Boschken Orthodontics

How does Orthodontic treatment help me, Dr. Boschken?

2012-01-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

A comprehensive explanation on how Orthodontics improves your health!

Why Does Dr. Boschken Recommend Wearing Your Elastics (Rubber Bands)?

2011-06-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Braces alone (brackets and wires) can align and level your teeth to the adjacent teeth (upper teeth with upper teeth and lowers with lowers) but, if your bite is off (upper teeth do not fit well with the lower teeth) we will often rely on the use of elastics (rubber bands) to help correct the bite.

Elastics are most often used during the 2nd half or toward the end of your orthodontic treatment. Depending on the particular bite problem you have, elastics are worn for as little as a few short months to over a year. Most patients must wear them for several months.

Poor elastic wearing cooperation (not wearing them enough every day) will usually lead to extending your treatment time in braces. In some cases of poor cooperation, in order to achieve an acceptable bite, Dr. Boschken may recommend extracting permanent teeth! To avoid this result, simply wear your recommended elastics.

Elastics come in different sizes and strengths. It is important to follow instructions and wear them as directed for you. . Wearing too strong or too weak an elastic or in the wrong direction, can slow down your treatment and extend your time in braces.

If your teeth are a bit sore from your elastics, don’t take them off! By not wearing them all the time, you are only rocking the teeth back and forth, making them very sore and the bite will not improve. If for any reason you cannot wear your elastics (lost, ran out of a supply of them, discomfort, etc…) call us immediately. Elastics are often the last step in your treatment and continuous wear is crucial to achieve a great smile and a healthy bite. So, if you'd like to finish wearing your braces & have them removed, WEAR YOUR ELASTICS!!

Orthodontics and Your Child

2011-04-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

Phase 1 and Phase 2 Orthodontics – Orthodontics and Your Child

When most people think of orthodontics, they typically think of "braces,” the metal bracket and wire system used to straighten permanent teeth. But certain orthodontic problems are far easier to correct in the early stages of a child's growth and development.

Waiting to begin treatment may actually make it more difficult to treat certain conditions. At Boschken Orthodontics, we believe that early interceptive orthodontic treatment can improve your child’s likelihood of achieving a beautiful, well-functioning bite and smile.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children be seen by an orthodontist by the age of seven. The purpose of an early visit is to evaluate whether changes in the child’s skeletal and bite conditions are needed. If changes are needed, plans can be made to begin treatment at the ideal time.

There are several advantages to early orthodontic treatment. If detected early, harmful habits can be corrected to avoid further, more extensive treatment. In addition, early treatment provides a variety of options that adolescent or adult treatment may be unable to offer. Dr. Boschken and his knowledgeable team will assess your child’s orthodontic needs and recommend options for treatment.

Phase 1 Orthodontic treatment generally occurs on children between the ages of 7 and 10, when the child still has a mixture of primary and permanent teeth. Phase 1 treatment usually lasts about 6-18 months, and the primary objective is to address significant problems to prevent more severe conditions from arising. By addressing early orthodontic needs we can help improve a child's self-esteem and self-image, avoid unnecessary and costly removal of permanent healthy teeth, and shorten overall treatment time. Most children may still need full braces even after Phase 1 treatment.

Phase 2 Orthodontics typically occurs around 11+ years of age, once all of the adult teeth have erupted.

Please contact Boschken Orthodontics with any questions and to schedule your complimentary evaluation at our beautiful South San Jose location. (408) 225-6660

Recipes to help with orthodontic discomfort

2011-03-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

Easy, yummy sample recipes to help with occasional orthodontic discomfort! Enjoy!!

Strawberry Freeze

½ cup plain non-fat yogurt
2 T non-fat dry milk powder
½ cup orange juice
1 ¼ cups frozen or fresh strawberries
½ medium banana, ripe, cut into chunks
2 packets sugar substitute or more to taste
Dash of vanilla extract
3 ice cubes

Place ice cubes in blender first. Add remaining ingredients. Process on low until ice begins to blend into mixture. Increase speed to high and process until smooth. Pour into chilled glass and enjoy!!

Baked Potato Soup

3 strips bacon
2 T. butter
3 T. flour
3 cups milk
grated cheese
1 ½ t. salt
¼ t. pepper
5 potatoes – boil, peel, diced
2 T. minced onion

Fry bacon with onions together – save grease. Place 1 T bacon grease in double boiler in which butter has been melted. Blend in flour and add milk, stirring constantly. Cook until smooth and thickened. Add salt and pepper, then cooked, diced potatoes, onion and crumbled bacon. Stir- garnish with grated cheese as served.

Chicken Tetrazini

½ chopped green pepper
4 oz. can or jar of sliced mushrooms
8 oz thin spaghetti (or any noodle) cooked and drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
½ cup thin slivered almonds
1 onion minced
½ cup butter
2 cups chopped chicken cooked
1 cup milk
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of pepper
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Sauté green pepper, onion in butter
Mix all ingredients together except cheese and put in 2-quart casserole. Bake at 340 degrees for 30 minutes. Top with cheese and bake until melted.

Chipotle-Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

2 ½ lbs. potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1 inch cubes
2 ½ t. salt
1 cup milk
1 T butter
1/8 t. ground cinnamon
1 cup shredded white sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
2 canned Chipolte Chilies in Adobo, chopped
1 t. Adobo Sauce from canned chipolte.

In large saucepan, combine potatoes, salt and enough cold water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; gently boil until fork tender

In small saucepan, combine milk, butter, and cinnamon and remaining salt. Set aside.

Drain potatoes. Return potatoes to sauce pan. Place over medium heat; toss about 1 minute to dry out. Remove from heat; add cheese; stir to combine. Add milk mixture; chipolte and Adobo Sauce. Mash.

Flan

½ cup sugar
1 2/3 cups (1 can) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup milk
3 eggs
3 egg yolks
1 t. vanilla

In round 9” cake pan, sprinkle sugar evenly. Place over medium heat on burner and shake until sugar is caramelized (light golden brown) [watch carefully – this only takes a minute or two and it burns very easily]
Combine other ingredients and mix. Pour over caramelized sugar. Cover with foil. Place cake pan in another larger, shallow pan filled with enough water so that the cake pan with ingredients will be covered halfway. Bake 55 minutes at 250° in this water bath. Uncover and cool 30 minutes. Loosen edges with knife. Carefully flip over onto a large plate - it's easiest to place the plate upside down on the rim of the pan and turn them both over together, then slowly lift the pan to reveal the flan. Cut into pie-like pieces.

~And as always, be certain to brush and floss after every meal!!

Yelp reviews for Boschken Orthodontics

2011-03-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

In love with your smile? We invite you to share your review of us on Yelp!

For years, Boschken Orthodontics has set the standard of excellence in orthodontic care. With offices in San Jose, Los Altos, and Mountain View, Dr. David Boschken provides a winning smile and improved self-confidence to every patient.

Whether you've visited our office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our offices are faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice on the Web, but we encourage you to head to our Yelp page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Boschken and our team create more beautiful smiles!

You may want to simply click here for San Jose or here for Mountain View to get started, and as always we thank you for your participation.

Boschken Orthodontics Insurance Billing and Financing Options

2011-03-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

There are many different agreements between insurance carriers and their subscribers, and each contract provides a different benefit. However, orthodontic insurance generally differs from regular dental insurance in that each insured individual usually has a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. This benefit is paid as a percentage of the orthodontic fee (initial fee, monthly payments, etc.) until the benefit maximum has been reached. Also notable is that orthodontic benefits are paid in small installments throughout the course of treatment rather than in one lump sum. If your insurance changes during orthodontic treatment, we may not receive your full benefit. Please advise us if your insurance is going to change or terminate as soon as possible. We are happy to promptly resubmit to new carriers if you inform us. Remember too that fees incurred for lost or broken appliances and retainers will not be covered by insurance.

