May

2013

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Los Angeles Orthodontist -The Importance of Finding an Invisalign Elite Provider

Los Angeles, CA – Invisalign invisible braces have a 96% client satisfaction rate – and more than 1 million patients have been treated with Invisalign braces in North America, reveals Los Angeles Orthodontist Dr. David Alpan. Invisalign aligners are individually created for each patient. Invisalign employs a series of aligners that will be switched every two weeks by your orthodontist. Over time, your teeth move into place, and eventually they will reveal your new smile.

However, Dr. Alpan, a Los Angeles Orthodontist, points out that an experienced Invisalign provider must fit your aligners. When you are treated by an Elite Preferred Provider, you can be confident because he or she has achieved a high level of training, continuing education, and Invisalign experience.

Align Technology, Inc., the inventors of Invisalign, requires providers to take a certification course before they are allowed to treat patient with Invisalign. Continuing education is very important so that orthodontists are kept up to date with the latest Invisalign has to offer. If you select an Invisalign Elite Preferred Provider, you can be confident that your orthodontist has met all the requirements and is committed to the Invisalign system.

Select orthodontists are recognized as Elite Premier Providers because they have an even higher level of Invisalign experience. Los Angeles orthodontist Dr. Alpan is an Elite Premier Provider – the level of his Invisalign experience is in the top 5%.

Invisalign can be acquired through a series of steps, listed below. “These steps show how crucial it is to be treated by an experienced Invisalign provider,” says Dr. Alpan, an Invisalign Elite provider.

At your first appointment, the orthodontist will ensure you are a candidate for the Invisalign system. He or she will also take pictures and impressions of your teeth.
Afterward, the impressions are digitized so the provider can show you how the aligners will move your teeth using the Invisalign Clin-Check software. You can see images that will show you step by step what your final smile will look like.
Based on the orthodontist’s instructions, Invisalign will customize a set of 10-30 aligners for you to use during your treatment Invisalign.
During your visits, the orthodontist will switch your aligners. Although new aligners may cause some initial discomfort, it is minimal and brief, says Dr. Alpan, a Los Angeles orthodontist. “You must wear your aligners all the time – except when you are brushing, eating or drinking.”
Over time, you will be able to see your new smile taking shape!

Dec

2012

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Thinking About Using A Groupon Offer For Braces?

braces-orthodontist LAS VEGAS, NEVADA—Occasionally, we run across something online that we feel like we have to pass on like this topic about using Groupon discount offers to get Las Vegas pediatric orthodontic treatment.

“My short answer for people asking about whether or not they should use a Groupon deal for braces is no,” says Dr. David Alpan, a Las Vegas incognito braces provider. “The deals can be tempting because they offer steep discounts, but there is good reason to reconsider before buying.”

Groupon is a Chicago-based company launched in 2008 that offers coupons to its subscribers, often giving deep discounts—50 percent or more—on everything from restaurant meals to vacation spots to spa visits. Companies use Groupon and other similar sites in hope of bringing in new customers and converting them into repeat business.

Some dental offices and orthodontic practices are getting involved in the discounts too and offering a deal through Groupon on their services.

“At first glance, it looks like you’re getting Invisalign treatment or whatever the offer is at a great price that is significantly less than regular,” says Dr. Alpan, who is also a TMD dentist. “But we’re not talking about markdowns at a department store on last season’s merchandise. Orthodontic treatment is a service not a product, and the doctor you choose will have a big impact on your final results.”

If you read through the offer completely and carefully to review the limitations and qualifications, you may find that the offer only covers up to so long in treatment or a certain number of trays. It may not include retainers or check-up appointments during the retention phase of treatment.

“A good orthodontist works until the malocclusion is corrected, the bite is aligned and the patient has a smile to be proud of,” says Dr. Alpan. “ Aesthetic Orthodontics is really an investment in your oral health and self-confidence, so it’s not a good idea to take your business to the lowest bidder.”

These discount medical services offers also come with possible state and federal legal issues as well as ethical ones. The American Dental Association legal division said in a press release about Groupon incentives that offering such discounts may violate certain ADA ethical rules, including the one prohibiting dentists from giving rebates and splitting fees.

“In some states, boards have begun banning the use of Groupons to discount professional services because of concerns about rebates, kickbacks and fee-splitting,” says Dr. Alpan, who offers orthodontics for children and adults.

