What’s the difference between a Dentist and 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. Brad Gottsegen started out in dental school and earned a dental degree, just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Gottsegen decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he 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 Gottsegen Orthodontics to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

We hope you're off to a great week!

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!

Do germs really live on your toothbrush? Dr. Gottsegen explains

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.

September is Self-Improvement Month, from Gottsegen Orthodontics

These days, Americans everywhere are putting greater emphasis on health, fitness and self-improvement, and more people are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. September happens to be Self-Improvement Month, and our team at Gottsegen Orthodontics know that orthodontic treatment is an investment in self-improvement that will reap benefits for a lifetime. And, recent advances in orthodontia, such as Invisalign and more effective brackets and wires, now make orthodontic treatment more palatable for many interested in obtaining that beautiful smile.

Not only does orthodontic treatment give you that beautiful smile, it can also benefit your dental and general health. If teeth are poorly aligned, removing plaque and tartar by brushing and flossing alone may be difficult. A poor bite may result in fractured or excessively worn tooth surfaces, and the extra stress caused by a poor bite may even result in problems with your jaw joints.

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

See you soon!

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: Do germs really 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.

Connect with Dr. Gottsegen 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!

- Dr. Brad and team

Back to school with Dr. Gottsegen

Now that many of the schools in the New Orleans area are back in session, Dr. Gottsegen 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 Gottsegen 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!

Are you visiting the dentist during your orthodontic treatment?

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).

Summer makes for a great time for a checkup, which can help you maintain good oral health during the school year, 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!

Tell Dr. Gottsegen about your summer!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for Dr. Gottsegen and our staff to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited our nation’s capitol, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in New Orleans and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients at Gottsegen Orthodontics!

We look forward to reading all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Smile Week at Gottsegen Orthodontics

It’s National Smile Week, and a GREAT time to remind our patients at Gottsegen Orthodontics to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining during your orthodontic treatment!

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

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

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

- Dr. Gottsegen and team

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: What, exactly, are cavities?

Dr. Gottsegen and team know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist – especially during their orthodontic treatment – is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly are cavities and how do they happen? 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 general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities at home:

• 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/drink

• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months – or as recommended – for a teeth cleaning and check-up

If you don’t have a general dentist, Dr. Gottsegen would be glad to provide a few recommendations in our area!

We hope you’re having a great summer!

Does Dr. Gottsegen have your current contact info?

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

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

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: How often will I be seen during orthodontic treatment?

Thank you for the question. Treatment time and length always depends on the severity of the situation, but the appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see Dr. Gottsegen at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which typically takes 15-20 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, our polite and helpful front office staff will make every conceivable attempt to schedule your visits in a way that comfortably fits into your busy lives.

Please understand, however, that no orthodontist can successfully see his or her entire practice each day outside of the hours from 8 A.M. until 3 P.M. Therefore (this relates primarily to patients of school-age), it is inevitable that, from time to time, some attempt will be made to schedule an appointment during a non-critical school hour so that treatment can proceed efficiently and without needless delays.

Obviously, some give-and-take is required on the part of both our staff and parents. We will be more than happy do our part. We invite you to schedule your first visit at our New Orleans Office at 504-266-0136 or our Metairie Office at 504-208-1263.

See you soon!

Dr. Gottsegen, helping you save face this summer

Isn't summer great? The summer months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it’s important that you consult Dr. Brad Gottsegen for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, basketball and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Gottsegen is trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Gottsegen. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Gottsegen will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

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 with Dr. Gottsegen.

See you soon! Happy summer!

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

America turns 235 years old today! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers - past and present - who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.

Our team at Gottsegen Orthodontics would like to know: what are your plans for the 4th of July? Are you out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear all about it.

We hope you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.

Share your summer adventures with us!

It’s summer here at Gottsegen Orthodontics, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you've been to a barbecue, gone on a camping trip, hit the great American open roads with family or just had fun in the sun, Dr. Gottsegen and our team want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer!

We also encourage you to post any photos to our Facebook wall!

Happy and safe travels,

Dr. Gottsegen and team

Dr. Gottsegen and team proudly offer complimentary consultations!

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, we take full advantage of the latest scientific advances to move teeth more rapidly, and, at the same time, more safely and painlessly than ever before. Our expert and friendly orthodontic staff are excited to meet you and treat your orthodontic needs.

Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our outgoing, dedicated team work extra hard every day to provide patients with top quality care in a comfortable, inviting, family-friendly environment.

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

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call at one of our offices in New Orleans or Metairie.

See you soon!

