There's still time...

The holiday season is in full swing and orthodontics may be the last thing on your mind...buried somewhere far below the more immediate and pleasant distraction of menu planning, travel plans, gift-giving budgets and what to get for that special someone. And yet, if orthodontic care is in the cards for you or your child, Dr. DiCiccio and the team want to say that this is one of the best and most important gifts you can give to yourself or a loved one – not to mention one that will far outlast this year’s holiday dinner.


If insurance or FLEX plans come into play, it is definitely time the time to start making plans. You can maximize insurance benefits by starting treatment during this calendar year, allowing next years benefits to kick-in in January. The deadline is also drawing near to set up your FLEX accounts for next year.

We would love to find an appointment for you at DiCiccio Orthodontics, so don't hesitate a minute more. Pick up the phone and dial (559) 225-2251. We are awaiting your call!

Stay Healthy...Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. DiCiccio will tell you one of the most important things you can do to avoid becoming reinfected is to replace your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart – keep a spare, just in case! Here are some toothbrush tips that will help you all year long:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Prevent germs from being passed between brushes by storing them separately
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long! Studies have shown that a new toothbrush removes 30% more plaque than one that is 3 months old.
• To help you remember, some brushes have "reminder bristles" that fade over the 3 month period

We hope these tips help you stay healthier and keep those pearly whites sparkling clean! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Are you in love with your SMILE? Tell us about it...

Dr. Pat DiCiccio, who has been an orthodontist in the Fresno area since 1993, knows and understands the needs and expectations of his patients and is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Your teeth are an important part of your health, your appearance and your self-confidence. Why would you leave your oral health in the hands of anyone other than a skilled qualified specialist with years of experience?

Dr. DiCiccio and our team are wondering...What made you choose us for your orthodontic treatment? Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our convenient Fresno office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

If you have not been to our office...now is the perfect time! Call today for your complimentary consultation today and find out how you too can be in love with your smile! You can reach us at (559) 225-2251.

Share the walk with us...

We are proud to say that because of many generous donations and the over-whelming response to the wristbands, Dr. DiCiccio's Heroes for Hooters came in third in corporate donations in this years Susan G Komen~Race for the Cure on October 29, 2011.  We are ever so grateful to everyone who supported this cause and we can all take pride in this accomplishment!  Please share the day with us by watching this video...

 

Thank you again for supporting the cause...there is no time to waste in finding a cure for breast cancer. Our team nearly doubled this year and we are open for anyone who would like to jump on board for next year's walk!  Let us know if you are interested!
We are the Heroes for Hooters!!
~Dr. DiCiccio and Team

Our first S4L scholarship recipient

We are very excited to introduce our first Smile for a Lifetime-Fresno/Clovis Chapter scholarship recipient!

Smile for a Lifetime is a national, non-profit organization that sponsors the orthodontic care of kids between the ages of 11-17. The mission is to create self-confidence, inspire hope and change the lives of these kids so they can go on to do great things in their local communities. Interested individuals can visit the DiCiccio Orthodontics website for the application and qualification requirements. The completed applications are reviewed by our local Board of Directors and the recipients are chosen. The Board meets on a quarterly basis.

Congratulations Ryan! Welcome to the Smile for a Lifetime family! Enjoy the journey.

We are excited to be a part of this amazing organization.
~Dr. Pat DiCiccio & Team

October is here...time to see your general dentist!

Dr. DiCiccio and his team want to know... Are you properly brushing and flossing daily during your treatment?

If the answer is yes, that’s great!  But, don’t forget that it is also extremely important for you to visit your general dentist at least every 6 months in addition to brushing your teeth, flossing and coming to your regular visits in our office for your orthodontic adjustments. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment!

Why is October a great month to visit your dentist??? Well, not only is it National Orthodontic Health Month, but it is also National Dental Hygiene Month.

Your general dentist will be checking for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and encourage you to properly brush and floss your teeth. Your general dentist is part of the team that is going to help you achieve that amazing smile you are working so hard for. 

Don't ignore this important piece of the puzzle!!!

~Dr. DiCiccio and Team

Don't be Tricked, Pick the right Treat

Halloween tends to be one of the busiest times of the year at an  orthodontist's office, primarily because patients indulge in treats that they should not be eating. Those of us at DiCiccio Orthodontics want you to remember that candies and other treats that are hard, chewy, sticky or crunchy can cause damage to braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic appliances. In addition to discomfort, a broken bracket or loose wire may prolong treatment and require additional orthodontic appointments. As part of National Orthodontic Health Month, the AAO is providing orthodontic-friendly Halloween recipes and tips to help patients and their families enjoy the holiday.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has teamed up with Pam Waterman, author of The Braces Cookbook, to bring orthodontic-friendly recipes and treats to trick-or-treaters and their parents. It’s no trick - these recipes are fun to make, fun to eat, and they won’t put a dent in the smiles of the nearly five million orthodontic patients currently in North America who wear braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic appliances to help them achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.


We suggest that you brush as soon as possible after eating candy, minimizing the impact of the candy on the teeth.  If brushing is not possible, the second best thing is to either consume the candy with a meal (so that the increased saliva produced while eating will help wash the candy off the teeth) or rinse the mouth with water.  In addition, you can chew sugarless gum, especially xylitol gums that help control tooth decay-causing bacteria. It is also better to eat  the candy in one sitting to decrease the amount of time it is in contact with the teeth.
 

We want our patients to have fun while in orthodontic treatment. Cooperation is always key, and exercising caution at Halloween could keep you on the right track to great results!

~Dr. DiCiccio and Team