Decades of ortho-medical research studies have indisputably demonstrated how poor oral hygiene can be at the crux of many major ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, and but not limited to, osteoporosis. The typical users of dental devices (such as plastic aligners, dentures, retainers, night guards, bite plates or even sports guards) are highly susceptible to the exposure of harmful bacteria’s and viruses, by mere contact exposure. Furthermore, the plastic housing or cases for these devices have been shown be foster viral and bacterial development as well.
OAP Cleaner is an innovative sanitizing solution that kills 99.9% of bacteria, germs, microbes, and viruses, within 1 minute of application. Users of OAP Cleaner can be con dent that they are using completely cleansed oral devices. The risk of infection through the use of unclean orthodontic devices can be easily avoided by with OAP. Regular use of OAP Cleaner will promote enhanced oral hygiene and thus proper physical health.
The mild pH and gentle cleaning agents in OAP Cleaner’s proprietary formula will ensure that your oral appliances will not su er from the discoloration or abrasion commonly caused by most currently-available oral-device cleaning products. OAP Cleaner is 100% safe to use all materials whether plastic, metal, porcelain or rubber. This makes OAP Cleaner the perfect solution for all orthodontic devices!
In addition to killing the bad-odor causing germs left behind by most other products, OAP Cleaner leaves your orthodontic and dental appliances smelling fresh and clean! Finally, the solution is packaged in an easy-to-carry dispenser, making staying clean and healthy easy, whether at home, or on the go!
The confidence that comes from having a great smile is a great boost on many levels. Smiling more makes you actually feel better. Having the confidence in your own appearance boosts self-esteem and even posture. It also affects how you are viewed by other people, who naturally warm to a positive smiley person.
However, for many, the idea of smiling can be very difficult. Forget straight, white, Hollywood teeth – over half the UK adult population actually have gaps thanks to missing teeth, making them very self-conscious and afraid to smile.
All on Four for a Better Smile
All on four is a highly skilled area of dentistry which replaces missing teeth using just four fixing points. This gives the patient a strong foundation for “new teeth”.
All on four dentistry requires exacting levels of skill and precision, but ICC Implant and Ceramic Dental Studios help many patients rediscover their smiles in just one day, having invested in the latest equipment in their on-site lab, which offers the advantage of speed and a coordinated team effort.
Their skilled technicians work closely with specially qualified dental surgeons to enable patients to see full all on four transformation within a day, which is utterly life-changing for the patients.
Contact Us
ICC Implant and Ceramic Dental Studios have an award-winning on-site lab and highly qualified dental surgeons for incredibly fast all on four transformations.
For further information about all on four, dental implants, teeth crowns, whitening or cosmetic dentistry at ICC Implant and Ceramic Dental Studios, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
t: 01285 821220
w: www.ceramiccentre.com
How your child feels, you probably have some questions and concerns of your own (not the least of which may be how you’re going to pay for them!). Here’s the lowdown on kids and braces.
Kids can need braces for any number of reasons, including crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth, or a “bad bite” (known as malocclusion). Malocclusion is a discrepancy in the sizes of the top and bottom jaws. When the upper jaw is bigger than the lower jaw, it’s called an overbite. When the lower jaw is bigger, it’s called an underbite.
Sometimes tooth and jaw problems can be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. But often they’re inherited, so if you or someone in your family needed braces, it’s likely that your kids will, too.
Early intervention can also prevent crowding down the road. For example, a six-year adult molar normally erupts right behind a baby second molar. If your child loses that baby molar early (perhaps due to decay), the adult molar may drift forward, severely crowding adult teeth that emerge. By moving that adult molar back into its ideal position early, you can avoid having to pull it out it later on and possibly avoid further orthodontic work.
While the teeth-straightening process is a long, costly and often uncomfortable one, people are going to their orthodontists in droves in a quest to get the perfectly shaped grin. Everybody’s doing it, especially the kids. In North America, roughly 4 million people younger than 18 are wearing braces, and four out of every five people in braces are minors. While most kids get braces between the ages of 11 and 14, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a checkup with an orthodontist by no later than age 7, when most children still have some of their baby teeth and their adult teeth have begun to come in
Starting the process early doesn’t mean a child will get braces right away. It just means the orthodontist will be able to determine which problems exist and assess the best time to start treatment.
