Our Lives Are Full of Smiles and Joy!

Why did we get into the field of orthodontics?  Because we wanted to change people’s lives for the better.  But why we stay is because being in this field of work means having a life that is full of smiles and joy.

Our patients come to us with a wide array of problems, from those that are merely cosmetic to those that prevent them from living a good life.  And we are given the privilege of correcting these problems.  The end results are often life-changing for our patients, and being part of this transformation truly is an honor.

Are you considering orthodontic treatment?  If so, we want you to make an appointment as soon as possible.  Once you learn about what we can do for you, you will wonder why you waited.  To help give you the little push you need, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of orthodontic treatment.

• Once you correct your smile, you will look better.
• When you look better, you feel good about yourself.
• Self-confidence can help you in all areas of your life now and in the future.
• Your teeth will be healthier and feel better.
• There is less of a chance that you will develop TMD.
• Your teeth will last longer than they would without treatment.

Of course, orthodontic treatment alone does not promise a lifetime of healthy teeth.  In addition to treatment, you need to be careful to take good care of your teeth and gums.  To do this, follow this oral health regime twice a day and see a dentist at least twice a year:

1. Brush your teeth for two minutes or more, spending the same amount of time on each part of your teeth. Angle the brush towards your gums as you brush, and use short, circular strokes.
2. Brush your tongue. If you want an extra clean tongue for super fresh breath, use a tongue scraper after brushing.
3. Floss your teeth carefully, accessing as much of the teeth as possible, even around the gums.
4. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to kill bacteria and wash away any debris knocked loose while flossing.

During orthodontic treatment, appliances can complicate this routine, but it will be more important than ever to stick to it.

To learn more about the treatments we offer for healthy smiles, read about our Tecachapi and Valencia orthodontics treatment at drsnow.com.

Invisalign Treatment Offers Comfort and Convenience

Once upon a time, straightening your teeth meant wearing big, obvious metal braces.  In fact, that once upon a time wasn’t all that long ago.  But now there are many options when it comes to achieving a straighter, healthier smile, with one of the most innovative being Invisalign.

When Invisalign first entered the market, it revolutionized the way people think about orthodontic treatment.  Before, people thought of it as ugly, inconvenient, and even painful.  But none of those adjectives describe Invisalign, and soon it seemed like every patient wanted it, and every company wanted to recreate it.

What makes Invisalign so different?

The biggest thing is the material Invisalign is made from.  Instead of the usual metal components seen with braces, Invisalign uses clear, medical-grade plastic.  This makes the product invisible to those around you, allowing you the option of discreet treatment.  It also makes it more comfortable since there are not rough pieces to cause sores in the mouth.

The next big difference between Invisalign and other forms of braces treatment is that it is removable.  This is helpful in many ways.  First, you do not need to change your diet to avoid damaging Invisalign since you can remove it to eat.  Second, you do not need to relearn how to brush and floss.  Third, you can see the doctor less often because you make the adjustments by switching out aligners.  As you can imagine, these are big benefits.

Finally, another major difference is how Invisalign is made.  With most types of braces, you use the same pieces marketed towards every other braces patient.  But Invisalign is custom made for you using 3D imaging technology.  This means that you get a very accurate treatment plan and know that the aligners you wear are perfect for your specific needs.

Are you interested in Invisalign in Valencia or Agoura Hills?  Visit our website to learn more.

A Quick Look at Having Braces

So, you need braces.  Maybe this has already been confirmed by your orthodontist, or maybe you just believe this is going to be the case when you finally visit the orthodontics clinic.  In either case, it is a good idea to start learning more about braces and what they can do for you.

Why Braces Are Needed 

When we think about why someone might need braces, we usually think about teeth that are too far apart or too close together, but there are other maladies that can be treated with braces as well.  Underbite, overbite, and jaw disorders all can be treated with braces.  In some cases, braces are just one part of treatment, while in other cases they are all the treatment.

Always Get Braces if Recommended 

Many people are tempted to skip braces if they feel that the issues being corrected are minor.  However, we have learned from experience that this is a mistake.  As you get older, the problems tend to worsen.  Additionally, even if they do not get worse, most orthodontic concerns can also impact your ability to keep your teeth clean and healthy.  This means that a failure to get treatment can result in gum disease, cavities, and loss of teeth.

Braces Are Not Painful 

This is usually the greatest fear that our patients have, but it is one that we do not want you giving much mind to.  Braces do cause sensitivity and discomfort when they are first placed, but not genuine pain.  This discomfort is easily treated with salt water rinses and an OTC pain reliever.  It usually lasts 3-5 days when braces are first placed and returns for about a day or so each time the braces are adjusted.

Length of Treatment

The length of your treatment will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of braces you use and the severity of the problems being corrected.  In most cases, treatment will last about two years.  However, it is important that you do not fixate on a specific length of time since treatment can take longer or go faster depending on how things play out.

If you want to learn more about braces in Santa Cara and Palmdale, call us or visit our website.

