Do we have your current contact info?

As you probably know, you can always connect with Dr. Martin and our team on our Facebook page, but we also encourage you to call us and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

Please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so that we may be able to reach you. Thank you!

-The team Dr. Martin's office

Ask Dr. Martin: What can I expect during my son's first visit?

Thank you for the question. At your first visit to our office, Dr. Jennifer Martin will perform an oral examination to assess your orthodontic needs. We will discuss the orthodontic problems, make recommendations and discuss the next steps to pursuing orthodontic treatment with you.

If treatment is indicated at this time, orthodontic or diagnostic records will be gathered by Dr. Martin and team. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, plaster study models of the teeth taken at our office, and photos of the patient’s face and teeth, and x-rays taken at a dental x-ray lab. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care. If no treatment is indicated at this time for your child, he or she will be put on recall until it is the optimum time for treatment.

Now, for the consultation ...

After Dr. Martin has evaluated your records, we discuss your treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case. A second-generation orthodontist, Dr. Jennifer 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. Dr. Martin and her team are proud to welcome you and your family, and look forwarding to working with you.

October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

We hope you're enjoying your Monday! For those who don't know, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Jennifer Martin and our team realize this is a great opportunity for us and to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Martin and other dental professionals in Pleasant Hill & surrounding areas.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Martin during your visit!

Ask Dr. Martin: “Where can I get more info about braces?”

Great question! Besides on Dr. Jennifer Martin’s website, which provides you with a plethora of information about all things braces and Invisalign, we would like to point you to a helpful website: Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, have provided lots of important information about everything braces, including myths and facts of orthodontics, tips for a better orthodontic experience and cool webisodes about orthodontics.

We encourage you to check out AAO today and feel free to contact us if you have any questions here on our blog or on our Facebook page.

Hope this helps,

Dr. Martin & Team

Smile wide! It's National Smile Week!

We hope you're all having a great week so far! It’s National Smile Week, and a GREAT time to remind our patients at Dr. Martin's office to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining during your orthodontic treatment!

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Week for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist)!

And remember to smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not. Smiles are contagious, and are a good thing to give and to get. We hope you’re all having a relaxing summer!

- Dr. Jennifer Martin and team

Ask Dr. Martin: “I’m 31 – am I too old for braces?”

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 great.

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!

We hope you're all having a great summer!

Does Dr. Martin have your current contact info?

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

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

What’s on your mind?

As the summer progresses, our team at Dr. Jennifer Martin’s office strive to continue writing about important topics related to orthodontics and your treatment at our office.

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

We hope you’re having a great week!

Five reasons to visit Dr. Martin this summer

With the U.S. still mired in a recession, we know many folks around the country 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. Flex plan (HSA or MSA) planning
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: Kids can reconnect with friends from school that they haven't seen for awhile - they are at the office having their braces checked too!

Lastly, 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!

Dr. Martin wants to know: Are you wearing your mouth guard?

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 2010 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.

Here are some common questions Dr. Martin and our team get about mouth guards and facial protection:

How do I prevent teeth from being chipped or broken?

Wear a mouth guard that you boil and bite into, however remember to re-boil the mouth guard ever 2 weeks to accommodate the movement that has occured from the braces.

What happens if a tooth gets knocked out?

Save the tooth! Put under tongue or place in glass of milk or saline solution. Don't scrub tooth. Call Dentist immediately, then call us after you have seen dentist so we can check all braces and wires. You can always reach a staff member in an emergency. Our numbers are on our voice message when you call our office.

How do I fix my teeth if I suffer an injury?

Your teeth can be fixed by your dentist. Give us a call to let Dr. Martin know as well.

Are sports drinks bad for my teeth?

Sports drinks are not "bad" for your teeth as long you are not drinking them on a daily basis. Water is the best drink for your teeth and to stay hydrated!

What if I'm wearing Invisalign? Should I still protect my teeth with a mouth guard?

Yes. While the invisalign aligners can help protect your teeth, but a mouth guard is the best to use when playing contact sports.

What about wearing my retainer while playing sports?http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

We recommend wearing your retainers only during practice. Take retainers out for games and remember to place them in your retainer case. Never put in sports bags or wrap them in tissue or napkins. They will either break or they will get thrown away!

Can I still wear a mouth guard with braces?

Yes, but please re-boil every two weeks. Sports stores also sell mouth guards specifically for braces that do not need to be boiled to accommodate braces.

Give us a call if you have any questions, or ask us on Facebook!

How important is your smile? From Dr. Martin

At the orthodontic office of Dr. Jennifer Martin, we are dedicated to using the most advanced orthodontic technology in order to provide comfortable, accurate, customized orthodontic treatments. Dr. Martin and our talented staff have been creating beautiful smiles in Pleasant Hill and Contra Costa County for years.

The bottom line is, we know having a beautiful smile is important to you. It’s important to us, too.

In fact, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

When you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier, straighter smile, please contact our practice and schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Martin.

Complimentary Consultations at Dr. Martin's office

At the orthodontic practice of Dr. Jennifer Martin, we know and understand our patients, and strive to provide a unique, custom-tailored experience for each individual Dr. Martin treats.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. Martin, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call or schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Martin online.

See you soon!

February Marks National Children's Dental Health Month

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), tooth decay is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases among U.S. children, which is why Dr. Jennifer Martin and our staff are doing our part to spread the word that good oral hygiene starts at home.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, as well as National Dental Health Month, and Dr. Martin and team thought we’d promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid crunchy, sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you’re going to drink one of these beverages, don’t sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to visiting our Pleasant Hill, CA office during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Dental Health Month aims to increase awareness about the importance of our patients' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Dr. Martin, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

More than just a day off from school

Today, our country celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a thinker, leader and civil rights champion. In the 1950s and ’60s, Dr. King recognized the need to bring about social justice, and worked tirelessly to instill tolerance in our nation, strengthen America’s communities and move the nation forward. This weekend, thousands of people of all ages and races in the Bay Area and across the California spent their time building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. Do you have the day off today? If so, what do you plan to do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call!

Dr. Jennifer Martin and our entire team are proud of all our patients, families and colleagues who continue to make a difference in our community!

Are those rumors about swallowing bubble gum true?

At Dr. Martin's office, we know the rumors going around that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Give us a call at our convenient Pleasant Hill office if you have any questions or if sugarless gum is recommended during your specific treatme

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from Dr. Martin and our entire staff!

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!

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.