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 

Want to Win FREE Braces???

Of course you do!

DiCiccio Orthodontics is excited to announce our new contest for 2013 and anyone can play!

In January, we will begin distributing car magnets like the one you see to the right. Starting March 1, 2013, our team will become the "magnet police" around town. They will be on the look out for your vehicle bearing the magnet. If they spot you, they will let you know by placing a card on your car.

To enter the drawing, simply fill out the card and return it to us. Each month, 4 cards will be selected to win a $25 Amazon gift card. One lucky winner will be drawn to win the yearly grand prize of FREE BRACES!  It's as simple as that!!

To get your magnets, simply stop by the office.  Feel free to give them to family and friends. We hope to SPOT you all over town. 

Disclaimer: There is no cash value associated with this contest and no refunds will be issued.  

The Unique YOU

Did you know that your smile is totally unique, just like your fingerprint?  There is no one else in the world just like you.

DiCiccio Orthodontics is now offering a treatment option to our patients using one of the latest breakthroughs in orthodontic technology...Insignia™. This remarkable system creates orthodontic appliances specifically for your unique anatomy!

While standard orthodontic appliances are made to treat a wide variety of patients, Insignia uses special 3-D imaging software to digitally create virtual models of your teeth.  The specialized software calculates what your optimal bite and smile should be.  These calculations are used to determine how each bracket should be cut, depending on the angle of your teeth and the shape of your arch.  The prescribed brackets are placed on your teeth using custom jigs to determine the optimal location for each bracket.  Custom designed archwires are then inserted.  All this means...shorter treatment time, fewer office visits and greater comfort.

Dr. DiCiccio is proud to be one of the select number of clinicians who is certified to use and chosen to offer Insignia's cutting edge technology.  Ask us today how you can enjoy your very own custom-designed Insignia smile.

Check out this video to see exactly how the Insignia system works!

2012 almost PAST, the FUTURE...well

All of us at DiCiccio Orthodontics...LOVE...the holidays! It gives us another opportunity to say thank you for your confidence and continued support.  We love the opportunity of working with our amazing patients and their families and for this opportunity we are so grateful!   

Exciting things have happened around the office this PAST year, let's see if we can highlight a few...

• Our PATIENT REWARDS HUB program was launched and is really working well!
• We added an amazing, new, long-term team member, Karrissa.
• Our media and theater system has expanded, including new TV's in the ceiling so that patients can watch during their appointment!
• Introduced our Insignia Bracket System, totally customized brackets and wires for the ultimate patient treatment option.
• Our "Smile for a Lifetime-Fresno/Clovis" chapter got it's first media exposure and applications are starting to come in.
• Dr. D and the team attended several education and training conferences to stay on the cutting edge of orthodontics.
• We increased our "pay in full" option from 3% to 5% for those that don't want to hassle monthly payments.
• Customer service and communications are at their all time best!

And just so you know...the excitement continues next year!  Here is a sneak preview of some of the bigger things you can expect...

• Our new "genius bar"will be ready for our patients to enjoy while waiting to be seated for their appointment.
• Want to win FREE BRACES...look for our magnet contest.
• Wheel of Fortune...DiCiccio style. Look and listen for it!
• DiCiccio Orthodontics on wheels...look for it around town.
• New and improved WEBSITE
• Increased treatment efficiency methods, so our patients can achieve their treatment goals with better results, more comfortably, and in fewer visits.

We hope this gets you as excited about things around the office as it does us.  As the year winds down, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.  We look forward to seeing you next year!

Sack Lunch

Packing a lunch for school this year? Be sure to take your braces into consideration when putting that food in your sack! There are lots of good, healthy foods that will give you energy and are also easy on your appliances. You don't want to miss out on your fun activities because you have to spend time in our office getting your braces repaired.  

When it comes to lunch foods, sandwiches are usually a good choice. You can tear off small pieces if it is difficult to bite into. And who doesn't like fruit? Be sure to cut your fruit into very small pieces...same goes for the veggies. Stay away from the hard, crunchy or gooey snack foods and chips. Instead you might think of choosing soft energy bars, peanut butter and crackers, or fruit cups and pudding.

Be sure to keep a toothbrush in your backpack and clean those braces after you eat. You want to keep your teeth and gums healthy. (Besides your friends don't want to look at the lunch remains in your braces the rest of the day!) If you do break something and need a repair, be sure to call our office and let us know so that we can schedule enough time to get it fixed. If you just show up at your appointment without letting us know, we might not have time to make the repair, which means an additional appointment. We want to get you back to school as soon as possible. Here's to a great, emergency free school year!

Can Dental X-rays cause Brain Cancer?

The release of a recent  article, on the possible link between dental x-rays and brain cancer published in the journal Cancer,  has created quite a lot of discussion in the media and the dental community. I would like to share a review of this research done by an orthodontist friend of mine who practices in Litchfield Park, Arizona. I hope you find the  information helpful and that it answers some of the questions you may have. I would love to hear any feedback.
~ Dr. Pat DiCiccio 


Dr. John Graham DDS, MD:
As you may have heard by now, an article has just been published in the journal Cancer that has been picked up by the NY Times, CNN, FOX and most major news outlets. As you might imagine, we all have a responsibility to our patients to practice impeccable radiation hygiene, and maintain the principles of ALARA in our practices.  All of that being said, I wish to give you my take on this research:

STUDY BACKGROUND AND BASICS:
As stated in the background statement: “Ionizing radiation is a consistently identified and potentially modifiable risk factor for meningioma, which is the most frequently reported primary brain tumor in the United States.

The primary author of the article, Elizabeth Claus, MD, PhD, a faculty member in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale University School of Medicine, postulates that because dental x-rays are the most common form of ionizing radiation – a cause/effect relationship exists.

The study is based on self-reported dental radiation histories of 1433 patients who were diagnosed with meningioma, as compared to the self-reported dental radiation histories of 1350 controls.

For those with tumors, the location of the tumors was subdivided into supratentorial vs. infratentorial as well as those with skull base tumors.

Subjects were interviewed over the phone for an average of 52 minutes by independent examiners. Participants were questioned about the onset, frequency and type of dental care received over their lifetime, including orthodontic work, endodontic work, dental implants, and dentures.

Participants were asked to report the number of times they had received bitewing, full-mouth, or panoramic films during 4 periods: Less than 10 years, 10-19, 20-49 and over 50 years.

FINDINGS:
Over a lifetime cases were more than twice as likely as controls to report ever having had a bitewing.
Significantly elevated risk was observed across all ages except those older than 50.
Individuals who report to have received bitewings were at a greater risk than those who reported having full-mouth x-rays.

Panoramic films were less frequently reported than bitewings or full-mouth series.
Significant increases in the risk of meningiomas was associated with young age at receipt of screening x-rays.
Those with meningiomas were no more likely to have had CT scans than controls.

MY THOUGHTS:
This study is fraught with troubling variables that, on their own cast significant doubt as to the validity of the study, but when compounded really degrade the veracity of any of its findings.

Let’s just talk about two:
FIRST: This is a self-reported study.  This study doesn’t examine ANY dental records. Only medical records are used, and this is only  to identify the tumor cohort.  As such, the study wholly relies upon the memories of subjects going back before the age of ten.  Let’s think for a moment about an individual who unfortunately has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  A tough, tragic and shocking diagnosis to anyone.  Even before contacted by examiners to participate in the study, I wouldn’t be surprised if those with tumors hadn’t already spent a lot of time thinking about why they might have had a brain tumor.  More than any other tumor in the body, thinking about dental radiation would be a natural mental exercise.  Thinking about ANY radiation around the face, head and neck in an individuals past would be something I would expect from any patient with a brain tumor.  Now, have an examiner call by phone, and spend 50 minutes discussing their history of dental x-rays…. it wouldn’t surprise me at all to think that the bias in the patient would lean towards a more acute recollection of dental x-rays.  Think about it as compared to an individual control who never gave it any thought at all until the examiner posed the dental x-ray questions. THE COMPARISON OF THESE TWO COHORTS OF PATIENTS BASED ONLY ON PERSONAL REPORT SHOULD RAISE SERIOUS QUESTIONS AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THIS STUDY.

SECOND:  The time span which this study encompasses includes (and heavily weights) radiation delivered prior to the common use of digital radiography or even faster speed films.  In my opinion it is safe to say that radiation delivered today is a fraction of what it was during the scope of time covered with this study.  THIS FACT ALONE SHOULD ALLOW ALL PRACTITIONERS TO CONFIDENTLY DISCUSS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TODAY’S RADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES VS. THE CONCLUSIONS DERIVED FROM THIS STUDY.

THIRD: NO CORRELATION BETWEEN CT STUDIES AND MENINGIOMAS WAS MADE WITH THIS STUDY. QUOTING FROM THE STUDY “TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, NO STUDIES HAVE REPORTED ON THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN USE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) AND MENINGIOMA RISK…. IT IS NOTEWORTHY THAT CASES (OF HEMANGIOMA) WERE NO MORE LIKELY TO HAVE RECEIVED A HEAD CT THAN CONTROLS.”

FOURTH – AND THE MOST TROUBLING FOR THE AUTHORS OF THE STUDY: There was a statistically significant increased risk of hemangioma for patients who reported having bitewing radiographs, yet no statistically significant increase for patients with full-mouth films.  THIS CONFOUNDING FINDING IN THE STUDY IS NOT ADDRESSED BY THE AUTHORS, AND FLYS IN THE FACE OF THEIR CONCLUSIONS. VERY, VERY TROUBLING, YET NEVER ADDRESSED. IT MAKES NO SENSE WHATSOEVER.

