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Reining in Dental Overjet, Get Your Smile to the Winner's Circle

March 26th, 2014

TO REIGN IN dental overjet, the horizontal overlap of front teeth (incisors), orthodontists need a stone wall. This is called maximum retraction, a situation where the front teeth are pulled back as much as possible, but the back teeth do not move forward.

Dental Overjet Can Be Corrected With Orthodontics

Ideal overjet is 2 to 3 millimeters. Excessive overjet, where the upper front teeth are too far flared, spaced, and forward, often reflects a skeletal problem. This can also be found in patients with good jaw proportions. Excessive overjet can be corrected with orthodontics. Treatment may include extraction of the upper first biscuspid teeth, a lower jaw advancement, or braces or Invisalign treatment with rubber bands.

With braces, a holding arch such as a Nance appliance may be placed. It is extremely comfortable and effective for maintaining molar position during front tooth retraction. With Invisalign, Tissue Anchorage Devices (TADs) may be placed into bone for elastic wear.

It Makes A Big Difference In Your Facial Appearance

Retracting the front teeth dramatically improves facial appearance. Upper front tooth retraction into the mouth also protects these teeth from being fractured.

Call Us To Get Started Today

If you have excessive overjet, please call Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 in Antioch, California for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation. Visit us at www.clubbraces.com. For an orthodontist near you, visit www.mylifemysmile.org.

Orthodontists can gain and maintain control of your overjet. Start correcting your overjet today and get your smile to the winner’s circle.

Overbites are for Bunnies, Not for Humans

March 24th, 2014

EXCESSIVE OVERBITE WORKS for a bunny eating a carrot, but not for a human.

Overbite, the vertical overlap of front teeth (incisors) with correct angulation and 2-4 millimeters deep is healthy. When excessive, it can cause severe dental health problems.

Human teeth move into the mouth until they touch. When the front teeth contact each other properly, they are maintained in a healthy position long term (anterior coupling).

Long-Term, Excessive Overbite Causes Severe Damage To Teeth And Gums

With excessive overbite, front teeth move into the mouth and miss each other. In excessive overbite, teeth stop moving when they hit the lower front gums or the skin on the roof of the mouth. This creates gum damage and leads to gum recession, bone loss, tooth sensitivity, and severe damage to the front teeth.

Excessive overbite can damage the tongue side of upper front teeth which may need crowns. Lower front teeth continue to wear down to the gum line. This wear and excessive overbite make restoration of these teeth problematic.

Correction Takes Some Time, But It’s Worth It

An orthodontist carefully evaluates excessive overbite and analyzes tooth position, lip position, and face height. Correction of excessive overbite (deepbite) is not quick and easy. It will take two years. Orthodontic biomechanics are customized for each patient depending on their individual clinical findings.

This case was treated by orthodontist, Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Gorczyca Orthodontics, in Antioch, California. For more information call us at (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com to schedule your complimentary orthodontic evaluation.

Overbites are fine for bunnies, not for humans. If you have an excessive overbite, don’t hop around. Run to start your orthodontic treatment today!

Tale of Two Openbites: Adult Orthodontics

March 20th, 2014

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.

Say “Cheese!” 4 Things Moms Need to Check in Their 4 Year Old’s Bite

March 17th, 2014

WHEN YOUR FOUR-YEAR-OLD says “Cheese!” at her birthday party, take time to notice if her bite is right.

Most children see a pediatric dentist by age two. By age four, your child may be referred to an orthodontist for severe tooth and bite problems.

There are four childhood conditions treated by an orthodontist as early as age four.

1. Crowded Baby Teeth

Baby teeth should have spacing between them. Overlapped baby teeth are a sign of severe crowding. The permanent front teeth are larger than the baby teeth they replace and need adequate space.

2. Crossbite of Baby Teeth

Crossbite occurs when upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. If your four year old is experiencing difficulty chewing or bites her cheeks, she may have a crossbite. A crossbite can cause grinding and wearing down of baby teeth. Long term, a crossbite will create an abnormal growth pattern.

3. Lower Jaw Shift with Baby Teeth

Baby teeth out of position can create interference tooth hitting and produce a lower jaw shift. Tooth interference with jaw shifting will wear down teeth and create an abnormal growth pattern.

4. Narrow Upper Jaw with Baby Teeth

A narrow upper jaw indicates narrow nasal passages. This can create open-mouth breathing and sleep problems. Lack of sleep can significantly contribute to difficulty learning at school.

Correction of these early bite problems is of great health benefit to your four year old child. Early treatment by an orthodontist will minimize the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment at a later age.

To Find An Orthodontist Near You...

To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at mylifemysmile.org. To find a pediatric dentist nearby, you can visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) at mychildrensteeth.org.

This patient was treated by Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Gorczyca Orthodontics, in Antioch, California. For a free consultation call (925) 757-9000.

Make sure your child’s bite is healthy when saying “Cheese!” and that she enjoys eating her birthday cake at age four, or any age.

More Topics
diplomate american board of orthodontics Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists advanced education in orthdontics
member american association of orthodontists seattle study club american dental association california dental association
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