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Toothbrushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush” 1

Toothbrushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush”

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toothbrush

What to Consider Before Buying a Toothbrush

If you simply grab any toothbrush while at the store, then you are making a big mistake while caring for your teeth. By using the wrong toothbrush, it is possible to leave food stuck between your teeth or damage your teeth’s enamel. There are hundreds of styles of toothbrushes available, and you must consider these features when selecting one:

  • Handle length and diameter
  • Size of the toothbrush’s head
  • Soft, medium or hard bristles
  • Type of material

If you have a small mouth, then choose a toothbrush with a smaller head and shorter handle length. Someone with sensitive gums should use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid abrading their tissue. Look closely at a toothbrush’s materials to determine if it contains fibers or chemicals that you are allergic to.

Choose a High-Quality Toothbrush

When you visit an orthodontist for an evaluation, they may recommend wearing braces or Invisalign aligners to repair wide spaces between your teeth. You should ask about the best type of toothbrush to use on braces to avoid damaging brackets or wires. You can remove aligners two times a day to brush and floss your teeth, but using a high-quality toothbrush can help to prevent bad breath and cavities during your orthodontic treatment.

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Toothbrushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush”

Nothing Shakes the Smiling Heart 2

Nothing Shakes the Smiling Heart

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smile

A famous writer believed that people shouldn’t cry when something is over but that they should smile because it happened. This is excellent advice, but if you have crooked teeth, then you might avoid smiling. Fortunately, you can visit an orthodontist to have your smile improved with braces or Invisalign aligners. Orthodontic treatment is a good choice for any adult, teenager or child who has misaligned teeth. In many cases, you only need to wear orthodontic devices for one year to see a noticeable improvement in your smile. However, the only way to learn about the type of treatment that you require is by having an examination.

Improve Your Health With Orthodontic Treatment

An examination at an orthodontic office is easy because an orthodontist will have top-of-the-line diagnostic equipment. After the examination is over, you can look at the medical images to see what your facial structure looks like. With computer software, it is also possible to learn how your smile will look after an orthodontic treatment repairs your bite. If you find it difficult to chew fresh vegetables or fruit, then having your teeth straightened can make it easier to enjoy a healthier diet on a daily basis.

Call Us Today To Schedule an Appointment

When you live in Larkspur, Calif., you can schedule an appointment with Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics. At our facility, you can have an examination from one of these orthodontists:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Patients can undergo treatment with a variety of orthodontic devices, including:

• Braces with colors – great for children and teenagers
• Damon clear – clear brackets that are nearly invisible
• Retainers – used to make minor adjustments to teeth
• Invisalign aligners – clear aligners that are removable

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Nothing Shakes the Smiling Heart

“If you smile when you are alone, then you really mean it.” - Andy Rooney 3

“If you smile when you are alone, then you really mean it.” – Andy Rooney

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smile

“If you smile when you are alone, then you really mean it.” – Andy Rooney

People have to work hard not to smile when someone first smiles at them just Andy Rooney says here. It is an automatic response to smile back at someone. It’s a wonder, then, if smiles are really genuine. After all, if some smiles are an automatic response, we will wonder whether those are genuine. The good news is that we know, at least, our smiles are genuine when we are alone because they are coming from within.

What Can Your Smile Tell You?

When we’re alone and we smile, it’s often because we found something funny, came across something that brings us joy or we remembered a happy memory. Since we’re not expected to provide a social smile back at someone, we know that it’s real. We can also hypothesize that smiling is a genuine reaction that comes from within and not completely behaviorally learned because we know that babies often smile in the womb.

However, there are times when our smiles are genuine with others as well. We can tell when others are “just being polite” because those smiles are minimal. It is said that a smile can use as little as 5 facial muscles and as many as 53 muscles. The more muscles someone uses while smiling the more genuine the smile is.

Now, let’s get back to why people resist smiling. There are some who don’t like to smile because they’re self-conscious of their smiles. This comes from four reasons: they don’t feel they have an attractive smile, they have missing teeth, their teeth are discolored, and they have crooked teeth. The most common reasons amongst these reasons is from discolored teeth, which can be corrected with whitening, and crooked teeth.

Thankfully, people have the option of visiting an orthodontist to get braces. If people don’t like the sight of braces on their teeth, they have the option of using Invisalign and other clear aligners that are virtually undetectable. Invisalign and other aligners steadily move teeth. Wearing a couple aligners for a few weeks can make a huge difference and people have found they’re more likely to smile because of it.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth,crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

“If you smile when you are alone, then you really mean it.” – Andy Rooney

Days may smile and may not. but you can smile anytime, just smile.” ― Samar AlDhamadi 4

Days may smile and may not. but you can smile anytime, just smile.” ― Samar AlDhamadi

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smile

You may not have control over what happens during the course of a day, but you do have control over how you face each one. Some days smile at you by providing you with bright sunshine, friendly faces and happenings that seems to go with your overall desires. Other days seem to constantly thwart your desires. You can learn to take either day with the same joyful attitude. Learning to smile at all times is the first step in accomplishing that. The orthodontist can help develop an enhanced smile if you suffer with malocclusion or poor teeth alignment.

