Invisalign has made discreet orthodontic treatment an option for most patients today. Whereas most other types of braces rely on wires and brackets to move teeth, Invisalign uses clear, comfortable aligners for bite correction. Here is more about this treatment as well as its benefits and eligibility restrictions for patients considering this option from our Agoura Hills Invisalign expert.

The transparency of Invisalign aligners is one major reason why patients seek this treatment. Once patients learn about the additional benefits of Invisalign, however, they may be even more likely to pursue it. The aligners, which are made of smooth plastic rather than protruding metal, let patients stay comfortable while their teeth are being straightened. Because patients remove the aligners to eat and brush their teeth, they are also more likely to keep their teeth and gums healthy during treatment. Furthermore, patients can eat the foods they enjoy without any restrictions. This treatment from our expert in Invisalign in Agoura Hills also works more quickly than metal braces and can be ideal for patients who play contact sports or musical instruments.

Invisalign Agoura Hills

Most adults can receive Invisalign Full, and a majority of adolescents can get Invisalign Teen. Unfortunately, Invisalign does not have an option for children at this time. Some bite problems, such as extensive overcrowding or vertical positioning problems, can prevent Invisalign from being an option. In such cases, our Agoura Hills Invisalign expert may recommend another type of orthodontics.

Every patient begins Invisalign treatment with a visit to our dentist to have bite impressions and photographs taken. Once the aligners have been completed at a lab, patients return to receive their first set of aligners. Patients then return regularly to have their progress checked and get their aligners exchanged for new ones.

This treatment from our expert in Invisalign in Agoura Hills can be completed in an average of 15 months, but duration can vary significantly. After treatment, results are maintained with an Invisalign retainer. Patients can schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in Agoura Hills to learn more about Invisalign.

Tooth whitening offers patients a sparkling smile through any of several options. While store-bought whitening products remain available, their effectiveness and safety cannot compare to that of office treatments. Here is a deeper look at which tooth whitening methods are best.

Options for Tooth Whitening

On store shelves, patients can find products that whiten teeth with peroxides and abrasives. Peroxides, found in many gums, strips, gels and toothpastes, work by bleaching away pigments on the teeth. Abrasives are most commonly found in toothpastes and work by grinding away stains. To minimize risks of tooth damage, abrasive-based whitening products should only be used occasionally. Peroxide products are often used for months to obtain desired results. Professional teeth whitening treatments use stronger peroxide-based gels, offer minimal risk of damage and deliver results in a single session.

Professional Whitening Choices

A number of options are available within the category of professional tooth whitening, which generally takes one hour or less. Most professional whitening compounds are based on hydrogen peroxide, but Zoom whitening compound also contains carbamide peroxide to enhance results. During a professional whitening session, our dentist protects the oral soft tissues with a barrier and applies the whitening gel before activating it, allowing it to work, and removing it. Zoom is different in that it includes three of these cycles per session.

Choose Whitening from a Dentist

Professional whitening is sometimes performed by individuals who are not trained dentists. This can affect the quality of results and increase risks of side effects, including tooth sensitivity and soft tissue damage. Receiving this procedure from a cosmetic dentist also ensures that additional treatment recommendations can be gained if necessary.

Store-bought and professional teeth whitening options are available. When the latter is desired, it should be received from a properly trained tooth whitening dentist. You can schedule a consultation with our dentist to find out which whitening method is best for you.

Did you know that cheese can help prevent tooth decay? It has many essential nutrients including high quality proteins, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin and vitamin B12, which are essential in cavity prevention. Cheese can also help prevent Osteoporosis and can strengthen bones and tissue. It contains conjugated Linoleic Acid and Sphingolipids, which are key substances in the prevention of cancer as well. So go ahead and enjoy this super food even more now!

In today’s world, there are many different options of toothbrushes being sold. Although toothbrushes function similarly, both types have different options and will have their own pros and cons. Overall, most people believe to find the electric toothbrush more efficient compared to the manual toothbrush, but defers from person to person and each of their own personal needs.

However, regardless of the differences of the electric or manual toothbrush, it is vital that you brush your teeth at least twice per day for 2 minutes to keep your teeth and gums clean and to prevent any future teeth and/or gum issues. Choosing either a manual or electric toothbrush is a personal opinion. However, reviewing the pros and cons of each type of toothbrush should be able to help you make your decision a lot easier.

Manual toothbrush

Pros:
Manual toothbrushes are much more flexible and may be easier when trying to reach teeth in the back since the head of the toothbrush is much smaller than the electric toothbrush which may be helpful for adults with smaller mouths. In addition, manual toothbrushes provide soft, medium and hard bristles. Lastly, they are less expensive and less maintenance since they do not require charging or replacing of the battery.

Cons:
In some cases, there may be someone who has limited mobility in the wrist, arm or shoulder including arthritis so using a manual toothbrush may be difficult to maneuver. In addition they are not as ergonomic and the handle may be more difficult to use. Lastly, manual toothbrushes usually do not come with a timer which may not be as convenient as ones that do come with a built in timer.

Electric toothbrush

Pros:
Using an electric toothbrush is much more ergonomic and has rotating bristles make it easier to remove plaque, tartar and stains. Some have reminders to replace the head and/or when to charge the toothbrush as well as built in timers. Lastly, they are much more eco-friendly since they have the ability to last longer than an ordinary toothbrush.

Cons:
The downsides of electric toothbrushes are the costliness of the actual toothbrush including the starter kits. Lastly, having to charge the toothbrush and/or replacing the battery may be inconveniencing at time especially when traveling.

In my opinion using electric toothbrush is more beneficial to your overall oral health, if you can afford buying a good one. The bristle rotations of an electric Tooth brush makes it very efficient to remove plaque & build ups. If you follow exact instructions on how to use it properly, without putting too much pleasure on your gums, an electric toothbrush can be very beneficial to your dental health. Just make sure you let the tooth brush do its own rotary motion and avoid doing a back & forth motion like using a manual toothbrush. This will prevent potential gum recession that could be caused by using it the wrong way. Also, I have come to learn over the years in my profession that my patients tend to brush more frequently with an electric toothbrush, since it is easier to use. That fact alone makes it a favorite for me, since it is very important for your overall health that you brush and floss at least 2 times per day.