For your convenience, we are flexible on our payment plans and do accept payment from insurance companies. As a courtesy, we will gladly submit claims on your behalf. When our Treatment coordinator goes over Dr. Boschken’s fees, she will give you the total amount due for that particular patient’s treatment plan. Financial arrangements can be made based on your estimated insurance benefit estimate. This allows our patients to budget for a monthly fee. Payments are also accepted on Visa, MasterCard and Discover (and payments can be made on-line too!). A down payment of 30 percent is due at the time of service when braces are applied to the patient’s teeth. Seriously delinquent accounts (90 days past due) will lead to delayed treatment progress or the removal of orthodontic appliances.

Helpful hints:

§ Know what your benefits are before treatment starts. Our treatment coordinator will gladly verify estimated coverage over the phone on your behalf. If you’re ever unsure, please contact your insurance company.

§ Our Insurance Coordinator will be glad to file claims on your behalf. We simply need your carrier information (including the phone number) , the employer information and the insured social security or i.d. number before treatment has begun.

§ We cannot render services on the assumption that our charges will be paid by an insurance carrier. Simply stated, you must be making regular monthly payments to be credited to your account in addition to monies expected from the insurance company.

Orthodontic care requires a specific-term financial commitment, and we do offer no-interest monthly payment options, credit card acceptance and paid-in-full discounts. Please speak to our financial or treatment coordinators ahead of time if you anticipate problems making payments.

A monthly payment is due regardless of your appointment dates. While you may have an appointment with Dr. Boschken every five to six weeks, your monthly payment is still due.(Please note that each payment does not reflect one particular visit. Rather, your overall treatment fee is divided into monthly payments to make braces more affordable. For example, you may have 24 monthly payments in your contract, but Dr. Boschken may have seen you 20 times or 40 times throughout your treatment.)

We also do offer third party financing, some plans are interest free!

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We appreciate all of our patients, and we want to do our best to serve you.

Boschken Orthodontics talks about: fluoride

2011-03-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

During Orthodontic treatment @ Boschken Orthodontics… is Fluoride Friend or Foe?

There are many ways you protect your teeth during your treatment with Dr. Boschken. You brush your teeth after meals and snacks, floss regularly, and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged by watching foods you eat and wearing a mouth guard during contact sports . But did you know about fluoride to keep your teeth sparkling and healthy during orthodontic treatment to protect against tooth decay and white marks around your braces during treatment?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay to keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical applied directly on the teeth or as part of your diet in a supplement. The most commonly used is the topical form found in toothpaste or in a fluoride rinse. The team at Boschken Orthodontics recommends fluoride to help maintain healthy teeth for children, teens, and adults undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Fluoride used in your general dental office is a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash you can buy over the counter at your local grocery or drug store. If your general dentist prescribes a fluoride product, it usually only takes just a few minutes to apply after your regular cleaning. Once applied, it is suggested patients not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.
Your general dentist will determine how often to repeat the fluoride process; every 6 months – once a year, especially for kids who poor brushing habits. Additional in house fluoride products such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses are recommended for additional protection of your teeth during treatment to prevent decalcification or white marks around the braces due to poor brushing habits. So obviously, when all is said an done… fluoride is your friend during orthodontic treatment.
When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness when using a dental product.

At Boschken Orthodontics, we are pleased to provide you with this helpful information and to offer you the finest orthodontic care for you and your family. If you or someone in your family is interested more information about how we can help achieve the smile you deserve, please contact our office for a complimentary examination!

Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder

2011-02-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

What Is TMJ?

Technically, TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint, one of which is located on each side of the head. These joints are where the lower jaw, or mandible (MAN-di-bul), meets the temporal (TEM-po-ral) bone, which is one of a pair of bones that form the lower part of the

Side view of a temporomandibular joint.

Each temporomandibular joint acts as both a hinge and a gliding joint; they allow the jaw to open and to slide from side to side.TMJ also refers to temporomandibular joint syndrome (or disorder), in which the joints do not function properly. This may cause pain, difficulty opening and closing the mouth easily, or problems with chewing and swallowing, as well as other symptoms.

What Are the Causes of TMJ?

TMJ can be caused by dislocated temporomandibular joints or by inherited problems with the joints. In a condition called bruxism (BRUK-siz-um), some people grind their teeth during sleep or times of stress, which can lead to TMJ. Malocclusion, when teeth do not fit together properly; whiplash injuries *from car accidents; being hit on the head or jaw; and arthritis ^*are other causes of TMJ.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?

Since the TMJ joint is located near many important nerves going between the brain and many parts of the body, the symptoms can be felt in parts of the body that do not seem related to the TMJ joint. Millions of Americans report some of the following symptoms:

Frequent headaches
Pain in the face, sinuses, ears, eyes, teeth, neck, and back
Clicking sounds in the jaw
Difficulty in opening or closing the mouth
Trouble chewing or swallowing

How Is TMJ Diagnosed and Treated?

Doctors or dentists will ask the patient to describe the symptoms and will then examine the patient. Sometimes, x-rays and MRIs ^*are used to examine the joints to diagnose TMJ.
Hot compresses and over-the-counter pain medications may help relieve TMJ. Stress management and mouth guards worn at night can help eliminate teeth grinding and its effects.

^*whiplash injuries describe general injuries to the spine and spinal cord at the junction of the fourth and fifth vertebrae in the neck occurring as a result of rapid acceleration or deceleration of the body.
^*arthritis refers to any of several disorders characterized by inflammation of the joints.
^*MRI, which is short for magnetic resonance imaging, produces computerized images of internal body tissues based on the magnetic properties of atoms within the body.

Ask Dr. Boscken if you have any signs or symptoms which concern you. We are happy to guide you in resolving concerns!

Meet the Team!

2011-02-10T15:17:00.000-08:00

Kristen has been a dental assistant for 7 years. She joined our practice over a year ago and has 6 years experience in cosmetic dentistry. Kristen grew up in Montana and currently lives with her husband and daughter in Boulder Creek. On the weekends you will find her playing any and all outdoor sports and spending time with her family.

Lindsay has been the treatment coordinator for Boschken Orthodontics for 3 years. She has over 10 years experience in the dental and orthodontic field. She grew up in South San Jose and still resides in the neighborhood with her husband and daughter. On the weekends you can find Lindsay riding her mountain bike, running, camping, wakeboarding, snowboarding, watching football and spending time with her family.

Lisa has been a Registered Dental Assistant for 13 years and has really enjoyed orthodontics the last 4 of those years. She is a people person and an occasional practical joker. She has a caring personality with a special place in her heart for animals. She enjoys camping with her husband and friends. Like most Pisces, Lisa loves water.

Sonya is our Patient Relations Coordinator and Registered Dental Assistant (for 26 years!) She has been with Boschken Orthodontics since 2002 and enjoys all aspects of Orthodontic care. If you have any questions regarding treatment, please let her know-she is such a people person! She is also chief in charge of our office contests, and social networking/blog sites so let her know about the fun things happening in your community! Sonya lives in Sunnyvale with her fabulous husband, wonderful son, energetic dog and crazy cat. In her spare time she enjoys photography, the beach, volunteering, movies, paper crafts, baseball and swimming.

Victoria has been a Registered Dental Assistant for 17 years and joined Dr. Boschken’s team ten years ago. She has experience in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Her favorite part of her job is working with kids. She loves the group she works with and loves coming to work every day. Victoria lives in San Jose with her husband and her daughter, Alex.

Nicole is our financial coordinator. She joined our team in August 2006 and has been the backbone of our practice. She lives in San Jose with her husband and two dogs. A few of her favorite hobbies include scuba diving, party planning, and gardening.

Boschken Orthodontics tells us: What foods should I avoid with braces?

2011-01-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

What foods should I avoid?

That is a question everyone in orthodonic treatment should know the answers to in order to ensure that your treatment will be successful.
Hard, sticky, sugary, and highly acidic and staining foods should be avoided while wearing your braces.

