Invisalign
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 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 Philadelphia 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
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 Philadelphia Invisalign dentist for a complete consultation to find out if you could benefit from clear orthodontics.
What should I expect during my Invisalign treatment?
You will wear your aligners nearly all of the time, with the exception of about two hours per day. Invisalign treatments in Philadelphia 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.
Will I need any post-treatment care?
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.
Modern dentistry has made it possible for everyone to enjoy a beautiful, white smile. Many Philadelphia patients choose Lumineers to achieve esthetic goals, as the entire procedure is painless, fast and easy. In fact, most patients get the smile they have always wanted in just two dental visits. Lumineers are very thin and customized patient-by-patient. Each unique set is created to bond directly to natural teeth, leaving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. There is no pain or sensitivity following placement of Lumineers, and the results are proven to last for more than 20 years.
Did you know…that Lumineers are less painful and much less invasive than getting veneers? Patients who get veneers are choosing an irreversible procedure that strips away a significant portion of the natural teeth. Patients require shots to be anesthetized, and many are left with pain and sensitivity. With Lumineers, there are no shots and no drills, and patients get to keep nearly all of their original teeth without having them reduced. What’s more is that Lumineers leave patients with a bright and beautiful smile in just two visits – without any post-treatment pain and sensitivity. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for Lumineers in Philadelphia?
Lumineers can be used to treat teeth with gaps or teeth that are discolored, misshapen or otherwise cosmetically unappealing. If you wish you could change the imperfections in your teeth without damaging your natural teeth, Philadelphia Lumineers treatment could be right for you. Call your Philadelphia dentist for more information and to find out if Lumineers are the esthetic solution you’ve been looking for.
What should I expect if I decide to get Lumineers in Philadelphia?
At your first visit, an impression will be taken of your teeth. That impression is used to fabricate Lumineers just for you. Your dentist will ask you to return at a later date, during which time he or she will carefully texturize the teeth in preparation for bonding. The Lumineers will then be bonded to the teeth using a curing light. You’ll walk out of your dental visit with the brand new smile you’ve always dreamed of having.
Are there any special instructions for caring for my new Lumineers?
Lumineers are made of very thin porcelain. Caring for them does not require a special diet, but it is recommended that wearers avoid biting down on hard objects, such as ice. Like natural teeth, Lumineers are also subject to staining; so avoid repetitious consumption of highly pigmented foods and beverages.
For years, dental x-rays have been used to diagnose oral health complications and detect decaying or damaged teeth. X-rays provide a unique view of the mouth that isn’t possible with a visual exam alone. When x-rays are taken, the teeth and bones absorb the majority of the ray, making them highly visible on film or on a screen. Nearly all new Philadelphia dental patients are x-rayed, although you may instead request that previous x-rays be transferred from another dental provider to your new dentist. By comparing your x-rays with your full mouth examination and dental history, your dentist can prescribe effective treatment and recommend a plan for preventative care.
Did you know…that dental x-rays deliver very low levels of radiation and are considered completely safe? In fact, x-rays are even considered safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding so long as a leaded apron and collar is used to protect your body from exposure. If you are pregnant or think you may be, tell your dentist so proper precautions can be taken. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get dental x-rays in Philadelphia?
Yes. Dental x-rays are capable of identifying tooth decay and damage beneath the surface of the teeth where caries are less visible during an examination. Furthermore, x-rays provide a reference point for the progression of decay in your mouth over time. You should have x-rays taken on a regular basis, but especially if you are experiencing oral health complications or are planning to undergo a dental procedure, such as a root canal.
What should I expect when I get dental x-rays?
Getting traditional dental x-rays can take several minutes. A thick paper tab is placed into the mouth, which you will be asked to bite down on. Most patients find that dental x-rays are completely painless and do not inflict any level of discomfort. In some cases, dentists intraoral x-rays as well as extra-oral x-rays that snap images of the face, jaw and skull. Extra-oral x-rays are typically used to identify impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth.
What happens after my dentist has taken x-rays?
Your x-rays will be saved either on film or digitally. In the future, your dentist may request additional dental x-rays every few years to monitor the health of your teeth, gums and jaw over time. If you are considered to be high risk for oral disease or are exhibiting symptoms of complications, your Philadelphia dentist may prefer to take x-rays more frequently.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions are routine dental procedures used to remove decayed, damaged or otherwise problematic teeth. Dentists usually make every effort to preserve natural teeth, although sometimes an extraction is necessary. Although the procedure is performed in a dentist’s or oral surgeon’s office, it is considered surgery. Depending on which teeth are removed, they may be replaced with a dental implant or another oral prosthetic.
