# Stormberg Orthodontics > Orthodontic Care in La Mesa, CA --- ## Pages - [My Teacher ROCKS!](https://orthosandiego.com/my-teacher-rocks/): TO NOMINATE YOUR TEACHER Fill out the required information below and click submit! Then your teacher will be nominated! - [Sitemap](https://orthosandiego.com/sitemap/): XML Sitemap - [Privacy Policy](https://orthosandiego.com/privacy-policy/): Last updated: April 12, 2024 This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of... - [Instructions](https://orthosandiego.com/patient-info/instructions/): MARA Orthodontic Separator Pendex Expander Instructions Invisalign Instructions Elastics Power How Long Do You Wear an Invisalign Retainer OrthoDefense Splint... - [Types of Braces](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/types-of-braces/): Learn About the Different Types of Braces At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want to help you get the smile that you... - [Before and After Photos](https://orthosandiego.com/patient-info/before-and-after-photos/): Crossbite Crowding Openbite Overbite Spacing Underbite - [Our Mission and Policies](https://orthosandiego.com/what-sets-us-apart/our-mission-and-policies/): Our Vision: San Diego Orthodontics For All Ages When you choose Stormberg Orthodontics, you can rest easy in knowing that... - [Doctor Referral](https://orthosandiego.com/location/doctor-referral/) - [Refer a Friend](https://orthosandiego.com/location/refer-a-friend/) - [Common Problems](https://orthosandiego.com/patient-info/common-problems/): Common Orthodontic Problems & Solutions At Stormberg Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves a beautiful, healthy smile they feel proud... - [Emergencies](https://orthosandiego.com/patient-info/emergencies/): Orthodontic Emergencies At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want to provide our patients with beautiful, straight smiles, and our team understands that... - [New to the Area?](https://orthosandiego.com/patient-info/orthodontic-transfers/): Your San Diego Orthodontist Dr. Stormberg and our highly trained team, work hard to design specialized treatment plans that are... - [Invisalign® Cost](https://orthosandiego.com/pricing-insurance/invisalign-cost/): Affordable Invisalign Treatment If you’ve been putting off improving your smile, then it’s time to move yourself up to the... - [Community](https://orthosandiego.com/what-sets-us-apart/community/) - [Jaw Surgery](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/jaw-surgery/): An Overview of Jaw Surgery During your initial examination at Stormberg Orthodontics, Dr. Stormberg will perform the initial examination, which... - [iTero Scanner](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/itero-scanner/): Learn About the iTero Scanner At Stormberg Orthodontics, we’re committed to using the latest methods and technology to ensure our... - [Rapid Palatal Expander](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/rapid-palatal-expander/): Why is a Palatal Expander Important? Teeth in the upper jaw can become crowded if there is not enough space... - [Parts of Braces](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/parts-of-braces/): What Are the Different Parts of Braces? Dr. Stormberg strives to provide the best treatment for each patient based on... - [Brace Color Chooser](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/brace-color-chooser/): Learn About Our Brace Color Chooser At Stormberg Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide orthodontic treatment to patients in La Mesa,... - [Retainer](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/retainer/): Taking the Next Step At Stormberg Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on giving our patients beautiful, healthy smiles that last a... - [College Student Treatments](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/college-student-treatments/): Orthodontic Treatment Options Orthodontic treatment can be truly transformative at any age, and the health and confidence boosts are priceless.... - [Invisalign® in La Mesa, CA](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/invisalign/) - [Adolescent Treatment](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/adolescent-treatments/): Orthodontic Options for Your Teen By using advanced orthodontic technology and creating an individualized treatment plan, catered to the specific... - [Observation Program](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/observation-program/): Orthodontics for Kids in La Mesa, El Cajon, & San Diego One of the most common things parents ask us... - [Early Treatment](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/early-treatments/): Kids Orthodontics in La Mesa, El Cajon, & San Diego County Dr. Stormberg and our dedicated team of orthodontic specialists... - [Reviews](https://orthosandiego.com/leave-a-review/) - [Patient Info](https://orthosandiego.com/patient-info/) - [Pricing & Insurance](https://orthosandiego.com/pricing-insurance/) - [Location](https://orthosandiego.com/location/) - [Blog](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/): hhh - [First Visit](https://orthosandiego.com/patient-info/first-visit/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://orthosandiego.com/patient-info/faq/) - [Services](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/) - [Adult Treatments](https://orthosandiego.com/treatments/adult-treatments/): Orthodontic Care for Adults in La Mesa & El Cajon We’re proud to serve patients of all ages in La... - [What Sets Us Apart](https://orthosandiego.com/what-sets-us-apart/) - [Contact us](https://orthosandiego.com/contact-us/) - [Home](https://orthosandiego.com/) --- ## Posts - [Stormberg Orthodontics Scholarships](https://orthosandiego.com/scholarships/kurt-stormberg-scholarships/): Stormberg Orthodontics awards $1,000. 00 scholarships each year to graduating seniors, who are current or former patients of Dr. Kurt... - [Happy Holidays from Stormberg Orthodontics](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/happy-holidays-from-stormberg-orthodontics/): Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all! - [Film or Essay Contest: Win a New School Backpack with Goodies](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/film-or-essay-contest-win-a-new-school-backpack-with-goodies/): Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an orthodontist? Well, now you can put those ponderings... - [2024 Stormberg Orthodontics Scholarship Winners](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/2024-kurt-stormberg-scholarship-winners/): Congratulations to the very deserving recipients of the 2024 Stormberg Orthodontics Scholarships! These students will all receive $1,000 to put... - [Will You Be One of the Recipients to Earn a $1000 Stormberg Scholarship?](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/will-you-be-one-of-the-recipients-to-earn-a-1000-stormberg-orthodontics-scholarship/): Calling all 2024 graduating seniors who are current or past patients! The deadline for the 2024 Stormberg Scholarships is April... - [Stormberg Orthodontics Proud to Support Patrick Henry High Girls’ Flag Football](https://orthosandiego.com/events/stormberg-orthodontics-proud-to-support-patrick-henry-high-girls-flag-football/): Stormberg Orthodontics is so proud of Sivan, our patient and quaterback/wide receiver for the inaugural girls flag football team at... - [The Secret to Smiling Brightly at Life’s Special Events](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/the-secret-to-smiling-brightly-at-lifes-special-events/): Some of life's most cherished ones are celebrated at weddings, reunions, graduations, milestone birthdays, and other significant milestones like retirement.... - [Stormberg Orthodontist Voted 2023 Best Orthodontist by San Diego Magazine Readers](https://orthosandiego.com/news/stormberg-orthodontist-voted-2023-best-orthodontist-by-san-diego-magazine-readers/): We are overwhelmed with gratitude as the readers of San Diego Magazine have selected Stormberg Orthodontics as the winner of... - [2023 Stormberg Scholarship Recipients](https://orthosandiego.com/scholarships/2023-kurt-stormberg-scholarship-recipients/): We are so proud to acknowledge and congratulate our finest 2023 High School Seniors! Dr. Stormberg presented the following recipients... - [Stormberg Orthodontics is Proud to be the Title Sponsor for the Lake Murray Fireworks for the 5th Year!](https://orthosandiego.com/events/stormberg-orthodontics-is-proud-to-be-the-title-sponsor-for-the-lake-murray-fireworks-for-the-5th-year/): It’s that time of year again! The San Diego Lake Murray Family Enjoying The Lake Murray Firework Show and Music... - [5 Essential Care Tips for Metal Braces](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/5-essential-care-tips-for-metal-braces/): Having a set of metal braces isn’t always easy. Not only do they require careful cleaning, but extra thought must... - [5 Tips to Speed Your Recovery After Jaw Surgery](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/adults/5-tips-to-speed-your-recovery-after-jaw-surgery/): When you have an idea of how things may happen, you may be able to remain relaxed. With Stormberg Orthodontics,... - [Braces: The Ultimate Christmas Holiday Gift](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/braces-the-ultimate-holiday-gift/): If you contact Stormberg Orthodontics for braces, you will have a thorough, professional evaluation with information regarding your personal treatment,... - [The Accuracy and Reliability of the iTero Digital Imaging Process](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/accuracy-and-reliability-of-itero-imaging-process/): iTero is a state-of-the-art digital scanner that creates a 3D model of your teeth. It helps your dentist plan your... - [Brace Colors: 5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Color of Your Braces](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/braces-colors-express-your-personality-with-color/): Are you getting braces, or maybe you have them already? Did you know you can express your personality by changing... - [Comfort Tips For Your Palatal Expander](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/kids/comfort-tips-for-your-palatal-expander/): A palatal expander can fix a variety of oral issues; this includes creating room for overcrowded teeth, widening the upper... - [6 Things To Know About Adult Orthodontic Treatment](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/adults/6-things-to-know-about-adult-orthodontic-treatment/): Many adults think that they don’t need braces, or that they’re too old to get them. That can be farther... - [2022 Stormberg Scholarship Recipients](https://orthosandiego.com/scholarships/2022-kurt-stormberg-scholarship-recipients/): We are so proud to acknowledge and congratulate our finest High School Seniors! Dr. Stormberg presented the following recipients with... - [Brace Color Chooser](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/color-chooser-for-braces/): One of our most popular treatments are traditional metal braces, which we use for patients of all ages to improve... - [Foods to Avoid](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/foods-to-avoid/): When it comes to protecting your teeth and orthodontia, common sense will usually tell you what foods and beverages to... - [Brushing & Flossing](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/brushing-flossing/): Patients often ask for the most effective way to keep their teeth healthy and vibrant for years to come. We... - [Things You Need to Know Before & After Jaw Surgery](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/adults/things-you-need-to-know-before-after-jaw-surgery/): Going into any surgery can be scary. With any oral surgery, any patient should be prepared to mentally and physically.... - [7 FAQs Every Parent Has About Invisalign](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/aligners/7-questions-every-parent-has-about-invisalign/): Invisalign is one of the most popular, innovative ways to straighten teeth, and is taking off among teenagers and adults... - [Use And Care Of Rapid Palatal Expander](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/kids/use-and-care-of-rapid-palatal-expander/): Proper care for a non-removable oral appliance, such as a palatal expander, can take some extra time. But don’t worry!... - [How to Get Your Kids Excited About Their Braces](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/how-to-get-your-kids-excited-about-their-braces/): There are a few things parents can do to get their kids excited about their upcoming orthodontic journey. Our orthodontist... - [Why Wear Retainers After Braces](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/why-wear-retainers-after-braces/): Finally getting your braces off is exciting. After a long time, you are able to see your teeth again. And... - [Why Putting Off Early Treatment or Phase I Treatment of Misaligned Teeth is a Bad Idea](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/kids/why-putting-off-early-treatment-or-phase-i-treatment-of-misaligned-teeth-is-a-bad-idea/): Misaligned teeth don’t always mess up a beautiful smile; some malocclusions can be more subtle, hidden behind other teeth, or... - [Why Retainers Are Important After Invisalign and Braces](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/why-retainers-are-important-after-invisalign-and-braces/): Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, perfecting your smile will be a multi-stage process, and your retainer will make all... - [Back to School and Back to Work with Invisalign and Braces…what to do!](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/back-to-school-and-back-to-work-with-invisalign-and-braces-what-to-do/): You've started treatment, now what to do in the real world? ! Check out information, tips, and tools to help... - [Spring Time & Braces](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/spring-time-braces/): Spring is here and now is a great time to prepare for the summer, especially since life is resuming back... - [2021 Stormberg Scholarship Recipients](https://orthosandiego.com/scholarships/2021-kurt-stormberg-scholarship-recipients/): Congratulations to our 2021 Seniors! We proudly present the following recipients of the Stormberg Scholarship. - [How Long Do You Wear an Invisalign Retainer](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/invisalign-retention/): Now that you’ve finished your Invisalign treatment and are enjoying your beautiful new smile, you may be thinking that your... - [OrthoDefense](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/orthodefense/): During your braces or Invisalign treatment at Stormberg Orthodontics, we not only provide the highest-quality orthodontic appliances, we also work... - [Final Words](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/final-words/): Some words of guidance on what comes next following treatment. - [Splint Therapy](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/splint-therapy/): Splint therapy is one of the many orthodontic services we are happy to offer at Stormberg Orthodontics. Restoring the perfect... - [Elastics Power](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/elastics-power/): Wearing rubber bands, also known as elastics, is part of what gives your orthodontic treatment the power to create a... - [Invisalign Instructions](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/invisalign-instructions/): We want to ensure that every patient is getting the most out of their orthodontic treatment and that their orthodontic... - [Expander Instructions](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/expander-instructions/): We’re so excited to partner with you on your journey to a more beautiful, healthy, and confident smile! Dr. Stormberg... - [Pendex](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/pendex/): A Pendex is a fixed orthodontic appliance that is used to expand the jaw. The metal appliance is put in... - [Orthodontic Separator](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/orthodontic-separator/): Orthodontic separators are elastic (usually blue or gray) separators or spacers that are placed in between the back teeth so... - [MARA](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/mara/): To correct a Class II malocclusion, one of the most common types of orthodontic problems, we use a MARA appliance,... - [Avoidance Therapy for Teeth Grinding](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/health/avoidance-therapy/): Dr. Stormberg also treats other dental disorders that may cause you discomfort such as teeth grinding, called Bruxism. This condition... - [Habit Reminder Instructions](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/habit-reminder-instructions/): A bad habit is sometimes something we do that we know about and have a hard time changing, but it... - [Headgear Instructions](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/headgear-instructions/): Headgear is a very important part of treatment for patients like you. Good headgear wear (12-14 hours per day) reduces... - [Bonded Fixed Wire Retainers](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/bonded-fixed-wire-retainers/): Congratulations! The major part of your orthodontic treatment is complete! Dr. Stormberg just placed a special retainer on your teeth... - [Retainer Care](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/retainer-care/): Now that you have finished active treatment and are enjoying your beautiful smile, you may be thinking your work is... - [Carriere Appliance](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/carriere-appliance/): Dr. Stormberg uses this appliance with a clear tray on the opposing arch at the beginning of the treatment, usually... - [Biteplane Instructions](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/biteplane-instructions/): A biteplane is a full time wearing appliance, used in fixing your deep overbite. Stormberg Orthodontics provides effective therapy and... - [Twin Blocks Instructions](https://orthosandiego.com/instructions/twin-blocks-instructions/): A Twin Block Functional Appliance is a two-part device worn inside the mouth to correct jaw malalignment. This device was... - [Do You Know If You Need Braces?](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/do-you-know-if-you-need-braces/): If you're wondering how to tell if you or your child needs braces or any other orthodontic treatment, we'd love... - [Happy Halloween Season & Tips for Caring For Your Teeth!](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/health/happy-halloween-season-tips-for-caring-for-your-teeth/): Our team enjoys candy just as much as the next person, but knowing what we know about the potentially harmful... - [New Covid19 Protocol Page!](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/health/new-covid19-protocol-page/): Check out our brand new COVID-19 Protocol Page, which has all the information our patients need to understand how we,... - [2020 Stormberg Scholarship Recipients](https://orthosandiego.com/scholarships/2020-kurt-stormberg-scholarship-recipients/): Congratulations To Everyone! Here Are Our Class of 2020 Stormberg Scholarship Winners - [How to Keep Your Invisalign Clean](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/aligners/how-to-keep-your-invisalign-clean/): Cleaning and caring for your Invisalign takes time and dedication to make sure your trays do their job, but also... - [How Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/health/how-oral-health-affects-your-overall-health/): Typically, most people will associate poor oral hygiene and health with dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. While... - [Dr. Kurt Stormberg, San Diego Orthodontist, Awarded With The “School of Dentistry Alumni Merit Award"](https://orthosandiego.com/news/dr-kurt-stormberg-san-diego-orthodontist-awarded-with-the-school-of-dentistry-alumni-merit-award/): On February 8th, our own La Mesa, CA board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Kurt Stormberg was honored with the School of Dentistry’s... - [2019 Stormberg Scholarship Recipients](https://orthosandiego.com/scholarships/2019-kurt-stormberg-scholarship-recipients/): Congratulations To Everyone! Here Are Our Class of 2020 Stormberg Scholarship Winners - [20th Annual Patient Appreciation Party](https://orthosandiego.com/events/20th-annual-patient-appreciation-party/): Stormberg Orthodontics is throwing our 20th annual patient appreciation party for past and current patients! Become apart of the Stormberg... - [Caring For Your Braces While You’re On Vacation](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/care-for-your-braces-while-youre-on-vacation/): While you should aim to live life to the fullest during your getaway, your braces are unfortunately one thing that... - [How Smiling Affects Your Happiness](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/health/how-smiling-affects-your-happiness/): Smiling, regardless if it occurs naturally or is forced, creates a chemical reaction that tricks your brain into feeling happier... - [Dr. Stormberg Becomes President of Pacific CSO](https://orthosandiego.com/news/dr-stormberg-becomes-president-of-pacific-cso/): We're honored to announce that Dr. Kurt Stormberg, D. D. S. , M. S. , is now the president of... - [My Invisalign App](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/adults/my-invisalign-app/): While the most popular treatment we offer is still traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a convenient, exciting alternative – and... - [Online Braces: How Reliable Are They?](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/online-braces-how-reliable-are-they/): While online braces programs will have you believe that you’re getting the same quality of orthodontic care as you would... - [The History of Invisalign](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/aligners/the-history-of-invisalign/): You probably already know about Invisalign clear aligners, but there's a history behind this revolutionary alternative to braces. So how... - [Invisalign For Special Events](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/adults/invisalign-for-special-events/): When you choose Invisalign, you’re investing in an improvement in your quality of life. The beginning of the year is... - [Upcoming Office Events At Stormberg Orthodontics](https://orthosandiego.com/events/upcoming-office-events-at-stormberg-orthodontics/): Our upcoming events are Paint Your Smile Pink, our annual October event that supports breast cancer awareness, and our Candy... - [Stormberg Orthodontics' Common Orthodontic Questions](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/stormberg-orthodontics-common-orthodontic-questions/): At Stormberg Orthodontics, it’s safe to say we love getting questions from our patients! We encourage questions throughout the treatment... - [The Importance of Orthodontic Retention](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/the-importance-of-orthodontic-retention/): Dr. Stormberg and his dedicated team love seeing patients finish their orthodontic treatment and get to see their beautiful, new... - [How To Avoid Bad Breath With Braces](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/how-to-avoid-bad-breath-with-braces/): While no one likes to talk about it, bad breath is a problem many people have. It can be especially... - [Use Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) For Orthodontic Treatment](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/adults/use-your-flexible-spending-account-fsa-for-orthodontic-treatment/): At Stormberg Orthodontics, we strive to help our patients make the best choices when it comes to orthodontics – and... - [Back To School With Braces](https://orthosandiego.com/blog/braces/back-to-school-with-braces/): Now that summer is winding down, soon the school year will begin. Before heading back to the classroom, schedule an... - [Win MLB All-Star Game Tickets](https://orthosandiego.com/events/win-mlb-all-star-game-tickets/): Do you like baseball? Do you love our beautiful Petco Park? Well don’t miss your chance to attend the 87th... