orthodontist North Charleston SC

At our office, we know image can be 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, help 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 consultation at our office. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation?

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

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Last Sunday marked Earth Day, so today we thought we would discuss some of the things we do to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Our office is digitalized, which means we can operate without the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials. The information in our office can be sent and processed digitally, which is also more efficient. We take all of the steps possible to be a 'green' office, making us better for the planet and more convenient for our patients.

We would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or post on our Facebook page!

The number one goal of orthodontic treatment is to give you or your child a good bite, meaning straight teeth that work well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to eat, chew and speak. It can enhance your dental health and your overall health, and may well improve your self-esteem. As a part of your comprehensive dental health care plan, orthodontic treatment can help you retain you teeth—and your smile—for a lifetime.

Let your smile express yourself! Nothing can show the world how happy you are quite like a beautiful smile. In fact, it’s one of the first things others notice about you, too. With orthodontics, you can be proud to flash your smile, because you’ll know that your smile truly represents your positive attitude.

Make your mouth healthy! Straight teeth aren’t just pretty, they’re healthy as well. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, reducing the amount of plaque buildup and risk for gingivitis. The cleaner you keep your teeth, the longer they’ll last!

Feel free to live your life! Orthodontics is easier today than ever before, with treatment options that fit your lifestyle and schedule. From clear braces to removable aligners and totally invisible lingual (behind the teeth) braces, we can personalize your treatment to suit all your needs.

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. Nirenblatt.

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 Nirenblatt Orthodontics a call.

At Nirenblatt Orthodontics, we strive to provide our patients with only the best in orthodontic care in a comfortable, friendly and informative office. Today we took some time to answer questions about what patients can expect when they start treatment at our office.

Do you take the time to explain options to your patients, and what each procedure entails?
Yes, we always make time to explain everything that is going on.

Do you partner with your patients other dental professionals to make sure they receive superior treatment?
Yes, we stay very close in contact with our patients' other dental professionals to ensure the best treatment possible.

Do you use state of the art technology to make procedures more efficient and cause less discomfort?
Yes, we have the latest technology possible to make our patients' treatments more understandable and as comfortable as possible. Such as, videos for all procedures, whether it be a more of a severe case like extractions needed or an easy case like elastic wear. We make it as easy to understand for our patients as we can.

Do you offer extras like wireless Internet access, coffee or snacks?
We do not provide Internet access at this time, but are thinking of providing it in the future. We do, however, supply lots of goodies at our snack bar and always have the coffee on and ready to go.

Do you have incentive programs to help your patients stay motivated about good oral health?
We sure do! We have a Smile Tokens Reward Program, which means that every time our patients come in for their appointments and have good oral hygeine, wear their Nirenblatt Orthodontics t-shirts, are wearing their elastics according to treatment plan, etc...they will receive up to 2 or 3 smile tokens per appointment and are able to cash them in at anytime to receive one of our many prizes! But, that's not all! We are in the process of getting a NEW and MORE EXCITING rewards program. So stay tuned for more information on the new and upcoming rewards program!!

Do you do anything that you feel sets you apart from other doctors in the area?
Yes, we offer NO down payments and some interest free monthly payments!

If you have any questions about our practice, or would like to schedule a consultation, give us a call today!

Nirenblatt Orthodontics, serving North Charleston and the surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Nirenblatt and team!

"Amazing
The initial visit far exceeded our expectations. The staff was very friendly. The level of service was unbelievable. We were given a break down analysis of everything and left the office feeling knowledgeable. This office raises the bar compared to other offices that we visited. Outstanding job, guys!"
-- Robert R.

"Relieved Dad
My daughter had braces for two years from another orthdontist. i took her to Dr. N. He did the intial exam and then gave me her treatment requirements. Not only did she have crooked teeth, she also had a mandibular prognatism. She just had her braces removed a week ago and Lauren has a beautiful smile and her prognatism is virtually non existant. An excellent Dr. and staff!"
-- Lauren A.

"Great Service
Everyone is always very friendly everytime we go in for an appt. We never have to wait long and treatment is always explained. I recommend them to all of my family and friends."
-- Austin

"I just finish my treatment and i would like to say thank you and that i rarely had any problems during the whole thing..i'm glad i came here an i recommend them to anybody."
-- Myjah W.

"Third child
I would recommend Dr. Nirenblatt to anyone who is seeking orthodontic work. If I did not believe in his work, I would not be bringing my thrid child to him for braces. The whole office is very professional and will answer any questions you may have. I have never had any problems with his work and respect him and his knowledge as an Orthodontist."
-- Carly S.

Thank you for all of the kind words! If you have any questions about our practice or your orthodontic treatment, give us a call or ask us on Facebook.

