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.