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!