Why Invisalign® might be the option for you

Invisalign® has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide. This teeth straightening treatment can give you the smile you’ve always wanted without the braces you’ve always avoided. Even up close it’s difficult for people to tell someone is wearing Invisalign®.

How does Invisalign® work?

Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth without metal wires or brackets. The patient will wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As they replace each aligner with the next in the treatment plan, the teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until the teeth have straightened to the final position the dentist has recommended. Patients will see the dentist every six weeks to ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned. The Invisalign process takes approximately 9-15 months. The average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but it will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Once the dentist determines Invisalign® is the best course of treatment for the patient, they will take photographs, X-Rays and impressions. After conducting further diagnostic analysis the dentist will create a plan tailored to the patient’s needs. The next step is checking to see if the patient qualifies for orthodontic insurance benefits and to provide an estimate of costs. When the treatment plan is finalized, the patient’s records will be sent to Invisalign^® with the dentist's instructions. Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign^® will translate the dentist’s instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners. This innovative approach to orthodontics is seeing an influx of patients eager to take advantage of this revolutionary treatment. 

Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari are both Invisalign trained dentists.  If you would like further information on Invisalign® or would like to schedule a consultation please call our office today at (855) 447-5552.

What You Need to Know About Gum Disease

Have you ever wondered why dentists are so keen on brushing and flossing twice each day? The answer is to get rid of plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance that is continually growing on and surrounding your teeth. If not removed, the bacteria in plaque will start to infect the teeth, gums, and eventually the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. When it comes to your oral health, the best cure is prevention, so it’s important to understand the risks and symptoms.

While the main cause of gum disease is plaque, there are some other risk factors that affect the health of your gums:

×          Age: Studies indicate that periodontal disease is more prevalent in older people, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating that over 70% of people 65 and older suffer from periodontitis.

×          Crooked teeth: Uneven teeth can sometimes be difficult to floss between, but if you ignore these areas, you will increase your risk of gum disease.

×          Medications: Many medications, such as oral contraceptives, antihistamines, and anti-depressants can cause dry mouth, reducing the amount of saliva in your mouth so that there is less to wash away plaque.

×          Genetics: Unfortunately, some individuals are more susceptible to gum disease. If there is a history of gingivitis in your family, getting an early test may save your teeth.

It is also important to recognize the symptoms of gum disease. Here are a few things to watch for:

×          Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away

×          Pus between your gums and teeth, or any other sores in your mouth

×          Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums

×          Receding gums or gums that are pulling away from the teeth, causing them to look longer than normal

There are several stages of gum disease. If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis, your gum tissue and bone has not yet been affected, and the damage can be reversed. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will progress to periodontitis, and the damage to the bone will be irreversible. To catch this disease before it causes any permanent damage, consult your dentist immediately if you have any  risk factors or symptoms.

New Year, New Smile

For most people, the start of a new year is a time to reflect on the past and make resolutions for a brighter future. Many of us make plans to be healthier or look better; by focusing on your oral health you can do both. Improving your smile and dental hygiene can add years to your life and give you a confidence boost that will aide you in all of your resolutions! Here are some tips to get you started:

1)    Banish plaque – Plaque is the sticky substance that builds up on your teeth and causes all kinds of oral health problems like decay. Decay leads to cavities and extra dental work you likely want to avoid! Keep plaque at bay by avoiding sticky, sweet foods and always rinsing your mouth with water after eating something high in sugar. We also recommend you avoid sugary drinks as they are often an unlikely culprit for tooth decay!

2)    Brush and floss – Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once per day is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. When gums aren’t properly cared for you become susceptible to gingivitis and even periodontitis. While most people brush at least once a day, many are not as diligent with flossing, which is just as important as brushing. According to US News, flossing can even add years to your life!

3)    Schedule your cleanings – Many people avoid the dentist because their lives are simply too busy or because they suffer from dental anxiety. Unfortunately, even the best at home care for your teeth won’t make up for missing dental appointments. It’s recommended that you visit your dentist for cleanings twice a year. While you’re there, your dentist or hygienist can give you valuable feedback on how to take better care of your teeth or let you know if you have any oral health problems you might not be aware of.

4)    Teeth whitening – If you’re looking to improve the look of your smile, teeth whitening might be the way to go. When it comes to whitening, there are plenty of choices to fit your needs. You can have your teeth whitened by your dentist, use trays from a professional whitening kit at home or pick up a whitening kit from the drug store. Consult with your dentist to decide the best option for you.

5)    Cosmetic dentistry – If you have additional concerns about your smile you might want to consider cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist can straighten your smile with braces or Invisalign, apply veneers to improve the look of your teeth or come up with a plan to address your specific concerns about your smile.

All of us at Artistic Dental hope you make this the best year for your smile yet by improving your oral hygiene and addressing any aesthetic issues you may be facing. For more information on how you can improve your smile or to set up an appointment with one of our dentists visit our website.