Happy New Year from Dr. Dougherty & team!

2010 has come and (almost) gone, so Dr. Dougherty and our team 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 Sherman Oaks and surrounding communities.

Ask Dr. Dougherty: What is two-phase treatment and when is it necessary?

Great question. Usually patients in orthodontic treatment at our Sherman Oaks office already have their permanent teeth, but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Dr. Dougherty calls this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in.

In order to catch early problems, Dr. Dougherty and our team recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so do our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists). To learn more about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dougherty, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Dougherty and team want to know: What should we blog about?

As 2010 winds down, Dr. Harry Dougherty & our team strive to continue blogging about important topics related to braces, oral health and your treatment.

To help us continue blogging through 2011, however, we'd like your feedback: What would you like us to focus on our blog or Facebook page in the coming weeks and months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Dougherty or our team for a while and just haven't found the right opportunity? Give us your ideas by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you have a great rest of the weekend!

What helps you relax at our office?

Dr. Dougherty and team understand not everyone is thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at the office of Dr. Dougherty, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. 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? Dr. Dougherty himself?

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

Dr. Dougherty wants to know: Are you wearing your mouth guard?

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries – especially mouth injuries – are common among kids, let alone teens with braces. In a 2009 survey, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest fear is that their child will get hurt while playing organized sports. That’s why Dr. Harry Dougherty and our team are helping spread the word that many facial injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards this fall.

This fall, don’t forget to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant even as a spectator

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our convenient Sherman Oaks office.

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The season of thanks

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season just around the corner, we wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are for all of our patients and their families. We realize that our practice here in Sherman Oaks thrives because of you and are honored you have chosen us as a part of your healthcare team. As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you.

We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope it brings fond memories to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dougherty and Staff

Hey Dr. Dougherty, when should I replace my toothbrush?

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Harry Dougherty will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us at the office of Dr. Harry Dougherty if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Ask Dr. Dougherty: Any truth to those myths about orthodontics?

Dr. Harry Dougherty and our experienced staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) out there these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts first! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists did some digging to help set the record straight, and have some great information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment with Dr. Dougherty, feel free to give us a call at 818-986-6223 or ask us on Facebook! Have a GREAT rest of the weekend!

Ask Dr. Dougherty: What's the deal with all those Halloween treats?

As Halloween nears closer and closer, our staff at Dr. Harry Dougherty's office know a lot parents here in Sherman Oaks are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Dougherty as soon as possible.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Hey, Dr. Dougherty! What is Invisalign, and is it right for me? [Video]

We've discussed Invisalign in previous posts, but today thought we'd share a helpful video for those who are intrigued by the idea of straightening their teeth without using traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system at the office of Dr. Harry Dougherty is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient Sherman Oaks, California office. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call at 818-986-6223 for a consultation to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in our office getting adjustments. Dr. Dougherty is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in Sherman Oaks.

Connect with Dr. Dougherty and team on Facebook!

At the office of Dr. Harry L. Dougherty Jr, we value the relationships we’ve developed with our patients in Sherman Oaks and greater San Fernando Valley over the years. Even if you visit our office on a regular basis, did you know you can always connect with us on Facebook?

By “Liking” us at Facebook.com/DoughertyOrtho, you will receive regular updates and contest announcements from our office – all through your news feed!

See you on Facebook, and have a wonderful rest of the week!

- Dr. Dougherty and team

Don't skip on those regular checkups, especially in October!

Dr. Dougherty wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your treatment? If the answer is yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Dr. Dougherty's office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

It's the perfect time for a visit to the dentist. Why? Because not only is October National Orthodontic Health Month, it's also National Dental Hygiene Month!

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can 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 been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in Sherman Oaks or surrounding areas!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists - or AAO- have provided a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly Halloween recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while wearing braces.

Dr. Harry Dougherty and our staff recommend you check out the AAO's website. If you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape, please feel free to give us a call at 818-602-4782, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Dougherty during your visit!

Have a great weekend and stay safe this Halloween season!

Ask Dr. Dougherty: Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why Dr. Harry Dougherty and our staff work so tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Dr. Dougherty's office can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Dougherty can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment at our convenient Sherman Oaks office.

Happy Friday!!

Talking retainers with Dr. Harry Dougherty

If you have recently completed treatment at Dr. Harry Dougherty's office, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Dougherty will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Dougherty is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Dougherty, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call at our convenient Sherman Oaks office!

Ask Dr. Dougherty: When should my child come in for a consultation?

