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Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry" 1

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

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” 2

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

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” 3

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

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”

There is a thin line between smile and laughter ― SantoshKalwar 4

There is a thin line between smile and laughter ― SantoshKalwar

smileThere is a thin line between smile and laughter ― SantoshKalwar

There’s nothing like a beautiful smile to let the people around you know that you care. Sadly, however, many people are born with teeth that aren’t straight. As a result, these people cover up their smile as much as possible.

The good news is that an orthodontist can give you the beautiful smile of your dreams. In fact, today’s orthodontists offer a variety of straightening methods, allowing you to achieve the results that you desire in a quicker, more comfortable and more discreet way.

By straightening your teeth, you’re improving your appearance as well as your oral health. When teeth are straight, it’s easier to brush and floss, preventing gum disease and cavities. Plus, having straight teeth can dramatically improve confidence levels.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are renowned for using advanced orthodontic technology in order to straighten teeth quickly and effectively. Using brackets and wires, this straightening method can bring even the most crooked, uneven or crowded teeth into perfect alignment, giving you a beautiful smile at last.

Because these braces are self-litigating, they don’t require any elastics. The wires adjust along with the teeth, eliminating the need for frequent visits to the orthodontist to have the wires tightened. Plus, these braces work much more quickly than traditional metal braces.

Damon braces are less obvious in appearance as well. The wires are thin and the brackets are small. Plus, patients can choose clear brackets.

Invisalign

Invisalign treatment is radically different from braces. Instead of relying on brackets and wires, Invisalign relies on clear aligner trays that are made of a thin and comfortable plastic material. These aligner trays subtly move teeth into a straightened position. Each pair of trays is worn for two weeks before being switched out for the next pair in the series.

What patients love best about Invisalign is that these clear aligner trays are invisible. Plus, they can be easily and painlessly removed in order to eat and practice dental hygiene habits like flossing and brushing.

About Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Here at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics, we are dedicating to earning our patients’ respect and trust – and keeping it! Founding partners Dr. Jasmine Gorton and Dr. Bill Schmohl are each board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary certification just 35 percent of orthodontists nationwide currently hold.

We proudly offer the latest technological advances in orthodontic care, including the Damon Clear Braces system, Invisalign and Braces with Colors for kids and teens. Our practice philosophy focuses on maintaining the health of permanent teeth from a very early age, minimizing the need for extractions and invasive surgery later in life.

To make an appointment, please contact us at 415-459-8006 or complete our online contact form.

How Can Widely Spaced Teeth Impact Your Overall Health 5

How Can Widely Spaced Teeth Impact Your Overall Health

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LAST UPDATED: MARCH 28, 2017

Most people think of orthodontic issues such as widely spaced teeth as purely an appearance issue, but treating widely spaced teeth can have deeper, more life changing (and potentially life saving) benefits. Besides providing you the confidence of a beautiful, straight smile, correcting widely spaced teeth can provide significant benefits to your overall health. These health benefits start with the obvious, better oral health. Widely spaced teeth can lead to a greater change of bacteria buildup (plaque and tartar), which in turn can lead to the following (and more serious) oral health problems:

  • Gingivitis/Gum Disease
  • Tooth Decay/Tooth Loss
  • Bad Breath/Mouth Sores

FAQ

What is Gingivitis?

Widely spaced teeth can lead to more serious dental problems down the road, including oral conditions as serious as periodontal disease. When your teeth or widely spaced, pockets of plaque and tartar can build up more easily, leading to gingivitis, and if untreated, lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, and the deep cleaning and other periodontal maintenance this issue requires, can be potentially avoided with teeth straightening.

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is another oral health problem that can be caused by widely spaced teeth. Like with periodontal disease, widely spaced teeth can create difficulties controlling bacteria. Subsequent tooth decay resulting from widely spaced teeth can potentially lead to tooth loss.

What are Mouth Sores?

Along with the serious oral health conditions such as gingivitis, gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss, other oral health issues can be caused by widely spaced teeth. The bacteria buildup caused by the widely spaced teeth can lead to bad breath.

What is Bacteria Buildup?

Properly straightened teeth can help reduce the buildup of bacteria (along with other preventative oral health measures, such as proper brushing and flossing, along with lifestyle choices such as avoiding tobacco use, a balanced diet low in sugars, and reduced alcohol intake). As you can see, the oral health of yourself and your family can be improved significantly through correction of widely spaced teeth.

Serious Health Conditions Related to Untreated Gum Disease

In studies conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA), the following serious health conditions have been found to be related to untreated periodontal disease:

  • Heart Disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Pneumonia

Heart Disease

Untreated periodontal disease can lead to health problems down the road that go beyond the mouth. The American Dental Association has conducted studies showing that untreated infections of the mouth (such as periodontal disease) can lead to heart disease. This is due to the fact that inflammation of the gums by bacteria is damaging to the circulatory system. This fact alone should make you consider preventative care of your gums, as heart disease is America’s number one cause of death. While the changes of developing heart diseases from bad gum health alone is rare, the risk can be eliminated by taking care of threats to gum health before they even happen.