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages TO NOMINATE YOUR TEACHER Fill out the required information below and click submit! Then your teacher will be nominated! "*" indicates required fields InstagramThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Your Name* First Last Your Email* Your Phone Number*Teacher you'd like to nominate* --- PagesHomeContact usWhat Sets Us ApartOur Mission and PoliciesCommunityServicesAdult TreatmentsEarly TreatmentObservation ProgramAdolescent TreatmentInvisalign® in La Mesa, CACollege Student TreatmentsRetainerJaw SurgeryBrace Color ChooserParts of BracesRapid Palatal ExpanderiTero ScannerTypes of BracesBlogPricing & InsuranceInvisalign® CostPatient InfoFrequently Asked QuestionsFirst VisitCommon ProblemsEmergenciesBefore and After PhotosNew to the Area? InstructionsLocationDoctor ReferralRefer a FriendReviewsPrivacy PolicySitemapMy Teacher ROCKS! PostsAdultsUse Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) For Orthodontic Treatment - 9 January 2017How To Avoid Bad Breath With Braces - 16 January 2017The Importance of Orthodontic Retention - 17 March 2017Stormberg Orthodontics’ Common Orthodontic Questions - 25 August 2017Invisalign For Special Events - 18 January 2018My Invisalign App - 15 May 2018Caring For Your Braces While You’re On Vacation - 28 January 2019Do You Know If You Need Braces? - 22 March 2021Back to School and Back to Work with Invisalign and Braces... what to do! - 3 August 2021Why Retainers Are Important After Invisalign and Braces - 10 August 2021Why Wear Retainers After Braces - 29 November 2021Things You Need to Know Before & After Jaw Surgery - 2 May 2022Brace Color Chooser - 24 May 20226 Things To Know About Adult Orthodontic Treatment - 1 June 2022Brace Colors: 5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Color of Your Braces - 13 August 20225 Tips to Speed Your Recovery After Jaw Surgery - 21 December 2022The Secret to Smiling Brightly at Life’s Special Events - 30 November 2023BlogBack To School With Braces - 10 August 2016Use Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) For Orthodontic Treatment - 9 January 2017How To Avoid Bad... --- Last updated: April 12, 2024 This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural. Definitions For the purposes of this Privacy Policy: Account means a unique account created for You to access our Service or parts of our Service. Business, for the purpose of the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), refers to the Company as the legal entity that collects Consumers’ personal information and determines the purposes and means of the processing of Consumers’ personal information, or on behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers’ personal information, that does business in the State of California. Company (referred to as either “the Company”, “We”, “Us” or “Our” in this Agreement) refers to Stormberg Orthodontics, 4333 Palm Ave. , Suite C, La Mesa, CA 91941. Consumer, for the purpose of the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), means a natural person who... --- MARA Orthodontic Separator Pendex Expander Instructions Invisalign Instructions Elastics Power How Long Do You Wear an Invisalign Retainer OrthoDefense Splint Therapy Avoidance Therapy for Teeth Grinding Bonded Fixed Wire Retainers Carriere Appliance Biteplane Instructions Twin Blocks Instructions Retainer Care Headgear Instructions Habit Reminder Instructions Final Words --- Learn About the Different Types of Braces At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want to help you get the smile that you love. You can join the ranks of celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Miley Cyrus who wore braces. Just consider the different types first. Metal Braces We know that you probably don’t want metal braces, but we wanted to make sure you know they are a possible option. You only need to come in every four to eight weeks and can choose from some fun colors. Some patients find not having to remove an appliance, brush and replace into your mouth is a great option. Time slips away each day and sometimes the appliances are not worn the prescribed amount of hours due to eating, snacking, and a busy schedule. Clear Aligners Clear aligners are a great alternative to metal braces. Dr. Stormberg is a Top 1% Diamond+ Provider for Invisalign® in La Mesa and has treated thousands of patients since 1998. You might even know a few people who got Invisalign® at Stormberg Orthodontics. As they easily come out, you don’t need to wear them when you eat or brush your teeth. You should keep in mind that Dr. Kurt Stormberg will give you some rules you need to follow in between your appointments, such as 20-22 hours of wear daily for optimum results. Invisalign Teen® and is also available to help teens get bright and healthy smiles without damaging their confidence. Ceramic Braces Do you worry that insurance... --- Crossbite Crowding Openbite Overbite Spacing Underbite --- Our Vision: San Diego Orthodontics For All Ages When you choose Stormberg Orthodontics, you can rest easy in knowing that each member of our dental team is extensively trained in all facets of professional orthodontic services! As a staff, we regularly conduct training sessions and attend continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest orthodontic techniques – such as Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® – so that we can provide you with the most advanced orthodontic treatments possible. Our Mission: Braces, Invisalign®, Invisalign Teen® & More Our mission at Stormberg Orthodontics is simple: Provide customized orthodontic treatment plans for each and every one of our patients! No two patients have exactly the same dental problems, as some orthodontic issues are very minor in nature, and some are quite severe. At Stormberg Orthodontics, it’s important that each patient is treated according to their individual needs! In our office, a treatment plan for each patient is tailored specifically to their unique orthodontic needs using the most advanced computer imaging programs available! Our Promise: Receive Expert Care From Your San Diego Orthodontist At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want to assure you that safety and quality are always on our minds! Our goal is to offer our patients with the best orthodontic products available, ensuring that a maximum level of safety is always maintained so that you can feel at ease during any orthodontic procedure you may need. On a daily basis, our staff provides the highest level of orthodontic treatment in an exciting and... --- "*" indicates required fields Referring Doctor's Name* First Last OfficeDoctor's Phone Number*Phone Type Office Cell Other May we call with questions? Yes No Doctor's Email Patient's InformationPatient's Name* First Last Patient's PhonePatient's Phone type Cell Home Work May we call the patient to schedule an appointment? Yes No What are your primary concerns regarding this patient? (check all that apply) Class II Class III Deep Bite Open Bite Cross Bite Excessive Overjet Crowding TMD Impacted Teeth Missing Teeth Other If "Other" selected above, please explain. Any additional dental problems? (check all that apply) Oral Surgery Periodontal Endodontic Implants No additional dental problems Are any of the following radiographs available to be sent? (check all that apply) Periapicals Panoramic Bite Wing Full Mouth Additional CommentsThe information I have given above is correct to the best of my knowledge. Date MM slash DD slash YYYY Δdocument. getElementById( "ak_js_1" ). setAttribute( "value", ( new Date ). getTime ); gform. initializeOnLoaded( function {gformInitSpinner( 2, 'https://orthosandiego. com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner. svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_2'). on('load',function{var contents = jQuery(this). contents. find('*'). html;var is_postback = contents. indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(! is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this). contents. find('#gform_wrapper_2');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this). contents. find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_2'). length > 0;var is_redirect = contents. indexOf('gformRedirect{') >= 0;var is_form = form_content. length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html'). css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body'). css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2'). html(form_content. html);if(form_content. hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2'). addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2'). removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function { /* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome */ jQuery(document). scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2'). offset. top - mt);... --- "*" indicates required fields Referer's Name* First Last Referer's Email Referred Person's Name Last Referred Person's Phone --- Common Orthodontic Problems & Solutions At Stormberg Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves a beautiful, healthy smile they feel proud to call their own. Unfortunately, most people will face some form of orthodontic problem in their lifetime. As a leading orthodontist serving the La Mesa area, we offer a diverse range of treatment options that can correct virtually any orthodontic problem. Are Misaligned Teeth a Problem? All too often, parents wait to take their child to the orthodontist because they think that a bad bite is purely a cosmetic issue or that their child will simply “grow out of it. ” Unfortunately, however, neither of these are true! Bad bites, or orthodontic malocclusions, can impair proper oral development. Left untreated, orthodontic problems can cause issues with speech, chewing, sleeping, and even breathing, and misaligned teeth can exacerbate cavity-causing dental decay. That’s why orthodontic treatment is vital for most children. Common Orthodontic Problems Each patient is different and requires a unique treatment to achieve a great smile, but malocclusions fall into a number of common categories. The most common orthodontic problems include: Spacing – When teeth are too far apart, sometimes caused by a missing tooth Overbite – When the upper front teeth extend over the lower teeth. This can cause the lower teeth to bite the roof of the mouth Underbite – When the lower front teeth extend past the upper front teeth. Crossbite – When the upper front teeth sit just inside the lower row of teeth. Crossbite malocclusions... --- Orthodontic Emergencies At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want to provide our patients with beautiful, straight smiles, and our team understands that sometimes there are bumps along the way. Mishaps happen with braces, Invisalign®, and clear braces, it’s part of the orthodontic process. In the event that something on your braces becomes loose or dislodged, please call Dr. Stormberg’s office in San Diego. We are conveniently located in La Mesa and see patients from Santee, El Cajon and all over the East County of San Diego. For any orthodontic emergency, call our office to explain the situation and we will arrange an appointment if necessary. Continue reading for tips during orthodontic emergencies! Can I Do Anything At Home To Relieve An Orthodontic Problem? Yes, you can! Many patients do not realize that there are steps you can take on your own to stabilize the problem until you are able to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stormberg. Here are a few scenarios that you may encounter and suggested actions to take: Dislodged wire: If a wire has become free and is poking the soft tissues, causing you discomfort, you can use a pencil eraser to push it down or cover the end with wax to eliminate the friction temporarily. Wax can generally be used for any part of the appliance that is causing irritation. Loose bracket or band: If the bracket comes loose, but is still attached to the wire, put some wax on it. Please call our office at your soonest availability,... --- Your San Diego Orthodontist Dr. Stormberg and our highly trained team, work hard to design specialized treatment plans that are a perfect fit for each patient’s smile, and we strive to make every visit to our office a pleasant, care-free experience. But we don’t just make orthodontic care easy – we also make it easy to transfer to or from our office. Transferring Orthodontists – Simplified We are constantly grateful to our military, and we consider it a privilege to give back by helping them achieve a beautiful smile – but we also want to make the process of switching to or from our office as easy as possible. Whether you’re transferring to or from MCAS Miramar, Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Point Loma, or Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, we’ll take the hassle out of changing orthodontists. We’ll request records from your previous orthodontist, who will notify us exactly where you are in treatment. If you have records in hand, go ahead and bring them in and we’ll put them into our system. If you’re a student starting San Diego State University (SDSU), UC San Diego (UCSD), University of San Diego (USD), Grossmont Jr. College (GCC), Cuyamaca Jr. College, San Diego City College (SDCC), or any of our local colleges, we know you’ve got enough on your mind – so let us make switching orthodontists simple. Finding a New Orthodontist Alternatively, if you’re transferring away from San Diego or moving away to enter the workforce somewhere else, we’ll help... --- Affordable Invisalign Treatment If you’ve been putting off improving your smile, then it’s time to move yourself up to the top of the “To Do” list. Dr. Stormberg has been recognized as a Diamond+ Invisalign® Provider, making him among the top 1% of Invisalign® providers in North America. So, why not choose Invisalign and all the benefits of a beautiful, new smile? Research proves the many positive effects of a confident, beautiful smile can bring to you. Straight teeth can give you the extra boost of confidence, to help you succeed personally and professionally and good overall health maintenance. How Much Does Invisalign® Cost? There are a number of aspects related to the cost of each patient’s orthodontic care. Dr. Stormberg will start by taking diagnostic records, usually a panoramic x-ray and photographs. He will review your health history, in addition to any other concerns you may have, and complete a thorough examination to decide if Invisalign is right for you. If Invisalign is the recommended treatment, he will use our iTero Scanner to create precise 3D images of your teeth, to begin designing your customized treatment plan. The cost is often very comparable to braces. The cost of treatment will depend on: The complexity of your case The length of your treatment Your insurance coverage Compliance (how diligent you are in wearing your aligners) Financial Options for Invisalign® We believe nothing should stand between you and the smile of your dreams – especially financial hurdles. That’s why we’re proud... --- An Overview of Jaw Surgery During your initial examination at Stormberg Orthodontics, Dr. Stormberg will perform the initial examination, which includes x-rays and photographs of your mouth to help determine the best course of treatment. Then, he will determine if orthodontics (braces or Invisalign®) or a combination of orthodontics and orthognathic (jaw) surgery will be necessary. You’ll find out more about jaw surgery, who qualifies, and what to expect below. What is Jaw Surgery & Where is it Performed? Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, works to correct severe bite and/or jaw bone misalignment. Jaw growth is a gradual process, and is usually completed between ages 14-16 in girls and 17-21 in boys. When the upper and lower jaw grow at differing rates, and the irregularities are too extreme to be fixed by traditional orthodontic treatment alone, surgery may be recommended. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we work closely with a number of extremely well-qualified and experienced oral surgeons all over San Diego. Private oral surgeons and insurance, Kaiser, and the Naval Medical Center of San Diego are some of the facilities and financial options available. Some surgeries can be done in-office; outpatient and other surgeries may require a short hospital stay. We’ll work with your oral surgeon to provide you with all the information you need beforehand, based on your individual needs. Who Needs Jaw Surgery? Those with improper bites or jaws may require jaw surgery, as orthodontics can only correct bite problems when the teeth are involved. These severe orthodontic... --- Learn About the iTero Scanner At Stormberg Orthodontics, we’re committed to using the latest methods and technology to ensure our patients get the most efficient and accurate treatment. In our La Mesa office, you’ll find the iTero install scanner, which provides Dr. Stormberg with precise, 3-D images of the mouth so he can create a customized treatment plan for each patient. The iTero Imaging Process Traditionally, orthodontic offices would take putty impressions of their patient’s teeth, which are uncomfortable, messy and most importantly, time consuming. However, at our office, we’ve made the patient experience much smoother, timely and comfortable with iTero digital scans. Using a digital scanner, Dr. Stromberg will take 3-D digital images of your teeth and bite, that will help him create a customized treatment plan for you. He’ll use a wand that comfortably fits into your mouth, and will scan over each tooth to capture its unique structure and shape. The iTero scanner with create a digital image of your smile, which Dr. Stormberg can show you and keep you up-to-date on your treatment progress. Benefits of iTero Over Putty Impressions The advantages of using an iTero scanner over putty impressions are plentiful. They include: Accuracy & Efficiency: Oftentimes, putty impressions can require multiple attempts to get the right impression, and are messy and uncomfortable for patients. iTero technology eliminates the need for these types of impressions and can shorten your time in the office. Customization: The more accurate your scans, the more effective your treatment. Easily... --- Why is a Palatal Expander Important? Teeth in the upper jaw can become crowded if there is not enough space in the jaw to fit all of the teeth as they come in. Expanding the palate (the roof of the mouth) is an effective way to address this problem. With the help of Dr. Stormberg, young patients can avoid many problems that result from a narrow jaw. When is a Palatal Expander Needed? This treatment is used when the upper jaw is too narrow to fit comfortably against the lower jaw; this results in a misaligned bite. Bite misalignments can cause several problems, especially for young children, including: Airway constriction Uneven wear on teeth Difficulty biting and chewing Difficulty pronouncing words and speaking clearly Crowded teeth are more difficult to clean and may develop cavities How Does a Rapid Palatal Expander Work? A rapid palatal expander is a small, delicate metal framework that fits into the top of the patient’s mouth. The two arms of the expander are attached to the inside of teeth with dental cement. This cement keeps the expander in place while it does its work. A small screw located in the center of the expander is gradually tightened over the course of treatment. It is turned with the help of a special key. A gentle pressure on the left and right sides of the upper jaw allows the palate tissues to move into the correct position. The connective tissue in the mouths of young patients is... --- What Are the Different Parts of Braces? Dr. Stormberg strives to provide the best treatment for each patient based on their unique needs. If you have crooked or crowded teeth, you may need braces. There are different types of braces available, but it helps to know the different parts of braces when choosing the one that’s best for you. Archwires The wire portion of braces is also commonly known as “archwires. ” These are the parts of braces that help to gradually shift the teeth into their proper position. Depending on the specific