The Hunt is ON

Wanna go on a scavenger hunt! Here's your chance to not only check out our brand NEW website but earn some reward points too!

From our NEW site you can watch some great patient videos, learn about our team, treatment options, and much more. Stay connected by following us on all our social media sites...you won't want to miss any of it. And did you know...ALL of the photos on the site are our actual patients! No models were used.

Here's all you have to do...answer the questions on the scavenger hunt entry form and return it to us. All returned forms with 9-12 correct answers will be awarded 25 reward points. Entries with all 12 questions answered correctly will be entered into a drawing to win 50 additional reward points! Only one entry per patient will be accepted. All forms must be returned by April 30th to qualify for points.

Sound like fun? Let's get started...

Click HERE for Scavenger Hunt Entry Form

Changing a Life

Don't take your beautiful smile for granted! No matter whether you came by it through good genetics or the services of an orthodontist, be grateful; it is a gift. For many, a beautiful smile is only a dream.

Here is what a beautiful, healthy smile can do for you...

• give you self confidence
• make you successful
• tell others you are outgoing 
• make you more attractive
• inspire hope
• change your life

For these reasons and others too...DiCiccio Orthodontics is proud to be associated with an amazing organization called Smile for a Lifetime. This non-profit organization, provides orthodontic care for deserving, young people. Our Fresno/Clovis chapter was founded by Dr. DiCiccio in February of 2011 and we are proud to say that we are currently changing the lives of 10 young people in our community! 

Our mission is to find young people who have a need for braces that are between the ages of 11 and 17. These individuals must be successful students that participate in school and local activities, but do not have the means to attain the orthodontic care they need. Our hope is that through the increased self-confidence of a beautiful smile that they are motivated to achieve their goals and to give back to the community. All of the individuals that receive an orthodontic scholarship are required to "pay it forward" by participating in 40 hours of community service during their time in treatment. 

If you know of someone who might qualify for the gift of a smile and they live in the Fresno/Clovis, CA area, please forward them to the DiCiccio Orthodontics website. If you are not in this area, but would like to know if there is a chapter in your area, please visit the National Smile for a Lifetime website.

The Fresno/Clovis chapter awards 12 orthodontic scholarships per year. Our local board of directors selects the recipients on a quarterly basis, so applications are always being accepted. The application and requirements are located at www.DiCiccioOrtho.com. 

If you would like to keep current with what is going on in our local chapter, please "LIKE" the Smile for a Lifetime-Fresno/Clovis Facebook. 

Please take a minute to look at the story of one of our recent scholars...

Invisalign Event for 21 and Older

We invite you to join us for an INVISALIGN® ADULT SPECIAL EVENT 

Thursday, April 18^th  from 4 – 7 p.m. This exclusive "by reservation" event is for patients and friends of patients 21 years and older ONLY. 

Dr. Pat DiCiccio will be providing FREE consultations to answer your questions about Invisalign treatment, the clear way to straighten teeth. If you have wondered if Invisalign is right for you, make an appointment for this special event.

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE AN INVISALIGN SMILE

* Bring a friend  

* Food, beverages, prizes and more.
* Complimentary Consultation
* $500 off Treatment if started during the event
* $300 off Treatment if started by June 15, 2013

Call us at (559) 225-2251 to reserve your spot. Only a limited number of reservations are available.

The Wisdom of Having That Tooth Removed

Long about the time you get done with high school and are getting ready to move into your next phase of life, you will most likely hear that it is time to get your wisdom teeth out. It's kind of like a "rite of passage" it seems. But is this really necessary to have the wisdom teeth removed?

The "third molars" become visible on an X-ray between 10 and 15 years of age and become a concern to your dentist and orthodontist just about the time you are finishing high school (around age 17). This is generally the age where the wisdom teeth begin to erupt and can cause discomfort in some patients. But why do they need to come out? I have heard that they will make the teeth crooked, is this true?

Wisdom teeth have taken a bad "rap" for causing the teeth to get crooked after the braces come off. There are several reasons why the teeth can shift but studies have shown that it is not caused by the wisdom teeth, so this is not the primary reason to have the teeth removed. There are however, other problems that can be created that give us a legitimate reason to want them removed.

The primary reason for taking out the wisdom teeth is that there is just not enough room for them. This can mean that the teeth stay in the bone or "impacted", or that they can only come in part of the way, which we call "partially impacted." Both of these scenarios can have negative side effects. If the teeth are fully impacted, there is a chance that a cyst can form around the tooth, causing damage to the bone, nerves, and the other teeth. If the tooth is partially impacted, there is a greater chance for infection and decay to occur.

The second reason to have the wisdom teeth out is that they are difficult to care for. It is hard to clean the area effectively so the chance of gum disease and cavities is greater. If decay occurs, it is difficult for the dentist to fix as well. And even if there is sufficient space for them, because of the risk of gum disease and decay, it might be suggested that you have them removed.

