweet relief.

At Irvine Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends. What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work?

Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun this weekend, we’d like to hear all about it! Enjoy the holiday!

Play our latest contest!

We invite you to play our latest contest - "GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!!!"

Come in to the office and guess who's profile matches the Lateral Cephalographs. Your prize is waiting!

Dr. Claro at the 111th AAO Annual Session

Patients at Irvine Orthodontics can feel confident they are receiving the best in orthodontic health care. Because 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.

Drs. Claro and Ghafouri also provide the most up-to-date technology and techniques using the best equipment possible. We are devoted to continuing education and further our learning through reading, attending conferences and continuing education courses. One of those conferences includes the 2011 AAO Annual Session in Chicago, where Dr. Claro will head this weekend.

The AAO Annual Session is an always-educational event that is also one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world. It’s also a time for Dr. Claro to consult with dental experts and orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, of course, allows Drs. Claro, Ghafouri and our team at Irvine Orthodontics to give you, our phenomenal patients, the best treatment experience possible.

If you’ve got an appointment scheduled with us soon, we invite you to ask Dr. Claro about her Chicago trip, including what he learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us treat you more effectively!

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month! From Irvine Orthodontics

At Irvine Orthodontics, Drs. Claro and Ghafouri know image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a free consultation to our convenient Irvine, CA office. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a complimentary consultation with Drs. Claro and Ghafouri?

We also proudly provide Invisalign Teen for today’s image-conscious teens and invite you to give us a call to schedule a consultation or ask us on Facebook!

Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend everybody!

Flossing with Braces 101

Dr. Claro and Dr. Ghafouri will tell you that keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll expehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrience better results and could possibly reduce your treatment time.

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth with braces. Give Irvine Orthodontics a call if you have more questions about flossing. Enjoy!

"Now that I have braces, what can I eat?"

You just got braces and Drs. Claro & Ghafouri have informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!

Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Enjoy!

Straight talk with Drs. Claro and Ghafouri

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.

Ask Drs. Claro & Ghafouri: 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! Happy Monday!

Play it safe this spring, from Drs. Claro & Ghafouri

With spring here, many of our patients will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement.

So, we thought this would be a great time to remind all 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.

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!

Get to know your braces! From Irvine Orthodontics

Should you need to call Drs. Claro, Ghafouri or our staff at Irvine Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

How will YOUR smile look after orthodontic treatment?

At Irvine Orthodontics, we know it's sometimes hard to believe the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment. Our team and Drs. Claro & Ghafouri love to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Claro & Ghafouri, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles,” which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment. Using the tool will also earn you a free orthodontic consultation coupon, which can be redeemed at our office by yourself, a family member or friend.

Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call us at Irvine Orthodontics to get started on improving your smile today!

What is Invisalign, and is it right for me? [Video]

Drs. Claro & Ghafouri and team came across this video late last week, and we realized that it's just what folks considering Invisalign need to see. Invisalign gets a ton of promotion online (including here on our blog), but people rarely get the see a clear cut, unbiased, point of view from someone who actually has chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign.

At Irvine Orthodontics, we get quite a lot of requests for Invisalign. We always let our patients know about the stages of Invisalign, as well as how one might first react to it. But, to hear it from someone actually wearing these clear aligners is something else.

Check out this video of a patient who has been wearing her aligners for only 10 minutes! Because they’re clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call to set up a complimentary initial consultation, so Dr. Claro and Ghafouri can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Have a great week!

Connect with us 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 weekend!

Dr. Claro & team, dispelling the myths about braces

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 President's Day weekend!

Complimentary Consultations at Irvine Orthodontics

At Irvine Orthodontics, we want to help you achieve the healthy, straight, confident smile that you’ve always wanted. Drs. Wanda Claro and Bahar Ghafouri and our outgoing, dedicated team work extra hard every day to correct the structure of your mouth, ensuring a beautiful, healthy, esthetic smile.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Drs. Claro and Ghafouri, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call at one of our Irvine, CA office.

See you soon!

February is National Dental Health Month at Irvine Orthodontics

Here at Irvine Orthodontics, February is National Children's Dental Health Month, as well as National Dental Health Month, and Drs. Wanda Claro and Bahar Ghafouri thought we’d promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

• 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 crunchy, 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 our team at Irvine Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Dental Health Month aims to increase awareness about the importance of our patients' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Irvine Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Dr. Claro Goes to Washington

Dr. Claro is going to "the Hill" along with many other orthodontists from all over the United States on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists. We all look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to implement national healthcare reform and ensuring the highest quality oral care in America. Wish us luck!

What are happy patients saying about Irvine Orthodontics?

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

"Well-qualified, great with kids, friendly staff and very well-run office!" ~ Lisa S.

"Dr. Claro is genuinely concerned about my teeth and her staff seems to very friendly and helpful." ~ Lynette F.

"Very professional yet personable." ~ Benjamin D.

"I came to Dr. Claro for my orthodontic treatment nearly a decade ago, and people are still telling me that I have the most amazing smile! I cannot speak highly enough about Dr. Claro and the entire office staff. There is a tone of excellence at this office that I have rarely seen in medical profession. Every aspect, from the receptionist to the technology, is top-notch and cutting edge. I had very crooked and very stubborn teeth, but two years later, I left the office with the greatest smile I could ever ask for! Dr. Claro is a terrific orthodontist, and I wholeheartedly recommend her and her practice." ~ Ryan Z.

Celebrating Dr. King

Today, our country celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a thinker, leader and civil rights champion. In the 1950s and ’60s, Dr. King recognized the need to bring about social justice, and worked tirelessly to instill tolerance in our nation, strengthen America’s communities and move the nation forward.

As the social justice leader once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: “What are you doing for others?” There are many ways that you can answer this question, whether it is participating in a local environmental impact project, volunteering through an education program, supporting disaster services, or serving veterans and military families. Today, our staff at Irvine Orthodontics would love to hear what you’re doing for others in our community.

At Irvine Orthodontics, access to your account any day, any time

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple, great and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Irvine Orthodontics enjoy 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, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

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

Happy Monday!

Understanding cavities

At Irvine Orthodontics, we know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? Well, a cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities while you’re wearing braces:

· Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily

· Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)

· Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth and braces where your toothbrush can’t reach

· Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat or drink

· Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Claro or Dr. Ghafouri

We hope that helps! Give us a call to learn more about keeping your braces and oral health in tip-top shape! Happy New Year!