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.