Any medical provider should be researched, but it is very important to find out how much experience a doctor has using the type of orthodontic treatment and what their finished product looks like. Dr. Alpan is an Elite Preferred provider of Invisalign, among the top providers in North America, and has been certified to use Invisalign in Las Vegas since 1999. At Aesthetic Orthodontics, we offer complimentary consultations, so you can find out if you are a good candidate for braces, what treatment methods are recommended and examples of previous patients. You can also talk with our treatment coordinator to find out what financial options are available to make braces fit into your budget.

© 2012 Sinai Marketing and Dr. David Alpan. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. David Alpan and Sinai Marketing are credited as sole sources. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Nov

2012

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Confused About What Dental Care Products Are Right For You?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA—The dental care routine for someone with braces shouldn’t require much change from their normal one, but people with fixed braces in particular do need to be extra diligent about keeping teeth clean and cavity-free.

“There is an overwhelming number of dental care products on the shelves touting one benefit or the other,” says Dr. David Alpan, a Los Angeles invisible braces supplier. “Knowing what you actually need and what is just marketing hype can be frustrating to say the least, but there are certain products that we’ve found to be very helpful.”

Aesthetic Orthodontics put together a to help simplify the process products page. We’ve included oral hygiene products, nutritional supplements and recommended books for improving gum, tooth and bone health as well as promoting fresh breath.

“We also have some whitening products ranging from at-home treatments to in-office treatments that we recommend for patients who want the final touch for their smile after braces are taken off,” says Dr. Alpan a proficient Los Angeles orthodontics expert and TMD dentist.

There are many more listed with descriptions and prices, but here are few examples of the products we have included:

• Toothbrushes: Sonicare Easy Clean is an electric toothbrush with a state of the art brush head that can remove up to two times more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

• Teeth whitening: Zoom Chairside Bleaching can get teeth an average of eight shades whiter in less than two hours.

• Aligner care: Brushing Invisalign trays can scratch the surface and make them less clear over time. We suggest Invisalign Aligner Cleaning Crystals to keep aligners odor- and plaque-free, hygienic and clear.

• Waterpik: The Waterpik Oral Irrigator helps patients clean food particles and loose plaque out of braces and between teeth with jets of water. This is used after brushing and flossing.

“Of course, all the best dental care products on the market won’t make a difference if you’re not using them or using them improperly,” says Dr. Alpan, who has offered Los Angeles pediatric orthodontics and adults since 1999. “So make sure you know what you need to do to keep your teeth healthy and strong.”

The American Dental Association says everyone should floss once a day, brush at least twice a day, and go to the dentist for professional cleanings and examinations twice a year. However, people with fixed braces have to step up their dental care and brush their teeth for five minutes three times a day and floss twice a day for healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities and to avoid painful dental problems.

“We want our patients to have straight teeth, but we also want them to have strong, healthy teeth and a smile they can be proud of for a lifetime,” says Dr. Alpan who is an Aesthetic Orthodontics. “We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for them to take care of their teeth during orthodontic treatment.”

If you don’t find what you need on our recommended dental care products page or have questions, please feel free to call the office or bring it up during your next appointment.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. David Alpan. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. David Alpan and Master Google are credited as sole sources. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Oct

2012

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Are You Playing It Safe With Your Teeth?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- College and professional football is already a couple months into the season, which makes us think about our patients who are aspiring young athletes participating in organized sports and whether they are playing safely.

braces-sports

Have you been wearing a mouth guard to protect your mouth and braces during practices and games? In August, during the flurry of back to school preparations, we reminded you to check mouth guards for signs of wear and to make sure they fit properly. If you haven’t, make sure you do.

“Playing sports considerably increases your risk of dental injury,” says Dr. David Alpan, a Los Angeles orthodontist and a profoundly experienced Las Vegas TMD dentist. “But you can prevent the vast majority of sports-related traumatic injuries if you consistently use protective gear, including a mouth guard.”

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation predicted that more than three million teeth will be knocked out in youth sporting activities in 2012, but when the American Association of Orthodontists did a survey about mouth guards, 67 percent of parents admitted their children don’t wear one during organized sports.

It’s not just contact sports that a mouth guard is recommended for, though. A lot of dental injuries come from athletes playing baseball and basketball. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons says children and adults who participate in any sport that involves falls, body contact or flying equipment should wear one, including skateboarding and mountain biking.

“Keeping your teeth safe and sound is the number one priority of a mouth guard,” says Dr. Alpan, who offers orthodontics for children and adults. “Keeping the brackets, wires and other appliances from getting damaged is also important. Any time something breaks, there is a chance that it will set back the treatment schedule.”