Hard and sticky foods can cause brackets to pop off and wires to bend improperly. Each loose bracket may mean an added month to treatment length. When wires are bent improperly, they move teeth into a wrong position and extra time is needed to move the teeth back into their correct position, extending total treatment time. Some hard and sticky foods to avoid: popcorn (kernels can get stuck under your gums causing pain and swelling), whole nuts, brittle, corn chips, ice cubes, corn-on-the-cob, corn chips, crispy tacos and taco chips, beef jerky, hard candies, pizza with hard crust, gum, taffy, licorice, skittles, starbursts, gummy bears, caramels, “Laffy Taffy”, “Tootsie Roll Pops”, popcorn balls, caramel apples and other similar hard/sticky foods. Be very careful with healthly foods that are large or crunchy by cutting them into small bite size pieces and placing them on the sides of your mouth (carrots, apples, hard french bread crusts etc.)

Highly acidic foods such as lemons, limes, lots of orange juice and soft drinks are hard on tooth enamel and can be very destructive to your appliances and teeth.   Frequent exposure to such acidic substances will loosen your orthodontic cement and cause breakage of the appliances. even without orthodontic appliances, citric acids can cause tooth destruction by dissolving tooth enamel.

Do not put anything into your mouth that will tend to break, pry, pull or knock off the braces. Chewing ice cubes can also be quite destructive to your braces and tooth enamel.


Staining foods (tomato sauce, mustard, coffee, tea, red juices and wines) may cause clear and light-colored ties to discolor. We suggest choosing dark, opaque ties to avoid lots of staining between appointments (we do change ties at each regular appointment). Even with the self ligating brackets which are commonly used now, staining foods may also cause excess tooth staining requiring more frequent hygiene appointment with your general dental office. Great dental hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment.

As always, if anything unexpected occurs, please inform our office at (408) 225-6660 and we can schedule an appointment to repair any troublesome mishaps. Thanks & best of success with your orthodontic treatment.

Sugary foods greatly increase the probability that decay will occur and while in orthodontic treatment, should be avoided. Brushing and flossing with braces takes time. Plaque left on the teeth combines with sugar to cause permanent white spots of decalcification around the edges of the brackets. Fluoride brushing gel helps prevent this, but not eating sugary foods or drinking sugary beverages, in combination with thorough daily brushing and flossing, is the very best!

Why use Orthodontic wax? Boschken Orthodontics tells us why!!

2011-01-24T14:43:00.000-08:00

If you are experiencing mouth irritation due to braces, orthodontic wax may be able to provide some relief. This type of wax sticks to metal in order to help with pain.

Though braces are relatively comfortable, they can cause some irritation within the mouth due to the fact that they may rub against your cheeks, tongue or lips. Since braces cannot be removed during treatment, your mouth does not have a lot of time to heal. Many people often complain of a raw feeling inside of their mouth (usually, this feeling goes away after the first few weeks) that can be greatly eased when orthodontic wax is applied.

The wax itself is made from natural silicone, and it is safe enough to use inside of your mouth. Still, if you are experiencing any type of discomfort it is best to contact Dr. Boschken just to be certain that your braces are alright. Sometimes, it is possible to accidentally knock off a bracket while playing sports, chewing sticky foods, and eating hard substances. If this has happened, apply a bit of the wax to your braces in order to hold them in place until you can visit our office.

Orthodontic wax can be purchased at most grocery stores, pharmacies and online for a minimal cost (it usually comes in a double pack), or you can contact our office to pick up complimentary wax packets. We are always happy to give you wax to have on hand just in case something unexpected does happen with your braces. If you have never experienced any problems with your braces, don’t worry about any type of pain. Many people wear braces for years without any issue at all.

In fact, braces are really not as challenging for patients as they were many years ago. Since the technology involved in creating braces is always changing, these devices are really quite comfortable now. However, things do happen and braces can cause minimal discomfort occasionally. Either way, it is good idea to have various items on hand just in case you do experience some type of dental pain.

Orthodontic wax is one thing that everyone wearing braces should keep inside of their medicine cabinet. Though you may never need it, this substance can help you to feel better should you go through some slight tenderness. In the end, your braces will be removed and you will have a wonderful smile. Don’t be concerned if you happen to inadvertently swallow a small piece of wax as it is an all natural substance and will digest properly.

*Also, fyi...orthodontic wax adheres easier to a dry surface, so simply dry off your braces with a bit of tissue before appliying the wax to the area. You can always contact us if you need any additional assistance, we are always happy to be of service. (408) 225-6660

Retainer Care recommendations from Dr. Boschken

2011-01-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

My Dog Ate My Retainer!!

Once your braces come off you will be given a custom made removable retainer for your upper and lower teeth. Some instructions must be followed in order to keep from losing or breaking your retainer. The basic care for your retainer is as follows:

Always place the retainer in the retainer case when not in your mouth, do not put in your pocket or leave lying around.
Do not wrap the retainer in a napkin while eating. This increases your chances of losing it after a meal.
Do not clean the retainer with hot water!
And the one rule that seems to be the most important…KEEP RETAINER AWAY FROM PETS!

Although this rule is often overlooked when caring for your retainer, it’s true…Dogs love to eat retainers! It is no secret that dogs like to eat weird things, edible or not. Retainers, along with rubber duckies, cell phones, plastic toys and rocks, are among the variety of objects that dogs like to eat even when they definitely don’t taste good! They will eat them up and thoroughly enjoy it without you even noticing.
As proof that dogs like to snack on your retainer, our office decided to post a picture of a half eaten retainer which was brought in by one of our staff members. The retainer was left on her dresser instead of in the retainer case (for less than a day) and her 2 year old cocker spaniel found her way up to the dresser to have herself an afternoon snack. For some odd reason, many pet owners find themselves in this situation. Although it seems like an odd hobby, it is a fact that dogs love to get a hold of and chew/eat your retainer, so be careful not to leave your retainer out where small children or pets (especially dogs!) can get a hold of it. Not only will your teeth begin to move without the retainer in place, but in order to replace it, you will have to pay for a new retainer to be made.
So if you have lost your retainer and you think you have looked everywhere…maybe you haven’t looked EVERYWHERE…

Smile for a lifetime!

2011-01-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

Why Is Flossing Important?

Some of the food we eat is essential for health and well-being and some is just junk that we could live without. Whether your diet consists of completely healthy foods or whether you eat lots of sugary snacks, everything you eat can be unhealthy for your teeth.

The bacteria that is normally present in your mouth converts the sugars and starches in your food into acids. Together, the bacteria and acids mix with food particles to form plaque, a sticky film that coats your teeth. If left in your mouth, plaque attacks your tooth enamel and dissolves it, creating a hole, called a cavity, in the hard outer casing of the tooth. Plaque hardens into tartar, which only a dental cleaning by a professional can remove. Plaque and tartar irritates your gums and, if left unchecked, causes gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, which in turn can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. Plaque can also be a source of bad breath. So now you see why Dr. Boschken, his dedicated staff, your general dentist and other dental professionals place such an emphasis on good oral hygiene!

Good oral hygiene is a routine of brushing and flossing every day to remove plaque from your mouth. You should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Brushing teeth properly and consistently helps to remove most dental plaque, but brushing alone can't remove plaque that is located in places that a toothbrush can't reach…such as between your teeth. Toothbrushes only work on the exposed outer surfaces of your teeth, flossing gets between your teeth and under the gum line.

As a part of your daily routine, you should floss at least once a day, especially after eating foods that easily stick between the teeth, such as sticky or gummy candies, corn on the cob, popcorn, or potato chips. (Floss first to loosen and dislodge plaque and food, then brush to sweep particles away.) In addition to removing plaque, flossing also helps to remove food debris that adheres to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces and helps control bad breath.

Flossing helps keep your teeth their whitest by removing food that could stain them. Flossing well also means your trips to the hygienist will be shorter and more pleasant, because you'll be doing most of the work of removing plaque and tartar in advance. Trips to the dentist will also be more economical, because you'll need fewer dental procedures such as fillings.

