Our Blog

Dr. Kathleen Tavarez and team understand not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at Tavarez Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about our Menlo Park or San Carlos offices that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Dr. Tavarez herself?

Let us know by posting on our Facebook or by giving us a call!

Ask us, and our staff at Tavarez Orthodontics will always tell you that braces are cool, hip and pretty fun nowadays. In fact, new technologies such as Invisalign and invisible ceramic braces, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Serena Williams and Dakota Fanning, to name a few—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s kids.

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.

Has your child visited Tavarez Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let Dr. Kathleen Tavarez help you or your child begin the journey to a beautiful new smile this summer!

Dr. Kathleen Tavarez and team want to know: is dairy a big part of your overall diet? If not, it probably should be. A 2008 study revealed that regular consumption of dairy, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected in studies to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and, of course, osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite and sip, you are preserving your teeth for great oral health and a lifetime of smiles!

For more information about the importance of including dairy foods in your diet or gum disease, we invite you to give us a call at either or San Carlos or Menlo Park office. Have a great weekend!

At Tavarez Orthodontics, we know that braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! In fact, Dr. Kathleen Tavarez will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best outcome in your treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action to address it early can spare a lot of treatment - and expense - down the road.

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