With advances in cosmetic dentistry, beautiful straight teeth can be had by anyone now. Adults can fix a variety of cosmetic issues including crooked teeth without wearing old fashioned braces.

Products like Invisalign are making it possible for everyone to enjoy a nicer smile and the recent advances in this sort of technology make treating severe cases easier than ever before.

If you take a look at the Invisalign site’s Actual Results section, you’ll find relevant before-and-after pictures of some real Invisalign patients. You’ll see for yourself the visible improvements – but the more important aspect is that correcting orthodontic issues can potentially have positive benefits for your overall health.

Invisible braces technology such as Invisalign are making new advancements in the products and treatment process for even better clinical results. The addition of Precision Cuts allows the aligners to accommodate the use of elastics. As a result, more severe bite issues can be corrected effectively with Invisalign.

Here are some of the common conditions currently treated with Invisalign. To find out if Invisalign is right for you, contact North Scottsdale Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today at 480-614-1122.

SPACED TEETH
This occurs with abnormal continued growth of the jaw bone. When teeth are missing, this can also be caused by the surrounding teeth shifting due to extra space. Spacing issues between teeth can lead to gum problems (due to lack of protection by the teeth), periodontal pockets and increased risk of periodontal disease.

OVERLY CROWED TEETH
This occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can get worse over time. This crowding can lead to plaque accumulation, tooth decay and an increased chance of gum disease.

CROSS BITE
This occurs when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and the sides of the mouth. This can lead to abnormal tooth wear and chipping, and periodontal problems including gum disease and bone loss.

UNDERBITE

This occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It’s usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars, which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.

OVERBITE
What people commonly refer to as an “overbite” is known to dental professionals as “overjet”. It occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It’s typically caused by genetics, bad oral habits, or overdevelopment of the bone that supports the teeth. This can lead to gum disease and chipped or fractured front teeth.

You might be interested in the variety of at-home tooth-bleaching products that are available if you think your pearly whites have become off-white. But remember that no teeth whitening product replaces twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing as a consistent dental care routine.

Stains can adhere to both plaque and tartar buildup. Regular use of dental floss removes plaque, helping to prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to tartar.

Need another reason to floss? Simply flossing your teeth can make them look brighter by removing plaque and excess food particles that you may not see in the mirror or in areas that your toothbrush doesn’t reach.

Think of a carpet before and after you vacuum. You may not really see the dust and dirt, but once you vacuum and the dust and dirt is removed, the carpet looks brighter. The same principle applies to flossing. So while you’re thinking about using a teeth whitening product, try re-committing to daily flossing and twice-daily tooth brushing with a whitening toothpaste, which can improve the appearance of stained teeth in some cases. Many whitening toothpastes have extra chemicals or polishing ingredients to improve their stain-removing properties.

If you have tooth-colored fillings or tooth-bonding material on your front teeth, bleaching agents won’t affect the color of these materials. Instead, ask your dentist about porcelain veneers or other dental bonding to improve the appearance of your teeth.

If you had a choice between a set of removable dentures or permanent replacement teeth that look and feel like your own, which would you choose? What if the replacement teeth would also allow you to speak and eat with comfort and confidence, offer you freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures, and allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues?

Dental Implants at North Scottsdale Family Dentistry are growing in popularity and advancing in technology. They are a permanent and effective alternative to dentures. Dr. Steven Poulos has been the leader in Scottsdale, AZ for Implant restoration for the past five years.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth saving than traditional bridgework, since they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal diseases.

Once you decide to get a dental implant, Dr. Steven Poulos will  review all your options. Some implants take two to six months for the bone and implant to bond together to form anchors (osseointegration). During this time, Dr. Steven Poulos will supply you with a removable temporary tooth replacement option over the implant site(s). However, there is now the option of immediate loading, whereby Dr. Steven Poulos  places the implant immediately following tooth extraction and attaches a temporary fixed tooth replacement.

Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, Dr. Steven Poulos at North Scottsdale Family Dentistry will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.

Perhaps the most important decision you need to make regarding your dental implants is who should perform the procedure. Since Dr. Steven Poulos is an dental expert who specialize in precisely these areas, he is an ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only does Dr. Steven Poulos  have experience working with other dental professionals, he also has the special knowledge, an additional three years of training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own.

Just like your own teeth, dental implants require the proper care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply! After treatment, Dr. Steven Poulos at North Scottsdale Family Dentistry will work closely with you  to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.-

Speak with Dr. Steven Poulos about dental implants today at 480-614-1122.

Everywhere you look now days, you see cosmetic dentistry being promoted but do you really know what cosmetic dentistry is all about?

