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Tooth brushing Mistake No.2: “Not Picking the Right Bristles“ 1

Tooth brushing Mistake No.2: “Not Picking the Right Bristles“

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brush your teeth

You and your family might be careful about brushing and flossing daily, avoiding sugary drinks and eating sweets in moderation. You might have considered visiting the orthodontist and taking your children there as well to ensure that they have unforgettable smiles and healthier teeth thanks to Invisalign braces. You think you’re doing everything right, so it may come as a shock to realize that you’re doing something wrong, and that something might be using the wrong toothbrush. More specifically, you and your family might be using the wrong type of bristles.

Picking the Right Toothbrush

Making the situation even more confusing is the enormous variety of toothbrushes available. You might wonder how you could possibly choose the right bristles given the number of choices.  For most people, soft bristles are the best choice. This can be particularly important if you have braces or other cosmetic dentistry work because harder bristles can scratch or otherwise damage it. Soft bristles are also gentler on gums, so for someone who has receding gums or a tendency toward gum disease, soft bristles may be best. Some people may even need extra-soft bristles.

People who are concerned that soft or extra-soft bristles do not get teeth as clean or remove food as effectively as hard-bristled toothbrushes need not worry. Soft bristles are just as good at keeping teeth clean.  This raises the question of why medium and hard-bristled are available at all if they are not recommended. These types of brushes may have limited uses. People with dentures may prefer them, or they may help some in cleaning hard-to-reach places if used gently.

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.2: “Not Picking the Right Bristles“

Toothbrushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush” 2

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”

Orthodontic Fact #9 Irregularities of the teeth is one of the earliest writings about dental deformities, written by Hippocrates in 400 BC 3

Orthodontic Fact #9 Irregularities of the teeth is one of the earliest writings about dental deformities, written by Hippocrates in 400 BC

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hippocrates

Who was Hippocrates and How Did He Understand Misalignments of the Teeth?

Hippocrates was a physician in ancient Greece who wrote about orthodontic deformities to help inform other individuals. Long ago, there were few treatments available to correct teeth irregularities such as overcrowding or wide spaces. Fortunately, you can visit an orthodontist today to learn about treatments such as Invisalign aligners and traditional metal braces. Instead of having to cope with malocclusions of the teeth because there is no understanding of how to repair the problems, you can have a complete examination with medical images to determine the orthodontic treatment you need to have a perfect bite and smile.

An Examination Will Determine the Best Orthodontic Treatment for You

After an examination from an orthodontist, you will learn your options for treatment during a consultation. For severe malocclusions, you will need to wear some type of sturdy braces that are made of wire or ceramic materials that are placed on the front or backs of your teeth to apply pressure. This type of orthodontic care requires having the wires tightened on a regular basis to shift teeth into correct positions. This variety of treatment usually requires two to four years because it is designed to improve major misalignments. Alternatively, an adult or teenager with mild to moderate malocclusions can wear Invisalign aligners.

Schedule Your First Orthodontic Appointment Today

There are several types of orthodontia available to repair your teeth, including:

• AcceleDent – increases tooth movement
• Braces with colors – color brackets and wires
• Invisalign – made of durable plastic
• Damon Clear – tieless and difficult to see

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics of Larkspur, Calif., offers a variety of treatments to straighten teeth with the assistance of these experts:
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Anyone living in Marin County can call Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to schedule an appointment at 415-459-8006.

Orthodontic Fact #8 Statistically speaking, over 1 million Americans over the age of 18 consult orthodontic clinics to help align their teeth 4

Orthodontic Fact #8 Statistically speaking, over 1 million Americans over the age of 18 consult orthodontic clinics to help align their teeth

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orthodontics

Braces are not just for kids! Contrary to popular belief, many adults get orthodontic evaluations to find out if treatment is recommended. Problems range from teeth that are misaligned or missing to an overbite or underbite, along with other dental issues. Although more children are being fitted with dental appliances than ever before, those over the age of eighteen also are increasingly consulting orthodontists for several important reasons.

Professional Image

Young adults who enter college or a trade generally become more aware of their professional image. In pursuing a career path, they want to look their best and feel confident. An orthodontist will evaluate dental issues and recommend a treatment plan if needed. In a relatively short period, patients will look and feel their best as dental problems are resolved.

