Adult orthodontics

What’s Stopping You From Getting Braces?

March 22nd, 2019

MANY ADULTS MISTAKENLY believe that they missed their chance to get braces because they didn’t have them as teenagers. However, the number of adult orthodontic patients has risen dramatically over the last few decades, and today we’re going to debunk all of your excuses for not getting braces and show you why orthodontic treatment is still a wonderful option for adults with dental alignment issues.

“It’s Too Late; My Teeth Won’t Move”

It may be preferable to start young for orthodontic treatment, but there is no age limit to getting a straighter smile. We can help determine the best treatment for your circumstances. One advantage adult orthodontic patients have over teens is the self-discipline that comes with maturity; adults will often be better at following instructions for their treatment, which means it will go much smoother.

“I’ll Be Fine If I Keep My Crooked Teeth”

If you’ve been living with crooked teeth your whole life, you might think there’s no point in getting orthodontic treatment. But having straight teeth isn’t just about appearances — it’s also about improved oral and overall health. Straight teeth are easier to clean and make it easier to speak, chew, and even breathe effectively, whereas crooked teeth cause difficulties in all of these areas and can grow more crooked over time.

“Having Braces Will Make Me Look Unprofessional”

Some adults who would like straighter teeth may still hesitate to seek orthodontic treatment because they worry that spending a year or longer in braces could impact their personal lives or careers by making them look immature or unprofessional. Luckily, there are several low-profile orthodontic treatment options for patients who don’t want to broadcast their treatment to the world, such as invisible aligners, clear ceramic braces, and lingual (tongue-side) braces. With these, you can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing your hardware!

“Orthodontic Treatment Is Expensive”

Orthodontic treatment can certainly cost more than a regular dental appointment, but it’s also an investment in your future, saving you from the expenses of problems that come with crooked teeth or a bad bite. If you aren’t sure you can fit braces into your budget, schedule a consultation with us. Together, we can find the best and most affordable option for you.

Leave Your Braces Excuses Behind

Leave crooked teeth behind.  Call us today start your orthodontic treatment.  No more excuses!  You will love your new smile!  Your smile is our inspiration. Please call Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California at 925-757-9000 to schedule your complimentary orthodontic exam. Find us at www.clubbraces.com. Together, we can make braces affordable for you. We also offer CareCredit long term financing with no down-payment and OrthoCalc sliding scale 0% financing.

Don’t let excuses keep you from your dream smile!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Love Your Smile On Valentine’s Day

February 14th, 2019

VALENTINE’S DAY IS THE PERFECT time to look and feel your very best. Nothing will make you feel happier and more confident than a gorgeous new smile!

If you are an adult, your Valentine’s smile makeover may require comprehensive dental care. Here is your smile makeover action plan!

Love Your Gums, Love Your Smile

First, see a periodontist for a thorough soft tissue evaluation of your gums and bones around your teeth. Your periodontist will get your teeth ready for orthodontic treatment. To find a periodontist near you, visit the American Academy of Perodontology at www.perio.org.

Love Your Face, Love Your Bite

An orthodontist will put your teeth in the correct position for the best smile makeover possible. Teeth will need to be spaced correctly for a cosmetic result and your bite will need to be correct for dental health and tooth stability. To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Love Your Teeth, Love Your Smile

Finally, a cosmetic or general dentist will need to complete your final tooth treatment of either crowns or veneers as desired. To find a dentist with interest in dental cosmetics visit the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry at www.aacd.com.

This case was treated by orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Gorczyca Orthodontics, Antioch, CA. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000 to begin your Valentine's Day smile makeover.

Love is in the air. Happiness is your beautiful new smile!

Gorczyca Orthodontics In Antioch, California

July 11th, 2018


GORCZYCA ORTHODONTICS IS located in the Deer Valley Dental Professionals Building, at 5201 Deer Valley Road, in Antioch, California, right next to Deer Valley High School.

