retainer

Wearing And Caring For Your Retainer Is Worth It

November 9th, 2018

AS MUCH AS WE LOVE YOU, once you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment, we don’t want you coming back for re-treatment! So remember to faithfully wear your retainer!

Don’t Neglect The Final Stage

Some people neglect this last stage of their orthodontic treatment. It’s probably because they think that once their braces are off, they’re FINISHED with orthodontics.

Sorry to break it to you, but you’re not done just yet. In fact, maintaining that drop-dead gorgeous smile may be a lifelong pursuit. Once you get your braces off, you need to remember that your retainer is the final phase of orthodontic treatment, and it’s just as important as every other phase.

Here’s what you need to know about proper retainer care:

#1: Clean Your Retainer Regularly

  • Just as you brush your teeth to prevent decay and bad odors, you’ll need to brush your retainer. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste. Some people like to use a tiny bit of mouthwash, or dish detergent. That’s fine, just remember to rinse well.
  • Remember to clean regularly — every day or so. This will prevent buildup.
  • And a special note: DON’T put your retainers in the dishwasher or the microwave. That’s just asking for damage and warping.

#2: Good Habits Will Keep You From Losing Your Retainer

  • Always carry your retainer case with you so that you can properly store it while eating.
  • Never wrap up the retainer in a napkin or tissue. That makes it look like trash, and it’s easy to accidentally throw away.
  • IF YOU DO lose your retainer, contact us right away. We can make you a new one before your teeth start misbehavin’.

#3: Wear Your Retainer Per Our Instructions

In most cases, after your braces are removed, you should wear your retainer ALL the time (unless we tell you differently). After that, continue to wear your retainer EVERY night.

We’re so excited when our awesome patients reach this final phase of treatment. Take good care of your retainer, and enjoy your beautiful new smile for life! If you have lost or broken your retainer, please call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California for a complimentary orthodontic consultation (925) 757-9000.

We want you to have straight teeth for life!  Your smile is our inspiration. 
Top image by Flickr user Braden Kowitz 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.

Bad Breath? Are You Keeping Your Retainer Clean?

August 24th, 2018

DOES YOUR BREATH STINK? Do you know if your breath stinks? What causes it? What can be done about it? Here at our practice, we often get questions about bad breath. Sometimes the questions come from a long-suffering friend or family member of somebody else with bad breath.

Besides A Dirty Retainer, There Are Lots Of Bad Breath Causes 

Halitosis (chronic bad breath) can be caused by a number of things — some more serious than others. Here are the most common causes:

1. Things You Eat, Like Garlic And Onions

Foods like garlic and onions contain oils that transfer through your bloodstream into your lungs, causing odor to be emitted each time you exhale.

2. Things You Don’t Eat, And A Dry Mouth

Dieting can trigger different chemical processes that can make you more susceptible to bad breath. Also, not eating slows down saliva production, decreasing your mouth’s ability to clean away bacterial build-up. That’s why “morning breath” is unpleasant. Also, certain prescription medications can cause dry mouth.

3. The Way You Feel

Sometimes a cold or sore throat can be the culprit with odors coming directly from the bacteria or mucus trapped in your mouth or sinus area. Typically, these problems won’t go away until the symptoms causing them are gone.

4. Things That May Be More Serious

More serious causes include things like gum disease, kidney problems, diabetes, oral cancer, anorexia/bulimia, and others. That’s why it’s so important to contact us or your general dentist about chronic bad breath problems that you just can’t seem to solve.

Things You Can Do That Help

Remember, chronic or extreme bad breath is not normal. If you have any questions about causes, symptoms, or remedies, talk with our team.

  1. If you wear a retainer, or any other orthodontic appliance, clean it thoroughly.
  2. WE KNOW it’s hard with braces, but practice good oral hygiene! You know — brush and floss!
  3. Gently brush your tongue.
  4. Use an antibacterial mouthwash regularly.
  5. Eat healthy, drink enough water, and don’t smoke.
  6. Occasionally suck on a sugarless mint.
  7. Don’t miss or postpone your appointments with us, or your checkups with your dentist.

