COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES IN OUR OFFICE
Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.
Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe.
Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. We do this to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to each agencies’ recommendations.
You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example:
1. Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.
2. At the time of scheduling, we will screen patients for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and exposure to anyone with a COVID-19 infection. You will be asked those same questions again when you are in our office.
3. We will kindly ask you to remain in your vehicle until it is time for you to come to your appointment.
4. We will perform temperature checks upon arrival and anyone with a temperature of 100.4°F or above cannot be seen.
5. We ask that all patients come to their appointments alone; only caretakers or a minor patient’s parent are permitted to accompany patients into our office.
6.We require that all patients, and those that must accompany them to our office, wear a mask or a cloth face covering.
7. We provide hand sanitizer in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed. We will ask you to use it when you enter our office.
8. We will require that patients stand at least 6 feet apart during check in / check out and while in the reception area.
9. Our reception area will no longer offer magazines, books or newspapers since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.
10. Our appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. This means that for now you will be offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment. We will also do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, and to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.
We are looking forward to welcoming you again in our practice! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Welcome to our office
FREE VIRTUAL CONSULTATION
A healthy, confident smile opens every door. Your smile is one of your most appealing assets. Our goal at Ortho Oasis is to help you obtain the perfect, winning smile that will last a lifetime.
We know how important it is to make your road to a beautiful smile as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. So we treat our patients with the utmost care while providing all the time your treatment requires. We don’t believe in overbooking or rushing. Our team is dedicated to delivering the best possible personalized service in our beautiful and relaxing office.
Remember: it’s never too late, or too early, to get straighter teeth and better bite. Our patients range from 7 to 77 years old.
Why wait another day? Call our offices to schedule a consultation today.
Latest Techniques
We offer many types of aesthetic treatments from low profile metal braces to lingual and functional appliances or clear aligners and Invisalign.
FREE VIRTUAL CONSULTATION
Contact us to request a free virtual consultation with Dr. Brooks. You can also elect to send us photos to get a free evaluation and, in that case, we will email you with instructions on how to proceed.
Our goal at Ortho Oasis is to help you obtain the perfect, winning smile that will last a lifetime. A healthy, confident smile opens every door. Your smile is one of your most appealing assets.
We know how important it is to make your road to a beautiful smile as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. So we treat our patients with the utmost care while providing all the time your treatment requires. We don’t believe in overbooking or rushing. Our team is dedicated to delivering the best possible personalized service in our beautiful and relaxing office.
Remember: it’s never too late, or too early, to get straighter teeth and better bite. Our patients range from 7 to 77 years old.
Why wait another day? Call our offices to schedule a consultation today.
Services
- Preventive Orthodontics
- Orthodontics for Children
- Orthodontics for Adults
- Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Dental Sleep Medicine
- Emergency Care
7 to 77+
It’s never too late, or too early, to get straighter teeth and a better bite. Our patients range from 7 to 77 years old.
Types of Braces
There are various types of braces available to choose from. Read below to find out the various types available today but make sure to talk to one of our orthodontic professional to find out which braces are the right fit for you. Call or make an appointment today for a consultation.
The type of braces you get depends on a number of factors:
- The severity of your condition
- The recommendation of your orthodontist How much you are willing to pay
- How long you will be in braces
- Your own personal preference
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are made of very strong materials and are very similar to metal braces. The brackets are tooth colored and are nearly as strong as metal and can be used to treat nearly all of the same cases.
Ceramic braces are a solution for adults who are looking for orthodontic solutions that blend in with the teeth and aren’t as evident as metal braces. Patients also report less irritation of the gums when compared to metal braces.
The ligatures (tiny rubber bands) that hold the arch wire on to the ceramic brackets are often white or clear. One downside to having ceramic braces is that the ligatures stain over time and can become more noticeable.
Treatment is usually more expensive than metal braces and it can take a bit longer. Schedule a consultation to find out if Ceramic braces are your orthodontic solution.
Invisalign
Invisalign is another treatment option for people who seek unobtrusive orthodontic treatment. Instead of brackets bonded to the tooth, dental treatment is mapped out through a series of plastic dental trays designed to move the teeth in incremental movements over weeks. The clear, plastic trays are virtually invisible and are difficult to detect. With Invisalign there is no irritation to the gums and they can be removed for aesthetic reasons over small periods of time.Invisalign is a solution for patients who are not in need of severe orthodontic treatment and is not a solution for everyone. In some cases, patients may require additional treatment if they have more dental malocclusions. Please schedule a consultation today if you want to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign.
Metal Braces
Metal brackets are made of metal brackets along with an elastic rubber band called a ligature to hold the wire onto the bracket. These types of braces are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. They also tend to be the most inexpensive and can treat the most severe cases. Metal braces also tend to have the least amount of treatment time when compared with other orthodontic solutions.
Some of the drawback to having metal braces is that they cause irritation to the cheeks and gum but patients often adjust to the feelings after a few weeks. Metal braces are a solution to nearly all patients who need braces. Schedule an appointment with our orthodontist to find out more about metal braces today.
Self-ligating
Self-ligating braces are metal braces without the elastic ligature. Using a “trap door” technology, the brackets allow the wire to slide back and forth resulting in fewer adjustments and less appointments. Schedule a consultation to find out if self-ligating braces are right for you.
Lingual Braces
With Lingual Braces, the brackets are placed behind the teeth and are virtually invisible to others and are most commonly made of metal.Patients report irritation to the tongue along with an initial adjustment to speaking. Lingual braces may not be for patients in need of severe orthodontic treatment. Schedule a consultation to find out if lingual braces are your orthodontic solution.
