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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 Overland Park 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. |
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 Overland Park Invisalign dentist for a complete consultation to find out if you could benefit from clear orthodontics.
You will wear your aligners nearly all of the time, with the exception of about two hours per day. Invisalign treatments in Overland Park 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.
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 Overland Park 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. |
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, Overland Park Lumineers treatment could be right for you. Call your Overland Park dentist for more information and to find out if Lumineers are the esthetic solution you’ve been looking for.
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.
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 Overland Park 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. |
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.
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.
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 Overland Park dentist may prefer to take x-rays more frequently.
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 Overland Park 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. |
Only your Overland Park 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.
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.
Post-operative care following a Overland Park 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.’
FastBraces are orthodontic solutions for patients who want to straighten their teeth in as little time as possible. With the FastBraces technology, Overland Park patients can still achieve their cosmetic goals; but they spend reduced time in treatment and are subject to much less discomfort than is associated with traditional braces. FastBraces work by allowing for greater space between braces thanks to a triangular design that provides better tooth support. The teeth move to their optimal positions faster and with greater ease – usually in a period of 6 months to a year.
Did you know…FastBraces come with a lifetime guarantee? FastBraces provide free replacements when necessary – even if treatment has already been completed. Also, the versatility of FastBraces has made them a popular orthodontic treatment option for patients of all ages. Even Overland Park adults can benefit from the unique design and discreet ceramic brackets of FastBraces Clear, which are far less noticeable than traditional orthodontic appliances. |
You may be a candidate for FastBraces if you have crowded, crooked or overlapping teeth and are looking for a means of quickly straightening them without a long treatment time. To find out more about FastBraces in Overland Park and whether you are a candidate for treatment, make an appointment with your dental provider.
FastBraces only requires a few dental visits to monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary. Depending on your teeth and progress, you could be in and out of braces in as little as six months. However, you will need to follow a diet free of hard and sticky foods that could damage the FastBraces appliance. Examples of potentially problematic foods include hard candies, popcorn kernels, taffy and ice. Eating these foods can damage FastBraces brackets, which could prolong your treatment.
One of the greatest benefits of FastBraces is the minimal post-treatment maintenance that is required. In fact, most FastBraces patients can maintain their new smiles with only 15 minutes of daily retainer wear. Otherwise, you can return to your normal diet and enjoy your new, straighter smile.
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 Overland Park 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. |
There are many reasons why wearing a dental mouth guard could be right for you. A few examples include:
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 Overland Park dental appointment with your custom mouth guard in-hand.
Before you leave your Overland Park 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.
Preventative care is a foundation of dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your Overland Park 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. |
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.
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 Overland Park 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.
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.
The number one cause of tooth loss is not decay or trauma – it’s periodontal disease. Peridontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gum line that causes inflammation and bleeding. Left untreated, it can also cause the gums to recede and begin to pull away from the teeth. Arestin is a solution to periodontal disease. When used in tandem with a root scaling and planing, Arestin can help halt moderate to severe gum disease in its tracks. It is a topical antibiotic placed deep into the gum pockets, where it works to kill the bacteria responsible for gingivitis and periodontitis. The medication is administered by a Overland Park dentist, and its time-release formulation continues to kill bacteria for several days after application.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology…about 50 percent of all American adults over age 30 have some degree of gum disease, though men suffer with the condition more than women. Signs and symptoms of the disease may be as minor as bad breath and red gums, or they could be as serious as loosened teeth and pockets along the base of the teeth. Even if you have no obvious symptoms of gum disease, it is recommended that every American – including patients in Overland Park – undergo an annual exam for periodontal disease and gingivitis. |
You may need Arestin if you are diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontal disease. If you suspect that you could be suffering from gum disease, see your dentist immediately for an examination and consultation.
Arestin is highly effective for destroying the bacteria that causes gum disease. However, it is possible that you will require additional treatments.
In the initial week to 10 days following Arestin treatment, you will need to avoid consuming hard, crunchy, and sticky foods such as candy and gum. You should also temporarily eliminate flossing from your dental routine. At the end of the treatment period, you may resume flossing and are encouraged to stop smoking (if applicable), as this can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease again in the future. So long as you adhere to a careful and hygienic dental routine, you should be able to prevent future incidences of gum disease.