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YOUR SMILE IS AN expression of who you are. It is that special thing that greets a friend, celebrates all of life’s joyful moments, and makes someone’s day that much brighter. We know how important your smile is to you and those around you. That’s why Dr. Gorczyca is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), so we can always provide the best and most up-to-date care to our patients!

What Is The AAO?

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists go to four years of dental school, and beyond that, two to three more years of a full-time graduate school residency program to specialize in orthodontics. Orthodontists are experts in straightening and aligning teeth to create healthy, beautiful smiles for all of our patients.

The American Association of Orthodontists is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. Only the orthodontists that have received a rigorous education at an accredited orthodontics specialty program can be granted membership in the AAO. Because Dr. Gorczyca is an AAO member, you can trust that all orthodontic treatment performed at our practice meets the highest standards of quality, ethics and aesthetics.

What Does Being An AAO Member Mean For Our Patients?

Providing orthodontic treatment is not just straightening teeth. Excellent and comprehensive orthodontic treatment requires a scientific and artistic working knowledge of functional occlusion (bite function), TMJ form and function, growth and development of the jaws and teeth, material science of the appliances used, and the biology of tooth movement bio-mechanics. It's not just gluing braces onto teeth. And, it can't be learned in a weekend course. This is why it is so important to have your orthodontic treatment done by an educated orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Harm can be done by moving teeth too fast, moving teeth to an unstable position, or not maintaining teeth in a stable position for a long enough time prior to braces removal. This is especially true when teeth are moved in the direction of coming farther into the mouth (extrusion). Time needs to be given to allow the bone to remodel around the new tooth position. Full stability around teeth moved by orthodontics takes one year to reach it's maximum strength. This is why wearing your retainer when braces are removed is so important. Your orthodontist will monitor your teeth during this retention period.

Only graduates of orthodontic residency programs can be members of the American Association of Orthodontists. Only orthodontists can call themselves orthodontists. It is important for the public be aware that orthodontists receive extensive training and continuing educational training throughout their careers in order to be able to provide the best orthodontic care possible to their patients.

We Go The Extra Mile For Our Patients

Our number one priority is our patients’ safety and satisfaction. We’re always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that we are providing the best care to every single person who comes into our office!

As an AAO member, Dr. Gorczyca is constantly improving her skills and learning how to better serve you. Why? Because you deserve the smile of your dreams, and we’re here to make that dream a reality!

To find an orthodontists near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org or call Gorczyca Orthodontics at (925)757-9000 in Antioch, California.

When it comes to braces, aligners, and retainers, an AAO orthodontist is the smart choice.

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.

DARK CHOCOLATE MAY not just be good for Valentine's Day gift, it may also be good year round for health, attention, and alertness.

Dark Chocolate Has Many Health Benefits

A study at Northern Arizona University reveals that the intake of dark chocolate with at least 60 caco can improve attention span and increase alertness.

"Chocolate is indeed a stimulant and it activates the brain in a really special way," said Dr. Larry Stevens, professor of psychological sciences at Northern Arizona University. "It can increase brain characteristics of attention, and it also significantly affects blood pressure levels."

The results of the study for 122 participants who ate 60 percent caco dark chocolate were tested by EEG. Results showed that the brain was more alert and attentive and blood pressure also increased for a short time in participants after eating 60 percent cacao dark chocolate.

Choose Dark Chocolate This Valentine's Day!

When choosing chocolate hearts this Valentine's Day, go for the dark chocolate 60% high-cacao plus. Regular chocolate with high sugar and milk won't be as good. Keep your loves attention and your relationship out of a slump. Go for the the high-cacao chocolate for the best Valentine's yet.

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Gorczyca Orthodontics, 5201 Deer Valley Road, Suite 1A, Antioch, California 94531 (925) 757-9000 Find us at www.clubbraces.com.

IT'S BEEN A FEW YEARS SINCE I happened upon the Facebook post from the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting reading "Girls, stay in school." Having sparse historical background on it's creator, Dr. Howard Farran, I was intrigued to follow this dentist of modern times. Little did I know that I had stumbled upon the King of Dental Social Media.

Dr. Farran Has A Wealth Of Accomplishments

Looking back, it is unbelievable what Dr. Howard Farran has accomplished in the past 6 years. In awe I watched his dental social media empire grow from his first tweet to 19.6K Followers. He makes 70 Instagram posts in a single day, keeps 263,961 Facebook followers engaged, while maintaining more Pinterest boards than dentistry has specialities, with 45,005 entertained Followers.

As if superhuman, when not at his dental practice, or Farran Media, publishers of Dentaltown, Hygienetown, and Orthotown magazines, Dr. Farran:

• Writes books,
• Has taped over 600+ podcasts for Dentistry Uncensored,
• And travels all corners of the world lecturing about dentistry.

His talks are so entertaining that audience members experience stomach pain from laughter and smile until their faces hurt. Then when his work is done, Dr. Farran runs an IronMan.

But like King Arthur, what is most impressive about the Farranian legend is Dr. Howard Farran's good qualities which he uses to give a voice to those often not heard by dentistry. He does this with courage, charisma, humility, loyalty, honor, and faith.

Dr. Farran's mission is simple: "To connect every dentist on earth so no dentist will ever have to practice solo again." This he has achieved in legendary style as the King of Dental Social Media.

Thank You Dr. Farran

I am thankful for great people like Dr. Howard Farran. They truly make the world a better place. Here lie the power and benefits of social media.

Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca is an orthodontist at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. She is author of the books "It All Starts with Marketing" and "Beyond the Morning Huddle".

"EVERY FAMILY IS SPECIAL, and every patient is unique. To me, that's what customer service is all about, individualized attention.

I love working with new patients and their families here at Gorczyca Orthodontics, answering questions about orthodontics, and delivering the desired smile that patients deserve.

Customer service is noble selflessness. I am here to serve the patient and assure them what I CAN DO for them, to serve their needs. We want to make orthodontic treatment possible for everyone."

"It is my job to give prompt responses to new patient questions to help them get started with treatment. 'What questions do you have for me?' is something I say dozens of times each day. I listen and take time to answer all patient questions until every question is answered.

My communication comes in many forms: text messaging, e-mailing, calling, as well as personal mail. There can never be too much follow-up communication with patients. In today's busy world, patients need help prioritizing time and activities. That's what I'm here to do: prioritize orthodontic treatment."

"When a patient tells me 'I can't afford treatment' I consider they are telling me 'Show me how I can afford this treatment which I desire, need and deserve.' I tell the patient what I CAN DO for them, not what I can't. Sooner or later, we come to a workable solution and a financial arrangement to start treatment.

Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing our patient's beautiful smiles. Once you are our patient, we want to maintain our relationship with you even after the orthodontic treatment is completed. We want to be your family's orthodontic office for life.

To me, customer care means working at our best and treating each new patient like family. Customer service is what I love most about my job as a treatment coordinator at Gorczyca Orthodontics."

Thank You, Veronica

Veronica has been both a patient and intern at Gorczyca Orthodontics. She has been an employee and proud member of the service team for over 15 years. She was the winner of the 2016 Gorczyca Orthodontics Customer Service Award.

Gorczyca Orthodontics, 5201 Deer Valley Road, Suite 1A, Antioch, California (925) 757-9000 www.clubbraces.com Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics.