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It was the best of times...

“Have you ever thought of having orthodontic treatment?”

It was the age of wisdom...

“I have already had orthodontic treatment” is often heard with openbites.

It was the epoch of belief...

Openbites are skeletal or dental. They are not caused by tongue thrust.

It was the season of light...

All orthodontic problems can be solved. Adult openbite is one of them.

It was the spring of hope...

Get It Corrected By An Orthodontist For The Best Results

Openbite correction in adults may require extractions, surgery, or placement of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) with braces or Invisalign.

Whether you’re in London, Paris, or Antioch, California, openbites corrected by an orthodontic specialist will give you far, far better results. Your smile will be beautiful, healthy, stable, and possibly “illustrious”.

If you have questions about adult openbite, call Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary consultation. You can visit us at www.clubbraces.com.

To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org. Non-US orthodontists are also members of the AAO or the World Federation of Orthodontists.

Make it your best of times.

WHEN YOU START your orthodontic treatment, we create a specialized plan just for you! We use many methods and tools to give you a unique, personalized, beautiful, well-balanced smile.

Teeth Crowding Is Often Solved With A Palatal Expander

Many orthodontic patients have crowded teeth—often caused by a narrow palate. Crowded teeth can be hard to clean and interrupt the symmetry and balance of your bite. Sometimes, we solve this problem with a palatal expander.

Palatal expander treatment is most effective when patients are young, before the growth plate in the roof of the mouth has fused (which often happens by age 14).

What Can You Expect From An Expander?

Expanders gently help your palate become wider, making room to straighten your teeth. Braced on each side of your mouth, it gently and gradually exerts pressure. Typically, there’s a small key that fits into the expander and is turned at regular intervals.

When you advance your newly fitted cemented expander, it is best at first to be seated. Take a hand mirror to see the arrow and hole in your expander. Remember to use the key front to back and then remove the key at the back of your mouth. Long handled keys are best. If you need help, lay down on the couch and have a parent help or return to your orthodontist for more instruction. Once you are a pro, you can advance your expander yourself while looking in the bathroom mirror.

How Will It Feel?

An expander may feel strange at first. Patients report feeling a little pressure each time the expander is adjusted, but that feeling goes away quickly. You may also find yourself speaking a little differently, or experiencing extra saliva flow as your mouth adjusts to the changes.

Palatal Expanders Are Most Often Used For Crossbites

Crossbites occur when upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth instead of outside. The presence of crossbites may cause you to bite the inside of your cheeks. This problem will go away once your crossbite is corrected.

The Benefits Of Palatal Expansion Are Numerous

Palatal expanders widen not only the roof of your mouth but also your nasal passages. An added benefit of palatal expansion is that it will improve breathing and help prevent sleep apnea. In old age, it will also help you not snore!

The most beautiful benefit of palatal expansion is that you will have a broad smile. In photos, you will show teeth all the way to the corners of your mouth and there will be no "black spaces". Your smile will light up the room.

If You Ever Have Questions About The Treatments We Recommend, Please Ask!

Regardless of the particular appliances and/or treatment plan we recommend for you, the bottom line is that you’re going to FEEL fantastic about the change in your appearance.

We want you to feel confident about your treatment, and excited about your future smile. If you ever have any questions about the process, please talk to us. We’d love to explain the steps that we’re recommending to you!

To find out more about palatal expansion, visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, Calfornia. For a complimentary exam, please call (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com

Consider orthodontic palatal expansion today. Your smile will be gorgeous!

Thanks for your trust in our practice!

WHEN I THINK OF DENTAL SPORTS mouth guards, I think of my cousin John. Always the scholar athelete, a few seconds without his dental mouth guard caused him to lose an upper front tooth while wrestling in high school.

It has been reported that sports cause approximately 36% of injuries to children and adolescents. According to the American Dental Association, 10-20% of all sports related injuries are to the jaws and teeth.

It’s Mouth Guard Month At Gorczyca Orthodontics

For this reason, Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Antioch, California has made November mouth guard month at Gorczyca Orthodontics.

