Metro Dentist

Invisalign

Invisalign Clear Braces allow a patient to straighten their smile without wearing braces. Using a series of clear plastic aligners, a patient can improve, straighten and reduce crowding without having to resort to traditional braces that involve brackets and wires. Invisalign positioners are virtually invisible! This new technology has revolutionized the straightening of teeth and made the process more acceptable to adults. No longer do most patients need to be self conscious while they undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you are interested in finding out whether Invisalign is right for you why not schedule a consultation with one of our participating Metro Dentists offering Invisalign.

Dental Insurance Basics 

Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) Insurance

This is typically the least expensive way to go for the consumer. Most dental services are provided by dentists who will  provide specific treatements and services at no charge (some services may require a co-payment.) 

Indemnity Insurance

This plan typically allows the consumer to go to the dentist of their choice. They generally pay a portion of the dentist's fee or a set dollar amount. The Dentist then will submit the invoice for payment. The payment may be made to the insured member or directly to the dentist. You will need to pay the difference between the full charge for the service provided and the amount paid by the insurance.

Preferred provider organization (PPO) Insurance

This is typically less expensive than the Indemnity Insurance. This type of insurance tries to take advantage of the benefits of  the HMO by providing a network of dentist to chose from or you can decide to go to a dentist of your choice outside of the network. When you seek treatment from dentists outside of the PPOyou are will pay higher deductibles and/or co-payments.

Cosmetics Problems - Enhancing your smile

C.  Cosmetics Problems - I don’t like my smile
1.  I want whiter teeth - My teeth are too dark
2.  My teeth look uneven when I smile
3.  I have spaces between my teeth OR My teeth are to crowded
4.  I need a quick fix. My teeth are dark and have spaces and I am getting married in two weeks 
5.  I want my silver fillings taken out

1. I want whiter teeth -  My teeth are too dark

Teeth come in many different shades.  The outer surface of the tooth, the enamel, is clear.  The color that we see actually comes from the dentin, which is under the enamel.  It can be light or dark, yellow, brown, red, gray or a combination of two or more of these colors.  It is important to note that some shades will whiten more than others.  Gray is usually more difficult to whiten and the whitened color fades back faster than other colors so a more intense whiting procedure is needed.  In 1988 the first whitening system was marketed.  It was a home whitening system that generally proved to be very successful.  Now both home whitening and one visit in-office whitening (ZOOM) is possible. In our office we offer a combination approach to whitening,  ZOOM in one visit plus trays and gel for maintenance.
Another more involved and long lasting approach to whiten teeth is to place veneers or ceramic crowns. For more info  click http://www.personaldentistry.com/teeth_whitening
 
2. My teeth look uneven when I smile

Very often uneven teeth can be adjusted simply with a process call Cosmetic Recontouring.  Chipped edges, teeth slightly rotated, or one or two teeth that are a little longer than others can be smoothed and reshaped to give the illusion of straighter teeth.
If your teeth are to uneven for Cosmetic Recontouring alternative treatment can be bonding with a plastic composite material to make the teeth more even, veneers (laminates) or cosmetic crowns to be placed. 

3. I have spaces between my teeth OR My teeth are to crowded

 In some cases porcelain veneers can solve that problem, but in general, Orthodontic treatment can offer a better, less invasive treatment.  Today many people can have Invisiline, a proprietary orthodontic treatment that utilizes a series of clear plastic aligners (trays) that are designed to slowly shift your teeth and restore your smile.

4. I need a quick fix. 

My teeth are dark and have spaces and I am getting married in two weeks  Thanks to the creative thinking of Dr. Marc Liechtung dentists now have available the Snap-On Smile for a quick fix.  Snap-on Smile is a patented, revolutionary dental appliance that requires no prepping, no injections, and no adhesives. It is flexible, incredibly strong, looks very natural and snaps right over your natural teeth. Snap-On Smile is easily removable, completely reversible and is an excellent option for patients looking for a non-invasive, affordable approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

5. I want my silver fillings taken out

On occasion, a patient has requested that their silver fillings be removed.  It is either a cosmetic concern or a concern that the mercury in the silver amalgam filling material can cause medical problems.  In our office, if after a discussion about the pluses and minuses of removing these filling the request to change the fillings is still made we will accommodate a patient’s request.
Depending on how much of the tooth that needs to be replaced, replacements for the silver fillings will be either tooth-colored composite (plastic) fillings, ceramic onlays or cosmetic crowns.

Dental Tips of the Week

Dental headaches

Tension headaches, Migraines and TMJ Face Pain caused by Excessive Teeth Clenching or Grinding

1. I wake up in the night or in the morning with headaches 
2. I wake in the morning with a sore jaw
3. I have late afternoon headaches
4. I get migraines
5. I have face pain and was told it is called TMJ.
6. I grind my teeth and:
     a. I broke a tooth
     b. My teeth are wearing down and/or chipping
     c. My partner wakes at night from the sound of my grinding 

Excessive and prolonged teeth clenching or grinding is a major factor in causing head pain.  Because of this the muscles in the head, neck and shoulders become distorted from excessive clenching pressure, the nerve bundles in the muscles react by causing pain.  A wonderful solution to resolving this is with a small, comfortable FDA approved dental device called the NTI that is worn at night.  The design of the NTI dramatically decreases clenching and or the damage from grinding.  Visit www.headachehelper.com for a fuller explanation.

Dental Hygiene

How long should I brush my teeth for?

A Happy & Healthy Holiday!