The three classifications of mouth guards are stock, boil-and-bite and customized. A custom-made mouth guard will provide the most comfortable fit, but any type of mouth guard or performance wear an athlete chooses to protect their teeth is better than not wearing one.

“You can get mouth guards in different colors or with team logos in them,” says Dr. Alpan, who offers the popular Invisalign Teen aligners at his practice. “There are even flavored guards that taste like lemon, mint, orange, bubblegum and fruit punch.”

Three Things To Remember About Mouth Guards
When choosing a mouth guard, remember this acronym: CFP.

Comfort. Mouth guards should never restrict speech or breathing. Athletes often complain that mouth guards are uncomfortable. A good mouth guard will still take some getting used to, but it won’t be painful or uncomfortable.
Fit. The guard should fit over all the teeth and orthodontic appliances to protect them. Depending on the bite, it may cover the gums as well. You can have us check yours to make sure it fits properly.
Protection. Some mouth guards offer what they claim to be better protection than others. Whatever you choose should be resilient and tear-resistant.

Please contact our office if you would like to schedule a free consultation with the doctor or need to be fitted for a mouth guard.

Sep

2012

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Los Angeles Office Earns An “Extraordinary” Rating In Google+ Reviews

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA-Our Los Angeles office location received enough reviews on Google+ Local to earn an overall score of 29 out of 30, also called the extraordinary to perfection category.

“We appreciate it when our patients take the time to write a review about us, and we are grateful to have so many wonderful reviews and happy customers,” says Dr. David Alpan, a Los Angeles braces orthodontist.

User reviews are what determine all of the scores in Google+ Local. Individual user ratings are based on a zero to three point scale, ranging from poor or fair to excellent. Once there are enough ratings, Google takes those ratings, averages them, and multiplies by 10 to arrive at an average score.

The online reviews of our practice help other people who are looking for an orthodontist make an informed decision. The simple act of leaving a review can help an undecided person choose Aesthetic Orthodontics when they hear directly from current and former patients what quality of care they can expect and whether patients are happy with their overall experience. It can even help patients choose what type of braces they want when they can read what others thought about their treatment with Incognito braces or Invisalign Teen.

“Potential patients will read these reviews and what you are saying about us can dramatically impact our practice,” says Dr. Alpan, who also provides Las Vegas orthodontics for children, teens and adults.

We would love to have more reviews of our offices on Google+, especially our other two locations in Las Vegas and Beverly Hills that have very few reviews so far. (Las Vegas office & Beverly Hills office) Leaving a review is a fast and easy process. You just have to visit the Google+ Local page for the office location you are reviewing, click on the blue box that says “Write A Review,” rate the quality, appeal and service of our practice from zero to three, and write a brief description of your experience and interactions with our staff throughout your treatment process.

“We want to extend a big thank you to all those who have taken the time to write a review of our team and share feedback about their orthodontic experience and the treatment they received,” says Dr. Alpan.

© 2012 Dr. David Alpan and Master Google. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. David Alpan and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Sep

2012

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Patients Dish On Treatment, Damon Braces, Invisalign

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA-Reading descriptions of different types of braces and looking at the pictures are great sources of information for people considering orthodontic treatment, but nothing is better than hearing from actual patients what having braces is like.

We have just that for people searching for Las Vegas orthodontics providers. Aesthetic Orthodontics’ channel on YouTube has 85 videos of patients sharing video testimonials and informative clips from Dr. David Alpan about braces.

“On our YouTube channel you can hear patients who have had Damon and Damon Clear braces and patients using invisible braces treatment like the Invisalign system. We have testimonials from kids and teenagers and a lot of reviews from men and women who have gotten braces as adults,” says Dr. Alpan, who is also a Los Angeles TMJ dentist.

We treat adult and pediatric orthodontics patients here with all of the latest types of braces. Dr. Alpan is among the leading providers worldwide for the Damon system, Incognito braces and Invisalign. He is also a specialist in jaw joint pain, which can be caused by a misaligned bite, and offers TMJ, TMD and MSD therapies to treat it.

The patients weigh in with their honest descriptions of their experiences with the treatments we offer. Some like Fabio, who is an adult patient who has reviewed our practice, hold nothing back. In his testimonial, he said that the doctor was fantastic during his 13 months of treatment but the staff was even better.

The high quality of care is a reoccurring theme among the reviews from adult patients. Many of them came to Las Vegas braces pro, Dr. Alpan, to correct work from other orthodontic practices or because they didn’t wear a retainer after getting braces as a child or teen.

Andrea, who is in her late 40s, sought out orthodontics with us when her teeth shifted out of alignment after having braces as an early teen. At the time of her video testimonial, she had just had the braces taken off after nearly two years of treatment and said she was going to take advantage of our teeth bleaching service to put the finishing touch on her new smile.

Ruby, who had braces twice before finding Dr. Alpan, said she finally found an orthodontist who got it right. She is very happy with the results of her orthodontic treatment this time around.

“If you or someone you know is considering braces, check out our videos to find out more about the treatment process. You can learn about our office and see the finished product,” says Dr. Alpan.

Please contact our office if you would like to schedule a free consultation with the doctor or if you are a current or former patient who would like to submit a video testimonial about your experience with braces.

Aug

2012

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Make A Better Smile A Reality For Your Teen

Make A Better Smile A Reality For Your Teen LAS VEGAS, NEVADA-If you have always ruled out orthodontics for your child or teen as too expensive or likely to interfere with school and extracurricular activities, we think you should reexamine your conclusion.

“There is absolutely no reason that having braces or going to appointments has to conflict with classes, sports or day-to-day life. We can make your teen’s dream of straight teeth a reality,” says Dr. David Alpan, an adult, teenager and children’s orthodontist at Aesthetic Orthodontics.

The latest orthodontic techniques and technology have made getting braces faster and more comfortable and convenient than ever, and the cost might be more affordable than you think between insurance coverage and in-office payment plans and financing.

He offers many types of braces for teens at affordable prices from the practically invisible Invisalign Teen to Incognito braces, which are affixed to the back side of teeth. Braces can correct a misaligned bite, close gaps between teeth, and straighten crooked or twisted dentition. They can also fix overbites, crossbites and underbites and even have the potential to alter the appearance of facial structure.

“Orthodontics provides more than just pretty, straight teeth though. They create a smile that is much easier to take care of, and they properly align the jaws, which can often relieve headaches and jaw joint pain,” says Dr. Alpan, who is a Las Vegas braces provider and Los Angeles TMJ dentist.

One of the most popular options for teenagers and adults is the Invisalign system because it uses a series of clear, removable trays to align teeth instead of the traditional metal brackets and wires. Many celebrities, including Katherine Heigl and Justin Bieber, have used the method to fix their crooked teeth.

Many of the treatment methods available today require fewer, shorter office visits, which mean less time out of you and your teen’s busy schedule. Plus, appliances are smaller and custom-made to provide a more comfortable experience with significantly less tongue, cheek and gum irritation and post-tightening soreness. The average length of treatment for patients with Invisalign Teen is a year.

“Braces can also help teens feel more confident about their appearance and smile confidently for the photo ops of high school like prom, homecoming, yearbook and graduation,” says Dr. Alpan, who is in the top three Invisalign providers for Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

With straighter teeth, you are also reducing their risk of tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease since routine dental care like brushing and flossing is more effective at removing cavity-causing bacteria, and regular appointments at the dentist are more comfortable.

For parents who are concerned about the cost of orthodontic treatment, contact our treatment coordinator to discuss the payment options, which include payment plans and no- or low-interest financing. Some insurance providers offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment as well. Our coordinator can help you find out if you are covered.

Jul

2012

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Invisalign Teen Still Popular Option At Aesthetic Orthodontics After Four Years

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Los Angeles orthodontist, Dr. David Alpan has been offering Invisalign Teen, a specialized version of the invisible braces, since Align Technology put it out on the market in 2008, and it continues to be a big hit among his teen patients.

“Invisalign Teen is a treatment method that is ideal for patients who want the beautiful smile without the traditional metal brackets and wires, and its discreet look is one of the biggest benefits according to our patients,” says Dr. Alpan, who is in the top three Invisalign providers for Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

Align Technology launched Invisalign Teen in the North American market with features to help doctors treat teen patients and streamline treatment planning and to offer case monitoring support.

The original Invisalign system that Dr. Alpan has offered since 1999 uses a series of custom-made, removable aligners to move teeth into the proper positions.

The teen version of the nearly invisible braces functions the same way, but they have a wear indicator on one of the back molars, a blue dot that fades when the aligner is worn as prescribed.

Length of treatment time varies from case to case, but patients undergo treatment for an average of a year. With Invisalign there are usually fewer office visits than other types of braces, and patients can keep treatment time as short as possible by wearing aligners exactly like the orthodontist directs.

Dr. Alpan has treated more than 400 patients with Invisalign Teen. He says that besides the aesthetic benefits, the ability to remove the aligners for routine dental care and special events is another big plus. Fixed brackets can make it difficult to thoroughly clean teeth, and patients are more likely to stick with diligent dental care when there aren’t brackets and wires in the way.

