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OUR TEAM IS NOT ONLY CONCERNED WITH YOUR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT, but we also care about your overall health and comfort. That's why we want to address something that affects one in four households—migraines.

For migraine sufferers, it may seem as though there are only two options—either suffer in silence with a bottle of ibuprofen, or go to the doctor for something stronger. However, experts say that as many as 95% of migraines may be linked to dental issues. So if you, your child, or other family member suffer from migraines, maybe it’s time for a chat with our practice (or your general dentist) instead. If you’re not sure who to talk to first, call us and we can visit about it.

Yes, sometimes the orthodontic work we are doing can cause minor headaches. If this is ever the case for you, please let us know.  However, if your headaches are chronic, there may be another cause altogether.

Your Migraines May Be Caused By TMJ or TMD

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint responsible for jaw movement—talking, crunching, grinding, clenching, etc. It’s a complex system of bones, muscles, and tendons. When something interrupts the function of this system, it’s referred to as TMD, or temporomandibular disorder.

If your jaw is misaligned, your muscles are strained trying to put (or keep) your jaw in its proper place. Soon it starts impacting all the surrounding muscles, including your neck, your head, and even your spine.

Some TMD Symptoms Include:

• Popping or clicking jaw
• Sore teeth
• Facial pain
• Aching neck muscles
• And of course, Migraines

Treating TMD

TMD research is still a developing science and treatments can range from fitting a mouthpiece to actually adjusting one’s bite (which often includes orthodontic work). If you’re suffering from pain in your jaw, your teeth, your face or head, come in and ask us at Gorczyca Orthodontics about it. As you know, we are ALWAYS looking at your bite each time you visit us. However, if you are experiencing some of the symptoms we’ve described here, we should take another look.

If you have questions about TMJ or TMD, leave us a comment below, send us a direct message on Facebook, or contact us for an appointment.

As always, thanks for the trust you place in our orthodontic practice!

A BEAUTIFUL SMILE reveals gorgeous upper front teeth with ideal proportions. With gummy smile, excessive gum tissue makes upper front teeth look short.

Reveal Your Full Smile With A Gingivectomy

The shape of these teeth appears square or like a sizeways rectangle, rather than the normal 80% width to height ratio.

Gingivectomy is a procedure that can be used to restore ideal tooth height where gums are excessive. Removal of excessive gums can be done by laser, quickly and comfortably, for a beautiful result.

Gingivectomy eliminates gummy smile with or without braces. In children, teeth may appear square from incomplete tooth eruption. In adults, teeth may appear short from either excessive gum tissue or extreme tooth wear.

Keep Your Beautiful Smile For A Lifetime!

Your orthodontist, periodontist, or general dentist can answer your questions about short teeth and gummy smile. To find an orthodontist near you, visit www.mylifemysmile.org or call Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 in Antioch, California for a complimentary consultation and smile analysis.

Let everyone see your beautiful teeth by eliminating your extra gums. Here's to your gorgeous new smile.

FEW CAN SAY THEY HAVE BEEN IN THE OLYMPICS, yet we all have the opportunity to go for the gold.

In orthodontics as in sports, there are similar marks of excellence. Becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is one of them.

Becoming A Diplomate Of The ABO

The ABO process starts by a dental school graduate completing an additional two to three year post-doctoral orthodontic residency program accredited by the American Dental Association.

Board certified orthodontists pass an examination which verifies mastery of advanced skills in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

An ABO orthodontist demonstrates excellence in patient care by presenting treatment records of their own patients and passing an oral examination given by a panel of expert orthodontists.

The Benefits Of Being ABO Certified

Orthodontic board certification goes far beyond acheiving the approval of a panel of expert orthodontists. The greatest benefit comes from the insight gained through the time and study in ABO preparation. This process usually takes five years to complete.

Only one out of three orthodontists is board certified. To find a board certified orthdontist near you, visit the American Board of Orthodontics at www.americanboardortho.com.

This case was treated by board certified orthodontist, Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Call us at (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com in Antioch, California.

You can be sure that ABO orthodontists have pursued excellence. They've gone for the gold.

Top image by Flickr user The U.S. Army used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

IN PREPARATION FOR Dr. Gorczyca’s 2015 Summer Tour to Cleveland and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame she asked the excellent team at Gorczyca Orthodontics "What was your first rock concert?"

Here’s What They Had To Say:

Jolene: I’ve never been to a rock concert. I’m a country girl. I love to listen to Kenny Chesney. If I had gone to my favorite first rock concert, I would have been to see the Beatles or the Beach Boys!

Monica: Garth Brooks was my first rock concert. Does he count for a rock concert?

Veronica: I’ve never been to a rock concert. But, if I had, I would have picked Bruce Springsteen singing “Born in the U. S. A.” but I would have changed the words to “Raised in the U. S. A.”!

Patty: MANA

Ashley: I’ve never been to a rock concert! If I could pick a rock concert, it would be Aerosmith!

Dr. Gorczyca: My first rock concert was Aerosmith. My high school friend Arthur took me because he thought I needed to expand my musical horizons. The concert was at the Providence Rhode Island Civic Center. Being in such a wild and crazy audience was a bit of a “bad scene.” Even so, the concert was a lot of fun!

Later, my high school friend Leslie took me to hear Jethro Tull because I played the flute. The lead singer of this group, Ian Anderson, is an incredible flutist! Amazingly, he sings and plays flute at the same time which gives him a unique flute sound. It was incredible!

Let us know what your first rock concert was and if you are dreaming of beautiful straight teeth, come see us for braces, Invisalign, or retainers at Gorczyca Orthodontics, 5201 Deer Valley Road, in Antioch, CA. Gorczyca. Find us at www.clubbraces.com. Gorczyca Orthodontics ROCKS when it comes to straight teeth!

Dream on.... Dream until your dreams come true.
-Aerosmith