The Importance of Consulting Your Dentist During Pregnancy

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.

How is a dental implant placed?

Dental implants are often the go-to solution for replacing missing natural teeth. They are highly recommended by dentists from all around the world owing to the numerous advantages they offer. After all that has been discussed about dental implants, some may have doubts lingering in their mind, especially about the procedure involved in placing implants. Here’s a brief read that will help you understand this better. UNDERSTANDING IMPLANTS BETTER A dental implant briefly contains two components, namely the metal implant stud and the tooth-colored ceramic crown. Both these individual parts are held firmly with the help of a connecting abutment. Unlike most other dental restorations, implants are placed directly in the jawbone right in place of the missing tooth. This gives them the necessary stability and strength, making them the closest alternatives to natural teeth. HOW IS AN IMPLANT PLACED? Screening: A thorough screening procedure is one of the main processes of getting a dental implant. During this, the dentist would check your jawbone for possible deterioration, spacing available for inserting the implant, overall state of health, oral health, existing restorations, etc. Panoramic scans and x-rays of the mouth would be taken for diagnostic purposes and to serve as a reference while fabricating the restoration. Initial surgery: Once your candidacy is confirmed for the implantation procedure, the dentist will prepare you for the first surgery. An overall health check will be conducted, and local anesthesia will be given to the oral region. Once the tissues are numb, a small hole will be made in the jawbone in the missing tooth’s place. The implant will be put in it and secured firmly using dental cement. A suitable healing period will be suggested, during which the surrounding jawbone will be allowed to grow around the implant. Prosthetic crown: Once the implant is secured in place, the dentist will schedule the second surgery to place the crown. An abutment will be placed on the implant, and the crown will be attached to it. Before it is fixed permanently, a bite test will be taken to ensure it doesn’t alter your natural bite. Once the alignment is confirmed, it will be bonded permanently to the implant. The dentist will then give you instructions to care for the implant. To receive the best dental care, contact us today.