A Little Fun With “...a new sense of daintiness...”

Contrary to the popular legend that Listerine coined the term “halitosis,” it actually dates back to the 1870s. However, Listerine made the term commonplace by using it in many of their ad campaigns. Halitosis combines the Latin “halitus” (meaning “breath”) with the Greek suffix “osis” (used to describe a medical condition).

Thanks, As Always, For Being Our Valued Patient

We sincerely appreciate the trust you place in our orthodontic practice! And thanks for your kind referrals of friends, family members, and coworkers. Leave us a comment below or send us a direct message on our Facebook page!

See you soon at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at 925-757-9000 for a free orthodontic exam.

Your smile is our inspiration.

Cleaning Your Retainers

August 17th, 2018

BRACES REMOVAL DAY is the most exciting day of any orthodontic patient’s treatment, but it’s not where the story ends. Next come the retainers, to make sure that smile stays properly aligned. But how do we keep our retainers in good condition, and why are they so important?

Why Do We Need Retainers?

It would be nice if our teeth stayed exactly where our braces left them: perfectly straight for the rest of our lives. Sadly, this isn’t how teeth work. They are held in place by periodontal ligaments, and these ligaments take time to adjust to their new position. Neglecting your retainer allows those ligaments to tug those teeth back to where they were before you had braces! This is why it’s crucial not only to wear your retainer as directed, but to take good care of it.

Cleaning Removable Retainers

Removable retainers come in two basic varieties: Hawley (the classic retainer made of wire fixed to a fitted acrylic plate) and Essix (clear plastic retainers). The different types require slightly different approaches when it comes to cleaning. Make sure to follow these steps so that your retainer doesn’t become smelly and full of tartar deposits.

Hawley Retainer

A cheap and easy way to clean your Hawley retainer is by soaking it in baking soda water. Doing this every day would damage the soldered metal pieces, so it’s important to only do this once in a while. Baking soda is a safer solution than effervescent tablets, especially if you have allergies. You should also avoid using mouthwash, which can dry the acrylic out to the point of damaging it.

Essix Retainer

It’s important to brush your Essix retainer as often as you brush your teeth — but hold the toothpaste, because it could scratch the plastic. Also make sure that the water you use to rinse it is lukewarm. Hot water will warp the retainer’s shape. Soaking in baking soda water is a great way to deep-clean an Essix retainer too, and there isn’t any metal solder to worry about, so you can do this as often as you like.

Looking for more uses for that baking soda? Check out this video:

Cleaning A Permanent Retainer

These are great tips for cleaning removable retainers, but what if you have a permanent retainer — the kind cemented to the backs of your teeth? Easy! Just clean these the same way you kept your braces clean: diligent brushing and flossing.

It can be tricky to floss around a permanent retainer, but it’s crucial for keeping tartar from building up around it and the backs of your teeth. Threaders and special floss designed for retainers can make this process easier, and you might even consider getting a water flosser if you don’t already have one.

If You Need More Tips On Retainer Care, Just Ask!

Whatever kind of retainer you use, you can always bring yours to our office or to your dentist for cleaning and inspection. We want to help you make sure that retainer lasts!

If you have questions about orthodontics or retainers, please call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics at 925-757-9000 for a free orthodontic exam.

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.

Your Retainer Is Your Best Friend After Treatment

July 25th, 2018

NOW THAT YOUR BRACES are off, you’re ready to celebrate! Once again you get to eat those foods that you’ve missed so much! It’s easier to brush! And most of all, you get to show off your gorgeous smile to everyone who congratulates you for completing treatment!

Now What?