issues with your teeth, your La Mesa orthodontist will determine the depth of thickness you need in the archwires in your braces. Light, round, nickel titanium archwires are first used to help rotate and level the teeth. Thicker or rectangular shaped archwires are used to detail, close spaces, adjust your bite with elastics. The brackets slide along the wires and your teeth reposition into a better position. Each bracket has a specific prescription designed by Dr. Stormberg to level and align each tooth into their ideal position. Brackets Brackets are the small metal squares attached to the teeth to hold the wires of your braces in place. Depending on the type of braces you choose, they adhere to the front of the teeth. The brackets keep the archwire secure so that it can move the teeth. Brackets can be made from metal or ceramic. Usually, when they are ceramic, it’s because the patient prefers ceramic braces, which... --- Learn About Our Brace Color Chooser At Stormberg Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide orthodontic treatment to patients in La Mesa, El Cajon and other surrounding areas. We offer a variety of treatment options, giving our patients plenty of choices that align with their specific needs and personal preferences. One of our most popular treatments are traditional metal braces, which we use for patients of all ages to improve their bite and enhance their smile. Are you getting braces, or maybe you have them already? Did you know you can express your personality by changing the color of your braces? Braces can be stylish when you know what colors to wear and when. At Stormberg Orthodontics, our team of skilled team members, led by Dr. Kurt Stormberg, can offer a wide range of braces colors for you to choose from, so you can pick the ones that best suit your style. Colors are changed and fresh at every visit. Whether you want to show off your school spirit or model a new outfit, selecting the right braces color is a great way to accessorize your look. Visit us at our La Mesa orthodontic office, where Dr. Kurt Stormberg has a team of experienced team members waiting to help you. To learn more, contact us today. How To Use Our Brace Color Chooser To pick your colors, simply click Color Your Smile, then click the color you like and then select “Color All” on the left. If you want to see what... --- Taking the Next Step At Stormberg Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on giving our patients beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. With our many types of braces we strive to ensure that the treatment phase for our patients is as comfortable and efficient as possible; however, that dedication doesn’t end when your braces are removed. From the moment Dr. Stormberg removes your braces, you begin the very important phase of retention, and we want to do everything we can to protect the new smile you’ve worked so hard for. A Variety of Options for Your Retainer Crucial to your orthodontic success, the retention phase begins immediately after your braces are removed and lasts throughout your life. Your retainer is something that stays with you for many years to come, so it is important that you choose the one that best suits your wants and needs. Stormberg Orthodontics offers a variety of retainer options and Dr. Stormberg will work with you to decide the best fit for your smile and lifestyle. Your retainer is something that we highly recommend wearing no less than every other night for life. Designed to fit comfortably in your mouth, metal retainers are discreet and easy to wear throughout the day and night. Their sleek design allows for optimal oral hygiene, as they can be easily removed for regular brushing and flossing. Made from high-quality materials, our metal retainers are built to last, ensuring that your teeth remain in their desired positions for years to come.... --- Orthodontic Treatment Options Orthodontic treatment can be truly transformative at any age, and the health and confidence boosts are priceless. At Stormberg Orthodontics, Dr. Stormberg and our team of orthodontic specialists work hard to provide a variety of orthodontic treatments for college students, and patients of all ages, in La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, and across San Diego County, proudly serving students at the University of San Diego (USD), San Diego State University (SDSU), University of California San Diego (UCSD), Grossmont Jr College (GCC), Cuyamaca Jr College, San Diego City College (SDCC), and surrounding colleges. Orthodontic Treatment Options for College Students College is a time of incredible growth and change. We know how important it is for you to enjoy every moment of your college experience, and we’ll tailor your orthodontic treatment to your needs and lifestyle. Straight teeth can improve your oral and overall health, and give you the confidence you need to succeed in life. Our treatment options include: Traditional Metal Braces – The 3M Unitek, Victory Series braces are made up of high-grade stainless steel brackets and wires that provide a reliable, and cost-effective way to move your teeth. Clear Braces – Similar to traditional braces, our 3M Unitek Clarity Series is made up of a series of wires and brackets. Yet rather than being made of up stainless steel, they are composed of a clear ceramic composite that blends in with teeth, offering a more discreet look. Invisalign® – The Invisalign System uses a series of... --- Orthodontic Options for Your Teen By using advanced orthodontic technology and creating an individualized treatment plan, catered to the specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle of our patients, we’re able to achieve results that will last a lifetime. Once you bring your child to our office for their initial consultation and complete any necessary early treatment, you’ll return when they reach adolescence to begin Phase II orthodontic treatment. Why Is Adolescence The Best Time For Treatment? Each child’s situation is unique, and sometimes additional intervention is needed to begin correcting orthodontic issues and prevent oral health issues down the line. However, the most popular time to begin treatment is anywhere between ages 9-12. During this time, most children have lost all their baby teeth and have a full set of permanent teeth with subsequent orthodontic problems. Braces and other orthodontic appliances work in tandem with the teenage growth spurt and higher metabolism levels, so that treatment is completed in an efficient and effective manner. The Benefits Of Treatment Adolescence is the perfect time to begin receiving treatment for the following reasons: Improved Facial Appearance & Oral Health – As your teen progresses through orthodontic treatment, you’ll notice positive changes to their appearance and smile. Also, straighter teeth and a healthier smile are much easier to maintain, making trips to the dentist a breeze. Positive Social Experience – Most of your teen’s classmates and friends will also have braces, making it that much easier to get your child to come to every... --- Orthodontics for Kids in La Mesa, El Cajon, & San Diego One of the most common things parents ask us is when to bring their child in for a first visit. This is a great question, and the answer might be earlier than you think! In keeping with the American Association of Orthodontists, we ask parents to bring their children in for an initial evaluation by age 7. At this age, the back bite has developed, which lets us spot current problems as well as problems that may develop later. While we generally screen early, we often won't begin treatment right then – and that's where our observation program comes in. Our Observation Program To help our patients get the best possible care, we've created an observation program that lets us track orthodontic development over time, waiting for the perfect time to start treatment. The program works like this: After your initial screening, Dr. Stormberg will monitor your child's dental development until the perfect time to start treatment. We'll bring your child in for an evaluation every 6 months – and all of the observation appointments are complimentary. Even if you don't see any changes since your last visit, it's important to attend these appointments every 6 months. Regular screenings are the only way to ensure everything is developing normally. To track the eruption of permanent teeth, we'll also take periodic panoramic X-rays of your child – which, also, are complimentary. We will forward this progress x-ray to your family... --- Kids Orthodontics in La Mesa, El Cajon, & San Diego County Dr. Stormberg and our dedicated team of orthodontic specialists proudly treat patients of all ages in the La Mesa, CA area, and while many of our patients are teenagers or adults, we often recommend starting with early orthodontic treatment. In some cases, starting orthodontic treatment at an early age offers the best option for achieving a beautiful, lifelong smile. When is the Best Time for an Orthodontic Evaluation? Many parents ask us when to first bring their child in for an orthodontic evaluation – and the answer may be earlier than you expect. In keeping with the American Association of Orthodontists, we ask parents to bring their children in for an initial consultation at age 7. We may or may not recommend starting treatment at this early age, but evaluating early on allows Dr. Stormberg to spot any current orthodontic problems or issues that may develop into problems later on. From their, we can recommend either starting early orthodontic treatment right away or monitoring dental development until the right time for treatment. The Advantages of Early Orthodontic Evaluation So, why is 7 the ideal age? By age 6 or 7, a child’s first adult molars have finished erupting, establishing the back bite. This allows your La Mesa orthodontist to evaluate tooth relationships in detail, making it possible to identify potential orthodontic problems that need correction. Not all children will need treatment at this early age, but if early treatment... --- Stormberg OrthodonticsBased on 58 reviewsSee all reviewsreview us onChris ErtzI couldn’t be happier with my results! I had severe overcrowding and finally decided to get braces after years of hesitation. The Stormberg team made the entire process smooth, easy, and surprisingly painless. Every visit was professional and reassuring. If you're considering ortho treatment, this is the team to trust. 10/10 experience — thank you! Amber AmelingmeierAMAZING! We were traveling and my son had his expander loosen and Mr. Stormberg made time for us that day. Took care of everything and was so very kind. If I lived in the area, this is where I’d go. Great team! L LEverything about this place and about the people are five stars! The complete experience for two separate child braces journeys has always been so positive! I completely trust this place and recommend going for your consultation. It feels so clean in there and everyone is so nice and knowledgeable and Dr. Stormberg is always great to see with his wonderful caring upbeat personality and wisdom in his skill. The back wall is a huge window that you can admire the brand new upgraded La Mesa park as services are being done. Thank you to the entire team! Cindy VFriendly staff. I have two kids different ages that have gotten braces with Dr. Stormberg with amazing results. Dr. Is so down to earth, communicates so well and very professional. I like how he gets to know the patient and refers to them by... --- hhh --- Orthodontic Care for Adults in La Mesa & El Cajon We’re proud to serve patients of all ages in La Mesa, El Cajon, and the greater San Diego County. We proudly provide treatment to military personnel, as well as SDSU and the University of San Diego to help adult college students improve their smiles. No matter where you are in life, we’ll design a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle so you can achieve the smile of your dreams. Orthodontic Care for Any Age Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and straightening teeth dramatically improves your overall health, oral and dental hygiene, physical appearance, and psychological well-being. Straightening your smile as an adult can help minimize your risk of dental decay, gum loss, bone loss, and TMJ pain, and it also provides a boost of confidence and self-esteem that radiates through your personal and professional life. It truly is never too late for a beautiful smile, and we’re proud to offer a variety of convenient treatment options to help you get there: Traditional Metal Braces by 3M Unitek, Victory Series: What most people think of when they hear the word “braces,” these are composed of high-grade stainless steel brackets and wires, providing a reliable, cost-effective way to move teeth. Clear Braces by 3M Unitek, Clarity Series: These are similar to traditional braces, but instead of stainless steel, the brackets are made from a clear ceramic composite that blends in with teeth, making them far less noticeable. Invisalign®:... --- "*" indicates required fields Name* First Name Last Name Email* Phone*New Patient? Yes No Comments Δdocument. getElementById( "ak_js_1" ). setAttribute( "value", ( new Date ). getTime ); gform. initializeOnLoaded( function {gformInitSpinner( 1, 'https://orthosandiego. com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner. svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_1'). on('load',function{var contents = jQuery(this). contents. find('*'). html;var is_postback = contents. indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(! is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this). contents. find('#gform_wrapper_1');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this). contents. find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_1'). length > 0;var is_redirect = contents. indexOf('gformRedirect{') >= 0;var is_form = form_content. length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html'). css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body'). css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1'). html(form_content. html);if(form_content. hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1'). addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1'). removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function { /* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome */ jQuery(document). scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1'). offset. top - mt); }, 50 );if(window) {gformInitDatepicker;}if(window) {gformInitPriceFields;}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_1'). val;gformInitSpinner( 1, 'https://orthosandiego. com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner. svg', true );jQuery(document). trigger('gform_page_loaded', );window = false;}else if(! is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this). contents. find('. GF_AJAX_POSTBACK'). html;if(! confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1'). replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document). scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_1'). offset. top - mt);jQuery(document). trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', );window = false;wp. a11y. speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_1'). text);}else{jQuery('#gform_1'). append(contents);if(window) {gformRedirect;}}jQuery(document). trigger("gform_pre_post_render", ); if (event && event. defaultPrevented) { return; } const gformWrapperDiv = document. getElementById( "gform_wrapper_1" ); if ( gformWrapperDiv ) { const visibilitySpan = document. createElement( "span" ); visibilitySpan. id = "gform_visibility_test_1"; gformWrapperDiv. insertAdjacentElement( "afterend", visibilitySpan ); } const visibilityTestDiv = document. getElementById( "gform_visibility_test_1" ); let postRenderFired = false; function triggerPostRender { if ( postRenderFired ) { return; } postRenderFired = true; gform. core. triggerPostRenderEvents( 1, current_page ); if ( visibilityTestDiv ) { visibilityTestDiv. parentNode. removeChild( visibilityTestDiv ); } } function... --- Orthodontist in La Mesa CA | Stormberg Orthodontics Apply for Our Scholarship Skip to content (619) 462-4462 4333 Palm Ave, Suite C La Mesa, CA 91941 New Patient Form About Meet Our Team Community Our Mission and Policies Reviews Scholarships Treatments Early Treatments Adolescent Treatments College Student Treatments Adult Treatments Braces Invisalign® Jaw Surgery Rapid Palatal Expander Retainers Emergencies Cost & Insurance Pricing & Insurance Invisalign® Cost Resources Blog First Visit Instructions New to the Area? New Patient Forms FAQS Before and After Photos Common Problems Contact Visit Us Doctor Referral Refer a Friend Make a Payment Book a Consult Your Smile Deserves the Highest Level of Care Experience More than 25 years of orthodontic experience. Meet The Team Technology The latest, most advanced orthodontic technologies. Our Technology Convenience Convenient scheduling options for all ages. View Our Services Financing We offer a variety of customized payment plans to fit your budget. Find Out More Welcome to Stormberg Orthodontics! Your Smile Deserves the Best With 25+ years’ experience, Dr. Stormberg — a Board Certified Orthodontist — knows each patient is unique, so he works with you from the first visit to find a treatment that best fits your needs and smile. Whether you want braces, Invisalign, or just healthier teeth, he creates a personalized treatment for you. Braces Invisalign® Jaw Surgery Rapid Palatal Expander Retainer Book a Complimentary Consult Meet Kurt Stormberg BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST Dr. Stormberg is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists and is one of the... --- --- ## Posts Stormberg Orthodontics awards $1,000.00 scholarships each year to graduating seniors, who are current or former patients of Dr. Kurt Stormberg. Dr. Stormberg and his staff present the scholarship winner a check for $1,000.00. Scholarship Information Stormberg Orthodontics awards $1000 scholarships each year to graduating seniors, who are current or former patients of Dr. Kurt Stormberg. Dr. Stormberg and his staff will present the scholarship winner a check for $1000. Requirements: Must be a student in grade 12 for the current school year Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3. 2 or better Current or former patient of Dr. Kurt Stormberg Mail Applications to: Stormberg Orthodontics Attention: Lex Ramirez 4333 Palm Avenue, Suite C La Mesa, CA 91941 Deadline is April 11, 2025 No Late Applications Will Be Accepted or Considered! Please Make Sure You Attach ALL The Following: Completed Scholarship Application Copy of Transcript, Most Current Semester 300 Word Essay: “Why Self-Confidence is So Important” Copy of your Senior Photo Any questions: Contact person: Lex Ramirez Phone: 619-462-4462 Fax: 619-462-8267 Email: drkurt@orthosandiego. com Download an Application 2025 Scholarship Winners Congratulations to the very deserving recipients of the 2025 Stormberg Scholarship! These students will all receive $1,000 to put toward their future college endeavors. We are so proud of you all! Cassandra Douma and Mariam Almukhtar, Valhalla Jack Andersen from El Capitan Maggie Kelly from Grossmont Lauren Farace from Helix Abigail Deckert from Santana Past Winners We are so proud to acknowledge and congratulate our past Stormberg Orthodontics Scholarship recipients. Click here to see the list. --- Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all! --- Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an orthodontist? Well, now you can put those ponderings down on paper or in film! Stormberg Orthodontics is promoting a new contest this summer! Here are the details. A Day in the Life of Dr. Stormberg It's time to put yourself in Dr. Stormberg's shoes! All you have to do is WRITE or FILM a story titled, "A Day in the Life of Dr. Stormberg" and submit it to our office no later than August 8th, 2024. Our favorite essays or films will receive a brand-new backpack stuffed with goodies to kick off the new school year! You can turn in your entry in person in our office, via email, or by using the hashtag #stormbergsummerstory We can't wait to see all the creative ways you think Dr. Stormberg spends his day. Stay up-to-date with the latest contests, winners, and orthodontic information by following us on Facebook & Instagram! --- Congratulations to the very deserving recipients of the 2024 Stormberg Orthodontics Scholarships! These students will all receive $1,000 to put toward their future college endeavors. We are so proud of you all! 2024 Scholarship Winners Anthony Badriyha (Valhalla) Ava Clovis (Canyon Hills) Alexio Savvides (Patrick Henry) Olivia Shull (Academy of OLP) Grant Smith (Helix Charter) Katrina Stock (Steele Canyon) Grant Smith (Helix Charter) Ava Clovis (Canyon Hills) Anthony Badriyha (Valhalla) Olivia Shull (Academy of OLP) *not pictured - Alexio Savvides & Katrina Stock Honorable Mentions Mino Atto (Valhalla) Micah Beeman (Foothills) Cady Conner (San Diego HS) Abigail Cott (Grossmont) Cameron Davis (Valhalla) Shelby Rae Evans (Steele Canyon) Dillon Foster (Patrick Henry) Carlos Gavaldon (Patrick Henry) Allie Glovinsky (Steele Canyon) Giuliana Guarnotta (Helix Charter) Cooper Kraft (Valhalla) Emilio Lo Coco (Steele Canyon) Madeline Miller (Felix-Waldorf School of SD) Natalie Muench (Valhalla) Justin Nguyen (Patrick Henry) Brianna Nichols (Patrick Henry) Sophia Ramirez (Valhalla) Braeden Steveson (West Hills) Alani Trudgeon (Steele Canyon) Holland Wong (School of Entrepreneurship & Technology) Please join us in congratulating our 2024 scholarship recipients and honorable mentions. We wish them success in their future endeavors! See past winners. --- Calling all 2024 graduating seniors who are current or past patients! The deadline for the 2024 Stormberg Scholarships is April 19th! There’s still time to submit an application, so help us spread the word! Requirements: Must be a student in grade 12 for the current school year. Grade point average (GPA) of 3. 