orthodontic treatment

12 Is The Perfect Age For Braces

June 29th, 2018

YOUR CHILD JUST finished sixth grade. All their baby teeth have been lost and all the succedaneous teeth (those replacing baby or primary teeth) have erupted into the mouth.

The permanent twelve year molars are nearly completely erupted into the mouth as well in both arches.

This is the perfect age for braces.

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment at age twelve will be a one-time treatment. Your orthodontist may have told you in the past to hold off treatment until all of the permanent teeth are in the mouth, and now at age 12, the time has come to straighten and correct that bite.

If you start your child’s braces at age twelve before seventh grade, there is a good chance that their orthodontic treatment will be completed by high school. Having your braces off by high school would be very nice, especially before the Junior Prom.

So don’t wait another minute. If your child is twelve and needs braces or Invisalign Teen orthodontic treatment, bring them into Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California for a free orthodontic exam. Call us at 925-757-9000. Find us at www.clubbraces.com and visit us at 5201 Deer Valley Road, next to Deer Valley High School. Find out how we can help get that orthodontic treatment started and finished during this time.

Age 12 is perfect age for orthodontic treatment. Thank you for choosing Gorczyca Orthodontics.

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

What Is An Impacted Tooth?

April 4th, 2018

FOR MOST PEOPLE, baby teeth become loose and adult teeth erupt in their place. For many, those adult teeth don’t come in entirely straight, so orthodontic treatment is necessary to shift them into the ideal position. For some, one or more of these teeth never emerge on their own, even though they developed in the jaw bone. These are impacted teeth.

Why Does Tooth Impaction Happen?

Tooth impaction is often the result of a crowding problem. If the new tooth doesn’t have room to come in, it may remain stuck beneath the gums. A full impaction is when the tooth fails to erupt at all, whereas a partial impaction is when the tooth breaches the gumline but doesn’t grow in completely.

Teeth Lost In The Gums

The most common teeth to become impacted are wisdom teeth. They might be impacted because there isn’t room for them in the jaw, they may be crooked, or they could even be completely sideways, threatening the roots of second molars. Another tooth commonly impacted is the upper maxillary canine, and lower mandibular canines and upper and lower premolars can be impacted as well.

Research shows that if there’s a history of impacted upper canines in your family, you are more likely to have them as well. Most often, only one canine will be impacted, but sometimes both are. Why the upper canines? Normally, they come in after the incisors and the premolars. When those don’t leave enough room between them, the canines have nowhere to go.

Symptoms And Complications Of Impacted Teeth

Some people with an impacted tooth show no symptoms except that the tooth doesn’t erupt. If it’s a canine, the baby tooth may not even loosen on its own! But even without symptoms, canine teeth are critical to a great smile because they provide essential structure and support. They also take on much of the chewing pressure thanks to their longer roots, which protects the surrounding teeth.

Impacted teeth often cause complications and symptoms besides a lopsided smile. Impacted teeth can push into neighboring teeth beneath the gums and cause cavities, infections, gum disease, or nerve damage. Symptoms might include bad breath, pain, tenderness around the jawline, a prolonged headache or jaw ache, swollen gums, swollen lymph nodes, bad taste in mouth, and visible gaps.

Treatment: A Place For Every Tooth

Impaction of a tooth usually can’t be prevented, but the tooth can be removed (in the case of wisdom teeth) or moved into its proper position (in the case of canines) with oral surgery and orthodontic treatment. An impacted tooth is usually discovered through dental x-rays, and then the orthodontist can determine the best course of action to take.

Help Us Help You

If you think you may have an impacted tooth, visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California for a free orthodontic exam. We’re always here to help and to treat your impacted tooth.

Your smile is our inspiration!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Orthodontic Treatment And Groundhog Day

February 1st, 2018


WE ALL KNOW the popular Bill Murray movie “Groundhog Day,” where Phil Connors wakes up in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and every day is February 2nd. He’s stuck reliving Groundhog Day and there is nothing he can do about it!

