Our Blog

SOMETIMES UPPER FRONT TEETH don’t come in on time. If more than one year passes since the expected time of arrival of an upper front tooth, usually at age 7, and the front tooth is still delayed, it’s time to take action and visit an orthodontist.

There Are Many Possible Causes...

There are many possible causes of delayed permanent front teeth.

1. A baby tooth may be lost too early due to a cavity or an accident. When this happens, bone and tissue fills the tooth path and the permanent tooth may not be able to push its way out.

2. A baby tooth can be maintained too long. A baby not loose and firmly in place too long may not allow a permanent tooth to come in or may cause the permanent tooth to come in out of place.

3. An extra front tooth in the middle of both front teeth can prevent these front teeth from coming in. This extra middle tooth is called a mesiodens. Sometimes this tooth comes into the roof of the mouth or it may stay stuck in the bone.

4. Front teeth may be deformed, turned sideways, or even upside down. This situation will require a surgical procedure and attachment of a metal chain to pull the tooth into position with braces.

Get An Orthodontic Evaluation By Age 7!

In all of these situations, orthodontic space preparation is important. In some cases, a surgical incision may be all that is necessary to release a front tooth and allow it to come into position.

The esthetic and social consequences of a missing front tooth for a child are significant. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.

So please bring your child to Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California for a complimentary consultation if you hear them say "All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth."

ANTERIOR CROSSBITE of permanent front teeth is often caused by baby teeth not falling out by age 7.

The permanent front teeth come in behind the baby teeth if baby teeth do not fall out on time.

Anterior Crossbites Can Lead To Serious Problems

This double row of teeth can give kids a “shark tooth” appearance. If you see double teeth, your child needs baby tooth extraction.

Anterior crossbites can lead to front tooth wear, gum recession, or lower jaw shifting. These symptoms are serious and need to be treated by an orthodontist at age 7.

This early treatment of 12 permanent teeth is called Phase I Orthodontic Treatment.

Contact Us For More Information

For correction of an anterior crossbite in a seven year old, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com.

Help us cross out anterior crossbite. Give your child a healthy smile!

EVERYONE LOVES THE MOVIE “A Christmas Story”. In it, Ralphie dreams of getting a Red Ryder air rifle for Christmas. In addition, he is a victim of neighborhood bullying by one of the big boys. Ralphie finally confronts the bully, letting him know that his stunt is over. In doing so, he earns the respect of his parents and peers.

Bullying is no laughing matter. It starts as early as kindergarten. It is seen more frequently in boys/men then in girls/women. And, if you are a little bit special because of dental and skeletal malocclusion, that only makes the odds for childish bullying worse.

If Teeth Are A Cause Of Bullying, We Can Help

If your child is a victim of schoolyard bullying, he may not want to go to school. He may lose his happiness, joy for life, or find it hard to smile. If you notice these behaviors, your child may be bullied. If teeth are a cause, your orthodontist can help.

Social acceptability may become a factor in the decision for early orthodontic intervention as early as age six. In some cases, in addition to straightening teeth, distraction osteogenesis may also be needed to correct a jaw to normal size.

We’re Listening To What Our Patients Have To Say

At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we recognize and are sensitive to bullying. We listen closely to what our young patients tell us about how they feel and what is going on at school. Kids trust us and we’re here to help.

Your Child Has Better Things To Think About

Lessen the load of being a kid. End bullying. We want kids thinking about rainbow bracelets and Red Ryder air rifles and not worried about their teeth.

To find an orthodontist near you, visit www.mylifemysmile.org.

THE END OF THE YEAR IS approaching fast! Before year’s end, our team wants to remind you to take a look at your dental insurance benefits!

Insurance Benefits Typically Don’t Roll Over To Next Year

Each year your dental insurance company probably gives you a maximum amount of available benefits. Since those benefits don’t typically roll over into the following year, you’ll want to contact us now to get your appointment scheduled!

We all know how it is, once the holiday season is upon us—hectic! Life can get really busy. So remember that your dental health is incredibly important—not just for the sake of your teeth, but for your overall health. If you’re due (or overdue) for an appointment, make sure to talk to our office. Take advantage of those dental insurance benefits before time is up!

Do You Have Orthodontic Insurance Benefits?

Please visit Gorczyca Orthodontics today for your complementary orthodontic check-up. Our treatment coordinator, Veronica, will check on your orthodontic insurance benefits for you. You, your spouse, and your children may have orthodontic insurance benefits of which you are unaware. These benefits are usually one time life-time.

If you need a general dentist or are new to the area, Gorczyca Orthodontics can help. We work with excellent dentists in our greater East Contra Costa Dental Community and we are happy to give you a referral.

Orthodontic Health Has Long-Term Benefits

Orthodontic health can improve periodontal health, TMJ health, and the elimate snoring, grinding, and sleep apnea. It also will help you look great, feel great, and have more confidence.

You will love the way you look and feel after orthodontic treatment and we at Gorczyca Orthodontics are here to help!

Here’s to the end of 2014 and to a great 2015!

Call us today! (925) 757-9000 Gorczyca Orthodontics www.clubbraces.com

We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!