Risk Factors for Gum Disease

The Ultimate Guide to Invisalign

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using clear, plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks at a time before switching to the next set in the series. Each set of aligners gradually moves the teeth into position.  Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign doesn’t contain any wires or brackets. You can remove the aligner before eating a meal so that you won’t need to brush and floss around any brackets and wires. Aligners are also generally more comfortable than other braces because they use a smooth plastic material instead of sharp metal brackets. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing your aligners because they’re so discreet. HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK? First, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth using a putty-like material. They will then send them to an Invisalign laboratory to manufacture your custom aligners. You will be provided a series of aligners to wear every day for about two weeks before changing to the next set in the series. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position to effectively shift teeth into place over time. The total treatment time will depend on the severity of your case, but the average case takes around a year for adults. You will receive care instructions on how to properly wear and care for your aligners. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist closely to ensure a successful outcome. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN? Here are some benefits of Invisalign: * Comfortable and removable * Allows you to eat whatever you want * Less noticeable than braces * Is suitable for both adults and teens * Takes about the same amount of time as traditional braces * Straightens teeth faster compared to traditional braces * Virtually invisible to the naked eye * More comfortable than traditional braces * Doesn’t require regular tightening like braces * Requires fewer visits to the dentist’s office * Lets you brush and floss normally to maintain the health of your gums and teeth * Won’t affect your speech * Can be removed for special occasions or important meetings * Can handle mild to moderate cases of crowding, crossbite, overbite, underbite, and other alignment issues HOW CAN YOU CARE FOR YOUR ALIGNERS? You will remove your aligners to eat and clean your mouth. Before you put your aligners back in, brush and floss your teeth to remove any food particles or plaque. You should also rinse your aligners after each time you remove them from your mouth to keep them clean and free of bacteria. If you wear your aligners while eating, be sure to brush your teeth afterward and rinse out your aligners before putting them back on. This will help clean your aligners and prevent any cavities that can be caused by improper cleaning. If you have any questions about Invisalign treatment and how it works, feel free to contact our office at (310)-838-0844 today to learn more and schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Impact of Cosmetic and General Dentistry on Oral Health

Good dental hygiene practices are part of a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of your diet and daily dental care habits is important not only for maintaining a good physical appearance but for your oral and overall health as well. COSMETIC DENTISTRY OVERVIEW Cosmetic dentistry services can improve the appearance of the smile, and treatments like teeth whitening and veneers can also enhance dental health by brightening up and protecting the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in your oral health and appearance, which can have positive impacts on your entire life. Some of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry include the following: Patients may be self-conscious about smiling or displaying their teeth in public if they are discolored, cracked, chipped, or have other imperfections. While braces and other orthodontic treatments can be effective at addressing misalignments, they are not always ideal for some cases. In these cases, patients can instead choose porcelain veneers to correct the appearance of crooked teeth while still preserving their natural teeth’s natural structure. In addition to improving aesthetics, cosmetic dentistry can also help improve self-esteem and confidence. Patients who feel embarrassed about their smile may avoid social situations and find themselves feeling less confident overall. With improved aesthetics, patients may feel more sure in their skin and have more confidence in social and business situations. GENERAL DENTISTRY OVERVIEW Most people benefit greatly from a general approach to dental care, which encompasses both restorative and preventive treatments. For example, if a patient suffers from chronic tooth sensitivity, a dentist can address that problem by recommending a fluoride treatment or a custom mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding. However, these treatments alone may not adequately treat the cause of tooth sensitivity. If the patient has gum disease or another underlying condition that causes their sensitivity to occur, then additional care may be required. A general dentist can diagnose and treat a variety of common oral health problems. Patients who have healthy teeth and gums are less likely to develop gum disease and tooth decay than those who suffer from poor oral hygiene. This is because patients with untreated dental issues are more likely to experience gum infections that can spread into the bones of the jaw causing tooth loss. By treating dental problems early on, patients can keep their mouths healthy and their smiles beautiful for years to come. Maintaining good oral health is finding a balance between general dental care and cosmetic treatment. Patients can consult with a dentist to ensure they are getting appropriate care for a healthy smile. Patients should also talk to their dentist about how to maintain a good oral care routine at home so that they can prevent dental problems before they occur. Home care is just as important as professional care when it comes to maintaining the health of the teeth and gums. If you have any questions about general and cosmetic dentistry, feel free to contact our office at (310)-838-0844 today to learn more and schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath? Here Are Some Helpful Tips!

Bacteria and other particles can build up in your mouth and cause halitosis, commonly referred to as bad breath. Bad breath can stem from poor dental health habits, poor diet, dry mouth, or certain illnesses and health conditions. Good oral health habits can go a long way toward preventing bad breath and keeping your smile healthy. Read on to learn more. BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE DAILY It’s essential that you brush for two minutes each time you brush to avoid plaque buildup and bacteria on your teeth. Don’t skimp on the brushing time! While you’re at it, don’t forget to floss as well. Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every few months. The bristles can wear out and become less effective at cleaning. It’s also a good idea to use an electric toothbrush as it can reach parts of your smile that a non-electric can’t. Your dentist can also recommend a special fluoride toothpaste that may be able to whiten teeth while fighting off more bacteria. Don’t forget to also clean your tongue! People often forget this easy step, but it can help to get rid of bad breath. Bacteria love to hide on the tongue, so it’s a great place to start when freshening up your breath. Just gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, and gently rinse your mouth with water afterward. FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE A DAY When you floss, you remove plaque from between all of your teeth. Plaque is made up of bacteria that can harm teeth and cause cavities and gum disease. By flossing daily, you can avoid these problems. Use waxed floss to help get underneath your gum line and remove food particles that may be stuck there. BRUSH YOUR TONGUE Bacteria that cause bad breath can hide on the tongue. To get rid of bad breath, brush your tongue! It’s best to use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to ensure you’re cleaning all the surfaces of your tongue. Use a toothbrush that is specially made for the tongue, as they’re softer than regular toothbrushes. Since bacteria thrive in the moist areas of your mouth, it’s important to dry off your tongue after brushing it. You can do this by gently scraping from the back of your tongue to the front to get debris and buildup away. Rinsing mouthwash can also help further kill bacteria and break down plaque and debris.  CLEAN DENTURES OR DENTAL APPLIANCES Cleaning your dentures daily is imperative to your oral health. Dentures can harbor bacteria which can produce a foul odor in your mouth if left uncleaned. You should clean your dentures with a denture cleaning kit and a toothbrush with a soft bristle brush. Also, you should soak the dentures in a denture cleaning solution and then rinse them off before putting them back on. AVOID DRY MOUTH Chronic dry mouth is one of the most common causes of bad breath. Saliva has antibacterial properties that prevent tooth decay and gum disease by reducing the amount of acid in the mouth. When there’s less saliva being produced, bad bacteria can grow inside your mouth, causing bad breath to occur. The proper remedy is to increase the production of saliva in your mouth. Drinking water throughout the day can stimulate saliva production, as can eating sugarless candies or using sugar-free gum. If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth, consider talking to your dentist about possible treatments. A prescription mouthwash may be prescribed to help treat the condition and prevent further bad breath from occurring. Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment or certain types of cleanings to treat the problem. If you have any questions about how to get rid of bad breath, feel free to contact our office at (310)-838-0844 today to learn more and schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!