Dental Services

At Long Island Dental Spa, we believe that the patient should be as comfortable and relaxed as possible when being treated. In order to accomplish this, we offer anxiety free dentistry.

Anxiety free dentistry includes the use of oral sedation or nitrous gas for patients who may be anxious or nervous before receiving dental treatment. In severe cases of anxiety, Long Island Dental Spa offers light sedation monitored by an anesthesiologist, which allows you to go to sleep through your dental procedure!! This way, all of our patients can schedule their appointments without getting that nervous feeling in their stomach the night before they have to come in. We ensure that all methods of anxiety free dentistry accommodate any patient who may need it.

Dr. Hsu is happy to do whatever it takes to make her patients feel safe and well taken care of!

Over the years, the children we have treated have enjoyed their visits to our office. We enjoy our ‘little’ patients and make every effort to make their visit stress free and fun.

Our goal is to help children develop dental habits that will ensure they maintain excellent dental health over their lifetime.

It is our experience that children introduced as early as three years old to regular dental checkups are more likely to maintain good dental health practices into their teenage and adult years. We’ve also noticed that children introduced at a young age have fewer phobias.

From a health standpoint, early diagnosis of potential tooth problems may prevent the issue from ever developing. Over time, a child’s consistent record of dental health and development will enable us to make proactive and informed decisions.

As a child develops to their adolescent years, changes to oral health can cause anxiety and apprehension. Regular visits to their dentist can go a long way to helping a child deal with these issues.

Tips for a child’s First Visit:

• Take your child for an online ‘office tour’

• Let your child know your positive dental experiences

• Find materials (books, Internet..) to introduce your child to the dentist

During your first visit the dentist will:

• Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking

• Check to see if the child needs Fluoride

• Examine your child’s teeth, gums and mouth

• Teach your child how to clean their teeth and gums

• Discuss a schedule for regular dental checkups

The ADA defines a comprehensive oral exam as “.. an extensive evaluation and the recording of all extraoral, intraoral and soft tissues”.

The ADA defines a periodic oral exam as “..an exam that is done on established patients to determine any changes in dental and health status since a previous comprehensive or periodic evaluation”.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends new patients have a comprehensive dental exam on their first visit and established patients undergo this exam every 3 years.

A comprehensive dental exam takes an entire appointment. Following is a general overview of what should be included in a comprehensive exam.

Areas to check:

• Periodontal exam (gum and bones supporting the teeth)

• Dental Exam (teeth)

• Head and Neck Cancer Exam (soft tissues of mouth, throat and surrounding structures)

• Occlusal Exam (Bite analysis)

• TMJ Exam (jaw joints)

• Radiographic Exam (x-rays and various scans)

• Salivary Function Exam (quantity and quality of saliva)

• Esthetic Exam (appearance of teeth and gums related to the face)

A comprehensive dental exam means no stone is left unturned and your dentist will know everything there is to know about your oral health. An exam is recommended before undergoing the following procedures:

• Esthetic changes to your smile

• Implants to replace lost teeth

• Updating old dental restorations

• New dentures

• Been diagnosed with a medical problem or disease

Dr. Hsu is a big advocate of cosmetic dentistry. This includes a variety of procedures aimed at improving the appearance of the patient’s teeth. These services include: Invisalign, laminates/veneers, zoom whitening, crowns, bridges and the changing of silver fillings to composite fillings.

Invisalign:

Invisalign is FDA-approved, and it is the “invisible” way to straighten your teeth without wearing conventional metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to move your teeth. Because you remove your aligners before you eat and drink, there are no food restrictions or problems with flossing or brushing. This technology is also more convenient, since you are likely to spend less time in the doctor’s office getting adjustments. The best thing about these aligners are that they are virtually invisible!

Laminates/Veneers:

When considering Laminate Veneers, there are different procedures they can be used for. They are an option for improving the color and appearance of your teeth. This process involves applying pre-formed laminate "fronts" to discolored or misshapen teeth. They are also a solution for filling gaps between teeth, fixing the appearance of twisted teeth, broadening your smile and providing sculptural enhancement of your smile.

Cosmetic contouring of your teeth may best be achieved through a combination of laminates and bonding. A combination of these procedures also may help you if you have misaligned teeth or have been grinding your teeth.

Zoom:

If a you want your teeth whiter right now, Zoom! is your answer. The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth an average of eight shades in a little over an hour while you relax at our office. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results.

Crowns and Bridges:

A dental crown is a tooth shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size and appearance. When a crown is placed, it covers the entire tooth and lies just above the gum line. A crown may be necessary in order to protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of an already broken tooth. Crowns can also be useful in situations where the patient has a large filling and there is not much tooth left.

A dental bridge is defined as a dental appliance that is permanently cemented onto adjacent teeth to replace one or more missing teeth. If you have one or more missing teeth, this is something you can strongly consider. Often times, crowns and bridges are placed together to cover broken or weak teeth and replace missing teeth at the same time.

Silver to Composite Fillings:

At Long Island Dental Spa, we recommend replacing your silver fillings with white fillings. White fillings which can also be called composite fillings are made from tooth-colored materials that restore the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth. You may prefer white fillings because they are much more natural looking. When you smile or laugh, the white fillings will blend perfectly with your natural teeth, as compared to silver fillings which are visible. Also, less of the healthy tooth needs to be removed when placing the composite filling which is a positive benefit!

Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth and secured with dental cement. Crowns are generally used to improve the strength or appearance of the tooth. A dental impression usually takes place in order to fabricate the crown.

Most crowns are made from Gold and Porcelain:

• Porcelain crowns are aesthetically more appealing and very natural looking.

• Zirconium crowns are very natural looking crowns that are also strong and can withstand both the pressure of the front teeth and the grinding of the back teeth.

• Gold is usually used on the back teeth, is easier to use than porcelain and requires less tooth be drilled away.

Crowns are used to protect broken, worn down teeth. They are also used to cover dental implants, a dental bridge or a tooth with a large filling.

Bridges

Bridges are used as a replacement for a missing tooth by attaching permanently to adjoining teeth or dental implants. They are an alternative to dental implants or dentures. Bridges are important because the teeth on either side of a missing tooth can shift and potentially lead to gum disease. Bridges are most often made with porcelain and gold.

Benefits of Dental Bridges:

• Prevent moving and erosion

• Last a long time

• Restore ability to chew properly

• Maintain the shape of the face

• Restore smile

• Aesthetically appealing

For people who have lost teeth, implants provide artificial teeth that look more natural and feel more secure. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or support a bridge, full dentures or partial dentures.

When people lose one tooth or several permanent teeth due to an accident, illness, or aging, they may experience the negative effects on their self-esteem or an inability to chew.

When patients experience tooth loss, your dentist can give you back your beautiful smile by implementing a partial or full denture treatment plan that suits your needs both financially and aesthetically.

Advantages of full and partial dentures include improved chewing ability, improved speech, improved aesthetic appearance and improved oral health. The tooth portion of the denture consists of ceramic or ceramic-like material so they are strong and durable. The base of the denture is made of acrylic which fits comfortably over the gums.

Full and Partial Denture Treatment Process

Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and jaw alignment and match your dentures to the color and shape of your teeth. Temporary dentures will be provided to patients transitioning from failing teeth to dentures.

For patients transitioning to a full denture, the denture is created after all remaining teeth have been removed and the gums have healed, a process that takes around 3 months.

For patients receiving partial dentures, replacement teeth are bonded to a gum-colored base which is attached to a metal framework – this framework is held in place by attaching to the natural teeth on either side of the empty space.

Flexible Partials

Flexible partial dentures are an alternative to the traditional rigid metal-based dentures. They don’t require rigid attachment to the remaining natural teeth, provide a better fit and look more natural.

The appeal of flexible partials has to do with their better design, fit and materials. They are also made more quickly than traditional dentures, and the nylon resin does not break.

What is DIAGNOdent and how does it work?

• DIAGNOdent uses laser technology to detect and quantify hidden or sub-surface caries by measuring laser fluorescence within the tooth structure.

• The device operates at a wavelength of 655 nm. At this specific wavelength, clean healthy tooth structure exhibits little or no fluorescence, resulting in very low scale readings on the display.

• Altered tooth substances and bacteria, including caries, will fluoresce. The DIAGNOdent will react with elevated scale readings on the display.

• An audio tone allows the operator to hear changes in the scale values. This enables the user to focus on the patient — not solely on the device.

• The DIAGNOdent is an extremely accurate, reliable and non-invasive method to aid in caries detection. The device has been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the American Dental Association, is successfully used by more than 18,000 dental professionals in the United States and is integrated into the curriculum by a growing number of dental schools.

