Invisalign® is an orthodontic appliance system used to inconspicuously treat crooked and crowded teeth in adults and teens. This modern take on braces features a system of clear aligner trays that are worn at all times with the exception of during meals and when brushing or flossing. The trays are custom fitted to the teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable when laughing, talking, and eating with other people. Patients receive a sequence of trays, each of which is slightly different than the one before. The aligners provide a slight resistance to the teeth, forcing them to move into alignment over time. With Invisalign®, adults and teens can achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted without feeling self-conscious about the mode of treatment.
Did you know…
wearing Invisalign® is in no way as restrictive as traditional braces? Many adults opt for this system not only because it is discreet, but also because there is no need to change your diet to avoid foods that could damage braces. This is because the Invisalign® system is free of braces and brackets, instead opting for a removable tray that can be taken out prior to meals. Also, Invisalign® fits well into busy adult schedules, as there is no need to attend frequent visits for wire tightening. Most patients simply change to a new aligner tray every couple of weeks.
If you have crooked or crowded teeth that are embarrassing to you or otherwise preventing you from achieving optimal oral health, Invisalign® could be the solution for you. Visit your Invisalign® dentist for a complete consultation to find out if you could benefit from clear orthodontics.
You will wear your aligners nearly all of the time, with the exception of about two hours per day. Invisalign® treatments are different for everyone, but most patients can achieve their ideal smiles within one to two years. During that time, you can expect to make occasional dental visits to monitor your progress.
Following your treatment, you will no longer need to wear Invisalign® trays. However, you will need to wear a retainer each day to help protect your new smile. It is also important to continue visiting your dentist for routine check-ups and twice-yearly cleaning.
iTero Digital Scanning Technology allows us compare a patient’s previous scans to current scans, identifying and quantifying tooth movement, tooth wear and gingival recession over time. This allows enhanced chairside communication with patients and eliminates the need for full mouth impressions for the fabrication of orthodontic aligners.
CEREC has changed the way dentists perform patient restorations. CEREC stands for ‘ceramic reconstruction.’ It’s a 3D imaging and camera-assisted design center that allows dentists to take digital impressions of patient teeth and use the images to create a virtual restoration. The images can be sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication or combined with an in-office milling unit for same-day restorations. CEREC can be used to produce onlays, inlays, crowns or bridges without taking molded impressions.
Did you know…
that CEREC is a German technology that was first developed more than 30 years ago? Today, CEREC is setting new standards in dentistry and constantly evolving to adapt to the demands of dentists and their patients. When you choose a dentist specializing in CEREC assisted restorations, you are choosing a dentist who is dedicated to accuracy, efficiency, and durability.
Absolutely! CEREC can help anyone who needs an inlay, onlay, crown, bridge or even veneers. It takes only seconds to get accurate and detailed images of your teeth.
CEREC takes only seconds to obtain digital images. Your dentist will then use CEREC’s CAD/CAM technology to virtually design a restoration. The amount of time this takes depends on your dentist’s skill and experience using CEREC, as well as the complexity of your restoration.
Following the placement of a crown or other restoration, you may feel some sensitivity for a few days. Though exact experiences vary from patient to patient, you can expect a crown produced using CEREC technology to last you many years so long as you use good oral hygiene and are not grinding your teeth.
DIAGNOdent is the future of dental decay detection, providing a highly accurate and reliable means of identifying dental caries. With DIAGNOdent, dentists can discover the beginnings of decay before it has a chance to progress. DIAGNOdent is capable of detecting even the tiniest of caries, pits and crevices that are potential sources of decay. It uses a special wavelength of light that causes bacteria and decayed tooth matter to fluoresce. The decay not only becomes visible, but a small audio effect helps ensure every questionable spot is identified. The DIAGNOdent laser technology is successful in detecting more than 9 out of 10 carries, allowing [city] dentists to better monitor the progress of decay over time and also treat it early enough to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
Did you know…
that DIAGNOdent is among the most effective means of identifying decay? Where x-rays are 67 percent accurate and magnified exams are about 56 percent effective, DIAGNOdent is 90 percent effective, which improves outcomes. Even studies by the National Institutes of Health confirm that DIAGNOdent is more effective than conventional methods in detecting caries located within the enamel.
With DIAGNOdent, you can benefit from increased accuracy in cavity detection. Many patients also appreciate that the DIAGNOdent laser is more comfortable than the traditional dental probes that can cause anxiety in some patients.
DIAGNOdent is a completely painless procedure that is best used as a supplement to dental x-rays. A staff member will calibrate the laser and carefully scan each tooth. The laser is completely safe and harmless to surrounding tissues, so you should experience no discomfort during your visit.
If your DIAGNOdent exam reveals the presence of cavities or decay, your dentist will make a recommendation for treatment. If you do not have any decay, or if DIAGNOdent discovers the beginnings of potential trouble-spots, your dentist will use the results of your exam to track the progress of decay at future appointments.