Having recently returned from the office of Dr. Todd Yerondopoulos, Dentist of the Oakland Raiders, Dr. Gorczyca and her assistant Tiffany are ready to serve local athletes in the fabrication of professional grade sports mouth guards. Custom designs are also available for Deer Valley High School, Antioch H.S., Pittsburg H.S., as well as Liberty, Freedom, and Heritage High Schools in Brentwood, California. Our goal is to prevent sports related dental injuries in our East Contra County community.

But What Ever Happened To Dr. Gorczyca’s Cousin?

What happened next to Dr. Gorczyca’s cousin is the stuff of dental legend. Making the best of the situation, John visited Boston University Dental School for his dental implant, where he became the patient of a beautiful and charming dental student named Maria.

He was so impressed with her passion for dentistry and his love for his new dental implant that he decided to marry her! Thirty four years later, John is the father of three and a leading orthopaedic trauma surgeon making for a romantic ending to this "toothsome" tale.

IT’S SO GREAT TO GET UP each day, go to work, and be part of something great—an orthodontic practice that truly cares about our patients. We love helping people smile with confidence. Most importantly, we value the relationships we build with you—and with other team members.

That’s why we’re so grateful for the person who makes it all possible, Dr. Gorczyca.

At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on Clinical Excellence, Outstanding Customer Service, and a Great Patient Experience. Our team leader, Dr. Gorczyca, emphasizes these core values and these are part of our everyday practice culture.

Dr. Gorczyca is a busy lady! She is writing her second book due to be out by May 2015 on HRM in dental practice management (Us!). She serves on the board of the Northern California Angle Society of Orthodontists, an honorary orthodontic society where she was the first woman ever accepted! She is also serving on the board of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists.

Dr. Gorczyca was the first Board Certified Orthodontist in East Contra Costa County. She is a graduate of Wellesley College, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Northwestern University, and is member of the CDA, ADA, and AAO.

But enough of this! Here's the real scoop:

Why We Love Dr. Gorczyca

As a little surprise to Dr. Gorczyca we wanted to show our appreciation! We asked team members to comment with a favorite memory about her, or something about why they love working with our fearless leader!

Veronica

“I love Dr. Gorczyca's positive attitude and her bubbly personality! Dr. Gorczyca is an awesome orthodontist! I love working for her. I have been with Dr. Gorczyca for over 15 years. I was her patient, intern, and now I work for her! She has made a major impact on my life and I really appreciate her! OXOX!”

Ebony

“What I love most about Dr. Gorczyca is that she truly LOVES what she does. She enjoys making her patients feel good about themselves and giving them a reason to smile. I enjoy working for her because she is always so upbeat and
friendly. Dr. Gorczyca is so enthusiastic about orthodontics which inspires me to be as well.”

Ashley

“Dr. Gorczyca is an AMAZING Orthodontist! I was a patient of hers when I was 12 years old and I always loved coming to my appointments because she was always very upbeat and had tasty gloves! She is always enthusiastic and doesn't let the slightest thing bring her down. Dr. G was, and still is very passionate about the work she does with her patients and their fabulous smiles! I was once a patient, intern and now I am pleased to say that I work for such a fantastic person!”

Jolene

“I love working for Dr. Gorczyca. Our office gives me the opportunity to interact with our great patients in the way I love most. Dr. Gorczyca also gives me the opportunity as Public Relations Director to regularly visit each one of our referring doctor offices in our greater East Contra Costa Community. I really love doing this! Dr. Gorczyca and Gorczyca Orthodontics is always fun!”

Monica and Veronica:

“Dr. Gorczyca is a wonderful orthodontist who is very passionate about her profession. She recently sent both of us to the American Association of Dental Office Managers Meeting (AADOM) in Southern California. It was a great experience and we appreciate Dr. Gorczyca for giving us this opportunity.”

Thanks for all you do, Dr. Gorczyca!

To Our Patients...

Do you have something to add? Any special experiences that you’ve had with Dr. Gorczyca? Please add your own comments below!