There are several choices available for cosmetic dental work and North Scottsdale Family Dentistry can help you determine which one will work the best in transforming your smile.

Teeth Whitening – Also called “teeth bleaching” can brighten and whiten your teeth from discoloration and / or staining. This procedure can be done in the dental office or at home. Not everyone’s teeth can be bleached, so it is very important to check with North Scottsdale Family Dentistry first.

Veneers – Veneers are a thin shell made out of porcelain or composite material. They are custom made and cemented to the front side of the tooth. A veneer can be used to treat dental conditions such as a slightly crooked tooth, discolored teeth, chipped teeth or even to cover spaces in between the teeth.

Implants – A dental implant is a metal device designed to replace missing teeth. The device is usually made out of titanium and is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Unlike a dental bridge, an implant is permanent. A dental implant is designed to act as the tooth root and can anchor an artificial tooth or teeth such as a crown, bridge or denture.
Crowns – Crowns, also referred to as caps, are custom made to fit over your whole tooth after the dentist has prepared it. They are usually made out of acrylic or porcelain that has been fused to metal, to withstand biting pressure. Crowns can be used in cosmetic dentistry to treat teeth that are poorly shaped, badly decayed, broken or chipped, have had large fillings and to cover spaces in between teeth.

Shaping – Also referred to as “enamel shaping” is the process in which the dentist can reshape the tooth by filing or removing some of the enamel. This process is usually not painful and can produce immediate effects.
Bonding – bonding is the process in which tooth colored materials are adhered (bonded) to the tooth. This is a procedure that can be used to repair or improve the appearance of a tooth that has been badly stained, broken or chipped.

Orthodontic Treatment – Orthodontics are not just for kids. More and more adults are seeking treatment from orthodontists for cosmetic purposes. If you have buck teeth or crooked teeth, ask North Scottsdale Family Dentistry if an orthodontist can help you.

Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive – they can tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be developing a disease like diabetes.

New research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. For example, when your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems.

Research also shows that good oral health may actually prevent certain diseases from occurring.

Gum disease and health complications

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a relationship between gum (periodontal) disease and health complications such as a stroke and heart disease. Women with gum disease also show higher incidences of pre-term, low birth-weight babies.

Other research shows that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases (diseases involving many organs or the whole body) have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems. Such diseases include:

• Diabetes
• Leukemia
• Oral cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease

Since most people have regular oral examinations, their dentist may be the first health care provider to diagnose a health problem in its early stages.

Poor oral health can lead to problems

If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, your poor oral hygiene can actually lead to other health problems, including:

Oral and facial pain. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, this pain may be largely due to infection of the gums that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, and advanced gum disease affect more than 75 percent of the U.S. population.

Problems with the heart and other major organs. Mouth infections can affect major organs. For example, the heart and heart valves can become inflamed by bacterial endocarditis, a condition that affects people with heart disease or anyone with damaged heart tissue.
Digestion problems. Digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth, and problems here can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.

What you can do

Seeing a dentist regularly helps to keep your mouth in top shape and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues. A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. Provide your dentist with a complete medical history and inform him or her of any recent health developments, even if they seem unrelated to your oral health.

At home, you can practice good oral hygiene:

• Brush for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Eat a healthy diet to provide the nutrients necessary (vitamins A and C, in particular) to prevent gum disease.
• Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, which may contribute to gum disease and oral cancer.
• Exercise preventive care and schedule regular dental checkups — the surest way to detect early signs of periodontal disease.

There are several options to consider when you need to replace a missing tooth with the most common being dentures and dental implants.

There are obvious differences in the two including their cost.

Many people who wear upper and lower dentures or partial dentures to replace missing teeth are not with them. It’s common for lower dentures to be ill-fitting. As time goes by, they can become loose fitting due to shrinking gum tissue. This causes irritation to the mouth resulting in sores and pain. Lower dentures also restrict your ability to eat or talk as you had with your natural teeth. The only relief is in using messy dental adhesive to improve the fit.

Upper dentures don’t seem to have this issue. They are much easier to wear because the suction in upper palate (roof of the mouth) helps keep the denture in place. However, having the palate covered can reduce the taste of foods and for some people, this presents a big issue. Upper dentures can also cause sores and pain in chewing and speech can be affected as the gum tissue shrinks.

Removable partial dentures are used when several teeth are missing.  A partial denture anchors to the teeth on either side of the empty area using a metal clasp.  This can cause a great deal of damage.  Removable partial dentures are also known to be hard on the gum tissue when chewing and talking.

Even though dentures can be troublesome there are advantages. They can be constructed quickly and typically cost less than implants. In many cases, they can last a lifetime although it may be advisable to replace them with a new set every so often.

