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.