What helps you or your child relax at Otay Lakes Orthodontics?

Dr. Val Poggio and team understand not everyone is thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at Otay Lakes Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each of your visits. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Dr. Poggio herself?

Let us know by posting on Facebook or by giving us a call! Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Chula Vista, Eastlake and the greater San Diego area!

See you all in 2011!

Christine discusses her children's orthodontic treatment at Dr. Poggio's office

Watch as Christine, whose two sons have undergone orthodontic treatment with Dr. Poggio, explains why she chose to bring her two boys to our office. At Chula Vista's Otay Lakes Orthodontics, our goal is to provide our patients and their families with personalized care, exceptional service, and amazing results. Thanks for sharing, Christine!

Please feel free to visit us at our family-friendly Chula Vista orthodontic office for a complimentary evaluation in order to determine the most appropriate orthodontic treatment for you or your children. We look forward to working with you to make your treatment a relaxing and meaningful experience; call us today to schedule an appointment!

Season's greetings from Otay Lakes Orthodontics

The holidays are here, and as Dr. Poggio and our team reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays? 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 all the things you love about the holidays on our Facebook page. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays from Dr. Poggio and all of us at Otay Lakes Orthodontics!

Featured patient review for Dr. Poggio & Otay Lakes Orthodontics!

Last week, you may remember, we shared patient reviews with you before, but this one—a personal note from a mother of one of our patients—made us proud. Here's what Christine had to say about her experience with Dr. Poggio and Otay Lakes Orthodontics:

My boys and I have had the pleasure of getting to know Dr. Poggio and her staff. Dr. Poggio has used her knowledge, skill and attention to detail to create an absolutely beautiful smile for my older son. As a Mom I only wanted the best care for my children.

Finding the right Doctor to make their teeth look great was not easy. However, after the evaluation visit and all the time Dr. Poggio spent with us I knew she was the perfect person to care for my boys. It was not just her explanation and obvious knowledge of how to do the job but also her friendly, caring demeanor that made me confident in choosing Dr. Poggio as their Orthodontist. Right from the start Dr. Poggio and her staff have been professional, helpful and friendly. We always feel welcome when we arrive and Dr. Poggio is great at keeping me up to date on how things are going with their care.

When it came time for my youngest son to get braces I didn't have to think twice about whose care I would entrust him to. Dr. Poggio and her staff are truly a great team of people and I am delighted with the beautiful smiles my boys have.

Christine

Serving the Eastlake area of Chula Vista CA, Dr. Poggio and our team are dedicated to excellence in child and adult orthodontics. We look forward to working with you to make your treatment a relaxing and meaningful experience; call today to make an appointment with our conveniently-located Chula Vista office!

What are patients saying about Otay Lakes Orthodontics lately?

Dr. Val Poggio and team, serving the Eastlake area of Chula Vista and neighboring San Diego, deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. We make your treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Eastlake Dentistry has the friendliest staff. They take the time to explain, in detail, the whole process. I can guarantee that you will not leave their office without being 100% sure of of what the process will entail and what the actual cost will be (everything is given to you in writing for you to take home and review before making a firm decision). My son, myself, and other family members have had braces put on by Dr. Poggio and the results have been amazing. I just recently had my braces put on and I can hardly wait to see the results. Dr. Poggio offers 100% quality service. One of the best experiences I have ever encountered."

"So kind and helpful... I just called Otay Lakes Orthodontics to make the initial appointment to have my son evaluated for braces. Debbie, the woman that answered the phone, was so kind and helpful in answering all my questions regarding the process. She made me feel secure that my son will get excellent treatment from everyone he deals with in the office."

"Dr. Val Poggio and her whole staff have been nothing less than spectacular in treating my two daughters. They love going to the office and always leave with a smile on their faces due to the friendly staff. I would and do recommend Dr. Poggio to everyone I come in contact with."

Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Poggio and our team love getting patient testimonials!

Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Poggio & Otay Lakes Orthodontics

Dr. Poggio and our entire orthodontic staff at Otay Lakes Orthodontics extend our best wishes to you, our patients and referring doctors, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together with you in the creation of your or your child's ideal smile, and would like to know: what are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any photos or stories to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody.

Ask Dr. Poggio: Do germs really live on toothbrushes?

Great question! Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Valeria Poggio 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!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Otay Lakes Orthodontics at our Chula Vista office if you have any questions or ask Dr. Poggio on Facebook. Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Veteran's Day from Dr. Poggio and Otay Lakes Orthodontics

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans and those currently on active duty who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

In celebration of Veteran's Day, Dr. Valeria Poggio and our team would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump

-When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).

-Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania

Dr. Poggio at the Salt Creek Elementary's Fall Festival

Dr. Poggio and team had a great time at Salt Creek Elementary's Fall Festival last Friday. What a great turnout! It was awesome chatting with all our existing patients and we enjoyed making new friends.

Also, with November already here, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before we forget about the spooky month that was, we’d like to know: what are you up to this month? Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we’d love to hear all about it on our Facebook page!

The 411 on Halloween treats, from Dr. Poggio & Otay Lakes Orthodontics

For parents in Chula Vista worried about kids going overboard on candies, 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 braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This 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 can ruin enamel.