Where To Find Us

From Highway 4, take the Hillcrest Exit and continue right until you cross Lone Tree Way. After crossing Lone Tree Way, take the second entrance on the left at the Miranda stop light. Turn left and proceed right to the square, three-story building nextdoor to the Antioch Veterinary Hospital. Gorczyca Orthodontics is located on the first floor, right at the main entrance.

Our centralized location and easy Highway 4 access makes us easily accessible to serving all of East Contra Costa County including Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, Pittsburg, Discovery Bay, Concord, and Rio Vista. We are a one-doctor, one-location orthodontic practice, so you will always find us here, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

About Gorczcya Orthodontics

We offer all orthodontic services, including all types of braces, Phase I, Phase II, Comprehensive, and Invisalgin treatment, clear aligners, Inman retainers, short term braces, retainers, splints, night guards, mouth guards, as well as orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) and TMD (TMJ) and sleep apnea treatment.

We have patients throughout the Bay area. Because we offer exceptional specialty services in the area of orthognathic surgery, many patients drive several hours to receive treatment in our office. We also work very closely with other dental specialists in providing Interdisciplinary Adult Orthodontic Treatment, which may need implants, periodontal therapy, or crowns, veneers, or bridges. We provide diagnostic wax-ups of comprehensive cases and help coordinate your overall treatment with other dental providers.

Dr. Gorczyca

Our orthodontist, Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, is a board certified orthodontist with 30 years of experience. She has personally treated over 10,000 successful cases. She is a frequent orthodontic lecturer at both the University of the Pacific Dental School, UCSF and the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Sessions, and is a member of the Angle Society, Delta Study Club (Seattle Study Club), and Contra Costa Dental Society.

Come See Us For Your Free Consultation!

We welcome you to visit our office for a free orthodontic consultation. Call us at 925-757-9000. It would be our pleasure to serve you. Learn more about us at www.clubbraces.com.

Thank you for choosing Gorczyca Orthodontics. Your smile is our inspiration.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Dads And Invisalign

June 14th, 2018

IT TAKES A FEW SPECIAL qualities to make a great father — strength, kindness, patience, understanding, and love.

Dads are so generous about bringing and sending their children to the orthodontist for orthodontic treatment.

But What About Dad?

Dad is usually the last family member to straighten his teeth. It’s true, most men are brought to the orthodontist by their wives or girlfriends for tooth straightening.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to give Dad a beautiful smile, too?

With Invisalign it’s easy. Invisalign clear removable aligners are comfortable, look great, and still allow Dad to eat whatever he would like.

Call Us To Learn More

If you would like to give Dad the gift of a beautiful smile, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary consultation. Visit us at www.clubbraces.com.

Let your dad know how much you love him and that he is a great dad! Give Dad a beautiful smile!

It’s Never Too Late For A Beautiful Smile Through Orthodontic Treatment

June 14th, 2017

FOR A LONG TIME people associated the word “braces” with “teen”. But that’s rapidly changing. Today, 20% of orthodontic patients (that’s one in five!) are adults, and that number is increasing every day. Why? In part, people are realizing more and more that your smile can impact your career, your relationships, and your health!

How Much Can You Know In 30 Seconds?

We know that it comes off as shallow, but we can’t help making assumptions about people based on a first impression. It’s human nature. In fact, many studies estimate that it takes under 30 seconds—maybe even as little as seven!—to get our first “read” on someone. During those seconds, we guess how healthy, how popular, and how happy someone is. And despite what romantic comedies tell you, that first impression usually sticks!

Appealing, Modern Options Are Available

Another reason for the increase in adult patients is the fact that modern orthodontics has come a long way. Treatment is more aesthetically pleasing, more comfortable, and faster than ever before. Folks hesitant to revert to the awkward teenage years can now get the smile results they want without compromising.

You Haven’t Missed Your Chance!

SO, if you missed the window as a teenager, or you find your teeth shifting later in life, ask us about adult orthodontics. The payoff of a healthy, straight smile will last a lifetime. It’s never too late to get a smile that you’re proud of.

Call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925)757-900. find us at www.clubbraces.com or visit us at 5201 Deer Valley Road, suite 1A, in Antioch, California.

