Monday, January 31, 2011

Are you wearing your mouth guard?


At Buena Vista Orthodontics, we know spring sports are just around the corner, and we would like to remind our young athletes in treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) as well this spring. Dr. Yamada will tell you that only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. And don't forget to ask us for a mouth guard - we will provide a mouth guard for anyone in active treatment!

If you have further questions or are ready to schedule your consultation, just give us a call at our Burbank office.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

What are patients saying about Dr. Yamada and Buena Vista Orthodontics?

Once in a while, our staff at Buena Vista Orthodontics get patient reviews that make us really proud to do the work we do ever day: creating beautiful smiles for our patients in Burbank and surrounding communities. Check out what a few of our patients are saying!

"They made us feel comfortable from the moment we walked in." ~ Brittany G.

"Dr. Yamada is very friendly, thoroughly explains procedures, etc ... made what could have been an overwhelming experience great!" ~ Aysia R.

"Well recommended." ~ Shayna K.

"Daughter went to Dr. Yamada (finished 9 yrs. ago). The care hasn't changed. Very friendly staff. Easy to talk to and always with a smile!" ~ Michael N.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

More than just a day off from school

In the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr. 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. This weekend, tens of thousands of people of all ages and races in Burbank, Los Angeles and across California will spend their time building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. Do you have the day off on Monday? If so, what do you plan to do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call!

Drs. Yamada, Abbink and our entire team at Buena Vista Orthodontics are proud of your work in our community!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Here comes the Braces Brigade!


At Buena Vista Orthodontics, we know our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Buena Vista Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call at our Burbank office if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Drs. Yamada or Abbink!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

What are cavities, and how do you avoid them while wearing braces?

At Buena Vista Orthodontics, we know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit their 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. Merilynn Yamada


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!