Stroke

As with heart disease, the American Dental Association has found a relationship between untreated periodontal disease and the risk of stroke. While other lifestyle choices play a bigger part in your stroke risk, preventative oral health treatments are a great way to reduce your stroke risk.

Diabetes

The ADA has also found untreated gum disease can lead to diabetes. Diabetes has been found to lead to other serious health conditions, like heart disease and stroke. As all three of these serious, life threatening conditions have been shown to have a relationship with untreated gum disease, you have all the more reason to seek preventative orthodontia care to mitigate these risks.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, a common cause of death among the elderly (and sometimes, even younger), has also been found by the ADA to have a relationship with untreated gum disease. As you can see, the whole plethora of health problems can come from bad oral health, a risk factor all too many people forgot to consider when making beneficial choices about their overall health.

The oral health of yourself and your family is obviously something you want to take seriously. As seen above, widely spaced teeth can potentially lead to oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. In turn, periodontal disease can lead to even more serious health conditions down road, life threatening health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and pneumonia.

While lifestyle factors (such as avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, balanced and healthy diet, exercise) play a big part in preventing this health problems, preventative care of oral health problems provides additional protection and risk mitigation.

Teeth straightening, either with braces or with Invisalign, can correct widely spaced teeth, and greatly increase your overall health. The orthodontist professionals at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics in Larkspur, CA can provide you and your family with both braces or Invisalign treatment for your widely spaced teeth.

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. 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

How Can Widely Spaced Teeth Impact Your Overall Health

Smile more, help more, trust more, love more to live more. ― Debasish Mridha 6

Smile more, help more, trust more, love more to live more. ― Debasish Mridha

smile

Smile more, help more, trust more, love more to live more. ― Debasish Mridha

You Can Live More By Loving More With a Beautiful New Smile

Dr. Debasish Mridha is an author and physician who believes that smiling helps you to love and trust more. The best way to have a gorgeous smile is by visiting an orthodontist at an early age to have an examination. If you have misaligned teeth, then it feels awkward to smile at anyone. Fortunately, there are fast ways to fix your teeth with modern braces or Invisalign aligners. When you visit an orthodontic facility, you can undergo an evaluation that includes medical images so that you can see how your teeth will look after treatment.

Modern Orthodontic Treatment Is Fast and Easy

You will love wearing clear aligners that are made of durable molded plastic that will shift your teeth slowly into the best positions. Every two weeks, you must change to a different set of aligners to repair your smile in six months to one year. However, if you have serious malocclusions of your teeth, then an orthodontist will recommend braces that are worn for two to four years. It is possible to choose brackets and wires that are bright colors, or you might prefer clear brackets and invisible wires instead.

Call Us Today To Begin Your Orthodontic Treatment

At Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics in Larkspur, Calif., we offer a variety of treatments for adults, children and teenagers. We have three orthodontists available who include:

• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

After your examination, an orthodontist will discuss your options for treatment, including:

• Braces – Damon Clear and WildSmile
• Retainers – designed to keep teeth in place
• Invisalign – plastic aligners for teenagers and adults

We believe in using the Wow Smiles system that gives you a unique smile that is perfect for your facial structure. Call us today at 415-459-8006 to schedule your first orthodontic appointment.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness 7

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness

smileA warm smile is the universal language of kindness

No matter where you go in the world, a kind and open smile paves the way for making new friends and brightening everyone’s day. Even when language barriers stop clear communication, a smile shows you mean no harm and want to get along with everyone nearby.

Do Not Hide Your Smile Away

First impressions are so important in this world. When you first meet a new person or walk into a new place, you want everyone to like you and for no problems to arise. A smile is one way this goal gets accomplished, and if you feel shy or self-conscious about sharing your smile, it can cause people to think negatively about you.

Misaligned or unattractive teeth are some of the top reasons why people keep their lips tight shut and fail to share a warm, open smile with others. Gaps, crooked teeth, and missing teeth are looked down upon in this modern world where every celebrity and magazine model has the perfect, gleaming white grin. These problems can affect your social and professional lives.

What Can an Orthodontist Do to Help

A professional orthodontist can provide solutions for all of the above-mentioned problems and more. Even if you have no intention of becoming a toothpaste model, it is important to have a pleasant and attractive smile in this world. Not only will it help you convey friendliness and camaraderie to others you meet, it will also give you the self-confidence to walk into any room and instantly feel at home there. Better still, a bright and beautiful smile will help others feel the same way about you.