Meet Dr. Brooks
Dr. Rafaele Desire Brooks, D.D.S
Lisez cette section en français.
Dr. Rafaele Desire Brooks studied dentistry at the University of René Descartes in Paris, France, one of the most elite and prestigious universities in Europe. Upon graduating at the top of her class she then completed a rigorous three and-a-half years post-graduate program in orthodontics and dento-facial orthopedics (C.E.C.S.M.O) and became a certified specialist in orthodontics in France.
Prior to graduation as a standout student she received a scholarship to learn lingual orthodontic techniques first hand from its Beverly Hills inventor. The scholarship culminated with her co-authoring the first ever manual on the subject of Lingual Orthodontics which has become the basis for all operational manuals.
She then moved to Los Angeles where she continued her dental studies at UCLA and Loma Linda on route to obtaining her California dental certification in 1994.
Dr. Brooks continues to stay at the forefront of the dental and orthodontic profession through continuing education courses in orthodontics. She remains a main contributor in lingual orthodontics. She has been creating straight and beautiful smiles in Greater Los Angeles for more than 20 years, as a dentist limiting her practice to orthodontics exclusively. She continually strives to educate herself in the latest and newest orthodontics techniques.
Our Staff
Dr. Brooks, and her staff are skillful, experienced professionals with years of success in caring for patients like you and your families. Our friendly and competent staff is dedicated to patient comfort, and quality care. We provide the best, and latest, in dental technology and treatment options. Our personalized treatment approach and focus on detail brings about successful results every day. We provide gentle, family-oriented dental care to the adults, and children, of this community. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment sterilization techniques, and remain current with best practices available to dentists. In addition to orthodontic dentistry, we work with specialists in Periodontics (gum diseases), Implant dentistry, and Endodontics (root canal treatments), as well as other specialists in their related fields. Our team emphasizes comprehensive quality care and preventive dentistry. We simply care about your well being.
We look forward to welcoming you to our dental family.
Rafaele Désiré Brooks, DDS
OrthoOasis@gmail.com • (310) 906-8363
10635 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Rafaele Désiré Brooks, DDS
OrthoOasis@gmail.com
(310) 906-8363
10635 Santa Monica Boulevard,
Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What type of service does Ortho Oasis offer?
- Preventive Orthodontics
- Orthodontics for Children
- Adult Orthodontics
- Emergency Care
Do you take dental insurance?
We accept most insurance plans.We also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans. Please call our office to make an appointment and we will answer any questions you may have.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, ATM cards, cash, and personal checks. For our patients’ convenience we have arranged a payment plan through a third party, which helps our patients receive their treatment in a timely manner.
When should my child begin treatment?
The right time for an Orthodontic check-up is no later than 7 years of age, but we can evaulate and treat your child regardless of the age at time of first treatment.
Is it too late for me to get treatment?
We have sussufully treated paitients in all stages of their life. Call us for a consultation and treatment plan.
What to watch for in growing children?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
Read the full report here.
Post-Operative Instructions
Every retainer, appliance or set of braces is specially designed for each patient to ensure proper fit. Even so, the newness will often result in a adjustment period. If you have difficulty speaking, speak slowly, until your tongue becomes accustomed to the addition.
Pain can occur when orthodontic treatment first begins. Muscle and tooth soreness can last for 24-48 hours. During any sore periods of time, a soft diet, with food cut into small bites can help alleviate pain. White wax is available to pinch off and place on a sharp arch wire, bracket or band and will protect the irritated cheek or gum tissue. For serious pain and discomfort, call our office to ask any questions or schedule an appointment.
Post-Operative Care
- You may experience some pressure and discomfort on your teeth.
- Be gentle with braces and avoid chewing hard and/or sticky food.
- Brushing and flossing around braces is sometimes challenging and time consuming, but very important.
- Call our office if you have any questions.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear “aligners” are produced. Each “aligner” moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then is replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign is clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
Invisalign is comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires as with braces to cause mouth irritation, and no metal or wires means you spend less time in the doctor’s chair getting adjustments.
Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
What are aligners made of?
Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.
What do aligners look like?
Aligners are clear and look similar to tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”
Is this a new way to straighten teeth?
For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology and custom manufacturing, Invisalign treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.
How old is the company?
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997. Since then, Align has manufactured over 10 million aligners and 250,000 patients have received treatment.
How old is this technology?
In 1945, Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Technology has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align crafted Invisalign®, a series of customized clear appliances called “aligners.” Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.
How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?
Worldwide, almost 250,000 patients have been treated with Invisalign. The number grows daily.
Do doctors need special training in order to use Invisalign?
While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, specific training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend training before cases will be accepted from their office. Close to 30,000 orthodontists and dentists worldwide are certified to use Invisalign.
How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?
Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign aligners move teeth through appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.
Has the FDA cleared Invisalign?
Yes, the FDA has reviewed our application and in August 1998 determined that Invisalign is exempt from 510(k) pre-market notification.
What is Invisalign Express?
Invisalign Express is an orthodontic treatment designed to correct mild orthodontic problems such as minor crowding and spacing. Since it’s designed for mild problems only, treatment time is generally less than six months. Ask your Invisalign certified doctor for more information on this new treatment.
Contact us:
Rafaele Desiré Brooks, DDS
OrthoOasis@gmail.com • (310) 906-8363
10635 Santa Monica Blvd, Ste. 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025
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