There are a few things that you need to remember about caring for your teeth after braces. For the most part, post-braces care is the same as pre-braces and during-braces care. That’s why we talk about so many general dental care and oral health topics here on our blog in addition to information about orthodontic treatment. HOWEVER, here are a few things specific to those of you who just had your braces removed.

Some Instructions, Including “Wear Your Retainer!”

  1. Schedule an appointment with your dentist. Now that your teeth are aligned and clear of hardware, your dentist can do a more thorough examination and cleaning. If you had crowded teeth before, this may be the most thorough check-up and cleaning you’ve ever had!
  2. Take special care of your gums. Sometimes during orthodontic treatment gums are neglected because flossing takes so much longer. Put in some extra effort to get your periodontal health on track by flossing faithfully every day. You may want to gently massage your gums with your toothbrush if they feel a little tender.
  3. Give your teeth some time. Your mouth may feel strange for a few days. Some people report that their teeth even feel a little loose. Just take it easy for a few days.
  4. Take care of your retainer! Your retainer is your new best friend. We often see patients who need a second round of treatment because they neglected their retainer the first time. You’ve already put in all that effort, so make sure that you keep the dazzling effects for your lifetime!

Celebrate!

To really celebrate, take some fun “after” pictures showing off your new smile. Post them on Facebook! You may even want to think about some teeth whitening to make the most of your beautiful, straight smile.

From everyone here at our practice, congratulations on finishing treatment! We’re so grateful that you chose us to see you through this process, and we’re so excited about your amazing new smile.

Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California

Your smile is our inspiration.

Summer Is A Great Time To Get Braces

July 3rd, 2018


SCHOOL’S OUT! LET THE fun begin! In between all the fun summer activities, don’t forget, summer is a great time to get braces.

Gorczyca Orthodontics is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to accommodate your busy and varied summer schedule. Call our office at (925) 757-9000 to schedule a free orthodontic exam.

What To Expect At Gorczyca Orthodontics

Once Dr. Gorczyca has given you your orthodontic diagnosis and treatment plan and you have decided which type of orthodontic treatment you would like, Katie will take your orthodontic records. These include panoramic and cephalometric radiographs, extraoral and intraoral photos, and impressions for study models. This takes about 20 minutes in our office.

Your Orthodontic Treatment

Next, it’s time to start your orthodontic treatment. Braces can be placed at your earliest convenience, as coordinated with our office schedule. This usually takes about one hour.

Invisalign will take a few weeks for your ClinCheck to be reviewed, adjusted, and approved by Dr. Gorczyca and for your aligners to be shipped to our office.

Active removable appliances like spring-clip aligners (Inman retainers) and retainers take about one to two weeks to be fabricated and returned to our office.

Come See Us This Summer!

In the Antioch California year-round school system, kids go back to school at the end of July. Summer will be over before you know it! So, if you want to accomplish all of your summer smile goals, start now by scheduling an orthodontic exam in our office.

Call us today to schedule your free exam (925) 757-9000. If you have already had an orthodontic exam, reserve your summer start time now to get started.

Thank you for choosing Gorczyca Orthodontics for your orthodontic care. We wish you a great summer.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Lose Your Frenum, Free Your Smile!

November 15th, 2017

THE FRENUM, A THICK piece of tissue often found between the upper front teeth, may be responsible for your front tooth space. Your upper lip might even be attached with your thick frenum. This may be preventing you from smiling as big as you would like.

The Solution Is Simple

A thick frenum can be removed by laser or periodontal surgery. This procedure, called a frenectomy, is usually done by a periodontist (a gum and soft tissue dental specialist). Removal of your frenum is painless and relatively inexpensive. With a frenectomy and orthodontic treatment by braces or Invisalign, your orthodontic space can be held closed for a lifetime.

Keeping That Gap Closed

Following frenectomy, tooth space is held closed with either a removable or nonremovable retainer. With the aid of a bonded lingual retainer (inside tooth wire) your upper tooth space (diastema) may be gone forever.

