When should you call Dr. Martin?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Jennifer Martin. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with Dr. Martin:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth

2. Difficulty of chewing or biting

3. Mouth breathing

4. Finger sucking or other oral habits

5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth

6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude

7. Speech difficulty

8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth

9. Protruding teeth

10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all

11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry

12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you or your child? If so, give us a call as soon as possible! Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Pleasant Hill and surrounding areas in Contra Costa County.

See you all in 2011!

Season's greetings from Dr. Martin and team!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at the orthodontic office of Dr. Jennifer Martin reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us here, or on our Facebook page, all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets and crunchy foods!

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Jennifer Martin and staff, easing your child's fear of the dentist (and orthodontist)

Dr. Jennifer Martin and our team know that many children have fear when it comes to visiting the dentist or orthodontist. Recently, we found a great article on how parents can help their kids overcome fears of the dentist, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Making your child feel comfortable when they visit Dr. Martin for an orthodontic consultation is a priority for us, and we excel at making children feel comfortable when visiting with Dr. Martin or our friendly staff. In fact, most of our patients look forward to their next visit!

So when should kids come in for a consultation? It's best for Dr. Martin to see children by age seven to evaluate the need for orthodontic treatment and determine when the best time is for that treatment. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. Has your child visited Dr. Martin's office? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation!

Share your experience at Dr. Martin's office with the world!

Has your experience at the office of Dr. Jennifer Martin been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?

Then we invite you to write a review on our Google Places Page! Do you already have a Google account? Great! Just click "write a review" to leave your message.

Don’t have an account? Sign up for one–it’s easy and takes only a minute or two!

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience! We really appreciate it!

Ask Dr. Martin: How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Great question! Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Martin and our staff will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook! We hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season just around the corner, Dr. Jennifer Martin and our entire staff wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our orthodontic family. We realize that our practice thrives because of great patients like you - we are the lucky ones because we not only help keep you healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Dr. Martin wants to know: what's on your fall reading list?

This week marks National Young Reader’s Week, and during this time, it’s more important than ever to remind your child to read on a regular basis. After all, reading helps kids develop the mind, expands a child’s knowledge base, activates his or her flow of ideas and boosts their confidence. Plus, reading is fun!

Tell us: Are you reading a book this fall? If so, what’s on your reading list?

If you’re out of ideas for great fall reads, we encourage you to ask our staff or suggestions, and we’ll be happy to provide a few great titles. You may also ask a local librarian in Pleasant Hill or surrounding neighborhoods for some suggestions or check out various fall books for kids and teens that we found today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading everybody!

Congrats to our GIANTS!

Dr. Jennifer Martin and our entire staff would like to congratulate the San Francisco Giants for winning the 2010 World Series last night! They won the Series in just 5 games, which is VERY difficult to do, and we couldn't be more proud of them!

Ask Dr. Martin: What's the deal with Halloween candies & treats?

For parents of Dr. Jennifer Martin's patients worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as your braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them?

Dr. Martin and our staff will tell you they can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin enamel. In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats for those with braces, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Martin or your general dentist in Pleasant Hill as soon as possible.

We wish you a safe, fun and happy Halloween weekend!

Patient question: What's Invisalign, and is it right for me? [Video]

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign treatment at the orthodontic office of Dr. Jennifer Martin manages to straighten your teeth without using traditional metallic braces? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient Pleasant Hill office. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call at 925-676-8485 for a complimentary consultation to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Dr. Jennifer Martin is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in Pleasant Hill, California and surrounding communities in Contra Costa County.

What's on your mind? Tell Dr. Martin!

Happy Friday! Week after week, Dr. Jennifer Martin and our creative team blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic treatment care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques Dr. Martin offers at our Pleasant Hill office.

Today, however, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have! Have a wonderful weekend!

The importance of regular dental checkups, from Dr. Martin

Dr. Jennifer Martin and our team want to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily during your orthodontic treatment? If your answer is yes, that’s wonderful! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our Pleasant Hill office, of course).

Yes, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. But this month also marks National Dental Hygiene Month, and a great time for a checkup, which can help you maintain good oral health, especially during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Martin.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not visited the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit with Dr. Martin and we will provide a few great references in Pleasant Hill or nearby communities here in Contra Costa County!

Dr. Jennifer Martin, supporting National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy Friday!

Today marks the official start of National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly Halloween recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while wearing braces.

Dr. Jennifer Martin and our staff recommend you check out the AAO's website as well for helpful tips on keeping your braces in tip-top shape. If you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape, please feel free to give us a call at 925-676-8485, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Martin during your visit!

Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe this Halloween season!