DIAGNOdent offers the following benefits to patients:

• Accurate – Over 90% accurate in detecting lesions not detectable with an explorer or bitewing X-rays.

• Conservative – Prevents “exploratory” excavation or under-treatment of suspect teeth.

• Quantifiable – Precise, reliable measurement allows objective monitoring of caries activity over time.

• Safe – Uses light energy — no X-ray exposure. Poses no danger to staff and patients. Painless, non-invasive examination for patients.

How digital x-rays benefit you.

Over the past 60 years science has helped improve the dental profession. One good example - today, dental X-rays are safer and more convenient.

Today’s traditional dental X-rays emit much lower amounts of radiation than in the past and are considered extremely safe. Digital radiography is a high tech alternative with the following benefits:

• Uses 90% less radiation

• Ability to transfer Dental Records by email

• No chemicals involved, so Environmentally friendly

• Shorter Dental Appointments

• Higher quality images

Some common reasons for dental extractions (tooth removal) include removal of wisdom teeth, badly fractured teeth, or to make room for orthodontic treatment.

Extractions are done surgically or non-surgically depending on the condition of the tooth. A surgical extraction is done when a tooth is not easily accessible because it hasn’t fully broken through or it has broken under the gum line. An incision is made to access the tooth, then the tooth may be broken into pieces for ease of removal.

Non-surgical extraction require dental forceps and an elevator for careful tooth removal. Anesthesia may be given to relieve the pain.

Post-extraction Healing

Following a tooth extraction, bleeding is common during the first hour. It takes roughly this long for a blood clot to form in the socket. The open wound overlying the dental socket will take roughly a week to heal and the socket will fill in with soft gum tissue over the next one to two months. The final socket closure with bony remodeling can take six months or longer.

Dr. Hsu is proud to call herself a family dentist! She treats children of all ages as well as adults. She enjoys keeping her patients healthy and giving them the best dental checkup she can provide. During the dental visit, the doctor will examine your mouth for tooth decay and growth or development conditions that may pose a problem in the future.

It is important to schedule your child’s dental appointments based on what the doctor recommends because every child’s needs are different. The frequency of dental visits will partly depend on your child's eating habits; how clean the teeth are kept; past treatment needs; whether your child drinks fluoridated water; and other factors that can affect your child's susceptibility to dental diseases.

Professional dental services, such as fluoride treatments and the application of sealants that prevent tooth decay, can save money and reduce the need for further dental treatment.

Set a good example for your child by brushing your own teeth twice a day, flossing once, and visiting the dentist regularly.

A dental filling is a restorative procedure that repairs teeth damaged by decay. In some cases enamel loss can cause a tooth to become sensitive and dental filling material is needed to relieve the tooth.

Tooth decay and cavities are quickly found during a routine dental appointment. Once detected, your dentist will remove the decayed material, clean the affected area, then fill the cavity with a gold, porcelain, a composite resin, or an amalgam. These filling materials close off access to bacteria and prevent further decay.

On occasions when a filling is insufficient to repair tooth decay, a dental crown, implant, bridge, or root canal may be required. With regular check-ups your dentist can detect any problems early and prevent a more costly procedure.

Preventing Dental Decay

In the past 65 years many preventive measures have helped to reduce dental disease. Preventing dental disease is easy if you follow these steps:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste

• Floss or use an interdental cleaner once a day

• Ask your dentist about dental sealants

• Limit eating and drinking between meals. Choose nutritious, sugar-free snacks.

• Visit your dentist regularly

• Eat a balanced diet

• Ask your dentist about supplemental fluoride treatment

If you lost one or more teeth or have dentures and you’re ready for a permanent solution, consider an implant restoration. Replacing missing teeth can improve a patient’s self-esteem, the way they chew and how they talk.

Losing permanent teeth due to an accident, aging, or periodontal disease can be difficult, but you can get back the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

Dental Implant Restorations facts:

• They are durable. The implant fuses to the bone making implants the most efficient tooth replacement option.

• Implants can last as a life time if done the right way by the clinician.

• They are a healthy oral solution being that implants don’t require reduction of bordering teeth while they are still natural looking and designed to look like your natural teeth!

• They look so good that they can actually fully restore the patient's confidence in their smile!

