TMD

What Every Woman Should Know About Her Oral Health

March 14th, 2019

WE UNDERSTAND THAT we’re your orthodontic practice, not your general dentist. However, as one of your lifelong health partners, we’re concerned here at our practice about your complete oral health. That’s why we feel like it’s important to provide relevant and useful information that’s often not orthodontics specific.

Did you realize that women have special challenges when it comes to oral health? Hormonal cycles can affect the way women’s bodies react to bacteria and plaque inside their mouths. If you’re a woman — or if you’d like to pass this information along to a woman who could benefit from it — our team encourages you to learn more about these important dental facts.

Hormonal Cycles Can Affect Gums

Puberty, pregnancy, and menstruation cause increased progesterone and estrogen levels, which can lead to increased gum sensitivity. There’s also a condition known as menstruation gingivitis, which can cause some women to experience increased bleeding and swollen gums right before menstruation. This condition is typically not serious and clears up quickly. Gingivitis during pregnancy can be more severe, and may even cause non-cancerous oral tumors. That’s another reason why it’s important for women to keep their regular checkup appointments with their general dentist during pregnancy.

Oral contraceptives also increase hormone levels in women’s bodies, which can cause increased sensitivity and vulnerability to gum disease. During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can also create oral health problems including dry mouth syndrome, which can significantly add to a woman’s tooth decay risk.

Other Oral Health Problems That Are More Likely To Affect Women

  • Women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders). TMD causes strain on one’s jaw joint and potential damage to teeth, often as a result of clenching and/or teeth grinding.
  • HPV is becoming more common, and research is increasingly suggesting a link between HPV and oral cancer. Regular oral cancer screenings are important whether or not a woman has high risk factors.
  • Women are much more susceptible to osteoporosis than men, which can cause jaw bone loss and associated periodontal disease problems.

The Great News? Women Take Better Care Of Their Oral Health!

As you might expect, a helpful remedy in many instances is to simply maintain good dental health habits! Fortunately, women are better at this than men! A recent study of over 800 young men and women shows:

  • Women are more consistent when it comes to regular checkups
  • Women exhibit better attitudes toward dentistry in general
  • Women have better personal dental habits

Questions? 

If you are a woman and you have questions about your oral health, please visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Call us at 925-757-9000 to schedule your complimentary exam. Visit us at www.clubbraces.com. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll go out of our way to point you in the best direction to find the answer! There are lots of easy ways to connect with us — and we promise to be very responsive! You can make a comment below, or even connect with us on our Facebook page.

Women need to take time to care for themselves and their oral health. Your smile is our inspiration.

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.

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!

Could You Have TMD?

February 23rd, 2016

ONE OUT OF EIGHT PEOPLE in the United States are living with pain related to TMD every day. Thankfully, if diagnosed and treated correctly, relief is just around the corner.

Common Symptoms of TMD

TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is pain and discomfort caused by problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.

Common TMD symptoms include:

  • Jaw muscle stiffness; limited movement or locking of the jaw
  • Painful clicking, popping, or grating in the jaw joint
  • Chronic headaches/migraines
  • Pain in the neck and shoulders
  • Earaches or ringing ears

TMD Has Multiple Causes

Adding to TMD’s complexity, there can be multiple causes. While an autoimmune disease or various forms of arthritis can affect your temporomandibular joint, some lesser known causes of TMD include bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching), bad bite, and stress.

Depending on your symptoms, various treatments and orthodontic solutions are available such as:

  • Muscle relaxation techniques/stress management
  • Physical therapy
  • Medication
  • Surgery

Dr. Gorczyca has additional training in the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we are frequently able to reduce TMD pain by use of the TMD splint adjusted especially for you. Pain levels are usually able to be reduced in a few weeks from levels described as 4 or higher down to a 1 or often 0 or no pain at all.

Once your TMD pain symptoms have been resolved, often your bite may need improved through orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign.

Don’t Suffer Needlessly!

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD or have any questions, make an appointment to come visit us. We’re here to help relieve your pain and regain your quality of life!

Call us at (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation if you have questions about temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) or your bite. At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we can help you make TMD pain a thing of the past.

Thank you for your continued trust in our practice!

Top image by Flickr user web4camguy 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.

Do You Have Highway 4 TMD?

August 27th, 2015

STUCK IN TRAFFIC? FEELING TENSE? If you live in East Contra Costa County, California and commute daily on Highway 4, you may have Highway 4 Temporomandular Disorder (TMD).

TMD Can Make For An Uncomfortable Commute

The symptoms of Highway 4 TMD include:

  • Headaches
  • Tooth pain
  • Muscle aches

Your pain may may be chronic or come and go related to your daily commute.

