How is a dental implant placed?

Invisalign aligners

Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, BPA-free plastic. They are custom-made to fit your teeth at each stage of your treatment. The aligners are removable, so you can take them out before you eat or brush your teeth. WHAT IS INVISALIGN? Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional braces that uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place. The treatment takes a modern approach to straightening teeth by using 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear aligners are produced. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and moves the teeth incrementally until the final position of straightness is achieved. Regular checkups with your dentist are required so your progress can be monitored. Patients love not having the brackets and wires of traditional metal braces, as well as the fact that Invisalign is virtually invisible. But the biggest draw is the ability to see the final position of the teeth before starting the treatment. This way, patients can envision what their teeth will look like when the treatment is complete. Plus, since the aligners are removable, they can still eat their favorite foods and brush and floss normally. There is no need to adjust what you eat or worry about getting food stuck in your braces. Simply take out your aligners when you eat and put them back in when you are finished. Brushing and flossing are also the same as before; just remove the aligners to brush and floss your teeth as normal. The cost of treatment with Invisalign is comparable to the cost of traditional braces, but may be covered by your insurance, especially for complex cases that require extensive treatment. Talk to your dentist about a treatment plan that is right for you and your budget. If you're interested in Invisalign, contact a dentist in your area for more information. *This blog topic was created by Dr. Larry Johnson of the Miami Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. Miami Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is a leader in the field of smile makeovers, offering a comprehensive menu of cosmetic dental services including porcelain veneers, teeth whitening and more. Dr. Larry Johnson has been featured on Extreme WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR INVISALIGN? If a patient is a good candidate for traditional braces, they are an ideal candidate for Invisalign as well. Because both forms of treatment use brackets and wires to straighten teeth, patients who do not have severely misaligned teeth are likely to benefit from undergoing treatment with either system. However, if a tooth is twisted or turned in a way that cannot be corrected with orthodontic appliances alone, an orthodontist may recommend oral surgery. While Invisalign does utilize a clear aligner, the treatment still relies on the same principles of straightening teeth as traditional braces do. Patients who opt for both treatments will need to wear their aligners for at least twenty-two hours per day to see optimal results. Additionally, they must also follow the treatment plan prescribed by their dentist to achieve optimal results. They must also keep up with regular checkups with their dentist throughout the duration of treatment to ensure the teeth are moving as planned. HOW LONG DOES INVISALIGN TAKE TO WORK? While Invisalign does work in under a year, most treatments typically last between twelve and eighteen months total. Patients wear each set of aligners for two weeks at a time, and then move on to the next set in the series. The average treatment time for Invisalign patients is one year. However, this timeframe can vary based on how much your teeth need to move and how many aligners you need during treatment. In some cases, it takes closer to two years for a patient to complete their Invisalign treatment plan. Generally, you can expect to wear your aligners for at least 21 hours each day throughout the length of your treatment. The amount of time that you wear your aligners may differ from day to day, however. You may have to change your aligners more frequently if you have a special occasion or an important meeting scheduled at work. In these cases, it’s best to plan in advance so that you can remove your aligners for the event. Wearing your aligners as directed will ensure that you stay on track with your treatment plan and that you reach your new smile as soon as possible! Author: Nicole Vulcan Date Published: 11/16/2018 3:05:00 PM - Randi Altman, DDS ### - Dr. Altman is a family and cosmetic dentist based in New York. She helps her patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles using the most advanced dental techniques and technologies. To learn more about her work, you can schedule a consultation at her practice by calling her office at (212) 486-8780 or visit them online at Anchor text - 4 Reasons to Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened by Your Dentist HOW MUCH DOES INVISALIGN COST? Your treatment time and the number of aligners you need will depend on your unique smile goals. On average, the cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to that of braces. However, your costs may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign at similar levels to traditional braces, so check with your provider to see exactly how much you’ll be responsible for paying out of pocket. Here’s what the average Invisalign cost breakdown will look like: - Consultation: $0-100+ - Invisalign® fee: $2,500-$7,000 - Dental insurance: $0-$1,000 - Total: $5,300-$14,000+ Patients typically wear their aligners for 22 hours a day. They take them out to eat, drink, brush their teeth, or for special occasions. While treatment with clear aligners is more comfortable than traditional metal brackets and wires, it’s not totally maintenance-free. Make sure you’re willing to commit to regular teeth cleanings and daily flossing. Without proper oral care, the aligners can trap bacteria and increase your risk for tooth decay. (source) *As reported by real patients; your results may vary. **On average, the cost is comparable to traditional braces.** ***Insurance coverage will vary based on your plan. Check with your insurance provider for details. ****Average total treatment time ranges between nine and 15 months for most adults, but will vary based on your individual case.** ^ Back to Blog #3: Clear Braces Cost Compared to Metal Braces

