Is Getting Invisalign Affordable?

Over 4 million satisfied clients have already used Invisalign. Many of these found a way to complete treatment without breaking their bank accounts. Invisalign is priced where it belongs, at the upper end of cosmetic dentistry. But there are payment plans, and some providers offer 0 percent financing. If you have good dental insurance, your carrier may cover a significant part of the price.

Invisalign is really good, and it’s only getting better now that weekly installments have been introduced. Before, patients changed their plastic aligners every 2 weeks in most cases. At the end of last year, Invisalign began to roll out weekly aligner changes which will cut treatment time in half. This could also lower provider costs in the long term.

Since tooth control has never been more guaranteed, our Invisalign doctor in Los Angeles encourages you to consider Invisalign for your smile design, or for your teen’s. Invisalign began as a competitor to traditional metal braces, and younger patients delight in its flexibility and discretion.

Invisalign cost in LA may be higher than in other parts of the country. This is due both to a high concentration of qualified doctors, and high client demand—not to mention the status of LA as a beauty capital. However, our specialists are confident they can find a pricing plan that’s right for you.

Different Uses for Dental Crowns

A crown is a dental appliance that looks and feels like a natural tooth. It is used to cover an existing portion of your original tooth in order to extend the life of the tooth for any number of reasons.

A very common reason that you might need a crown is to cover a tooth following a root canal treatment. If a large portion of the tooth was removed during the procedure, a crown can allow you to keep your tooth while giving your tooth the protection it needs while retaining the usefulness of the tooth.

If you have a large cavity that will cause weakness in the tooth or an uneven bite pattern, your dental care provider may recommend covering the tooth with a crown. This can help to retain both appearance and function of the tooth.

Dental crowns will be required if you are getting a bridge to replace missing teeth. The two teeth surrounding the gap will have to have crowns in order to attach the bridge.

A crown is frequently used to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed. Talk to your local dentist about your various options.

Teeth Whitening with Peroxide

There are many products that are available to help you to get a whiter and brighter smile. Peroxide is a common ingredient that is used in a wide range of these products as a whitening agent.

Over-the-counter products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, gels, strips, or trays can be used at home to help you to reduce surface stains and to obtain whiter teeth over a period of time. It is important that you use these products as directed in order to reduce the risk of damage to gums and soft tissues in your mouth and to reduce sensitivity of the teeth.

Tooth whitening can also be done by your dental care provider. Trays with a stronger peroxide solution can be purchased at your dentist's office and used at home.

For the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time, you dental provider may use a special peroxide gel that is activated with a light. This whitening procedure can be done in a visit that lasts about an hour. Your dentist will take the necessary precautions to protect soft tissues before and during your treatment. A fluoride treatment after whitening may help to reduce potential sensitivity.

Types of Orthodontic Appliances

Straight, evenly spaced teeth are vital to a healthy and good looking smile. Unfortunately, not everyone’s teeth grow in this way. Orthodontic treatment is available to correct these and other issues. This is possible today through several types of appliances. Our cosmetic dentist in Houston offers traditional metal braces, Invisalign, and ceramic braces.

Metal Braces

This is the form of orthodontics that most people are familiar with. It is comprised of metal brackets bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth, and a metal wire that is threaded through them. Braces work by our dentist tightening these wires, which pull the teeth into place. Treatment typically takes between eighteen and twenty-four months.

Invisalign

This is this most popular type of treatment today. Invisalign treatment consists of sets of aligners that fit like mouth guards. Patients appreciate their durability, seamlessness, and invisibility. They work by slightly pushing the teeth into place a little bit at a time with each aligner. Our orthodontic dentist can inform you if you are a candidate for Invisalign.

Ceramic Braces

Some patients do require the more traditional type of orthodontics, but still wish for a less noticeable appliance. Ceramic braces work exactly like metal braces, but are made with ceramic material, and are therefore less noticeable.  

What Does a Sleep Apnea Dentist Do?

Most people only think of the teeth when they think of dentists. But did you know they are also qualified to treat sleep apnea, as well? If you believe you are suffering from this sleep disorder and do not know where to turn to get help, start by giving your dentist a call.