If you practice basic dental care, which means brushing and flossing regularly, eating a mouth-healthy diet, and visiting your dentist for check-ups and your dental hygienist for cleanings, you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease and your teeth will last a lifetime.
Floss aids, threaders, water pik machines, and superfloss enable you to floss with much more ease while wearing orthodontic appliances. Please ask our friendly dental staff if you need any help understanding how to use these materials when you next visit. We are always happy to help you obtain your dream smile!

Brushing with Dr. Boschken

2010-12-15T15:40:00.000-08:00

If you thought brushing and flossing were important before you got braces…well, you were right. But, people undergoing orthodontic treatment need to be even more dedicated to good oral hygiene.

Braces trap food very easily, which contributes to plaque formation, and if plaque is not carefully removed from teeth and from around braces, patients run the risk of developing gum disease, dental decay and bad breath."

Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, debris and bits of food. The bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids. The acids can irritate your gums, erode the enamel on your teeth and contribute to bad breath (halitosis).

It's important to remove the plaque thoroughly and often. Then, when your braces come off, the surfaces of your teeth underneath the braces will be healthy and strong and look good. Here are some tips to help you.

Brushing

Always use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Soft bristles are better than medium or hard bristles at getting into those nooks and crannies around your appliances. They also don't irritate your gums.

Some companies make toothbrushes especially for people with braces. Known as bi-level brushes, these brushes have longer bristles on the edges and shorter ones in the middle. This type of brush allows you to clean the area above and below the brackets and the brackets as well.
The most important thing is to look for a brush that's soft and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). After that, the size of the brush, the shape of the handle and other variations are up to you.
What about an electric toothbrush? It's not absolutely necessary, but if you have one, it's safe to use it on your braces. Just be careful not to hit the plastic back of the brush against the brackets on your braces because it can damage them. Also, it should be used on a moderate setting so as not to break or loosen braces. However, electric brushes can clean much more efficiently and effectively when used properly and often so, you may greatly benefit from using one especially during orthodontic treamtment.
Brush at least three times a day. It is best to brush after meals to make sure there's no food trapped in or around braces. If you are not able to brush after lunch, at least rinse your mouth with water very thoroughly.
Brush for at least two to three minutes each time you clean your mouth. It's best to use a watch or timer to make sure you are brushing long enough.
Brushing should be done slowly and carefully,because it's important to brush the braces and all the surfaces of the teeth, that is, the inside and outside surface and the chewing surfaces, too. Always pay special attention to the areas between your brackets and your gums.

Flossing

Floss at least once a day. It might seem like you can't possibly floss while you have braces, but you can and you should. Special flossing products can help you get into the space between the wires and your gum-line. These include floss threaders, platypus flossers and a special kind of floss known as superfloss. When your braces are first put on, our friendly staff here at Boschken Orthodontics will review flossing techniques. If you're not sure you're doing it right, ask your our staff during your next visit.

Toothpaste

Use a fluoride toothpaste. It doesn't really matter which brand — just make sure it has the ADA seal of approval.

Fluoride

Dr. Boschken recommends that you use an over-the-counter fluoride rinse. These rinses usually provide enough fluoride to help protect and strengthen teeth during orthodontic treatment. However, if you have a history of cavities or are otherwise at risk of decay, your general dentist may prescribe a rinse that contains more fluoride.

During your orthodontic treatment, see your family dentist for a complete examination every six months, or more frequently if directed by your dentist. Don't ignore your dentist just because you're visiting an orthodontist regularly. It is still important very to visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. You should go at least twice a year, or as often as your dentist and orthodontist recommend.

Other Helpful Tools

Rubber-tipped and end-tuft or single-tuft brushes — These are special brushes that help you to get into those nooks and crannies, as well as between your teeth. The end-tuft or single-tuft brushes look something like pipe cleaners.

Oral irrigators — These instruments shoot small streams of water onto your teeth at high pressure to remove bits of food. They can be used as an aid in your oral hygiene practice, but not in place of brushing and flossing. Water-piks and Hydro-Floss machines also should be used at a moderate setting so they don't damage the braces.
Antibacterial rinses — These rinses are fine for adults, but their high alcohol content makes them off-limits for kids. There are alcohol-free rinses available for children to use, but some are designed only to freshen breath and not to kill bacteria. Before buying an antibacterial rinse for your child to use, you should consult with Dr. Boschken to determine which rinses he recommends.
Disclosing solutions or tablets — Your dentist may have used these during an office visit to see where you tend to miss spots after brushing. Disclosing tablets and solutions use vegetable dye to highlight plaque or debris in your mouth. Once you see the spots, you can quickly remove them with your toothbrush, you can find them in a drugstore brushing section or pick some up here @ Boschken Orthodontics to use them at home.
If you have questions about how to use any oral hygiene product, even your toothbrush, give us a call (408) 225-6660 or talk with our helpful staff during your next visit.

If you have a removable orthodontic appliance, it needs to be cleaned regularly, too (after all, it spends a lot of time in your mouth.)

Brush the appliance daily with your soft toothbrush and some toothpaste. This is especially important for the side that is in contact with the roof of your mouth or gums. Brush your retainer over a sink filled with a few inches of water just in case it slips out of your hand, so that it will not be damaged. You also can soak your appliance in cleaning solution such as Retainer Brite (available at our office for purchase $15 for a box of 36 tablets.)
When brushing or soaking your appliance, never use very hot water. It can distort the plastic and make the appliance unusable. When your retainer is not in your mouth, keep it in the case that Dr. Boschken provided. Also, keep it away from your pets. Dogs and cats love the plastic and will chew it to bits if they get ahold of it.

Eating Right

While you're wearing braces, you need to think twice about eating foods that could increase your risk of cavities. You also should avoid anything that might damage your brackets or wires. Frequently breaking your braces will add to the overall treatment time.

Stay away from hard and sticky foods. Caramel, hard candy, gum - you get the idea. They can damage your braces and get stuck in the wires and brackets. While the food's stuck there, it provides lots of sugar for cavity-causing bacteria to munch on. Also, do not chew on ice cubes.
Cut down on all sugary foods. You can still have a limited amount of sweets and soda, but the more sugars you eat, the greater your risk of tooth decay. Always brush after eating sugary foods or candy.
It's not just what you eat, but also when you eat it. Frequent snacking on sugary foods is worse than eating those foods with a non-sugary meal. Don't eat sugary foods or candy before going to bed without brushing. The more chances you give the bacteria to turn sugars into acids, the higher your risk of decay.

Boschken Orthodontics presents: The Damon Braces System

2010-12-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

Metal braces can be of 2 main categories: braces with brackets that have their own system to connect to the archwire (self-ligating) and braces that need ligatures to do this. We most commonly use the self-ligating bracket braces for full treatment. This system is known as the Damon system.
These are still metal braces, but with a revolutionary ligating system. We achieve excellent results and in many cases there is no need for extractions. The system was created many years ago by the orthodontist Dr. Dwight Damon.
One benefit about the Damon system is that they no longer need those colorful elastic ligatures. Sure, the elastic ligatures can be cute, but why use them if we can do without? This is what Damon thought when he implemented the “sliding-doors” system on the brackets that close and open with no external help from ligatures.
The Damon braces are designed with much smaller brackets than the previous systems. The small stainless steel brackets look like small silver jewels on teeth and are contoured to feel much more comfortable on the inside of lips.
Here are some of the advantages of the Damon braces:

since the brackets are smaller they are more pleasant looking
no ligatures means teeth are cleaner
they work faster and the results are sometimes astounding
the smaller brackets are much more comfortable to wear

The few disadvantages:

they are still metal braces and are visable
there can be minor treatment discomfort in the first days, (treatable with orthodontic wax and/or tylenol).

Still the Damon System is a great idea if you want fabulous results from metal braces orthodontic treatment. If you want an oustanding result with any orthodontic system, you are definietely in the right place with Boschken Orthodontics!

Boschken Orthodontics feels you are NEVER too old for braces!

2010-12-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

Are You Too Old for Braces?