In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends softer treats, 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. Poggio as soon as possible.

So what's a parent to do?

As Halloween draws nearer, try to limit the amount of these candies that your child eats, and when your child does eat them, either have him or her rinse their mouth with water afterward or have them drink some milk or eat a slice of cheese.

Hope this helps! Happy Halloween!

Love your smile? Then we invite you to review Otay Lakes Orthodontics on Google!

Serving the Eastlake area of Chula Vista, orthodontist Dr. Valeria Poggio and our team are dedicated to excellence in child and adult orthodontics. Our goal is to provide our patients and their families with personalized care, exceptional service, and amazing results.

Whether you have visited our office for a week or for years, we'd love to hear your feedback about Dr. Poggio and Otay Lakes Orthodontics! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us on our Google page. It only takes a moment!

You may share your story here.

Thank you and have a great rest of the week!

"I'm 45 - I'm probably too old for braces, right?"

Nope - absolutely not! At Otay Lakes Orthodontics, no one is "too old" for braces. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. In fact, one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21 and - not only that - but Dr. Poggio and our staff recently read a statistic that the number of adults getting orthodontic treatment has actually jumped 24 percent since 1996!

Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: folks in Chula Vista and everywhere else want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely—to invest in orthodontics.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Poggio would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call at (619) 482-2412 to set one up!

Ask Dr. Poggio: Why are regular checkups so important?

Dr. Poggio wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly 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 office, of course).

Yes, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. But this month also marks National Dental Hygiene Month, which is why it can be a great time for a checkup, which can help you maintain good oral health, especially during your orthodontic treatment at Otay Lakes Orthodontics.

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. Poggio and we will provide a few great references in Chula Vista or nearby communities!

At Otay Lakes Orthodontics, October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

Would you believe we're almost in October? Dr. Poggio and our staff know October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists - or AAO- 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. Poggio and our staff definitely recommend you check out the AAO's website for information about keeping your braces in tip-top shape. Also please feel free to give us a call at (619) 482-2412, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Poggio during your visit!

Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe this Halloween season!

Dr. Valeria Poggio, helping you save face this fall

Last week, Dr. Poggio and our staff discussed the importance of wearing your retainer after completing your treatment at Otay Lakes Orthodontics. Today, however, we thought we'd talk about another important appliance you should always have handy: your mouth guard.

The fall months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of our athletes in treatment damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Chula Vista orthodontist Dr. Poggio for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing fall sports such as soccer, basketball and especially football.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field:

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

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment!

The importance of retainers

If you recently completed treatment at Otay Lakes Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, we will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers 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 is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

Orthodontist Chula Vista CA - The Pozo Family's Experience

Watch this video to learn about the Pozo Family's experience at our Chula Vista orthodontic practice, Otay Lakes Orthodontics. Check out our web site to learn more about Dr. Poggio & Team!

The Gonzalez Family's Experience

Learn about the entire Gonzalez Family's experience at our Chula Vista orthodontic practice, Otay Lakes Orthodontics. Check out our web site to learn more about Dr. Poggio & Team!

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Poggio for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for us to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Otay Lakes Orthodontics in Chula Vista, CA to schedule an appointment.

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Poggio.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Otay Lakes Orthodontics a call today!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Otay Lakes Orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Poggio and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light 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 here at Otay Lakes Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Otay Lakes Orthodontics, supporting Moms for Mouth Guards

Hey, Moms! Have you signed the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge?

Here at Otay Lakes Orthodontics, we care about your pearly whites, and we want to help keep you protected from sports injuries that can be damaging to your beautiful smile. As a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontics have introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Dr. Poggio will tell you that mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey and basketball, just to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their children’s smile from facial injuries.

We’ve discussed the importance of using facial protection in the past. Today, we thought we’d invite moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Have a safe week everyone!

Kids getting braces at a younger age

Dr. Poggio 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 us to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

What’s on your summer reading list?

With summer in full swing, some of us at Otay Lakes Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Ask Dr. Poggio: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Poggio will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Orthodontics Creates a Life Changing Experience for One Patient in Chula Vista, CA

Jessica recently had her braces removed at Otay Lakes Orthodontics, and is in the process of completing her orthodontic treatment with us. She describes the life changing effect her treatment has had, and how glad she was for choosing to improve her smile with Dr. Poggio. She explains that orthodontics don't just change your outward appearance, but has an effect on your self confidence too. On completing treatment, Jessica describes that she is "still me, but a better me!"

How have orthodontics changed your life? leave a comment!

Congratulations to Adam for Getting His Braces Off!

In this video, Adam explains that braces took some getting used to, but he enjoyed coming to the office, and was pleased with the expertise and respect of the staff at Otay Lakes Orthodontics in Chula Vista, CA.

Happy Fourth of July!

What’s so special about an orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Poggio started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Poggio decided she wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So she stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Kathy Describes Her Experience with Dr. Poggio and Our Team

Watch as Kathy describes her and her daughter's experience with Dr. Poggio and our team in Chula Vista, CA. Would you like to make a video testimonial? Ask us at your next appointment, we always love your feedback!

