Happy new year from Irvine Orthodontics!

At Irvine Orthodontics, the New Year is a time to look back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. Our wish is that our patients continue to keep their teeth healthy, as well as wear their rubber bands, headgear and appliances as prescribed during their treatment.

We look forward to meeting those patients who are planning to begin their orthodontic treatment this year - we think it's a great resolution!

Happy New Year from all of us at Irvine Orthodontics!

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!