Ideally, human teeth would line up as neatly as the keys on a piano. Unfortunately, many people must contend with crooked teeth, crowded smiles, or poorly aligned bites. These problems raise more than cosmetic concerns. Crowded or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean, making tooth decay and gum disease much more likely. Teeth that don’t come together properly when you close your jaws — a problem called malocclusion, or “bad bite”—can cause chewing and swallowing problems. Poor tooth alignment can also make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds and can put excessive stress on the chewing muscles, causing facial pain.
Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and coming away with excellent results. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that one in five orthodontic patients is older than age 18.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment to correct longstanding cosmetic or bite problems or to remedy the effects of tooth loss, keep a few things in mind. Because the bones of adults have stopped growing, some (but not all) structural changes cannot be accomplished without surgery. Also, the entire process may take longer for you than for a child or adolescent. While the time it takes to straighten teeth varies from person to person, on average, treatment lasts about two years. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may also need to see a periodontist as well as your general dentist and Dr. Boschken to ensure that the treatment is not complicated by bone loss resulting from gum disease.

How Braces Work

The science of orthodontics relies on placing pressure on the teeth to change their position. Dr. Boschken and his talented staff accomplish this by attaching mechanical devices, or appliances, to the teeth to gently push them in the desired direction. When a tooth is subjected to pressure from one side, its root presses against the underlying alveolar bone. Eventually, this force causes a portion of the bone next to the root to dissolve, allowing the tooth to move in the direction it is being pushed. As the tooth migrates, new bone builds up in the space vacated on the other side of the root. This prevents the tooth from moving back into its original position. You may need to have one or more teeth removed before you can start orthodontic treatment.
Braces are the most commonly used orthodontic appliance. They are extremely versatile, able to move the teeth in a variety of directions at once and treat many teeth at the same time. These devices rely on the use of brackets cemented or bonded to the tooth surfaces. Archwires, which are attached to the molars on either end of the dental arch, are threaded through the brackets to direct the force being applied to the teeth. The arrangement of the wires can be customized to apply different pressures to individual teeth. Sometimes elastic bands or springs are attached to the archwire to boost the directional push.
Typically, it takes one hour to place braces on the teeth at two separate appointments (2 hours total time). You’ll probably notice a bit soreness and discomfort for a few days after getting braces and having adjustments made, but an over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can truly help.

Innovations in Braces

Today’s braces are more comfortable and less obtrusive than those of the past. They’re smaller and use fewer brackets. The wires are less noticeable and more effective than those used previously. Because they are effective and economical, stainless steel brackets are still commonly used. Some people, particularly teens, opt for colored elastics for a bolder look.
Others take a different tack, opting instead for tooth-colored ceramic or clear plastic brackets because they are less noticeable. However, these have some drawbacks. Ceramic brackets can break, and they may not be as comfortable on lower teeth as metal brackets, which tend to be smaller. Also, because ceramic brackets are stronger than tooth enamel, if the ones on your lower teeth come into contact with your upper teeth, they can wear away the enamel. For these reasons, some people opt for ceramic brackets on their top teeth and metal brackets for their lower teeth.
Still , another wonderful option for orthodontic correction treatment for teens and adults is Invisalign^®which uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-molded to fit you! The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you'll be proud to share. Benefits with this system include:

Removeing your aligners to eat, brush and floss
Changing aligners every two weeks
Your teeth move little by little
Regular progress checks with Dr. Boschken
Results often in 6 months to 2 years

Give us a call or contact us on-line to arrange your appointment to day! It is never too late to see what all of your options are for a healthy, beautiful smile! (408) 225-6660

Why does Dr. Boschken recommend orthodontic retainers?

2010-12-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

What's a Retainer?

A retainer is a piece of plastic and/or metal that is custom-made for each individual who needs one. It fits the exact shape of the teeth and mouth. No two retainers are alike, even though many look similar. Retainers are really common. In fact, most people (kids and adults) who have had braces have to wear a retainer for life. Other people wear them to close gaps in their teeth, to help with speech problems, or to solve certain medical problems.

Why Do I Need to Wear a Retainer?

There are different reasons why you might need a retainer. The most common reason is to help your teeth stay set in their new positions after wearing braces. It's important to wear your retainer because as your body grows, your teeth do some shifting. The retainer helps to control this shifting, which occurs naturally.
After your braces are removed, Dr. Boschken will make you a custom retainer. He will advise you on wearing it (how long to wear it and when.) For example, you might have to wear it all day and night for a year but then only at night after that. Some people may wear their retainer only at night right from the start, but it really depends on your specific needs.
Other people may wear retainers to close spaces between their teeth or just to move one tooth. In these cases, braces aren't needed because retainers can do the job. Often, retainers will be worn for several years to close a space, and then keep the gap closed by holding the teeth in place. When you wear a retainer for any reason, certain teeth may feel pressure and might even feel sore for the first few days. If you experience this, don't worry — it's completely normal.
Retainers can help many mouth problems besides shifting teeth. Sometimes they're used to help a medical problem. For example, you may have a tongue thrust (a condition where your tongue sneaks through your teeth when you talk). Some retainers, known as a crib or tongue cage retainers, are designed with small metal bars that hang down from the roof of your mouth. These retainers keep your tongue from going forward in between your teeth when you speak. Your tongue is trained to go to the roof of your mouth instead of through your teeth. The length of time patients wear a tongue cage varies depending on the individual.
Another use for retainers is to help people with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This disorder is usually a result of a bite problem (the teeth don't meet together properly when the jaws are closed) called malocclusion (say: mal-uh-kloo-zhun) or bruxism (say: bruk-sih-zum), which is grinding your teeth while you sleep. Grinding stretches the muscles and joints in your mouth and jaws and sometimes can cause jaw pain or headaches. Retainers can help you by preventing your mouth from closing completely at night, which keeps you from grinding your teeth.
Our philosophy at Boschken Orthodontics is retention for life. After orthodontic treatment is completed, you will always want to wear some kind of retainer to maintain the healthy bite you've worked so hard to create.

Boschken Orthodontics is conveniently located off of Hwys 85/87/101

2010-12-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

Where is the happiest place in South San Jose? Why it is at Boschken Orthodontics of course!

We are so happy to offer complimentary consultations and records (including digital panographic x-rays and photographs) so that you are able to make an informed decision on which type of treatment suits your needs. We are also very proud of our popular Care To Share referral program which continues to successfully reward our referral sources with a $100 Visa gift card.

When your patient referral begins orthodontic treatment here, we will happily thank you with a $100 Visa gift card for simply being the referral source! That is how much Dr. Boschken and his Orthodontic team value your recommendation. There is no limit on how many gift cards you can earn when your friends and family begin treatment with our office. Please ask your referrals to mention your name!

Feel free to forward our blog to any friends who may be interested in a visit or give out our phone number today! (408) 225-6660 http://www.drboschken.com/

Boschken Orthodontics and FSA benefits

2010-12-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

If you’ve been postponing dental treatment, now is the time! Don't lose your fsa benefits!
Q: Do you still have extra money left over in your 2010 FLEX SPENDING account and can't think of what to spend it on?
A: How about a down payment for orthodontics? A sports moutguard for a famliy member? Teeth whitening? Call us about all of the different services we offer!
Q: How much do I set aside for 2011's HEALTHCARE SAVING ACCOUNT?
A: Call us today to schedule your 1 Hour COMPLIMENTARY initial consultation and we can get you an exact fee. (No losing out on those pre-tax dollars!)
Orthodontics is a covered benifit under both flexible spending accounts (FSA) and/or healthcare saving accounts (HSA). We can provide you with receipts to submit for full reimbursal.
If you have any questions about flex benifits or how orthodontic insurance works feel free to email or call our financial coordinator Nicole @ (408) 225-6660 x5303 or Nicole@drboschken.com

P.S. If you have friends or family who would benefit from our preventive orthodontic practices, please be sure and refer them. If they start treatment at our office we honor a $100 VISA giftcard to you for your referal! Happy Holidays!

Dr. David Boschken
6128 Camino Verde Dr, Ste D
San Jose, CA 95119
(408)225-6660
Our Website
Send Us an Email

2010-11-30T12:22:00.000-08:00

Orthodontics (from Greek orthos "straight or proper"; and odous "tooth") is the specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both.