Many parents here in Sherman Oaks assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. Harry Dougherty for a complimentary consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Dougherty to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what Dr. Dougherty calls “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, please give us a call at 818-602-4782 to schedule a complimentary exam.

Share your experience at Dr. Dougherty's office with the world!

At the office of Dr. Harry Dougherty, it is our goal to provide the best treatment possible in a comfortable and supportive environment. Combining the right mix of personal care, high technology and continuing education, we maintain a commitment to our patients in every facet of our practice.

Whether you've visited Dr. Dougherty for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office has fared during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local listing and write a review there.

After all, your generous reviews help Dr. Dougherty create more beautiful smiles in Sherman Oaks and surrounding communities. Thanks in advance, and we hope you have a terrific week!

You may write your review here.

Ask Dr. Dougherty: Am I too old for braces?

Of course not! Nobody - and we mean NOBODY - is "too old" for orthodontic treatment. In fact, we read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: folks want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Harry Dougherty can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Dougherty would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation. Please give us a call at 818-602-4782 to set one up!

What did you read this summer?

With summer winding down, Dr. Harry Dougherty and our staff wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. We know it’s easy to keep putting off reading during the dog days of summer, but reading during the summer is actually a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide”—plus, it's fun!

What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and we'll be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian here in Sherman Oaks for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across this week, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

What are Dr. Dougherty's happy patients saying about our office?

"He is friendly and easy to talk to. He sincerely wants his patients to have the best smile possible and would never settle for giving anyone a less than perfect smile." ~ Mario D.

"Very professional and always takes the time to answer all my questions, friendly office staff and great waiting area!" ~ Ellie M.

"He is very knowledgeable and thorough and tends to take a conservative approach to jaw realignment." ~ Kelly M.

"Having used Dr. Dougherty for our older son, we appreciate that he is a perfectionist!" ~ Alan A.

"Dr. Dougherty always explains things in such a way that I feel that I know, in fairly good depth, what his thinking is on our children's treatments. Plus he's a super nice guy." ~ Clint B.

Welcome to our blog!

For those of you visiting us for the very first time, we'd like to welcome to our official blog! We've recently installed new ways to stay connected to our patients, including our Facebook page, YouTube channel and our very own blog, which we’ll be updating weekly! Visit us by clicking on any of the social network icons located on the left side of our page.

While we’re taking a little time to research and decide how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

We hope you're having a great summer!

Orthodontic Emergency Kits

Don't forget to pick up a complimentary orthodontic emergency kit from our office before you head out on vacation. You can pick one up at your next appointment, or stop by during office hours. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

What’s so special about an orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Dougherty started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Dougherty decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Oral Health and Orthodontics Advice from Dr. Harry Dougherty

It may seem crazy, but there are so many rumors out there about what’s good for your teeth, what’s bad for your teeth, what will make your teeth crooked, what will discolor your teeth, and so on. We wanted to help set the record straight this summer with answers to some of life's oral health questions.

1.Can hard candies or hard mints cause damage to my teeth? Yes! Dr. Dougherty always tells his patients not to eat anything “sticky, gooey, hard or chewy”.

2. Now that I’m wearing braces, I miss chewing gum. Can I still chew sugar-free gum with braces on? While in braces, gum is a no-no because it can get caught in your braces, and even damage them!

3. If I play sports, should I be wearing a mouthguard while in braces? Yes, you should always wear a mouthguard while wearing sports, and Dr. Dougherty provides custom-made mouthguards to his patients on a complimentary basis.

Do you have additional questions? Give our Sherman Oaks, CA office a call today!

With Dr. Harry Dougherty, 24/7 access to your account

We embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Sherman Oaks, CA.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Ask Dr. Dougherty: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Dougherty is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Smile Wide- June is the National Smile Month!

Now that we’re in June, our staff thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to us and your general dentist.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call.

--Dr. Harry Dougherty of Sherman Oaks, California

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Dougherty is originally from the San Fernando Valley, and feels a great connection with the Sherman Oaks community where he has lived and worked for over 25 years. He enjoys being a part of all that the community has to offer, especially the beautiful, warm, California smiles that are shared throughout the valley. Dr. Dougherty looks forward to working with each of his patients, and enjoys helping his patients create one-of-a-kind treatment experiences.

Dr. Dougherty and his wife, Pam, have been married for over 20 years and have one 15-year-old son named Ryan. When he’s away from the practice, Dr. Dougherty enjoys photography and working with computers. He is an avid walker and cyclist, and is a member of the Los Angeles Bicycle Coalition. He rides with the San Fernando Valley Bicycle club and the Los Angeles Wheelmen. Dr. Dougherty has even been known to commute to work on his bicycle!