Dr. Bradley Nirenblatt of Nirenblatt Orthodontics is proud to sponsor the News 2 Cool School Program! News 2 and Dr. Nirenblatt are excited to congratulate Beech Hill Elementary on receiving the Cool School Award.

According to an article from News 2:

"The school met AYP three years in a row, and rated excellent on the state report card. Beech Hill Elementary is a Palmetto Gold Award winning school, and has nearly forty business partners, and has nearly thirty Wednesday Early Release Day clubs, including service, sign language, and juggling clubs."

Congratulations Beech Hill Elementary!

Dr. Bradley Nirenblatt and our team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Nirenblatt Orthodontics, serving Charleston, SC and the surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Tuesday!

"Awesome Group of People
Thank you for all your help"
-- Shavon

"Starting Adult Braces
I am just starting Invisalign braces. The staff has been very pleasant, helpful in answering questions, going over what to expect good or bad. I had another ortho consult and they wanted a down payment of $1,200 for the Invisalign braces which I could not afford. I would have had the traditional braces because of the cost. Thanks to Dr. N. I can have almost invisible braces and in a shorter time."
-- Amy

"More Friendly Than I Expected
I was so thrilled yet nervous about my consultation with Dr. Nirenblatt, but as soon as I walked through the door and realized how friendly everyone was, it calmed me down! Everything about my appointment was awesome, from the time I walked in to the time I walked out. Everyone I came in contact with was very professional and helpful. Charline was very thorough when it came to the treatment as well as the financing for my treatment. She was also very patient and understanding when it came to my 2 year old daughter not wanting to listen! Dr. Nirenblatt and his team have me sold, and I'd recommend this orthodontist to anyone!"
-- Shakira

"Wonderful Staff
Dr. N and his staff are very wonderful people! It was my first visit but they made me feel like I was part of the extended family for a long time. Looking forward to seeing them more often during my treatment! Thanks guys!"
-- Nikki S.

"This Office Rocks!
I was very pleased with my treatment at Dr. Nirenblatt's office. He and his staff are very professional and knowledgeable. They explained each step as I was getting my braces and provided excellent after-care instructions. I am very excited about future visits as I embark on this journey towards my "perfect" smile. :-D"
-- Kecia

"Amazing
The initial visit far exceeded our expectations. The staff was very friendly. The level of service was unbelievable. We were given a break down analysis of everything and left the office feeling knowledgeable. This office raises the bar compared to other offices that we visited. Outstanding job, guys!"
-- Robert R.

Thank you for all of your kind words!

Nirenblatt Orthodontics, serving North Charleston and the surrounding areas, strives to provide exceptional treatment in an informative and friendly environment. Have you had a great experience at our office?

Share your story with the world!

Just select the "Review Us on Google Places" button above to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,

The team at Nirenblatt Orthodontics

Dr. Bradley Nirenblatt and his team are always available to answer your questions about your teeth and orthodontic treatment. We strive to provide our patients with quality care in a warm, family-friendly environment.

We also recognize that the most important questions are our responsibility to answer. Some of the questions that we hear in the office include:

-- Is it going to hurt?
-- Am I getting a shot?
-- How long will this take?
-- How much longer will I be in treatment?
-- Do I have to wear retainers?
-- How long do I wear retainers?

We also encourage you to ask us:

-- How is my oral hygiene?
-- Am I wearing my rubber bands enough?
-- If I wear retainers all the time, will it help my teeth from shifting in the future?
-- After treatment is over, will my teeth ever shift again?
-- Will I have to wear my retainers forever?

The next time to you have an appointment with us at Nirenblatt Orthodontics, please let us know if you have any questions. We want your orthodontic experience to be informative and comfortable.

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2011 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2012? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from Nirenblatt Orthodontics!

At Nirenblatt Orthodontics, we know maintaining a healthy diet over the holiday season can prove a difficult task. After all, who can resist the tasty treats of Christmas? With grandma and everybody else offering you candy, chocolate logs or Christmas pudding, you just can’t say “I’ll pass” each time. But trouble lurks: every time you chow down on that chocolate or candy, the bacteria in your mouth have a feast on the sugar—at your expense. The sugar turns into acid, and the acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth and between your braces. Then, you start getting cavities.

Instead, try fudgy cocoa bites, marvelous molasses cookies, wonderful waffles or other braces-friendly recipes, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman.

If you must indulge in chocolaty goodness this Christmas or holiday season, remember to brush your teeth after eating sugary treats. Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Happy Holidays!

Whether you just began your orthodontic treatment at Nirenblatt Orthodontics and have a follow-up question for Dr. Bradley Nirenblatt or team, or if you’d simply like to drop us a quick line, we’d love to hear from you! We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook page.

Please visit Dr. Nirenblatt and our team on the following networks:

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Twitter

See you online!