- Dr. Brad and the team at Gottsegen Orthodontics

Love your smile? Tell the world ALL ABOUT IT!

Has your experience at Dr. Gottsegen's office been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?

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 week! We look forward to reading your reviews!

Smile! June marks National Smile Month!

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 your week everyone!

What’s on your reading list this summer?

With school almost out and summer only weeks away, some of us at Gottsegen Orthodontics have been thinking increasingly about the importance of reading.

Sure it’s easier to go play ball or kick back and watch television this summer, but our team will tell you that summer reading is a key step in being prepared for classes in the fall, as well as maintaining your skill level. Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (as well as Dr. Gottsegen would be happy to provide a few titles. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out this list of 19 books to bring to the beach this summer.

We also invite you to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorite books on our Facebook page!

Happy reading!

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: When should my child come in for a consultation?

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.

What's your story? What made you choose Gottsegen Orthodontics?

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 rest of the week!

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, we know image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a free consultation to our convenient offices in New Orleans or Metairie. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation with Dr. Gottsegen?

We invite you to give us a call to schedule a consultation or ask us on Facebook!

Have a great Mother's Day weekend!

Cool kids get braces with Gottsegen Orthodontics!

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign and SmartClip, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Gottsegen, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Gottsegen Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Dr. Gottsegen & team, dispelling the myths about orthodontics

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.

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: What's the deal with retainers?

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: “I’m 29 – 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!

Play it safe this spring, from Dr. Gottsegen

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it’s important that you consult Dr. Brad Gottsegen for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Gottsegen. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Gottsegen will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

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 with Dr. Gottsegen.

See you soon!

How important is your smile? From Dr. Gottsegen

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, we are dedicated to using the most advanced orthodontic technology in order to provide comfortable, accurate, customized orthodontic treatments. Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our talented staff have been creating beautiful smiles in New Orleans and Metairie for years.

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

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

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

Give us a call to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Gottsegen!

How will YOUR new smile look after orthodontic treatment?

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, we know it's sometimes difficult to believe or imagine the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment at our New Orleans or Metairie offices. Dr. Gottsegen and team love to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Gottsegen, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists has recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles”, which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment.

Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call Gottsegen Orthodontics to get started on improving your smile today!

Have a great weekend everyone! We hope you had a fun St. Patty's Day!

When should you call Dr. Gottsegen?

Great question - Dr. Gottsegen's friends 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!

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 your weekend,

- Dr. Brad and team

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, we know our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys.

In the latest installment of the Braces Brigade blog, Mary K. shares a few tips for those getting ready to undergo orthodontic treatment. We strongly encourage you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call or ask us on Facebook if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Gottsegen!

Have a great holiday weekend!

Complimentary Consultations at Gottsegen Orthodontics

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, we take full advantage of the latest scientific advances to move teeth more rapidly, and, at the same time, more safely and painlessly than ever before. Our expert and friendly orthodontic staff are excited to meet you and treat your orthodontic needs.

Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our outgoing, dedicated team work extra hard every day to provide patients with top quality care in a comfortable, inviting, family-friendly environment.

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

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call at one of our offices in New Orleans or Metairie.

See you soon!

- Dr. Brad and the team at Gottsegen Orthodontics

February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month!

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

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

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

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

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

• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing our team at Gottsegen Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

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

Love your new smile? Tell the world all about it!

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 week! We look forward to reading your reviews!

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: How often will I be seen at your office during treatment?

Great question. Treatment time and length always depends on the severity of the situation, but the appointment when you get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes from one to two hours. You'll then see Dr. Gottsegen at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which typically takes 15-20 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, our polite and helpful front office staff will make every conceivable attempt to schedule your visits in a way that comfortably fits into your busy lives.

Please understand, however, that no orthodontist can successfully see his or her entire practice each day outside of the hours from 8 A.M. until 3 P.M. Therefore (this relates primarily to patients of school-age), it is inevitable that, from time to time, some attempt will be made to schedule an appointment during a non-critical school hour so that treatment can proceed efficiently and without needless delays.

Obviously, some give-and-take is required on the part of both our staff and parents. We will be more than happy do our part. We invite you to schedule your first visit at our
New Orleans Office at 504-266-0136 our our Metairie Office: 504-208-1263.

See you soon!

From Dr. Gottsegen and our staff: GO SAINTS!

The Saints take on the Seahawks tonight in a playoff game in Seattle in a bid for their second consecutive trip to the Super Bowl, and all of us at Gottsegen Orthodontics would like to say "GO SAINTS!!!!!"

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

At Gottsegen Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Gottsegen Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call at our Tampa or Valrico office if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Gottsegen!

Happy New Year!