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!

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!

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.