Nominate Your Parent or Legal Guardian - Spread the Aloha!

It’s that time again… North Coast Orthodontics is launching another “Spread the Aloha” initiative that will award a selfless parent/guardian in the Santa Cruz community!

Since this initiative launched, we have had the privilege of benefiting a very deserving foster child in need with free orthodontic treatment, presenting a local Deputy Sheriff with a Local Heroes award for saving an infant’s life, and gifting a teacher a much needed spa certificate and gift card for classroom supplies. We feel so fortunate to be able to help the community and recognize those who are truly making a difference.

With our parent/legal guardian Spread the Aloha edition, we plan on continuing this mission. We are encouraging those in the community to share why a parent/legal guardian they know deserves to be recognized for selflessness. Afterall – the act of being a parent is selfless from day one. Our parents/guardians do not often receive the kind of recognition they deserve, and everyday selfless acts go unnoticed. Our hope is to change that, starting with this contest. The winning parent/legal guardian will receive free orthodontic treatment from North Coast Orthodontics. We couldn’t be more excited to be able to offer such an amazing gift!

To nominate a parent/legal guardian, visit www.spreadthealoha.org, fill in your contact information, and tell us why your parent or legal guardian deserves to win and click submit.

Nominations end on June 30th!

Thank you for continuing to help us “Spread the Aloha” in our community.

Spread the Aloha: Teacher Edition Has Launched

Here at North Coast Orthodontics, we’re thrilled to announce the newest “Spread the Aloha” initiative to benefit a deserving teacher in our community!

Our philanthropic project “Spread the Aloha” began in 2018 with the mission to spread smiles across Santa Cruz and beyond and because of you, we have been able to do just that.  Since the launch, we have awarded a very deserving foster child in need with free orthodontic treatment and awarded a local Deputy Sheriff our Local Heroes Award for saving an infant’s life.  We are thrilled to be able to reward and recognize those making a difference in our community.

Our teacher edition of Spread the Aloha will continue this mission. We are encouraging students in our community to nominate an amazing teacher or school administrator who inspires them. Our educators often do not receive the recognition they deserve. We hope to change that, starting with this contest. The winning teacher will receive a Spa Certificate & $300 gift card for school supplies and the class of the winning teacher will win a pizza party!

To nominate a teacher, visit www.spreadthealoha.orgwww.spreadthealoha.org, fill in your contact information, tell us why your teacher deserves to win and click submit.

We’ll choose one deserving teacher on March 31^st!

Thank you for continuing to help us “Spread the Aloha” in our community.

Drs. Schabel & Chan are ‘Spreading Aloha’ in Santa Cruz

Help Us 'Spread the Aloha' by Nominating Someone in Need for Free Orthodontic Treatment! 

As local orthodontists in Santa Cruz, Dr. Schabel and Dr. Chan have always enjoyed giving back to the community. This year, we’re taking our philanthropy to a new level with our campaign called ‘Spread the Aloha.’

Our ‘Spread the Aloha’ initiative aims to spread a message of positivity in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas. The true meaning of the word “Aloha” after all is one of Love, Peace and Compassion, the perfect word to depict our office’s mission in 2018.

With two kids of their own, Drs. Schabel and Chan understand the importance of being role models, both as parents and business owners.  This initiative helps fulfill that privilege and responsibility in a fun and engaging way.

The first way we’ll be “spreading the Aloha” is by giving a deserving individual in our community the gift of a confident smile through our orthodontic treatment giveaway contest.  We’re asking for your help in identifying this deserving individual!

Help us by nominating a friend, colleague, or family member who would benefit from this life-changing award. We’ll choose someone who has a need for orthodontic treatment and who demonstrates a commitment to making the world a better place. Nominations can be submitted by visiting www.spreadthealoha.org. The recipient of complimentary orthodontic treatment will be announced on June 21^st. 

We look forward to supporting our community through our ‘Spread the Aloha’ initiative. If you have any questions or would like more information, email us at info@northcoastortho.com. 

Super Hero Smiles at NCO

Not all superheroes wear capes. But our Kid’s Club members do! We’re excited to launch our new and improved North Coast Orthodontics Kid’s Club for kids ages 7 and up.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all kids see an orthodontist for an initial check-up at age 7.

Some parents are surprised to hear that. Why so young? There’s good reason. At age 7, baby teeth are starting to be replaced with permanent teeth and it’s the perfect time to start tracking your child’s jaw growth and development to look for potential orthodontic issues. If an issue is detected early, Drs. Schabel and Chan can work with you and your child to start treatment at the most opportune time to avoid more extensive treatment later on like extractions and jaw surgery.

While you may be able to notice more obvious signs like crowding or overbite, there are subtle changes that occur over time that only a trained professional would notice.  By getting routine orthodontic & growth check-ups at North Coast Orthodontics, you’ll be setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Benefits of Early Interceptive Treatment:

• Better long-term health of teeth & gums
• Optimized tooth position for future dental treatment
• Reduced likelihood of permanent tooth extraction
• Reduced likelihood of future surgical correction
• Improved speech development
• Simplify and/or shorten length of comprehensive orthodontic treatment
• Improved self-esteem from enhanced smile & facial esthetics

As a community service initiative, North Coast Orthodontics offers FREE orthodontic & growth check-ups for kids ages 7 & up! 