Foods to avoid while you're wearing braces, from Dr. Jennifer Martin

There are a variety of foods Dr. Jennifer Martin wants you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should definitely avoid include:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
• Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give us a call or ask our staff during your next visit! We also encourage you to check out this helpful article about eating with braces, courtesy of Parenthood.com.

"My daughter is seven years old - when should I bring her in for a consultation?"

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

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

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

We hope this helps! We invite you to give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment and have yourself a relaxing and wonderful weekend!

You may request an appointment by filling out this form.

Boooo! Halloween contest at Dr. Martin's office!

We are excited to announce our Halloween contest!!! Now through Nov. 15th, bring in a unique Halloween photo to our office (or post it on our Facebook page) and you'll be automatically entered to win some cool prizes!

You may post a photo of:

- Your favorite decorations
- Your carved pumpkin
- Your Halloween costume

All photos will be posted in our office and YOU will determine the winner, so be sure to come by and vote for your favorite picture.

Note: Those who post photos on our Facebook wall will receive TWO Martin Bucks!!!

Invite your friends to comment or "Like" your photo on our page!

Dr. Jennifer Martin, Pleasant Hill's Invisalign provider

We've discussed Invisalign's benefits before, and today thought we'd talk about its oral health benefits. When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign at Dr. Jennifer Martin's office than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, we encourage you to give us a call at 925-676-8485. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page!

Lastly, along with all the pencils, pens and paper for back to school, we want to remind everyone to remember their "orthodontic back to school supplies" this weekend - rubber bands, wax and retainer cases.

Wishing everyone a great Labor Day weekend and a happy school year!

Thanks for everything, Sherry!

Dr. Jennifer Martin and our entire staff would like to recognize Sherry, a recent retiree from our office who is enjoying her retirement. She worked with us for 25 years, and we miss her a lot!

When we hear from her though, we hear that the #1 thing she misses about the office is the patients! She misses us too, but we came in second to our wonderful patients. We miss her and continue to wish her all the best!

Ask Dr. Martin: Any truth to those rumors about orthodontics?

At the office of Dr. Jennifer Martin, we know there are quite a few myths about orthodontists (and orthodontics) flying around these days. But before you buy into those myths, Dr. Martin and our staff think you should get the facts first! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists help set the record straight, and have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment with Dr. Martin, feel free to give us a call at 925-676-8485!

We hope you've had a wonderful summer so far!

Dr. Jennifer Martin and staff, reminding you to wear your mouth guards this summer

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common this time of year, with kids getting more involved in sports activities such as touch- or tackle football, soccer and baseball. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest fear is that their child will get hurt while playing organized sports, and that’s why Dr. Jennifer Martin and our staff are helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards.

In addition, the AAO has four quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant, even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Please give us a call at 925-676-8485 if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with Dr. Martin.

5 reasons to visit Dr. Jennifer Martin this summer

With the country still in a recession, many folks are putting off visiting the orthodontist for a consultation. We hear all the reasons - vacations, chores, emergencies, et cetera. Today, Dr. Jennifer Martin and our staff thought we'd give our prospective patients five reasons to visit our office this summer.

1. It's free!
2. Life is more flexible during the summer
3. Everyone wants to "brace" themselves for summer
4. Patients can get used to their appliances before school starts
5. No need to miss school for an appointment

And here's another reason: did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven? Give us a call at 925-676-8485 to schedule a complimentary consultation! Happy Friday!

Love your smile? Then we invite you to review Dr. Martin on Google!

Whether you've visited Dr. Martin's office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office has fared during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Martin create more beautiful smiles in Pleasant Hill and surrounding communities in Contra Costa County. Thanks in advance, and we hope you have a terrific weekend!

You may write your review here.

"I'm 44 years old. I'm probably too old for braces, right?"

Of course not! There is no such thing as "too old" for braces!

Dr. Jennifer Martin will tell you orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, however we know that adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21.

In fact, we read a fascinating statistic recently: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent in just 14 years! While it's true that braces help make your teeth strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel amazing.

In an age when your looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when an evenly-aligned set of teeth might be the difference between getting a job or that promotion you've been looking for, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Treatment with Pleasant Hill orthodontist Dr. Martin can be successful at any age, and we know that you adults especially appreciate the benefits of a warm and healthy smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting the perfect smile you've wanted for years, Dr. Martin would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation! Please give us a call at 925-676-8485 to set one up!

Have a GREAT Sunday!

Ask Dr. Martin: What's the deal with retainers?

If you recently completed treatment at Dr. Martin's office, our entire staff would like to congratulate you again! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Jennifer Martin will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Martin is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for an entire lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment, please visit our website for instructions and read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth. You may also give us a call at 925-676-8485!

We hope you're having an excellent weekend!

Share your summer plans & adventures with us!

