admin, Author at Dentist Oxnard, CA 93036 | Safe Dental Care Blog

How Invisalign Treatment Works – Oxnard CA

Posted On March 16, 2021

Invisalign treatment provides a new approach to straighten your teeth without the use of metal braces found in conventional orthodontics. Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are worn for the course of your individual treatment to gradually move your teeth into the right position. The aligners are custom-made for your specific situation based on scans, X-rays, photographs, and an assessment of your bite. Each set of aligners is worn for a period of two weeks to move certain teeth, before advancing to the next one in the series. The number of aligners and duration of treatment depends on your individualized Invisalign treatment plan.

Here’s what to expect during your Invisalign appointments:

Consultation

If you have an orthodontic issue, such as crooked or crowded teeth, misaligned bite, or over/under-bite, your dentist will evaluate your teeth to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Next, the dentist will take a detailed scan of your teeth, photographs, and a full-mouth X-ray that will be used to design your Invisalign treatment plan and custom aligners.

Fitting and Instructions

When your custom aligners are fabricated, the first set will be inserted on your next appointment, and any interproximal reduction (IPR) or slenderizing (slimming) done to provide a good fit and alignment. Since they’re removable, the Invisalign specialist will also instruct you on how to insert and remove them, as well as how to care for your aligners. Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks, so you will be given the next 3-4 sets of aligners in your treatment plan to change at home.

Monitoring Visits

Invisalign monitoring visits are scheduled every 6-8 weeks to assess the progress of your treatment and receive the next set of aligners. You should go with your current aligner set in the mouth. If there’s any slenderizing needed, it will be performed before placing your new aligners. The number of scheduled visits depend on the number of aligner sets prescribed in your individual treatment plan. After your final set, the last appointment will be used to determine if further refining (minor bite adjustments) should be done or to order custom retainers to help maintain the new position of your teeth. These are worn continuously for 6 weeks, after which they only need to be worn at night forever or every two nights to keep your teeth straight.

To find out more about Invisalign treatment and how it can help to address your orthodontic issues, please visit your Invisalign dentist in Oxnard CA today.

Importance of Dental Exam & Teeth Cleaning in Oxnard CA

Posted On February 16, 2021

No matter how diligent your at-home oral care routine is, harmful bacteria can still hide in your mouth in places that are hard to reach with regular brushing and flossing. After some time, the accumulated plaque and tartar can pose serious risks to your oral health and even affect your overall health if the bacteria spreads from your mouth to various body tissues. As such, it should be removed by a dental professional using specialized oral cleaning tools at a recommended interval.

Bacteria Growth in Your Mouth

The warm and moist environment in your mouth is very hospitable for the growth of bacteria, which manifests as:

Plaque – the biofilm formed by bacteria colonies living in your mouth. It is responsible for producing acid that can wear your teeth causing cavities and/or damage gums if not continuously removed by regular brushing
Tartar or calculus – forms when plaque is not removed properly, causing it to calcify and mineralize into a hard substance that attracts more harmful bacteria. Calculus can only be removed during dental cleanings using specialized tools.

Dental Cleanings Prevent Gum Disease

Bacteria in your mouth can accumulate to a point where it becomes active and destructive, resulting in gum infection. The first stage of gum infection is known as gingivitis, and is characterized by gum inflammation, swelling, and reddening. Due to sensitive gums, you may also notice some blood on your toothbrush or when rinsing your mouth after brushing. Fortunately, gingivitis can be successfully treated with professional dental cleaning and an improved at-home oral care routine.

If there are no interventions, gingivitis can advance to a more serious case of gum disease known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. It affects the foundation of your teeth – the bone tissue connecting your teeth to the jaw. If not treated promptly, periodontitis can cause severe bone loss that loosens your teeth with some even falling out. Though it’s irreversible, dental professionals can help you manage the symptoms and improve your oral health.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine the best type of dental cleaning in Oxnard CA to improve your oral health and reduce the risk of advanced gum disease and cavities.

Do I Need Dental Implants? Oxnard CA

Posted On January 24, 2021

If you’re looking to restore the normal function and aesthetics of your mouth after losing some teeth, your dentist may recommend that you get a dental implant to replace one tooth or to support bridgework or dentures when replacing multiple teeth. A dental implant refers to a biocompatible fixture that is surgically placed into the jawbone underneath an area with missing teeth, so it can fuse with the bone to provide a strong and stable artificial tooth root that can support the replacement tooth.