For more information about dentures, contact us here at www.smilecntr.com 480-614-1122

Do you or someone you know have diabetes? Ever wonder how it relates to your dental health? Check out this article posted on Diabetes.org for more information:

The more severe form of gum disease is called periodontitis. When you reach this stage, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth. Pockets form between your teeth and gums. These fill with germs and pus, and deepen. When this happens, you may need gum surgery to save your teeth. If nothing is done, the infection goes on to destroy the bone around your teeth. The teeth may start to move or get loose. Your teeth may fall out or need to be pulled.

Is There an Association Between Gum Disease and Diabetes?
For the nearly 24 million Americans that have diabetes, many may be surprised to learn about an unexpected complication associated with this condition. Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes, adding serious gum disease to the list of other complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

Is There a Two-Way Street?
Emerging research also suggests that the relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes is two-way. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). People with diabetes are at an increased risk for serious gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection, and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.

The Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health states that good oral health is integral to general health. So be sure to brush and floss properly and see your dentist for regular checkups.

If I Have Diabetes, am I at Risk for Dental Problems?
If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth than non-diabetics. Like all infections, serious gum disease may be a factor in causing blood sugar to rise and may make diabetes harder to control.

Other oral problems associated to diabetes include: thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth, and dry mouth which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities.

How Can I Help Prevent Dental Problems Associated with Diabetes?
First and foremost, control your blood glucose level. Then, take good care of your teeth and gums, along with regular checkups every six months. To control thrush, a fungal infection, maintain good diabetic control, avoid smoking and, if you wear them, remove and clean dentures daily. Good blood glucose control can also help prevent or relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes.

What Can I Expect at My Checkup? Should I Tell My Dental Professional About My Diabetes?
People with diabetes have special needs and your dentist and hygienist are equipped to meet those needs – with your help. Keep your dentist and hygienist informed of any changes in your condition and any medication you might be taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in good control.

Direct Composite is one of the more popular inlay fillings. It consists of a plastic material that’s bonded to the tooth. This method requires less tooth structure removal than others and can last from five to seven years. In Direct Composite provides more durability for those who prefer greater wear resistance but the costs can be higher than the others such as amalgam. Silver Amalgam material is mostly used for the back teeth. This North Scottsdale Family Dentistry method is usually cheaper than others but can corrode easily and lose its shape with time. Amalgam fillings may contain a bit of mercury, copper, tin or zinc which has raised concerns in the past in relation to the human body and poisonous effects of mercury but nothing has ever come of those claims. Amalgam fillings are the cheapest of all the fillings and can last five to ten years with many cases of having lasted up to twenty years. Having these fillings done will take time, Composite and Indirect Composite will however be longer than Amalgam so you should plan on clearing your day, maybe even the next day as well to have them done.

Dental Implants Phoenix: Understanding Dental Filling Composites

Decay
When you’ve noticed tooth decay, minimal tooth fractures or other types of damage you may require dental fillings. If you’ve heard of dental fillings than you know there are different types of dental filling composites that can be used for the restoration of your teeth. Do you completely understand the difference in the dental filling composites? It might help to understand this information before visiting your local dentist for services. Most common Dental filling materials could include direct composite, In Direct Composite, silver amalgam and porcelain. Each work in exactly the same way and can improve tooth decay caused from enamel loss.

Enamel Loss
If you can’t see any problems wrong with your teeth but have experienced tooth sensitivity that could be an early sign of enamel loss that means you’re ready for a tooth filling. In cases where significant damage to teeth have occurred you might even require services such as Dental Implants, Dental Crowns, Root Canals which can be extremely painful, and Dental Bridges. All of those services are costly, checking to see if your insurance covers them would be ideal. Your dentist will usually decide the best filling procedure for you dependent on your dental history and if you have such problems as teeth grinding.

Treatments to prevent
After Dental Implants Phoenix procedure treatment will include prevention of decay that could form in other teeth or around those fillings. Now might also be a good time to get the kids to cut down on their junk food habits. Tooth decay can start very early in life, again it can also be damaging to one’s health. Wouldn’t you rather your family have the healthiest teeth on the block? If you have a family dentist rather than just go in for a visit yourself you can make it a family activity even though children for some reason hate visiting the dentist they’ll appreciate the effort in the future.

North Scottsdale Family Dentistry: Understanding Dental Filling Composites

Many people don’t mind wearing the traditional metal braces as long as the end results are a mouth full of beautiful perfectly straight teeth. There are many types of braces one can choose from in the effort to straighten the teeth for a better smile or overall appearance. Others have chosen to achieve their perfect smile through using Invisalign which is just another method of braces similar to the traditional ones. When one mentions the word braces the picture that usually strikes one’s mind is a line of metal across the teeth that can really stand out making your braces more noticeable than the outfit you may have on.