Thanks for your trust in our practice. We appreciate great patients like you! Your smile is our inspiration.

Top image by Flickr user tiarescott used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Abracadabra! Veneers Can Work Smile Magic!

June 8th, 2017

WE’RE NOT ALL BORN WITH beautiful teeth. When teeth need a beauty makeover, your orthodontist will prepare you for veneers.

Some teeth are too narrow...

Some teeth are too short...

Some teeth do not match the opposite side.

Like magic, all of these conditions can be fixed.

At your initial orthodontic exam, your orthodontist will measure the width and height of your upper front teeth and plan the most beautiful smile makeover possible. Your orthodontist will work closely with your general dentist to give you the best result.

Ready To Get Started? Give Us A Call

If your teeth are in need of a beauty makeover, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000. Visit us at www.clubbraces.com for a complimentary tooth size and shade assessment and orthodontic treatment plan for veneers.

Abracadabra! Like magic, you have a beautiful smile.

"Like Father, Like Son" and Orthognathic Surgery

June 22nd, 2016

WE'VE ALL HEARD the proverb "Like father, like son" to describe the likelihood that a son will have traits like his father in adulthood. This is especially true when it comes to the genetics of jaw growth and need for orthognathic surgery.

Many young men ages 21 and older pursue correction of jaw imbalances during college or shortly after their college years. What frequently happens is Dad then follows with his own orthoganthic surgery. Now, it is "like son, like father."

Orthoganthic Surgery Can Improve Your Bite

When fathers see the beautiful results of their son's orthodontic/orthognathic surgery treatment, they start to think how nice it would be to have their own bite corrected.

Often, a jaw is advanced by orthognathic surgery. This not only corrects the bite, such as a crossbite, but also opens the airway helping to improve breathing and reduce sleep apnea.

A Corrected Bite Opens A Variety Of Options

Once a crossbite is corrected, it is now possible to have crowns and veneers done on the front teeth. Eating will be easier, and you will look gorgeous and feel great.

Orthognathic surgery is usually covered 100% by medical insurance with the exception of a small co-payment. Patients may stay overnight in the hospital and one to three weeks of work medical leave is taken. Patients are usually able to move their jaws after surgery and wear upper jaw lower jaw rubber bands while eating a soft diet for a few weeks of recovery.

If your apple hasn't fallen far from your tree and you would also benefit from orthognathic jaw surgery, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California 925-757-9000. Find us at www.clubbbraces.com.

Board certified orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca and team have completed hundreds of successful orthognathic surgery cases with comfort. We will complete your orthodontic/orthognathic surgery treatment as gently and quickly as possible.

We know your child was a "chip of the old block." It's never too late to do a little "old block" reshaping.

A Missing Tooth Makes Your Teeth "Park on the Line"

March 8th, 2016

PARKING ON THE LINE is off course. A missing tooth creates a similar tooth parking problem. A missing tooth causes your remaining teeth fill the extra space. Teeth drift and lean into the space over time. Slowly your bite collapses.

A Missing Tooth Can Cause Misalignment

Midlines are off when there is a missing tooth. The upper and lower arch midlines no longer match up. The entire bite becomes asymmetrical. Tooth tips (cusps) meet tip to tip causing them to wear down. Tooth wear creates tooth sensitivity.

If you have a missing tooth, get your bite fixed with orthodontic treatment as soon as possible.

Your Orthodontist Can Help

Your orthodontist will either rearrange your remaining teeth or prepare you for future tooth replacement with an implant or a bridge to create a healthy and functional bite.

We Care About Your Smile

This case was treated by Board Certified Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Gorcyzca Orthodontics, Antioch, CA. Call us at (925) 757-9000. To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Don't let a missing tooth make your teeth park on the line. Line up your teeth for a healthy bite.

