The Dangers Of Do it Yourself Orthodontics

It’s official: Do It Yourself Orthodontics have gone viral on the internet. There are numerous videos and blogs showing how you can easily close gaps between your teeth or space them out all on your own. They cite DIY techniques as simple as wrapping rubber bands around your teeth to more complex procedures like mail ordering your own impressions to get clear aligners - all without ever visiting a dentist or orthodontist. Many people are trying these DIY methods as a way to save money while achieving the smile they’ve always wanted, but what they don’t realize is that they can have awful consequences.

Performing DIY or at-home orthodontics can lead to and/or cause:

• Loss of teeth
• Infection
• Cavities or infections that are missed or undiagnosed
• Gum damage

One of the worst parts about DIY orthodontics is that you never consult with a trained orthodontist, so you're really operating on a dangerous lack of information. You’re not seeking orthodontic treatment from professionals that have received the proper education and experience, but instead taking a risk of causing damage to your teeth or a dangerous infection.

Dr. Arleen Azar-Mehr can help you achieve what you want to accomplish with your teeth and will help you find the safest and most cost-effective way to achieve it. Our team wants you to be informed and practical about your oral health. Should you have any questions about orthodontic treatment options available, please call us at (818) 886-6666 or click here to request a complimentary consultation.

Dr. Arleen Azar-Mehr Appointed President of the USC Orthodontic Alumni Association

As an alumna of the orthodontic program at the University of Southern California, I'm humbled and delighted to have been appointed President of the USC Orthodontic Alumni Association. I truly look forward to giving back to the USC Orthodontic Department, which has given me so much over the years since I graduated.

The primary purpose of the Alumni Association is to serve as a liaison between the Orthodontic Department and its Alumni. We keep graduates in touch with the latest news and events that occur at the school, sponsor continuing education courses and play an important role in giving students the opportunity to represent the School by visiting other Programs in different countries throughout the world.

The Alumni Association also sponsors key networking events like the Alumni reception at the American Association of Orthodontics annual meeting, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists annual session, the USC Orthodontic Department holiday party and the USC graduation party each year. We also support and help the USC Orthodontic Department in fundraising and reaching out to fellow graduates to raise money for the Department. Ask me about how it’s going at your next visit!

With kind regards,

Dr. Arleen Azar-Mehr

PS: Be sure to visit my website for more information about my practice and our wonderful staff at http://losangelesorthodontist.com/

Take a Selfie, Help a Child

Wondering Why You Should Only Get Orthodontic Treatment With An Orthodontist vs. Dentist?

There are many treatment options for straightening teeth these days and you might wonder why it’s necessary to trust your smile with an orthodontist.  Here are the five reasons why it’s imperative that an orthodontist be the one who treats you or your child:

1) Orthodontists are specialists.

After their general dental education, orthodontists devote additional years of study to the field of orthodontics after they graduate from dental school. They practice orthodontics exclusively, focus their continuing education on orthodontics and see numerous  patients every month. They are uniquely trained to use their knowledge and skills to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

2) You only want to do this once. Do it right.

An orthodontist’s goal is to guide their patients on the track of achieving an attractive smile and a healthy bite. We work toward having the teeth, upper and lower jaws, gums and facial muscles all positioned so that you can bite, chew and speak well. Without taking these factors into consideration problems can emerge, including issues with the jaw joint, headaches, wearing or chipping of the teeth, premature tooth loss and gum problems. We often see patients who come in for corrective treatment after receiving orthodontics treatment elsewhere.

3) Orthodontists identify the cause of the problem, and the best course of action to solve it.

You may see crowded teeth that appear crooked. An orthodontist uses their education, experience and expertise to delve deep to discover the cause of the issue and solve it in a way that is healthy and sustainable-- for an attractive smile and a lasting result.

4) Orthodontics goes beyond your teeth.

Orthodontics can have a significant impact on your facial profile, smile line and general appearance. An orthodontist is trained to take a holistic, comprehensive approach to your treatment so that your overall appearance is considered along with your smile.

5) Orthodontists are specialists who can identify the right treatment for you.

No two people are the same, and likewise no two orthodontic treatment plans are identical. This is why it’s extremely important to consult with your orthodontist who has the specialized knowledge to identify and plan for all the possible issues and outcomes that may arise. The bottom line: orthodontists know what to use and when to use it because they are specially trained with these tools and work with them every single day.

If you're considering orthodontics for yourself or your child, call us for a free consultation. We'd love to meet you! 818-886-6666.

Clear In-Ovation and Invisalign as Clear Alternatives for Image-Conscious Teens

We know that our teens are super conscious of their image. Just note the number of selfies they take, and how much time they spend liking, commenting and sharing their friends’ photos on Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram. That’s why when teens come to me for orthodontic treatment, I want to be sure we have options for them, to ensure their confidence stays high while their smile improves.

One of the most significant innovations in orthodontics is Invisalign Teen®. Geared towards teens and young adults, Invisalign Teen works for patients who have all their permanent teeth. The brilliance of the Invisalign system is that it allows me to treat my patients using custom, almost invisible aligners. Here’s how it works: a series of clear, removable aligners move teeth into the right position. Patients wear each aligner for one to two weeks, which moves the teeth enough so that the next set of aligners can fit over the teeth. In no time, patients can see results in their teeth, and their overall appearance.

Also designed to create an aesthetic appearance for teens, the In-Ovation® C (clear) brackets system uses high translucency technology that makes braces less noticeable. With this system, we often see decreased plaque development, fewer office visits and shorter treatment time.

To determine if Invisalign Teen or In-Ovation is the right choice for you, make an appointment with Dr. Arleen Azar-Mehr by calling (818) 886-6666 or clicking here to request a complimentary consultation for a free initial visit. 

The Give & Get Sweepstakes

Our team believes that giving is caring. That's why we invite patients, parents, friends, and the entire community to enter the Dr. Arleen Azar-Mehr’s Give & Get Sweepstakes!

Everyone’s invited to have the chance of winning a.. 

$500 shopping spree &

 $500 donation to your favorite charity!

Entering is easy. Simply CLICK HERE and fill out the entry form for your chance to win.