When to Consider Dental Implants

If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental implant can help to prevent the teeth adjacent to the gap from tilting or shifting, which might misalign your bite and cause other dental problems. The teeth on the opposing jaw may also grow irregularly because there’s no mate to make contact with, causing you to injure the gum tissue in that area. This can create a chronic sore spot and discomfort. Moreover, the bone tissue under the gums may begin to shrink away (resorption) due to lack of stimulation during chewing, causing your face to appear aged. Dental implants can prevent these issues

Although dental implants are often associated with tooth replacement, your dentist may also recommend them to assist other dental treatments, such as:

To support removable dentures – the stability of implants can provide a more comfortable and secure fit
To serve as temporary anchorage devices (TAD) for orthodontic procedures – dental mini-implants can function as anchorage for moving crooked teeth with an orthodontic appliance. The implants are then extracted when the orthodontic treatment is completed.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

That said, there are several factors that may affect your suitability as a candidate for dental implants, including:

Position of the missing tooth in the mouth
Quality and quantity of jawbone in the area with the gap
General health of the patient
Cost of treatment

If you have one or more missing teeth, it’s important that you get them replaced as soon as possible. This is particularly important if you’re considering getting dental implants, so the implant can be placed in healthy bone tissue before bone resorption begins. Please visit your dentist to learn more about dental implants and how they can help to restore the function and aesthetic of your mouth.

For more information on dental implants in Oxnard CA and to find out the cost of your individual treatment, please contact us today.

Dental Crowns – Procedure Overview | Oxnard CA

Posted On December 14, 2020

Crowns are designed to cover the entire portion of your tooth above the gum line in order to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and to improve its appearance. Following a dental emergency or routine examination, your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown for any of the following reasons:

A fractured tooth
Extensive damage by decay
A weakened tooth due to large filling
Deep tooth stains that affect the aesthetics of your smile
To strengthen and protect a tooth following root canal therapy
To support replacement teeth with bridgework
To replace missing teeth when anchored to dental implants

If you’re a good candidate for dental crowns, you will require at least two appointments to complete the treatment:

First Visit

Your dentist will start by administering a local anaesthetic that will numb you for the duration of the procedure. This is necessary to prevent you from feeling any pain when the dentist is preparing your tooth. The process of tooth preparation depends on your specific case, and may involve the removal of any decay and infection and filing down the tooth to maximize the retention of the crown and to ensure a good fit that doesn’t distort your smile.

After tooth preparation, a mold or impression of the tooth will be made and sent to the lab to fabricate your permanent custom crown. To protect the prepared tooth, a temporary or transition crown will be placed on it. This crown is typically made from plastic material (acrylic), and is held in place using a temporary cementing medium to allow easy removal at your next visit.

Second Visit

On your second scheduled visit, which should be in two to three weeks from the first visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean off the temporary cement from the prepared tooth. The permanent crown will then be fitted and adjusted for any bite variations. The dentist will check for accuracy and assess the aesthetics. If there are no issues, the crown can be cemented to your tooth.

Same-Day Crowns

It is possible to get your permanent crown prepared and installed on the same day. The dentist uses a wand scanner to capture pictures of the teeth, transfers the images into a computer, and uses CAD software (computer-aided design) to design a 3D model that can be used to fabricate a replacement ceramic crown in about 15 minutes.

Caring for Your Dental Crowns

Dental crowns should last long time with proper care, which includes regular brushing and flossing, not using your teeth as tools to crush ice or bite nails, and regular professional cleaning to keep your mouth healthy.

To ask about Dental Crowns in Oxnard CA please contact us today.

Invisalign for Overbites in Oxnard CA

Posted On November 5, 2020

An overbite is one of the most common bite disorders across all age groups, accounting for nearly 70 percent of dental problems. Fortunately, there are multiple orthodontic treatment options for this condition, including the discreet Invisalign system. That said, your eligibility for Invisalign treatment will depend on a number of factors, including:

The severity of the overbite
Age of the patient
Ability of the patient to handle the treatment

Treating Overbite for Children

For young patients under 12 years, the dentist may recommend using the child’s growth and development to naturally correct an overbite. With the aid of the right orthodontic appliance, it’s possible to redirect the patient’s tooth growth to correct their bite. With the Invisalign system, the orthodontic appliance commonly used to correct an overbite is known as Invisalign Mandibular Advancement.

This appliance comprises aligners with plastic wings that help to gradually guide the lower jaw forward in small increments, while simultaneously straightening the lower front teeth and aligning the jaws. Compared to other orthodontic treatments for overbites, the Invisalign system is less invasive, more comfortable, and easier to clean.

Other benefits of Invisalign mandibular advancement include:

Simultaneous teeth straightening and jaw alignment
No restrictions on food or diet
Removable for eating and dental hygiene
Removable for participation in sports or wind instruments
No irritation of the cheeks or emergency visits

Treating Overbite for Teens and Adults

For patients above the age of 12 years, mandibular advancement appliances cannot be successfully used to fix an overbite. Instead, your dentist may recommend wearing Invisalign aligners with elastics to gradually move the front teeth in the lower jaw forward, while moving the front teeth in the upper jaw backwards to correct a deep bite.

