Intraoral Scanners If you have been to the dentist you have most likely had a dental impression, or “mold”, of your teeth before. This putty type material is placed on a tray and then inserted into the mouth to cover the teeth. Once the impression is removed from the mouth, plaster is poured into the mold and allowed to set. Once set and removed, the plaster model is now an exact replica of the [...]
Dentistry, as a profession, is really evolving. Long gone are the days of guessing when it comes to patient diagnosis and treatment. Dentists used to use only simple 2d x-rays and their own knowledge base to correctly diagnose and treat a patient. Sometimes these methods were accurate but at other times, patient care was compromised simply because there was no way to know better. These days, dentists have many technology based tools to help improve [...]
It’s a new year and you have made a commitment to achieve that perfect smile you have always wanted! You’ll be happy to know that there are multiple orthodontic options to help you achieve the best results. Traditional Metal Braces These are what most people envision when they think about braces. Traditional metal braces are a tried and true method in achieving your best smile. Traditional metal braces are composed of metal brackets that are [...]
The day has finally come and you have a brand new mouthful of braces! Now that you are starting the process of creating your new smile, you also want to make sure you are keeping your teeth as clean as possible. Here are some tips to make sure you are keeping your teeth as healthy as possible as you start your journey towards straight teeth. Avoid sticky and hard foods. Foods like nuts, popcorn, and [...]
What is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment? The question of when to start orthodontic treatment is one that I answer frequently. Some children do get braces earlier; this is called Phase 1, or early interceptive orthodontics. Phase 1 is orthodontic treatment that is done before all permanent teeth have erupted, typically when a child is around 6-10 years old. The goal of Phase 1 treatment is to make room for the remaining adult teeth and to [...]
The average adult has 32 teeth, a combination of molars, canines, and incisors. By middle age, however, most adults are missing at least one tooth due to an injury, decay, or gum disease. Though many people choose to forgo tooth replacement, your dentist will tell you that every tooth is important. Each plays a vital role in the structure of the mouth and in relationship to the remaining teeth. Leaving the space where a tooth [...]
One of the most common questions patients ask, “Is there a difference between a dental implant and a dental bridge?” Both implants and bridges are permanent, non-removable replacements for your missing tooth, or teeth. The biggest difference between an implant and a bridge is how your new teeth are held in place. While a bridge may be used to literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth, help maintain the shape of [...]
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue, bone, and supporting structures for the teeth. In the past it was known as pyorrhea. Diagnosis is commonly made through a combination of dental X-rays, periodontal probings and visual clinical findings. The mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body and can provide clues to the patient’s overall health. In fact, the first signs of some chronic diseases appear in the oral cavity; they [...]
Invisalign Teen is designed with today’s youth in mind. These clear, removable orthodontic aligners can straighten your teeth without the need for metal wires and brackets. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are comfortable, nearly invisible, and removable, which allows you to remove them as you eat your favorite foods and brush and floss your teeth. Invisalign Teen motivates teenagers to enjoy life without restrictions while promoting better overall dental care. Teenagers are constantly on [...]
Braces have been a right-of-passage for most teenagers. The embarrassment of having a “metal mouth” and the discomfort of the brackets rubbing against the inside of the cheek was the price you had to pay for that great smile. Luckily for today’s teenagers, there is another option. Invisalign is the next generation of technology for teeth alignment. The beauty of it is in the simplicity, especially for the patient. Just imagine, Tessa Teen goes to [...]