Keep in mind, part of the reason behind having the teeth removed around age 17 is that the teeth are still somewhat in their forming stage. The surgery is easier, both for the patient and the oral surgeon, to remove the teeth before the roots have completely formed. So if you are undecided, this might be a good reason to do it now rather than later.

Simply speaking, if there is plenty of space and they are healthy, by all means keep them.  But if there is a chance for negative side effects, it is probably in your best interest to have them taken out.

The Reality of Retainers

You've done it! You got your braces off and have been given your retainers. Now it is up to you to keep your smile beautiful.

The fact is that throughout your lifetime, even if you have had orthodontic treatment, you can expect that your teeth will shift. The changes in tooth position are not a failure of your orthodontic treatment but a natural process of life. But you have the power to control and limit these changes by wearing your retainers as instructed.

Your orthodontist will give you instructions on how your retainers should be worn. Most likely, at the beginning, you will be asked to wear them all the time unless you are eating or brushing. After a short time, you will be instructed to wear them at nighttime only. And you should wear them indefinitely. Yes, that means the rest of your life! Although the movement may only be slight, your teeth will not stay perfectly straight unless you wear your retainers.

But why do they move you ask? Well...there are various forces that cause the teeth to shift. This  includes wear of the teeth from chewing, new fillings and crowns, and changes in the bones and muscles of your face as you age. These changes are sometimes only slight and happen very gradually. The retainer can minimize the effects of these forces by holding the teeth in their current position.

You have done the hard part...this part is easy! Take care of your retainers and your retainers will take care of you! Remember, a retainer will not straighten your teeth. It will only maintain the current position of your teeth. So if you lose your retainer or it gets broken, be sure to get it replaced as soon as possible.

Which Toothbrush Do I Choose?

Choosing the right toothbrush is no easy task! There are seemingly hundreds to choose from. And when you have braces, it makes the choice that much harder. Since brushing is the single most important thing you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums, choosing the right toothbrush is very important.

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a toothbrush...

• Purchase a brush with soft bristles. The soft bristles help remove the plaque better without damaging the enamel or injuring the gums.
• Make sure the toothbrush is not too large. A smaller brush head will make it easier to get into the smaller spaces between the teeth and around your braces.
• It is important to replace your toothbrush about every 3 months. And if you are wearing braces, you may need to replace it even sooner. Worn bristles become less effective at removing the plaque from your teeth.
• Consider purchasing an electric toothbrush.

While it is possible to do an adequate job brushing using a manual toothbrush, for someone who is wearing braces, the use of an electric toothbrush definitely has it's advantages. Because the electric brush moves itself, more focus can be placed on how the brush is angled, allowing the patient to do a better job. There is also a tendency to not brush as hard, so there is less injury to the gums and less gum recession. Patients are often more motivated to use an electric toothbrush; it makes brushing a little more fun!

For our patients at DiCiccio Orthodontics, we highly recommend the Phillips Sonicare toothbrush. This toothbrush has been clinically proven to remove plaque from the teeth and braces much better than a regular toothbrush. The sonic technology creates a unique brushing action which drives fluid between the teeth, along the gumline and around the braces to clean more effectively. Another great advantage is that the Sonicare has a 2 minute timer to help ensure that you are brushing for the proper length of time.

The Braun Oral-B toothbrush is another popular electric toothbrush that gets good reviews. The motion of the Oral-B is different from that of the Sonicare. The Oral-B has an oscillatory motion, while the Sonicare has a vibrating movement. Both toothbrushes perform well, however for someone with braces, in our opinion, the Sonicare would be the toothbrush of choice.

Get a Gold Medal Smile

What kid doesn't want to be an Olympic star? Not only can these athletes inspire our kids to "go for the gold" but this year they will be inspiring them to "Get a Gold Medal Smile". February is National Children's Dental Health Month. What better time to give your kids a refresher course on what it takes to keep their smile healthy and beautiful!

Good oral hygiene is important during all fazes of life but never more important than when your child is wearing braces! At DiCiccio Orthodontics, we put a HUGE emphasis on healthy teeth and gums. Our patients earn double the points for getting a "good grade" on their oral hygiene, not to mention the points they earn for seeing their general dentist for regular check-ups.

So just what does it take to keep a smile healthy and beautiful? If you are wearing or have worn braces, you have accomplished the first step! Straight teeth not only look great and make you feel proud of yourself, they are also much easier to keep clean. If your teeth are in proper alignment, food is generally directed away from the gum line and it is much easier to brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

If you haven't worn braces, that is a great place to start! Our office would be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation to get the ball rolling. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child be seen by an orthodontic specialist by the age of 7. There are many developments things that the specialist can see. You will then be guided to the proper timing of treatment for your child. Keep in mind, you do not have to be referred by a general dentist to take this very important step.

