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.

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

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.

5 Ways to Protect Your Braces, Aligners During Halloween

Check out Orthodontic-Friendly Recommendations by the American Association of Orthodontists...

FAQ Friday - Bad Bite - North Coast Orthodontics

FAQ's

What are the early warning signs of a bad bite? 

• Early or late loss of individual baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting into food
• Crowded or poorly positioned teeth
• Frequently biting the cheeks, lips, or the roof of the mouth
• Upper and lower teeth that do not touch at all
• Finger-sucking or thumb-sucking habits
• Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion relative to the face or that deviate to one side

FAQ Friday - When should my child see an orthodontist? - North Coast Orthodontics

FAQ's

When should my child see an orthodontist? 
The current guidelines of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommend that every child be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7, or when the front permanent teeth have erupted.

At this age, many developing bite problems can already be detected and may be more easily corrected before jaw growth has slowed or is complete. Intercepting these developing problems at an early age will often prevent them from becoming more significant problems later on and decrease time spent in braces when all the permanent teeth have erupted.

Most adolescents who require braces start between the ages of 11 and 13. Orthodontic treatment, however, can be very effective at any age - it's never too late!

Did You Know...?

THROW BACK THURSDAY!

TBT to '93 "Molar Derby" ⌛️ Did you know our office was formerly known as 'Matlack Orthodontics'? Shout out to the old Skate Rink in Scotts Valley! Good times!

Welcome to Our Blog!

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about orthodontics and the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.

Feel free to leave a comment or question for our doctor and staff – we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!