Does Dr. Siu have your current contact info?

We hope you’re off to a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your scheduled adjustment appointment at our San Marino office, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient with Dr. Siu at that appointment time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week!

What’s on your mind?

As the summer progresses, our team at Siu Orthodontics strive to continue writing about important topics related to orthodontics and your treatment at our office.

To help us continue doing that through the course of the summer, Dr. Tina Siu and team would like to ask you, our readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing and exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the summer months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Siu for a while? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you’re having a great week!

Ask Dr. Siu: When should my child come in for a consultation?

GREAT question! Braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Tina Siu to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Our staff hope this helps! Give us a call at 626-796-0615 if you have any questions about your child’s treatment or to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation! Enjoy your weekend!

Summer health tips from Dr. Siu

School is out for many and summertime is here! We're all ready for a break from the regular schedule and whether you go on a long trip or a short one, be sure to bring your traveling toothbrush and toothpaste along! Dr. Siu has a great toothbrush that allows you to store your toothpaste in the handle! Be sure to pick one up for your next vacation. It's very handy.

Flossing with braces can be difficult on the road or at home.Superfloss works well if you are looking for something to buy at the pharmacy or come by the office to get other tools that make flossing with braces easier.

The main thing you want to be sure to do is to brush for at least two minutes and to concentrate your efforts on the tooth surfaces near your gums. This is the place that plaque builds up the most and can be harmful to your teeth and gums. So, on the upper teeth, brush above the braces near the gums and on the lower teeth brush below the braces near the gums. Give it a good scrub all around and try to push the bristles between the teeth and under the wires. Finally, rinse thoroughly and use those cheek muscles to push the water around and get all the bits and pieces out from between your teeth and braces.

Ahhhh...doesn't it feel good to have clean teeth?!! Love that feeling!

Happy Independence Day weekend!

For many of our patients at Siu Orthodontics, the Fourth of July is a day of fireworks, picnics, playing at the lake or spending quality time with family. Most people recognize Independence Day as a time to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence.

What about you? What are your Fourth of July plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the open road with family? Are you planning on using fireworks to light up the California night sky? (If you are, please be careful!).

Share your July 4th adventures with us on Dr. Siu's Facebook page! We even encourage you to post your photos! Have a GREAT long weekend everyone!