As a member of the North Coast Orthodontics Super Cool Smile Club, your child will receive:

• Free orthodontic & growth screenings every 6 months
• Access to patient contests
• Fun prizes & giveaways
• North Coast Orthodontics superhero cape or mask

Call (831) 427-2237 to enroll your child today and pick up our Super Cool Smile Club REWARDS CARD!

 

True to Our Roots

Dr. Brian Schabel & Dr. Vivian Chan

You may be surprised to hear that North Coast Orthodontics has been creating smiles in the Santa Cruz area for over 50 years! Dr. Robert E. Matlack opened his first practice in 1966 in a newly constructed suite in a medical/dental complex on Water Street in Santa Cruz. Through the years he became a well-known and well-respected clinician, arguably the most successful in Santa Cruz county at the time. He was a highly disciplined man and a dedicated leader with a high standard of care. In 1978, Dr. Matlack outgrew his first practice and relocated the office to a new a bigger space in the Water Street complex. Dr. Matlack opened a 2^nd office off of Rio Del Mar in Aptos in 1993 to serve the patients in South Santa Cruz County.

Fast forward to 2005. Dr. Schabel, still in his orthodontic residency at the University of Michigan at the time, learned that Dr. Matlack was thinking of retiring. While he narrowly missed the opportunity in 2005, he was quickly presented with the same opportunity one year later by the new owner of the practice, Dr. James Jasper.

On July 5^th 2006, Dr. Schabel’s dream opportunity became a reality and he took ownership of the practice Dr. Matlack founded in his hometown of Santa Cruz.

Upon careful consideration, Dr. Schabel decided to rename the practice “North Coast Orthodontics”. During his first year in private practice, Dr. Schabel focused intently on patient care.

In June 2007, Dr. Chan graduated from the orthodontic program at the University of Michigan and joined Dr. Schabel in the practice. They became the first and only husband and wife orthodontic team in the area.

A few years later, Drs. Schabel and Chan decided to move their office to the former World Savings Bank, directly across from Capitola Mall on 41^st Avenue.  The doctors did all the demolition in the building themselves! Construction began in February of 2011 and a few months later, the pair opened their doors for the first time.

To this day, our orthodontists strive to uphold Dr. Matlack’s high standard of care. The results we provide and the satisfaction of our patients are what matter most. Drs. Chan and Schabel are thankful for the journey they’ve experienced so far and are excited for what the future holds. 

Ready to get started on your new smile? Click here to schedule a complimentary braces or Invisalign consultation.

VOTE! Best Of Santa Cruz - Best Orthodontist North Coast Orthodontics

VOTE! Best Of Santa Cruz - Best Orthodontist North Coast Orthodontics 

Dr. Brian Schabel & Dr. Vivan Chan

Understanding Retainers After Braces

What are retainers?
Retainers are custom made appliances which are given after the braces are removed to keep the teeth in their new moved position. They can be used for correcting minor orthodontic problems. They are made of clear acrylic or plastic with wire which covers the outer surface of the tooth.

When and for how long the retainers should be worn?
Retainers should be worn immediately after the braces are removed. Initially for about 6 months they should be worn all the times except eating food and then gradually the time of wearing the retainers is decreased and it has to be worn only at night. In some cases where the malocclusion is very severe, the retainers have to be worn through out the life at night.

What is the function of retainer?
Retainers help to keep the teeth in their new position to which they are moved after the orthodontic treatment. The braces straighten your teeth but the teeth are not settled into the new position until the bone, muscles and the tissue around the teeth adapt themselves according to the new position of the teeth.

What happens if retainers are not worn?
If retainers are not worn ,the teeth which are straightened by the braces try to go back to their original position and again you will have malaligned teeth. In such cases the braces has to be placed again and the whole procedure has to be repeated. If the retainers are not worn for few days and the retainer which is given to you by your dentist does not fit , this should be reported to your dentist immediately. The dentist will try to solve this problem giving another set of retainer depending upon the condition.

"Am I Too Old for Braces?"

At North Coast Orthodontics nobody, and we mean NOBODY, is “too old” for braces! In fact, our staff read a fascinating statistic recently: adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent in the last 15 years!

Of course, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but maybe the reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with our Doctors, Dr. Schabel & Dr. Chan, can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, contact our office to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Schabel & Dr. Chan and our friendly staff. We look forward to meeting you and your family and helping you achieve a beautiful, functional smile that will last a lifetime!

Click HERE to request an appointment

831-427-2237

Happy Holidays from North Coast Orthodontics

Common Orthodontic Problems

A malocclusion, or “bad bite,” occurs when the teeth and/or jaw bones don't fit together properly. This may result in speech difficulties, inaccessibility for proper hygiene, premature tooth wear, injury to the teeth and jaw joints, and compromised function and esthetics. Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to straighten teeth and promote ideal health and function.

