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.