2 or better A current or former patient of Dr. Kurt Stormberg How to enter: Click here to download the application. Email your completed application and essay, along with a copy of your most current semester transcript and your senior photo, to: drkurt@orthosandiego. com You may also mail your application to: Stormberg OrthodonticsAttn: Debbie Rolf4333 Palm Avenue, Suite CLa Mesa, CA 91941 Dr. Kurt Stormberg and his staff will present each scholarship recipient with a check for $1,000. Click here to see a list of past Stormberg Scholarship recipients. --- Stormberg Orthodontics is so proud of Sivan, our patient and quaterback/wide receiver for the inaugural girls flag football team at Patrick Henry High School. Stormberg Orthodontics is so proud of Sivan, our patient and quaterback/wide receiver for the inaugural girls flag football team at Patrick Henry High School. We are happy to be able to help you and the Lady Patriots' reach your team goal to kick off this season and your amazing team. Patrick Henry is in the San Diego City Conference with 7 other schools with 23 schools total in their division. Congratulations Sivan, Coach Harper, and the entire Lady Patriots team on their inaugural season! --- Some of life's most cherished ones are celebrated at weddings, reunions, graduations, milestone birthdays, and other significant milestones like retirement. Your smile plays a pivotal role in these events, expressing joy, confidence, and warmth. Life is full of beautiful moments, and some of the most cherished ones are celebrated at weddings, reunions, graduations, milestone birthdays, and other significant milestones like retirement. Your smile plays a pivotal role in these events, expressing joy, confidence, and warmth. If you’re gearing up for any of these special occasions, orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, clear braces, or metal braces can ensure your smile shines brightly and leaves a lasting impression on those who share these moments with you. Weddings: A wedding is a day when all eyes are on the bride and groom. Your smile is your greatest accessory on this special day. Braces can help ensure your teeth are perfectly aligned, allowing you to confidently flash your smile in every photograph. Whether you choose Invisalign for its discreetness, clear braces for subtlety, or traditional metal braces for reliability, Stormberg Orthodontics will help you make the right choice for your big day. Reunions: Reuniting with old friends and classmates is a heartwarming experience. Braces can enhance your smile and boost your self-assurance when catching up with people you haven't seen in years. With options like clear braces or Invisalign, you can feel confident about your appearance and enjoy the reunion to the fullest. Graduations: Graduating from elementary, secondary, high school, or college is a significant accomplishment. As you cross the stage to receive your diploma, you’ll want to show off a smile that reflects your achievement. Braces can ensure your teeth are aligned and picture-ready for graduation day, leaving... --- We are overwhelmed with gratitude as the readers of San Diego Magazine have selected Stormberg Orthodontics as the winner of Best Orthodontist for 2023. We are overwhelmed with gratitude as the readers of San Diego Magazine have selected Stormberg Orthodontics as the winner of Best Orthodontist. With a circulation of almost a million subscribers, voters had the opportunity to vote for businesses both small and large recognizing the best in quality of products and services. We are honored that they selected us for this recognition. We would love to show you why so many people love Stormberg Orthodontics. Why not schedule a complimentary consultation to see the benefits of our services and expertise for yourself? --- We are so proud to acknowledge and congratulate our finest 2023 High School Seniors! Dr. Stormberg presented the following recipients with $1,000.00 Stormberg Scholarships Once again, we are so proud to acknowledge and congratulate our finest High School Seniors! Dr. Stormberg presented the following recipients with $1,000. 00 Stormberg Scholarships: Erin Ackland (Patrick Henry) Amber Chase (El Capitan, not pictured) Thomas Medlin (River Valley Charter): Thank you very much for your generosity in granting me a $1000 scholarship. It will help me greatly in affording Brown University! Austin Mitchell (Grossmont): I can’t express how grateful I am for your generosity. I am honored to have been selected for this scholarship and cannot tell you how much this will assist me in my pursuit of higher education at the University of Southern California. Thank you for all you do! Shayla Morreale (West Hills): I want to thank you so very much for the $1000 scholarship. It will certainly go towards helping to cover my tuition for my first year at SDSU! I am beyond grateful to have been given this scholarship opportunity, it’s wonderful how much you support students in our community. Thank you so much for making sure both my smile and future are bright! Kali Rye (Patrick Henry): Thank you for considering and accepting me for the scholarship! I greatly appreciate it. John Tan (Valhalla) Honorable Mentions Seevan Ghazi (Helix) Katrina Heil (Valhalla) Isaac Holguin (River Valley Charter) Fatima Husaini (Valhalla) Joshua Libby (Pacific Coast Academy): Thank you for the gift card. That was very kind and unexpected. I also want to thank you for your parties, they are a blast! Rachel Munch... --- It’s that time of year again! The San Diego Lake Murray Family Enjoying The Lake Murray Firework Show and Music Fest and Fireworks show is returning to Lake Murray July 4th, 2023. It’s that time of year again! The San Diego Lake Murray Family Enjoying The Lake Murray Firework Show and Music Fest and Fireworks show is returning to Lake Murray July 4th, 2023. The Lake Murray Fireworks and MusicFest is an all-day family-friendly event with live bands, games, food vendors, and picnics culminating in a dazzling fireworks display over Lake Murray viewable throughout the Navajo community. This community event is entirely supported through private donations and business sponsorships. We are so proud that this will be our fifth year as the event's title sponsor. We hope you will join us! The music fest starts at 11am at Lake Murray Community Park in San Carlos and the fireworks start at 9pm and can be seen throughout the Navajo community, from La Mesa to Del Cerro and beyond. For more information, visit their website at LakeMurrayFireworks. org. --- Having a set of metal braces isn’t always easy. Not only do they require careful cleaning, but extra thought must go into your diet and daily lifestyle to ensure no damages occur. But to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment plan, follow all recommended advice from Dr. Kurt Stormberg and our team of Having a set of metal braces isn't always easy. Not only do they require careful cleaning, but extra thought must go into your diet and daily lifestyle to ensure no damages occur. But to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment plan, follow all recommended advice from Dr. Kurt Stormberg and our team of orthodontic specialists. 1. Keep your mouth clean Braces trap food particles, so it is important to brush and floss regularly to avoid cavities, gum disease, and discoloration of the teeth called decalcification. Additionally, regular dental exams are essential for ensuring the teeth and gums stay healthy throughout the process. You might also want to use an interdental brush or water flosser to remove food particles and plaque around your braces. Brush your teeth after every meal. It is helpful to brush with water at first, to see all the food has been removed, then repeat with toothpaste for the added fluoride protection. Do not use a whitening toothpaste during this time, your brackets are covering a portion of your teeth, over time this could lead to uneven shades of your teeth. Also, remember to floss and use floss threaders. Brushing and water pics do not clean between the teeth, the most common area to get decay, inflammation of the gums or the beginnings of bone loss. Do this at least once a day. Healthy gums do not bleed, if you notice any areas of bleeding, gently brush and floss the area until the gums are... --- When you have an idea of how things may happen, you may be able to remain relaxed. With Stormberg Orthodontics, you will be provided with the most up-to-date information concerning jaw surgery as well as providing you with some great tips concerning your recovery from jaw surgery, such as the five tips below. When you need surgery involving your jaw, there may be several reasons for it, which may cause you to feel anxious or nervous. When you have an idea of how things may happen, you may be able to remain relaxed. During your complimentary examination with Stormberg Orthodontics, you will be provided with the most up-to-date information concerning jaw surgery as well as providing you with some great tips concerning your recovery from jaw surgery, such as the five tips below. 1. Make Your Meals Drinkable Following jaw surgery, you should be able to enjoy your meals, just in a modified way. Your nutrition is a big issue when it comes to jaw surgery because you need to know what food is best to eat and how it should be prepared. To be super careful, you may find comfort in making your meals drinkable/liquified or very soft, so that there is not much use in your jaw and you experience less discomfort. Your teeth will have small, rubber bands immediately after surgery to stabilize and aid in recovery. Your liquified diet with your teeth together will last about two weeks, then larger rubber bands will be placed by your oral surgeon and soft foods can then be consumed. 2. We Will Advise You of Solid Food As soon as your oral surgeon permits you to eat solid food, you should include food that is easy to chew, nutritious and protein as a good part of your diet. Of course, your personal... --- If you contact Stormberg Orthodontics for braces, you will have a thorough, professional evaluation with information regarding your personal treatment, financial obligations, insurance summary, scheduling needs and cooperation required for a successful outcome. If you contact Stormberg Orthodontics for braces, you will have a thorough, professional evaluation with information regarding your personal treatment, financial obligations, insurance summary, scheduling needs and cooperation required for a successful outcome. Dr. Stormberg is a board-certified orthodontist and has been in practice since 1998. They cover San Diego, East County, South Bay, and La Mesa for adult braces. What Are Orthodontics or Braces? Orthodontics focuses on developing, preventing, and correcting irregularities of teeth, bite, and jaw, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Orthodontists specialize in facial abnormalities and jaw disorders. If your teeth are crooked, misaligned, or out of place, braces can help to correct them. Schedule a consultation for more information about La Mesa, El Cajon & East County San Diego adult braces. Why Select Orthodontic Treatment? Orthodontics can be chosen for the cosmetic benefits, but they can also correct any type of malocclusion. Here are a few problems that braces can help to fix: Overbites Underbites Open Bites Misaligned Jaws Closed-spacing of Teeth Overlapping Teeth Crowded Teeth Crooked Teeth Crossbites Misaligned Teeth When Are Braces Appropriate? Regardless of a person's age, moving and correcting teeth alignment follows the same process. However, adults must overcome the positioning of their facial bones and jaw structure. Therefore, most bite problem types require more than one orthodontic treatment for adults. In many cases, the ideal age of treatment is between 7 and 10 years of age as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. Nevertheless, people of any... --- iTero is a state-of-the-art digital scanner that creates a 3D model of your teeth. It helps your dentist plan your treatment to give you the best results. Generally, iTero is accurate and reliable. In most cases, the iTero imaging process is accurate enough for planning successful orthodontic treatment. If you are looking for a La Mesa orthodontist, you may have questions regarding iTero's accuracy and reliability. iTero is a state-of-the-art digital scanner that creates a 3D model of your teeth. It helps your dentist plan your treatment to give you the best results. Generally, iTero is accurate and reliable. In most cases, the iTero imaging process is accurate enough for planning successful orthodontic treatment. Since Dr. Kurt Stormberg uses iTero extensively contact us here at Stormberg Orthodontics if you are looking for a La Mesa orthodontist familiar with this technology. Here is a brief overview of this remarkable imaging system. What is iTero? The iTero system creates digital models of patient teeth using 3D imaging. This intraoral scanner creates 3D images of a patient's teeth using laser scanners and computer software. Using these images helps dentists plan orthodontic treatments, assess dental problems, and monitor treatment progress. Book an Appointment for Early Treatment How Does iTero Work? The iTero imaging system consists of a laser scanner and computer software. After it captures 3D images, a computer software program creates a digital model of the patient's teeth. Dentists can then view the patient's teeth from different angles and decide on the best treatment plan. iTero vs Traditional Orthodontic Methods Previous orthodontic methods such as impressions, can be messy and not as precise. In contrast, iTero imaging produces accurate, three-dimensional images of teeth viewed from various perspectives, in addition to the x-rays and photographs taken, that allow orthodontists to assess a... --- Are you getting braces, or maybe you have them already? Did you know you can express your personality by changing the color of your braces? Braces can be stylish when you know what colors to wear and when. If you've been considering braces for your teeth, explore the top 5 essential tips for choosing the right color. Complementing hues will only bring out your bright eyes and glorious skin. Celebrating an Event You might have an exciting event coming up that can be reflected in your La Mesa braces, such as: Birthdays Sports events Seasonal holidays The color added to braces isn't a permanent one. It's created by the rubber bands added during your appointment to hold your wire into place. These rubber bands are changed at each appointment. Accentuating Your Highlights At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want you to feel confident with your appearance. Braces can enhance your look with the proper color choices. For example, people with olive skin tones and green eyes might benefit from purple braces. Dark skin tones look spectacular with orange or gold braces. Brace colors usually correspond with skin tone or eye color, but hair color also plays a part. If you're blonde, try a darker braces color and vice versa. Choosing a Subtle Look When you have braces in the South Bay, placed as an adult, you may not want too much color added to the brackets, we have silver or clear rubber bands for a more subtle look. Stormberg Orthodontics has a color palette for adults too. Consider silver or gray hues, for example, to help the brackets blend into your smile and they do not pick up coffee/tea or saffron stain as easily as clear or white rubber bands.... --- A palatal expander can fix a variety of oral issues; this includes creating room for overcrowded teeth, widening the upper jaw to fit properly over the lower jaw. There are things you can do to ease the discomfort of a new appliances. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want all patients to feel comfortable following their treatment plans. A palatal expander can fix a variety of oral issues; this includes creating room for overcrowded teeth, widening the upper jaw to fit properly over the lower jaw. There are things you can do to ease the discomfort of a new appliances. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want all patients to feel comfortable following their treatment plans. If you have a palatal expander, here are some tips to make the experience more comfortable for you. 5 Tips For Palatal Expander Take Medications- Over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Aleve can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Most providers recommend that you take a dose about an hour before you turn the key. This is because the key turning is probably the most uncomfortable part, most commonly the first turn or two. Apply Ice/ Cold Compress- If you notice any swelling and inflammation after turning the key, apply ice or a cold compress to your cheeks. Eat a cool treat such as ice cream, yogurt, or a smoothie to soothe the area. Eat Soft Foods- During your palatal expander treatment, we want you to eat softer foods, make sure to chew slowly and take small bites for just a few day, then slowly start resuming your normal diet. Nutrition value and personal diet is the most important. The more you eat and use your muscles in your mouth the faster the recovery, stimulates the blood flow. Similar to returning to the gym after working out, work out the soreness. We have found... --- Many adults think that they don’t need braces, or that they’re too old to get them. That can be farther from the truth! Many adults can (and in some cases, should) get braces or other types of orthodontic treatment. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we see adult patients all the time! Many adults think that they don’t need braces, or that they’re too old to get them. That can be farther from the truth! Many adults can (and in some cases, should) get braces or other types of orthodontic treatment. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we see adult patients all the time! Our team is happy to help people of all ages, no matter what background or dental work they have done in the past. If you’re an adult who is seeking orthodontic treatment, here are 6 things you need to know. Orthodontic Treatment Can Be Affordable- Because braces have become more advanced, they can be affordable. Check to see if your dental insurance covers braces. If not, see if your local orthodontist’s office offers customized payment plans in-office. This can help budget for your investment. Traditional Braces Are Not The Only Option- Today, there are many more options than just metal braces. Ceramic brackets are popular options among patients. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, is another great option for those who want an invisible look and who are looking for more convenience in their daily life during orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic Treatment Improves Oral Health- Getting a straighter smile is more than just fixing appearances- it can also improve your health! By straightening your teeth, you lower your risk of cavities, tooth diseases, decay, chipping, and TMJ/TMD dysfunction. Treatment Time Varies Person-to-Person- On average, wearing braces/Invisalign can take six months to two years to straighten teeth, depending on the objective of each patient.... --- We are so proud to acknowledge and congratulate our finest High School Seniors! Dr. Stormberg presented the following recipients with $1,000.00 Stormberg Scholarships Once again, we are so proud to acknowledge and congratulate our finest High School Seniors! Dr. Stormberg presented the following recipients with $1,000. 00 Stormberg Scholarships: Mariam Marooki (Valhalla) Sara Standlee (Grossmont): "Thank you for the Stormberg Orthodontics Scholarship! I'm grateful to be a recipient and can't wait to head to college this fall. Thank you for giving me a great smile and for supporting my sports teams these past four years. " Reyna Winter (Patrick Henry) Ethan Trantalis (West Hills) Owen Dahlkamp (Helix): "I was recently informed that I was named a recipient of the Stormberg Scholarship. I am writing this letter to sincerely thank you for this honor and for the funds. " Maia Hull (Helix) Isabella McCormick (Cathedral): "College preparations and high school graduation got in the way of being able to send you this card. Thank you so much for the generous scholarship that I was awarded this year. With this scholarship, I was able to purchase my laptop that I will put to good use for the next four years at Stanford. Ever since I first visited you, when I was younger, I noticed the awards you would give out every year. It was a goal of mine to someday have the chance to apply to that same scholarship. It was a true honor to be a recepeint and I promise to work hard and make all of you proud! Thank you so much for my "great smile" and for your support. Love Isabella" 2022... --- One of our most popular treatments are traditional metal braces, which we use for patients of all ages to improve their bite and enhance their smile. Our La Mesa office offers over 20 color options, so that you customize your smile at each appointment. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide orthodontic treatment to patients in La Mesa, El Cajon and other surrounding areas. We offer a variety of treatment options, giving our patients plenty of choices that align with their specific needs and personal preferences. One of our most popular treatments are traditional metal braces, which we use for patients of all ages to improve their bite and enhance their smile. Our La Mesa office offers over 20 color options, so that you customize your smile at each appointment. How To Use Our Brace Color Chooser To pick your colors, simply click Colour Your Smile, then click the color you like and then select “Color All” on the left. If you want to see what different color combinations look like together, choose a color and then select the location of your choosing. You can create different combinations, and reset the image at any time. Tips For Choosing The Color of Your Braces The best part about having braces is changing up the colors! We’ll freshen up your current colors and/or change your colors at each appointment, which is usually every 4-8 weeks. Need some inspiration? Check out some of our tips below. Holidays: What do Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Independence Day, Halloween, Hanukkah and Christmas have in common? They’re all holidays with vibrant colors! Choose from our color palette, and give yourself a red and green smile to flaunt during December, or another combination of your choosing! School Spirit: It’s always a... --- When it comes to protecting your teeth and orthodontia, common sense will usually tell you what foods and beverages to stay away from. For the most part, though, the main categories to avoid include: hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar. When it comes to protecting your teeth and orthodontia, common sense will usually tell you what foods and beverages to stay away from. For the most part, though, the main categories to avoid include: hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar. Why? Hard foods can break or damage your wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught in between braces. Sugary foods cause tooth decay. For a complete list of foods our team suggests you avoid in each category, as well as tips to better adjust to others, see below: Hard Foods Ice (do not chew) try shaved ice or smoothies Nuts (unless cut into small pieces) Hard taco shells - switch to soft tacos French bread crust Corn on the cob (cut off the cob) Bagels (cut or tear into small pieces) Chips (hard and crunchy, try potato chips) Jolly Ranchers Hard candies in general Pizza crust (cut up into small pieces) Raw, hard fruits and vegetables (We suggest steaming or cutting into small pieces. ) Meat on the bone (ribs, chicken) – Use a fork to remove the meat rather than possibly biting the bone. Sticky Foods Non sugar-free gum (if you are not wearing appliances like retainers or Invisalign and only chew for short periods of time) Licorice Sugar Daddies Toffee Tootsie Rolls Caramels Starburst Sugary Foods Cake Ice cream Cookies Pie Candy A Few More Tips In addition to avoiding these food groupings, here is some extra advice on what you can do to... --- Patients often ask for the most effective way to keep their teeth healthy and vibrant for years to come. We believe in foundational habits practiced daily to create positive outcomes. More specifically, here's why brushing and flossing are critical for a beautiful smile. If you value excellence and quality patient care, Dr. Kurt Stormberg is the dental professional you desperately need. Whether you reside in San Diego, East County, South Bay, or La Mesa, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to custom-tailor a treatment plan for your needs. Moreover, we give you a tried-and-true plan of attack to change your oral health for the better. During their first consultation, patients often ask for the most effective way to keep their teeth healthy and vibrant for years to come. Although opinions vary between La Mesa orthodontist specialists, at Stormberg Orthodontics, we believe in foundational habits practiced daily to create positive outcomes. More specifically, here's why brushing and flossing are critical for a beautiful smile. Brushing: The Hidden Health Booster Since our youth, we've been bombarded with facts about brushing our teeth. Visions of removing plaque, and lowering our risk for cavities and periodontal disease enter our minds, but what subtle benefits arise from a healthy oral routine? For starters, brushing specifically in circular motions, between braces, at upper and lower angles targets the gums and lowers your risk for heart disease and cardiovascular decline. Bacterial growth stagnates on the gums and enters the bloodstream and into your arteries. Flossing: The Holy Grail of Tooth Health Brushing is great, but flossing is even better! Unfortunately, new data shows that most adults skip the act of flossing because they find it tedious. Flossing not only reduces bad breath and decay, but it also prevents bacterial... --- Going into any surgery can be scary. With any oral surgery, any patient should be prepared to mentally and physically. While this can seem overwhelming, you can take certain steps to ensure that your surgery goes smoothly. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want all patients to feel as comfortable as they can before, during, and after jaw surgery. Going into any surgery can be scary. With any oral surgery, any patient should be prepared to mentally and physically. While this can seem overwhelming, you can take certain steps to ensure that your surgery goes smoothly. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want all patients to feel as comfortable as they can before, during, and after jaw surgery. If you’re preparing for surgery, here are some tips to help set you up for a successful recovery. Before Surgery Being prepared will make the recovery process much more smoother and successful. Here are ways to prepare before your surgery. 2 Weeks Before: Follow your doctor’s advice and instructions (such as what medications to take and what diet to follow). Also, let your employer know and request to take days off work to rest right after surgery. Highly recommended to have support from a family member or friend. Have them take care of you by taking you to the hospital and bringing you back home to recover. If you smoke, now is a good time to avoid it before the procedure. 1 Week Before: Before your procedure, your doctor may request a pre-operative procedure and a check-up. This might mean having to take x-rays, impressions, and scans. Bloodwork and discussions about your medical history may also be required to ensure if you’re a fit for surgery. Legal aspects, such as gathering your consent for surgery, will also be discussed. 24 Hours Before: You will be expected to fast (not eat or drink) anything... --- Invisalign is one of the most popular, innovative ways to straighten teeth, and is taking off among teenagers and adults alike because of its nearly invisible appearance, comfort, and reliability. Today Dr. Kurt Stormberg of Stormberg Orthodontics in La Mesa, CA answers parents’ frequently asked questions about Invisalign Teen Invisalign is one of the most popular, innovative ways to straighten teeth, and is taking off among teenagers and adults alike because of its nearly invisible appearance, comfort, and reliability. Today Dr. Kurt Stormberg of Stormberg Orthodontics in La Mesa, CA answers parents’ frequently asked questions about Invisalign Teen, what makes it different, and how well it works. 1) How is Invisalign Teen Different from Invisalign? Invisalign Teen uses the same system of clear aligners as Invisalign, to gradually shift the teeth into a better position. The difference is the inclusion of blue “compliance dots” that fade to clear only if the aligners are worn for the correct amount of time. 2) Is my Child Old Enough for Invisalign? Invisalign is easy to use, but unlike braces, it is not a permanently worn appliance. This means that getting proper treatment with Invisalign requires self-control and discipline. If your teen is mature enough to wear the aligners for the necessary 22 hours a day every day without forgetting, in addition to taking good care of them, then they are old enough to use Invisalign. 3) Is it as Effective as Braces? Invisalign is just as effective as braces when worn correctly. If the patient is negligent about wearing the retainers, treatment will take longer and be far less effective. For very complex orthodontic issues, palatal expanders, surgery, or braces may be necessary to achieve results. 4) Is Invisalign more Expensive? It is a common misconception that Invisalign is much more expensive... --- Proper care for a non-removable oral appliance, such as a palatal expander, can take some extra time. But don’t worry! Stormberg Orthodontics has some tips and tricks to help anyone who is wearing rapid palatal expanders With any orthodontic treatment, it’s essential to take care of the appliances that you are wearing and using. It’s important to keep your appliances clean in order to maintain an optimal level of oral health. Proper care for a non-removable oral appliance, such as a palatal expander, can take some extra time. But don’t worry! Stormberg Orthodontics has some tips and tricks to help anyone who is wearing rapid palatal expanders. Since many patients who receive a palatal expander are very young, it’s important for parents to be aware of these care needs. Our office has experience working with palatal expanders, and our staff has first-hand experience that can help parents deal with their children wearing them. Tips on How to Use & Care for a Rapid Palatal Expander Here are some daily tips you can use to help your child during treatment: Activate the Expander Daily- First, start by inserting the key into the hole in the middle of the appliance. Gently push the key toward the back of your mouth and push it as far back as possible. Then, remove the key towards the back of the throat without trying to not pull forward, which would reverse the previous turn. After several turns, you may notice a space between your front teeth, which is a good sign! This is only temporary and will be closed. Use the Right Tools- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and minimally abrasive toothpaste to clean your expander. You may also want to invest in... --- There are a few things parents can do to get their kids excited about their upcoming orthodontic journey. Our orthodontist in La Mesa recommends trying the following tactics to brighten your child’s mood about braces! Braces are a big step for any patient, but especially kids. Stormberg Orthodontics understands that there could be mixed feelings about braces - some children may be excited about their new hardware whereas other kids might be feeling anxious or even a little scared. All feelings are perfectly normal! There are a few things parents can do to get their kids excited about their upcoming orthodontic journey. Our orthodontist in La Mesa recommends trying the following tactics to brighten your child’s mood about braces! On our website, we have a Brace Color Chooser under the tab of Orthodontic Treatment. Pick and choose your colors to coincide with a holiday, school or work function, sports teams or just your favorite colors. These colors will be changed at each appointment, so your choices could be endless! The patient can choose what type of braces, clear or metal braces without any additional charge or Invisalign Teen/Invisalign as an option, if applicable. 1. Plan Something Special Prior to your child getting braces with Dr. Kurt Stormberg, plan a “pre-braces activity. ” This can be anything that may help your child get excited about braces - their favorite activity, a party with friends and family, tickets to a concert or sporting event, or a small weekend getaway. Whichever activity you plan, we suggest integrating some snacks that they won’t be able to eat once their braces are put on - popcorn, sticky candy, hard candy, and bubblegum, for example. 2. Braces Are Not Forever Our... --- Finally getting your braces off is exciting. After a long time, you are able to see your teeth again. And while you can celebrate this achievement, it’s important to know that treatment is not over. Retention is one of the most important phases of orthodontic treatment. Finally getting your braces off is exciting. After a long time, you are able to see your teeth again. And while you can celebrate this achievement, it’s important to know that treatment is not over. Retention is one of the most important phases of orthodontic treatment. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we provide retainers to almost every patient who goes through orthodontic treatment with us. Our doctors and team want every patient’s results to last a lifetime. But you may be asking, why wear retainers? Here are 4 reasons why you should wear retainers after braces. Emphasis Keeps Teeth Straight for a Lifetime- When braces are removed, the bone and soft tissues of the teeth and gums have to adapt to their positioning. The bone takes 6-8 weeks to form around the teeth, therefore, full time wear is recommended initially. Retainers ensure that your teeth won’t shift and relapse. Prevent More Orthodontic Treatment- Your teeth could shift again if you don’t wear retainers. By wearing a retainer, you won’t have to go back and invest more money in orthodontic treatment. Stabilizes Your Bite- While braces just straighten teeth, they also align your bite. If you don’t wear your retainer, your bite will become misaligned again (this can include going back to an overbite, underbite, crossbite, etc). Promotes Oral Health- Misaligned teeth can lead to periodontal disease. Having crooked teeth can make it harder to brush and floss. If you can’t reach certain areas of your teeth and gums, you’ll be more prone... --- Misaligned teeth don’t always mess up a beautiful smile; some malocclusions can be more subtle, hidden behind other teeth, or they can even be endearing to some people. But even if your misaligned teeth don’t keep you from smiling, they can cause a lot of problems later on in life, which can be both expensive and painful to fix. Misaligned teeth don’t always mess up a beautiful smile; some malocclusions can be more subtle, hidden behind other teeth, or they can even be endearing to some people. But even if your misaligned teeth don’t keep you from smiling, they can cause a lot of problems later on in life, which can be both expensive and painful to fix. Here at Stormberg Orthodontics, your local La Mesa orthodontics experts, we believe that everyone is entitled not only to a beautiful smile but a healthy and long-lasting smile as well. Find out why you should treat your child’s misaligned teeth early and avoid the consequences that come from a neglected smile! The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends a first check-up by the age of 7. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we offer a complimentary examination to evaluate what personal treatment your child may or may not need. Most patients are under a “wait and see” recall until all the permanent teeth have erupted. An Off Bite Is Never Right When it comes to misaligned teeth, a slight underbite or minor crowding can seem like just a subtle feature of someone’s smile, but even if it is not noticeable, orthodontic misalignments can have dangerous repercussions down the line. Some orthopedic (bone/growth problems) need to be treated while the patient is still growing. Early treatment, or Phase I, can encompass working with your dentist to remove baby teeth at the appropriate time to allow room for permanent teeth to erupt. Other treatments may consist of... --- Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, perfecting your smile will be a multi-stage process, and your retainer will make all the difference. Check out these reasons why retainers are important after braces. Invisalign and Braces in San Diego County Stormberg Orthodontics is your local San Diego County orthodontist, and your provider for Invisalign and braces in the South Bay. Dr. Kurt Stormberg has been helping patients achieve the results they’ve been dreaming of with customizable treatment plans and excellent care since 1998. Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, perfecting your smile will be a multi-stage process, and your retainer will make all the difference. Check out these reasons why retainers are important after braces. Retention Good retention means that your teeth stay in their improved position even after your orthodontic treatment is over and your braces/attachments are taken off, and the key to good retention is wearing your retainer (20-22 hours the first 8-12 weeks). When orthodontic treatment is completed, the teeth have to be prevented from gradually shifting back into their original positions, by stabilizing the teeth as the bone slowly fills in around the roots with a well fitting retainer. Retainers are like a final stage of orthodontic treatment that makes sure those teeth are locked into place and your beautiful new smile lasts a lifetime. About 50% of our adults are retreated from their younger years, don’t be that patient! Change Over Time The best thing about a retainer is that it is custom made to fit your teeth. When you visit your orthodontist, your retainer will be checked for fit and stabilization. Form Good Habits The best way to take care of your brilliant smile is to form... --- You've started treatment, now what to do in the real world?! Check out information, tips, and tools to help you on the go! You’ve started treatment, now what to do in the real world? ! Remember your kit you received when you started? That has a lot of good information, tips, and tools, to help you but we've also included a list of a few items to pack to go below! Travel toothbrush or at least a bottle of water to rinse after every drink, snack, or meal. Even coffee, tea, protein drinks left on your teeth for hours can have adverse effects. A simple mouthful of water to divide and conquer, a quick brush would be better... if possible. Hand sanitizer and a pocket mirror (available at our office) for removing & replacing orthodontic appliances/elastics and making sure your smile is ready and clean! Invisalign or Retainer Cases for your appliances to safely store while eating, brushing your teeth or active sports. Keep them out of direct sunlight or hot cars, away for animals and small children. Invisalign Trays, Retainers and Elastics- be sure to pack all your orthodontic appliances you need for the day. You can always request extra bags of elastics or an additional retainer case to have to go. Be sure to wear your prescribed appliances the correct amount of time to stay on track! Full time wear is usually 20-22 hours a day! Appointments-be sure to keep your appointments and be on time to ensure your treatment goes as planned. With all our busy schedules, please schedule your next appointment right after you have finished your last appointment.... --- Spring is here and now is a great time to prepare for the summer, especially since life is resuming back to normal! With a busy schedule during the summer, such as graduations, camp, summer school, vacations, going outdoors, it is easy to forget about the importance of taking care of your braces. Spring is here and now is a great time to prepare for the summer, especially since life is resuming back to normal! With a busy schedule during the summer, such as graduations, camp, summer school, vacations, going outdoors, it is easy to forget about the importance of taking care of your braces. But remember, the better you take care of them, the quicker it will be to get them off. Then you will have beautiful, perfect teeth for those summer family reunion photos! Brush Food can easily get trapped in your braces. This is why it is important to remember to not just brush your teeth twice a day but brush thoroughly for two minutes. This will ensure you get trapped food out. When food is trapped in braces and not removed on time, this can cause cavities. When cavities happen with braces, it can delay treatment even longer. In the spring and summer, having to make an extra dentist appointment to get a cavity filled can be inconvenient with everything else that is going on in life. Therefore, it is important to just avoid this at all costs and maintain the healthy habit of thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day! Floss & Waterpik Flossing before brushing your teeth is important in general, but especially important with braces. This will also help ensure you get trapped food in between your teeth, gums, and braces out. Make sure to brush at least once a day at night. But sometimes, not... --- Congratulations to our 2021 Seniors! We proudly present the following recipients of the Stormberg Scholarship. Congratulations to our 2021 Seniors! We proudly present the following recipients of the Stormberg Scholarship: Nyah Clovis (Serra High) Liberty Ramos (Christian): "Thank you so much, Stormberg Orthodontics, for not only my smile, but this amazing scholarship! I am now one step closer to achieving my dreams! " George Roddy (Mater Dei): "Thank you so much for the generous scholarship. I will be attending PLNU and the scholarship will significantly help with covering my tuition. Thank you for believing in my abilities and for investing in my future. Lastly, thank you for giving me an awesome smile! " Doris Ton (Valhalla) Rania Atto (Valhalla) Claire Bakke (Granite Hills): "Thank you so much for awarding me the orthodontic scholarship! I really appreciate it. I'm super excited to be headed to college this year and I'm very glad to be doing so with a straight smile! Seriously though, thank you. It'll be really helpful to me heading into college! " Cassidy Stevenson (West Hills): "I just want to say thank you so much for choosing me to represent your office with this scholarship! I greatly appreciate it and I can't wait for my journey ahead! Nice seeing you as well. Thanks again" 2021 Honorable Mentions Timothy Bottenbery (Liberty Charter) Ashley Clark (Helix Charter): "I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for generously sending me the Visa giftcard. Although I did not win the scholarship, I found it very kind that you sent me the letter. Thank you for all... --- Now that you’ve finished your Invisalign treatment and are enjoying your beautiful new smile, you may be thinking that your work is done. Think again! The most important part of your treatment is just getting started, making sure that smile lasts a lifetime. It’s been a pleasure to work with you during your Invisalign treatment. Now that you’ve finished your Invisalign treatment and are enjoying your beautiful new smile, you may be thinking that your work is done. Think again! The most important part of your treatment is just getting started, making sure that smile lasts a lifetime. Together, we’ve worked hard to achieve your orthodontic goal, so Stormberg Orthodontics has developed an Invisalign protocol to protect the investment you’ve made in straightening your teeth. We want you to smile with confidence for the rest of your life, and we have worked hard to eliminate all possible excuses and barriers to help you achieve that goal. Please read and carefully follow these Invisalign retention instructions. Next 8 to 12 Weeks After you complete your treatment, you will receive a number of Invisalign retainers. During the next 8 to 12 weeks, you should wear your retainer FULLTIME as instructed by Dr. Stormberg. It is extremely important that you wear the retainer all the time to ensure that your teeth do not start moving, and it’s an easy thing to do! Most patients are done wearing them all of the time after only eight weeks. Next 20 to 30 Years You will be given a number of Invisalign Retainers at the completion of treatment. Each set of retainers that you were given will last from three to five years. Wear each retainer as long as possible! Dr. Stormberg will let you know when you can... --- During your braces or Invisalign treatment at Stormberg Orthodontics, we not only provide the highest-quality orthodontic appliances, we also work to ensure your teeth stay healthy and beautiful. For some patients, Dr. Stormberg may prescribe an alternative oral care toothpaste called Colgate PreviDent 5000 Ortho Defense. Dr. Stormberg is one of the best and most experienced orthodontists in the San Diego and La Mesa areas and our patients appreciate his attention to their orthodontic needs. During your braces or Invisalign treatment at Stormberg Orthodontics, we not only provide the highest-quality orthodontic appliances, we also work to ensure your teeth stay healthy and beautiful. For some patients, Dr. Stormberg may prescribe an alternative oral care toothpaste called Colgate PreviDent 5000 Ortho Defense. What Is Colgate PreviDent 5000 Ortho Defense? Colgate PreviDent 5000 Booster Plus is an effective oral care toothpaste with a high fluoride content that helps increase the tooth's resistance to acids from penetrating the tooth's enamel. It remineralizes the tooth’s roots and helps reduce white spot lesions using a mild, low abrasive cleaning system. Why Did Dr. Stormberg Prescribe PreviDent 5000? PreviDent 5000 helps reduce the sensitivity of the teeth to cold, heat, acidic foods or sweets in adults and children. In addition to sensitivity, PreviDent also: Prevents enamel loss. Helps prevent or reverse white-spot lesions/decalcification. Works great for people with dental crowns or bridges as well as all types of braces. Ideal for patients with high risk of tooth decay. How To Use PreviDent 5000 Patients 6 to 16-years old Brush twice daily for two minutes with a thin ribbon of PreviDent on your toothbrush. Rinse your mouth thoroughly right away after brushing. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after brushing. Do not swallow. Patients Older Than 16 Brush twice daily for... --- Some words of guidance on what comes next following treatment. Final Words About Retainers We do not advise you to discard your retainers. Rather, you should wear them as a “Guarantee” to hold the orthodontic correction. As You Get Older Normal aging and changes occur in the human body; and in the mouth, these changes show up as gum recession, increased crowding and rotations of teeth (top and/or bottom). Whether or not you have had extractions, these normal changes, in time, can occur. These changes vary in severity and age of onset, although for most people they occur between their teens and their 30’s. Five Years From Now After 5 years of nighttime wear, we suggest you wear the retainers every other night or a minimum of three nights per week indefinitely. You most definitely can continue to wear the retainer nightly, which is a good habit to continue. If the retainers do not feel tight, it means that the teeth are holding their position, and therefore, the retainers do not need to be worn as often. Conversely, when the retainers feel tight, it means the teeth want to undergo these natural crowding tendencies - then the retainers should be worn more. By wearing the retainers nightly or a minimum of three times a week, you know some of the warning signs of relapse. You are always welcome to call our office for advice or make an appointment to review your concerns. Bonded Lower Wire If you have a bonded lower wire retainer, it can be left in place indefinitely,... --- Splint therapy is one of the many orthodontic services we are happy to offer at Stormberg Orthodontics. Restoring the perfect smile in our San Diego area patients is our number one priority and splint therapy is often used to solve a number of orthodontic problems we encounter. Splint therapy is one of the many orthodontic services we are happy to offer at Stormberg Orthodontics. Restoring the perfect smile in our San Diego area patients is our number one priority and splint therapy is often used to solve a number of orthodontic problems we encounter. Dr. Stormberg is experienced and skilled in evaluating each individual patient and developing a treatment process that will work for you. If you’re a new splint therapy patient, here are a few directions that will help your treatment progress smoothly and effectively. When To Wear Your Lower Splint Splint therapy requires that you wear your lower splint full time, excluding meals and sports. When you’re not wearing your lower splint, be sure to keep it clean and safe by placing it in a retainer case. Importance Of Consistent Splint Therapy Your splint will work when you wear it. Splint therapy for adult treatment for TMD Symptoms requires that your split be worn 24 hours a day, except when eating and participating in active sports. Just place your lower splint in a retainer case during that time. It should be worn until symptoms improve. You can expect a correction in 6 to 12 weeks. Prevent Grinding With Splint Therapy You should wear your lower splint during sleep time to avoid teeth grinding and clenching. Hot To Keep Your Lower Splint Clean Your appliance needs to be cleaned numerous times during the day with water and toothpaste. Use a toothbrush and/or retainer cleaner. Extra costs... --- Wearing rubber bands, also known as elastics, is part of what gives your orthodontic treatment the power to create a beautiful new smile. Please read and carefully follow these dental instructions. Stormberg Orthodontics is your best choice for a La Mesa orthodontist that also serves the San Diego area. We look forward to working with you during your orthodontic treatment. Wearing rubber bands, also known as elastics, is part of what gives your orthodontic treatment the power to create a beautiful new smile. Please read and carefully follow these dental instructions. Proper Elastic Placement The diagram given to you at your appointment shows how the elastics should be worn on your braces. Wearing these elastics, as Dr. Stormberg has prescribed, will continue to further your success during your treatment towards a beautiful, new smile in a timely manner. So make sure you remember which teeth they connect to refer to the chart below for placement. Wear Them 24/7 Your elastics should be worn all of the time, except when you eat, brush, floss, or when you wear a mouthguard. You should replace the elastics with new elastics after any of these activities. You will likely replace the rubber bands up to four to six times per day. If you are running low on your supply of rubber bands (only ½ bag left), please call our office, and we can mail them to you, or you can stop by the office, and they will be ready for you at the front desk. Tenderness As with any orthodontic adjustment, your teeth may be tender or sore from wearing the elastics, but it’s very important to keep them on. If needed, take an over-the-counter... --- We want to ensure that every patient is getting the most out of their orthodontic treatment and that their orthodontic journey is efficient and smooth. For this reason, Dr. Stormberg and our orthodontic staff make sure all of our Invisalign patients fully understand the Invisalign instructions, how to use Invisalign, and how Invisalign works At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want to ensure that every patient is getting the most out of their orthodontic treatment and that their orthodontic journey is efficient and smooth. For this reason, Dr. Stormberg and our orthodontic staff make sure all of our Invisalign patients fully understand the Invisalign instructions, how to use Invisalign, and how Invisalign works. We want to make sure you comprehend the ins and outs of your Invisalign treatment. By following our San Diego Invisalign instructions, you’ll be smooth sailing on your way to straighter, more functional teeth! Your Storage Case Should Be Lonely In order to get the best orthodontic treatment and use your Invisalign to its fullest extent, you must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day. The only time the aligners should be taken out is when you are eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. Invisalign only works while you are wearing your aligners, they should be worn day and night. When you are not wearing your Invisalign aligners, they should be stored in their case. More cases are always available from our San Diego orthodontist. If an aligner becomes loose or broken, please call Stormberg Orthodontics immediately for further instructions. Tooth Tabs Tooth colored attachments will be attached to your teeth. These attachments are nearly invisible and will aid the aligners in moving your teeth properly. If any attachments come loose or fall off completely, please call Stormberg Orthodontics to correct the issue. Wearing Aligners for 7-14 Days Depending on your specific smile... --- We’re so excited to partner with you on your journey to a more beautiful, healthy, and confident smile! Dr. Stormberg has likely prescribed a rapid palatal expander to assist in your braces treatment. Please read and follow these dental instructions carefully. Orthodontic Expander Instructions As your best choice for an orthodontist in San Diego, we’re so excited to partner with you on your journey to a more beautiful, healthy, and confident smile! Dr. Stormberg has likely prescribed a rapid palatal expander to assist in your braces treatment. Please read and follow these dental instructions carefully. This helpful video also shows how to do this: document. createElement('video'); https://orthosandiego. com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/v12044gd0000cnkcbqvog65mus21fs3g. mp4 Why Do I Need An Orthodontic Expander? The expander is used to widen the upper jaw and decrease the amount of time you wear your braces. By widening the palate or roof of the mouth, the dental arch increases to create more space for your teeth to grow. It can also create a broader, more beautiful smile, limit any tooth extractions needed to make room for new teeth, and improve your breathing. What Can I Expect From My Orthodontic Expander? In the beginning, your tongue will have some adjusting to do while speaking and eating. But after a few days of practice, you’ll be an expert! The expander, when activated or turned, can cause some slight discomfort and tenderness near the bridge of the nose and cheekbones. To relieve any discomfort, Dr. Stormberg recommends over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (preferred choice) or acetaminophen. Take the dosage as directed on the bottle. How Do I Use The Orthodontic Expander Key? The expander is activated by placing the special key into the hole in the center of the expander and gently pushing the key... --- A Pendex is a fixed orthodontic appliance that is used to expand the jaw. The metal appliance is put in place by your San Diego orthodontist in order to create more space in the mouth and amongst the teeth. The Stormberg Orthodontic team works with all orthodontic methods and technologies to create beautiful, straight smiles. We provide a number of different types of braces and Invisalign to all ages. Depending on the orthodontic treatment plan, we may suggest using an early orthodontic appliance to correct a problem prior to braces. For example, when a patient’s teeth need more space, we may use a Pendex. The Pendex is the perfect orthodontic appliance for patients who have a small jaw or their teeth are just too close together. It is used to move teeth backward and make room for incoming teeth and possibly to widen the upper jaw. What Is A Pendex? A Pendex is a fixed orthodontic appliance that is used to expand the jaw. The metal appliance is put in place by your San Diego orthodontist in order to create more space in the mouth and amongst the teeth. It is comprised of an expansion screw and springs which are attached to the necessary teeth. Over time, the Pendex will allow for the correction of the upper jaw and in turn, proper teeth alignment. A Pendex is typically used to manage orthodontic problems like insufficient space in the mouth, teeth crowding, and upper teeth flaring. How Does A Pendex Work? The palate expander consists of a key and a hole in the center of the Pendex. The patient, or the parent, will put the key in the key-hole and gently push it towards the back of the patient’s mouth... --- Orthodontic separators are elastic (usually blue or gray) separators or spacers that are placed in between the back teeth so that orthodontists can more easily place an orthodontic band (like a ring on a finger) on a tooth or teeth the following week. Thank you for choosing Stormberg Orthodontics as your partner for creating the new healthy smile that will bring you confidence and happiness! Whether we’re providing our San Diego patients any type of braces, Invisalign clear aligners or any of our other orthodontic treatments our goal is always your efficient treatment and comfort. Dr. Stormberg and his team have provided successful orthodontic treatment to hundreds of people just like you and each one is always unique. This page offers dental instructions and information about the orthodontic separator. Please read them carefully and, as always, reach out if you have questions. What Are Orthodontic Separators & Why Do I Need Them? Orthodontic separators are elastic (usually blue or gray) separators or spacers that are placed in between the back teeth so that orthodontists can more easily place an orthodontic band (like a ring on a finger) on a tooth or teeth the following week. Dr. Stormberg often uses orthodontic separators for his San Diego area patients to prepare your teeth for your upcoming treatment. How Can I Help Separators Work? The separator can feel like a piece of floss or food is left in between the teeth but it’s important to let them do their thing. Do not pick on the separator with your fingers or floss where the separator is placed. Do not eat sticky foods like gum or sticky candy. Check our list of foods to avoid for more details. Continue your normal diet, except sticky foods. Biting on the... --- To correct a Class II malocclusion, one of the most common types of orthodontic problems, we use a MARA appliance, short for mandibular anterior repositioning appliance. This orthodontic appliance is an ideal step for teeth and jaw correction prior to braces. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we work hard to provide effective and efficient orthodontic care to our patients. In doing so, we want to use the most up-to-date orthodontic technology and orthodontic appliances. We offer a number of orthodontic treatment plans with braces or Invisalign, for all ages, to move teeth to a straighter, more functional position. To correct a Class II malocclusion, one of the most common types of orthodontic problems, we use a MARA appliance, short for mandibular anterior repositioning appliance. This orthodontic appliance is an ideal step for teeth and jaw correction prior to braces. Continue reading below to learn more about MARA in San Diego! What is MARA? MARA is a fixed orthodontic appliance, it is “fixed” in place and cannot be removed by the patient. This specific orthodontic appliance works to move the patient’s lower jaw forward so that the top and bottom teeth will meet. When functioning correctly, the only way for the patient to bite down, with MARA in place, is to slide their lower jaw forward. With time, jaw correction will occur and the bottom jaw will move forward to align with the top jaw. Typically, it takes about 9-12 months for full jaw correction with MARA. Instructions & Rules To Follow When wearing MARA, it is very important to follow the instructions given to you by your San Diego orthodontist. Remember these helpful tips and you’ll get used to MARA in no time: Jaw Position Corrector: Your MARA is ready to help fix your jaw position. At first,... --- Dr. Stormberg also treats other dental disorders that may cause you discomfort such as teeth grinding, called Bruxism. This condition causes you to grind, gnash or clench your teeth when you are awake or during sleep and can cause snoring and sleep apnea. Your San Diego orthodontist and his team make it their daily mission to move their patients one step closer to a beautiful new smile — often with braces or Invisalign. But Dr. Stormberg also treats other dental disorders that may cause you discomfort such as teeth grinding, called Bruxism. This condition causes you to grind, gnash or clench your teeth when you are awake or during sleep and can cause snoring and sleep apnea. Stormberg Orthodontics offers the following avoidance therapy treatment for those suffering from sore teeth from grinding or clenching. Pain Relief From Teeth Grinding Grinding or clenching your teeth can result in both a headache and sore teeth. Dr. Stormberg recommends taking 600mg of ibuprofen with food three times a day for two days to relieve the discomfort. Eat A Soft Diet Think of all those soft things we love — mac ‘n cheese, sweet potato pie, blueberries, yogurt, bananas, meatballs, peas, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, eggplant parmesan. You get the picture... . and I’m getting hungry. Apply Moist Heat Place a washcloth under hot water, squeeze out extra water and place it on the sore area to relieve discomfort. Avoid Caffeine You need your sleep. Soreness can keep you awake so don’t add to it by drinking caffeine. Avoid all caffeine after 12 p. m. --- A bad habit is sometimes something we do that we know about and have a hard time changing, but it can also be something we don’t know we do and do not know how to change. Your new appliance will help you to change your bad habit. What Is A Bad Habit? A bad habit is sometimes something we do that we know about and have a hard time changing, but it can also be something we don’t know we do and do not know how to change. Your new appliance will help you to change your bad habit. Your Custom Crib This crib will help to remind you to stop harmful orthodontic habits. Practice Speaking Speaking and eating will be different for a day or two, so practice reading out loud, and cut your food into small bites. How Long Will It Take? Habit reminders are usually in place for 3-6 months or until the habit has stopped. Take Care Of Your Crib Avoid sticky and very hard foods that could loosen or break the appliance. Additional charge may occur if the appliance is removed or broken numerous times. Brush Brush after every meal! Discomfort Apply wax to the bands of the appliance if the soft tissue gets irritated. Warm salt water rinses numerous times during the day can also alleviate the discomfort. Blue Grass Appliance (Tongue Thrust) The Bluegrass Appliance is a reminder for proper tongue placement. Myofunctional therapy will also be recommended for a more successful outcome. --- Headgear is a very important part of treatment for patients like you. Good headgear wear (12-14 hours per day) reduces treatment time! Headgear Is So Helpful! Headgear is a very important part of treatment for patients like you. Good headgear wear (12-14 hours per day) reduces treatment time! Your Cooperation Is The Key To Success! Forgetting to wear your headgear or not getting enough hours wearing your headgear could result in longer treatment time, changing your treatment plan and may even affect the final results. A Clever Invention Headgear is actually really an amazing invention, it uses the shape of your head to gently add specific forces which guide the growth of your jaw and speeds the time of your treatment Instructions For Wear Practice placing your headgear in front of a mirror. Soon, with practice, you will be able to place and remove it without a mirror. Week 1 Start with wearing 2-3 hours prior to bedtime, to get used to placing and wearing it. After That Wear it while sleeping (8-10 hours), working up to 12-14 hours a day. What To Expect: Soreness to the teeth once worn is up to 8-10 hours, probably lasting 2-3 days, but consistency is the key to success and comfort. An over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen, can help with soreness. Difficulty sleeping at first. Try placing 2 pillows around your face/headgear to be more comfortable. We suggest starting on a Friday or Saturday night. Discomfort will pass with consistent wear, within the first week. Headgear Care: Clean Brush the metal piece (facebow) with your toothbrush daily. Storage Keep all the pieces in the headgear... --- Congratulations! The major part of your orthodontic treatment is complete! Dr. Stormberg just placed a special retainer on your teeth called a “Bonded or Fixed Wire Retainer” to hold your teeth straight. Congratulations! The major part of your orthodontic treatment is complete! Dr. Stormberg just placed a special retainer on your teeth called a “Bonded or Fixed Wire Retainer” to hold your teeth straight. It’s Always Working This special retainer is always working since it is attached or bonded to your teeth. Since you can’t take it in or out, you can’t lose it or forget to wear it! At first, it feels a little bumpy behind your front teeth. Fortunately, it is small and out of sight and will become very comfortable because there are not any bulky plastic/wire parts like the traditional removable-type retainer. Take Special Care However, it is important to know that special care must be performed to keep the bonded retainer working and looking great. Remember, you worked hard to get your teeth straight - so let’s work together to keep them that way. If you do so, a bonded retainer can last for many years. Foods to Avoid Since they are bonded (glued) to your teeth like your braces were, special care during eating must be observed. Hard, crunchy, tough and chewy foods must be avoided or it can break. If the retainer breaks, your