The Dental Implant Restoration Process:

• The dental implant takes the place of the old root in the jaw bone.

• Over the next 2-6 months, the implant fuses to the bone becoming an anchor for the artificial tooth.

• The next step is to design the new replacement tooth. Once ready, the new tooth is attached to the implant – the patient will be able to chew and speak normally.

• When a patient loses several teeth, an implant supported bridge can be created to replace the missing teeth.

An intra-oral camera is a tiny video camera that captures magnified images within the mouth and displays them on a computer monitor. Both dentist and patient can clearly see irregularities not visible by the naked eye.

Since its introduction in the early ‘90s the intra-oral camera has grown in popularity. Today, its use is widespread. Dentists that use this device have found it very helpful at diagnosing dental conditions such as tooth decay and cracked teeth and in educating the patient.

Invisalign invisibly straightens your teeth with a series of custom-molded aligners

Forget everything you’ve heard about teeth straightening. Because now there’s breakthrough technology that lets you get the smile you always wanted without bands, brackets, or wires.

A clear alternative

By using a series of clear removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth right before your eyes. Change them about every two weeks, and your teeth will move—little by little, week by week—until they have moved to the final position your orthodontist or dentist has prescribed. Comfortable to wear, our aligners are also removable so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual.

Less treatment time

A typical Invisalign case takes about a year from start to finish. You’ll see your doctor every month or two to see how you’re progressing. Every few visits, you’ll be given additional aligners to continue your treatment. Commonly, the number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but treatment time and the number of aligners will vary from case to case.

Invisible. And comfortable

Invisalign is a virtually invisible solution. So you won’t draw undue attention to your mouth while in treatment. In fact, virtually no one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell. Comfortable to wear, our aligners are also removable so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual.

Is Invisalign for me?

Invisalign can be used to treat the vast majority of common problems for adults and teens. Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive adjustments, Invisalign can certainly help. It's successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, underbites and even crossbites. In fact, an Invisalign Certified Orthodontist or Dentist can use Invisalign clear aligners in all or part of just about any treatment plan.

Look your best during treatment

Invisalign is clear and practically invisible, so nothing gets in the way of your new smile. No wonder Invisalign is the choice of over half a million people.

• Unobtrusive in business meetings or social gatherings

• No metal wires or bands to irritate your mouth

• Most people won’t notice you’re wearing aligners

Laser Gum Treatment

Dr. Hsu is has been certified in laser dentistry by The Institute for Advanced Dental Technologies since 2002. She also took another certification class in 2011 with World Clinical Laser Institute.

Dental lasers are less invasive and cause less damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue, which means a faster healing process. Since the use of lasers at Long Island Dental Spa, Dr. Hsu has been able to complete more procedures, in less time, with more precision than traditional methods.

Dr. Hsu utilizes StylaMicrolaser. This particular laser is programmed to complete the following procedures:

Laser troughing, restoration, implant recovery, gingivectomy, aphthous ulcer, frenectomy, biopsies and sulcular decontamination.

Lasers can also be used to disinfect and preserve an infected tooth nerve tissue. Many times, this procedure helps avoid performing a root canal.

According to the ADA, the StylaMicrolaser has been described as “a precise tool for gingival contouring and periodontal treatment.”

Transform Your Entire Appearance Painlessly with LUMINEERS

Smiling should be a happy, enjoyable experience, not stressful or embarrassing. With LUMINEERS, you no longer have to hide your smile…and you don’t have to endure lengthy, uncomfortable procedures to get the smile you enjoy sharing with the world. LUMINEERS offer:

• Painless procedure

• Sensitivity-free results

• Permanently white results that last

• Quick and easy process

LUMINEERS…accept nothing less!

What Are LUMINEERS?

LUMINEERS – the painless way to bring out the beautiful, healthy, natural, permanently white smile in you.

Ultra-thin LUMINEERS are custom designed to give you the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of. Unlike traditional veneers, there are no shots, no drilling of sensitive tooth structure, and no pain. They’re even reversible, so you have nothing to lose and a beautiful smile to gain. Plus—LUMINEERS are proven to last for over 20 years, so your beautiful smile will be with you for years and years.

LUMINEERS with LUMINATE in LUMITray Technology

And now, in addition to LUMINEERS, you can ask your dentist about LUMINEERS with LUMINATE in LUMITray Technology. It’s new technology that allows your dentist to place your veneers all at once, instead of individually. Plus, it offers exclusive digital design and preview technology, which all adds up to less time in the dentist chair!