The VELscope VX is a groundbreaking technology that is changing the way dentists screen for oral cancer. This cordless device is used to painlessly and quickly examine the soft tissues of the mouth for signs of abnormal, pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. Dentists wear special eyewear and shine the VELscope VX blue light onto the tongue, lips, tonsils, the lining of the cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth. Healthy tissues appear green, whereas abnormal tissues appear dark. Often, the VELscope VX is capable of identifying cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions long before they are visible to the naked eye. In addition to VELscope VX screenings, patients can supplement with self-examinations for changes in soft tissue textures or the appearance of sores that bleed or do not go away.
Did you know…
that oral cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer in America? Although it only affects approximately 42,000 people annually, only 64 percent of those diagnosed with the disease survive at least five years after diagnosis. Oral cancer often goes undiagnosed for long periods of time due to a lack of obvious signs and symptoms. By the time visible lesions appear, it is often too late for successful treatment. Early detection of oral cancer can significantly improve cancer outcomes.
Absolutely. Everyone – regardless of age – should be screened for oral cancer on a regular basis. VELscope is a valuable diagnostic tool that has the potential to save lives.
Before you are screened, your dentist will place protective glasses over your eyes. You will then be asked to open your mouth while your dentist shines light into it. Then entire test is painless and usually takes about two minutes or less. If any questionable tissues are found, your dentist may order a biopsy or brush test for microbiological analysis.
No. VELscope VX oral cancer screenings are completely noninvasive and do not cause any down time. But even if your VELscope results do not reveal any signs of cancer, it is recommended that you return for additional screenings at each dental examination or at least, one per year.
This tool employs a special camera that provides well-defined and precise images of places difficult to see in a patient’s mouth with traditional imaging. Just one more tool to aid your dentist in a thorough and accurate assessment of your dental condition.
These are just some of the technologies that have been brought into common use in recent years in our dental offices. Every year we keep an eye out for new methods of treating our patient’s dental concerns by improving visibility, reducing discomfort, and aiding us in providing complete and thorough assessments. If you have any questions about the technology your dentist is using in your exams, don’t hesitate to ask! Curious patients are educated patients, and we love to encourage our patients to be knowledgeable about their dental care.
Digital x-rays are a more streamlined way of taking dental radiographs. Like traditional x-rays, digital versions provide an in-depth view of the structures of the mouth, helping dentists detect complications and develop effective modes of treatment. Digital x-rays are capable of revealing hidden caries, bone erosion, and even tooth decay hiding beneath restorations.
Requiring less radiation and no film to process, digital x-rays have become the standard for oral imaging. These systems produce instant digital images that can easily be enhanced and enlarged for a more accurate diagnosis. The images are captured, stored, and even transmitted via in-office computers. In fact, dentists can easily print or email copies of x-rays in just seconds.
Dental x-rays make for a better and more efficient patient experience. Office visits are faster, patients are exposed to less radiation, and radiographs can be sent to a specialist for review in a fraction of the time necessary for traditional film x-rays.
Medical technology has been advancing at a breakneck pace for the past several decades, and dentistry hasn’t been left behind. Dental professionals are constantly looking for the newest forms of treatments and technology that will aid in providing their patients with the best possible care, and we’re going to introduce you to some of the newest advancements that have been made.
This technology employs a special form of light that our dentists use to detect dental abnormalities. VELscope is particularly effective in the detection of disease and cancer in its earliest stages as part of an oral screening.
A common concern of patients is the amount of radiation they’re exposed to during a dental exam. The newest forms of imaging technology employ digital x-rays, which not only employs 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays but provides viewable films to the dental staff immediately. These images are able to be zoomed in on for highly accurate assessments of dental health.
For decades braces have been the go-to method of straightening misaligned teeth. While effective, braces are uncomfortable and unsightly. Invisalign is an innovation in this area of dental care that provides the benefits of braces while remaining nearly invisible. Additionally, Invisalign can be removed when eating, removing dietary restrictions associated with braces.
Past techniques for whitening, reducing tooth sensitivity, tumor removal, and filling cavities have often been uncomfortable for the patient, and time-consuming. New innovations in laser technology have created painless alternatives that also aid in eliminating harmful bacteria.
Traditional dentures are often ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and prone to embarrassing mishaps like slippage. Modern dental implants provide prosthetic teeth that are nearly indistinguishable from normal teeth and are long-lasting.
This cutting-edge technology is capable of detecting cavities in places that traditional x-ray techniques can’t locate. By employing DIAGNOdent your dentist ensures that no early signs of cavities go unnoticed, saving you time and money on future dental treatments.
This tool employs a special camera that provides well-defined and precise images of places difficult to see in a patient’s mouth with traditional imaging. Just one more tool to aid your dentist in a thorough and accurate assessment of your dental condition.
These are just some of the technologies that have been brought into common use in recent years in our dental offices. Every year we keep an eye out for new methods of treating our patient’s dental concerns by improving visibility, reducing discomfort, and aiding us in providing complete and thorough assessments. If you have any questions about the technology your dentist is using in your exams, don’t hesitate to ask! Curious patients are educated patients, and we love to encourage our patients to be knowledgeable about their dental care.
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