Here are some other things that you can do to get that "Gold Medal Smile" and keep it that way.

• Brush twice a day
• Clean between your teeth daily
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
• Stay away from sugary, carbonated beverages
• Chew sugarless gum
• Limit your snacks and eat healthy foods
• Make sure your child has an evaluation by an orthodontic specialist by age 7

It's really NOT that difficult to "Get a Gold Medal Smile" but it does take some discipline and a little bit of work each day. It is not that much different than "going for the gold" I guess!  And it is definitely worth the effort!

Brushing, what's the big deal??

What is the big deal about brushing? Most likely you have been told the majority of your life to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. You have heard it from your parents ever since you can remember and your dentist and orthodontist tell you every time you go in for an appointment. But why is it such a big deal? Here's why...

Most young people don't understand that if the teeth aren't kept nice and clean, especially when wearing braces, that they can actually end up with permanent stains (decalcification) or even worse, cavities on their teeth. These white colored stains will never go away. They are caused by plaque, which can easily be removed with a toothbrush and floss.

Plaque is a sticky substance, made of bacteria, that forms on the teeth from the foods you eat. You know that "fuzzy" feeling you get on your teeth when you haven't brushed in a while...that's plaque. The bacteria in the plaque produces acids, which if left on the teeth, destroys the enamel and causes decalcification and cavities. The plaque also cause the gums to become red, puffy and bleed easily. Over an extended period of time, it can lead to the loss of bone that supports the teeth in the mouth.

So that's why! Hopefully, now that you understand the reason behind all the fuss, you will pull out that toothbrush and floss on a daily basis and brush those braces until they sparkle. If you aren't quite sure exactly how you should be brushing, take a peek at the brushing video below. By angling the toothbrush, you can more easily reach the surfaces of the teeth next to the gum line above and below the wires. Brush away!

A Picture is Worth...

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the phrase..."A picture is worth...?" Most likely you said... "a thousand words!" This statement has never been more true than in the office of an orthodontist. 

There are three main types of records that the orthodontist uses to help determine the best possible treatment plan for their patients. The first two are study models and X-rays. The third, which may be seen as a luxury or an unnecessary waste of time,  is clinical photographs. At DiCiccio Orthodontics, photographs are an invaluable tool and provide many benefits to our patients throughout the course of their treatment. 

With the huge advances in technology and training, the orthodontic specialist now has the ability to go beyond simply achieving the traditional orthodontic goals of a "well-aligned and functional dentition." Orthodontist are now placing more and more emphasis on creating facial balance and smile esthetics for our patients. Good clinical photographs during the treatment plan stage gives us the ability to study the soft-tissue patterns and facial balance from many angles. These photographs are an essential part of our treatment planning stage.

Another reason that the clinical photographs are a benefit to our patients is that with the improvements in digital technology and the quality of our X-rays, we no longer find it necessary to put our patients through the grueling task of taking study models. You no longer have to sit there, for what seems like an eternity, with "goop" in your mouth, just so we can have the visual of your teeth. If you've ever had to have study models, you would think this was a huge benefit.

The photographs also become part of your permanent record. Your memory of exactly what your smile looked like prior to treatment often becomes a bit fuzzy. These photographs give us the ability to show you the progress you've made throughout the stages of your orthodontic treatment. They are a great motivational tool and help us to encourage you throughout your treatment. 

From an educational point of view, there is nothing better than a picture. We use the photographs to give instructions and to better communicate with you. For example, the photographs allow you to look more closely at areas that you may be missing with your toothbrush or see what we are trying to correct by having you wear the rubberbands a certain way. We also have the ability to share these images with your family or other dental provider when the need arises. 

We are sure that you can now understand why, in our office, you see lights flashing all the time! Photographs are common occurrence at most of your regular appointments. And if you need a visual reminder of exactly where your treatment began, feel free to ask us to pull up those beginning photos. We will be happy to show you exactly where you began! 

We Love What We Do

Just what is it that makes our job so much fun? There are many answers to that question. We would like to share our top three and then let you decide. 

First off, we love being able to make a significant difference in peoples lives. It is amazing to watch the transformation of a person's personality from shy and self-conscious to smiling and self-confident. A beautiful smile can do this. We love creating beautiful smiles!

Second, the DiCiccio Orthodontics team is one, big, happy family. And each patient that walks through our door becomes part of that family, too. Not only do we enjoy working with one another, but we enjoy spending time with our patients and getting to know each one. It is really fun to catch up at each appointment and see how they are doing. Our patients are the best!

Lastly, we love working with our doctor. Dr. DiCiccio is a very skilled orthodontist and up to date on all the latest technology. Besides being good at what he does, Dr. DiCiccio is genuinely concerned about each of his patient and wants the best for them. He communicates with the kids on their level and has a lot of fun during their appointments. He is also an understanding boss and takes really good care of his team.