Root Canal Procedure: The Best Remedy for Tooth Aches

DA root canal is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the pulp, a soft tissue located inside of a tooth. The pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that facilitates the tooth’s growth.  The procedure is necessary when a tooth’s nerve is inflamed or infected due to a crack, chip, or advanced tooth decay. We perform restorative and cosmetic treatments to keep you smiling, pain and worry-free. Keep reading to learn more about root canal procedures. WHEN DO YOU NEED A ROOT CANAL? To understand when a root canal procedure is needed, you first need to understand what goes on inside your tooth.  As mentioned, the pulp is a crucial part of your tooth. When it is damaged, it allows for bacteria to spread and multiply in the pulp chamber. When left untreated, this bacteria can cause an infection and lead to an abscessed tooth. Some of the other situations that can make a root canal procedure necessary are: * Tooth injury  * Teeth that require several dental procedures  * Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity * Chips or cracks in the tooth WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE? Each root canal procedure involves the following steps: * Anesthesia: For starters, our dentist will numb your gums by administering an anesthetic. You are likely to feel a pinch, but the sensation will pass quickly. * Pulp Removal: Next, the dentist will make a tiny hole in the top part of the tooth to remove the pulp. * Sealing: After the pulp is removed, the hole will be sealed with a sealant paste called gutta-percha. * Temporary Filling: Lastly, the dentist will apply a temporary filling to the tooth to prevent any further damage. On your next visit a few days later, our team will remove the temporary filling and replace it with a permanent one. If you need a root canal procedure in Kent, Washington, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

The Importance of Consulting Your Dentist During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many hormonal changes take place in your body, elevating the risk of developing oral health problems. Dentists and obstetricians recommend booking an appointment before conceiving. This prevents dental diseases in advance. It is important to consult your dentist during pregnancy to avoid complications during childbirth.  HOW DOES DENTAL HEALTH AFFECT PREGNANCY? Dental health, also called oral health, is the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. When pregnant, dental health becomes an important part of your prenatal care.  Oral health is directly linked to the general health of your body. Dentists claim that there is a link between dental health and childbirth. Studies show that gum diseases trigger increased levels of biological compounds that induce labor.  HOW CAN YOU ENSURE A SAFE AND HEALTHY PREGNANCY? Dental health is of prime importance during pregnancy. Brush teeth regularly, twice a day. Floss once a day to help get rid of any remains of food particles left after brushing. And more importantly, eat a balanced and nutritious diet and regularly visit your dentist to prevent major oral health problems. Here are other tips: * Use good toothpaste, preferably one that has fluoride  * Use antacids if brushing is impossible due to nausea and vomiting * Avoid smoking  ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR DURING PREGNANCY  Some dental health problems may lead to complications in childbirth like:  * Pregnancy gingivitis: The buildup of plaque on the teeth irritates the gum. Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include red, inflamed, and bleeding gums.  * Tooth decay: There are high chances of developing tooth decay due to the unhealthy food cravings that occur during pregnancy. Also, nausea and vomiting conditions make some women do less brushing and flossing.  * Pregnancy tumor (pyogenic granuloma): The gum tissue swells, making it look raw. It usually disappears after pregnancy. If not, consult your dentist immediately. * Loose tooth: It is an uncommon complication that occurs during pregnancy. Due to the increase of certain hormones like estrogen and progesterone, tissues and bones that hold your teeth in place loosen.  VISITING A DENTIST DURING PREGNANCY Visit your dentist during weeks 14 through 20 or the second trimester or early third trimester of your pregnancy. Let your dentist know you’re pregnant. This is so they will know to avoid the use of X-rays, pain medications, antibiotics, and dental anesthetics. Discuss your medical history, past miscarriages if any, and medications with your dentist.  To receive the best dental care, contact us today.