It's summer here at the office of Dr. Jennifer Martin, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you're headed to an exotic destination, barbecuing, hitting the open California road with family, or just having fun in the backyard, we'd like to hear about it! Drop us a comment on our Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer adventures!

Happy and safe travels everyone,

- Dr. Martin and staff

At Jennifer Martin DDS, easy and reliable access to your account any day, any time!

Access to your account, whenever you want, wherever you want it. Sounds perfect and convenient, right? It is.

Patients at Jennifer Martin DDS enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week! You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home - anytime! Take a look at a few patient reviews about this service:

“I like that I can view all of my information (account balance, appointments, etc.) easily.” ~ Marci V.

“Accessing my account online is a beautiful thing. I love the office staff, however I do not like to bug them about how much money I owe. I am so happy I can refer to my online account and do not need to disturb them with a phone call. I also love the account history. Thank you!” ~ Natalie K.

“I like being able to see appointments and to track financial info.” ~ Zoe H.

“It helped me with my son's future appointment. I do write down when his next appointment is, but sometimes I tend to not look at my calendar. I'm on the computer 8 hours a day, so this is extremely helpful.” ~ Jordan D.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started! We'd love some feedback about this helpful service!

Happy Tuesday!

Invisalign treatment with Dr. Martin: what's the advantage?

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect the clear aligners will have on your day-to-day activities? Dr. Jennifer Martin wants you to know you're not alone in your concerns!

To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment at Jennifer L. Martin DDS, the first thing we do is take an impression of your teeth as they are now - and digitize it. Using special software, Dr. Martin looks at the current positioning of your teeth and compares it to the way your teeth should look.

Next, Dr. Martin uses special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Martin is a Certified Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen Provider in Pleasant Hill and surrounding areas here in Contra Costa County, including Oakland and San Francisco. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Happy Monday!

What are patients saying about Dr. Jennifer Martin?

You may remember that last week, we asked you, our amazing patients, what you most liked about Dr. Jennifer Martin, our staff and our office. Well, we received some pretty great reviews over the past week, and thought we’d share a few testimonials with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about your treatment at Jennifer L. Martin DDS! We love getting patient testimonials!

"Dr. Martin seems very nice. We noticed friends of ours are her patients." ~ Ryan M.

"Dr. Jen herself and the entire staff. Everyone is helpful, pleasant, fun and gentle with the patients as well as explain everything thoroughly to them good and bad." ~ Laura W.

"The family atmosphere. Profession does not have to mean being cold. Dr Jen has taken on the best quality of her father. ( true care, compasion, and kindness)" ~ Michael W.

"I am Natalie's mom, Janel, and I love the fact that Dr. Jen is always smiling when we see her and makes it easy for Natalie to talk to her. She looks her directly in the eye and speaks to her as an adult which I always appreciate." ~ Natalie K.

"Dr. Jen is nice and so are the assistants. The assistants are also sociable and they decorate for the holidays, which I like." ~ Jessica N.

What do you love about Jennifer L. Martin DDS?

From your very first visit to Jennifer L. Martin DDS, our entire team and Dr. Martin strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Martin? Did our dedicated team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your gorgeous smile?

As a specialist in orthodontics, Dr. Martin is committed to providing the most advanced orthodontic treatment options for optimal care and comfort. She works with patients of all ages providing early, interceptive treatment, phase one and two orthodontics, and Invisalign and Invisalign Teen braces; as well as traditional metal braces, and ceramic braces.

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call at 925-676-8485!

Ask Dr. Martin: Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why Pleasant Hill orthodontist Dr. Jennifer Martin and our dedicated team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Jennifer L. Martin DDS can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! A second-generation orthodontist, Dr. Martin is dedicated to the practice of orthodontics, and looks forward to sharing her knowledge, experience, and skills. Dr. Martin is deeply involved in the community; she knows and understands her patients, and strives to provide a unique, custom-tailored experience for each individual she treats

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation. Dr. Martin can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Jennifer Martin is a second generation orthodontist, practicing in the same office location as her father, Dr. James D. Martin. Together they have treated thousands of smiles in the Pleasant Hill area for more than thirty years!

Dr. Jen has always been interested in orthodontics. As a child, she would watch her dad work, and as soon as she was old enough, she bean working in the office. She always liked seeing the smiles and the relationships that were build in the office. She loves the rewarding experience of working with patients who may be embarrassed to smile and giving them a smile that they love to share with the world. Dr. Jen also loves taking the time to get to know her patients as people, not just teeth!

Dr. Jen lives in Danville with her husband Steve, two sons Garrett and Braeden, dog Buddy, and two cats Socks and Bebe. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family and seeing new places, water and snow skiing, reading, and watching her kids play sports. Before becoming an orthodontist, she taught water skiing at Club Med in Martinique and Florida.