If you have a severe overbite, your dentist may recommend an additional orthodontic appliance known as the “motion” device. This is a small bar that is placed on the upper teeth to reduce the underbite while undergoing your treatment with elastics and aligners.

Start Your Overbite Treatment with Invisalign Today

You can correct an overbite with Invisalign at any stage in your life. Please contact your Invisalign dentist in Oxnard CA to evaluate your individual case and design the most appropriate customized orthodontic treatment plan for your overbite.

7 Steps to Finding the Right Family Dentist for You in Oxnard CA

Posted On September 11, 2020

A family dentist in Oxnard CA is a professional whom you’ll need to visit at least a couple of times a year for many years. This requires someone you can trust to care for your personal dental needs, and one you’re comfortable visiting and always satisfied at the end of your dental visits. But more importantly, find out if they’re trained to provide dental services to children and teenagers.

Finding a great family dentist requires a bit of research. Here are 7 steps to follow in your search:

Step 1:

Look for positive reviews and testimonials on their social media profiles and online

Step 2:

Check your prospect’s level of education and credentials. Your dentist should have graduated from an accredited dental school, and be registered with a dental association.

Step 3:

Assess the range of services offered. The dentist should provide a broad range of services that you and your loved ones may need to ensure that you get the proper oral care you deserve.

Step 4:

Determine the age bracket of patients they receive according to your specific needs.

Some family dentists may prefer to work with teens and adults, but not necessarily children. If you have young children or senior parents, you should ensure that the dentist is qualified to treat them.

Step 5:

Check the availability of the latest dental technologies and procedures. Generally, your family dentist should be capable of performing most types of restorative and cosmetic procedures using the latest technologies and materials.

Step 6:

Assess the dentist’s personality and office culture. A kid-friendly environment should have a playroom in the waiting area to prevent anxiety while the kids wait for their turn. It’s also important to have friendly staff and a general relaxing atmosphere, in addition to having a gentle and patient dentist who can help the children relax when receiving treatment and appreciate the value of regular dental checkups.

Step 7:

Determine whether they accept your insurance

Taking the time to choose a good family dentist in Oxnard CA in advance allows you to find a professional you can establish a long-term, positive relationship with, to take care of most of your family’s oral care needs under one roof.

Schedule your family’s dental appointment by contacting your dentist in Oxnard CA today!

Cosmetic Dentist Near Me, Oxnard CA

Posted On August 13, 2020

Your smile plays a big part in your appearance. It is the first thing that people notice about you, besides your eyes, which influences how people perceive you. A bright smile is associated with good health, confidence, and happiness, which essentially draws people to you and makes you more successful in your personal and professional relationships. This truth is why many patients visit a cosmetic dentist to learn more about how they can enhance their smiles.

Preparing for the Initial Visit

If you’re looking to restore or improve the health and appearance of your teeth, the first step would be a free cosmetic consultation at a cosmetic dentist near you. To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between
Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way?
What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc.

Thanks to technological advancements, dentists today have access to tooth-colored dental materials that help to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results. Modern techniques are also less invasive, allowing you to preserve a greater portion of your natural tooth structure during restorations. And with 3D software, your dental team can design your smile and show you the expected results of your treatment plan on a screen before the procedures start.

The Consultation Process

A typical cosmetic dental consultation is a brief appointment with the dentist to discuss any issues that you have with your teeth and smile, as well as the various treatments available and the best options for your case.

Your dental visit will also include a physical examination, a review of your dental and medical history, and dental imaging so the dentist can have a clear look at your teeth. Next, you will establish clear treatment goals based on your needs and concerns. This provides a great opportunity to ask other specific details about procedures you’re interested in.

Please contact your dentist in Oxnard CA to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment.

Dental Crowns Near Me, Oxnard CA 93036

Posted On July 24, 2020

When you have chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, the damage can be repaired using dental crowns in Oxnard, CA. In some minor cases of tooth damage, fillings can be used as the preferred restorative treatment. Although fillings are cheaper, there are not as strong as crowns unless the damage is minimal and located in your front teeth. Otherwise, crowns are the preferred option.

Dental fillings draw their strength from the tooth. A larger filling would mean that the tooth is severely damaged and weakened, which increases the risk of the filling or tooth breaking. A well-placed filling should last between 5 and 15 years depending on the material used, with metals offering the greatest durability. Crowns should last a lifetime with proper dental care.