A sleep apnea dentist is able to employ several different types of treatments in order to eliminate either the symptoms of the disorder, and possibly the disorder all together. They will begin by examining your medical history and point out any concerns or areas of note. They will then inspect the neck and air passageways, as issues in this area are the main cause of OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea. From this point, they may make one of several suggestions.

They may first recommend that you make some lifestyle changes. These commonly include a change in sleeping position and weight loss. You may also be instructed to take a lab test, where you will be monitored while sleeping overnight.

It is has been confirmed that you are suffering from sleep apnea, our dentist will work with you to determine the most effective treatment. Treatments for sleep apnea include:

•    Mouth guards
•    Mouth splints
•    CPAP machines
•    Tonsil removal
•    Tissue removal surgery

For more information, contact us.

Possible Causes of Gum Swelling

Swollen gums can be painful, but they also can be a symptom of serious oral health problems. When gum swelling appears, an exam should be scheduled so that treatment can be recommended. Here are some possible reasons for swollen gums.

Abscess

When swelling is confined to a small area of the gums, an abscess may be present underneath. An abscess is a collection of pus within a cavity inside the gums. The exterior may look like a lump on the gums and is likely to hurt.

Gum Disease

If gum disease is to blame, the gums will probably be swollen throughout the mouth. This swelling can cause the gums to bleed when brushed and flossed. Eventually, the swelling may cause pain even when the gums are not being touched.

Mouth Breathing

The mouth is not meant to be used for breathing. When air does pass through the mouth constantly, the gums are likely to become swollen. The dryness caused by mouth breathing also raises risks of tooth decay and gum disease.

Abscesses call for prompt care from our Houston emergency dentist, and gum disease can also cause an emergency infection if it is allowed to worsen. To learn more about reasons for swollen gums, you can schedule a consultation at our office.

Benefits of Getting a Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is a combination of cosmetic treatments curated for the individual. This approach can be better than getting treatments separately, and your oral health will likely improve afterwards. Here are the key benefits of receiving a smile makeover.

Look Better

Improving oral appearance is the purpose of a smile makeover, and you can count on fulfilling this goal. Whether your teeth are stained, crooked, chipped, or otherwise flawed, one or more treatments can be selected to restore your smile to brilliance.

More Efficient

Choosing a makeover can be more efficient than visiting our San Francisco cosmetic dentist for separate treatments. When you go this route, you can establish all flaws at the baseline and discuss all of your treatment options to be completed at planned visits.

Improved Oral Health

Having a smile that makes you feel confident can spur you to take better care of your teeth and gums. You may eat a more tooth-friendly diet, brush and floss more, and get check-ups more frequently. Your future dental costs may be lower as a result.

Today, virtually any aesthetic flaw can be resolved to give you an amazing smile. You can schedule a consultation with our smile makeover dentist in San Francisco to learn more about makeover options at our office.

Health Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the gold standard in replacing teeth that have been lost to gum disease, tooth decay, or dental trauma. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, and offer many health benefits, as well. If you are ready to begin your smile makeover before and after journey, now is a great time to learn more about the many benefits of dental implants.

Implants might not be exactly like your natural teeth, but they are the next best thing. They restore the root of the lost tooth, which creates stability and helps protect the jawbone from. Other benefits of implants include:

•    Clearer speech
•    Greater oral comfort
•    Comfortable, easy eating
•    Enhanced self-esteem
•    Greater convenience
•    Easier dental hygiene
•    Better dental health
•    Lasting durability
•    Preserved bone density and facial shape

The procedure to place dental implants is one of the most predictable surgeries in dentistry. Although the process takes longer than other types of restorations due to healing time, the results also last longer. In fact, with good care, you can expect your dental implant to last as long as any natural tooth. Call our office today to learn if you are a candidate for dental implants or to schedule an appointment with our dentist.

Oral Care for Seniors

As a normal part of the aging process, many years of wear and tear on the teeth make them more prone to damage and loss. That is why it is important for seniors to take special care of their teeth and gums in order to help them last and maintain a good quality of life.

However, even when teeth are lost, tooth replacement is possible through the use of bridges, dentures, and implants. Even when these artificial teeth are in place, it is still important to take proper oral care measures in order to keep up with good overall health and wellness. Dental appliances may cause cuts and infections when not cleaned or cared for properly. Any infection in the gums, with or without natural teeth, can enter the blood stream. This may cause additional health problems, including heart attack or stroke.