Top image by Flickr user Stephen Yeargin used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

How To Get A Hollywood Smile In Antioch

July 27th, 2015

A BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL SMILE is an advantage in every area of life. At Gorczyca Orthodontics, smile design is more than just straightening. We take into account all the proportions of the face and mouth to create a healthy, balanced, and beautiful smile. We guide you through all the steps to create a gorgeous, star-quality smile.

As you embark on your smile makeover, remember that quality orthodontic treatment provides the strong foundation on which to build your beautiful new smile. Only an orthodontist knows how best to bring your smile into balance and give you healthy, long-term results.

The Merging Of Medicine And Art

Cosmetic dentistry provides both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits. When your plan for a smile makeover includes orthodontic treatment, it can repair your teeth and correct your bite, and at the same time give you the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted! Orthodontic treatment can be done in coordination with your cosmetic dentist to prep teeth for veneers, dental implants, and other cosmetic or restorative dental work.

Orthodontic Treatment As A Part Of Your Smile Makeover

If you are planning a full smile makeover, Gorczyca Orthodontics can provide you, your cosmetic dentist, and your oral surgeon with a diagnostic wax-up of your anticipated final result. This plaster study model of your bite will include the final tooth-like wax-up of your veneers as well as your full final bite, including implants.

Gorczyca Orthodontics will also work closely with your cosmetic dentist and periodontist to give you the gum height and shape needed to make your smile simply fabulous.

All doctors involved in the comprehensive treatment planning of your full smile makeover will meet to discuss your case and coordinate your procedures to give you a beautiful and healthy result in the most comfortable and fastest way possible.

Designing Your Perfect Smile

At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we have been creating beautiful smile makeovers for over 25 years. Dr. Gorczyca is an active member of the Seattle Study Club, a group of over 22 dentists of East Contra Costa County which meets monthly for the sole purpose of discussion and planning of the latest dental procedures and technology involved in full mouth smile makeovers.

Thank you for being our valued patient and friend!

Top image by Flickr user David Shankbone used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Keep Your Chin Up with a Genioplasty

July 23rd, 2015

WE’VE ALL HEARD THE ROUSING MAXIM: “keep your chin up” as a cheerful reminder to remain positive and persistent.

In comprehensive orthodontic treatment, surprisingly, some chins literally and physically need to be brought up.

A Genioplasty Can Restore The Balance Of The Face

The maxillofacial procedure to lift a chin is called genioplasty. This chin augmentation procedure can be completed as an implant or a sliding restructuring of the chin bone.

Sliding a piece of chin bone upward and forward may improve the harmony and balance of a face. Done from within the lower lip, a genioplasty is a relatively easy surgical procedure and does not require an overnight hospital stay.

Get A Beautiful Smile From Every Angle

When genioplasty is benefical, your orthodontist will work closely with a maxillofacial oral surgeon to give you the gorgeous profile you desire as well as beautiful teeth and a healthy and functional bite.

This case was treated by Board Certified orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Gorczyca Orthodontics, Antioch, CA. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary consultation.

So keep your head high,
keep your chin up, and
most importantly,
keep smiling, because
life’s a beautiful thing and
there’s so much to smile about.

-Marilyn Monroe

Orthodontics and Switzerland

June 16th, 2015

ORTHODONTICS IS LIKE invading the country of Switzerland: it’s easy to get in, but it’s hard to get out.

Orthodontics Isn’t Just Brackets On Teeth...

Facial esthetics are improved, occlusion and function are created, and teeth are moved in three planes of space. Mechanics of force application, science of materials, biology of tooth movement, and anatomy of jaw and joint must be well understood. Tooth positions depend on surrounding bone and periodontium. There’s a lot to know to produce an ideal orthodontic result.

Over one hundred years of research has contributed to the art and science of orthodontics. This is why orthodontists devote over 10,000 hours and many years of full time practice to be experts in the specialty of orthodontics.

In 1914, there were no orthodontists. As dental technologies and techniques evolved, the orthodontic specialty was created to offer advanced patient care.

Ideal Orthodontic Results Take A Specialist

Those who think orthodontic treatment is easy will find they are mistaken. The problem is, being “in over your head” may occur months or years after a patient has started orthodontic treatment.