teeth can shift very rapidly. Floss Everyday You must spend extra time keeping your bonded retainer clean. That means daily flossing and thorough brushing around your retainer. Keep plaque and food debris from accumulating around the wire. Poor hygiene around the retainer will lead to gingivitis, cavities or even gum (periodontal)... --- Now that you have finished active treatment and are enjoying your beautiful smile, you may be thinking your work is over. Think again! You are entering the most important phase of your treatment - LIFETIME RETENTION! Keep Your Perfect Smile For A Lifetime! It’s Not Over Now that you have finished active treatment and are enjoying your beautiful smile, you may be thinking your work is over. Think again! You are entering the most important phase of your treatment - LIFETIME RETENTION! Next 8-12 Weeks Wear your retainer(s) FULL TIME 24/7 as instructed, except to eat and brush your teeth. No excuse, your teeth need time for the bone to fill in around them and stabilize. Next 20-30+ Years ... FOREVER You will be given retainers at the completion of your treatment, clear or acrylic style. Once recommended to reduce to nighttime retainer wear, you will need to wear them at least 8-12 hours every night FOREVER! Care For Your Retainer Store your retainer in the case provided, in a safe location, while not in your mouth. Do not wrap your retainer in a napkin and accidentally throw it away. To avoid breakage, do not place in pockets, backpacks or purses without a retainer case. If needed, we will give you a few extra cases for free. Keep retainers away from small children and pets that may chew or hide them, and keep out of direct sun or heat (hot liquids, hot cars etc). If you have dental work and your retainers do not fit properly, please call us as soon as possible for an appointment to adjust or realign your retainer. However, if a new scan or impression is needed, there will be an additional... --- Dr. Stormberg uses this appliance with a clear tray on the opposing arch at the beginning of the treatment, usually for about 3-6 months with good cooperation. The Carriere Motion 3D Appliance was produced with the patient’s desire for esthetics, ease, and success in mind. Dr. Stormberg uses this appliance with a clear tray on the opposing arch at the beginning of the treatment, usually for about 3-6 months with good cooperation. Cooperation can greatly reduce overall treatment time. A clear holding tray will be placed on the opposing arch and worn with the elastics 24/7, except while eating or brushing. Remove elastics and clean tray to eat, drink and brush and replace tray and new elastics once finished (as soon as possible to get an optimal of 20-22 hours of wear). Waiting For Molars Once the molars (back teeth) are in their proper position, the second stage of treatment can begin (Invisalign or braces). They Can Break and Stain Avoid hard, sticky foods that could break off the appliances. We suggest only drinking water with the clear trays to avoid discoloration. Remove the tray while eating or drinking things other than water and brush the tray and your teeth prior to placing it into your mouth. State of the Art The Carriere Motion 3D appliance is a dream come true for the Doctor and you, the patient. With its sleek, aesthetic and non-invasive design, the appliance provides greater comfort. It delivers a natural, gentle, and uniform force for distal (backward) molar movement with controlled rotation and tipping correction before other appliances are placed. --- A biteplane is a full time wearing appliance, used in fixing your deep overbite. Stormberg Orthodontics provides effective therapy and aftercare for your corrected bite. Read on below to learn more about how to properly wear and take care of your biteplane. Your San Diego orthodontist and his team make it their daily mission to move their patients one step closer to a beautiful new smile. A biteplane is a full time wearing appliance, used in fixing your deep overbite. Stormberg Orthodontics provides effective therapy and aftercare for your corrected bite. Read on below to learn more about how to properly wear and take care of your biteplane. For Deep Bite The biteplane is worn to eliminate breakage of the lower braces when your upper teeth bite too far down over your lower teeth (deep overbite). It opens your bite. Wear It All The Time, 24/7 Including eating unless instructed otherwise. Remove the Biteplane when brushing teeth (use a toothbrush and toothpaste after every meal). Practice Speaking Expect initially to speak and eat differently. Practice reading out loud, eat smaller bites and you will get used to it in a few days. Your teeth will not come together in the back, but with proper wear and with your braces working, the BIteplane is usually finished in 6-12 weeks! What About When Playing Soccer or Karate? Remove the Biteplane during all sports (replace with mouth guard if you can). Store it in a retainer case when playing sports. Don’t Lose It The main reasons for loss or breakage are: Loss most likely occurs when wrapping it in a napkin and then throwing it away Breakage can occur by placing it in your pocket, in a purse or in a backpack without a retainer... --- A Twin Block Functional Appliance is a two-part device worn inside the mouth to correct jaw malalignment. This device was developed in Scotland in the late 1970s and is very effective when worn and cared for properly. A Twin Block Functional Appliance is a two-part device worn inside the mouth to correct jaw malalignment. This device was developed in Scotland in the late 1970s and is very effective when worn and cared for properly. Placement & Wearing The appliances are delivered and adjusted in our office for proper fit. If any sore spots, loose baby teeth or incoming permanent teeth should hinder the wear of the appliances, please call our office during business hours and we will see you as soon as possible. Full Time wear, 24/7, except during eating, tooth brushing, contact sports and swimming. Place in a retainer case and in a cool, dry area. Avoid hot water, and hot cars, as this will warp the acrylic on the appliances. We need cooperation for a successful result. You gotta wear ‘em! Speaking while wearing the twin blocks may be difficult in the beginning, it will improve, try speaking slowly and clearly with appliances in place. With practice, speech will return to normal. Appointments We will see you in 6-10 weeks following the delivery of the twin blocks. Then every 8 weeks for short appointments to follow the progress. Patient progress and hygiene will be monitored and recorded. If any problem occurs between visits, please call for an earlier appointment. Storage Anytime the twin blocks are out of the mouth, they should be placed in a retainer case. Pets, especially dogs and cats, are attracted to the saliva on the appliances, if left unattended. Avoid wrapping... --- If you're wondering how to tell if you or your child needs braces or any other orthodontic treatment, we'd love to shed a little light on the subject. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we've helped countless patients throughout the San Diego and El Cajon, California areas achieve beautiful, healthy smiles with braces, Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments. Our family orthodontist provides outstanding orthodontic dental care to children, teens, and adults and we are excited to serve you all. But as a parent, you may wonder if your child will eventually need some type of orthodontic treatment. If you're wondering how to tell if you or your child needs braces or any other orthodontic treatment, we'd love to shed a little light on the subject. How Do You Know if You Need Braces or Invisalign? Does Your Child Need Braces or Invisalign Teen? The bottom line is, you don’t have to know whether or not your child needs braces or whether you are a good fit for orthodontic treatment. That’s the job of a trained family orthodontist like Dr. Stormberg! Dr. Stormberg is skilled at examining patients of all ages and determining if you need orthodontic treatment now — or down the line! The first step is making an appointment for that first visit. Regardless of how the teeth look, American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child should have an initial orthodontic evaluation when they reach the age of 7. At this age, the back bite is fully established, which allows our family orthodontist to identify both current orthodontic problems and any problems that may form down the line. We may or may not start with early orthodontic treatment right away,... --- Our team enjoys candy just as much as the next person, but knowing what we know about the potentially harmful and negative effects candy can have on teeth, we suggest staying away from candy when possible. This is why we’ve written out some helpful tips on how to limit your consumption of candy We can’t believe that Halloween is already here! At Stormberg Orthodontics, our very own Dr. Stormberg feels that it’s best to limit your consumption of candy. Our team enjoys candy just as much as the next person, but knowing what we know about the potentially harmful and negative effects candy can have on teeth, we suggest staying away from candy when possible. This is why we’ve written out some helpful tips on how to limit your consumption of candy. Read on to find out how you can successfully stay away from candy and how you can take better care of your teeth this holiday season. Limit the Number of Pieces of Candy You Consume by Being Selective Once you return from your trick-or-treating trip around the neighborhood, if you sit down with your entire bucket of candy in front of you, you risk finishing the entire thing in one sitting! When push comes to shove, you know there are some candies that are not so great tasting. So after you’ve finished trick-or-treating for the night, we suggest you sit down, go through your candy, and toss the ones that are not worth eating. For additional measure, you should also serve yourself a limited number of pieces and put the rest of your candy away. This portion control method ensures that you won’t gorge on candy! Avoid Sugary Drinks When Eating Candy! If you’re going to be enjoying some sweet treats, we suggest avoiding sugary beverages and drinking more water instead.... --- Check out our brand new COVID-19 Protocol Page, which has all the information our patients need to understand how we, at Stormberg Orthodontics, are trying to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Check out our brand new COVID-19 Protocol Page, which has all the information our patients need to understand how we, at Stormberg Orthodontics, are trying to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Our YouTube Channel We also have a YouTube Channel, Kurt Stormberg. Check out our new protocol videos so that you’re fully prepared for your visit to our office! Stormberg Scholarship Winners Our annual scholarship program was a success this year! Thank you to everyone who participated and submitted their applications, and congratulations to all our winners and honorable mentions! See more here! --- Congratulations To Everyone! Here Are Our Class of 2020 Stormberg Scholarship Winners Congratulations To Everyone! Here Are Our Class of 2020 Stormberg Scholarship Winners: Sophia Guarnotta (Helix Charter): "Thank you so much for your generous scholarship. Chapman University has been my first choice school ever since I first visited my Spring Break, junior year. I was so happy when I was accepted. Thanks to the addition of your scholarship, a school that I once thought of as a dream, is now a reality. Thank you for making it possible. " Allison Lupsha (Helix Charter): "Thank you so much for your generosity in providing me with this scholarship and for supporting all of my sports throughout these last four years. I'm thrilled to be moving into this next chapter of my life where I will be attending UC Davis, but I wouldn't be able to do it without help and support. Thank you very much for choosing me to be one of your scholarship recipients this year and helping me achieve my goal. I'm truly honored to be receiving this scholarship. " Kaitlyn Coons (OLP): "Thank you, thank you, thank you for the generous college scholarship! It is going to be an immense help at UCLA next year. First you straighten my teeth and now you are helping to send me to college, what would I do without you? " Gavin Schulte (Grossmont): "Thank you, not only for selecting me for the scholarship, but also for straight teeth and a happy smile. I can't wait for college and the adventures that lie ahead.... --- Cleaning and caring for your Invisalign takes time and dedication to make sure your trays do their job, but also to keep your teeth and dental health at it’s best. The Stormberg Orthodontics team put together the best habits to keep your Invisalign trays clean and your teeth cleaner. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want to ensure that you get the most out of your Invisalign treatment to efficiently straighten and correct your teeth. In order to do so, you not only need to wear your Invisalign aligners/trays for 22+ hours per day, but you also need to intently care for your Invisalign trays. Cleaning and caring for your Invisalign takes time and dedication to make sure your trays do their job, but also to keep your teeth and dental health at it’s best. The Stormberg Orthodontics team, serving the San Diego area, has put together the best habits to keep your Invisalign trays clean and your teeth cleaner. How To Clean Your Invisalign If you get into the routine of cleaning your Invisalign trays and your teeth after every meal, your orthodontic treatment will go swimmingly. We recommend the following for all Invisalign users and Invisalign Teen users. After Eating: After eating, it is best to make sure you brush after each meal but life happens! So make sure to at least rinse your Invisalign trays with cold/cool water. Brushing the Trays: Just as you would brush your teeth, apply a small amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush and brush the entire tray in small circles, both inside and out, gently holding the trays with your fingers. Some patients have had success keeping the trays clearer with Soft-Soap and brushing or by using a mixture of vinegar and water (50/50). Rinsing: Once you’ve finished brushing, rinse off the toothpaste... --- Typically, most people will associate poor oral hygiene and health with dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. While this isn’t wrong at all, the truth is that it can lead to problems with the rest of a person’s body as well. The mouth is essentially the window to the rest of the body If you’re looking for high-quality orthodontics, you’ve come to the right place here at Stormberg Orthodontics! Although we’re located in La Mesa, we’re more than happy to provide orthodontic treatments to all those in the surrounding areas, including Santee, El Cajon, and San Diego. With our effective orthodontic services, we’re capable of giving patients straighter and healthier smiles. And as if having a healthier smile wasn’t an award in itself, you may not realize that it can have a major boost on the rest of your body’s health as well. Braces play a crucial role in improving oral health, which in turn has a positive impact on your overall well-being. By addressing dental misalignments, braces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile but also contribute to the long-term health of your teeth and gums. The Effect of Oral Health on the Rest of the Body Typically, most people will associate poor oral hygiene and health with dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. While this isn’t wrong at all, the truth is that it can lead to problems with the rest of a person’s body as well. The mouth is essentially the window to the rest of the body; if there are any problems that are residing in the mouth, they can have just as much of an impact on the rest of the body. This occurs because bacteria in the mouth will cause a person’s gums to become inflamed and prone to infection. Gum inflammation is... --- On February 8th, our own La Mesa, CA board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Kurt Stormberg was honored with the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Merit Award during Creighton’s inaugural Evening of Honors celebration. On February 8th, our own La Mesa, CA board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Kurt Stormberg was honored with the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Merit Award during Creighton’s inaugural Evening of Honors celebration. This annual award recognizes Creighton’s alumni that stand out for service to the community and the University. Achieving this award was especially meaningful for Dr. Stormberg, as it is the same award his father, Donald Stormberg, received in 1993. Fr. Daniel Hendrickson, SJ. President of Creighton University. presented Dr. Stormberg with the Alumni Merit Award from Creighton University this past February. This has been a great honor to Dr. Stormberg and his family for their dedication and commitment to dentistry and their communities. The Stormberg Team is so proud of all his service and support giving back to his causes near and dear to his heart! Dr. Stormberg Was Featured in Creighton Dentist - Winter 2019 Issue “Alumni Merit Award Recipient Follows in Father’s Footsteps” “It is a great honor,” Stormberg says. “The school has done so much for me, in my career, to help me be successful”. The article talks about Dr. Kurt Stormberg achievements and following in his father’s, Donald Stormberg, great footsteps. Donald Stormberg was a pediatric dentist in Omaha and taught at the dental school from 1957 to 1968 and again from 1982-1999. In 2008, he was named professor emeritus of pediatric dentistry. You can read the whole feature written by Rick Davis on Creighton Dentist online publication. In the article, Dr. Kurt Stormberg talks about... --- Congratulations To Everyone! Here Are Our Class of 2020 Stormberg Scholarship Winners Announcing Our Class of 2019 Stormberg Scholarship Winners Dylan Darley (Granite Hills): "Thank you for your contribution to help fund my college endeavors. I will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studing Bio Resource and Agricultural Engineering. My dream job is to design wasterwater treatment plants and work on major water systems in California. Thank you for the investment into my life. " Venous Ghazi (Helix Charter) Benjamin Hale (Grossomont) Sydney M. Jones (Granite Hills): "Thank you so much for the extremely generous scholarship you awarded me at Senior Awards night. I greatly appreciate this help with college expenses and the many years of superb orthodontal work I recieved at your office. Thanks again! " Sarah Markle (El Capitan) Lauren Sherburne (Christian): "Thank you for your generous scholarship! Your award is a big help as I head to Colorado School of Mines to pursue a Computer Science degree. I appreciate that you wrote a personal letter for my school's awards ceremony and I am looking forward to the upcoming years. It was a joy to write your essay about self-confidence and I learned a lot from the experience. Thank you again! " 2019 Honorable Mentions Savanah Baird (Grossmont) Cole Bertsche (St. Augustine) Bridget Braden (Liberty Charter) Maya Braunwarth (Helix Charter) Jizelle Cortes (Steele Canyon) Louis Cummings (Steele Canyon) Brooke Davalos (Valhalla) Sophia Grace Fleming (OLP) Drueanne Frey (Helix Charter) Ivan Garcia (Granite Hills) Jake Garmo (St. Augustine) Hailey Godby (Liberty Charter) Sophie Green (Patrick Henry) Alecca Hofmeister (Valhalla):... --- Stormberg Orthodontics is throwing our 20th annual patient appreciation party for past and current patients! Become apart of the Stormberg family! Mark your calendars, it's our annual patient appreciation party and you’re invited! At Stormberg Orthodontics we strive to provide high-quality orthodontic treatments such as braces, metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign to patients of all ages in the San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee CA area. Our expert orthodontic staff want to show our appreciation for our past and current patients from the San Diego community by hosting our 20th annual patient appreciation party! Join San Diego Orthodontist, Kurt Stormberg & His Amazing Staff This is our 20th Annual Patient Appreciation Party, so you know it will be a great time! This year’s theme is all things Disney/Mickey Mouse. We will have Gamez on Wheels, Obstacle Courses, Jumpy Houses, Balloonist, Face Painting, Rock Walls, Ice Cream, Pizza, Prizes, DJ and Dancing Come be our guest: Look for an invitation coming soon! Where: Collier Park 4401 Palm Ave. La Mesa, CA, 91941, just north of our office. When: July 11, 2019, from 4-7pm RSVP by July 5, 2019 Become Apart Of Stormberg Orthodontics in San Diego! As your local San Diego orthodontist, we want to show how important each patient is to us, and this is our way of giving back to the community that serves us so well. If you are interested in orthodontic treatment, feel free to contact our La Mesa office at (619) 462-4462. We look forward to hearing from you! --- While you should aim to live life to the fullest during your getaway, your braces are unfortunately one thing that can’t be ignored for very long; they require constant, attentive care. That’s why we've put together this helpful list of how-to tips and tricks for braces care while you’re on vacation. Winter's finally here, and that means it’s vacation time! Whether you’re headed to an island resort packed full of postcard views, or jet setting to Europe to backpack across the country, vacations are generally a time to relax and set aside your worries about everyday life. While you should aim to live life to the fullest during your getaway, your braces are unfortunately one thing that can’t be ignored for very long; they require constant, attentive care. That’s why your San Diego orthodontist at Stormberg Orthodontics has put together this helpful list of how-to tips and tricks for braces care while you’re gallivanting across the globe. Eat Smart On The Go When traveling to a new city