Orthodontics
East Office:
Drs. Griffiths and Truman
4240 E. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
702.924.1526
West Office:
Drs. Griffiths and Simister
8710 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite 150
Las Vegas, NV 89117
702.924.1527
What is tooth contouring and reshaping?
Tooth reshaping, or contouring, is one of few instant treatments now available in cosmetic dentistry. Dental reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in just one session.
The dental contouring procedure can even be a substitute for braces under certain circumstances. It is also a procedure of subtle changes. A few millimeters of reduction and a few millimeters of tooth-colored laminate can create a beautiful smile when performed by a cosmetic dentist, with no discomfort to you. Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your teeth.
Tooth contouring and reshaping (also known as dental contouring) is a dental procedure that helps correct chipped, cracked, or overlapping teeth. Usually categorized as cosmetic dentistry, tooth contouring and reshaping entails changing the length, shape, or position of the teeth.
Some cosmetic dentists make use of computer imaging to give patients an idea of the results prior to the tooth contouring and reshaping procedure. With the help of X-rays, the dentist determines the size and location of the pulp in the patient’s teeth, making sure that sufficient supporting bone exists between each tooth. Anesthesia is not always necessary, although many patients prefer localized novacaine.
Tooth reshaping, or tooth sculpting, is a safe and conservative way to improve your smile. Teeth may become weaker if large amounts of enamel are removed, tooth reshaping should be limited to minor changes or combined with veneers or bonding for the best smile.
- Next the dentist marks the teeth with a pencil as part of the sculpting process. Using a sanding drill or laser, the dentist gradually removes small quantities of surface enamel to change the shape of the teeth. Abrasive strips rubbed across the tooth surface between each tooth help to reshape the sides of the teeth. Finally, the dentist smoothes and polishes the teeth. The entire tooth contouring and reshaping procedure may take up to 3 visits to complete. Bonding and veneers are two popular options for follow-up procedures to create the perfect smile.
- Tooth contouring and reshaping bears the risk of removing too much enamel, which could lead to breakage or tooth decay. Patients whose teeth were uneven due to bruxism (tooth grinding) often find the results of tooth contouring and reshaping to be short-lived since grinding can continue damaging the teeth further.
At the initial consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth and determine whether the defects that are present in your smile are sufficiently minor to be corrected using contouring and reshaping. He will also x-ray the teeth to make sure that they are healthy enough to undergo removal of a small amount of the surface enamel.
Tooth contouring and reshaping takes place generally in one visit to the dentist’s office, although a follow-up visit is sometimes necessary. Often the dentist will take a “before” photograph to use as a reference. Then, using various tools, the dentist carefully polishes off small areas of the tooth surface enamel and reforms the tooth into a more attractive shape. The edges of the newly shaped tooth are smoothed and polished, completing the procedure. An “after” photograph is made at this point so the differences can be easily seen. After contouring, the teeth are more uniform in shape and size making them appears less crowded and eye-catching imperfections are gone. The length of the procedure is dependent on the amount of changes that are being made to the teeth, but can run from under 30 minutes to over an hour.
Arlington Family Dentistry
3100 Matlock Rd
Suite #103
Arlington, TX 76015
(817) 259-1385
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure by which new bone or a replacement material is placed into spaces between or around broken bone (fractures) or holes in bone (defects) to aid in healing.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting to the jaws and facial structures may be necessary in a wide variety of scenarios. Sometimes people are born with certain traits that require bone grafting to the facial skeleton and jaws in order to reestablish proper form and function. Bone may also be required when infection, pathology, or trauma involving the facial bones and jaws have occurred.
Bone grafting is commonly performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to replace or augment bone in areas of tooth loss. Shrinkage of bone often occurs when a tooth is lost due to trauma, severe caries, or periodontal disease. Additionally, bone loss may have already occurred due to infection or pathology around a tooth.
Commonly used bone graft materials include autogenous bone (your own bone), cadaver bone (bank bone), bovine bone and synthetic bone. The selection of graft material and surgical technique are based on the location and severity of the bone loss. In most cases, specially prepared cadaver bone and/or autogenous bone are utilized. Autogenous bone is usually taken from other areas of the upper or lower jaw.
Soft Tissue Grafting
Loss of gum tissue can occur due to periodontal disease, tooth loss, infection, or pathology. Two kinds of gum tissue exist. One type is nonkeratinized, unattached gingiva and the other type is keratinized, attached gingiva. In healthy situations, a band of keratinized tissue exists around the teeth. Keratinized tissue forms a biological seal around teeth and is important for periodontal maintenance and function. Loose gingival tissue, on the other hand, forms a poor seal around the teeth and is susceptible to inflammation and infection when located in direct proximity to teeth, dental implants, and other dental appliances. Keratinized tissue is also important for dental esthetics where the loss of tissue from root surfaces and in between teeth can have adverse effects on a person’s smile.
If you require a tooth extraction and you are thinking of replacing the tooth with a dental implant, a consultation visit is strongly recommended prior to the extraction appointment so that Dr. Fred can determine the best way to proceed and inform you of all treatment options.
Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery
820 Towne Court
Saginaw, TX 76179
Office: (817) 259-1372
Fax: (817) 237-7585
Dr. Fred A. Loe, DDS, PA oms@northtarrant.com
For starters maintaining a regular dental check up schedule will ensure that any potential dental issues are quickly identified and treated before they can turn into painful, and highly expensive, medicals issues that may require surgery or permanent treatment options.
The importance of the regular check-up ranges from preventing fatal conditions to maintaining healthy gum and teeth so they are working at their optimal level. On one end of the scale, regular dental visits will clear the patient of any potential oral cancers which are highly curable if caught early on. On a lesser scale but perhaps far more prevalent is gum disease, which is an infection of the gum tissue and the bone. This is also true of cavities and broken fillings which, if left untreated can result in root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth.
Plaque that is not removed from your teeth and gums eventually hardens into tartar which can cause a variety of problems in your mouth including cavities and gum disease. While a large percentage of plaque can be removed by flossing and brushing, tartar can only be removed by using special dental tools and procedures. As tartar (also known as calculus) forms, it continues to attract more plaque which leads to the formation of more tartar. Calculus is typically removed by manual scaling of the teeth or by using an ultrasonic device. If tartar exists below the gum line, a deep periodontal cleaning known as scaling and root planing becomes necessary.
Once any existing plaque or tartar is removed from your teeth and gums, your teeth will be polished. Tooth polishing is usually accomplished either by spraying a high pressure mixture of water or baking soda paste onto your teeth or by using a rubber cup and polishing paste. Polishing not only leaves your teeth looking and feeling healthy, it also leaves you with a clean mouth and fresh breath.
A dental cleaning appointment also gives the dentist the opportunity to assess any treatments that may be necessary such as catching cavities when they are small or treating gum disease in the early stages so that it does not build into something serious. A professional cleaning appointment and dental checkup will include some or all of the following:
- Plaque and tartar (calculus) removal
- Tooth scaling and planings, if needed
- Removing Stains
- Tooth polishing
- Periodontal charting and cleaning
- Checking for cavities and/or tooth fractures
- Evaluating current restorations such as fillings, veneers, crowns, implants, bridges, inlays, onlays, etc.
- Early detection of mouth cancer
- Microscopic Plaque Sample Analysis
A variety of substances pass over people’s teeth every day, some healthier than others. Whether you’re crunching on apples and sipping on water, or sucking hard candy and drinking sugary soda, keeping your teeth clean with twice-daily home cleanings and periodic visits to the dentist is an essential part of good health.
However there are certain conditions that require most frequent visit to the dentists including periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene habits, high use of tobacco and alcohol, pregnancy, diabetes and certain medical conditions. These conditions leave the patient with a higher risk of gum disease, oral cancer and cavities so should visit their dentist on a more regular basis.
Ivy Rose Dentistry
Mansfield
2170 Matlock Rd, #100
Mansfield, TX 76063
Phone: 817.259.1365
Email: Patientsupport@ivyrosedds.com
Arlington
1024 West Mitchell St.
Arlington, TX 76013
Phone: 817.259.1364
Email: Patientsupport@ivyrosedds.com
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.
-An extraction means to have a tooth removed, usually because of disease, trauma or crowding.
If you need an extraction, your dentist will first numb the area to lessen any discomfort. After the extraction, your dentist will advise you of what post extraction regimen to follow. In most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal. Your mouth will slowly fill in the bone where the tooth root was through the formation of a blood clot.
