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NOVEMBER 1ST IS ALL SAINTS DAY, celebrated in honor of all saints, beatified and known and not yet beatified and unknown. On this day, we may take a moment to remember the Patron Saint of Dentists, Saint Apollonia.

The Story of Saint Apollonia

In Alexandria, Egypt, Saint Apollonia was held in high esteem. During the reign of Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria (247-265), Apollonia was seized by the mob. She had her teeth knock-out and broken. Still, she refused to repeat impious words of blasphemy or lose her chastity during this violent attack. Instead, threw herself onto a burning fire in an act of martyrdom. This account was preserved in a letter of Fabius, Bishop of Antioch, in what is now Syria.

The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches celebrate the feast day of St. Apollonia on February 9th. St. Apollonia is popularly invoked against the toothache because of the torments she had endured to her own teeth. This is why St. Apollonia is the Patron Saint of Dentistry.

Saint Apollonia has Strong Ties to Dentistry

The term Apollonia is often found in dental literature and attached to dental societies. The image of St. Apollonia is the side support of the arms of the British Dental Association. A reliquary containing a tooth reputedly that of Saint Apollonia is still found today in the Cathedral of Porto, Portugal.

This blog was written by Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Gorczyca Orthodontics, Antioch, California. Find us at www.clubbraces.com.

Top image by Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

WE DON’T think much in our daily lives about being a walking, talking human skeleton. When our orthodontist shows us our lateral cephalogram radiograph for the very first time, it can be quite surprising to see our actual skull and skeleton.

The lateral cephalogram is analyzed by orthodontists for the diagnosis of facial soft tissues influenced by the underlying jaw bone and teeth. Using this analysis, orthodontists produce the beautiful profiles and deliver desires facial esthetics.

Lateral Cephalograms Help Find Certain Bite Issues

When there is a big overjet, overbite, or underbite of the teeth, the lateral cephalometric analysis helps the orthodontist determine which jaw or teeth are responsible for the situation. The analysis of this X-ray can help determine what type of treatment is necessary and whether or not jaw surgery or extractions are needed.

The lateral cephalogram allows the orthodontist to evaluate front tooth position in bone. This helps decide final tooth position for the most stable, beautiful, and functional result. In addition, this analysis indicates whether or not teeth need to be extracted for ideal periodontal health.

The lateral cephalometric analysis gives the orthodontist information about vertical face height and lower jaw angle. This helps decide what treatment mechanics to use to keep the bite functional, beautiful, and closed.

The Lateral Cephalogram Is Critical For Ortho Evaluation

The lateral cephalogram and it's analysis is critical for a thorough orthodontic evaluation. Ask your orthodontist to see your lateral cephalogram radiograph and explain your analysis. Your life may never be the same after the day you realize you are a walking, talking skeleton.

This blog was written by Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Gorczyca Orthodontics, Antioch, California www.clubbraces.com (925) 757-9000. To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

THE UPPER CANINE TOOTH, cuspid tooth, or pointed "eye tooth" is the last front tooth to come into the front upper dental arch. When space runs out, this gets pushed out of position. This tooth may become impacted in bone, stuck, and not come in at all. Or, it may push its way out and over the other teeth making its way into the dental arch. It is now hypererupted. It appears as a "Snaggletooth."

Dental Arch Expansion Can Prevent A Snaggletooth

If orthodontic treatment is started early, dental arches can be expanded to prevent the creation of a snaggletooth. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists and all orthodontists recommend an orthodontic examination by age 7.

In Some Cases, Tooth Extraction Is Necessary

In adults, depending on bone, soft tissue or gums, tooth position and facial appearance, snaggletooth treatment may require tooth extraction. The snaggletooth is a very important tooth with a long root. It is usually the tooth behind it which need removal.

We Love Helping Our Patients Make The Most Of Their Smiles!

To find out how orthodontics can help you prevent snaggletooth in the first place, visit Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Please schedule your child's examination by age 7. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary exam.

See your orthodontist if you need help with a Snaggletooth. Here's to your happiness and living snaggle free.

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

FOR ME, going to the hygienist is like a mini vacation. I love my dental hygienist and the great work that she does.

Let Me Share My Experience...

When I arrive at my 6-month hygiene appointment, my hygienist gives me a warm blanket heated in the dryer for one minute before I am seated. This blanket is so warm and cozy. Snuggling here in the dental chair for an instant gives me the feeling of a luxury hotel.

Cool jazz plays in the background while my teeth are gently cleaned. My hygienist does not talk excessively during our appointment. She lets me relax. As a busy orthodontist, wife and mother, I appreciate this time very much. I can close my eyes and unwind. This is a rare and enjoyable time.

An aroma candle burns in the hallway. It smells great. A hint of the fragrance makes it's way into the cleaning room and hides the scent of my own breath.

My hygienist polishes my teeth with my favorite flavored pumas. I think it is cherry. It tastes so good I almost want to eat it. It reminds me of how much I loved having my teeth cleaned as a child and is probably one of the reasons why I became a dentist.

After polishing my teeth, my hygienist hands me a warm towel heated in the microwave. I wipe and freshen my face. For an instant, I feel like I'm in the clouds flying Transatlantic First Class.

My hygienist then schedules my next cleaning at my convenience. She fills her own schedule. No need to bother the front desk. She schedules the appointment right then and there in the treatment room. She saves me time and the front desk additional work.

On my way out, I'm handed a goody bag with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. I'm now equipped to achieve excellence in oral hygiene and I don't want to let my hygienist down.

After a little small talk with the lovely ladies at the front desk, I take a few pieces of my favorite orange Trident sugar-free gum displayed in a little clothe covered basket. It taste great and I feel great. I just can't wait to come back and get my teeth cleaned again next time.

Thank You Wendy!

My hygienist gets a 5 star rating not only for excellence in clinical care but also for excellence in customer service. She is so sweet and also amazing! Thank you, Wendy, for all that you do.

Happy National Dental Hygiene Month to all of our wonderful dental hygienists from Gorczyca Orthodontics, Antioch, California www.clubbraces.com.