Not long ago, teeth straightening without braces simply was not an option. But today, thanks to dramatic advances in dental technology, patients can achieve straighter, healthier smiles without the frustration or discomfort of cumbersome metal brackets and wires. Invisalign is a teeth straightening system in which custom-made and removable clear aligner trays are used to straighten teeth, eliminating the hygienic and aesthetic drawbacks associated with traditional braces — and allowing patients to eat, drink, brush and smile as they please in the process. In addition, Invisalign trays can be fitted and provided by your local, Invisalign trained dentist, making teeth straightening easier and more convenient than ever before.
February is Children’s Dental Health Month; and every year, the American Dental Association sponsors events and resources to raise awareness and encourage healthy oral hygiene habits among parents, teachers and kids alike. By presenting the importance of oral healthcare through fun, interactive means and reinforcing good habits with early trips to the dentist, parents can teach their children how to prevent cavities and periodontal disease while maintaining a lifelong healthy smile.
Over the course of the last several decades, dental technology has improved significantly in terms of solutions for patients dealing with tooth loss. Whether due to trauma, injury, disease or advanced age, tooth loss can contribute to a number of oral health concerns – not to mention individual comfort, aesthetics, and lifestyle changes. But with the advent of modern dental implants, qualified dentists can now offer patients an ideal alternative to dental bridges – one that looks and feels like a natural tooth, and that can be customized to suit each individual patient’s needs.
Even before her marriage to Prince William, Kate Middleton – now the Duchess of Cambridge – was a media darling in her own right. Fashion commentators and fans alike can’t get enough of Middleton’s elegant style; and now, it would seem that her role as a tastemaker may even extend to cosmetic dentistry and a new wave of popular interest in dental veneers. According to reports from Vanity Fair magazine, Middleton’s perfect smile is the result of what French dentist Dr. Didier Fillion calls “harmonious asymmetry” – a blend of invisible braces, surface polishing and veneers. The price tag for Kate Middleton’s designer smile runs around $15,000; but fortunately for the rest of us, affordable veneers can help correct broken, chipped or otherwise imperfect teeth for a smile to rival that of Britain’s favorite fairytale fashion icon.
Despite the proven connection between periodontal disease and overall physical health, many people remain unaware of the specific relationships between poor oral hygiene habits and serious illness. Because gum tissue is highly vascular – that is, heavily supplied with blood vessels – it is a prime entry point for oral bacteria to reach the body’s circulatory system. Poor oral care leads to the build up of plaque and calculus (tartar), which contributes not only to oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease, but also to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, uncontrolled diabetes and preterm births, as well as added complications for anyone with a weakened immune system. Researchers have found oral bacteria in the vessels of heart attack and stroke patients, thereby confirming the link with tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, research has shown that patients with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those with healthy gum tissue.
Believe it or not, the holiday season is just around the corner. For most, this time of year is busy with holiday shopping, office parties, dinner with family and friends, and pictures, pictures and more pictures! To look their best for these events, many individuals visit their local shopping centers for new clothes and make-up – and wind up searching local pharmacies for teeth whitening strips or gels for a whiter, brighter smile as well.