Here are other reasons:
- Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.
- Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out in time to allow the permanent teeth to come in.
- People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place.
- People receiving radiation to the head and neck may need to have teeth in the field of radiation extracted.
- People receiving cancer drugs may develop infected teeth because these drugs weaken the immune system. Infected teeth may need to be extracted.
Some teeth may need to be extracted if they could become a source of infection after an organ transplant. People with organ transplants have a high risk of infection because they must take drugs that decrease or suppress the immune system.
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are often extracted either before or after they come in. They commonly come in during the late teens or early 20s. They need to be removed if they are decayed, cause pain or have a cyst or infection. These teeth often get stuck in the jaw (impacted) and do not come in. This can irritate the gum, causing pain and swelling. In this case, the tooth must be removed. If you need all four wisdom teeth removed, they are usually taken out at the same time.
Here are some tips to follow to make recovery easier:
- Avoid anything that might prevent normal healing.
- Don’t smoke or rinse your mouth vigorously.
- Avoid drinking through a straw for 24 hours.
- Follow the diet your dentist suggests.
For the first few days, if you must rinse, rinse your mouth gently. If you experience swelling, apply a cold cloth or an ice bag and call your dentist right away. Ask your dentist about pain medication. You can brush and floss the other teeth as usual. But don’t clean the teeth next to where the tooth was removed.
Remember, when having an extraction, today’s modern procedures and follow up care (as recommended by your dentist) are there for your benefit and comfort.
Woodhaven Dentistry
Jeff C. Jenkins, D.D.S.
Richard Martin, D.D.S.
5601 Bridge St, Ste 480
Fort Worth, TX 76112
(817) 259-1371
(817) 937-4369 Fax
The Damon system of orthodontics is one of four fixed, passive, self-ligating methods of correcting malocclusions.
Passive self-ligating systems use brackets that do not require elastic o-rings to hold the wires in place. By not using the elastic o-rings, the wires freely slide through the slots without friction, which necessitates new mechanics to use the system to move teeth. In addition, no o-rings means better oral hygiene, since they are a significant trap for oral bacteria. To hold the wires in place, the Damon System uses small sliding doors. The addition of ‘stops’ on the wires helps prevent the wire from becoming displaced from its intended location.
Achieving the best facial balance possible must be done in conjunction with conventional treatment goals. The Damon System offers a unique mechanical system of passive tubes that permits low forces to work in conjunction with the muscles of the face, tongue, bone and tissue. Low forces minimize discomfort and greatly increase the types of cases that can be treated to a symmetrical facial result without high-force expansion or extractions.
Clinical studies show that the Damon System provides more comfortable orthodontic treatment than traditional braces.5
Damon braces are made from a transparent ceramic material which has many advantages over earlier types of braces. In traditional methods, the metal brace is placed on the front surface of your teeth making it highly visible. With a Damon brace, although still visible, the ceramic material doesn’t stain easily and won’t show signs of wear and tear typical with several other types of ‘invisible’ brace. Whilst it’s possible to use several types of discreet braces, the Damon system corrects teeth faster and can be used on more severe cases where other, less visible braces, wouldn’t be suitable.
The Damon System utilises the latest technology and is designed to be an advanced, state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment. Therefore, you can expect to pay more than you would for traditional braces. For many people, that extra cost is justified by the reduced timescales and the time that they save in visits to their dentist.
Glovsky Orthodontics
754 S. Val Vista Dr., Suite 107
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Map & Directions
Phone: (480) 892-6200
Fax: (480) 632-0884
E-mail: drglovsky@yahoo.com
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a form of patient management used to keep patients comfortable and reduce stress during medical procedures. It is administered and supervised by someone with anesthesia training, such as an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. It is important to be aware that patients on sedation can still experience pain, and pain management must be administered separately with the use of local or regional anesthesia.
The sedation drug is administered into a vein using a very thin needle that is encased in a soft plastic tube. When the needle is removed from the vein, it leaves the plastic tube behind, and this tube is used to administer the drug. The common anti anxiety sedatives that are used for IV sedation are benzodiazepine, propofol and other medications. IV sedation, when it is administered and supervised by an experienced and trained dentist, is extremely safe. IV sedatives are not meant to be used during pregnancy, glaucoma, lung or kidney problems and allergies to the sedative drugs. Older patients are generally not recommended for IV sedation.
