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Orthodontic Fact #4 Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to lose all your teeth before you get braces. In fact, treatments can start at the young age of 7 1

Orthodontic Fact #4 Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to lose all your teeth before you get braces. In fact, treatments can start at the young age of 7

braces

There is the common misconception that a child needs to lose all of his or her baby teeth before the use of traditional metal braces is possible. It is true that orthodontists used to recommend that orthodontic treatment begin when the child is a teenager. However, this is no longer the case. It is now possible for children as young as seven years of age to safely receive orthodontic treatment with the use of braces. It is common for children to have permanent teeth erupt at that age.

The importance of straight teeth

As a parent, it is imperative that you do everything within your power to ensure that your children have straight teeth as they enter into adulthood. This will make it much easier for them to chew foods that are hard. They will also have better annunciation which will allow them to speak more clearly.

A special type of orthodontist

It is important to understand that not all orthodontists will have the necessary skills to provide adequate treatment for your child. You will need to find someone who has a great deal of experience working with children who have a combination of permanent and primary teeth. This will be the only way to totally ensure that your child gets the best care possible.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Dr. Bill Schmohl and Dr. Jasmine Gorton have helped many children around the Larkspur, California area to get the straight teeth and the attractive smile that every person should have. Therefore, you should consider their services if you are looking for an orthodontist for your child. They will give you all the necessary info regarding what exactly is involved with using braces or Invisalign for your child’s orthodontic treatment. Invisalign aligners are preferable to many children because they can be easily removed. Find out more information about these orthodontists, take a virtual tour of their office or make an appointment.

Orthodontic Fact #3 Here’s a fun fact: All orthodontists are dentists, but only 5 percent of dentists are orthodontists. Confusing, isn’t it? 2

Orthodontic Fact #3 Here’s a fun fact: All orthodontists are dentists, but only 5 percent of dentists are orthodontists. Confusing, isn’t it?

dentist

If you’ve never previously considered orthodontic work, you might be confused when the time comes to visit an orthodontist. Why can’t you just get the same thing done at the dentist? Can’t they take care of all your needs concerning your teeth? Here’s a fun fact: all orthodontists are dentists, but only 5% of dentists are orthodontists. How does that work? Well…

Regular Dentists:

  • Clean your teeth
  • Repair cavities
  • Diagnose, but do not treat, potential orthodontic problems
  • Make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy

Orthodontists:

  • Diagnose and treat orthodontic problems
  • Put on your braces and adjust them as needed to help improve your smile
  • Help you care for your braces
  • Care for problems with your bite or the positioning of your teeth

What Happens at the Orthodontist?

Everyone in the orthodontic office has the same knowledge your dentist does. More importantly, however, they will be able to correct problems with your bite or the appearance of your teeth, especially those that will lead to long-term problems. An orthodontist is less concerned with your brushing habits (though there will be plenty of discussions about how to adjust those whether you have traditional braces or use the invisalign system to help minimize the appearance of your orthodontic work) and more concerned with the way the shape and positioning of your teeth will affect your overall health, happiness, and appearance.

If you need to correct your bite or the appearance of your teeth, consider the invisalign system! It will allow you to make the changes you need without sacrificing your appearance throughout the duration of your treatment. Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to learn more about how you can get the treatment you need for your smile.

Orthodontic Fact #2 A brace is one type of dental appliance that an orthodontist can use depending on the patient’s needs. Other appliances may be suggested to treat a specific jaw or mouth deformity. 3

Orthodontic Fact #2 A brace is one type of dental appliance that an orthodontist can use depending on the patient’s needs. Other appliances may be suggested to treat a specific jaw or mouth deformity.

dental appliance

Braces are only one type of appliance an orthodontist may use on a patient’s teeth. They are used to straighten teeth and help with a misaligned bite, for example an overbite. They are most often made of metal. The metal brackets are bonded to the patient’s affected teeth and wires are used to connect the brackets. The wires are tightened to put pressure on teeth so that they will slowly move to the correct positions. An alternative to conventional braces is invisalign. Invisalign is a good choice for more minor teeth straightening. Some people prefer them because they cannot easily be seen by others.

Spacers

Spacers are little plastic rings that are inserted between your back teeth. This is done prior to having your brace brackets put on to make room between the teeth.

Spring Jet

A spring jet is a fixed appliance designed to help align your bite and dental arches. It has a spring that connects to bands on your back teeth.

Quad Helix

The quad helix is attached to your back teeth by bands. It has four helix springs that are activated before being inserted. The device is used to widen the jaw to make more room for crowded teeth.

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is used to separate the bone on the upper part of the mouth. Prior to about age 16, the bones have not yet fused, making it easier to separate. This is done to make more room in the upper jaw. It is installed in the mouth and a screw is turned to create a tiny expansion each day. It works over a matter of weeks or months of gentle expansion.

Retainers

Retainers are used after the braces are taken off of the teeth. It is used to keep the teeth in place while they settle into their new position. Retainers can be removable or bonded behind the teeth for a semi-permanent solution. They are often made out of plastic with metal wires but may also be made from rubber materials.

An orthodontist has a wide variety of appliances available to treat patients. Patients differing needs require specialized treatments and appliances. Contact Marin Ortho for a consultation today.

 

Words of Wisdom No.10: “Conceal with Color“ 4

Words of Wisdom No.10: “Conceal with Color“

color

Most women are taught how to conceal their facial or body flaws with color such as wearing dark colors, including black or navy blue to look slimmer. Models who are trying to sell makeup to consumers often wear bright red lipstick to make their teeth look whiter. A teenager who needs to wear braces can choose a new variety that offers different colors of wires or brackets. Everyone has their own way of doing things, and that is one of the best things about visiting an orthodontist in today’s modern world. There are many types of orthodontia available, and in many cases, it is possible to make an individualized choice to show-off a personality.

Wear Invisible or Color-Matching Orthodontia

When someone visits an orthodontist, an examination might reveal mild to moderate misalignments that require Invisalign aligners. These devices are 100 percent clear, so the aligners do not conceal anything but are still perfect for straightening teeth and improving a smile. If someone chooses to wear traditional metal orthodontia, then the items will conceal the surfaces of teeth for two to four years. Anyone who does not want someone to notice their braces can request lingual devices that are worn on the backs of teeth or color-matching ceramic materials.

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics for an Appointment

Anyone lucky enough to live in or near Larkspur, Calif., should schedule an appointment with Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to learn about braces. They can have an examination from either:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl

After an examination with medical imaging, patients are given their options about orthodontic treatment such as:

• Invisalign – plastic devices that are worn on the teeth
• Damon devices – self-ligating mechanisms
• Ceramic brackets – color-matching materials

Make a telephone call to 415-459-8006 or complete an online form to schedule an appointment at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics.

Nothing Shakes the Smiling Heart 5

Nothing Shakes the Smiling Heart

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 6

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

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 7

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

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 8

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

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 9

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

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” 10

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

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”