Invisalign Teen is just one of the invisible braces options that Dr. Alpan, a Los Angeles orthodontist, offers. Incognito braces go on the back of the teeth, also known as the lingual side. The customized brackets are contoured to provide the patient with optimal comfort. They work the same way traditional braces do, and move teeth efficiently and effectively.

Another virtually invisible orthodontic treatment is Damon clear braces. This system uses self-ligating brackets that don’t require ligatures, the elastics to hold arch wires in place on traditional metal braces. The combination of clear brackets and the self-ligating technology make Damon clear braces a comfortable fit and an aesthetically pleasing option. They also move teeth faster and require fewer adjustments, shorter appointment times and shorter total treatment time.

“We’re proud to offer as many options as possible for our patients. The variety means every patient can find a treatment method to get a more beautiful smile and to boost their self-confidence,” says Dr. Alpan.

Jun

2012

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Losing Baby Teeth Early Causes Problems In Children’s Dental Future

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA-The school picture featuring a smile missing one or more teeth is an icon of childhood, but premature tooth loss is not a normal part of childhood and in most cases will throw off the alignment of the permanent teeth and normal development of the jaw bones and muscles.

“The baby teeth function as a guide for the permanent teeth, so losing a baby tooth before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt is bad news for overall dental health,” says Dr. David Alpan, who is an orthodontist in California and Nevada, and a Las Vegas invisible braces provider.

The gap the missing tooth leaves gives other primary teeth an opening to move into, leaving the permanent tooth nowhere to go when it is ready to erupt. Without adequate room or guidance from the baby tooth, the adult teeth often end up coming in crowded, crooked and out of alignment.

Any number of things can happen to cause early tooth loss, including an accident, extensive tooth decay or an underlying medical condition, but the most important thing to do whenever a child loses a primary tooth early is to have the child’s dentist or orthodontist examine their mouth.

The child will often need a space maintainer to prevent alignment or bite issues. Dr. Alpan emphasizes that proper spacing is important to the child’s present and future dental health. Without a space maintainer, the surrounding teeth tend to tilt, drift or twist into the open space and block the permanent teeth from coming in correctly. The result is crooked teeth and a poor bite, which may cause difficulty when chewing or speaking.

“It is much easier for the kid and a lot less expensive to keep teeth in a normal position with a space maintainer than it is to correct teeth that moved out of place because there wasn’t one,” says Dr. Alpan, who is a Las Vegas braces orthodontist such as Invisalign and Incognito.

Space maintainers are small, unobtrusive, custom-made appliances that dentists and orthodontists use to keep the teeth aligned properly until the permanent tooth comes in. They can be made from plastic or metal. Some are removable and look similar to a retainer, and other spacers are fixed or cemented into the child’s mouth. Some simply hold the space open while others are designed to fill in the space with an artificial tooth or an acrylic block.

“Whatever the type of space maintainer, it is carefully monitored with routine X-rays and when the permanent tooth is ready to come in, the spacer is removed,” says Dr. Alpan, who is also a Los Angeles TMJ dentist.

Occasionally, the patient is missing the primary and permanent tooth in that area. In those instances, he usually recommends leaving the space maintainer in place until the jaw bones and muscles are completely done developing, which is between ages 16 to 18. After that, a permanent restoration can be made to replace the tooth, such as a bridge, dental implant or removable partial denture.

If your child is missing teeth or has lost a tooth prematurely, call to schedule a free orthodontic consultation with Dr. Alpan and find out more about space maintainers.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. David Alpan. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. David Alpan and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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May

2012

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Four Reasons Adults Are Leery Of Orthodontics (And Why They Don’t Need To Be)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA-Even though one in three orthodontic patients is an adult, many adults are still uncertain about fixing dental imperfections with orthodontics for one reason or another.

“What we’re trying to show adults interested in orthodontics is that many of their objections are actually misperceptions of orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. David Alpan, who is a Las Vegas invisible braces provider.

Braces can be used at any age as long as the teeth, gum tissue and bone are healthy. We have seen a big increase in men, lawyers, doctors and other business professionals getting treatment at our practice, especially in Los Angeles where celebrities have made braces for adults more commonplace.

“Orthodontics can be very empowering for people who have been self-conscious or embarrassed about their smile because they are able to change something they didn’t like about themselves and improve their dental health in the process,” he says.
Continue reading Four Reasons Adults Are Leery Of Orthodontics (And Why They Don’t Need To Be) →