Advanced Techniques

Gone are the days of gooey dental impressions for aligners and retainers. Advanced orthodontic practices include the use of a light scanner that can take precise impressions of a patient’s mouth that are used to make dental appliances. Invisalign treatment uses natural-looking braces that are hard to be seen by others, eliminating possible awkwardness during treatment. On the other hand, vibrantly-colored wires and brackets have become fashion statements for the young at heart. Orthodontic treatment has never been more stylish.

Convenience and Affordability

Your orthodontist will work with your schedule and lifestyle needs during treatment to make appointments that are convenient and timely without taking a huge bite out of a busy day. The cost may be covered in part by some types of dental insurance, and affordable payment arrangements can be made to fit within most budgets.

If you have dental problems that might benefit from advanced orthodontic treatment like Invisalign, contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to schedule an exam and evaluation. Find out about various procedures that could help to make your smile the best ever.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200 Larkspur, California 94939
Phone 415-459-8006

Orthodontic Fact #8 Statistically speaking, over 1 million Americans over the age of 18 consult orthodontic clinics to help align their teeth

Orthodontic Fact #6 The first braces were of a piece of flat metal in 1720. 5

Orthodontic Fact #6 The first braces were of a piece of flat metal in 1720.

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braces

Align and straighten. That’s exactly what dental braces have been designed to do. In fact, the first pair were invented in the early 1700s, consisting only a piece of flat metal connected to the patient’s teeth by using several pieces of thread. Talk about a rustic look. Orthodontics has advanced significantly during that time, and today, achieving a healthy, Hollywood smile is within reach for people of all ages.

Causes of Imperfect Smiles

Malocclusion is the fancy medical term used by the orthodontist to describe teeth that are crooked or out of position. It’s not usually anyone’s fault. Often times, genetics play a role. Maybe your small jaw produced large, crowded teeth, or just the opposite with small teeth that drift inside a larger jaw. As a toddler, you may have sucked your thumb or had a pacifier in your mouth for too long, pushing teeth out of their proper position.

Whatever the case, your orthodontist is a highly trained professional whose mission is to align and straighten each patient’s teeth. What’s most encouraging are the wonderful advances in orthodontic materials and technology for braces.

Traditional Metal VS Modern Clear

Traditional metal wires with metal brackets are still useful in straightening teeth with more complicated orthodontic issues. Clear plastic aligners by Invisalign, however, have revolutionized the way in which we wear braces. They are removable, and almost invisible while wearing them, more comfortable and able to straighten teeth quicker than their old-fashioned silver cousins.

Invisible Aligners Go Ivy League

Invisalign has made such an impact to the profession of the modern orthodontist, that prestigious Harvard University began requiring its orthodontic grad students complete Invisalign certification before they received their diploma.

The highly skilled experts at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics can put everything into proper perspective, especially your smile. Make an appointment today!

Orthodontic Fact #5 Improve your dental health in style. Many teens today fashion their dental braces with colored bands and brackets. Braces are now worn as a fashion statement 6

Orthodontic Fact #5 Improve your dental health in style. Many teens today fashion their dental braces with colored bands and brackets. Braces are now worn as a fashion statement

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fashion

Dental braces can put the finishing touch on a person’s sense of style. For many teens today, getting fitted with wires and brackets provides the chance to make a fashion statement by maximizing their distinctive dental look. Although some prefer to get Invisalign treatment, which is clear and almost impossible for observers to see, other teens choose the flashiest colors available to showcase their orthodontic procedures.

School colors.

Students who are actively involved with school activities often choose brackets and wires in their school colors. They are thrilled to show school spirit on a daily basis in classes and at sports events. If they tire of them, they can choose other colors at their next orthodontic adjustment, so they never have to be bored.

Favorite shades.

Some teens select favorite personal colors or experiment with shades that go with many of their outfits. They enjoy the opportunity to coordinate a fashionable ensemble by including their braces as part of the overall image in colors they prefer and feel comfortable with. An orthodontist can display several to choose from.

Popular hues.

With numerous popular colors available and more new shades coming out all the time, teenagers can experiment with neon hues, sparkly designs, and even gold-plated wires. Whatever is hot at the moment will attract a certain number of teens. One thing is for sure – orthodontia will never be boring again!

If you have teeth that are tipped or missing, or if you are experiencing jaw pain or dental malformation, you may want to consult an orthodontist for an evaluation. While Invisalign may be your preference to keep treatment confidential, you can also choose from a full array of wire colors. Contact Gorton & Schmohl for more information about how your smile can be transformed so that you can look better than ever while attracting admiration for your beautiful smile.

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 7

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

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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? 8

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

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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. 9

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.

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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“ 10

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

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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.