When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary? -- Dr. Ray Partovy

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Partovy, give us a call.

Great Deals on Veneers, Invisalign, and Lumineers from Dr. Ray Partovy

At Dr. Ray Partovy's Office, we understand how important a beautiful smile is. And we want to help you get there. Not only do we provide state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry services in our luxurious Marina del Rey and Tarzana locations, but right now we are offering three monthly specials.

For the months of March, April, and May, we are offering the following great discounts:

$500 off Invisalign
$500 off Lumineers
$500 off Veneers

Get that smile you have always dreamed of before Summer rolls around from Dr. Ray Partovy.

Share Your Movie Star Status With Friends And Family -- Dr. Partovy

When you’re an Invisalign® patient at Dr. Ray Partovy's office, your teeth star in their very own movie – and you can share the fun with family and friends!

Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, nearly invisible, comfortable, removable Aligners. Aligners are created with the help of advanced computer imaging technology.

At our office, these computer images of your teeth are compiled into an animated movie that shows how your teeth will move from crooked to straight over the course of your treatment! It’s like a little glimpse into the future of your perfect smile.

You can log in to our web site anytime to see your very own movie – and with the click of a button, you can email your movie to friends and family to show them how great your teeth will look after your Invisalign treatment!

If you haven’t signed up for this free online service yet, ask us about it during your next visit to Dr. Partovy's office!

Show Me Your Smile -- Dr. Ray Partovy

Pointy tools. X-rays. Chairs that lift you off the ground.

For a child not familiar with the dentist, that first visit can be a whirlwind of one scary situation after another. If your little one’s first appointment is coming up, do him – and yourself – a favor, and give him a guided tour of what to expect, before he gets to our office.

“Show Me Your Smile!” is book number eleven in the Dora the Explorer series. True to form, the plucky protagonist provides a thorough explanation of everything involved in a dental visit. From the waiting room, to the bright lights and big chairs of the treatment bay, to the heavy apron she wears for her x-ray, Dora points out each component of the office and explains its function.

Dora even walks us through the procedure of getting a filling after her dentist finds a cavity on her x-ray. She gets a sticker and new toothbrush at the end of her appointment. And she reminds us that regular brushing and flossing mean healthier teeth.

If you prepare your child for his first trip to our office – or let Dora do it for you – he’ll have a much more positive experience. The more he trusts us and enjoys his time here at Dr. Ray Partovy's office, the more easily he’ll embark on a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits.

Bruxism: Are you Grinding Your Teeth--Dr. Partovy, Marina Del Ray

You’ve probably read about “gnashing of the teeth.” Authors from Mark Twain to Charles Dickens to the scribes of biblical times have referenced this popular idiom for an expression of extreme anger. But if you find yourself or a family member gnashing or grinding teeth, the more likely culprit is not anger, but stress.

The medical term for teeth grinding or clenching is “bruxism,” a word that comes from the Greek “brychein” which means “to gnash the teeth.” Although there’s not a firm consensus in the medical community regarding the exact causes of bruxism, it is widely thought that stress is a contributing factor in many cases.

Because bruxism frequently takes place during sleep, it can be tricky to identify the problem. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms. If you suspect that you or a family member is experiencing bruxism, schedule an appointment with us immediately. Because continuous teeth grinding can cause long-term damage, the sooner it’s addressed, the better.

Signs of bruxism include:

* Sensitivity in the teeth
* Tightness or pain in the jaw
* Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
* Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth
* Night grinding that is loud enough to disturb the sleep of those nearby


Adults and children alike are prone to teeth grinding, although in young children the habit tends to be age-related – bruxism can coincide with the arrival of new teeth – and in most cases is simply outgrown.

For children and adults suffering from bruxism, seek out signs of stress and take steps to alleviate anxiety, especially just before bedtime. Stretching exercises and massage, especially in the jaw area, can help. You can also try holding a warm washcloth or heated rice sack against the jaw to relieve tension.

Other ways to manage bruxism include:

* Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
* Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
* Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
* Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
* When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit


Although slight cases of bruxism don’t cause permanent damage, severe or long-term moderate cases can result in chipped teeth, worn enamel, and chronic pain. Bruxism can also lead to or worsen temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMJ). If someone in your family is experiencing bruxism, schedule a visit to our office right away. We can check for damage, determine the severity of the situation, and recommend methods of managing the problem – before long-term damage occurs.

Dr. Partovy Patient Reviews

Dr. Partovy and his staff pride themselves on providing the latest in dental care for a truly personalized experience. Just see what their patients are saying!Dr. Partovy cares about his work and the patients.
-Bill S.

Everyone at Maxella Dental is professional and explains things to you in a manner you can understand.
-Margaret H.

Dr. Baum is polite, courteous, professional, and instills a sense of trust, honesty, and commitment to quality service.
-James V.

The personal care and consideration given to me by each person in the office makes it a great dental experience.
-Robert C.

Dr. Partovy and his staff get me in quickly.
-Kathryn N.

Gummy Tummy - Dr. Ray Partovy

We know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from Dr. Ray Partovy!