Come visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California and let us help you be free of your frenum. Call us at 925-757-9000 for a free orthodontic exam. Visit us at www.clubbraces.com.

Be free of your frenum and enjoy the smile of your dreams!

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

Gap Problem? No Problem!

September 29th, 2016

A SPACE BETWEEN front teeth is very common. It called a diastema. Diastemas are often caused by thick tissue between the front teeth. This skin keeps your teeth apart and is called a maxillary frenum. Thick frenums are often hereditary and can be common in families.

How Do You Correct A Diastema?

A diastema is easy to close with orthodontic treatment. Short-term treatment may be braces, Invisalign, aligners, or removal appliances. Additional therapies may be required for ideal cosmetic results after closing a diastema. These may include veneers, lumineers, composites, or crowns. Periodontal therapy for removal of tissue, a frenectomy or gingivectomy, is often needed to help the space stay closed permanently after closing a diastema.

We Ensure The Gap Stays Closed

Your orthodontist may place a wire behind your front teeth to insure that your diastema stays closed. This bonded lingual wire is a permanent retainer. Care must be given not to bite hard foods with your permanent retainer to prevent it from breaking.

If you have questions about tooth gap closure call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary consultation. Find us at www.clubbraces.com. To find an orthodontist in your area visit the American Associaton of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Don't let a tooth gap keep you from smiling. Gap problem, no problem! Here's to your beautiful smile.

Top image by Flickr user Very Quiet 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.

7 Benefits of Invisalign Vivera Retainers

June 29th, 2016

AFTER YOU HAVE FINISHED your Invisalign treatment or orthodontic treatment with braces, it's time to choose a retainer to protect and maintain your beautiful new smile.

Vivera retainers by Invisalign offer many benefits for your busy lifestyle.

7 Benefits of Vivera Retainers

  1. Vivera retainers are clear just like Invisalign so they always look great no matter where your travels may take you.
  2. Vivera retainers don't affect your speech so you can be comfortable wearing them throughout the day or night.
  3. Vivera retainers are strong and do not rip or break easily.
  4. Vivera retainers are smooth and comfortable and will not irritate your lips and mouth.
  5. Vivera retainers fit precisely and are not loose. They are made by the same 3-D digital imaging as Invisalign for a tight fit.
  6. Vivera retainers can be changed when necessary or replaced with a new retainer when lost. In the Vivera retainer program, you will receive four sets of Vivera retainer aligners.
  7. Your Vivera retainer digital tooth image will be stored digitally so you can receive additional trays without additional impressions, scans, or office visits.

We Can Help Find The Retainers That Are Best For You!

If you have questions about Vivera retainers ask us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com in Antioch, California.

It took time and effort to create your beautiful new smile. Whether you are in the classroom or the board room, preserve your smile with Vivera retainers.

6 Ways to Lose Your Retainer

August 20th, 2015

WE’VE ALL HEARD the sad stories about how patients lose their orthodontic retainers. Over and over again, like lemmings jumping over a cliff, orthodontic patients make the same wrong moves and poof, their retainers are gone.

The Top 6 Ways To Lose Your Retainer

Avoid these actions to maintain your retainer for life.

6. Misplace it on vacation
5. Leave it at a restaurant
4. Lose it at your friend’s house
3. Throw it out at McDonald's wrapped in a paper napkin
2. Leave it out for the dog to eat
1. Throw it out in the lunch room

Retainers need to be worn full-time for a minimum of 3 months after braces removal and then every night for one year after you are brace free to insure a straight and beautiful smile. Retainers should be put in at least one night per week for a lifetime to keep your teeth straight and maintain what you and your orthodontist have worked so hard to achieve.

Keep Your Beautiful Smile For A Lifetime!

These teeth were straightened by orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Gorczyca Orthodontics, Antioch, CA. You can find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000 if you have lost your retainers and need new ones.

Keep your retainer out of harm’s way by keeping it in a labeled retainer case. Avoid these actions to save your retainer for life.

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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