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!

Happy New Year from all of us at Buena Vista Orthodontics!

2010 is almost over—and what a year it was at Buena Vista Orthodontics! Dr. Merilynn Yamada and our staff thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Burbank and surrounding communities here in Los Angeles.

See you all in 2011!

When should you call Dr. Yamada and Buena Vista Orthodontics?

Thanks for the question. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Buena Vista Orthodontics. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with Dr. Yamada and team:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give our Burbank office a call as soon as possible! Happy Holidays!

Season's greetings from Buena Vista Orthodontics!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at Buena Vista Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our great patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? 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 here, or on our Facebook page, all the things you love about this time of year.

Happy Holidays from Drs. Yamada & Abbink and our entire staff!

What puts you at ease at Buena Vista Orthodontics?

Dr. Yamada and our team understand not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at Buena Vista Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit at our Burbank office. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Perhaps it's something about Drs. Yamada or Abbink?

Let us know by posting on Facebook or by giving us a call!

Ask Dr. Yamada: “I’m 33 – am I too old for braces?”

Absolutely not! At Buena Vista Orthodontics, nobody is “too old” for braces! In fact, we read a fascinating statistic recently: adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent since 1996! In fact, one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21. Of course, braces help make your teeth stay strong, healthy and become perfectly-aligned. But we’d like you to know orthodontic treatment with Dr. Yamada or Abbink can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

In fact, we are proud to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign, which uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation at our Burbank office. Please give us a call at (818) 846-3774 to set one up and have a wonderful rest of the week!

Giving thanks this holiday season

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season knocking at our door, Dr. Yamada and our entire staff at Burbank's Buena Vista Orthodontics wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you. We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.