Anterior Crossbite

In this situation, one or more of the top front teeth fit inside the bottom teeth, which may lead to misalignment of the growing jaw, strain on the temporomandibular (jaw) joint (TMJ), or accelerated tooth wear. 

 

Crowding

Crowding occurs when there is insufficient room in the jaws for all the teeth to erupt through the gums in an ideal position. This results in crooked teeth that are hard to clean, and may lead to tooth decay, periodontal ("gum") disease, and/or tooth loss.

 

Deep Bite (Excessive Overbite)

This refers to excessive vertical overlap between the upper front teeth and the lower front teeth. A deep bite may cause premature tooth wear, and, when the lower teeth bite into the roof of the mouth, may result in gum tissue inflammation or recession.

 

Midline Asymmetry

If the center of the upper and lower front teeth are not lined up, it may be a sign that the back teeth do not fit together properly.

 

Open bite

An anterior open bite occurs when there is no vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth (i.e., the front teeth do not touch) when the back teeth are in contact. This may interfere with speech and eating and is likely to cause excessive wear on the back teeth. Individuals with this type of bite often complain of an inability to completely bite through or tear their food, such as a sandwich. This may be a result of thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or an underlying skeletal (jaw bone) problem.

 

Posterior Crossbite

This is when one or more of the top back teeth fit inside the bottom teeth, which may lead to misalignment of the growing jaw, strain on the temporomandibular (jaw) joint (TMJ), or accelerated tooth wear. 

 

Protrusion of Bottom Front Teeth (Negative Overjet)

In this instance, the lower front teeth extend out in front of the upper front teeth. This is due to either the lower front teeth (or lower jaw) being too far forward or the upper front teeth (or upper jaw) being too far back, or a combination of the two. This relationship can lead to abnormal tooth wear and/or jaw joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

 

Protrusion of Top Front Teeth (Excessive Overjet)

When there is excessive horizontal overlap between the top and bottom front teeth, it's known as protrusion. Protruded front teeth develop due either to the top front teeth (or top jaw) being too far forward or the bottom front teeth (or bottom jaw) being too far back, or a combination of the two. In active individuals, particularly children and adolescents, this tooth/jaw relationship can result in tooth fracture or trauma if there is a blow to the front of the mouth. This relationship can also lead to abnormal tooth wear and/or jaw joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

 

Spacing

There may be space between adjacent teeth, which can be caused by missing or undersized teeth, oversized jaws, or a combination of the two. Spacing of the teeth can lead to food impaction and speech problems.

FAQ Friday - Will my child need full braces later if (s)he has early/interceptive treatment?

FAQ

Will my child need full braces later if (s)he has early/interceptive treatment?

It is best to assume your child will eventually need full braces after early/interceptive treatment is complete and when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. The period following interceptive treatment is an observation period, during which growth and permanent tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, we will keep you informed of future treatment recommendations. Comprehensive treatment is usually necessary to achieve a proper bite and a beautiful smile. Please don’t get the idea that this is “doing it over.”
                     

7 Steps For Taking Care Of Your Retainers

1. Wear your retainers all of the time, except when eating or brushing.

2. When your retainers are not in your mouth, ALWAYS keep them in your retainer case.

3. Do not wrap retainers in a paper towel or napkin, this is the easiest way to lose them.

4. Do not place loose retainers in your pocket, this is the easiest way to break them.

5. Keep your retainers away from pets, dogs LOVE them.

6. Clean your retainers by holding them carefully and brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

7. Do not place retainers in the microwave or in boiling water.

NEW - Article: Patients Report AcceleDent Improves Orthodontic Experience by Accelerating Treatment and Eliminating Pain

Check out this article about the use of AcceleDent. This is a device we use here in the office as well.

HOUSTON, Oct. 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Orthodontic patients from across the country are reporting that AcceleDent® accelerates orthodontic treatment while reducing the pain and discomfort often associated with orthodontics. One of the most transformative orthodontic innovations in more than 15 years, AcceleDent is an FDA-cleared, Class II medical device that speeds orthodontic tooth movement by as much as 50 percent.

The prescription-only, hands-free device is manufactured by OrthoAccel® Technologies, Inc. and is offered by many of the industry's leading orthodontists as the fast, safe and gentle solution to accelerate orthodontic treatment. Clinical case studies and patient feedback show that AcceleDent is ideal for orthodontic patients of all ages and varying orthodontic diagnoses.....

Continue reading this article HERE

FAQ Friday - What is early or interceptive treatment? - North Coast Orthodontics

FAQ

What is early or interceptive treatment? 

The primary objective is to address significant developmental problems and guide the growth of the jaw bones and teeth to the correct path. In some circumstances, braces are placed on the four upper or lower front teeth for a short time. If deemed necessary, early/interceptive treatment is usually initiated between the ages of seven and ten.

TEAM North Coast Orthodontics Happy Halloween