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Your smile is totally unique, so the time you’ll need to spend undergoing orthodontic treatment will also be unique. Generally, orthodontic treatment will take about two years, and this is for good reason. During this time, your teeth will slowly move into their desired positions, leaving you with a great smile with as little discomfort as possible. Rushing treatment can result in a less than perfect smile with a greater chance of tooth movement after your treatment is complete. At the office of Dr. Jennifer Martin we don’t want to waste your time with treatment that won’t retain your smile for the rest of your life.

Of course, treatment time will vary depending on your specific situation. Very minor tooth movement may only take a few months to correct, while serious malocclusion (poor bite) may need more than two years to correct. Only Dr. Martin will be able to accurately estimate the time your treatment will take. But trust us—it’ll all be worth it in the end!

Has your child or teen visited Dr. Martin's office for an orthodontic consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help him or her begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Enjoy this tasty (and braces-friendly) dish!

Salted Salmon

(estimate 1/3 pound of salmon per person if served as appetizer)

Salmon (recommend King salmon)
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon sugar per pound of fish
1/2 cup vodka
Olive oil, a few drops

Rub salt and sugar on salmon. Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and cover with foil. Leave for two nights in a cool, dry place. After this, rinse with water, dry with paper towels, then make a mixture of 1/2 cup vodka and three drops of olive oil and drizzle on top of salmon. Place back onto the baking sheet with wax paper and cover with foil. Put in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Slice and Serve.

February, which is just around the corner, marks National Children's Dental Health Month, and Dr. Martin and team thought we’d promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid crunchy, sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you’re going to drink one of these beverages, don’t sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to visiting our Pleasant Hill, CA office during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Dental Health Month aims to increase awareness about the importance of our patients' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Dr. Martin, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

The fact is, most of us aren’t born with a red carpet smile. And that’s where Dr. Jennifer Martin and our team can help. Of course, orthodontic treatment help make your teeth stay strong, healthy and become perfectly-aligned. But did you know you can get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted — without braces?

Dr. Martin and our staff are proud to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign, which uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. 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 at our office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you in for a visit. Please give us a call to set one up! A complimentary consultation can determine if Invisalign is right for you. See you soon!