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There is a thin line between smile and laughter ― SantoshKalwar 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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. 5

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 6

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! 7

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

A smile is a light in the window of your face that lets people know you're at home. 8

A smile is a light in the window of your face that lets people know you’re at home.

light

A smile is a light in the window of your face that lets people know you’re at home.

A gorgeous smile lights up everyone’s face; maybe that’s why Hollywood celebrities always go for the whitest, straightest teeth around. A natural one is the best kind to have, and many of us enjoy an attractive smile until we begin aging. Our teeth suddenly become a bit crooked for a few possible reasons. Loss of bone density, muscles in the mouth relaxing and even subtle jaw bone changes can all cause teeth to shift and ruin our winning smile.

Crooked Teeth Can Be Re-Aligned Modern Way

If you’re frustrated or embarrassed by your smile, please know that this common condition can be fixed. Straight teeth are not only for the wealthy or lucky few. Modern braces are a wonderful investment that will deliver lasting results and totally transform your smile. If you are a candidate for clear, plastic aligners, then you can fix your teeth with barely anyone noticing.

Consultation With an Orthodontist is the First Step

Your orthodontist is the most important expert when it comes to a healthy smile full of straight teeth. He or she has undergone an abundance of education and training. These professionals know everything there is to know about the structure of the mouth, jaw and how the teeth are supposed to be aligned.

Celebrities Have Worn Braces, Too

Famous people with famous smiles can’t escape crooked teeth either. They, too, understand that re-alignment is the only way to an A-list smile. Some have been forthcoming about their braces, and others have said nothing. These former stars have worn them: Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé, Tom Cruise, Emma Stone and Ryan Seacrest.

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 appointmentby calling 415-459-8006 today.

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

A smile is a light in the window of your face that lets people know you’re at home.

How to Overcome Your Fear of Having Braces 9

How to Overcome Your Fear of Having Braces

no-fear-braces

LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER 28, 2017

How to Overcome Your Fear of Having Braces

The idea of braces may be something that is frightening to you. You may not want to face your friends and family members\

while you are wearing a large tooth alignment apparatus on your teeth. You may be nervous about the pain and discomfort that the initial installation or the progressive tightening process will cause you. Perhaps you think that your teeth will begin to decay because the brackets will prevent you from being able to take care of them. The good news is that you neither have to lose your comfort or your reputation. Many options are available for you in the present age of dental technology.

FAQ

What are traditional braces?

Traditional brackets are still an excellent choice for many reasons. They are the sturdiest option that is available today. You can come out of your treatment with gorgeously straight teeth. However, metal brackets can be a drag, especially if you are a college student or you work in a customer-facing position and you have to talk to customers all night long. In those cases, you may want to explore some alternative options so that you can choose the one that makes the most sense to you. The following are just a few of the alternative options you have:

What Are Lingual Brackets?

Lingual brackets are beautiful options to choose because they closely resemble the traditional option. In fact, lingual options have traditional metal brackets on them. The difference is that the dentist puts them on behind the teeth so that no one can see them. You can care for your customers, your family, and your fans without letting metal get in the way. Many orthodontic patients choose lingual brackets as their substitute for the traditional ones because they get the confidence of a strong system plus the discretion. They are a common alternative for people who have severe malocclusion.

What Is The Damon System?

Damon Braces are options that can assist you with the idea of pain. They contain self-ligating brackets, so you will not have to go to the orthodontist for frequent tightening. The Damon brackets are a bit smaller than traditional metal brackets are, as well. You will have many reasons to obtain some of these brackets instead of the other ones. Many patients have had success with the Damon units.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a popular new option that takes teeth alignment to a revolutionary level. The system is made of plastic aligners that you can take off whenever you like. Is that not amazing? For decades, orthondontic patients had to worry about restricted diets, lack of discretion and the tightening process. Invsialign eliminated all those worries. First, patients can be as discreet as they like because the aligners are clear. No one can tell the person is wearing the device unless he or she would get directly in that person’s mouth. A patient can keep dental hygiene perfectly because the device can come off for tooth brushing and other activities.

