Our Blog

Is orthodontic treatment just for straightening teeth?

June 13th, 2013

A lot of patients ask us why Dr. Martin and our team at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS work 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 can keep them healthier as well? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are also less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque, that sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth. When you visit Jennifer L. Martin, DDS for your initial consultation, Dr. Martin will examine all aspects of your teeth, face, smile, and jaw.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up an initial orthodontic consultation at our convenient Pleasant Hill, CA office. Dr. Martin can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Questions? Give us a call, ask us below or on our Facebook page!

Don't forget your retainer this summer!

June 6th, 2013

As we start our summer, our team at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS want to remind our patients who have completed treatment that it is very important to wear your retainer as prescribed even while away for vacations and summer camps.

If you are away from home and only wearing your retainer at night, here is a helpful tip: after removing and brushing your retainer in the morning, place it back in the case and then put it with your PJ’s or on your pillow. That way you have a reminder to put your retainer back in at night.

Remember, retainers should be worn every night, not just some nights.

We wish you safe travels and adventures this summer!

Smile with Invisalign Teen®

May 30th, 2013

There’s good news for teenagers at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS! We are proud to offer Invisalign Teen, a popular choice for straightening teeth without traditional wires and brackets. Much like Invisalign® for adults, Invisalign Teen is an alternative to metal braces and is undetectable when worn. Invisalign Teen aligners move teeth at a pace that is faster than traditional braces and are:

- Clear
- Removable
- Comfortable
- Customized just for your teen

Invisalign aligners are really comfortable and very durable. They fit in with any of your extracurricular activities; whether you’re swimming a big race, out on the field throwing the ball around, or playing the drums in the school band, one thing you don’t have to worry about is your braces getting in the way!

Conveniently located in Pleasant Hill, CA, our team at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS invites you to give us a call today!

Memorial Day: Parades, Remembrance, and the Unofficial Start of Summer

May 23rd, 2013

“The purpose of all war is peace.” - Saint Augustine

Fire truck sirens, baton twirlers, marching bands covering patriotic tunes, colorful floats, costumes, and millions of red, white, and blue American flags being waved in the air on a beautiful day in late May, that is what Memorial Day is all about. It is a federal holiday celebrated with town parades, remembrance, and a sense of unity and community togetherness.

Our team at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS wants to take this time to wish you and your family a happy Memorial Day, as well as pause for a moment to reflect on what this holiday means and how it has changed over time. No, this is not a history lesson, but just a couple of thoughts and observances for you to take with you on your way to the next barbecue.

On the last Monday in May, America observes Memorial Day as a time to remember and celebrate the men and women who have lost their lives while serving our country in the Armed Forces. The holiday originated after the Civil War; at that time it was known as Decoration Day. While holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter remain the same from year to year, Memorial Day has changed over time, and in the 21st century we observe a far different holiday than what Americans did after the Civil War, or even the World Wars.

While many people place flags at cemeteries and visit national memorials in order to honor those who have passed away serving the country, Memorial Day is also a time for family barbecues, pool parties, trips to the beach, blockbuster movies, long weekend getaways, and fireworks. In America, Memorial Day has come to represent the unofficial start of the summer – a long, sunny, warm weekend devoted to family togetherness, outdoor events, and community.

It is time to load up the potato salad and the apple pie and head over to the neighbor’s house for their annual barbecue. And yes, contrary to popular belief, dentists do eat sweets, especially homemade apple pie! Everything in moderation, of course.

So whether you’re in the Pleasant Hill, CA area or beyond- Happy Memorial Day to you and yours from Dr. Martin!

Creating generations of smiles through a legacy of personal care and heartfelt service!