Don’t get stuck in perpetual orthodontic treatment by not wearing your rubber bands! Breaking your orthodontic brackets over and over again makes each appointment a repair! This slows your orthodontic progress and makes you relive Braces Day over and over again!

We’ll Take Care Of Those Teeth

At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we are committed to moving your orthodontic treatment forward as quickly as possible. We closely monitor orthodontic elastic wear, motivate you, and get you in for emergency rebond appointments for broken brackets on quick notice.

We want your orthodontic treatment to proceed quickly so that your braces will be off and you can spend your time eating whatever you would like and enjoying fun activities. We closely monitor your orthodontic progress and keep you informed so that you can move forward each day towards the end of your orthodontic treatment and receive the smile of your dreams as quickly as possible.

Call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics 925-757-9000 if you have questions about the length or stages of orthodontic treatment. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or visit us at 5201 Deer Valley Road, Suite 1A in Antioch for a free orthodontic evaluation.

We’ll make sure that your orthodontic treatment does not feel like Groundhog Day!

See you soon at Gorczyca Orthodontics.

Top image by Flickr user Anthony Quintano used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

During Orthodontic Treatment, Your Saliva Continues To Play A Big Role In Your Oral Health

January 30th, 2018

DURING YOUR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT, you probably don’t think very often about your spit (and frankly, we’d be a little worried about you if you did). And yes, both baby drool and the occasional drooling you may experience from having braces are a nuisance!

But did you know that saliva is a critical component for healthy teeth and great oral health — regardless of your age? Here at our practice, we’re not only concerned with your orthodontic treatment, but also with your teeth and complete oral health. We thought you may find it interesting to learn how saliva helps keep your mouth protected and healthy, even when your teeth are partially covered by braces.

Four Reasons Your Saliva Is Awesome

  1. Your saliva slowly and continually builds your teeth into tiny fortresses. It carries minerals like calcium and phosphate ions which reinforce your enamel.
  2. Saliva is an important part of your immune system. It contains immunoproteins that police your mouth, fighting bacteria and coating teeth in a protective layer.
  3. It’s a lubricant. Thanks to saliva, your mouth and tongue are flexible. Talking and eating would be seriously difficult without it.
  4. Saliva keeps your mouth clean. It washes away food particles and rebalances the pH level in your mouth every time you eat.

Xerostomia (a.k.a. Dry Mouth) Can Be A Problem

Now that you understand how much your saliva does for you, you probably see what a problem it could be if it weren’t there. When your body isn’t producing enough saliva, it’s called dry mouth, or xerostomia (pronounced “zeer-uh-stoh-mee-uh”). It’s often caused by common medications like antihistamines or antidepressants. It can also be a side effect of dehydration or diseases like Parkinson’s and cystic fibrosis. Sometimes it’s simply a result of aging.

Here Are A Few Suggestions That May Help You

If you’re having trouble with xerostomia, ask us about it! We’ll be sure it’s not part of a bigger problem. In addition to the simple suggestions below, there may be other things our team can suggest that will help:

  • Rinse your mouth regularly with water.
  • Chew ortho-approved sugarless gum or suck on a sugarless candy to help stimulate saliva flow.
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco, which can both be dry mouth contributing factors.

Remember that if you ever have questions, you can call us or send us a direct message on our Facebook page. Visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics for a free orthodontic evaluation. Visit our website at www.clubbraces.com and call us at 925-757-9000 to schedule your appointment.

Your smile is our inspiration.

“I Love Getting to Know Patients and Being Part of a Team”- Gwen at Gorczyca Orthodontics

June 5th, 2017

“MY FRIENDS TOLD ME I would LOVE dental assisting. They were right, I do!”

“I enjoy the fast pace of the orthodontic office. As an orthodontic assistant at Gorczyca Orthodontics, I have my own chair, my own schedule, and ownership of my patient's experience.”

I Love Getting To Know Our Patients

“As I seat my orthodontic patient and get them prepared to see Dr. Gorczyca, my patient and I have the opportunity for small talk and getting to know each other on a personal level. After one to two years of bi-monthly visits, we usually know each other very well. We have built a relationship. Getting to know my patients and their families is my favorite part of my job.”

