Orinda Orthodontics

We at Berkeley and Orinda Orthodontics want to assure you that your welfare and progression of treatment remain top priorities for us. We are hoping that everyone is staying physically and mentally healthy during this challenging time. Our doctors and staff will be working diligently to create enhanced protocols to ensure your health and safety once we return to the office. We are continuously updated by the American Association Of Orthodontists (AAO) and American Dental A...ssociation (ADA) on new standards of care and safety procedures in light of this pandemic. Our goal is to comply with and surpass all these requirements before we reopen our offices. In the meantime, we would like to communicate how deeply we miss you and to once again review and share the services that are currently available to you and your family. We can be reached by email to address any inquiries you may have at [email protected]. Our scheduling coordinators are screening and responding to all the calls that are coming to our phone numbers (510) 849-2434 and (925) 253-4900. There is a doctor on call every day to respond to any issues that may require guidance, advice, or a scheduled in-office visit. We can schedule Zoom appointments with our doctors if phone communication proves to be difficult or we need to visually look into any concerns you may have. We can also schedule an in-person visit to assist patients who may need emergency orthodontic repair or correction twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays, 10am - 2pm). We would also like to use this opportunity to urge you to maintain excellent oral hygiene during this time of delayed supervision. Brushing 2-3 times daily, flossing at least once daily, and keeping your appliances clean and plaque-free is more important than ever before. We will update you with any new information that may affect your treatment during this "Shelter in Place " closure. We cannot wait to see you all again really soon and continue your on-going orthodontic care. We greatly appreciate your understanding during this trying time and wish you and your family safety and good health. Your friends at Berkeley and Orinda Orthodontics #stayhealthy #staystrong #Berkeleyortho

Greetings Orinda Ortho Family, Our office closure has been extended to 5/4/20. Our team has created a guide for your reference during the COVID-19 quarantine. We are now offering virtual appointments upon need and request. Please refer to this handout for guidance and feel free to reach out to our office if you have additional questions. Until we meet again, stay safe and healthy. - The Orinda Ortho Team

Upon the recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), California Association of Orthodontists (CAO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), we have decided to close our Berkeley and Orinda offices to all non-emergency orthodontic appointments from March 17th, 2020, until April 6th, 2020. This date is subject to change, as we get new information from our public officials. We take the safety of our patients, our staff, an...d families very seriously. We would like to do our part to help "flatten the curve" that will hopefully save the lives of our loved ones who are most susceptible. In addition, our closure will help to free up many back-ordered medical supplies, such as masks and gloves, to healthcare workers that could be overwhelmed with patients. We will re-evaluate this position as new data is released. Our staff will stay in contact with all our patients to provide further updates. This is our opportunity to do our part as a society, to help each other and protect the most vulnerable. We understand the inconvenience this places on our patients to postpone their treatments, however, we will still make ourselves 100% available to all our patients who have any orthodontic emergencies which cannot be handled over the phone or by online video communication. Please call our office (510) 849-2434 to speak to the doctor on call should you need emergency assistance. We understand that rescheduling appointments can affect treatment times, but we will do our best to keep treatment times in order. Inquiries regarding rescheduling appointments should be sent via email to [email protected]. Our scheduling coordinators will be available via phone from 9:00am -12:00pm, Monday through Friday to offer additional guidance as needed. All messages received after the amended hours will be responded to on the following business day. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Orinda Orthodontics

Would you like to share some of your most memorable experiences with us :) Head over to our yelp page and share your journey in the wild world of Orthodontics with Orinda Ortho. https://www.yelp.com/biz/orinda-orthodontics-orinda-2 #BerkeleyOrtho #yelpreviews

