Archive for October 21, 2011

Invisalign FAQ

October 21, 2011 admin Archives, Invisalign
Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign FAQ

Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments offered at our office and we are proud to enhance smiles with this great product. We have provided some Invisalign frequently asked questions below so that you can familiarize yourself with the product.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without the use of wires and brackets. In effect it is a popular alternative to traditional braces and yields the same result. Invisalign are clear and are an invisible way to straighten teeth while maintaining a professional or mature appearance.

How does it work?

Invisalign employs a set of clear plastic aligners that straighten teeth incrementally. The process is simple to explain but the expertise of your dentist will play heavily into the success of the aligners. When you visit Masci & Hale we will evaluate your smile to determine the nature of your bite. There are several issues that can occur that cause one’s bite to become misaligned and the purpose of Invisalign is to work with your dentist’s treatment plan to correct those issues. Invisalign effectively improves your oral health and also gives you a straighter more aesthetic appearance.

Do they hurt?

Invisalign may cause some minor aches during the adjustment period but generally the pain is pretty mild. Most people don’t mind the adjustment period and our office works with Invisalign to create aligners that are as comfortable as possible.

What are the advantages over braces?

Invisalign aligners are clear and allow the user to maintain a professional image while improving their smile and correcting their teeth. Braces have unsightly metal wires and brackets that most mature teens and adults are uncomfortable wearing. Additionally these brackets can make your teeth more difficult to clean and can increase the accumulation of plaque which can lead to gum disease. Invisalign are removable allowing the user to easily clean their teeth and the aligners. Invisalign also offers an advantage in that the user is able to eat whatever foods they like where braces can restrict diet.

What are the disadvantages over braces?

The main disadvantage that Invisalign has over traditional braces is that it may not treat more serious dental problems. Invisalign works in most cases but under extreme cases of malocclusion it may not be your best choice. Your dentist will be able to make this determination.

 

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Veneers Consultation and Procedure

October 12, 2011 admin Archives, Featured Articles, Veneers
Dental veneers

Veneers Procedure

Veneers improve the appearance of smiles but also offer functional benefits as well. They are custom-made for each patient and are used to transform smiles into things of beauty. If you are considering veneers you will have to go through an initial consultation with our office to evaluate your teeth and oral health and to determine what your goals are for your new smile.

The initial consultation between you and our dentists will be a discussion of the results that you wish to achieve. We will first have to evaluate your oral health and determine if you are eligible for veneers. If there are any limitations they will be discussed with you and your options will be explored and presented to you. The patient can expect to have x-rays and impressions of their mouth and teeth taken if they have not done so recently.

Upon the approval of your eligibility for veneers you will then be scheduled for an additional visit in which your teeth will be prepared for the addition of the veneers. Each tooth receiving a veneer will have a small amount of enamel removed equal to the amount of the veneer to be placed. The dentist will then take the custom-made veneers and temporarily place them on your teeth to examine them for fit and color. Once it is determined that the veneers are suitable for placement your teeth your teeth will be cleaned, polished and roughened to allow for a strong bond. The veneers are then attached to your teeth through a bonding process and final adjustments are made to ensure quality fit and a comfortable bite.

Although this is a very brief summary of the veneer procedure it sums up what you can expect from your dental visitation. The design of a new smile is a very detailed and intricate process which blends art and science to provide patients with beautiful smiles that are both aesthetically pleasing yet functional. This is a common procedure performed by our practice and we are proud to boast successful treatments with highly satisfied clients on an ordinary basis. For more information on veneers please contact us today.

 

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Teeth Whitening- Why Our Teeth Become Discolored

October 12, 2011 admin Archives, Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening

Why our teeth discolor

Tooth discoloration is a part of aging and happens to nearly everyone at some time or another. Luckily there are methods that you can take to remedy the effects of yellowing or discoloration of your teeth including in-office whitening treatments and take-home treatments. Understanding why our teeth become discolored is important as there may be a variety of different reasons that this happens and therefore preventative measures that may be undertaken.

Our teeth contain a porcelain-like surface that is designed to protect our teeth from the effects of chewing, gnashing, trauma and acid attacks that are caused by sugar. This protective layer, called enamel, starts out bright white like that of children’s teeth. When this layer begins to break down discoloration can occur. As a result of the everyday wear and tear we place on our teeth the enamel begins to hold stains within its pores and becomes more transparent. The transparency of our teeth allows for the yellow color of dentin, the tooth’s core material, to appear. The more time that elapses naturally causes our teeth to accumulate more stains and causes our teeth to appear more dull and lackluster.

In addition to the natural causes of tooth discoloration there are also external culprits. These are mostly attributed to food and diet but may also be related to smoking or medicine use. As many know dark drinks such as coffee, teas and red wines can stain teeth. Did you know that fruit juices, soda and even beer can also discolor teeth? In addition to these dark drinks colorful foods are also responsible for tooth stains. Things such as cherries, blueberries, soy sauce and other heavily pigmented foods can also stain teeth.

In addition to diet medicine can significantly alter the color of teeth. Over-the-counter medication and antibiotics have been shown to dull teeth. Similarly the bacteria fighting antibiotic minocycline has been shown to yellow teeth and cause a permanent bluish-gray stain. Bad oral hygiene habits are also a culprit as allowing bacteria and stain-producing substances to accumulate on teeth will allow for the buildup of yellowing on your teeth.

Masci & Hale provides teeth whitening solutions and can help you decide if your diet, medicine, or other external factor may be the reason for your discolored teeth. To learn more contact us today.

 

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Risks of Silver Amalgam Fillings?

October 11, 2011 admin Archives, Featured Articles, Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dental fillings

Tooth-colored fillings

There are a lot of concerns regarding silver amalgam fillings and their effects on our health and oral hygiene. Some studies are linking the mercury that is in amalgam to health hazards and therefore are stating that their use should be banned or replaced. The American Dental Association (ADA) and multiple other US and international scientific research organizations have stated that amalgams are “safe, reliable and effective restorative materials.” Although silver amalgam fillings might not have the health issues that some research has claimed Masci & Hale recommends tooth-colored fillings.

Tooth-colored or composite resin dental fillings are natural looking and bond to teeth better than amalgam fillings. Silver fillings are not aesthetically pleasing, especially in a day and age when we have access to materials that look and feel like your natural teeth. Because of the way that the metal in amalgam transmits temperature users can experience sensitivity to hot and colds, especially when the fillings are large. Additionally cosmetic and restorative dentistry has progressed to less invasive treatments when possible. Amalgam fillings typically require more removal of healthy tooth structure to keep them in place whereas tooth-colored resins follow the minimally invasive practice.

At Masci & Hale we will not tell you that one treatment is better than another. We simply present the facts and let you decide on what is right for you and your budget or insurance allowances. Amalgams are typically less expensive than tooth-colored fillings and take less time to perform the procedure. Although we may recommend one procedure over the other we don’t want you to feel like you are being forced into making the decision based on financial concerns.

Tooth-colored dental fillings are a very popular alternative to silver amalgam and we commonly perform this procedure for our patients that have developed cavities and for patients who want to replace their old fillings. As far as cosmetics go, tooth-colored resins are made to match the color of your natural teeth. They also transmit light well and provide great durability and resistance to fracture. For more information on tooth-colored fillings contact us today.

 

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