or country, you will likely want to experience all of the culinary delights that region of the world has to offer. From exotic foods you’ve never tried to regional classics done to perfection, your taste buds will crave authentic flavors and ingredients that you can’t get anywhere else. No matter how badly you may be tempted to sink your braces-covered chompers into any new dish in sight, there are certain types of foods that can break your brackets, bend your archwires, or just plain damage the health of your teeth and gums. Sticking with braces-friendly foods while on holiday becomes doubly important, as it may be more difficult to visit a dentist if you develop any dental problems or lose a bracket in a foreign place. Sticky Foods to Avoid Gum (regular, sugar-free... --- Smiling, regardless if it occurs naturally or is forced, creates a chemical reaction that tricks your brain into feeling happier almost immediately! Feeling down in the dumps? Looking for a simple solution to feeling happy again? Here at Stormberg Orthodontics in San Diego and La Mesa, our orthodontists and staff want all of our patients to lead a happy and healthy life; which is why we are here to let you know that happiness is only a few smiles away! Smiling, regardless if it occurs naturally or is forced, creates a chemical reaction that tricks your brain into feeling happier almost immediately! The Magic Of A Smile When you smile, your brain releases serotonin and dopamine, two complex hormones that can combat depression and aggression. Whether you are feeling under the weather, sleepy, or just plain sad about life at the moment, smiling can uplift your mood in a flash! Science has proven that smiles can also lower your stress, boost your immune system, and even prolong your life. In other words, forcing a smile, even in the toughest of times, can trick your brain into actually believing that you are happy! Good Vibes Are A Smile Away Not only is smiling good for your own mental health, but it can be great for others around you! Much like a yawning, a smile is wonderfully contagious. The more you smile during your day-to-day life, the more you are subconsciously convincing your co-workers, family, and friends to put on a smile themselves. On a scientific level, mirror neurons in our brains are what make our smiles so contagious. These neurons allow us to... --- We're honored to announce that Dr. Kurt Stormberg, D.D.S., M.S., is now the president of The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists! For those of you who aren’t familiar with this organization, The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists is a professional organization of orthodontic specialists whose mission is to help its members provide the highest level of care to the public! At Stormberg Orthodontics in La Mesa, CA, our dental team has the esteemed honor to announce that Dr. Kurt Stormberg, D. D. S. , M. S. , is now the president of The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists! For those of you who aren’t familiar with this organization, The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists is a professional organization of orthodontic specialists whose mission is to help its members provide the highest level of care to the public! Founded in 1912, The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists boasts nearly 3,000 members today! PCSO: An Orthodontic Community For A Better Future PCSO is comprised of component organizations and is the largest constituent organization of the American Association of Orthodontists. Through advanced continuing education programs and large-scale speakers in a localized setting, PCSO allows its members to expand their knowledge and resources while impacting the future of speciality orthodontics. PCSO has successfully established a framework that facilitates two-way communication between the organization and its members, supporting the successful practice of orthodontics across 11 states and provinces! Congratulations, Dr. Stormberg! On behalf of our entire staff at Stormberg Orthodontics, we are so proud of Dr. Stormberg’s hard work and dedication to giving back to the orthodontic profession. As the new president of the PCSO, we know you will achieve wonderful things for the future of orthodontics all across the world! --- While the most popular treatment we offer is still traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a convenient, exciting alternative – and now, it's more convenient than ever. We're excited to announce a new step in Invisalign treatment: the My Invisalign App! There's an App for That: My Invisalign App At Stormberg Orthodontics, we're proud to provide a wide range of orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages throughout San Diego, CA and the surrounding areas. While the most popular treatment we offer is still traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a convenient, exciting alternative – and now, it's more convenient than ever. A More Convenient Option for Invisalign Treatment The My Invisalign App is a mobile app that's purpose-built to make Invisalign treatment easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable. The app provides comprehensive tracking for your progress through Invisalign treatment, as well as automated reminders to make it easier than ever to wear and change your Invisalign. Altogether, it's the perfect companion for Invisalign treatment! On a practical level, the My Invisalign App makes it effortless to follow your Invisalign wear and care instructions to a T. The app provides daily reminders to wear your aligners, as well as automated prompts for when it's time to switch to your next set of aligners. This makes it simple to wear your aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day and 2 weeks per set of aligners. In addition, the app automatically generates statistics on your progress towards a new smile. It shows you which pair of aligners you're on in the sequence as well as how much more you have left to go, giving you a snapshot of your journey to a new smile. With the My Invisalign App, orthodontic treatment is simple,... --- While online braces programs will have you believe that you’re getting the same quality of orthodontic care as you would with a professional orthodontist, it is actually far from the truth. That’s why your local orthodontic experts here at Stormberg Orthodontics are here to examine what the real cost of online braces programs are. Why Cheap Orthodontics Could End Up Costing You More Online braces, also referred to as “at-home” orthodontics, are a new solution for those that want a straighter smile without the having to deal with the cost of traditional orthodontic care. However, as this new treatment grows in popularity, the threat that it poses to the health of the patients who sign up for this treatment grows as well. While online braces programs will have you believe that you’re getting the same quality of orthodontic care as you would with a professional orthodontist, it is actually far from the truth. That’s why your local orthodontic experts here at Stormberg Orthodontics are here to examine what the real cost of online braces programs are. How Does At-Home Orthodontics Work? When you sign up for an online braces program, you’ll be sent an impression kit which contains all of the tools that you need to take impressions of your teeth, from special dental putty to a pair of dental trays. Once you take the impressions, you mail them back out to the provider so that your aligners can be made. You’ll receive a limited amount of aligners in the mail at different intervals, with each package typically containing one to a few sets, each of which will be worn for two or more weeks. This cycle continues until you have completed the final set of aligners. The Many Downsides Of Online Braces The process for online braces is very simple, but while this... --- You probably already know about Invisalign clear aligners, but there's a history behind this revolutionary alternative to braces. So how did Invisalign get started? It all began with an adult orthodontic patient. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we're proud to provide expert orthodontic care to patients of all ages in La Mesa, CA. While we still provide metal or ceramic braces for many patients, Invisalign has become a favorite for eligible individual treatment plans – and we've helped everyone from teenagers to busy adult professionals achieve a new smile conveniently through Invisalign. You probably already know about Invisalign clear aligners, but there's a history behind this revolutionary alternative to braces. So how did Invisalign get started? It all began with an adult orthodontic patient. Who Invented Invisalign? Invisalign can trace its roots back to two students at Stanford University – Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth. Chishti was an adult orthodontic patient himself at the time, but he struggled with the inconvenience of treatment. Chishti realized that retainers, which were previously used only as a way to hold the teeth in place after treatment, could potentially be used for the entirety of the treatment process – an option that may prove more convenient than traditional orthodontic braces. Chishti teamed up with fellow student Kelsey Wirth, and the two found Apostolos Lerios and Brian Freyburger, also students at Stanford, as technical co-founders. Together, they created Align Technology, the company that would bring Invisalign to market. How Was Invisalign Developed? Freyburger and Lerios worked with fellow graduate student Marc Levoy to develop the technological underpinnings of the Invisalign system. They conducted intensive research in CAD modeling, using advanced computer imaging and 3D printing technology to craft a... --- When you choose Invisalign, you’re investing in an improvement in your quality of life. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to get started due to all the exciting events upcoming in spring and summer. Gear Up For Wedding & Special Event Season With Invisalign If you’ve been putting off improving your smile is the perfect time to make it a top priority. For patients of all ages, especially adults, Invisalign is the perfect treatment option, giving you beautiful straight teeth and and extra boost of confidence in all areas of life. Dr. Stormberg of Stormberg Orthodontics is among the top 1% of Invisalign providers in North America, giving him unmatched experience and expertise in treating a wide array of cases. When you choose Invisalign, you’re investing in an improvement in your quality of life. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to get started due to all the exciting events upcoming in spring and summer. Why Start Treatment Now? For college students attending local colleges such as San Diego State University (SDSU), University of San Diego (USD), and University of California San Diego, graduation will be here before you know it! Of course, your duration of treatment will vary based on the complexity of your case, but why not get started before you earn your diploma? You only have to visit our office every two months, and work with you to ensure your treatment progresses as expected. For adults, big events such as weddings, reunions, vacations and even your children’s graduations come with tons of pictures! Whether you received orthodontic treatment as as child or not, now is the perfect time to start the journey to a beautiful smile. Once you finish... --- Our upcoming events are Paint Your Smile Pink, our annual October event that supports breast cancer awareness, and our Candy Buy Back Program this November. Fall is here, which means it’s almost time for Stormberg Orthodontics’ annual office traditions. If you’re a new, current or former patient, we want to encourage you to get involved since giving back to our local San Diego community is so important. While we take pride in providing high-quality orthodontic care, we also take pride in giving back to the community that has given us so much. Our upcoming events are Paint Your Smile Pink, our annual October event that supports breast cancer awareness, and our Candy Buy Back Program this November. Paint Your Smile Pink! This October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Stormberg and our team encourage our patients to choose pink bands for their braces. For each patient that participates, Dr. Stormberg will donate $5 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Since 1980, this organization has led the charge in breast cancer research, while also providing screenings, funding and global education. Last year, we had 281 patients paint their smiles pink, and Dr. Stormberg donated $1,500 to this incredible cause. If you have any questions, ask Dr. Stormberg or one of our team members today! About the Susan G. Komen Foundation Wondering where our donation goes? The foundation keeps 13 cents on the dollar, which goes towards all the services they provide. Plus, 75% of the 87 cents stays in San Diego. Next to the US government, Komen is the largest funder of breast cancer research in the entire world. It's also the only organization... --- At Stormberg Orthodontics, it’s safe to say we love getting questions from our patients! We encourage questions throughout the treatment process, and some questions get asked more often than others. At Stormberg Orthodontics, it’s safe to say we love getting questions from our patients! We encourage questions throughout the treatment process, and some questions get asked more often than others. Below, you’ll find 10 of the most common questions we get at our La Mesa office, and our answers. Why do I have to wear retainers? You need to wear your retainers for life! Your body is dynamic, always moving and shifting. Your retainers will hold your teeth in position forever, as long as you wear your retainer regularly and they fit properly. Most retainers will last between 5-20 years, depending on your dental habits (grinding, clenching), proper care and storage of your retainers. You may need to get new retainers in the future, so be sure to contact us as soon as you need us. You can also visit our page about Retainers to learn more about the importance of retainers and how to care for them. Don’t wait a few weeks, months or years to replace retainers. Your smile will last a lifetime! Why can’t I have all my appointments after school/work? Most of your visits/appointments will be before or after school for your convenience, but occasionally a longer appointment will be needed for more complex procedures. Those appointments are usually the beginning of your treatment (placing braces or attachments, instructions for the care and feeding of an orthodontic patient), repositioning or refining your treatment midway into treatment or finishing your treatment (removing your braces or attachments, final... --- Dr. Stormberg and his dedicated team love seeing patients finish their orthodontic treatment and get to see their beautiful, new smile for the first time. Dr. Stormberg and his dedicated team love seeing patients finish their orthodontic treatment and get to see their beautiful, new smile for the first time. Once your braces come off or you complete your last Invisalign treatment, you begin the very important phase of retention, so you can protect the smile you’ve worked so hard to get. Why Do You Need a Retainer? As you get older, the position of your lips, cheeks, tongue and soft tissues changes. Because the soft tissues determine the position of our teeth, they also change with time. Your teeth have a tendency to move back to their former, crooked position because of the fibres in your gums. Once orthodontic treatment is complete, the retention phase of treatment ensures that your teeth stay put. Retention occurs with the diligent daily use of retainers by patients and eliminates the chance of teeth relapsing, or perhaps shifting into a more crooked position. Types of Retainers Retainers are used to hold the teeth in their new positions after the braces come off. The gums and bones, as well as the muscles of the lips and cheeks, need a period of time to adapt to the new tooth positions. We offer the following retainers at our La Mesa office: Spring Retainers Hawley Retainers Invisacryl and Invisalign Retainers Fixed Wire Retainers You can learn more about each of the retainers by visiting our Retention page. Retention Tips Your retainer is something we highly recommend wearing no less than every other... --- While no one likes to talk about it, bad breath is a problem many people have. It can be especially problematic when you're wearing braces as food debris and plaque can easily be left behind in all the nooks and crannies of your braces after brushing & flossing. While no one likes to talk about it, bad breath is a problem many people have. It can be especially problematic when you're wearing braces as food debris and plaque can easily be left behind in all the nooks and crannies of your braces after brushing & flossing. It is not all that uncommon for someone wearing braces to have bad breath because of the bacteria present on bits of food between teeth and around the brackets as well as in plaque that's left behind after cleaning the teeth. Here are some easy ways to avoid having bad breath while you're wearing braces: Stay On Top of Your Oral Hygiene Routine While oral hygiene is always important, it's even more important when you have braces on your teeth. By making sure you do a great job of brushing and flossing your teeth after eating, bits of food won't be left behind nor will any plaque that can cause breath to smell. Drink Plenty of Water By drinking plenty of water every day, you will help flush food particles trapped between your teeth or in the nooks and crannies of your braces. Drinking lots of water also help keep you hydrated so you can avoid getting dry mouth, which is another cause of bad breath. Try to drink between six and eight glasses of water each day and avoid substituting energy drinks, sodas and citrus juices for water, as plain water is best. Use a Breath-Freshening Mouthwash A good way to... --- At Stormberg Orthodontics, we strive to help our patients make the best choices when it comes to orthodontics – and using your FSA to achieve a new smile through Invisalign treatment is an excellent idea for many patients. The year is getting ready to wind down to a close, and we know that means many of our patients are getting their tax documents and finances in order to start the next year off strong. But there's one part of the financial equation that many people forget about – the end of the year means it's time to spend the rest of the money in your FSA! FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) are tax-free accounts that let you set aside pre-tax money to use on healthcare expenses, providing a flexible solution for families to make more informed decisions about their health care. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we strive to help our patients make the best choices when it comes to orthodontics – and using your FSA to achieve a new smile through Invisalign treatment is an excellent idea for many patients. Don't Lose Your FSA Dollars At Year's End What many people forget about FSAs is that, while they're a helpful and versatile financial product, they reset at the end of the year. You forfeit any money left over in an FSA that you haven't spent by the end of the year – so if you still have money in your FSA and you don't spend it in the next three months, you'll lose it forever! With the end of the year approaching, most people have already covered their major health care expenses for the year, making it a great time to prioritize achieving a new smile. Enjoy a Beautiful Smile... --- Now that summer is winding down, soon the school year will begin. Before heading back to the classroom, schedule an appointment with Dr. Stormberg to improve your smile! Now that summer is winding down, soon the new school year will begin. Before heading back to the classroom, schedule an appointment with Dr. Stormberg to improve your smile! Even if you can’t schedule an appointment before classes start, we have plenty of appointment times available so you can find one that works best with your schedule: We offer 7a. m. appointments on Tuesdays and Fridays for teachers, students, athletes and more! We also have appointments available at 12:30 p. m. during lunchtime and after school. Our office is open on many school holidays including Martin Luther King Jr Day, President’s Day, Veteran’s Day and most fall and spring breaks. After you schedule an appointment with us, be sure to follow these tips that make heading back to school while wearing braces easier! Take Along a Braces Survival Kit Because it’s super important to brush your teeth thoroughly after eating when wearing braces, it’s a good idea to carry a ‘braces survival kit’ with you that includes your toothbrush and toothpaste. Then after eating lunch, you can step into a restroom and brush your teeth. It’s also wise to put some dental wax in your kit so you have it available in case of a poking wire or irritating bracket. And don’t forget to include a protective mouthguard which you should always wear when playing sports so you can keep your teeth and braces safe from harm. Remember to Steer Clear of Braces-Busting Foods When we put braces on your... --- Do you like baseball? Do you love our beautiful Petco Park? Well don’t miss your chance to attend the 87th MLB All-Star Game at Petco Park on July 12th. Do you like baseball? Do you love our beautiful Petco Park? Well don’t miss your chance to attend the 87th MLB All-Star Game at Petco Park on July 12th. Oh, and did we mention we’re giving away tickets? If you’re wondering how you can get your hands on those tickets, here’s the deal: to enter simply refer your friends and family for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Stormberg. Oh and make sure they tell us you referred them. The patient/family with the most referrals that visit us for a complimentary exam wins! The contest goes until July 1st, so you have plenty of time left to spread the word about how much you love visiting our office and how excited you are about your new smile. --- ---