4 ways to clean your retainer DO's and DONT's DONT's - Toothpaste is not the best way to clean your aligners!... This may seem like the no-brainer method you would think of since that is what you do for the teeth. But toothpaste has mild abrasives on it that will be too abrasive for your retainers. It can cause tiny microscopic scratches that will absorb stains and cause your retainers to appear dirty over time. - Stinky? What? no mouthwash either?! Avoid using mouthwash to clean your Invisalign or clear retainers. These often contain dyes and then which can stain your clear aligners. Also, mouthwashes often also have alcohol which can breakdown the plastic over time. - What a warpy mess! Do not use hot water or boiling water to try and clean your retainers. retainers and aligners are made from plastics that can warp in hot temperatures. DO's 1. Water & hydrogen peroxide solution You can make a 1:1 mix of water and hydrogen peroxide. When you take your retainers out to eat, let your Invisalign soak in this solution. Ideally this is about 30 minutes. Once you’re done eating gently scrub with a soft bristle toothbrush and rinse with water before putting back in. This should keep them clean. 2. Soap and water Another method would be to gently brush or clean aligners or retainers with a soft bristle toothbrush and a gentle and mild soap. Be sure to wash them off very well before putting them back in. 3. Baking soda Baking soda can also be used for harder to remove debris and particles. Baking soda is a very gentle abrasive that can help break up dried plaque and food off of your retainers. 4. Vinegar, baking soda & water solution If you have heavily soiled retainers or aligners that need deep cleaning use vinegar. Try not to let anything dirty dry on your retainers. But if this happens use this method of cleaning your clear aligners at home. Soak them in a solution of 1:1 vinegar and lukewarm water. Be sure that the water is only lukewarm and not too hot as to cause warping. Let this sit while you shower for about 30 minutes or so and when you get out gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and rinse them out before putting them back in. You can then also scrub them gently with baking soda and a soft bristled toothbrush. Pro Tip: Use a designated toothbrush For all of these methods for cleaning your retainers or Invisalign, make sure that’s you have a special toothbrush to help aid in cleaning. Use a soft bristle toothbrush that is gentle so it will not scratch your aligner. Keep this toothbrush separate. You do not want to transfer germs.

December is upon us and the time for candy cane consumption is now!!! Now, wait just a minute. There are plenty of things to enjoy this holiday season but hard, sticky, chewy is still off-limits. That includes our beloved candy canes. Don't get yourself down friend...... Instead, let us help you celebrate with some brace friendly decor. How about some festive colored ties? Be sure to dress up your tinsel smile at your next appointment with some festive colors to highlight your favorite part of the season. Green and red, blue and white, white and red, the combinations go on and on... #tinselteeth #happyholidays #seasonbright #smilebright

The doctors and staff at Berkeley Orthodontics would like to regretfully inform you that our Ensenada location was involved in an unfortunate electrical fire yesterday afternoon. Our beloved Ensenada office will remain closed until further notice while appropriate repairs are made. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this challenging time as we forward any existing and future treatment visits to our two alternate locations and until an interim location is... found. Your care is of the utmost importance to us and we are working vigilantly to minimize any inconvenience to our patients and families. We sincerely thank you for your ongoing support during this adjustment period. Berkeley & Orinda Orthodontics

How do I know if my little one needs future Orthodontic treatment? We are glad you asked. Take a look at the chart below. If you are seeing any of these patterns, these are signifiers that possible treatment may be needed. At Orinda Orthodontics consultations are complimentary and our practice is proud to offer our highly educated and skilled team of doctors to offer the guidance you need in early stages of treatment.... Message us or call/text (510)849-2434 for help booking your consultation. #ortho #berkeleyortho #earlyorthotreatment

Just a friendly Tuesday reminder to wear those elastics friends. Do yourself a favor and wear the bands #wearyourbands #ortho #berkeleyortho

Our offices will be closed July 4th and July 5th in observance of Independence Day. From our family to yours, have a safe and joyful 4th of July! #berkeleyortho #4thofjuly #independenceday

Summer is upon us and fun activities are around every corner. You've worked hard all year and it's time to let your hair down. We understand, you deserve it. :) But, when it comes to ORTHO - Retention is key. Do your part or go back to the start. Remember to wear your retainer for the recommended amount of time by doctor. Maintain your beautiful smile and have awesome selfies for years to come!... #BerkeleyOrtho from your friends at Orinda Orthodontics

HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING UP WITH FLOSSING WITH BRACES? No worries. Make your life easier with a waterpik. https://www.buzzfeed.com//if-you-hate-flossing-this-device

This goes double time if you have braces and/or Invisalign. Let's keep those teeth health and clean! #berkeleyortho

Jimmy: How do I brush with braces? Orinda Ortho: We are so glad you asked! Let's switch up your brush routine by adding in a few different strokes than you are use to. Let's review the diagram below. It's all about moving in segments and circular movements at the top and bottom of each brace. ... Let us not forget the important upper and lower lingual areas!