Dental Implants Phoenix Details on Invisalign vs. Traditional Metal Braces

Technology with Braces
The Invisalign method is also removable which is why many prefer it over the traditional method however with every product or service there are always disadvantages. Using computerized technology Invisalign braces are created specifically for the individual receiving the work and upon arrival to your chosen your orthodontists office they’re fitted to your teeth. Another set is then ordered and arrives shortly for your use. The specific number of Invisalign aligners is dependent entirely on the patient’s problem with their teeth. With the placement of each Invisalign aligner a patient might experience a little discomfort if not a mild pain because of pressure applied. The discomfort will fade almost instantly.

Metal, Ceramic, & Wired
The disadvantages of using Invisalign instead of traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or wired braces are that they’re designed for adult use only. With metal braces you have to worry about brackets and wires coming off every once in a while causing pinching or poking. That part of wearing traditional metal braces can be annoying but if cared for correctly can be avoided. Another disadvantage besides the cost of Invisalign which is definitely much more than traditional braces is that you cannot use Invisalign to straighten your teeth if you still have baby teeth within your mouth. That’s really disappointing to many right now but you can still achieve straight teeth through the use of other braces such as the traditional metal braces.

Which to Choose
The arch wires connect brackets glued to the front of each individual tooth. A disadvantage of ceramic braces is that the rubber bands or brackets applied during the procedure can stain quickly if you’re a heavy coffee drinker or love lots of soda and wines. With any chosen braces procedure you will still have to practice good oral hygiene such as brushing or flossing to prevent tarter buildup and cavities. Ceramic braces are also less noticeable if that’s the reason you’d like to use the Invisalign method so this might be a great way to go. The braces blend perfectly with the teeth because of the off-white appearance but the arch wire’s made of metal yet it’s very thin and still hardly noticeable to all. Everyone would rather have a set of straight clean teeth rather than the crooked, chipped teeth that can be extremely hard to clean when the little food particles make their way inside.

NSFD on Invisalign vs. Traditional Metal Braces

Cosmetic Dentistry Phoenix: What is Cap

The word “cap” as used in dentistry and can refer to a number of different things. A pulp cap refers to a calcium containing dressing placed under a deep filling to stimulate healing. A full crown, made by a dental laboratory which completely covers the outside of your tooth is frequently called a cap. A partly broken tooth may be built up by your dentist in the office with a bonded filling material. This is called a cap or “capping” by some dentists. This sounds like what you probably had done.

Cosmetic Dentistry Phoenix: What is Cap

Cap Pulp
Pulp capping offers an alternative to root canal treatments. When large cavities reach the tooth’s pulp, you will usually experience a toothache. If the pulp becomes infected and the tooth dies, a root canal will be needed to save it from a tooth extraction. But if the tooth’s nerve is still alive, pulp capping can be used to restrict the tooth decay from infiltrating the pulp chamber. Sometimes pulp capping is used as a preventive measure to keep a large tooth filling from getting too close to the nerve. When you hear the word “endondontics,” you probably think of a root canal. But endodontic treatment entails treating any disease of the tooth’s pulp, and  North Scottsdale Family Dentistry practice’s several techniques to save teeth. One such example is pulp capping, which is used to keep tooth decay from attacking the tooth’s pulp chamber.

Cap Bonded Filling
The teeth can then smoothed, composite was placed and cured with an ultra violet light gradually building up the broken edges until the desired shape and shade was achieved, at which point precision polishing completes the procedure. Composite Restoration is another name for bonded filling cap. Composite resin is a name for one of modern tooth colored filling materials. Made of durable resin it can be bonded directly onto the tooth surface quickly and easily for a strong, natural looking repair. A rubber sheet known as a rubber dam was placed over the teeth. This increases comfort for the patient and allows us to work in a dry environment.

Cap Crown
A crown is a type of dental restoration that, when cemented into place, fully cups over that portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Since it encases the entire visible aspect of a tooth, a dental crown, in effect, becomes the tooth’s new outer surface. Although most teeth that need root canal treatment also need to be restored with crowns, the reverse is not necessarily true. Dental crowns, “tooth caps”, are one of dentistry’s most versatile restorations. Beyond just offering a way to rebuild and strengthen damaged or compromised teeth, they also provide a way by which a tooth’s overall appearance can be vastly improved. Unless your dentist  explicitly said that you need a root canal treatment, it is unlikely that it is part of your treatment plan. Root canal treatment is a completely separate and distinct procedure from crown placement, and he would most certainly have told you if he believed it needed to be done.