The way the system works is that a lab technician creates a set of plastic aligners for a person.That person then puts the aligners on and wears them for two weeks. When the two weeks are up, the person switches to the next set of aligners. The process continues until all the teeth become gradually pulled to the spot in which they belong. Sometimes Invisalign can work quickly to resolve a minor law. Many patents have raved about how they got finished with the treatment in less than one year.

Schedule a Consultation

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

How to Overcome Your Fear of Having Braces

What Your Child Should Expect Before and After Braces 10

What Your Child Should Expect Before and After Braces

boys-braces

LAST UPDATED: JULY 31, 2017

What Your Child Should Expect Before and After Braces

When a child first learns that they will need braces, it is natural for them to have some concerns and worries. However, most of this type of fear is usually just uncertainty about the unknown. Once your child knows what to expect during the entire orthodontic process, they will not need to feel upset or nervous. Here are the things a child should know about what to expect before, during, and after braces.

FAQ

Is The Application Process Painful?

It sounds intimidating to get metal objects attached to your teeth, but the process of putting orthodontic equipment on is actually not uncomfortable. After cleaning your teeth, metal brackets will be bonded to the surface of each tooth. The special orthodontic glue used to do this may taste a little odd, but it is completely harmless. Then an archwire, which is what will actually be putting pressure on the teeth and moving them into proper alignment, is attached to the brackets. Once this is done, the installation process is finished, and the entire experience just takes one to two hours.

Does It Take Time to Get Used to Them?

Most children do not experience any extreme pain with orthodontic procedures but keep in mind that you may have to deal with some discomfort or awkwardness at first. As teeth shift, you might feel a dull ache, so it is advisable to use oral numbing gels and eat soft foods after getting orthodontic work done at first. Your mouth may also be slightly irritated by the metal, so you might need to cover the metal with orthodontic wax to avoid any sores. It will also seem a little tricky to eat certain foods and brush and floss your teeth at first. However, after just a few weeks with orthodontics, it will seem completely normal to you.

Will You See Results Immediately?

Because it can be a little uncomfortable, some children are disappointed when their teeth do not immediately straighten. It is important to remember that getting your teeth aligned takes time. Depending on the type of orthodontics you are wearing, it can take quite a while to actually notice a difference. People who are wearing Invisalign will probably notice their teeth moving in just a month or two. For those with traditional equipment, it will take a little longer for the changes to be visible below all the metal.

Will There Be a Lot of Orthodontist Appointments?

Some children are surprised to learn that they will actually have to visit the orthodontic office several times, instead of just getting equipment put on and removed. The tooth straightening process will require regular check ups where wires are tightened and adjusted to pull teeth into place. Though the time varies by patient, you should expect to visit your orthodontist every month or so. Patients with Invisalign instead of traditional methods will also need regular appointments so they can get new aligner trays and ensure that everything is proceeding according to the treatment plan.

The Top 10 Orthodontic Facts

Is Getting Them Removed Easy?

After having orthodontic equipment for so long, it is understandable to be worried about the removal process. However, brackets and archwires are designed to be removed after a certain period of time, so it is not really difficult or unpleasant. After the archwire is taken out, the brackets will be popped off of each tooth. You might feel a little bit of pressure during this, but no pain. Once the brackets are removed, any remaining glue on your teeth will be scraped off. If you did not maintain proper oral hygiene while the brackets were in place, you may notice slightly lighter spots on your teeth where they were.

Do You Need to Wear a Retainer Afterwards?

Keep in mind that the orthodontic process is not over as soon as orthodontic equipment is removed. In order to avoid having your teeth shift back into their old alignment, you will need to wear a retainer continuously for the next few months. A retainer is normally a plastic plate that sits on the roof of the mouth and a metal arch that fits over your teeth, and it helps teeth to stay in their new position. Even after you can cut back on retainer wear, it will still be necessary to wear it at night for quite a while. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions so you can maintain your new tooth alignment.

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

What Your Child Should Expect Before and After Braces