Teens and Oral Health

During the teenage years, kids seem to go one way or the other when it comes to hygiene: either they become obsessive about it and what others think about theirs or they just ignore that it is part of life.  However, as we adults know, it is more important in adolescence than when children are younger.  This is especially true when it comes to oral hygiene.

Is your teen struggling with caring for their oral health?  If so, you no doubt want to find ways to encourage healthier habits.  Below are just a few ways you can do this.

Purchase Products Marketed Towards Teens: It may seem silly, much like products that are oddly marketed towards men or women when the products are clearly unisex, but the truth is that teens are highly susceptible to marketing.  They may cost a little more than the exact same product in less flashy packaging, but it is worth it if it helps them care more.

Set Alarms: Most teens live and die by their technology, so use it to your advantage.  To remind your teen to brush and floss, set an alarm for each morning and each evening.  If your teen struggles with brushing for the right length of time, look into a tooth brushing app.  While these are usually designed for younger kids, there are some fun ones that use music on the device that your teen will like.

Make it Easy: If your teen hates brushing, try an electric toothbrush.  Can’t stand flossing?  Purchase pre-threaded flossers.  The easier it is, the more likely it is that your teen will do it.  Even an electric toothpaste pump can help.

If you are living in Santa Cara or in Palmdale and your kid needs braces treatment, kindly visit our website.

Smoking’s Impact on Your Oral and Overall Health

When we think about smoking-related diseases, we think about things involving the lungs.  Lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis—all of these are diseases we know smoking can cause.  But what we don’t really talk about is that smoking can impact all parts of our body, including our teeth and gums.  If you smoke, even just socially, it is important to know the impact this habit can have on your health.

Worldwide, smoking is a leading cause of death because it contributes to the development of so many diseases.  Oral cancer is one disease that is overwhelmingly linked to smoking; 8 out of every 10 patients with oral cancer are smokers.  Periodontal disease is also closely linked to smoking.  With this disease, bacteria invades compromised gum tissue, weakening it.  This can cause other health issues in the body as well as the loss of teeth.  If it reaches the underlying bone structure, it can also make it impossible to receive dental implants.

Smoking also interferes with the immune system in general.  This means that you are more likely to get sick, and when you do, be sicker for longer. Smoking can also interact with certain medications, making them weaker, further complicating matters.

If you are a smoker, the best thing you can do for your health is work on quitting.  Also, be sure to work with your dentist to monitor your oral health and ensure that your habit has not destroyed your oral health yet.  It is important to take as good of care of your teeth and body in general as you can.  For help with orthodontic treatment in Valencia, visit our website.

How to Maintain the Health of Your Teeth

Your teeth are critical to your overall appearance, and as such, are also critical to your confidence.  Bright, straight teeth are something everyone wants to look good and feel good.  While most of us brush and floss twice a day, there are some other things we can do to make sure our teeth are attractive and healthy for years to come.

Use Mouthwash 

Do you skip this step of your daily oral hygiene routine?  Well, it is time to put a stop to that.  Mouthwash is a great way to kill germs and bacteria in the mouth.  These germs and bacteria can cause cavities and gum disease, which can cause you to lose your teeth.  Getting rid of them both protects your teeth and helps to keep your breath smelling fresh.

Check Your Teeth 

Every day, give your teeth a visual inspection, and also just think about how they are feeling.  Is there anything different?  It doesn’t even need to be pain; just a change.  If you notice anything, notify your dentist or orthodontists.

Clean Your Tongue

Bacteria thrives on the surface of your tongue, and this can cause bad breath as well as contribute to other oral health problems.  If you do not want to use a tongue scraper, just brush your tongue when you brush your teeth.  This small action will make a big difference.

Looking for an orthodontist in Agoura Hills or Valencia?  Then turn to us.  Call or visit our website to learn more.

Solve Dental Problems with Expert Orthodontist in Hesperia

Problems related to misalignment of the teeth are common. When we lose our first baby teeth, the permanent teeth have to be guided to their proper location, ensuring that we get straight teeth. This is what an orthodontist in Hesperia looks at, making certain the teeth are coming in straight, either on their own or with help.

Orthodontists are experts in providing better smiles to people. It is unfortunate that there are people who don’t smile very often due to issues that can be fixed easily. Modern technology has made it possible to get painless treatment without facing any inconvenience.

One does not have to fear visiting an orthodontist because the vast majority of treatment options cause no pain and minimal discomfort. You don’t even need to worry about how you will look during treatment.  In fact, most orthodontists make use of clear braces alternatives instead of the traditional metal braces we all know in their treatment because they are discreet and more comfortable. Along with correction of the position of the teeth, orthodontists in Santa Clara also treat issues related to tooth decay, cavities, and gum problems.

Orthodontists can work with patients of all ages.  They use retainers, Invisalign, and space maintainers to correct bites in children and straighten teeth. In some cases, dental experts have to work as a team to get a proper diagnosis of the situation and find the right cure. Research institutes indicate that children should be taken to an orthodontist by the age of seven because that is the time when they start getting permanent teeth.

Regular visits to an orthodontist enable us to keep on smiling with confidence.  To know more about orthodontists in Hesperia, visit our website.