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

We also want to extend a special "Thank You" to all of our military families and to those who are serving in our armed forces overseas and at home. We are so thankful for your service. Our office wishes you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Congratulations to Dr. Bradley Nirenblatt for being a Talk of the Town Winner in the "Orthodontists" category! Our team at Nirenblatt Orthodontics loves working with Dr. Nirenblatt to create new, healthy smiles in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

See you at your next appointment!

There are a variety of foods Dr. Bradley Nirenblatt wants you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should avoid include:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Also, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give Nirenblatt Orthodontics a call or ask our staff during your next visit.

Nirenblatt Orthodontics is excited to announce that we will be participating in the Warm Feet Happy Hearts donation program. It is a ministry dedicated to providing socks to children so that their feet are warm and their hearts are happy this winter. We will have a donation box available at our North Charleston office, but we will be accepting sock donations for those in need at either location.

Donations of packages of new socks (all sizes) are gladly accepted and appreciated. To learn more about Warm Feet Happy Hearts, visit their website. Last year the program collected 5,184 pairs of socks!

Thank you in advance for helping us support this wonderful cause!

Some people ask why Dr. Bradley Nirenblatt and our team work so hard 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 having straight teeth can also keep them healthier? In fact, straight teeth collect less plaque which make them less prone to decay and easier to keep clean! Flossing and other good dental health habits are also much easier when teeth are straight. With straight teeth leading to better oral hygiene, you are increasing your odds of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give Nirenblatt Orthodontics a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Nirenblatt can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Bradley Nirenblatt was recently named an Invisalign Premier Preferred Provider, one of the few in South Carolina! He is also one of the few Invisalign Teen experienced orthodontists.

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

Also, Invisalign Teen and Radio Disney have teamed up for the Straight Up Celebration Sweepstakes! The Grand Prize is a trip for 4 to the Radio Disney Holiday Concert in Celebration, FL December 8-11. The winner will receive: Four roundtrip flights, four VIP tickets, first class hotel accommodations, and ground transportation! To enter and see the other prizes, visit the Invisalign website. Enter for your chance to win by November 6th!

If you have been considering the Invisalign or Invisalign Teen treatments, give our office a call!

"Today’s orthodontists have numerous types of brackets and prescriptions from which to choose. Our choice depends on what product we feel works best in our hands and will give us the best results for our patients. On the business side of our practices, we want a bracket that is reasonably priced, made of high quality materials, efficient in that it requires fewer appointments and is easy to finish cases with.

I was first exposed to Tip Edge brackets during my residency at Columbia University in 1990 and for more than 10 years, I have chosen the Tip Edge Plus bracket to meet these stringent requirements. Because of its small, single-wing design the Plus Bracket System has plenty of inter-bracket width, allowing engagement of crowded teeth early on and easily in treatment.

Because of its unique propeller design, the Plus Brackets allow me to begin correction of my patients’ malocclusion using light, two-ounce elastics from the day my patients get banded. Whether patients present with a Class II, Class III, deep bite, or open bite I begin correcting from day one when they are in the most motivated to see change happen. Rapid and early correction occurs because the Plus Bracket allows the tooth to tip in the direction I want, giving me greater control over the final outcome.

One of the nicest things about using the Plus Bracket is the elimination of most bite jumpers, use of strong Class II elastics and headgear to correct Class II malocclusions. From a patient’s standpoint, this is one less bulky and awkward device they need to keep in their mouths or keep up with. Proper dental hygiene is also much easier to achieve without bulky appliances and hygienists from referring offices are much happier when they see my patients maintaining proper oral hygiene. The elimination of these appliances reduces overhead, is more comfortable for the patient and simplifies day-to-day practice operations allowing us to see more patients with fewer appointments. Also, emergency visits are reduced when fewer appliances are used. It’s a win-win situation for both patient and doctor as we see lower overhead and they spend less time in the chair."

To learn more about Tip-Edge Brackets, contact us at Nirenblatt Orthodontics, or ask Dr. Nirenblatt during your next appointment! Take a look at the Tip-Edge Brackets before and after photos from our office below:

Before:

After:

Nirenblatt Orthodontics is a proud sponsor of this year's Paws at the Park!

Date: October 15, 2011
Where: Park Circle in North Charleston
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

This year there will be a fun walk, games, food, live music and activities for pets and their families. The event will also feature local animal experts and veterinarians who will be on hand to answer questions related to animal health. Be sure to check out the variety of educational exhibits with many different animals, vendors from all around the Lowcountry, and lots of treats for animals and their owners.

"This one day festival will raise money to save countless animals lives, help feed and provide medical care for hundreds of animals, provide a day for education and family togetherness, and bring the community together toward a common cause."

To learn more about the event and how you can donate, visit the website of the Charleston Animal Society. We look forward to seeing you there!

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Nirenblatt Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• 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, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment at Nirenblatt Orthodontics. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist and orthodontist's office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!