Invisible Braces Bring Visible Results

Invisible to Visible

Invisalign® utilizes 3-D computer technology with clear, plastic removable “aligners” to move teeth at a rate similar to traditional braces, but without any metal or wires. The “aligners” can be removed to eat and clean your teeth and are generally undetectable when worn. The computer imaging technology can predetermine and develop a treatment plan from the initial position of the patient’s teeth to their final desired position. From this a series of custom-made “aligners” are fabricated. Each “aligner” moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.
For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Now Invisalign treats a broader range of cases with greater precision. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.
Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that Invisalign is working – sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new “aligner” in the series.
This procedure is especially popular for adults who previously had orthodontic treatment when they were younger and have experienced regression as they’ve aged. Rather than repeat the inconveniences and discomfort of braces all over again, Invisalign provides an appealing alternative.
A common concern is whether or not this treatment is covered by dental insurance. Because dental benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, each patient should review their coverage. However, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces. When treatment is complete, some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign makes. Please discuss these possibilities with our office. Every patient is different and outcomes vary.

A Beautiful Smile Is Precious And Priceless

Get Shades Lighter using Teeth Whitening with ZoomDid you know that the shape, shade, length and spacing of your teeth could significantly affect your smile? And our smiles can greatly affect our self-esteem and confidence. Common conditions that impact negatively on your smile include broken, cracked or worn teeth, discolored teeth, missing teeth, crooked teeth, decayed teeth, gaps between your teeth and/or “gummy smiles.” The good news is that with modern technology and improved materials, these situations can be dramatically changed to create natural looking and long-lasting beautiful smiles. Each patient and each specific circumstance must be evaluated on its own merits. Factors such as occlusion [bite], oral habits, available space, health of the gum tissue, severity of the problem and patient expectation must be taken into consideration while planning your cosmetic makeover. Depending on the situation, there are a variety of choices that all result in excellent esthetic outcomes. For whiter natural teeth, in-office or at-home bleaching [whitening] techniques are available. Repairing teeth or closing spaces may be accomplished with tooth-colored composite resin bonding, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. These procedures vary in time and cost and have differences in longevity and appearance. If you’re not satisfied with your smile or want to learn if you’re a good candidate for any of these remarkable techniques, call our office for a cosmetic consultation.

At Home Teeth Whitening – Is It Right For You?

posted in: Teeth Whitening 0

Tucson DentistThere are many factors that stain your teeth and cause them to lose their brilliance.  These factors include age, genetic makeup, plaque, antibiotics, consumption of certain unhealthy foods and smoking.  Dull, yellow or stained teeth give a poor impression of one’s personality.  Because of thi,s teeth whitening techniques as growing in popularity.

Teeth whitening techniques are a form of cosmetic dentistry and are also known as dental bleaching.

Many people try to avoid trips to their dentist because of oh….so many reasons 🙂 and instead try to use at home whitening techniques.   The best natural way to enhance the color and brilliance of your teeth is to eat fresh fruits as much as possible. Another tip is to spread pressed strawberries on your teeth and leave the paste on for several minutes.  After which brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.

Another tip is to mix some salt with lemon juice and then spread this mixture on your teeth for several minutes and then rinse and brush as usual.

These at home remedies will have a short term effect at best but are generally safe (take care if you have allergies).

In order to remove stains and to see immediate and stronger effects, some like to use hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.  Be careful though.  Hydrogen peroxide is a highly reactive chemicals so proceed carefully as it can do more damage than good if improperly used.

Commercial teeth whitening products include whitening strips, whitening gels, applications using trays and even teeth whitening pens. Although the whitening strips are the cheapest among these above mentioned techniques but the gel trays have better longer lasting effects compared to the other two techniques.

Before using any technique to whiten your teeth, make sure of two things first is that you consult your dentist. While taking into consideration your health condition, medication that you are taking or if you are using any dentures or fillings your dentist can suggest the best remedy for you. Secondly follow the instructions carefully given for the use of any commercial teeth whitening products.

Arizona Dental Medicine offers professional “take home teeth whitening” products and an in-office procedure using Zoom!. If you are considering any kind of teeth whitening procedure call Dr. Riley for a no-obligation consultation.  She’ll help you determine the best options for your specific goals.  Call today..520-297-9069

Are You Endangering Your Health With Silver Fillings?

tucson dentistAmalgam, the common silver substance used to fill cavities, has been used in dentistry for more than 100 years.  It is a combination of metals like silver, mercury, tin and copper and has traces of zinc, indium or palladium.  Generally amalgams contain 50% mercury 35% silver and 9% tin and 6% of copper and traces of zinc and other metals.  As alternatives there can be amalgams made with larger percentages of other metals like copper or indium which can bind mercury strongly and can decrease its release from this mixture.

Mercury is used in amalgam because it helps make the material more pliable.  It creates a compound that is soft enough to pack into the teeth but quickly hardens to withstand the actions of biting and chewing.

Being cheaper compared to other fillings and due to its capability to with stand pressure caused due to chewing it has long been the preferred choice of material to use as dental fillings. Millions of people currently have amalgam fillings and some dentists are still using it today. However he harmful effects that mercury has on human health has been well documented for centuries.

The fact that mercury can have a accumulative harmful effect on human health has to be taken into consideration carefully. According to one source, mercury can attach through the sulfhydral groups on amino acids in your CNS (Central nervous system) unless actively removed for as long as 15-30 years. In other words, the longer you are exposed to the mercury the greater your risk of creating toxicity in your body.

