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CANDY APPLES, also know as toffee apples, are whole apples on a stick covered in a sugar candy coating or hard toffee. They are a common treat throughout the world.

The Origin of The Candy Apple

Invented in 1908 by a candy shop owner William Kolb in Newark, New Jersey, candy apples have been popular worldwide for over one hundred years. They are found at amusement parks, circuses, along the Jersey Shore, and on New York's Coney Island. Kids love candy apples.

Candy apples are a tradition in many countries. They are called pommes d'amour (apples of love) in Brazil and France. They are called Tanghulu in China and are popular at Japanese festivals. In Germany, they are associated with the Christmas season. In Israel, they are sold at Yom Ha'atzmaut eve (Israel Independence Day). In the U.K., they are associated with Bonfire Night. In the U.S., Canada, and Australia, candy apples continue to be associated with fairs and carnivals and may also be served at Halloween.

They may also be the world's #1 orthodontic hazard.

Candy Apples Can Do Serious Damage To Braces

Eating a candy apple is one sure way to break off all of your orthodontics brackets. Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Orthodontist at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California learned about the orthodontic hazard of candy apples orthodontic the hard way. While in braces during the seventh grade, she bit into a candy apple at the Lincoln Park Amusement Park in Westport, Massachusetts.

“All my friends bought candy apples. Though in braces, I bought one, too. Tempted by this childhood delicacy, I took a bite. I still remember, vividly, the feeling and sound of my beloved braces crackling and breaking off my teeth! My dear orthodontist, Dr. Lawrence Oliveira of New Bedford, Massachuetts, was so upset with me! When I returned to his office for my bracket repair and replacement, he was so troubled, he could barely speak! I hope I can save other orthodontic patients from this unfortunate occurrence!”

Be Sure To Look Out For Your Braces!

Take care of your braces at amusement parks and during Halloween. Save the candy apple for the braces removal celebration on debond day when your braces are removed at your orthodontist's office.

To find an orthodontist in your area or near an amusement park you may visit, go to the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

BOBBING FOR APPLES is a game often played on Halloween. Fill a large tub with water and less dense apples will float. Catch the apples with your teeth with your hands behind your back. What fun!

Bobbing for Apples Around the World

Bobbing is called "dooking" (i.e. ducking) in Scotland. In Northern England, bobbing for apples is called apple ducking or duck-apple. In Ireland, mainly in Kerry County, apple bobbing is known as Snap Apple. In Newfoundland and Labrador, Snap Apple Night is Halloween.

The tradition of bobbing for apples dates back to the Roman invasion of Britain. Young unmarried people would try to bite into the apple by either bobbing for or eating an apple hanging on the string. Those who were successful were thought to be the next to marry.

Bobbing For Apples? Braces Beware!

If you have braces, DON'T play bobbing for apples! Your braces will break off. This is no fun at all! You will need to go back to your orthodontic office for an emergency appointment. This may produce upset parents and teachers. There may even be an orthodontic charge to replace your carelessly broken braces. YIKES!

Look On The Bright Side

Although you cannot bob for apples with braces, look on the bright side. By not bobbing for apples, you will be avoiding an unsanitary game where a number of individuals have placed their entire heads, mouths, and saliva into the same bowl of water. In addition, you will avoiding the Roman belief that you will be marrying soon, in addition to not breaking your orthodontic brackets.

Gorczyca Orthodontics, Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Antioch, California 929-757-9000 www.clubbraces.com

To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

YOU NEVER GET a second chance to make a good first impression. Many young people say braces were the best thing that ever happened to them. Many parents report that braces had a very positive impact on their child's confidence and self-esteem. Who doesn't want to look and feel their best?

A Smile Can Affect All Aspects Of Your Life

Parents: your child's smile will affect how they feel, who they date, who they marry, what type of job they get, and ultimately how successful they may be in life. That's why at Gorczyca Orthodontics, we are passionate about giving young people the orthodontic treatment they need for the happiest and most successful life possible.

Dr. Gorczyca has over 25 years of orthodontic experience and our professional team has over 100 combined years of knowledge in delivering orthodontic satisfaction . We have treated over 10,000 happy patients. We understand what your child's straight teeth mean to them and to you.

We Help Create Happy And Healthy Smiles

Advanced orthodontics can give your child amazing results. We create a personalized orthodontic solution to your child's unique needs. Call us today at (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com to schedule your child's complimentary orthodontic evaluation.

Parents: whatever your child's orthodontic needs, we're here to help. You will be very happy with the way your child looks after orthodontic treatment. People's reaction to your child's smile will be beyond positive and everyone will feel great.

AS YOU KNOW, HERE at Gorczyca Orthodontics, we’re honored to have you as our valued patient! Our goal is ALWAYS remarkable, one-to-one patient care... Thanks to our amazing team members!

Gorczyca Orthodontics Is Growing!

Gorczyca Orthodontics is thrilled to welcome our newest orthodontic assistant, Gwen.

A Little About Gwen

Gwen is originally from Concord, California. She is a graduate of Mt. Diablo High School where she was in the Culinary Academy. She is a resident of Bay Point, California.

Gwen got into dental assisting through her friends who were first dental assistants. They told Gwen she should try it out because she would LOVE IT!

Gwen graduated from dental assisting school this May and completed her internship at the office of Dr. Janis in Concord. She then joined Gorczyca Orthodontics.

We recently put Gwen in the hot seat and asked her some questions so you can get to know her better...

When you’re not here working, what are your favorite things to do?

When Gwen has a day off she likes to hang out with her friends and do volunteer work. She is very involved with her church. She loves to travel and throw parties!

Gwen's favorite place to travel to is New York City. Gwen was there this summer. She really enjoyed the fast pace of New York City.

When you first started working here, what were your first impressions of the office and the team? Have those impressions changed?

When Gwen started working at Gorczyca Orthodontics, her first impressions were that the team was very close. Every team member helps each other out and we always put the patient first. Everyone is very welcoming to both the patients and their family. Gwen enjoys getting to know each and every patient and their families. She considers this the best part of her job.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Like every assistant at Gorczyca Orthodontics, Gwen has her own chair and her own schedule. She loves this ownership of her patient care and working with Dr. Gorczyca. Orthodontics is fascinating and can really change people's lives. Our patients smiles truly are our inspiration.

We’re So Happy To Have Gwen As A Member Of Our Team!

At Gorczyca Orthodontics we have three goals:

• Clinical excellence,
• Outstanding customer service,
• and a Great patient experience.

Thank you Gwen for being part of our Gorczyca Orthodontics team!

As one of our valued patients, if you have your own question for Gwen, please ask in the comments section below! Also, you can always send us a message on Facebook anytime.

We look forward to seeing you at your next visit! Thanks for the trust you place in our practice.