What is your New Year's Resolution?

2010 is almost over—and what a year it was! Dr. Gottsegen and our staff thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in New Orleans, Metairie and surrounding areas.

See you in 2011!

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

Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our team at Gottsegen Orthodontics know sports-related injuries are common among kids nowadays. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. Another 67 percent admitted their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when playing sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer.

That’s why the team Gottsegen Orthodontics is doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—we'll recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Remind them to:

• 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. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our office in New Orleans or Metairie. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues.

December featured patient reviews!

Check out what a few of our dear patients at Gottsegen Orthodontics are saying about our office! In the pursuit of the highest possible standards of orthodontic care, we utilize the most "state-of-the-art" appliances on the market today at our offices in New Orleans and Metairie. Most excitingly, we take full advantage of the latest scientific advances in metals research which permits us to move teeth more rapidly, and, at the same time, more safely and painlessly than ever before.

"Dr. Gottsegen is extremely professional and capable yet very down to earth. I am a big fan of the support technicians. They are always so upbeat and display a real team approach." ~ Cynthia J.

"Dr. Gottsegen is thoroughly professional, his staff is lovely, and the results are superior. On top of all that, my kids love him! Highly recommended!" ~ Helmsman

"Very, very friendly, professional, organized, facility is immaculately clean,the staff is super nice and very professional, they get you IN/OUT in a flash, the whole organization is well run! Dr. Brad counsels his patients with honesty -- he wasn't quick to put braces on my older son until he was ready for them...which other orthodontist would have taken the money regardless. He's very thorough and is always in a good mood." ~ Inez G.

Invisalign treatment at Gottsegen Orthodontics: How, exactly, does it work? [Video]

We talked a bit about Invisalign a bit in a July post, and thought we'd share with you a helpful video that walks you through the process of Invisalign a bit "clearer."

The Invisalign system at Gottsegen Orthodontics is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our offices in New Orleans and Metairie.

Here's how it works: You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Gottsegen has prescribed. You'll visit our office about once every 6 weeks (on average) to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

If you've been wanting to straighten your teeth but are unsure about going through traditional orthodontic treatment, please give us a call to learn if Invisalign is the right option for you!

Enjoy the rest of the week everybody!

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, quick and easy access to your account information

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that Dr. Gottsegen offers, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in New Orleans and Metairie.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home, which is especially helpful during the holidays! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can 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 or ask Dr. Gottsegen on Facebook!

Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Brad and Gottsegen Orthodontics

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season knocking at our door, Dr. Gottsegen and our entire staff at Gottsegen Orthodontics wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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

What helps you relax at Gottsegen Orthodontics?

Dr. Gottsegen and our team understand not everyone is always thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we want you to know that at our convenient New Orleans and Metairie offices, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit.

So, we’d like to know: What is it about Gottsegen Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Gottsegen himself?

Let us know by posting on our Facebook page! Enjoy your weekend!

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: Do cold germs live on toothbrushes?

Good question. With fall season upon us, so is the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our professional staff at Gottsegen Orthodontics 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 give us a call or ask us on Facebook.

Violette Gets Her Braces On!

Violette came to the office of Dr. Brad Gottsegen yesterday to have her braces put on. In this candid interview, Violette expresses her concerns prior to beginning her treatment, and tells us how it all went after it was over. Thanks, Violette, for sharing this with us!

In the pursuit of the highest possible standards of orthodontic care, Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our team utilize the most "state-of-the-art" appliances on the market today. Schedule your first visit by giving us a call today!

Gottsegen orthodontics says REPEAT DAT!!!

Congrats to the Saints on a hard-nosed victory against the Steelers last night! (Photo courtesy NFL/Yahoo.com)

What's the deal with Halloween candies & treats? From Gottsegen Orthodontics

We get it. Many parents in New Orleans and Metairie are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend, sugar and other sweets, and for them, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our team will tell you that 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 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, 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 Gottsegen Orthodontics as soon as possible.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween! See you next week!

How is Dr. Gottsegen doing? Let us know!