Sometime after the invention of the mirror, but no later than 1,000 B.C., ancient Greeks began using base metals and cat gut in a determined effort to take the smile provided by nature and make it better.

Today, our gifted orthodontic specialist, David Boschken DMD shapes dazzling smiles while creating optimal form and function.

Orthodontics has come a long way in just a few thousand years.

Children, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged men and women, seniors – all are taking advantage of the simplicity that distinguishes today’s orthodontics.

There are orthodontic solutions for every lifestyle and budget. Fees for orthodontic care vary with the complexity of the treatment. Why not let Boschken Orthodontics prepare a complimentary written estimate regarding anticipated treatment fees, payment options and insurance benefits?

Our practice is devoted to building beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment. Straight teeth function better, are easier to clean, and are more likely to last your lifetime.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist no later than age seven fior early intervention however, Dr. Boschken can improve tooth and jaw alignment problems at any age!

Sports Mouth Guards from Boschken Orthodontics

2010-11-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, and often used to protect teeth and facial structure from injury during sports.

There are three types of mouth guards:

Stock mouth protectors are pre-formed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting good stores and department stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit. They are bulky and may make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide little or no protection. Dentists do not recommend their use.
Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The "boil and bite" mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.
Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made at our office. First, our assistant will take an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and best protection.

Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only. Dr. Boschken can suggest the best mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tearing, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech. It is important to protect your mouth during most sports activities. Safety first!

Boschken Orthodontics: What sets us apart from other offices?

2010-11-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

We have an array of very fun office contests and promotions to keep young patients very motivated to participate in orthodontic care.

Our reception room arcade has hundreds of free, family friendly games available for some light entertainment for the young and the young at heart.

When you begin treatment here, you will recieve a special surprise from Dr. Boschken just to welcome you to our orthodontic family!

And, when you refer a friend who begins their treatment with us, our Care to Share referral program rewards you with a $100 Visa gift card! We do appreciate your referrals very much.

You will also be treated to espresso, ice cold water, reception and treatment area movies, the latest magazines and visually stunning interior designs to enjoy while you visit with Dr. Boschken and our staff.
Go ahead and give us a call! We'll begin your orthodontic treatment with a complimentary exam and records (408) 225-6660. You can also request an appointment by simply clicking here & following the prompts or visit our website for more information at http://www.drboschken.com/

Boschken Orthodontics offers Invisalign

2010-11-18T11:41:00.000-08:00

Over the last several years, technology has grown in nearly every industry, including orthodontics. Boschken Orthodontics has begun utilizing many of these technological advances, such as digital diagnosis and digital imaging. While patients benefit from these new advances, interest also lies in the advancement in orthodontic appliances, specifically for adults.

Many adults needing orthodontic care may confess they had not considered traditional braces before due to their appearance or as many say, the "tin grin." However, a newer innovation may change that perception.

The latest trend in the industry is Invisalign®, a system that straightens your teeth without the use of wires or brackets by using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners.

The founder of Invisalign®, Align Technology, Inc., had previously been in the industry for seven years and along with their core product, they are making quite a name for themselves. Align Technology, Inc. has been honored with two industry awards for its design and production of Invisalign® - the Medical Design Excellence Award (2002) and the Stereolithography Excellence Award (2001).

Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., Align Technology, Inc. has certified more than 70 percent of trained orthodontists in the United States. We are proud that Dr. Boschken has treated more than 1,600 patients with Invisalign® and is currently among the top 1% of orthdontists worldwide! Its remarkable to have such an experienced orthodontist available for you right here, in your own back yard.

The Invisalign® system is quite simple. Using a combination of 3-D computer technology and orthodontic science, the Invisalign® system is a comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign® receives impressions of your teeth from Dr. Boschken and creates a virtual treatment plan (ClinCheck®) that shows the projected movement of your teeth from the beginning to the end of treatment.

Approximately 3 weeks later, you receive a customized set of aligners, and you usually wearing each set for two weeks until you have finished the series. The aligners are precisely calibrated and manufactured for each individual treatment plan and are only removed to eat, brush and floss.

Patients rave about not only the aesthetics of this new technology, but the convenience as well. Patients can brush and floss normally and eat and drink what they want. Also, there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions, which is a concern for many patients with traditional metal braces.

Invisalign® is not suitable for all cases, and only a trained orthodontist can determine if this treatment option is right for you. Please call us for your complimentary evaluation! We would love to help you achieve the smile you have always imagined. (408) 225-6660

Braces?

2010-11-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

Why Do I Need Braces?

Braces are used to move teeth into the ideal position and align how they bite together, known as occlusion. Malocclusion is used to describe the misalignment of teeth between the upper and lower dental arches, using the first molars as a reference point. There are three different types of misalignment, defined by the Angles Classification Method. Developed by Dr. Edward Angle, considered by many the founding father of orthodontics, this method of classification is widely used by dentists around the world:

Class I - Considered the ideal relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Crowding or spacing may be present with Class I bite.
Class II - Commonly known as “over bite.” The patient’s lower first molar is positioned posterior, or more towards the back of the mouth. The upper jaw, or maxilla, appears to protrude forward. Class II bite has two sub classes that also describe the position of the upper front teeth, but in both cases, the molar relationship is the same.
Class III - The patient’s lower first molar is positioned anterior, or closer to the front of the mouth. The lower jaw, or mandible, protrudes forward, and is best described as an “under bite.”

While some patients may have the ideal bite, they may suffer from varying degrees of crowding or spacing, another factor associated with a misaligned bite. Crowding is a condition that causes the teeth to overlap, rotate, and in some cases, grow into the incorrect position in the mouth, or in more extreme cases, cause the tooth to become trapped in the bone. Crowding may be caused because the dental arch is too small for the adult teeth, or the adult teeth are larger than normal. Crowding may also be caused by losing the primary or baby teeth early, or retaining them in the mouth longer than normal. These factors may inhibit the adult tooth, forcing it to erupt or grow into an incorrect position. Crowding makes it difficult to brush and floss the teeth correctly, possibly resulting in tooth decay or gingivitis.
Alternatively, varying degrees of spacing may be present, due to smaller teeth or jaw size. The most obvious example of spacing is the diastima, a space between the upper two front teeth, known as the centrals, made famous by Madonna and David Letterman.

More Than Just Straight Teeth

Misaligned teeth and an incorrect bite may affect more than just the appearance of your smile. The following conditions may potentially be corrected by orthodontics:

Speech impediments
Jaw or TMJ pain
Difficulty chewing and eating
Sleep apnea caused by mouth breathing and snoring
Grinding or clenching of the teeth
Gum disease and tooth decay

Patients experiencing any of the above symptoms should contact their dentist or Boschken Orthodontics to determine the cause of their condition. Aesthetics do, however, play an important role when it comes to deciding if braces are right for you. Self confidence may improve for patients that have concerns with the appearance of their teeth or facial shape. Many treatment options are available for correcting the look of your teeth and smile.

Talk to Dr. David Boschken

Healthy teeth and gums, improved facial structure, and enhanced self esteem are just few of the many benefits of correcting your teeth with braces. To schedule a complimentary evaluation, simply call Boschken Orthodonics today at (408) 225-6660.

Boschken Orthodontics recommends: The Best and Worst Foods For Your Teeth

2010-11-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

The Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth

If you are what you eat, that's particularly true for your teeth and gums. When you drink and munch starchy foods, you're not only feeding yourself, you're feeding the plaque that can cause havoc in your mouth.
Plaque is a thin, invisible film of sticky bacteria and other materials that covers all the surfaces of all your teeth. When sugars or starches in your mouth come in contact with plaque, the acids that result can attack teeth for 20 minutes or more after you finish eating. Repeated attacks can break down the hard enamel on the surface of teeth, leading to tooth decay. Plaque also produces toxins that attack the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Although some foods invite tooth decay, others help combat plaque buildup. Here are some foods to seek out and some to avoid.

