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SHAKESPEARE WROTE, “Parting is such sweet sorrow...” But from everyone here at our practice, we can assure you that the sorrow ends the second you start brushing with a new toothbrush.

Take A Look At Your Toothbrush

Your orthodontic work can be especially hard on your toothbrush. Are the bristles starting to look bent, worn, or frayed? Or, are the bristles starting to look like they’re parallel to your teeth instead of perpendicular? If so, it’s time for a new toothbrush. Has somebody else used your toothbrush (gross)? If so, they’ve contaminated it with the bacteria in their mouth — and if you use it, you’ll expose yourself to any disease or sickness they may have. Again, it’s time for a new toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Old toothbrushes lose their structural ability to thoroughly clean, and fraying bristles don’t clean well between your teeth or under and around your braces. And as you know, that’s really important during your orthodontic treatment period. Fraying bristles can also be hard on your gums and can even cause damage to them.

Are You Storing Your Toothbrush Correctly?

• Store it upright and keep it out of contact with the bathroom counter.
• Keep it out of contact with other people’s toothbrushes.
• Keep it far away from the toilet splash zone (gross, again).
• Make sure it dries between uses. Toothbrush covers are handy for travel, but at home your toothbrush needs to air dry.

When you get a new toothbrush, keep these tips in mind:

• Get the size that fits in your mouth comfortably and reaches everywhere.
• Hard bristles can wear enamel unnecessarily. Soft bristles are usually better.
• The brand is not as important as your commitment to brushing correctly and regularly. If you have questions about how to do that, visit with our team.

Keep Up Great Oral Hygiene Habits During Your Orthodontic Treatment!

It’s absolutely worth it! And don’t miss your regular checkups. If you ever have any questions about toothbrushes or any other orthodontic or oral health topic, ask us, leave a comment below and we’ll quickly respond, or send us a message on our Facebook page!

Thanks, as always, for your continued trust and friendship. 

IT’S ONE OF THE most familiar images of the 20th century and one of the most famous paintings in the American art world. But did you know that the man depicted in Grant Wood’s iconic 1930 painting “American Gothic” is actually American dentist Byron Henry McKeeby?

Who Was Byron McKeeby?

Dr. Byron Henry McKeeby was born in 1867 in Birchardville, Pennsylvania in Susquehanna County. He studied dentistry at the University of Iowa. He then stayed in Iowa to open his dental practice in the town of Winthrop. He moved to practice dentistry Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1901.

It was in Cedar Rapids that one of Dr. McKeeby's dental patients, Grant Wood, approached the dentist to ask him to model in his painting.

Artist Grant Wood had found a small white wood painted house of Carpenter Gothic style, the Dibble House, which he wished to paint with “the kind of people I fancied would live in that house.” Dr. McKeeby was one of these people, along with the artist’s sister, Nan.

Dr. McKeeby held a pitchfork while the artist’s sister wore a colonial print apron to add a touch of 19th century Americana. Since Dr. McKeeby was 62 and Nan was 32, it is implied that Nan is the farmer’s daughter.

Wood entered the painting in a contest at the Art Institute of Chicago, for which he won a $300 prize. The Art Institute of Chicago later bought the painting, making Dr. McKeeby’s face one of the most recognized in the art world. The painting still hangs there today.

American Gothic, American Dentist.

-Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca
Orthodontist, Gorczyca Orthodontics
Antioch, California

HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME our patient? Most of our patients find us through referrals from trusted friends, extended family members, neighbors, and coworkers. When it comes to something as important as orthodontic treatment, honest personal endorsements are usually the best guide.

Thanks So Much For Your Referrals

You know what’s really cool when a new patient comes to our office based on a referral? We know that referral originated from one of YOU — a valued patient we’re connected to and already serving. It’s the ultimate compliment for us and it makes US smile.

During the early days of the internet, people searched online for an orthodontist by typing in their city name and the word “orthodontist.” But times have changed. Today, people look to trusted, permission-based social networks like Facebook and others to ask for their families’ and friends’ recommendations. That’s one of the reasons why we love social media so much... It makes it easy for our patients to share. Then, social media makes it easy for those potential new patients to really get to know us — even before they walk through our door for the first time.

Thanks For Your Reviews Too

Life is super busy. We understand, and we know we’re asking a lot. But when you DO have a minute, it’s always greatly appreciated. Our review page is a great place to share your impressions. And you can always go to our Facebook page to leave a comment, a recommendation, or to direct message us. You could also leave us a review on Yelp!

So, what brought YOU to our practice for the first time?

We’d love to hear! And ANYTIME we can do something to help make your visits even better, please let us know. Your feedback helps us continually improve and give the best service possible to our patients.

Once you become a patient at Gorczyca Orthodontics, we consider you a patient for life. Thank you for joining our Gorczyca Orthodontics family. We look forward to seeing you again soon at Gorczyca Orthodontics. Your smile is our inspiration.

Thanks,

Dr. Gorczyca

IT’S PART OF GROWING UP: back to school, losing baby teeth, back to the orthodontist. From age 7 to age 18, your orthodontist will be an important part of your childhood.

What To Expect At Your Back-To-School Visit

Here are things you can expect at your back-to-school orthodontic visit:

1. The question “What could we do to get you to love your teeth?”
2. Review of dental and medical history and oral habits
3. Evaluation of baby teeth and eruption of permanent teeth
4. A panoramic X-ray
5. Evaluation of oral health habits including brushing, plaque, and gingivitis
6. Examination of jaw function
7. Discussion of facial appearance
8. An in-depth functional look at your bite
9. Discussion about dental crowding, spacing, and rotations
10. Careful evaluation of your gums and smile
11. Evaluation of tooth shape
12. Referral to an excellent general or pediatric dentist if you need one
13. Proposed diagnosis and orthodontic treatment plan
14. Customized payment plan
15. Scheduling of your orthodontic records appointment

What’s The Next Step?

Your orthodontist will either see you periodically to evaluate your growth or start orthodontic treatment with orthodontic records. These include:

1. Orthodontic study models
2. Lateral cephalometric X-ray and panoramic X-ray
3. Orthodontic photos

After orthodontic records, your orthodontic treatment will be started. The sooner you start, the sooner you finish!

Keep Your Beautiful Smile For A Lifetime!

This case was treated by Board Certified Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Call us at (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com. To find an orthodontist in your area, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.com.

Start the school year right! Here’s to your beautiful smile.