The Latest Technology

Your local orthodontist can examine your teeth by using X-ray technology, a physical examination and having you complete a questionnaire. He will use the information to suggest a course of treatment that will optimize the beautiful smile that you already have. The suggestion for treatment may include braces or Invisalign. The option for braces may include options such as traditional metal brackets, ceramic devices, lingual brackets and the like. Invisalign is a plastic aligner system that can do wonders for your teeth in a short amount of time. Some people complete their treatment in less than one year with Invisalign.

You can start your journey toward dental perfection today by calling Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics. The facility is one of the most successful in the area. All staff members have an unmatched element of compassion. You can feel confident that the specialist will help you find your perfect solution for any tooth problem that you have. You have two options for scheduling an appointment. You can dial 415-459-8006, or you can complete an online form. Someone will get back to you and coordinate the best appointment time for you. You can work on your gorgeous new smile with a professional after that.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth,crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Days may smile and may not. but you can smile anytime, just smile.” ― Samar AlDhamadi

“The world is like a mirror; frown at it, and it frowns at you. Smile and it smiles, too” - Herbert Samuels 5

“The world is like a mirror; frown at it, and it frowns at you. Smile and it smiles, too” – Herbert Samuels

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smile

The world usually puts out what people put into it. Wearing a sour face or a frown in public will cause other people to frown back. Smiling around town will incite other people to smile around town. Both expressions are contagious, but the latter is also healthy. Smiling is good for everyone involved because it creates a joyful atmosphere and fills the heart with glee. You should continue to do what you love if you are a person who likes to smile. You may want to visit an orthodontist if you are someone who does not like to smile. Many people who shy away from smiling do so because they dislike something about their smiles. An experienced orthodontist can address most of those issues. Such a specialist can provide services such as:

Putting Braces on the Teeth

Braces are one of the most popular options for solving alignment problems. As a patient, you have a wide assortment of options from which you can choose. You can select standard or traditional devices, lingual brackets, Damon braces, teeth-colored brackets and more.

Creating an Invisalign System

Invisalign is an option for people who do not appreciate the “metal mouth” concept. Invisalign is a system that uses clear plastic aligners that the patient can remove at any time. The treatment time is significantly shorter with this system than it is for some other options.

Providing Tips for Stonger, Healthier Teeth

A specialist can provide a patient with a number of wise tips to keep his or her teeth whiter in the end. The specialist can act as an advisor or a counselor to a patient.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth,crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

“The world is like a mirror; frown at it, and it frowns at you. Smile and it smiles, too” – Herbert Samuels

I Have a Tickle in my Brain and it Keeps Making the Corners in my Mouth Point Towards the Heavens 6

I Have a Tickle in my Brain and it Keeps Making the Corners in my Mouth Point Towards the Heavens

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tickle

Great smiles can make your whole face happy. For some people, though, a smile doesn’t start out perfectly. Misaligned teeth, overbites, gaps and more can make people feel self-conscious about smiling. No one should go through life worried about smiling. A great orthodontist can help people have their best smile possible.

For children, braces can straighten and align those young teeth. Metal wires are held in place by brackets placed on the teeth. About every six weeks an orthodontist will adjust the braces, allowing the teeth to shift into the perfect position. For most teenagers, braces are a fact of life. School pictures will show a mouthful of metal. This is okay, even expected.

Adults may want to be a bit more discreet. They may want to hide the fact that they are having their teeth straightened. New dating relationships, a job position and other factors could play into the desire to be discreet. Orthodontists can help with invisalign aligners. Clear, removable aligners are worn to straighten the teeth. Nobody will notice them while someone is wearing them. However, they will notice a straighter, more ready smile. Being removable makes it very easy for a person to continue brushing and flossing, even eating their favorite foods. Every two weeks the aligner will be removed, replaced with the next one in the series. In under two years a great new smile will emerge, ready to dazzle the world.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth,crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

I Have a Tickle in my Brain and it Keeps Making the Corners in my Mouth Point Towards the Heavens

Tooth brushing Mistake No.10: “Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough” 7

Tooth brushing Mistake No.10: “Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough”

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tooth

It is an easy thing to overlook. Even if you think about it while brushing your teeth, you may still forget to pick up a new toothbrush the next time you go to the store. The standard length of time for a toothbrush to be in service is three months. If you have braces or other fixed orthodontic appliances, the metal surfaces can wear out a toothbrush much faster. Plus, you may find yourself brushing more often to remove food particles from around orthodontic appliances.

Problems With Old Toothbrushes

The first thing that comes to mind is bacterial buildup. Bacteria are microscopic and not all of them rinse away. A toothbrush is not sterilized with hot water from the faucet. The temperature needed to sterilize a toothbrush would likely destroy it. The holes that hold the bristles can be a good breeding ground for bacteria. Also, the mechanical effectiveness of your old toothbrush is affected due to wear. Over time, the bristles begin to bend and flatten, reducing their effectiveness of removing plaque at the gum line and tooth surfaces.