The greatest compliment you can give us is to refer your friends and family to us for their orthodontic care. Take a look at the video below to see what some of our patients say. We LOVE the things they are saying about us...it's no wonder we love what we do! We'd love to hear what you think...

Thumbs Up for Growth & Guidance Appointments

It's no small task getting your child to an appointment of any kind, that's for sure! And when the appointment is very short and seemingly unimportant, it may seem like a waste of time and not worth the effort. 

One type of orthodontic appointment that may be seen this way is what we call a Growth & Guidance appointment. These very short, sometimes only 15 minute appointments are scheduled for children who are not quite ready to start braces. The recommendation by the American Association of Orthodontists is that every child be evaluated by an orthodontic specialist by age 7 or 8. Read further to find out why these appointments are very valuable and possibly some of the most important orthodontic appointments you can go to!

The primary objective of the appointment is to screen for developmental issues such as missing, impacted, or ankylosed permanent teeth which do not always show up on the typical check-up xrays taken by your general dentist. These developmental problems, if not recognized early enough, can complicate the orthodontic treatment making it more difficult and costly in the future. 

The second objective is to evaluate which primary or "baby" teeth your child has lost and which of the permanent teeth have come in. It helps the permanent teeth come in straighter if the primary teeth are lost at the right time and in the right order. Sometimes something as simple as asking your general dentist to remove a baby tooth early can also significantly help guide the permanent teeth into a better location. In most cases, the general dentist will not do this without a request from an orthodontic specialist.  

Another objective of the appointment is to guide your family as to the most optimal time to begin treatment. Our office philosophy is to provide the highest quality care, in the shortest amount of time possible with the fewest number of visits for today's busy families. We do not believe in putting braces on a patient until that patient is absolutely ready. Starting too early will mean that your child may have the braces for too long which increases their chances of negative side-effects, as well as cooperation issues because your child has gotten burnt-out on wearing the braces. If the treatment is complicated because of problems that were left unmonitored, treatment can end up extending into the later years of high school and the important activities that go along with those years. Most high school kids don't want to have their braces on for their senior pictures or their high school graduation!

As you can see, these Growth & Guidance appointments are very important. By closely following your child's development, we can help them get the treatment they need when they need it. Although the appointments are very short and can seem like a waste of time, we want to make sure your child is progressing towards an excellent orthodontic result. 

2013...the Winning Year!

We don't know about you but the word "resolution" brings a feeling of defeat! As we sit at the beginning of a new year, we've set some goals that we can absolutely achieve to make 2013 a winning year all the way around!

During our recent team retreat in Las Vegas, one of the goals the DiCiccio Orthodontics team members set for themselves was to Improve Our Health. This includes getting in good physical shape through exercise and an improved diet. We think that an improved smile is part of this as well. A beautiful smile makes you look younger and improves your self-confidence. A healthy mouth is also a good indicator of overall well-being. Be sure to let us know if we can help you achieve this goal for yourself.

Another goal we decided upon was to Balance Our Budget. We decided to take some time to look where we might be able to cut back and keep those extra pennies in our own wallet. Maybe this means one less Starbucks per week or eliminating extra movie channels we never have time to watch. These added pennies might be just the ones we need to help accomplish the other goals we have set.

One of our continued goals is to Pay It Forward. This goal includes getting involved in our community and doing something for someone else. We enjoy being involved in local philanthropic organizations and look for opportunities every day to show a kindness or do something for someone else. Not only does it make us realize how good our life really is, but it helps make our community a better place. 

With today's busy lifestyle, one goal that we felt was very important was to take time to Relax and Reflect. If this goal is not made a priority, those cherished moments to yourself are quickly eaten up by never-ending chores or the "to-do list" that is a mile long. The world of technology makes it too easy to work 24/7. This precious time gives us the opportunity to prioritize and goes a long way towards reducing the stress of life.

To become the best we can be, one of our goals is to Connect with Our Faith. Each of us has our own set of beliefs that determine our actions. No matter what your faith, it is important to listen to that still, small voice inside. With a strengthened faith, we know we have the tools and confidence to deal with whatever challenges may come our way. 

Last but not least, we challenged ourselves to Do Something New. Whether it's finding a new hobby, exploring a new place, or learning a new skill, we think it is important to stimulate our minds and grow through new experiences. Our team has set their eyes on some fun new experiences for this year. Don't be afraid to ask them what their "new thing" for the year is.

All in all...when we look at our goals, they seem pretty do-able! Especially when we aren't using the "R" word. We challenge you to set some goals as well. We know this coming year is going to be a winning year for us, we hope it is for you too! 

We give you the challenge..."Have the courage to begin and the determination to win!" ~Sinead Duffy