Find Your Unique Smile at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

In Larkspur, Calif., you can learn more about orthodontic treatments that will help you find your smile. Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics has a team of orthodontists who include:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl

At our orthodontic facility, we provide treatments to children, teenagers and adults with these devices:

• Braces – WildSmiles, traditional or ceramic
• Aligners – made by Invisalign
• Retainers – to keep your teeth in place
• Damon Clear – self-ligating devices

Our patients are treated using the Wow Smiles system that creates a unique smile for your face. Call us today at 415-459-8006 to schedule your first appointment.

You haven’t lost your smile at all, it’s right under your nose. You just forgot it was there. 8

You haven’t lost your smile at all, it’s right under your nose. You just forgot it was there.

smile

You haven’t lost your smile at all, it’s right under your nose. You just forgot it was there.

Learn How to Smile Again

If you have forgotten how to smile because you are embarrassed by your crooked teeth, then it is time to visit an orthodontist. It is easy to have a new smile by undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign. In six months to three years, you can have an attractive smile again. Clear aligners are suitable for you when you have mild malocclusions. Alternatively, if you have severely misaligned teeth or when you are a child, then you can wear braces instead. Today, you don’t have to wear traditional metal orthodontic devices because there are devices that have color-matching ceramic brackets.

Have an Orthodontic Examination

When you are wearing aligners on your teeth, the items are barely noticeable when you smile, and if you select color-matching brackets or lingual devices, then it is also difficult for someone to notice the items. You can continue to smile at everyone without feeling self-conscious. The only way to know what type of orthodontic treatment is best for your teeth is by having a thorough examination from an orthodontist. With modern medical images, it is possible to see how your teeth and smile will look after orthodontic treatment is completed.

Find Your Unique Smile at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

In Larkspur, Calif., you can learn more about orthodontic treatments that will help you find your smile. Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics has a team of orthodontists who include:

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

At our orthodontic facility, we provide treatments to children, teenagers and adults with these devices:

• Braces – WildSmiles, traditional or ceramic
• Aligners – made by Invisalign
• Retainers – to keep your teeth in place
• Damon Clear – self-ligating devices

Our patients are treated using the Wow Smiles system that creates a unique smile for your face. Call us today at 415-459-8006 to schedule your first appointment.

A Smile Is An Inexpensive Way to Change Your Looks 9

A Smile Is An Inexpensive Way to Change Your Looks

smile quotesA Smile is an Inexpensive Way to Change Your Looks

When you see people with a beautiful smile, do you notice how straight their teeth are? Have you also thought how fortunate they were to have such naturally beautiful teeth and charming smiles? Well, it may surprise you to know that most of those lucky people were not born with straight teeth. In fact, a lot of people have had problems with their teeth being too close together, misaligned, or they had gaps between their teeth that were corrected with braces. And, after their teeth were straightened, they were no longer embarrassed to talk to strangers or to show off their glamorous teeth with a winning smile. But, behind every one of those lovely smiles is a knowledgeable orthodontist who made the transformations possible.

Invisalign for Adults

Most adults hesitate having their teeth straightened because they don’t want to be seen with the traditional wire braces across their teeth. But, today’s orthodontic techniques enable adults needing to have corrective teeth procedures performed without permanently attached wires, and it is called Invisalign. These appliances are wireless, removable for cleaning and while eating, and are nearly invisible for anyone to detect. New, custom made, Invisaligns are made every few months throughout the procedure to accommodate each re-positioning phase as the teeth align.

How to Find an Orthodontist Near Me

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200, Larkspur, California 94939 415-459-8006

A Smile Is Something You Can't Give Away; It Always Comes Back To You! 10

A Smile Is Something You Can’t Give Away; It Always Comes Back To You!

smileA Smile Is Something You Can’t Give Away; It Always Comes Back To You!

When you give a smile, you usually get one in return. What an easy way to brighten the day of a loved one or a stranger. A beautiful smile can take you many places in life. It is often the door opener for a job offer or a first date.

An orthodontist specializes in the treatment of straightening malformed teeth and bites due to occlusions that form when adult teeth erupt. There can also be a genetic factor involved where the problem may present sooner. They can examine children as young as 7 years old to get a look via digital X-ray to determine if the adult teeth are growing in properly. Misaligned teeth that are not properly straightened and maintained by orthodontics can result in poor bite, jaw and head pain and loss of teeth.

At Marin Orthodontics, Drs. Gorton, Schmohl and Nichelini use the most advanced and least invasive techniques to fit braces properly. The faculty is experienced in the treatment of orthodontic issues of all natures. Your orthodontist at Marin really listens and cares about the well being and comfort of each and every patient and treats each as an individual. Since orthodontics is never a one size fits all situation, every patient is given an examination and consultation based on their individual needs.

Our orthodontists will offers several treatments for many types of orthodontic issues. Invisalign and Damon clear braces offer nearly invisible correction of misaligned teeth. Invisalign can be removed for cleaning and eating. We offer braces with colors for fashionable correction in addition to metal ones with wires. We can often use the Acceledent correction technique to hasten correction in many cases.

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200, Larkspur, California 94939 415-459-8006