Advantages of IV Sedation:
- The sedative takes effect very quickly, and your dentist can manipulate the drug dosage to bring about the level of sedation that’s desirable.
- IV sedatives can also lead to an extreme level of sedation that is deeper, and more intense than other sedation methods.
- Persons who suffer from a severe gag reflex can benefit greatly from IV sedation.
Disadvantages of IV Sedation:
- If you have an extreme fear of needles, however, you may not find it easy to have the needle inserted intravenously.
- Occasionally, hematomas may occur.
The drugs may not stop affecting you even after the dental procedure is complete. For this reason, you need to be accompanied by a friend or family member.
IV Procedure is for:
- You are uncomfortable in a dentists’ office
- You are too scared to even call the dentist and make an appointment
- You can’t stand the smell and sounds of a dentist office
- You are delaying treatment you know you need
- You are in pain when you eat, but too anxious about the dentist to take care of it
- You are unable to find a dentist that you feel you can trust
- You have trouble getting numb – the anesthetic doesn’t seem to work on you
- You are afraid to smile
- You are concerned about how many dental appointments you know you’ll need
- You are looking for a way to have the work of several appointments done in just one or two
- You remember bad experiences with a dentist in your past
- You need your wisdom teeth removed
- You have sensitive teeth
- You have a strong gag reflex, especially when the dentist is working in your mouth
- You have trouble with jaw soreness when you have to keep your mouth open
- You have back or neck pain when you sit in a dental chair
- ANY patients who want little or no memory of their dental procedure
For some procedures, patients may be offered a choice between general anesthesia and sedation with pain management, with IV sedation being one of the most common options. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of both techniques with their surgeons and anesthesiologists so they can make an informed choice.
Sherman Oaks Endodontics
4910 Van Nuys Blvd.
Suite 100
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: (818) 319-4342
When a tooth is too damaged to support a tooth filling but not damaged enough for a dental crown, you end up somewhere in the middle. Capping a damaged tooth unnecessarily with a dental crown removes more tooth structure than needed. But a large dental filling can weaken the remaining structure of the tooth, causing the tooth to break, crack or eventually need a root canal.
When you’re faced with the choice between a large tooth filling or a dental crown, do you save money now and risk major dental problems down the line or undergo possibly an unwanted dental treatment?
There is a dental restoration that can solve your problem: dental onlays. Dental onlays fall somewhere in between dental fillings and dental crowns. Like dental inlays, onlays restore large cavities without having to use a crown.
Dental onlays are more durable and usually last longer than dental fillings but, like any restoration, can still weaken the tooth’s structure. The size of the filling and type of material you choose can help determine the life of your restoration. Depending on your budget and aesthetic needs, dental onlays can be made from gold, composite resin or porcelain.
If cared for properly, a dental onlay can last up to 30 years! Your best bet for preserving the life of any dental restoration is practicing excellent oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly will have a significant outcome on the success of your dental onlay procedure.Dental onlays can be used to help restore teeth that are cracked or fractured, as well as teeth that suffer from decay. Dentists also use dental inlays for this type of repair, depending on where the tooth is damaged. Dental inlays and onlays both correct the same type of problem in teeth. A dental inlay is used when damage to the tooth lies between the cusps of the teeth or in the center of the tooth; a dental onlay is placed over the cusps, or covers part or all of the chewing surface of the tooth. Essentially, inlays and onlays are the same type of restoration, and the name merely describes where they are placed.
As with most dental restorations, onlays are not always permanent and may someday require replacement. They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Reasons for onlay restorations:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
A dental onlay procedure is relatively simple and typically occurs in two stages. The first visit usually involves an examination of the tooth and the removal of decay, if applicable. A dentist then takes an impression of the tooth to be treated. Temporary fillings can be placed on the tooth to protect it. The dentist usually sends the impression to an off-site lab where the final, custom-made onlay is produced. On a return visit, the permanent onlay usually is affixed.
Kososki Dental
J. Anthony “Tony” Kososki, DDS, FAGD
304 S. Cottonwood Drive, Suite C – Location #1
Richardson, TX 75080
Phone (214) 446-1946