Whether you have visited our New Orleans or Metairie office for a week or for years, we'd love to hear your feedback about Dr. Brad and Gottsegen 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 can review us here.

Thank you and have a great rest of the week!

Straight talk with Dr. Gottsegen

Some people wonder why Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our staff at Gottsegen Orthodontics 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 Gottsegen Orthodontics 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 at our convenient offices in New Orleans and Metairie. Dr. Gottsegen can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Questions? Give us a call at 504-895-4841 or ask us on Facebook!

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

Dr. Brad Gottsegen wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If your answer happens to be yes, we think 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 New Orleans or Metairie offices, of course).

Yes, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. But did you know October is also National Dental Hygiene Month? It can be a great time for a checkup, which can help you maintain good oral health, especially while you're wearing braces.

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 and we will provide a few great references in New Orleans, Metairie or surrounding areas!

Enjoy your weekend!

Dr. Brad & Gottsegen Orthodontics, supporting National Orthodontic Health Month!

We hope you're having a great Friday!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have included 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. Brad Gottsegen 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, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Brad during your visit at our convenient New Orleans or Metairie office!

Have a great weekend!

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: What is TMJ therapy?

TMJ is an acronym that we at Gottsegen Orthodontics use to describe the temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint. This joint is one of the most complicated in the body, and, in fact, is the only joint in the body capable of both rotary and sliding function (ginglimo-arthrodial). TMD, or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints, is one of the most common problems we face in today's high-stress environment. These problems are commonly related to painful spasms of the muscles that act upon the joints and/or to structural changes within the joints themselves. Symptoms of TMD can range from pain in the facial and neck musculature to popping and/or locking of the jaw joint.

While treatment of such conditions can often be challenging and multifaceted, we take pride in our long-established success rate in helping people get out of chronic pain and suffering. Our goal in these cases is to create a new reality that is infinitely more tolerable, if not 100% pain-free. In all but the most severe cases, this can be achieved on a conservative, non-surgical basis. We would be happy to evaluate you for these problems to ascertain your individual likelihood for successful therapeutic intervention.

Our staff invites you to take the TMJ survey to see if you require treatment. Please print both sheets, fill them out, and mail them to our office or bring them with you to
your consultation appointment at one of our offices in New Orleans and Metairie.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dr. Brad Gottsegen, helping you understand cavities

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, we know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit their general dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist here in New Orleans or Metairie, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Brad Gottsegen:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat or drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

If you don't have a general dentist, let Dr. Brad or our staff know, and we can provide a few references!

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

It's almost fall, which means back to school time for most of our patients at Gottsegen Orthodontics. Today, we wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading.

In addition to textbooks, it's always great to pick up a great novel or a comic book. Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR fall reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites?

Out of ideas for great fall reads? Ask us for suggestions, and Dr. Gottsegen and staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian in New Orleans or Metairie for some ideas ...or check out these fall reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Borders.

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

When should you call Gottsegen Orthodontics?

We hope you're off to a good week! Our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Brad Gottsegen for an appointment. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

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? If so, please give us a call as soon as possible!

Dr. Brad Gottsegen presents: Fun facts!

Most of our patients at Gottsegen Orthodontics love fun facts - LOVE THEM, in fact. After all, who doesn't? But what about orthodontic fun facts? The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our team thought you would enjoy. Have a great rest of the weekend & a wonderful rest of the summer!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Connect with Gottsegen Orthodontics on Facebook!

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients in New Orleans, Metairie and surrounding communities. Even if you only see Dr. Gottsegen for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

We invite you to “like” us at Facebook.com/GottsegenOrtho. We share office news and updates on our Fan Page, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook and enjoy the rest of your week,

- Dr. Brad and staff

Are you wearing your mouth guard this summer?

Summer is here for another six weeks, and our staff at Gottsegen Orthodontics thought this weekend would be a great time to remind all our young athletes in treatment to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in sports - especially contact sports - this summer.

Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you're in for a visit with Dr. Gottsegen, we encourage you to ask us for a mouth guard! In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists has five quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• 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

We hope you're enjoying your summer, and invite you all to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

Share your experience at Gottsegen Orthodontics with the world!

In the pursuit of the highest possible standards of orthodontic care, we utilize the most "state-of-the-art" appliances on the market today. Most excitingly, our staff at Gottsegen Orthodontics take full advantage of the latest scientific advances in metals research which permits us to move teeth more rapidly, and, at the same time, more safely and painlessly than ever before.

Whether you've visited our office for weeks or months, we'd love to hear your feedback about Dr. Gottsegen and our team on our Google Local page. It only takes a moment!

You may write a review here for our New Orleans office or here for our Metairie location.

Thank you in advance and have a great weekend! We look forward to reading your reviews!

Seven, the magic number

Many parents in New Orleans, Metairie and surrounding communities believe they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Gottsegen Orthodontics, only to find that treatment would have been much simpler if started much earlier. It's important to know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

"Ok," you're thinking, "what, exactly is soooo special about age seven?" Well, by then, enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Brad Gottsegen to make a determination about whether any problems are present. Also, by then, the first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite.”

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For most kids, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age seven, please give us a call to schedule an orthodontic consultation.

Hope you're enjoying the weekend!

Tell Dr. Brad and team: what are your summer plans?

It's summertime here at Gottsegen Orthodontics, and that means a full season of adventures, vacations and great memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're headed to a family barbecue, an exotic destination, a camping trip, a baseball game, or just having fun in the sun this summer, Dr. Brad Gottsegen and team want to hear about it! Share your plans and experiences on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along, and be sure to post your vacation photos on our wall!

Happy (and safe) travels,

Dr. Brad and team

Invisalign treatment at Gottsegen Orthodontics: How does it work?

Perhaps you've been wondering what Invisalign treatment at Gottsegen Orthodontics is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? You might have wondered: Will Invisalign slur my speech? Will people know I'm in treatment? Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our staff will tell you that you're not alone in your concerns! Today, we thought we’d take a moment and discuss these clear aligners today.

If you've qualified for Invisalign at our office, you'll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week, month by month — until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Gottsegen has prescribed. You'll visit our office in New Orleans or Metairie about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time with Dr. Gottsegen getting adjustments.

Dr. Gottsegen is a certified Invisalign provider, and would love to have you come in for a consultation. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at Gottsegen Orthodontics, please give us a call!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone!

Gottsegen Orthodontics, wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

For many of our patients at Gottsegen Orthodontics, the Fourth of July is a day of fireworks, picnics, playing at the lake or spending quality time with family. Most people recognize Independence Day as a time to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. It's also a time to honor all our soldiers - past and present - who continue to place themselves in danger every day around the world so that we may enjoy our freedoms.

What about you? What are your Fourth of July plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the open road with family? Are you planning on using fireworks? (If you are, please be careful!).

Share your July 4th adventures with us on our Facebook page! We even encourage you to post your photos! Have a FANTASTIC weekend everyone!

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: "I'm almost 40 - am I too old for braces?"

Absolutely not.

In fact, our staff at Gottsegen Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic recently: the number of adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent since 1996! It's true that braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people 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. Treatment with New Orleans and Metairie orthodontist Dr. Brad Gottsegen can be successful at any age, and we know that adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful and healthy smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Gottsegen would love to have you visit for a consultation! Please give us a call to set one up!

Have a GREAT rest of the weekend!

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, easy access your account any day, any time

Did you know all our patients at Gottsegen Orthodontics have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week - all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You may sign up for this convenient service known as Ortho Sesame on our website by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call at our convenient locations in New Orleans or Metairie if you have any questions about getting started with Ortho Sesame!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and Happy Father's Day to all the dads who come to our office!

June is National Smile Month! From Gottsegen Orthodontics

With June - also known as National Smile Month - officially upon us, New Orleans and Metairie orthodontist Dr. Brad Gottsegen and team today this might be a good time to remind all of our amazing patients to practice good oral hygiene between your regular visits to our office.