“Everyone on our team at Gorczyca Orthodontics is very welcoming. We are aligned to give the best patient experience possible. Patient happiness is what our orthodontic office is all about.

In Our Practice, We Work As A Team

“I also enjoy being part of the outstanding team of customer service leaders. Our team is very close. Every team member helps the others out. No one works alone or has an unfair work burden. We're a team working together.

“Clinical excellence, outstanding customer service, and a great patient experience are our individual and team core values. We use these to stay focused and always put the patient first in our daily clinical and office decisions.”

“Orthodontics is fascinating. We change lives by creating beautiful smiles. Our patients’ smiles and happiness truly are our inspiration.”

-Gwen at Gorczyca Orthodontics

Gorczyca Orthodontics, 5201 Deer Valley Road, Suite 1A, Antioch, CA (925) 757-9000 www.clubbraces.com

Stay Healthy And Save Money With Preventative Care

May 11th, 2017

LIFE CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE. When times get tough, it can be tempting to postpone or maybe even neglect your orthodontic treatment. Resist that temptation! Doing so can compromise the health of your teeth and the end result of your treatment. There’s a better way to save money and stay healthy: A Preventative Care Plan.

Part 1: Do Your Part At Home

All you need is a toothbrush, some dental floss, and five minutes of your day. Thorough daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent tooth decay as well as decalcification that can be caused by plaque buildup around your appliance. This is the most important part of your new preventative care plan and only you can do it!

Part 2: Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits

Deep cleanings from your dentist can reach those areas you can’t—such as below the gums—and can help fight plaque and other dental demons. Regular maintenance appointments are less expensive than restorative work.

Part 3: Fix Problems Early

If something is wrong or doesn’t feel right with your appliance, contact us immediately. To stay on track with your treatment, it’s important that we catch and fix any problems while they’re still minor.

One thing is for sure, crowded teeth will continue to get worse over time. Crowded teeth can compromise dental and periodontal health. An unhealthy bite can also lead to excessive tooth wear, tooth sensitivity, and jaw discomfort. The sooner you can receive an orthodontic examination and treatment with either braces, Invisalign, or retainers to correct your orthodontic problem the better. Your oral health goal is to keep your teeth healthy for life.

Your Preventative Plan May Be A Life Saver

By following this plan you can better protect yourself from major issues down the road. Some studies even indicate that neglecting your oral health may lead to other health issues including cardiovascular problems and diabetes. Faithfully following your “Preventative Dental Care Plan” helps keep you healthy.

Questions?

Let us know if you have any questions about your at-home oral care techniques. 

Call us today at Gorczyca Orthodontics for a complimentary orthodontic consultation at (925) 757-9000 or find us at www.clubbraces.com.

We see children as early at seven years of age. There are many orthodontic problems that can be prevented by early orthodontic treatment with braces, expansion appliances, or retainers.

Thank you for being our patients and friends!

The History Of Braces

April 17th, 2017

OVER ONE THIRD OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION has undergone orthodontic treatment at some point in their life. That’s a lot of people!

In the past, orthodontic treatment was typically a luxury reserved for the wealthy or those with extreme cases of orthodontic deformations. Today, getting braces is a routine procedure that can beautify your smile and improve your oral health. But how did braces become what they are today?

Braces Are Older Than You Think

Having a perfect smile isn’t a modern idea; early forms of braces in Egypt have been discovered by archaeologists in mummified remains. Cords made from animal intestines were wrapped around or run along the teeth in an attempt to close gaps.

More evidence of primitive orthodontic procedures from as early as 1000 B.C. has been found in ancient Greece and Rome. When preparing the body for the afterlife, these ancient civilizations would put a type of mouthguard onto the body to protect the deceased wearer’s teeth from collapsing inwards after time and make sure they looked good in the afterlife.

French Dentists Made Progress In The 18th Century

During the 18th century, two books were written that made significant strides in the field of dentistry and orthodontics.

In 1728, “The Surgeon’s Dentist” was written by Pierre Fauchard, in which he discusses the idea of a device he called a “bandeau.” It was similar to a mouthguard and was thought to help teeth stay in their intended position.