Trust Your Smile To An Orthodontist

Should you find yourself in a situation where you would like to transfer your care to an orthodontist, you can find one at the American Association of Orthodontists.

This case transferred to Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, CA. Board certified orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca works closely with excellent general dentists to create beautiful smiles. You can find her at www.clubbraces.com.

Switzerland is unique. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, natural resources, culture, and people.

Cows Have Lower Tooth Spacing. Do You?

May 21st, 2015

IN CASES WHERE LOWER TEETH are spaced more than upper teeth, closing these spaces by orthodontic treatment will greatly improve your bite. In abnormal edge to edge bites, where there is no overjet or overbite, teeth experience rapid and excessive tooth wear as well as periodontal damage. This can be prevented by orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.

Diabetes affects periodontal health and can cause teeth to space and gums to recede. If you have dental spacing or gum recession and an abnormal bite due to diabetes, Invisalign can help.

Invisalign Treatment May Be The Ideal Option For You

Invisalign treatment is a series of clear custom trays which move teeth to a new, more ideal position. Invisalign aligners are comfortable and effective at closing mild to moderate spaces between your teeth.

If you would like to close dental spaces between your teeth, find out if Invisalign is right for you. Call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics 925-757-9000 for a complimentary orthodontic consultation and a referral to a periodontist if necessary.

Don’t let dental spacing keep you from smiling. Start your Invisalign treatment today.

How Does Diabetes Affect Orthodontic Treatment?

December 19th, 2014

347 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE have diabetes, and that number grows every year. Diabetes affects all areas of people’s health, from the skin to the kidneys. Diabetes can also cause severe dental health issues.

Diabetes Increases Gum Disease Risk

Research has shown that people with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a serious health problem that can lead to bone and tooth loss if not properly managed.

Periodontitis Can Also Reduce One’s Ability To Control Blood Sugar

Periodontitis (an advanced stage of gum disease) can make blood sugar levels spike and fluctuate. Additional research suggests that when diabetic patients gain control of gum disease, they can also gain better control of their diabetes.

Can Periodontal Disease Affect Orthodontic Treatment?

Many patients with diabetes needs orthodontic treatment. When bone is lost surrounding teeth, often these teeth move into undesirable positions. Bone loss in the presence of inflammation, as found in periodontitis, can result in unpredictable orthodontic tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.

That’s why, at Gorczyca Orthodontics, we send every adult orthodontic patient for a thorough periodontal examination with a periodontist prior to starting active orthodontic therapy.

Periodontist, Dr. Nancy Dubuk of Deer Valley Professionals, 5201 Deer Valley Road in Antioch, California says:

“A diabetic patient seeking orthodontic treatment can be stable with blood sugars under control with proper monitoring. These patients can maintain their periodontal health well, as long as they are on a good oral hygiene maintenance schedule, both at home and professionally. Once these are established, they can begin orthodontic treatment.”

Help Us Raise Awareness About Diabetes-Related Periodontal Disease

What Can You Do To Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Patients can brush and floss twice per day to prevent periodontal disease. Be sure to have professional cleanings done at least twice per year with your dentist. Ask your dentist to complete a thorough periodontal exam, which includes pockets probing measurements and full mouth series radiographs. If bony pockets deeper than 4 mm exist, early treatment by a periodontist can help prevent further bone loss.

For more information about periodontal disease, contact the American Academy of Periodontology at www.perio.org. To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Oral hygiene maintenance and beautifully white straight teeth will help you prevent the danger of of diabetes associated periodontal disease. Let your periodontist and orthodontist help you achieve a beautiful smile.

To learn more about adult orthodontics, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com.

Share This Information With Someone You Know

Most of us know at least one person who is affected by these diseases. If you have a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker who has diabetes or periodontitis, share this information with them! It’s essential that they understand the relationship between these two things—and, what they can do to help improve their situation.

Thank you for your trust in our practice!

Tale of Two Openbites: Adult Orthodontics

November 13th, 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.

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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