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

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss everyday to thoroughly clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Gottsegen.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart or as recommended).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at either of our two convenient locations. Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!

Dr. Gottsegen and team want to know: What should we blog about this summer?

As the summer approaches, our staff at Gottsegen Orthodontics strive to continue blogging about important topics related to orthodontics and your treatment with New Orleans and Metairie orthodontist Dr. Brad Gottsegen.

To help us continue blogging through the course of the summer, however, we'd like your opinion: What would you like us to focus on our blog over the summer? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Gottsegen for a while and just haven't found the time or opportunity? Give us your ideas by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you have a great rest of the day! Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: Are any of those rumors about braces true?

You can trust us when we say Dr. Brad Gottsegen is well-aware that there are many, many myths and half-truths flying around these days regarding braces and orthodontic treatment. But before you buy into those myths, Dr. Gottsegen and our entire team think you should get the facts first! Our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts about braces, and we would like you to check them out!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment at Gottsegen Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call at one of our two convenient locations in New Orleans and Metairie.

We hope you're enjoying your Memorial Day!

The importance of retainers, from Gottsegen Orthodontics

If you've recently completed treatment at Gottsegen Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you again! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Brad Gottsegen will provide—or has provided you—with retainers.

After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Our staff, however, will tell you that 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 by Dr. Gottsegen is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Gottsegen, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call at 504-895-4841!

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: Who benefits from orthodontic treatment?

Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our team will always tell you that braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers! 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 to Dr. Gottsegen, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, not to worry! At Gottsegen Orthodontics, you’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Gottsegen and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Have a great week!

What are patients saying about Gottsegen Orthodontics?

Last week, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about your experience at Gottsegen Orthodontics. Well, we received some pretty generous reviews, and thought we’d share a couple with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Brad Gottsegen and team love getting patient testimonials!

"His knowledge and consciousness about what the patient is going through, especially when the patient is wearing braces." ~ Julio V.

"That he gave Jamie an incredibly beautiful smile that she gets compliments on daily and that Emily's smile will be just as beautiful in a few weeks. Also that he is easy to talk to and always approachable." ~ Vickie S.

What do you love about Gottsegen Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Gottsegen Orthodontics, our professional team strives to provide you with superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.

In the pursuit of the highest possible standards of orthodontic care, we utilize the most "state-of-the-art" appliances on the market today. Most excitingly, we take full advantage of the latest scientific advances in metals research which permits us to move teeth more rapidly, and, at the same time, more safely and painlessly than ever before.

Today, we thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Gottsegen? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your smile?

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!

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. G. Bradley (Brad) Gottsegen was born in Philadelphia, PA, during his father’s orthodontic residency in that city. He attended the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, and went on to graduate, in 1985, from Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT. Dr. Gottsegen attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, where he graduated in 1989 with a B.A. in Economics. He followed this degree with 2 years of additional study at the University of New Orleans in a core science curriculum.

He then attended the LSU School of Dentistry, finishing with high academic honors in 1995, and was selected by the faculty as the Outstanding Member of the Graduating Class. He was elected to the C. Edmund Kells Honor Society as well as the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. His outstanding record earned him admittance to the Residency Program in Orthodontics at LSU, from which he graduated in 1997, and upon which he immediately entered private practice with his father. He is licensed to practice dentistry and orthodontics in the states of Louisiana and Colorado.

Dr. Gottsegen strives to stay on the cutting edge of orthodontic technology, with current emphasis on digital radiography, self-ligating appliance therapy, soft-tissue laser systems, and orthodontic microimplantology. Dr. Gottsegen is currrently President-Elect of the Louisiana Association of Orthodontists. He will serve as President of the organization for the 2010-11 term.

Dr. Gottsegen and his wife, Dr. Leslie Parro Gottsegen (who is a general dentist in private practice in New Orleans) are proud parents of three children, Lexie, Andrew and Will. In his spare time, Dr. Gottsegen is a professionally active musician, and also enjoys exercise, coaching his children’s athletic teams, photography, and boating.