The good guys

Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables: "Foods with fiber have a detergent effect in your mouth," says Richard H. Price, D.M.D., a consumer spokesman for the American Dental Association, "and they also stimulate saliva flow, which, next to good home dental care, is your best natural defense against cavities and gum disease." About 20 minutes after you eat something containing sugars or starches, your saliva begins to neutralize the acids and enzymes attacking your teeth. Because saliva contains traces of calcium and phosphate, it also restores minerals to areas of teeth that have lost them.
Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products: Cheese is another saliva generator. The calcium in cheese, and the calcium and phosphates in milk and other dairy products, help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to other foods. Try a cheese course for dessert.
Green and black teas: Both contain polyphenols that interact with plaque bacteria. These substances either kill or suppress bacteria, preventing them from growing or producing tooth-attacking acid. Depending on the type of water you use to brew your tea, a cup of tea can also be a source of fluoride.
Sugarless chewing gum: Another great saliva generator that removes food particles from your mouth.
Licorice: Researchers at the University of California-Los Angeles found that, in test tubes, compounds in this ancient Chinese herb inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the main plaque bacteria.
Foods with fluoride: Fluoridated drinking water, or any product you make with fluoridated water, helps your teeth. This includes powdered juices (as long as they don't contain a lot of sugar) and dehydrated soups. Commercially prepared foods, such as poultry products, seafood, and powdered cereals, also can provide fluoride.

Before we get to foods that are particularly bad for your teeth, here is a rule of thumb: The longer food that promotes plaque bacteria stays in your mouth, the worse it is. So it's not necessarily the amount of sweets you eat, but how often you eat them.
"Having one jelly doughnut or piece of candy per hour will cause more damage than having 10 of them at the same time," he says.

The bad guys

Sugary candies and sweets that stick in your mouth: If you eat sweets, go for those that clear out of your mouth quickly. So thumbs down for lollipops, caramels and cough drops that contain refined sugar. Surprisingly, thumbs up for chocolate, which, because its sugars are coated in fat, slips easily out of your mouth, notes Philadelphia-area dietitian Althea Zanecosky, R.D. "A chocolate bar washes out of your mouth quicker than gummy bears," says Dr. Price. "One study a while ago suggested chocolate bars cause fewer cavities than raisins because raisins are sticky and have natural sugars," which get broken down in the mouth because they hang around so long.
Starchy foods that can get stuck in your mouth: Starches, which are complex carbohydrates, can also linger in your mouth. Examples: Bread or potato chip bits trapped between your teeth. "If you get bread stuck in your mouth or at the back of your teeth, bacteria love to feed on carbs," says Cynthia Sass, R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
Carbonated soft drinks: These drinks are the leading source of added sugar among kids and teens. Besides being laden with sugar, most soft drinks contain phosphoric and citric acids that erode tooth enamel.
Sports drinks, energy drinks, and highly sugared teas and lemonades: High sugar levels in these drinks promote tooth decay.
Items that dry out your mouth, including alcohol and many medicines: Be sure your mouth is plaque free, and also drink plenty of water. If medications are the cause, consider talking to your doctor about getting a fluoride rinse, or a fluoride gel with which to brush your teeth.
Lemons: It's OK to eat them, but don't suck on them. The very acidic juice will erode the enamel of your front teeth ESPECIALLY with braces!

How to eat for a healthy mouth

The American Dental Association offers these tips to help reduce tooth-decay risk from the foods you eat:

Consume sugary foods with meals: Saliva production increases during meals, which helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
Limit between-meal snacks: If you crave a snack, choose nutritious foods and consider chewing sugarless gum afterward to increase saliva flow and wash out food and acid. Each time you eat food that contains sugars or starches, acids attack your teeth for 20 minutes or more.
Drink more water: Consuming fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, check the label for the fluoride content.
Brush your teeth at least twice and floss once a day.

Never too old to begin Orthodontic treatment at Boschken Orthodontics

2010-11-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

Orthodontists are fond of saying, "A smile can be improved at any age!" and patients are listening. Today, more and more adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment.

The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that one in five orthodontic patients is an adult and that more than 1,000,000 adults in the United States and Canada are receiving treatment from orthodontists who are members of the organization. Orthodontics is also the fastest-growing dental specialty in the United Kingdom and adults are the fastest-growing patient group within the specialty.

Gaps between teeth, crowding, protruding front teeth and teeth in abnormal positions are orthodontic problems that can easily be corrected in adults. Orthodontic treatment may help prevent many serious orthodontic problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, or deterioration of bone. Even some chronic pain can be traced to orthodontic problems creating stress on joints and muscles. While health concerns such as crooked teeth, bad bites, and jaw dysfunction are often the primary reason for choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment, many adults are choosing to treat themselves to the cosmetic improvement they didn't have a chance to undergo as children.

The newer, low visibility innovations in orthodontics are almost entirely due to demand from adult patients who want to straighten their teeth, but don't want a "tin grin." These innovations include tooth-colored ceramic braces, clear braces, tooth-colored ties and arch wires, and nearly invisible, clear plastic aligners that are computer generated and may be removed for eating and brushing. Lingual appliances, which are fixed appliances that are attached to the back, or tongue side, of the teeth, and are therefore completely unseen, are becoming increasingly popular as interest in adult orthodontics increases.

Braces work by applying gentle, gradual pressure to teeth to make them move into better alignment. These forces work the same way for adults that they do for children, but adult treatment may take a little longer because an adult's jaws are no longer growing. Because of this lack of jaw growth, and because an adult may have experienced gum or bone loss, or have damaged or missing teeth, orthodontic treatment may be only a part of the treatment plan. While orthodontic treatment may take a bit longer or involve treating gum or other disorders, healthy teeth that are supported by healthy gums can be moved at any age. And straight, even teeth are easier to clean and, therefore, easier to keep healthy.

The great-grandparents of today's adult patient expected to lose most of their teeth by age 40. The rate of loss of teeth has declined each decade due to improved dental care, increased awareness of the importance of dental hygiene, and increased life expectancy. With excellent hygiene, regular check-ups and a healthy diet, today's 30-something will keep his or her teeth for another 75 years! More and more patients are choosing to make sure those years are filled with healthy, straight, beautiful smiles.

At Boschken Orthodontics, we are committed to providing you with the most innovative and successful treatment available today. You are never too old for orthodontic treatment and never too old to stop smiling!

Orthodintic Alternatives For Teens

2010-11-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

We’re excited to tell you that Boschken Orthodontics offers Invisalign Teen^®—the clear alternative to braces—now for teens! This revolutionary new product can straighten your child’s teeth without the discomfort or noticablility of traditional braces.

Dr. Boschken is recognized as a "Premier Provider Super Elite" doctor for Invisalign^® treatment – a distinction shared by only the top 1% of Invisalign^® providers worldwide.
Patients from all over the country seek out his expertise, and doctors interested in offering Invisalign^® visit with him to learn how to improve their skills.

Invisalign Teen^®’s clear aligners are virtually invisible. Even better, they’re removable. This means teens can eat whatever foods they want, and brush and floss with ease! And, maybe best of all, they don’t involve any metal or wires, which can cause irritation. Invisalign Teen aligners are made from a lightweight plastic material, and they fit precisely on the teeth—almost like a glove.

Most teens have a non-stop lifestyle, and sometimes they lose things (including aligners)! But with Invisalign Teen^®, that’s no problem. If you lose your aligner, just let Dr. Boschken know ASAP, and he can have a replacement sent from Align Technology quickly.

Invisalign Teen^® is clear, comfortable, and virtually invisible.
For more information about Invisalign Teen^®, contact our staff today at (408) 225-6660 or check our webite directly by clicking here.

