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!