TMD-related problems may include:

  • Tight muscles
  • Joint inflammation
  • Joint damage
  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

Stress Can Make TMD Worse

One thing for sure, the stress of your commute on Highway 4 can only make your TMD and bruxism worse. Bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching strains the TMJ and is associated with stress. It's hard to control the habit of tooth grinding when you are commuting or stuck in traffic. That's when a dental splint can help.

A splint is a custom made acrylic appliance that fits over your teeth. It may also be called an orthotic or night guard. A splint can keep your upper and lower teeth apart and reduce muscle strain and joint pain as well as eliminate tooth grinding.

Do You Need Relief From Highway 4 TMD?

Until the Highway 4 Bart line is completed and construction is done, you need not live with all Highway 4 pain and discomfort. Feel good and put your jaw at ease with a commuter Highway 4 TMD splint from Gorczyca Orthodontics. If you have Highway 4 TMD symptoms, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics at 925-757-9000. Find us at www.clubbraces.com.

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

Migraines Are More Than Just Headaches

August 18th, 2015

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!

 

Neuromuscular Dentistry Can Help Treat TMD

January 19th, 2015

NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY differs from traditional dentistry in that it includes focused consideration of the muscles and nerves in and around the jaw—and the correct positioning of the jaw—as part of overall oral health.

Neuromuscular Dentistry Can Help Treat TMD

Our teeth, joints, muscles, and nerves all work together in the proper alignment and functioning of our jaw. When any part of this delicate equation is overlooked, painful conditions such as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) and other serious dental problems can develop.

How Does Neuromuscular Dentistry Relate To Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontists are well educated and experienced in the treatment of TMD. University-based orthodontic residency programs include working in a TMD clinic where patients with severe TMD problems are treated by a team of specialists to provide a solution to this complex dental problem. To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

What Can You Expect From TMD Treatment?

The first step of TMD treatment is a comprehensive radiographic evaluation of the temporomandibular joints and discs by a dental radiologist. Once a diagnosis is made, the patient will be referred to the appropriate specialist to treat the symptoms and remove the cause of the pain.

In situations where the bite is involved, orthodontists make a TMD splint. This splint is made of hard acrylic from mounted study models where your jaw placement is recorded in the most relaxed and natural bite position (centric relation). Hard biting will be relieved from the back of this splint (sometimes called a guard) so that your jaw can settle to the most relaxed and comfortable joint position.

Where Is The Pain?

At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we are usually able to reduce TMD pain within 6 months. When appropriate, patients are asked to wear a TMD splint 24 hours per day and come in for weekly adjustments.

“Where is the pain?” is an important question. When pain is in the joint, the bite may be a factor. After the splint is worn and pain is gone, some patients seek orthodontic treament for permanent pain relief.

Some muscle pain can be caused by grinding and clinching of the teeth (bruxism). This pain occurs at certain times of the day, early morning or after a long commute in heavy traffic. In these situations, the splint is extremely useful for relaxing the muscles and relieving muscle pain.

Pain can also be caused by a tooth or crown being high when biting or making jaw movements. This can be relieved by a small adjustment of the teeth with light grinding (equilibration). For this, Dr. Gorczyca will record your bite, complete the process study models of your teeth on an articulator, show you the result, and then reproduce these changes on your natural teeth for a more comfortable bite.

Hard And Soft Tissues Have A Complex Relationship

We work to make that relationship harmonious. If your jaw is misaligned, many physiological problems can result, including:

  • Headaches/migraines
  • Facial pain
  • Back, neck and shoulder pain
  • Sensitive and sore teeth
  • Jaw pain
  • Limited jaw movement
  • Worn or cracked teeth
  • Clicking or popping in the jaw joints
  • and others…

TMD Affects Millions Of People

Neuromuscular dentistry utilizes modern technology to precisely determine the proper positioning of the jaw, and to place the jaw into its optimal position, which can help relieve the symptoms associated with TMD.

If you have symptoms like those listed above, take a minute and make an appointment with our team. We’d be happy to take the time to visit with you about the benefits of neuromuscular dentistry.

Dr. Gorczyca Has Advanced Training In TMD Treatment

Dr. Gorczyca completed a two year study of TMD in addition to her orthodontic residency program. This study was held at the University of Detroit and called “Advance Education in Orthodontics” AEO.

Jaw pain is complex. There could be rheumatoid arthritis involved or damage to your nerves, muscles, and joints due to trauma or pathology. In these situations, Dr. Gorczyca will refer you to the UCSF Craniofacial Pain Clinic or the TMD Center at Kaiser Hospital for evaluation by an additional team of specialists.

For Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) treatment or neuromuscular bite evaluation, call Dr. Gorczyca at (925)757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com for a complimentary exam. We are here to help make your life pain free.

And, as always, thanks for being our valued patient and friend.

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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