Have a great weekend,

-The Otay Lakes Orthodontics Team

Helping Patients with Special Needs, a Parent Testimonial

Working with patients with special needs is an important part of our mission here at Otay Lakes Orthodontics. Take a look at this story, written by the mother of two of our patients, about their experience with Dr. Poggio and the team.

Our sons are twin boys with autism. Because they have anxiety in new situations as well as sensory issues, I decided to approach our referral to Dr. Poggio as I do all new situations with our boys - calmly and with caution. It was important to us to not only have an orthodontist that was highly skilled, but also one whom we felt our entire family could communicate with effectively. I felt it was necessary for us to take this one step at a time. I was very pleased that there was no pressure after Dr. Poggio's initial evaluation. While there were signs that orthodontic care was needed, Dr. Poggio was waiting for the right time to begin. While she continued to monitor Adam and David's progress, she and her staff built rapport with our sons. It was vital that Adam and David felt at ease in her office prior to the start of treatment. Dr. Poggio and her entire staff insured that this was so. I am grateful for the way Adam and David see all the staff as friends and am amazed at how well they have tolerated each phase of their treatment.

Prior to the start of treatment, Dr. Poggio clearly explained to me and to Adam and David, the steps involved. I was particularly pleased with the information about the Damon System Dr. Poggio uses, as it lessons treatment time and discomfort. This was especially important for Adam and David. Every aspect of our visits has gone well. The office is an ideal location for us, close to our home and the boys school. The staff provided all the assistance we needed to finance the treatment and always did their best to schedule visits at a time that worked with our family routines. Although as a parent, I have needed to assist our sons with various aspects of their orthodontic care, for the most part, Dr. Poggio and her staff have taken most of that burden off of me by explaining things directly to our sons. Adam and David like Dr. Poggio and her staff so much, that they want to do a good job in caring for their braces. One of my favorite items in the office is the glass shadow box that has actual candies and various forbidden food items encased inside. Once our sons saw that, I didn't have to be the bearer of the NO list - it was already done for me.

We have already referred one family to Dr. Poggio and I would not hesitate to refer any one to her practice. I not only believe Adam and David's smile and dental health has been vastly improved, but their confidence and self-discipline as well. I don't think you could find a friendlier or more pleasant and professional atmosphere than you will find at Otay Lakes Orthodontics.


~Helen B.

Why the Damon® System?

Something big is happening in the orthodontics world, and it’s no other than Damon braces, which allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces. With the Damon System, achieving that perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.


Here’s why Damon® is better:
With the new Damon braces, we can achieve terrific results and finish your treatment faster. Depending on your case, this may mean saving many months of treatment! After analyzing your specific needs, we will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will have you smiling soon! Because Damon braces are very precise and effective, we can reduce the need for many of the time-consuming and complicated procedures that are used with traditional braces. Because Damon braces work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, your appointments will be faster and fewer in number. Due to the unique design of this new braces system, we can move your teeth into their correct positions with much less discomfort than traditional braces. Also, Damon braces are small, very comfortable, and easy to keep clean.

Dr. Poggio is a certified Damon System provider. To learn more about the Damon System or your treatment here at Otay Lakes Orthodontics, please give us a call.

The Otay Lakes 2010 Summer Referral Contest

At Otay Lakes Orthodontics, Dr. Poggio and the team consider referrals from our patients to be the highest compliment we could receive. So every summer, we hold our Summer Referral Contest, This year, we are asking all our patients to refer a friend or a family member to our office for a chance to win the grand prize: a Flip video camera! Please be sure to have your friend or family member mention their name during their appointment.

The contest runs all summer long, so tell all your friends and family!

Ask Otay Lakes Orthodontics: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Chula Vista orthodontist Dr. Poggio and our 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 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!

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 consultation. Dr. Poggio can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Poggio's passion for Orthodontics brought her to San Diego in 1994, to receive specialized Orthodontic training at the Lawrence F. Andrews Foundation for Orthodontic Education and Research. After years of professional training at the Foundation and subsequently at the University of Detroit-Mercy, Dr. Poggio's love for San Diego led her to return to the area to open her Orthodontic practice, serving the Eastlake community.

Dr. Poggio graduated from the University of Buenos Aires, School of Dentistry in 1991. She moved to San Diego to become a resident at the Lawrence F. Andrews Foundation for Orthodontic Education and Research, where she further developed her passion for orthodontics. During her three years at the Foundation, Dr. Poggio was exposed not only to patient care but also participated in teaching courses and conducting research projects regarding the goals of an optimal orthodontic treatment.

Seeking to further specialize in orthodontics, Dr. Poggio went on to complete an additional two years of postgraduate training at the University of Detroit-Mercy, where she earned her Certificate in Orthodontics and Masters of Science degrees in 1999. Dr. Poggio's education is ongoing and she attends numerous continuing education courses yearly. This allows her to utilize the most advanced techniques and technology in the treatment of her patients.

In addition to practicing orthodontics, Dr. Poggio enjoys dancing tango, music, the outdoors, and traveling — especially to Argentina to visit friends and family.