There are several reasons why you could need a tooth extraction.The most common cause of Philadelphia tooth extractions is severe tooth decay and cavities. However, many patients also undergo extractions for impacted teeth – particularly wisdom teeth. Other causes for extraction include advanced periodontal disease, cracked teeth, and teeth that are severely malformed. Although many circumstances that require extraction are unavoidable, some could be prevented with regular visits to the dentist for exams and cleanings. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tooth extraction?
Only your Philadelphia dentist can tell you if you need a tooth extraction. However, you may be a candidate for the procedure if one or more of your teeth are decayed so severely that a filling or other restoration is not a possibility for treatment.
What should I expect during my tooth extraction appointment?
If you and your dentist decide to extract one or more teeth, you will be scheduled to return for oral surgery at a later date. You will be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure, and you may be prescribed medications to help manage pain in the hours following your extraction. Depending on the nature of your extraction and other factors, such as whether your teeth are impacted, you may also be sedated or given general anesthesia during your procedure.
What type of post-treatment care will I need to follow?
Post-operative care following a Philadelphia tooth extraction is essential for healing and preventing complications. You will be instructed to avoid certain foods and also keep the surgical site clean at all times. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that you complete the course of treatment to prevent infection. Finally, you may be advised to avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as doing so may delay the healing process and cause a condition known as ‘dry socket.’
Sports Guard
Dental mouth guards have long been used to protect the teeth, gums and supporting tissues from damage, injury and trauma. There are two types of dental mouth guards – over the counter and custom. While OTC guards are helpful for occasional use, many Philadelphia dental patients require the benefit of a customized dental mouth guard fitted by a dentist to effectively prevent injury.
Caring for your new custom mouth guard is simple.The American Dental Association recommends keeping protected in a sturdy container in between usage. You should also be careful to clean your mouth guard after use and occasionally soak it in cool, soapy water for thorough sanitation. Custom dental mouth guards are designed for durability, but it is important to check your mouth guard for signs of wear every few months. Mouth guards for children and teens must be replaced frequently to account for growing jaws and changes to the teeth. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a dental mouth guard?
There are many reasons why wearing a dental mouth guard could be right for you. A few examples include:
- Nighttime wear to prevent damage from teeth grinding and bruxism
- Tooth and lip protection during high-impact sports, such as martial arts
- To serve as a barrier between the lips and oral appliances, such as metal braces
- To protect fragile bridgework
What should I expect when my Philadelphia dentist fits me for a mouth guard?
Your visit will consist of taking an impression of your teeth that will be used as a mold for your new mouth guard. You may even be able to leave your Philadelphia dental appointment with your custom mouth guard in-hand.
Should I follow any special instructions?
Before you leave your Philadelphia dentist’s office with your new mouth guard, you’ll receive instructions for how and when to wear it. If you suffer from TMJ disorders or bruxism, for example, you will likely wear your mouth guard at night. If you participate in recreational sports, however, you may only need to wear your mouth guard during physical activity.
Braces are the standard for orthodontic correction, but few adults want to wear a mouthful of metal for a year or more while teeth are moved into better alignment. Clear Correct addresses this problem by offering a discreet alternative to metal braces. With Philadelphia Clear Correct treatment, there are no brackets and wires. Instead, you’ll receive a customized set of clear aligners that you’ll wear for at least 22 hours every day. The aligners will straighten the teeth little by little over the course of several months or years until you achieve your cosmetic goals.
Did you know…that orthodontic treatments can be successful for patients of all ages? Because of advancements in subtle orthodontics, adults are beginning to represent nearly half of all orthodontic patients in the U.S. Clear Correct aligning trays are nearly invisible and so discreet that they have no effect on your day-to-day interactions. Although every patient is different, most Philadelphia adults can expect to wear Clear Correct aligners for between one and two years. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for Clear Correct?
To find out if you are a candidate for Clear Correct, you must first schedule a consultation with your Philadelphia dentist. Together, you can analyze the condition of your teeth and discuss your personal cosmetic goals.
What should I expect during my Clear Correct treatment?
If Clear Correct is right for you, your treatment will begin with impressions and imaging of your teeth. Those images and impressions will be used by Clear Correct to produce a prescriptive set of custom aligners designed to slowly move your teeth into alignment. You’ll wear those aligners at all times with the exception of when you are eating, brushing or flossing your teeth. Though you will not need to visit the dentist to have your braces adjusted, you will check in from time to time to monitor progress.
Will I need to follow any special guidelines after treatment is complete?