South San Jose Boschken Orthodontics

2010-11-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a little peek into our South San Jose location! Boschken Orthodontics truly strives to bring you the very best in orthodontic care and excellence.
Our office atmosphere is truly very comforting. By creating a 'spa-like' environment , we hope to provide you with both a relaxing and entertaining experience. I have specifically designed this office with you, the guest, in mind.
Our reception room has all the latest magazines available for your reading. We offer free wi-fi connections, espresso, chilled bottled water and video games too. While it is true that our game room (with over 200 free video games) is quite popular, you will find many other fun things to do while you are here. Family friendly movies and television shows are always showing for your viewing pleasure, and you'll even find frequent office contests where you can participate and potentially win nice prizes.
Remember, patients as young as 6 or 7 can benefit from an easy visit at our office. Dr. Boschken provides a free growth guidance recall to ensure that orthodontics is started at the most optimal time for each individual patient. Our younger patients are seen on the average of every six months to evaluate their development.

Office Policies
We are open to serve you, answer questions or schedule an appointment during the following hours:
Office HoursMondays 12pm-5pm
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 8 am– 5pm (Lunch from 12pm-2pm)
Most Thursdays 8am-11am
We are closed Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays.

Give our office a call for a complimentary visit ! (408) 225-6660

Come on & Zoom!

2010-11-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

Zoom!^® whitening services are available at our office and we are enjoying the results for our guests. Many people inquire about this successful system and are pleasantly surprised by the immediate result.

Whitening can get your smile looking its best. Non-professional procedures and clinically unproven teeth whitening tips can often lead to unsatisfactory results, you should look for a whitening procedure that is:

Fast and convenient
Long lasting
Low sensitivity
Safe and effective
Done by a Dental Professional

If you have interest in this outstanding service, give my staff a call today at (408) 225-6660! We are happy to answer any questions you have about this service and would love to meet with you. Be sure to ask about any seasonal specials we may have available at this time.

Boschken Orthodontics brings you: Myths about Orthodontic treatment

2010-11-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

MYTH: My family dentist says he can straighten my teeth.
FACT: An orthodontist has 2-3+ years of specialized training beyond dental school and is a specialist at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. A dentist may see a handful of cases a year amid drilling and filling. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients.
MYTH: Braces are for kids.
FACT: One in five orthodontic patients is an adult.
MYTH: If there was a giant, overhead magnet and someone flipped a switch, people wearing braces would fly out of their chairs and stick to the ceiling.
FACT: Unlikely, as braces are made from non-magnetic materials.
MYTH: Orthodontists charge more than general dentists for orthodontic treatment.
FACT: It's not the same work. The value in seeing an orthodontist for treatment is that the orthodontist is an expert, highly experienced and understands form, function and a wonderful smile
MYTH: Braces are painful and take two years or more for the desired result.
FACT: After the adjustment period, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces are comfortable. Some may be worn for months, not years.
MYTH: Signals from braces link to the Internet to download songs onto an iPod.
FACT: This is not possible right now.
MYTH: Braces are ugly, call attention to themselves and would be embarrassing in business settings.
FACT: Some of today's braces may be nearly invisible, made from clear plastic, or unseen from social distances!
MYTH: Orthodontists have a low profile.
FACT: Orthodontists very often give back to the community by offering discounted services to patients in need. At Boschken Orthodontics, we offer many incentive programs for our patients and family discounts too.
MYTH: Any dentist may join the American Association of Orthodontists
FACT: Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists.
Did you know?
According to the American Board of Orthodontics, ALL children should be seen by an orthodontist by the age of 7!

A note about Orthodontics From Dr. Boschken!

2010-11-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Your smile is one of the most striking parts of your face.
Do you like your smile now? Do you think your smile (or that of your child's) can be improved?

At Boschken Orthodontics, we know orthodontics can boost a person's self-image as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned, but an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Alleviating or preventing physical health problems is just as important!
Without treatment, orthodontic problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction and chewing and digestive difficulties. A "bad bite" can contribute to speech impairments, tooth loss, chipped teeth, TMJ and other dental injuries. Most bite problems are inherited, and therefore can't be prevented. Other factors, such as trauma, thumb-sucking or early loss of baby teeth may affect the shape of your mouth, the alignment of your teeth and your facial balance.
Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that treats dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists use a variety of treatments, but braces are the most common method of balancing your teeth, your smile and your face. Some of the most common reasons for braces include: Crowding -- About 90% of patients have an orthodontic condition known as crowding, in which teeth are crooked, turned, or overlapped. Generally, crowding is genetic (you've inherited a relatively small jaw or relatively large teeth) or caused by habits such as nail biting and thumb sucking. The bone and gums over the roots of extremely crowded teeth may become thin and recede as a result of severe crowding. Complications include teeth that should have come in but have not, poor biting relationships and undesirable appearance. Overjet -- This condition is characterized by upper front teeth that protrude beyond normal contact with the lower front teeth, making them prone to injury. Protruded upper teeth are associated with a lower jaw that is short in proportion to the upper jaw and may indicate uneven jaw growth or a poor bite of the back teeth. Thumb sucking can also cause of overjet. Deep Overbite -- The front lower incisor teeth biting too close or into the gum tissue behind the upper teeth characterize this condition. A deep bite can cause excessive wear of incisors, bone damage and discomfort. Open Bite -- The upper and lower incisor teeth do not touch in an open bite. This open space causes chewing pressure to be placed on the back teeth, causing chewing to be less efficient. The excessive rubbing of the teeth may also cause significant tooth wear. Spacing -- The most common concern of patients with excessive tooth spacing is poor appearance. Spacing problems happen when teeth are missing or small, or if the dental arch is very wide, leaving spaces between the teeth. Crossbite – Crossbites of both back teeth and front teeth are commonly corrected early due to biting and chewing difficulties. Uncorrected crossbite problems can lead to TMJ, premature wear of the teeth, and muscular problems in the jaw. Usually, one set of teeth will either fall inside or outside of the opposing set, leaving teeth out of place when the mouth is closed. The most common is when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (toward the tongue). However, approximately 3-5% of patients have a lower jaw that is longer than the upper jaw, which causes the lower front teeth to protrude ahead of the upper front teeth.
Heredity and delayed loss of baby teeth are two of the most common causes of crossbite. Open Bite -- Open bite occurs when teeth, usually the front teeth, do not make contact with each other, giving the illusion that a person's mouth is never really closed. Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are habits that can have an affect on the development of open bite, as can speech problems such as lisping and genetic misalignment of the upper and lower jaw. Open bite is not a common problem, and those who seek treatment do so primarily for appearance. However, patients who have moderate to extreme open bite need treatment because the condition can affect the joints of the jaw and cause recurring pain. Gummy Smile -- Too much pink tissue showing when a person speaks or smiles is called a 'gummy smile.' This condition may result from an enlarged upper jaw, a short upper lip, short upper front teeth, a forward position of the front teeth, or disproportionate lip length or tooth height. Spacing -- The exact opposite of crowding, spacing means exactly what it sounds like…there is too much space between your teeth. Spacing occurs in approximately 5% to 10% of the population and may be caused by thumb sucking or genetic factors, such as inheriting a large jaw and small-sized teeth. Spacing may affect all of your teeth, or just a portion of them. Tongue Thrust -- You swallow about 2000 times each day and each time you do, 1-6 pounds of pressure is applied to the inside structures of the mouth. Normally when you swallow, your tongue is placed on the roof of the mouth, however, when the tongue slides between and behind the teeth, this pressure can push the teeth apart and out. Known as 'tongue thrust,' this abnormal swallowing can cause causing distortions of the face and teeth. It is most common in children with prior severe thumb sucking habits. Working with a speech therapist may help this behavior, but in severe cases, a special orthodontic appliance that inhibits this damaging tongue movement may be prescribed. It is estimated that more than 5 million people in the United States and Canada are in the care of an orthodontist and looking forward to the day their braces come off and they can see their beautiful, healthy smile in the mirror.
Give us a call and set up your complimentary consulation! I'd love to meet with you !

Welcome to Boschken Orthodontics Blog

2010-11-01T09:55:00.001-07:00

Thanks for taking the time to visit our blog. Here you'll find interesting articles about orthodontics and new things our practice is doing to improve the smiles of our patients. Check back often to read our updates! We look forward to connecting with you online.
Thanks
Dr Boschken