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POUTING, OR “thrusting out the lip, as in sadness” appears as an expression of displeasure. The lower lip sticks out farther than the upper lip. The chin often has a “golf ball” appearance and the lips strain to close over the teeth.

Jaw And Tooth Structure May Be Causing A Pouting Appearance

Bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion produces the appearance of pouting. The jaws and teeth cause the lips to be more prominent than ideal. The lips may be separated at rest, producing a lip opening. In some cases, the appearance of the teeth may not be a problem, but moving the teeth back has a dramatic and desirable effect on the facial profile.

Our Lineage Affects Our Appearance

Lips are influenced by ethnic norms. Northern Europeans have thin lips. Asians and Africans have thicker lips and more tooth prominence. The patient’s desires, nose and chin size, and culture will all influence the orthodontic decision to move teeth back to improved facial appearance.

Have Questions? We Have Answers!

If you have questions about your facial profile, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California (925) 757-9000. Find us at www.clubbraces.com. To find an orthodontist near you, visit www.mylifemysmile.org.

If you pout, it may be an indication that your teeth stick out too far. An orthodontist can fix this. So, there’s no need to pout. You’re better off not to pout at any time of the year, and especially when Santa Claus is coming to town.

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 is my two front teeth.”

AS MUCH AS WE LOVE YOU, once you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment, we don’t want you coming back for re-treatment! So remember to faithfully wear your retainer!

Don’t Neglect The Final Stage

Some people neglect this last stage of their orthodontic treatment. It’s probably because they think that once their braces are off, they’re FINISHED with orthodontics.

Sorry to break it to you, but you’re not done just yet. In fact, maintaining that drop-dead gorgeous smile may be a lifelong pursuit. Once you get your braces off, you need to remember that your retainer is the final phase of orthodontic treatment, and it’s just as important as every other phase.

Here’s what you need to know about proper retainer care:

#1: Clean Your Retainer Regularly

• Just as you brush your teeth to prevent decay and bad odors, you’ll need to brush your retainer. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste. Some people like to use a tiny bit of mouthwash, or dish detergent. That’s fine, just remember to rinse well.
• Remember to clean regularly — every day or so. This will prevent buildup.
• And a special note: DON’T put your retainers in the dishwasher or the microwave. That’s just asking for damage and warping.

#2: Good Habits Will Keep You From Losing Your Retainer

• Always carry your retainer case with you so that you can properly store it while eating.
• Never wrap up the retainer in a napkin or tissue. That makes it look like trash, and it’s easy to accidentally throw away.
• IF YOU DO lose your retainer, contact us right away. We can make you a new one before your teeth start misbehavin’.

#3: Wear Your Retainer Per Our Instructions

In most cases, after your braces are removed, you should wear your retainer ALL the time (unless we tell you differently). After that, continue to wear your retainer EVERY night.

We’re so excited when our awesome patients reach this final phase of treatment. Take good care of your retainer, and enjoy your beautiful new smile for life! If you have lost or broken your retainer, please call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California for a complimentary orthodontic consultation (925) 757-9000.

Top image by Flickr user Braden Kowitz 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.

YOUR SMILE IS AMONG your most influential assets! But that doesn’t mean you have to have a perfect “movie star” smile for you to harness its power. Whether you are thinking about orthodontic treatment, just finished with it, or currently wearing braces, think about how powerful your smile is right now!

Step 1: Practice, Practice, Practice

Life’s too short to skip the simple things that make you happy. Smile more. Smile and laugh, proudly. Abundantly. Don’t ever hide your smile because you’re self-conscious about braces! Invite people to share in the things that make you smile. Your smiles will foster gratitude. Smiling can become a habit. Seek the opportunity.

Step 2: Be Aware Of The Smile/Emotion Connection

Author and poet, Thích Nhất Hạnh once said, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” We often only think about the way positive emotions trigger smiles, but it works the other way too. Smiles trigger positive emotions. They can even help us better deal with stress or pain.

Step 3: Eliminate The “Courtesy” Smile

Make a conscious decision to replace every half-hearted smile given in politeness with a genuine smile. You can do it!

Step 4: Remember How Attractive Your Smile Makes You

A recent study of 5,000+ singles found that both men (58 percent) and women (71 percent) judge the opposite sex MOST (and FIRST) on the appearance of their teeth. Smiles invite and strengthen relationships.

Step 5: Keep Your Smile Healthy

Treat your smile with the love it deserves. You’ve already taken a great step with orthodontic treatment. Remember to brush and floss daily, and schedule regular checkups with your dentist.

We Love Your Smiles

Some estimates say that 30 percent of the general population is unhappy with their smiles to a point where they avoid smiling. That’s sad. If you feel that way, let’s visit. We can help you harness the power of YOUR smile. Thanks for being our valued patients and friends.

Call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics 925-757-9000 in Antioch, California if you would like go improve your beautiful smile by straightening your teeth and improving your bite. Visit us at www.clubbraces.com for a complimentary orthodontic exam.

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

Top image by Flickr user Wrapped Up 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.