Once your treatment is complete, you will no longer wear Clear Correct aligners, but will likely require a retainer. Retainers are removable oral appliances designed to help retain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from moving back to their prior position.
In Office Cleaning
Preventative care is a foundation of dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your Philadelphia dentist regularly – usually about twice yearly – for full cleanings, examinations, and consultations for potential treatment. Professional dental cleanings help remove built-up plaque that is not removable using conventional brushing and flossing. Often, dentists are also capable of identifying potential problems that patients are not yet able to see or feel. When you maintain regular preventative dental appointments, you can stave off decay and gum disease, as well as identify the beginnings of oral health problems before they become severe.
Did you know…that Americans are less and less likely to visit the dentist as they age? Data from the Centers for Disease Control reports that only 57 percent of Americans over age 65 visited the dentist in 2010. That compares to about 61 percent adults under age 65 and about 79 percent of children ages 2 to 17. Nonetheless, it is important to visit the dentist for cleanings and exams regardless of how long has passed since your most recent dental appointment. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to have my teeth professionally cleaned?
Yes. Even if you brush and floss after every meal and before bed, bacteria-harboring plaque can accumulate in the tiniest crevices, grooves and pits. Overtime, the teeth will begin to decay in those areas, which may result in pain and partial or total tooth loss.
What should I expect at my cleaning and exam consultation?
Your cleaning and consultation will consist of a visible examination of the teeth and gums. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may also require x-rays for a more comprehensive view of your teeth. You’ll also consult with your Philadelphia dentist about any oral health problems you may have been having or questions that you may have. The cleaning will follow, during which a dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove hardened plaque from your teeth. Finally, your teeth will be polished before your dentist discusses any treatment recommendations he or she may have for you.
What types of guidelines should I follow after my visit?
In between dental cleanings and consultations, be sure to maintain good oral habits at home. This includes daily flossing and brushing after meals. It’s also important to drink fluoridated water and use a fluoridated toothpaste.
Anesthesia is a means of pain and anxiety management used in a broad range of health procedures, including dentistry. Dental anesthesia in Philadelphia encompasses a spectrum of treatments, each of which offers different benefits to the patient. There are several types of anesthesia, including:
- Local anesthetics – Small injections designed to numb the nerves in the gums and inside the teeth. Patients are awake and fully aware of their surroundings, but they feel little or no pain.
- Sedation – Sedation can be used in combination with local anesthetics to help calm patients before and during office treatments. Sedation may be in the form of a pre-visit anti-anxiety medication or nitrous oxide administered in the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of anesthesia will I need for my Philadelphia dental procedure?
Dentists usually assess the type of anesthesia necessary based on the nature of the procedure and anxiety level of the patient. If you are visiting the dentist for a routine filling or a crown, you’ll probably only require a local anesthetic. If you experience moderate to severe anxiety prior to and during your dental appointment, you may be prescribed a sedative to take in combination with a local anesthetic.
What should I expect under anesthesia?
A local anesthetic will cause your mouth, teeth and gums to become numb for several hours. You may feel heat, cold or pressure, but you will not feel pain. A sedative, such as nitrous oxide, will cause you to feel groggy, relaxed or even euphoric, but these feelings wear off almost immediately at the end of your procedure when the dentist administers oxygen.
The use of sedation in dentistry has revolutionized the way patients view dental visits. Patients who once were afraid or anxious about even the most routine dental procedures now visit the dentist with confidence. Sedation is typically administered to healthy individuals who need help relaxing or managing treatment anxiety. Reasons for needing sedation may include lengthy procedure times, dental phobias, or fear caused by negative experiences in the past.
Did you know…that here are three different types of sedation dentistry? You can opt for sedation administered in one of the following ways:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose sedation dentistry?
Only you and your Philadelphia dentist can determine if sedation is right for you. Because sedation covers a spectrum of treatments, you will need to consult with your dentist to discuss whether light, moderate or deep sedation best meets your needs. Your eligibility for sedation will depend on your age, health, and any other medications you may be taking.
What should I expect if I am sedated for my dental procedure?
That depends on the type of sedation you undergo. Oral sedation is relatively simple and involves taking a prescribed medication about an hour prior to your procedure. You’ll feel more relaxed, yet completely aware of your surroundings during treatment. If you choose nitrous oxide, you’ll be instructed to inhale the gas at the beginning of your appointment. Additional nitrous can be administered throughout your procedure to keep you in a state of euphoria. At the conclusion of your treatment, you’ll be given oxygen to help ‘snap’ you out of your sedated state.
Are there any precautions I need to take after being sedated?
Depending on the type of sedation you undergo, a licensed driver may need to drive you home from your dental appointment.
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