Transforming your smile couldn’t be any easier; in fact, it takes just 2 easy visits.

Whether you transform your smile with LUMINEERS or LUMINEERS with LUMINATE in new LUMITray Technology, it takes only 2 easy visits to your dentist to bring out your beautiful smile. During your first visit a precision mold will be taken. You and your dentist will also choose the right shade for your new, permanently white smile. On your second visit, your custom designed LUMINEERS are checked for fit and shade. Then, they’re painlessly attached.

That’s it – a healthy, natural, permanently white smile you’ve always wanted in only 2 visits.

Athletic Guard - Anyone enjoying contact sports such as football, rugby or lacrosse needs to protect their teeth using a sports guard.

Custom designed sports guards are more comfortable, less bulky, non-chafing and provide better cushioning so they’re more likely to be worn.

Night Guards protect from clenching and grinding while sleeping. A night guard designed by your dentist will be comfortable and do a great job of protecting your teeth.

Some people find a standard night guard uncomfortable in which case your dentist can design a slimmer, Invisalign night guard. These guards are almost invisible and can double as daytime protection from discomfort caused by clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Other situations where a night guard is beneficial.

Wearing a night guard may also relieve jaw and joints pain for those patients experiencing TMJ or teeth grinding. And of course a night guard will protect expensive dental work such as crowns, implants, bridges from the damage caused by teeth grinding. Simply put, your teeth will last a lifetime with the proper care and attention and your dentist is there to help you protect your health, teeth and your cosmetic investment.

Night guards can also protect orthodontic patients from shifting or drifting of the teeth.

Snore Guards

While sleeping the soft tissues at the back of the throat vibrate due to the jaw relaxing back during sleep. A snore guard repositions the lower jaw forward, opening the airway for more efficient air passage and reducing snoring for a more restful sleep.

Dental laughing gas or nitrous oxide is a form of ‘conscious sedation’, that can help reduce dental anxiety.

Since nitrous oxide is inhaled, it acts fast and leaves the body very quickly. The patient is awake throughout the procedure and able to drive home or back to the office to finish the work day.

Nitrous oxide should not be use by pregnant patients or patients with respiratory disorders.

Root Planning

The goal of scaling and root planning is to eliminate the source of periodontal infection by removing the plaque, tartar and bacterial toxins from the root surfaces from the gum line. When you have active periodontal disease, routine cleanings are not enough because it generally removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line only. To keep you comfortable, we usually numb you before root planning begins. With instruments, we carefully remove the tartar from around and beneath the gum line and then smooth the root surfaces. This removes the source of infection and helps the gums heal. As they heal, your gums will tighten around your teeth. We may schedule scaling and root planning over several appointments so that we can promote comfort, check the healing, and help you fine tune your home care efforts.

Ultrasonic Scaling

Ultrasonic scaling is one the most effective procedure for treating periodontal disease and ultrasonic scaler consists of a wane, small scaling tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibration. The small and quick vibration with combination with water flow thoroughly remove tartar while decreasing the number of bacteria below the gum line. Removing tartar and bacteria are crucial in controlling periodontal disease. Periodontal disease and infection of the teeth, gum and bone that surround the teeth begins when plaque, the sticky film of food and bacteria builds up. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar. The buildup of plaque and tartar dramatically increases the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth that can result in deepening spaces between the tooth and gum called pockets. The bacteria also trigger your immune system to produce enzymes that destroy the bone around your teeth which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Ultrasonic scaling has many benefits over using hand scaling alone. These include more efficient removal of plaque and tartar, less need for hand removal of stubborn deposits, and greater comfort for you.

Arestin

As part of our therapy for periodontal disease, we have an effective treatment that helps us to control the infection in your mouth called Arestin. Arestin is used together with scaling and root planning to significantly reduce the depth of the infective pocket and prevent the progression of the disease.A cartridge filled with Arestin and antibiotics in powder form is administered. After scaling and root planning, we apply the powder to your periodontal pockets where it combines with the moisture in your mouth and adheres immediately to the infected gum tissue. The individual powder particles release a controlled steady flow of the active ingredient called aminocycline, a potent antibiotic. The medication helps fight the periodontal infection for at least twenty one days. There are some cases in which Arestin may not be right for you: the active ingredient is in the tetracycline family, so we won't use it if you are allergic to tetracycline, if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are under the age of eight. You should also know that Arestin is not a cure for periodontal disease. Once bone is lost, no medication will bring it back. If periodontal therapy is successful, you will still need to be very thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come see us regularly for your oral exams. Arestin is an important part of the overall periodontal therapy program that we have designed for you to restore health to your gums.