We are exposed every day to mercury through various sources like water, air, occupation but using amalgam filling exposes you to mercury every day on a consistent basis.  Although the risk of exposure to mercury through use of amalgam fillings is a controversial issue but it cannot be ignored that chewing, brushing and intake of hot foods can stimulate the release of mercury therefore exposing oneself to its possible toxicity.

Supporters of amalgam fillings claim that the amount of mercury released from amalgam fillings is negligable.  However  animal studies have conclusively shown labelled mercury traces appearing in kidneys, brain and intestinal walls.  These mercury traces occurred from the amalgam. Some European countries have banned the use of amalgams as dental fillings.

Additionally there are reports showing a link between amalgam fillings with autoimmune disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and thyroid problems along with other problems such as food allergies, kidney dysfunction, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome and neurotransmitter imbalances causing tremors, insomnia, polyneuropath and paresthesias.

Why risk your health with mercury fillings?  Today you have a choice with composite fillings.  Composite is usually make of a quartz resin and most often has a light sensitive agent in it.

Composite fillings actually bond to the tooth thus helping the tooth be restored its original strength.  Mercury fillings actually weaken the teeth making them more susceptible to breaking.  Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of your teeth thus making it more aesthetically pleasing.  And composite fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold that teeth filled with mercury.

The choice is simple.  For health and cosmetic reasons have your teeth restored with mercury-free fillings.  Arizona Dental Medicine is a mercury-free practice!  Call Dr. Riley today and let her help you get on the path of improved health.  520-297-9069

Cosmetic Dentistry – More Than Just A Pretty Smile

Modern cosmetic dentistry offers many ways to enhance your smile.  Often times teeth whitening is the first thing that pops into tucson dentistpeople’s minds when thinking or talking about cosmetic dentistry.

However there are numerous procedures available to help beautify your smile.  These include veneers, bonding to fill spaces or repair chips, fillings and inlays, bridges or implants, porcelain crowns and orthodontics or teeth realignment.

A bright, beautiful smile is important.  Studies have conclusively shown that a great smile not only makes you have more self-confidence but other people feel that you are more attractive, intelligent and successful.

Yes, creating a beautiful smile with cosmetic dentistry can be a positive life changing experience.  But there are more things to consider besides aesthetics.  You also want your “smile” to function properly.  Malocclusion (bad bite) is many times the main contributing factor towards needing cosmetic dentistry.

Correcting your bite as part of any dental treatment plan is paramount towards insuring proper jaw function as well as the longevity and durability of your cosmetic procedures.

Restoring or realigning your bite and a cosmetic procedure together will most likely require  a more complex treatment plan.  This could include major reconstruction of your teeth, orthodontics or even both.

Proper correction of your smile and your bite will depend on many factors that your dentist will evaluate and consider.  Many times these factors are signs and symptoms of underlying problems with the way that your teeth fit together.  Your dentist must conduct a thorough evaluation of your dental history, examine your mouth thoroughly and carefully and may even perform one or more tests.

It is of vital importance that your dentist determine the status of your occlusion (bite) before designing and going forward with a treatment plan.

For best results you and your dentist should consider tooth shade (color) as well as tooth width and length.  Your treatment plan may also include non-tooth concerns about the appearance of your gums and lips.  These will be taken under consideration in the overall creation and implementation of your treatment plan.

For example, if too much gum shows in your smile, a simple process called crown lengthening may be used.  Bonding or reconstruction procedures can make the lips more full and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

Begin by discussing your concerns and overall goals with your dentist. Simple problems or procedures can most often be quickly resolved.  If more comprehensive work is needed your dentist will schedule a full evaluation and diagnosis.

Ready to get started creating a beautiful, functional and healthy smile?  Call Dr. Riley today – 520-297-9069.  General dentistry with a cosmetic flair!

Get Your Best Smile With Zoom! Teeth Whitening

posted in: Teeth Whitening 0

Your teeth have become stained over a lifetime of eating various foods and drinks.  New and improved innovations now allow dentists to whiten teeth without changing or damaging your underlying tooth structure.

All teeth whitening methods are based on the same premise.  However some are more effective than others due to the way the whiting material is applied to the teeth.  Another difference in effectiveness is the concentration of whitening material.  This is why over the counter methods typically don’t work as well as the systems delivered by a dental professional.

The two main methods of professional whitening done by a dentist are tray whitening and whitening done in the dental office.
If you choose to go the tray whitening route a custom tray is made for you after the dentist takes an impression of your teeth.  You are then given a precise supply of whitening gel to be applied at home.  You will receive specific instructions from your dentist about when and how long you will have to wear they tray until you achieve your desired results.

One common side effect of this method of whitening is teeth sensitivity.

Teeth whitening done in the dental office is the most effective method of whitening. There are a couple of different ways/brands that are available for… Britesmile, Zoom!, and Laser whitening.

Although they are different products the process is similar and you can have your teeth whitened in just one session with with fantastic results. A professional dentist can give you more detailed information and tell you which method is the best for your situation, goals, and teeth.

Arizona Dental Medicine uses the Zoom! teeth whitening system.  Achieve the smile you have always wanted.  Call our office today and schedule your teeth whitening consultation with Dr. Riley.  520-297-9069