frequently asked questions

What are wisdom teeth?
Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25. Because most mouths are too small for these four additional molars, an extraction procedure, sometimes immediately after they surface, is often necessary.

Will my teeth be sensitive following Bleaching?
Teeth may be sensitive during the week following the in–office bleaching. This can be dramatically reduced by using Sensodyne toothpaste to brush your teeth the week prior to and the week following the bleaching process. Also, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatment following the bleaching process.

Who is at risk for tooth decay?
The answer is… everyone who has a mouth. We all host bacteria in our mouths which make everyone a potential target for cavities. Risk factors that put a person at a higher risk for tooth decay include: Persons with diets high in sweets, carbohydrates, and sugars, Persons who live in communities with limited or no fluoridated water supplies, Children and senior citizens.

Why choose orthodontic treatment?
Any orthodontic problem may be classified as a malocclusion, or “bad bite.” The following problems may be helped or minimized with proper orthodontic treatment: misaligned, crooked, or crowed teeth, missing teeth, extra teeth, an overbite, an openbite and misaligned or incorrect jaw position.

What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is proven technology designed to give you the smile you’ve always wanted, without the pain and anxiety associated with metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth. You wear a set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. As you replace each set of aligners with the next in the series, your teeth will gradually move until they reach the position your doctor has prescribed for you. The average treatment time is about a year. Contact your Orthodontist to find out if Invisalign is an option for you.

At what age do braces become appropriate?
Moving and correcting the alignment of the teeth follows the same biological and physical process no matter what the age. However, an adult mouth must overcome already-positioned facial bones and jaw structure. Thus, overcoming most types of malocclusions may require more than one type of orthodontic treatment for adults. In most cases, the ideal age for braces, and other orthodontic treatments, are between 10 and 14 years of age; although, persons of any age can benefit from treatment.

What are the different types of braces available?
Braces, also called fixed orthodontic appliances, generally come in three varieties:
1. Brackets, metal or plastic, clear or tooth-colored, that is bonded to teeth.
2. Lingual-type brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hidden from view.
3. Bands that cover most of the teeth with metal bands that wrap around the teeth.
All three types use wires to move the teeth to the desired position.

What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are made of titanium and placed directly into your jawbone surgically. Once they integrate with your bone, a crown, bridge or denture is placed over the implants.

What’s the difference between dental bonding and porcelain veneers?
Dental bonding is a plastic tooth colored (composite) resin material that is molded onto your teeth and hardened with a blue light. It is usually done in one visit. Little tooth reduction and usually no anesthesia is required.
The disadvantages of dental bonding are:
1. They stain over time, may chip and may need to be replaced more often.
2. Porcelain veneers are thin layers of stacked porcelain that are fabricated in the lab and bonded to teeth.
3. It usually takes 2 visits. Little tooth reduction and some anesthesia are required.
4. Porcelain veneers are stronger than dental bondings and less prone to staining.