Atridox

To fight periodontal disease, we have an effective treatment called Atridox. A cartridge filled with Atridox, and an antimicrobial gel containing antibiotic is used. We apply the antibiotic directly over the spaces between your teeth and gum. It then flows deeply into the periodontal pocket and hardens into a wax like substance. As it disintegrates, it releases the antibiotic over a seven day period. During this time, the antibiotic attacks the bacteria that is causing your periodontal condition, dramatically reducing their numbers. There are some cases in which Atridox may not be an option for you: the active ingredient in Atridox belongs to the tetracycline family, so we won't use it if you are allergic to tetracycline; if you are pregnant or nursing or under the age of eight. Scaling and root planning treatment may not be necessary with each application of Atridox, but we'll still use these treatment as needed to keep your periodontal disease under control. You should be aware that Atridox is not a cure for periodontal disease. Once bone loss has occurred, no medication will bring it back. For periodontal treatment to be successful, you will still need to be very thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come see us regularly for your oral exams. However, Atridox is an effective additional method for us to use to eliminate bacterial infections and prevent further destruction of bone and connective tissue.

Periostat

When we are working to control periodontal disease, we may use a prescribed and effective medication called Periostat which contains the active ingredient doxycycline hyclate. It suppresses the enzyme that destroy bone and fibers that hold the teeth and gum firmly in place. We usually prescribe Periostat for a number of months, and will give you specific instructions about how and when to take the medication. There are some cases in which Periostat may not be an option for you: the active ingredient in Periostat belongs to tetracycline family, so we won't use it if you are allergic to tetracycline; if you are pregnant or nursing or under the age of eight. If you are taking other medication, let us know so we can confirm that Periostat is right for you. Also, Periostat is not a cure for Periodontal disease. Once bone is loss, no medication can bring it back. Periostat works most effective when used in combination with scaling and root planning procedures. You will still need to be thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come see us regularly for oral exams. However, Periostat is an important medicine that we can prescribe to help stop the ongoing damage caused by Periodontal disease.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that treats malocclusions, or ‘bad bites’. A bad bite occurs when the lips and/or jaws don't line up the way they should, resulting in crooked teeth, a bite that doesn’t work properly and jaws that look unbalanced.

An orthodontist fixes a bad bite using braces and ‘appliances’. This correction of the teeth and their supportive structures makes for a healthy, attractive smile.

What Causes Orthodontic Problems?

The majority of bad bites are inherited. Genetic problems include protrusion, crowding, spacing, extra or missing teeth and jaw growth problems.

Other bite problems develop over time due to thumb sucking, loss of primary or permanent teeth, an accident, etc.

Why Treatment Is So Important.

When your teeth are crooked and crowded they are difficult to clean which can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss and gum disease. A bad bite also leads to uneven wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty chewing and speaking, added stress on supporting bone and gum tissue and jaw joint problems.

On the emotional side, an unattractive smile can reduce confidence and self-esteem. Left untreated a child or adult may go thru life with a hand covering their mouth or never smiling.

If left untreated a bad bite may lead to more costly dental treatments in later years.

When should children get an orthodontic check-up?

The American Association of Orthodonitst recommends children visit their orthodontist by age seven. At this age orthodontists can recognize issues that are easier to correct when found early.

Can adults benefit from orthodontic treatment?

Braces work at almost any age. Roughly one in five orthodontic patients is over age eighteen. Treatment has become more appealing to adults because of solutions that are less visible and more comfortable.

Are There Choices for the Braces?

Patients should have choices in the appliances that will be used to straighten their teeth:

• Metal Braces: These are the most durable braces suited for patients that want to show off their braces and/or the popular colored elastic ties.

• Invisalign: This clear plastic appliance is an invisible and replaced every two weeks. This solution is suited to patients not interested in wearing traditional braces but may not be suitable for complex orthodontic problems.

• Ceramic Braces: These are clear braces designed for patients wanting an esthetic solution and excellent treatment quality.