It is important for seniors to keep up with a good oral hygiene routine at home, brushing and flossing twice each day or as recommended. Remove appliances as directed and clean well. Gums can be cleaned and massaged with a damp rag. See your dentist or a Los Angeles endodontist regularly for preventive treatment options.

What Could Cause Gum Bleeding?

Healthy gums should not bleed during brushing or other routine activities. When gums do bleed for no obvious reason, they are probably inflamed and should be examined. Here is a look at gum disease, the most common reason for gum bleeding, and some of the other symptoms of this prevalent condition.

Gum Disease and Bleeding

Gum disease involves destruction of the gums by an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the periodontal pockets that surround the teeth. Even in the earliest stages of the condition, the gums may be puffy and bleed when brushed. In contrast, healthy gums should not bleed when brushed gently.

Other Symptoms of Gum Disease

Diseased gums also frequently hurt when brushed, and advanced periodontitis can even make gums hurt all of the time. Bad breath is common because of the bacteria and the substances they produce. As the condition worsens, teeth may loosen and fall out as the bacteria damage the tissues that hold the teeth in place.

Several treatments are available to treat gum disease at all stages. Usually, the right treatment can even reverse the condition completely. You can schedule a consultation with our emergency dentist in Houston to learn more about why gums may bleed.

What Can Braces Do?

Many patients get braces in order to improve their smile. While this description of what braces do is accurate, it is not very specific. Here are some of the direct and indirect actions of orthodontics.

Direct Effects of Orthodontics

Orthodontics works on many types of bite irregularities, including overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Teeth can be moved vertically or rotated by orthodontics, and teeth that are overcrowded or spaced too far apart can be moved as necessary. With additional orthodontic appliances, our dentist can also expand the palate, move the jaw, and achieve other improvements.

Indirect Effects of Orthodontics

The improvements that orthodontics brings deliver indirect enhancements to appearance, comfort, and oral health. A smile can be made more symmetrical and appealing overall with bite correction. With a better fit between the upper and lower teeth, patients enjoy more comfort when they speak and chew. Cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss all are less likely to occur after orthodontics are used.

Several orthodontic treatments are available today, and their capabilities are fairly similar and equally permanent. You can schedule a consultation with our orthodontist in Houston to learn more about having your teeth straightened at Antoine Dental Center.

Teeth Whitening Tools

Patients who wish for their teeth to be whiter and healthier looking have a few different options available to them. At-home kits can be found at many major retail stores for those who wish to accomplish a new smile on their own, and in-office treatment is available for those who want to see results in just one appointment. These options both utilize important tools.

Your at-home kit will likely consist of two trays that will fit perfectly around your teeth. There are to be filled with the liquid or gel included, and placed on the teeth for the instructed amount of time. It is very important to use these tools and follow the instructions exactly in order to prevent enamel loss and intense sensitivity. Your kit may also come with special whitening toothpaste to use during the treatment, as well.

There are some different tools used by our teeth whitening doctor in Beverly Hills for in-office treatment. First, a blocker will be used to protect your lips and gums from the whitening material, which could cause abrasion and discomfort. The dentist will then apply the whitening gel or liquid to the teeth, which is activated by a special light or laser.

You can learn more about teeth whitening and the tools used by reading about the service on our site, or calling our office today.

When Does Laser Bleaching Work Best?

Laser bleaching is an in-office tooth whitening method that quickly and dramatically lightens stains for a smile that is visibly brighter in just an hour. During a laser whitening session, our dentist applies a bleaching solution to each tooth, and a laser activates the solution to boost its effectiveness and speed the process. Because the whitening gel uses a powerful concentration of peroxide, your soft tissues will be protected with special dams to reduce the risk of damage. You might also need to use desensitizing paste or fluoride before or after whitening to reduce the risk of sensitivity.

This is a great whitening option for people with stains from:

•    Nicotine
•    Wine
•    Coffee and tea
•    Soda
•    Energy drinks
•    Juice and berries
•    Tomato sauces and curries
•    Artificial dyes

It is most appropriate for people whose teeth are healthy, strong, and free of any untreated dental problems. It works best when applied after a dental cleaning, which removes any buildup that could prevent it from penetrating the tooth structure evenly.

Although laser whitening is highly effective, it is not right for every candidate. Call our office today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Santa Clara.