Dental crowns in Oxnard CA can be successfully used to treat various dental problems, including:

Decay – that has affected more than half the tooth, such that a filling cannot be used
To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy
Broken or fractured teeth
To replace large fillings
To fix chips and cracks
To close small gaps between teeth
To support dental bridges when replacing missing teeth

How the Procedure is Done

Most people are good candidates for tooth crowns, which makes them one of the most popular dental restoration procedures for people of all ages. Tooth caps can also be recommended as a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of damaged teeth.

During your initial consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for dental crowns. The treatments starts by numbing the damaged tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Then, depending on the type of damage, any decay will be removed and the site thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in preparation for placing the filling material in the cavity. The dentist will also take digital impressions that will be used to create your custom crown in a dental lab, making sure to match the color of your crown to that of your teeth, or use a different shade if you wish to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile.

On your next visit, the custom crown will be placed so it “caps” the entire damaged or decayed area of the tooth. This produces a permanent, long-lasting restoration that looks and functions like your natural teeth.

Contact Your Dentist Today

Please contact your dentist in Oxnard CA today to learn more about dental crowns and other dental restorative options that can work for you.

Cost of Teeth Whitening in Oxnard CA

Posted On July 17, 2020

Whiter teeth and brighter smiles are attractive, and many people are willing to pay whatever it takes, provided it boosts their confidence. Having whiter teeth is also associated with beauty and a healthy lifestyle. Tooth whitening helps to remove stains on natural teeth. However, your dentist will inform you that artificial dental work such as crowns, bonding, bridges, and fillings do not respond to whitening agents. You may also not qualify for whitening if you have tooth decay, gum disease, enamel erosion or hypersensitivity unless these problems are fixed first to prevent sensitivity following the whitening process which may increase the total cost of your teeth whitening treatment.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, which means that your dental insurance plan will not help to cover the cost. Although you will be paying out-of-pocket, it’s not always possible to reduce the total cost of treatment because there are few variable factors. These factors include:

Type of whitening treatment and sessions
Extent of tooth discoloration
Dentist skill and expertise
Location of dental practice
Additional procedures before whitening

Even with great results following teeth whitening, the changes tend to fade over time, with the whitening effect lasting about one year. So you should schedule follow-up whitening treatments every 6 to 12 months depending on your preferences.

It’s possible to cut down on the number of follow-up visits by following the recommended maintenance plan, which includes:

Avoiding or reducing your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks such as tomatoes, berries, grape juice, red wine, coffee, tea, sports drinks, cola, and grape juice.
Swishing a little water after eating or drinking can help reduce staining.
Ceasing smoking – Smoking is not only bad for your health, but also your teeth. The nicotine, tar, and tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes will stain your teeth.
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily to keep your mouth clean and stain-free.

To find out about the cost of teeth whitening for your specific case, please schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Oxnard CA today.

Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening? | Oxnard CA

Posted On July 10, 2020

Proper brushing and flossing every day can help to keep your smile bright and breath fresh. Factors such as aging, consuming colored foods and drinks, and lifestyle habits such as chewing or smoking tobacco products can cause your teeth to discolor and get darker. Fortunately, there are several options for teeth whitening in Oxnard, CA to help improve the shade of your teeth and maintain the shade with follow up treatments as recommended by the dentist.

Before treatment, the dentist will examine your teeth to establish the cause and severity of the discoloration, and then propose various whitening options that will be most suitable for your case to ensure that you get the desired results and the smile of your teeth. The results may fade with time depending on your diet, age, and lifestyle choices, so subsequent treatments may be necessary to maintain a white smile.

Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening in Oxnard CA

Teeth whitening is most effective on surface stains, and while anyone from the age of 10 years and above can be a good candidate for bleaching, there are a few cases when your dentist may prevent you from proceeding with the treatment. These include:

Tooth and gum sensitivity – Sensitivities may disqualify you from using certain whitening techniques
The natural color of your teeth – Intrinsic stains are harder to bleach compared to extrinsic stains
The presence of crowns, fillings, bridges, or veneers – These do not bleach the same as natural teeth, which means that you may have to replace them after whitening your teeth to achieve a uniform look
Exposed roots – These surfaces are harder to whiten effectively compared to tooth enamel, which means that you may have to consider alternative methods.

Your dentist will assess your teeth and mouth during your first visit to determine your suitability.

Final Note

Teeth whitening is not permanent, and people who expose their teeth to tobacco products and colored foods and beverages that cause staining may realize faster fading of the results. The more you exercise proper oral hygiene after bleaching, the longer you will stay without requiring touch-up whitening treatment.

Please contact your cosmetic dentist in Oxnard to discuss ways to improve your smile with teeth whitening.