What is my role in treatment?

Orthodontic treatment combined effort of dentist and patient. The patient needs to follow the orthodontist’s instructions, attend all orthodontic appointments and maintain an excellent oral hygiene regimen – this includes brushing at home and keeping regular checkups with your general dentist.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Orthodontic treatment generally takes one to three years plus retention – the retention phase of treatment involves the use of retainers and starts after braces are removed.

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the extent of the bad bite and the length of treatment. Your orthodontist will discuss the cost of treatment and financing options before treatment begins. Braces are far more affordable today than ever.

A veneer can change the color, shape, and size of a single tooth or a complete smile. They are used to whiten teeth, remove gaps, straighten teeth and correct teeth worn by grinding. Veneers look, feel, and function as natural teeth do.

Veneers are thin porcelain caps which bond to the outside of the tooth. The application takes just 2 visits and requires minimal removal of tooth structure. Veneers are the most natural looking and durable cosmetic restoration in dental history. They are also the most compatible material to sit next to the gums. They are the best solution for correcting issues with the front teeth.

What to Expect

Porcelain Veneers will survive a lifetime, with the proper care. They are stronger and resist stains and chipping better than bonded fillings. Maintaining an at-home oral hygiene regimen, and making regular hygiene visits will ensure many years of service for your veneers. Veneers can be damaged by nail biting or biting into candy or ice.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Your dentist will prescribe a sedative you should take an hour prior to your appointment. If you have a higher level of dental anxiety, the doctor may prescribe an oral sedative to be taken at home one hour before bed as well. You will need to have a ride to and from your appointment. Patients receiving oral sedation are not permitted to drive for at least 24 hours following their appointment.

I.V. Sedation

IV or Intravenous Sedation is used to provide pain relief in dentistry. An injection of sedative is given to the patient prior to a painful procedure such as a tooth extraction. The patient becomes drowsy and experiences no pain during the procedure.

IV Sedation is a safe alternative to anesthesia, especially for patients with heart disease, children with certain medical conditions, diabetics, etc. During IV sedation the patient is able to breath on their own.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous, a sedative gas, is the most common sedation method in dentistry. It is inhaled by the patient. Patients experience a dizzy feeling then feel happy and elated. Nitrous Oxide works quickly and leaves the system just as quickly.

The cosmetic dental treatment known as ‘whitening’, or bleaching, is used to whiten the tooth enamel. Pigmentation, tea, age, coffee, tobacco, red wine or medications such as tetracycline are just some of the causes of discolored or stained teeth.

The bleaching process uses a peroxide gel added to a mouth guard-like tray to ensure direct contact with the tooth surface.

What are my teeth whitening options?

Tooth whitening can be done in-office or at-home using a whitening kit. Our office offers both solutions.

Your dentist will recommend the appropriate solution for you depending on the types of discoloration and staining you are experiencing. For example, if you have darkly stained teeth caused by tetracycline, an in-office deep bleaching treatment may be recommended.

In-Office Whitening

For patients with tooth stains caused by medications like tetracycline, the best solution may be in-office deep bleaching.

Before the dentist applies the whitening gel, a protective cream is applied over the gums and other soft tissues. Once the gel is applied to the patient’s teeth, a laser can be used to accelerate the whitening process.

In-office bleaching may require more than one visit to complete.

At-Home Whitening

Your dentist may recommend an at-home teeth whitening kit. Depending on the desired results, at-home whitening can take 10-15 treatments but is more cost effective than in-office bleaching.

An at-home whitening kit uses a 10% carbamide peroxide solution and a custom made mouth guard so the solution stays in contact with the enamel of your teeth.

Once the desired results have been achieved, you may want to do a ‘touch-up’ once or twice a year to maintain your beautiful smile!

Your smile is important. It's one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. A whiter, brighter smile is beautiful - it can help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression.

Your lifestyle and the aging process can stain and darken your teeth. Many things we do on a regular basis can contribute to stained teeth, such as drinking coffee, tea, cola and red wine or smoking.

Whitening can get your smile looking its best. Non-professional procedures and clinically unproven teeth whitening tips can often lead to unsatisfactory results, you should look for a whitening procedure that is:

• Fast and convenient

• Long lasting

• Low sensitivity

• Proven to be safe and effective

• Performed by a Dental Professional