Pierre Bourdet, dentist to the King of France, wrote “The Dentist’s Art” 30 years later and made the discovery that wisdom teeth could be removed to avoid dental crowding, a common cause of misaligned teeth.

The 19th And 20th Centuries Show Us The Braces We Know Today

In 1819, Christophe-Francois Delabarre was the first to use a wire “crib” placed over each set of two teeth. This was the earliest version of braces that most closely resembles the one we see today.

The actual term “braces” wasn’t used until the 1900s. Braces of the 20th century, however, were very different from the ones we think of today. Bands were wrapped around each tooth and connected between teeth by a wire. Dentists used various materials for braces including ivory, silver, gold, copper, zinc, and even wood!

Everything changed in the 1970s with the advent of stainless steel, used for wiring, and dental adhesive, which allowed brackets to stick onto the face of each tooth. These advances made braces significantly less painful and allowed for shorter treatment times!

Invisible Aligners Take Braces Technology To The Next Level

Invisible aligners, popularized in 1997, advanced the technology of braces further still. 3D computer technology combined with the idea of translucent plastic retainers now allows people to obtain a beautiful smile without having metal brackets attached to the teeth.

We’ve Come A Long Way!

From the ancient Egyptians to the dentist of King Louis XV and all the way to the present, we’ve learned a lot about straightening teeth. Orthodontic dentistry has advanced tremendously over the last 3,000 years and we’re proud to say that obtaining a straighter smile has never been easier or more rewarding!

If you have questions, visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics, Antioch, CA www.clubbraces.com. Call us at (925) 757-9000.

Thank you for being a valued patient and trusting us with your smile!

Top image by Flickr user East Midtown used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth From Cavities

December 13th, 2016

DENTAL SEALANTS PROTECT your teeth from cavities. This is why it is important for children and even adults to get clear, white, or shaded sealants placed in the pits and fissures of their adult teeth.

Sealants Can Be Placed At An Early Age

Sealants can be placed in back permanent teeth as early as age 5. It is best to place sealants as early as the permanent first and second molars, and permanent first and second premolars erupt into the mouth. Sealants do not show when you smile and are easy to have placed in your mouth. Sealants can protect up to 80% of your tooth surface from decay.

Sealants Last A Long Time, But Still Need Replacing

Sealants can last up to 10 years. It may become necessary to have your sealants replaced. This is usually done by a general dentist or a pediatric dentist. Most insurance plans include benefits for the placement of dental sealants.

At Gorcyzca Orthodontics, we recommend placement of sealants prior to orthodontic treatment. We want all of our patients to remain cavity free for a lifetime.

Have Questions? Let Us Know!

If you have questions about your teeth or sealants, visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary exam.

Don't leave your permanent teeth unprotected from dental decay. Protect them today with dental sealants.

Missing a Molar? OrthodonticTreatment Can Close the Space

April 14th, 2016

MOLARS COME INTO OUR MOUTHS EARLY in life, at age six. Called "Six Year Molars", first molars have deep grooves which, without sealants, are susceptible to cavities. If decay is left untreated for years, first molars can be lost.

Orthodontics Can Close The Gap

If you or your child has been told they have a "bombed out tooth", "severely decayed tooth", or "hopeless tooth" which needs extraction, consider orthodontic treatment to close the extraction space.

Your Own Teeth Can Be The Solution!

Orthodontists can move second molars into first molar spaces. Forward movement of a second molar will create room for third molars to come into the mouth. Your teeth will be saved from needing a dental bridge or implant by orthodontic closure of the tooth loss space.

This case was treated by Board Certified Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Gorczyca Orthodontics, Antioch, CA (925)757-9000. To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.com.

We Can Help Restore Your Natural Bite

Don't go toothless. Learn what an orthodontist can do to close your missing tooth space. Rearrange your natural teeth with orthodontic treatment for a healthy bite.

More Topics
diplomate american board of orthodontics Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists advanced education in orthdontics
member american association of orthodontists seattle study club american dental association california dental association
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