March 28, 2011

Invisalign: The Invisible Orthodontic Treatment

Invisalign Fort WorthOrthodontic treatment can help turn a misaligned smile filled with crooked teeth into a bright, shiny smile with straight, healthy teeth. However, traditional orthodontics involves the use of traditional metal braces, cemented to the teeth and bound together with bands to move the teeth into their proper position. This procedure is uncomfortable and very visible. Many adults cannot imagine having braces on their teeth for the amount of time it takes to achieve a successful orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign, however, provides an alternative to traditional orthodontic procedures and metal braces. Because Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, many adults feel much more comfortable with this procedure. In addition, Invisalign aligner trays are removable.

How Invisalign Works

Each individual aligner tray moves your teeth a small amount, according to a plan designed by your Invisalign dentist. You will wear each clear plastic tray for about two weeks, then switch to the next tray in the sequence. Each tray should be worn for at least twenty-two hours every day, but should be removed while eating and for cleaning.

Invisalign aligners are constructed based on detailed digital imagery that represents how your teeth look now and how they will look after treatment is complete. Each tray represents an incremental stage between these two images. After the final tray, you will have achieved the straight, beautiful smile you and your dentist envisioned during the modeling process.

Caring for Invisalign

During your Invisalign treatment, you will have to take special care of your aligner trays to ensure the best possible results. Some of the guidelines for caring for your Invisalign trays include:

  • Do not drink hot liquids
  • Do not drink dark-colored beverages
  • Keep the trays clean
  • Keep the trays in a safe place while they are not in your mouth

These guidelines will help you keep your aligner trays in the best possible condition for the best possible results. For more information, contact a dentist with experience with Invisalign in Fort Worth.

March 18, 2011

Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the most common cause of lost teeth. It is also the common reason for people to visit the dentist. When tooth decay becomes severe, it can lead to extreme discomfort, sending even those who have avoided the dentist for years to pursue treatment.

With conscientious oral hygiene, however, this kind of emergency dental visit can be avoided completely. To keep your teeth healthy and to prevent decay, observe the following guidelines.

Daily brushing and flossing. As a general rule, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing at least daily is even better. Regular brushing helps remove food particles from the surface of the teeth, and flossing removes particles from between the teeth. Without these particles to feed on, decay-producing bacteria are not as likely to build up on the teeth. These bacteria become plaque, which can then harden into tartar—both substances with high acidic content that cling to the teeth and cause decay.

The types of food you eat can also contribute to tooth decay. To help prevent extensive decay, avoid sugary foods, sugary drinks, and foods that stick to the teeth. These types of food provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Highly acidic foods can also increase the possibility of tooth decay by eroding the enamel that naturally protects the teeth.

In addition to at-home dental care, you should be sure to see your dentist regularly. To be sure your teeth remain strong and healthy for many years to come, please make a regular check-up appointment with a dentist in Fort Worth.

March 7, 2011

Transform Your Smile with Dental Implants

dental implants Fort WorthNo one wants gaps in their smile, especially gaps that occur due to missing teeth. Missing teeth can make you self-conscious about your appearance and afraid to smile, greatly impacting your quality of life.

There are several ways to replace missing teeth, including dentures, partial dentures, and bridges, but one popular and permanent option is dental implants.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth, a group of teeth, or even all of your teeth. Regardless of the number of teeth being replaced, the procedure is basically the same. A titanium screw, which takes the place of the missing tooth root, is implanted directly into the jawbone. Your implant dentist will monitor the healing of this initial process, making sure the implant bonds properly to your jawbone and that the surrounding gum heals properly.

After this, the root portion of the implant, has bonded to the bone, the implant dentist will attach your replacement tooth or teeth to the implant. Your prosthetic teeth are custom made and color matched so they will be virtually indistinguishable from the natural teeth you lost.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Because the dental implant procedure involves surgery, there are several considerations to determine who is a good candidate for implant dentistry. Some factors that will be considered include:

  • Overall health
  • Condition of the gums
  • Medical conditions that could affect long-term healing
  • Thickness and condition of the jawbone

If you have an existing health problem, dental implants might not heal properly. In addition, if you have severe gum disease or other issues with your gums, implants might not be an option until these problems are treated.

One major factor in determining your suitability for implant dentistry is the condition of your jawbone. Implants are placed directly into the bone, so there must be sufficient bone mass in the jaw to support them. If you do not have enough bone, bone grafts or other options might make it possible for you to have dental implants.

To find out more about how dental implants can help you, please contact a dentist specializing in dental implants in Fort Worth.