Emergency care with Dr. Poggio & Otay Lakes Orthodontics

At Otay Lakes Orthodontics, we know true orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our Chula Vista orthodontic office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We'll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with Dr. Poggio or our team. When working with your appliances, you need to know the names of the parts of your appliances so you are able to identify what part is broken or out of place. After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions in your treatment plan. Click here for instructions or give us a call to learn more! We hope you're off to a great Halloween season!

"Dentists, Orthodontists ... What's the Difference?"

"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 at Otay Lakes Orthodontics to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

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

Would you believe we're already 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 week and stay safe this Halloween season!

Back to school with Dr. Poggio

Now that many of the schools are back in session, Dr. Poggio would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports and family duties to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Otay Lakes Orthodontics this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients’ busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you’re unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

We’ll see you soon and hope summer is winding down nicely for all our patients!

More than a day off from school, from Dr. Poggio

Tomorrow, the nation will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a thinker, leader and civil rights champion. In the 1950s and ’60s, 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, tens of thousands of people of all ages and races in Chula Vista, greater San Diego and across 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 on Monday? 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. Poggio and our entire team at Otay Lakes Orthodontics are proud of all our patients, families and colleagues who continue to make a difference in our community!

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!

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!

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!