Partials, Bridges and Removable Braces

If you wear a removable dental appliance, such as a partial, or Invisalign braces that are in contact with your teeth for many hours of the day, you need a toothbrush in great shape to provide thorough cleaning of the gums and supporting teeth for partials and of your gums when wearing Invisalign products. Plaque can turn to tartar (calculus) in as little as 24 hours. Tartar needs to be scraped away during a cleaning the next time you visit your orthodontist. Partials and Invisalign can let the bacteria that forms plaque develop quickly on covered tooth and gum surfaces.

Your toothbrush is one of the least expensive devices you can buy to help ensure your continued good dental health. If you have diabetes or other medical conditions that can have an impact on your dental health, your orthodontist may suggest you replace your toothbrush more often than every three months. Since toothbrushes are inexpensive, keep extra ones on hand.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth,crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.10: “Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough”

Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry" 8

Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry”

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toothbrush

You may think that once you’ve got your kids brushing their teeth regularly without constant reminders from you, you have won the battle of teaching your kids great dental habits. If you have spent time and money at the orthodontist getting Invisalign braces for your kids, then the last thing you want to do is fail to make sure they take the best care of their teeth that they can. But there are plenty of mistakes that can be made even if you are brushing on a regular basis, and not all of them are even connected to the way that you brush your teeth.

Why You Should Let Your Toothbrush Dry

One of those mistakes is not letting the toothbrush dry. This might be one you’ve never even thought of. After all, when you hear about dental health, it’s usually all about making sure that you brush and floss regularly, avoiding too many sweets and getting regular check-ups. If you are told anything about your toothbrush, it’s usually that you need to make sure that it has the right type of bristles.

But just as leaving anything wet can lead to the growth of bacteria, this is true for your toothbrush as well. When you have finished using your toothbrush, you should rinse it and then set it someplace where it will dry. The best way to store it is upright. Even if you brush your teeth several times each day, your toothbrush should have enough time to air dry if it is left in that position.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth,crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry”

Tooth brushing Mistake No.8: “Not Following Up With a Rinse” 9

Tooth brushing Mistake No.8: “Not Following Up With a Rinse”

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rinse

There are professional opinions and studies to support both sides of this issue, so a person has to decide what the right answer is for the whole family so they can take the best possible care of their teeth.

Why You Should Follow Up With A Rinse

  1. Rinse well after brushing and flossing because it clears your mouth of all the food debris and plaque that you just removed.
  2. Do your routine the last thing before going to bed when there is no more eating or drinking.
  3. Use plain water to rinse and then use a mouthwash with fluoride, which will help against decay and help to strengthen the teeth.
  4. Do not rinse first, for brushing will take it off. The rinse is meant for afterwards so that it can continue to work its beneficial effect of the daily tooth-protecting fluoride exposure.
  5. Rinsing is important because swallowing toothpaste can irritate the stomach.

Learn More about Orthodontia at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics is located in Larkspur, Calif., in Marin County. There are three experts at our facility who can determine if you need to wear aligners or braces. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist:

• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

To make your orthodontic treatment more personalized or faster, you can choose to use the Acceledent or WowSmiles systems along with these devices:

• WildSmiles
• Damon Clear
• Invisalign
• Retainers

Visit Gorton and Schmol Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how the Invisalign system can help you.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth brushing Mistake No.8: “Not Following Up With a Rinse”

Tooth Brushing Mistake No.7: “Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces” 10

Tooth Brushing Mistake No.7: “Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces”

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tooth

Make Sure to Brush the Inner Surfaces of Your Teeth

Skipping the inner surfaces of teeth is a common tooth brushing mistake that adults, teenagers and children make. Unfortunately, this bad habit can lead to you having tooth decay and halitosis. Get into the habit of beginning to brush your teeth occasionally on the inner surfaces to make sure food particles are removed. By using high-quality toothpaste that contains fluoride, you are less likely to have a buildup of plaque that leads to cavities and bad breath. If you are having problems brushing the inner surfaces of your teeth because there are misalignments, then invest in oral irrigators that uses pressurized water streams to dislodge the debris that is located between your teeth.

Visit an Orthodontist for a Complete Examination

When it is difficult to keep teeth clean because your teeth overlap, make sure to visit an orthodontist for an examination. It is possible to schedule appointments for children and parents during one office visit to an orthodontic facility. With a thorough examination that includes X-rays, you will learn if you need braces or Invisalign aligners. Younger children always must wear some type of braces because aligners are not designed for them. However, teenagers and adults enjoy wearing clear, plastic aligners to repair their mild malocclusions.

Schedule an Orthodontic Examination in Larkspur Today

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth,crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Tooth Brushing Mistake No.7: “Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces”