Benefits of Orthodontics

The number one goal of orthodontic treatment is to give you or your child a good bite, meaning straight teeth that work well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to eat, chew and speak. It can enhance your dental health and your overall health, and may well improve your self-esteem. As a part of your comprehensive dental health care plan, orthodontic treatment can help you retain your teeth—and your smile—for a lifetime.

Let your smile express yourself! Nothing can show the world how happy you are quite like a beautiful smile. In fact, it’s one of the first things others notice about you, too. With orthodontics, you can be proud to flash your smile, because you’ll know that your smile truly represents your positive attitude.

Make your mouth healthy! Straight teeth aren’t just pretty, they’re healthy as well. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, reducing the amount of plaque buildup and risk for gingivitis. The cleaner you keep your teeth, the longer they’ll last!

Feel free to live your life! Orthodontics is easier today than ever before, with treatment options like Invisalign and Damon Clear braces, that fit your lifestyle and schedule. We can personalize your treatment to suit all of your needs! Please call us at 714-990-5414 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

7 Childhood Conditions You Can Still Correct

By Good Housekeeping | Healthy Living – Tue, Jul 17, 2012 12:13 PM EDT
Josie Richardson was surprised when her dentist suggested she get braces. Although she'd always been embarrassed by her overlapping teeth, at 46 she'd resigned herself to her imperfect smile. But when the dentist pointed out that it was more than just a cosmetic issue - it's harder to clean between crooked teeth - Richardson, a jewelry designer in Boca Raton, FL, signed on for the mouthful of hardware normally associated with teens. Indeed, soon after, she and her 14-year-old son became a matched pair. Now, four years later, Richardson says, "I look for reasons to smile."

There are a host of cosmetic and medical conditions, from crooked teeth to reading difficulties, that are normally corrected in childhood. But if you missed out, now is the time to reconsider. Thanks to treatment advances and the extra motivation that maturity brings, it might be an even better time. "Fixing an issue you've had for many years can give you a huge boost in self-esteem," says Lauren Ozbolt, M.D., assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. And you won't be the only grown-up trying to squeeze into the tiny seats in the waiting room: More and more adults are now confronting these formerly "kids-only" problems. 

Crooked Teeth

The over-18 crowd makes up nearly a quarter of orthodontic patients, reports the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). One reason women may be more interested is the development of more aesthetic hardware, like enamel-colored braces and removable clear aligners that slide over teeth (Invisalign is the best-known brand), says Michael B. Rogers, D.D.S., president of the AAO.

The downside to having waited: Teeth that have twisted for many years try harder to return to their original positions once braces are removed. Your orthodontist may attach a wire to the backs of your teeth or send you to a periodontist who'll snip tiny gum fibers that may pull the teeth. Expect to pay around $5,000 (likely more in big cities); some dental policies cover the procedure, but many pay only for kids 18 and under.

Klutziness

Some women knock over their water glasses or bump into doors so often, they assume clumsiness is part of their makeup. Wrong. One reason may be that muscles are weak, says Mary Ann Wilmarth, D.P.T., chief of physical therapy at Harvard University Health Services. "Even if you work out regularly, you could be shortchanging certain areas," she says. Having a weak rotator cuff in your shoulder, for example, can cause you to rely on your smaller hand muscles when reaching for dishes in the cupboard, which leads you to drop them. Poorly toned hip muscles could make you trip when navigating curbs. A physical therapist can show you the best strength-training exercises and work with you on ways to move more fluidly. You might also want to learn to focus your mind (one effective way: incorporating the practice of mindfulness into your regimen). Robin Dilley, a psychologist in Phoenix, loved to hike, but was always falling over her feet until she realized how often she was thinking about something else. Once she began focusing on the trail, the problem disappeared. 

Reading Issues

Up to one in five Americans have dyslexia, making it challenging for them to get through a best seller - or even a menu. If they weren't diagnosed in school, many may incorrectly assume they're simply slow readers - "or even stupid," says Sally Shaywitz, M.D., codirector of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. But dyslexia is neurological: Disruptions in key brain circuits affect the ability to retrieve or correctly order the basic sounds of language, explains Dr. Shaywitz. Telltale clues - beyond reading in a way that feels plodding and deliberate - include exceptionally poor spelling and knowing a word but being unable to utter it correctly.

Although the process is time- consuming, you can overcome dyslexia. It requires relearning the basics of reading, all the way back to learning how to sound out words. Group classes for adults typically meet at libraries, adult education centers, or offices of nonprofit literacy organizations several times a week for a year or longer. You can also have private lessons with a tutor. Two reading programs that Dr. Shaywitz recommends: the Wilson Reading System (wilsonlanguage.com) and Language (voyagerlearning.com/language). 

Lazy Eye

For many years, doctors believed that if you didn't strengthen the vision in a "lazy eye" by the second grade - generally by patching the stronger eye for several hours a day - you were out of luck. "The thinking was that after age 7, the brain would not make the needed corrections," says Michael Repka, M.D., professor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. But new research suggests that the age limit might be extended: A University of California, Berkeley study found, for example, that adults playing video games (with the stronger eye patched) for about two hours a day for 40 hours could improve visual acuity by 30% - one to two lines on an eye chart.

If your lazy eye is caused by a muscle weakness (strabismus), the same surgery that straightens out misaligned eyes in children works in adults, too. Susan Reale of Oakland, CA, had that operation at age 38 to correct an extremely turned-in right eye. A dozen years later, she marvels at how much the surgery has changed her life, allowing her to open her own consulting firm, where she interviews customers face-to-face for corporations: "Before, it was difficult to connect with people because they thought I was staring over their shoulders. Now they know I'm looking them right in the eye." 

Speech Disorders

Shannon Armes of Wilsons, VA, worried that her lifelong inability to say even her first name without stuttering would hold back her career. So three years ago, at the age of 31, she enrolled in a 12-day intensive program, spending eight hours each day practicing new techniques until her speech was fluid. "The therapy was incredibly challenging, but it gave me skills that have transformed my life," says Armes, who has been promoted to a new job in customer service. And last summer, she was thrilled to be able to say her wedding vows without stuttering.

There are about a dozen intensive programs for stuttering in the United States and Canada, but they can be expensive. (Armes's cost about $3,500, only half of which was covered by insurance.) To find a center, go to stutteringhelp.org and click on Referrals, then on Intensive Clinics. You can also work with a local speech-language pathologist (SLP) either on an intense basis or for a few days each week for several months, says Diane R. Paul, Ph.D., of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (For a listing of SLPs, go to asha.org/findpro.)

Breaking a lisp can be easier: Substituting the "th" sound for the "s" involves focusing on just one pattern. An SLP will diagnose faulty tongue positions and prescribe exercises.

If you haven't outgrown it, you can still put an end to...

 

Nail biting

Not surprisingly, women use this unconscious repetitive behavior (hair pulling is another) to shake off stress or boredom, says Fred Penzel, Ph.D., a psychologist in Huntington, NY. He advises adults to keep a log of when, where, and in what moods they're more likely to bite their nails, then find other ways to use their fingers during those times. Penzel's favorites: popping Bubble Wrap, manipulating Silly Putty, or playing with toothed hardware washers (their points stimulate the fingers). In addition, a 2011 Israeli study found that wearing a vinyl wristband can serve as a reminder of your desire to quit and help steel your resolve.

 

Sleepwalking

A just-released survey from the Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center in California found that 29% of adults have walked in their sleep at least once in their lives and close to 3% do so regularly. First, you need to rule out medical causes, such as sleep apnea or medication side effects. Then, if none is found, you might want to try a treatment known as "anticipatory awakening": setting your alarm to rouse you a half hour before you typically wander, suggests John Villa, D.O., medical director of the Institute for Sleep-Wake Disorders at the Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. One or two sessions of hypnosis can also help, one study has found.

- by Meryl Davids Landau

Damon Clear

VIRTUALLY INVISIBLE DAMON® CLEAR™ BRACES NOW AVAILABLE FROM TAGAWA & CURTIS ORTHODONTICS

Hi-Tech Clear Brackets Provide Fast, Comfortable Treatment, Extraordinary Smiles and Faces for Image-Conscious Adults and Teens

Brea, California – Area residents who want straight teeth and a fuller, more beautiful smile without the awkward look and discomfort of traditional braces no longer have to settle for metal brackets or clear aligners. Drs. Tagawa and Curtis of Tagawa & Curtis Orthodontics offering DAMON CLEAR, a virtually invisible braces system that delivers fast, comfortable treatment without the "metal mouth" look to accommodate today's image-conscious adults and teens.

Traditional braces require elastic ties to hold wires in place, which can accumulate bacteria, stain or "yellow" during treatment and often require uncomfortable "tightening" that can actually hinder tooth movement and prolong treatment. In contrast, DAMON CLEAR braces resist staining with the innovative DAMON SYSTEM of "tieless" brackets and high-tech memory-shaped wires that eliminate the need for uncomfortable periodic "tightening." With Damon, the wires move freely within the brackets for better oral hygiene and appearance, as well as fast, comfortable tooth movement.

"The DAMON system allows me to treat patients faster and more comfortably than ever before," says Dr. Tagawa. "My patients appreciate the convenience and discreet appearance of the DAMON CLEAR system, and I can create beautiful smiles with better facial results compared to traditional braces."

The DAMON SYSTEM uses light, continuous force wires with tieless brackets. The gentle pressure exerted by the DAMON SYSTEM discourages the need for tooth extractions and the use of headgear in the vast majority of cases.

"The DAMON SYSTEM is one of the most innovative orthodontic systems on the market and it's already been used to treat more than 3 million cases around the world," Dr. Tagawa said. "We're very pleased to bring this high-tech system to our patients in North Orange County."

Drs. Tagawa and Curtis are graduates of the University of Southern California and have been practicing orthodontics combined for over 40 years. Their office is located at 230 S. Orange Ave, Brea, CA 92821. To find more information about Tagawa & Curtis Orthodontics and the DAMON SYSTEM, visit http://www.breasmiles.com/ or call 714-990-5414.

Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen was designed to address the unique needs of young adults. The treatment aligners accommodate for the continuing and natural eruption of young-adult permanent teeth. Invisalign Teen also includes Compliance Indicators, which fade from blue to clear to provide a visual gauge of approximate wear time.

Feel confident in any situation.
Invisalign Teen is a treatment solution with a set of custom-fit aligners that are virtually invisible and can be removed as needed. Take them out to eat, play sports, or for special occasions — as long as they are worn for the prescribed number of hours each day. It is a clear alternative to traditional wires and brackets.

Invisalign has demonstrated to be successful in dental andorthodontic practices worldwide.
It is an FDA-cleared orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth, and has been the clear choice for over one million patients worldwide. We worked with leading orthodontists and parents and listened to their concerns, creating special aligners that make treatment easy and most importantly, effective.

Invisalign Teen aligners are designed with the input of leading orthodontists using cutting-edge technology.
Addresses teens’ unique needs, including the eruption of new molars. Designed utilizing the technology of Invisalign aligners, which have been used to treat over one million Invisalign patients to date and is used in thousands of practices worldwide

There are lots of no-no’s when it comes to traditional metal braces. But not with Invisalign Teen.
Take them out and eat what you want, when you want. Play sports without the worry of metal braces.

Straighter teeth can lead to a healthier mouth. With Invisalign you can brush and floss normally, which can lead to:
Healthier gums
Less chance of plaque, tooth decay and gum disease
Fresher breath

That means you can:
Look great all year long, from school pictures to promPerform music and theatreGive speeches and presentations ... and feel confident knowing the only way most people will know you’re straightening your teeth is if you show them.




Orthodontist (Dentistry, Braces, Invisalign, Damon System) – Tagawa & Curtis Orthodontics - Brea, Northern (North) Orange County, California (CA) 92821 - We specialize in orthodontic treatment (teeth straightening) for the whole family including children, teens, and adults, offering Invisalign and Invisalign Teen invisible clear aligners and the Damon System comfort braces – Dr. Derick T. Tagawa, DDS, Dr. Richard M. Curtis, DDS, MS. Serving the cities of Brea, La Habra, Fullerton, Whittier, Yorba Linda, La Mirada, Diamond Bar, Placentia, Chino Hills, Anaheim Hills, Anaheim, Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, Walnut, and Orange. Serving zip codes 92821, 92822, 92823, 90631, 90632, 90633, 92831, 92832, 92833, 92834, 92835, 92836, 92837, 92838, 90601, 90602, 90603, 90604, 90605, 90606, 90607, 90608, 90609, 90610, 92885, 92886, 92887, 90637, 90638, 90639, 91765, 92870, 92871, 91709, 92801, 92802, 92803, 92804, 92805, 92806, 92807, 92808, 92809, 92812, 92814, 92815, 92816, 92817, 92825, 92850, 92899, 91745, 91748, 91788, 91789, 91795, 92856, 92857, 92859, 92861, 92862, 92863, 92864, 92865, 92866, 92867, 92868, 92869

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

Invisalign is the clear way to straighten teeth without braces, using aligners. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. In addition, you can still eat and drink what you would like and brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Since there are no wires or brackets, discomfort caused by mouth abrasions and emergency visits are rare.

What is Invisalign?

· Invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.
· Series of clear, removable, custom-made Aligners.
· Uses no metal wires or brackets.
· Custom-made for comfort.

How Does Invisalign Work?

· Wear each set of aligners for about two weeks or as directed by Dr. Tagawa or Dr. Curtis.
· Remove only to eat, drink, brush and floss.
· Your teeth will move gradually each week.
· Office visits are approximately every 10 weeks.
· The number of aligners varies depending on how much movement of the teeth is required.

Advantages of Invisalign:

· Almost invisible
· Virtually painless
· Typically does not affect speech
· No dietary or oral hygiene restrictions



Orthodontist (Dentistry, Braces, Invisalign, Damon System) – Tagawa & Curtis Orthodontics - Brea, Northern (North) Orange County, California (CA) 92821 - We specialize in orthodontic treatment (teeth straightening) for the whole family including children, teens, and adults, offering Invisalign and Invisalign Teen invisible clear aligners and the Damon System comfort braces – Dr. Derick T. Tagawa, DDS, Dr. Richard M. Curtis, DDS, MS. Serving the cities of Brea, La Habra, Fullerton, Whittier, Yorba Linda, La Mirada, Diamond Bar, Placentia, Chino Hills, Anaheim Hills, Anaheim, Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, Walnut, and Orange. Serving zip codes 92821, 92822, 92823, 90631, 90632, 90633, 92831, 92832, 92833, 92834, 92835, 92836, 92837, 92838, 90601, 90602, 90603, 90604, 90605, 90606, 90607, 90608, 90609, 90610, 92885, 92886, 92887, 90637, 90638, 90639, 91765, 92870, 92871, 91709, 92801, 92802, 92803, 92804, 92805, 92806, 92807, 92808, 92809, 92812, 92814, 92815, 92816, 92817, 92825, 92850, 92899, 91745, 91748, 91788, 91789, 91795, 92856, 92857, 92859, 92861, 92862, 92863, 92864, 92865, 92866, 92867, 92868, 92869