FIFTH (CIRCLING BACK TO THE FIRST) - The problems with this study are discussed in the paper: “Limitations of this study include the possibility of either under-reporting or over-reporting of dental x-rays by study participants.” YA THINK? WHAT IF UNDER REPORTING BY HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS AND OVER REPORTING OF AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS OCCURRED IN THIS STUDY?  IT CAN’T BE AND ISN’T DISPUTED IN THE PAPER THAT THIS IS POSSIBLE.  WHAT IF THE OVER/UNDER REPORTING BIAS ERASES ALL STATISTICAL SIGNIFICANCE?

Please read this study stem to stern and become familiar with its findings, the strengths and the weaknesses.  I’ll help you with this: The only strength in the study is the number of patients.  Large numbers gives any study statistical POWER.  Yet without truth in the variate, even POWERFUL studies aren’t valid.

Dr. John Graham

www.litchfieldparkortho.com
www.facebook.com/grahamortho

5 Stars ★★★★★

A fabulous smile will benefit you for the rest of your life. Not only does a stable, healthy smile help maintain your general overall  health but it gives you confidence that will help you succeed. Choosing the right orthodontist to treat your family is a very important decision.

We have been told by our patients and their families that one of the most helpful things they did when trying to make their decision was to read the reviews on Google. So here is where you can help us...

Click on this link to Google Maps:

1. Type DiCiccio Orthodontics in the search window, then click on our name.
2. Click the Write a review link located under the address.
3. Give your review a title and rating. Be sure to give us a 5 star rating if you feel we deserve it.
4. Click Save.

Choosing the Best for your Child

Parents want was is best for their kids, that is a fact. Of course they want them to have a healthy smile but the main reason they seek care is that they want them to look great. Straight teeth, no spacing or over-lapping is generally what is expected. Great! The trick comes with choosing the right doctor to accomplish this, and the choices are seemingly endless. There is however a misconception that all doctors with a license can accomplish the same results.
 
Not all dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist is a specialist with intensive training after dental school to learn the details of the complex biological system we will call a "bite". Just as a specialist in the medical field, such as an orthopedist and a dermatologist, deal with their specific part of the body, an orthodontist limits his practice exclusively to orthodontic care.

Dr. DiCiccio is an orthodontic specialist. He has been specially trained to see past your child's six crooked front teeth and see their bite three dimensionally. He uses his extensive knowledge to put together an individualized plan to create a beautiful, yet healthy and stable bite. Dr. DiCiccio is able to visualize how your child's smile should look at the end of treatment and then coordinate all of the variables that go into achieving that outcome.

Dr. DiCiccio also has a private, single-doctor practice. The benefit of this  is that  Dr. DiCiccio and his team see fewer patients each day than a larger, multi-doctor or clinic type practice. This allows them the time to create a very specific, individualized treatment plan to insure great results for your child's specific needs. They have flexibility at each appointment to do what it takes to "get things right". Achieving a great result does take more time than just doing an average job.

Sure, you want your child to have a dazzling smile, we want that too! Your child deserves the best—a dazzling smile with stable, long-lasting results. The orthodontist you choose does make a difference.

What's in a Smile?

A smile can convey all sorts thing. Ever hear the saying..."A smile is worth a thousand words"? A smile can convey friendliness, show compassion, create laughter, and even the devious side of a person. While we know how to read smiles and gauge their meaning, does the real secret lie in teeth themselves? Did you know the different shapes of the teeth suggest personality types?

Analyzing Your Teeth

The two front teeth, or the incisors, show a person’s age. Generally, the younger you are the more rectangular and rounded the corners of your incisors are. As you age, your front teeth become squarer and the corners begin to shorten.

Next to your incisors are your lateral incisors, which indicate gender. More feminine lateral incisors are slightly shorter and more rounded at the ends. The womanly look is referred to as a “gull-wing” silhouette. More masculine lateral incisors are almost the same size as central incisors and more squared.

Cuspids, or the teeth to the immediate left of your lateral incisors, show aggressiveness versus passivity. More pointy canines indicate more aggressive and powerful personalities. People with a more passive nature typically have flattened canines that are rounded at the tip of cuspids. 

Not only does the shape of the teeth reveal your personality but the straightness and health of the teeth say something as well. An individual with a bright, beautiful smile is going to have a healthier self-image and greater self-confidence. It's not a secret that someone with greater self-confidence will be more energetic and go further in life. Dr. Pat DiCiccio and team love helping to create beautiful smiles and improve the self-confidence of their patients.

You can't change your personality! You are who you are. But by doing what you can to straighten your teeth and taking care to keep them healthy with good oral hygiene, you will certainly go a long way toward keeping a positive self-image and making you who you want to be.