What is the Treatment Process for Straightening Teeth with Invisalign?

A virtually invisible orthodontic treatment is Invisalign which allows you to get straighter teeth without the need to wear braces. Invisalign aligners can be removed when having the food you love most, unlike conventional orthodontic braces. You can also brush and floss your teeth as you ordinarily would. The treatment With Invisalign is discreet ensuring you will not be able to see any wires or metal brackets in your mouth as it is common with conventional braces.

The Process for the Treatment with Invisalign

If you have decided upon having your teeth straightened with Invisalign you will need to contact a dentist for an initial consultation. If you reach the offices of dentist 22031 he or she discuss your case and assess your suitability for the treatment. You also will be able to ask any questions in your mind.

The next step will be to take digital impressions of your teeth with the help of a 3D intraoral scanner. The image gives you an opportunity to you a visual 3D image of your smile after the treatment.

You will receive a series of custom made clear aligners within a few weeks. Every aligner is designed for a 2 to 3 week period before it must be replaced with another one.

Moving your teeth incrementally is the goal of Invisalign. Every set of aligners will get you closer to your final smile as you move through the treatment process.

You must visit the dentist in Fairfax, VA, every 6 to 8 weeks to have your progress assessed. During these visits, you will be able to get your new set of aligners.

You must remember that the aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours every day to achieve the results you desire. You can remove the aligners when eating, brushing your teeth, and flossing. Care must be taken not to have any beverages other than water when the aligners are positioned in the mouth.

The Invisalign Solution — Is It Great for Everyone?

Invisalign is suitable for most teenagers and adults. However, not everyone can be considered as a suitable candidate for this orthodontic treatment.

There are a few reasons that may prevent you from using this treatment for teeth straightening. The condition of your oral health and the cause for the misalignment in your mouth could be factors for the unsuitability. Your dentist will assess your condition during the first consultation to determine if Invisalign is the best solution for you.

A variety of orthodontic issues can be treated with Invisalign which has been designed for the purpose. Invisalign can help you with problems like underbites, crossbites, overbites, gaps between your teeth, crowding, and crooked teeth. It may however not be a proper solution for you if the condition affecting you a severe and complex. In such cases, you will be recommended conventional braces for the treatment instead of Invisalign because they are better suited to handle such issues. You must understand that the results may vary from one individual to another.

Invisalign Go — What Is It?

A new aligner system called Invisalign Go that can straighten teeth faster and more affordably is now designed by the company that created Invisalign for the benefit of people. The treatment with Invisalign go can be accomplished in 3 to 6 months as compared to 2 to 3 years with Invisalign. The exact time and the duration of the treatment will be determined by the degree of movement needed by your teeth. Here again you will be provided with clear removable aligners that gradually and gently straighten your teeth. Invisalign go is a great alternative for treating mild to moderate cases of misalignment or help in preparing for a smile makeover.

What Are the Costs of Invisalign?

That the costs for the treatment will depend on how complex your case is and how long you will need to continue the treatment. The Saturday dentist in Fairfax that also provides Invisalign will provide you information that the costs can range between $ 3000-$ 8000. The dentist will be in a position to provide the estimate after the initial consultation and digital scan. He or she may also offer you payment plans to assist you in financing the treatment.

You may receive help from your dental insurance policy (if you have one) which can help you to bring down the costs of orthodontic treatments with Invisalign. Most insurance providers are covering orthodontic treatments to a certain extent and therefore you may be eligible for reimbursement of the costs from your insurance provider.

Dos and Don’ts with Invisalign®

Have you been struggling to get a beautiful smile? Have you tried almost all means without results? Well, if that’s you, we have some good news for you. Invisalign® can help you get that perfect smile you have always imagined. In this article, we will discuss everything about Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign are clear/invisible braces used to help improve the appearance of one’s teeth. These braces are removable, so you can be sure to eat all your favorite foods without worries. Taking care of them is easy. If taken good care of, they last for more than 15 years.

Who can use Invisalign?

Almost everybody can use Invisalign. However, they are more recommended for teens and adults. Straightening a child’s teeth is a bit complicated. Also, there are a few people who are not good candidates for invisible braces.

People with wide spaces in their mouths might not benefit a lot from Invisalign. They are designed for people with medium and minor spacing problems.

People with severe overbites, crossbites, or underbites may also not benefit from Invisalign. Talk to a dentist near you to confirm if you are a good candidate or not.

How Long Will Invisalign Take to Straighten My Teeth?

The duration taken to straighten your teeth will depend on the problem you have. If yours is a minor spacing, the problem can be fixed within a year or less. If it is severely crooked teeth, then it might take two years or even more.

If you are an adult who used to wear braces as a child, you might wear braces for as little as three months.

How Much Do they Cost?

Well, the cost of Invisalign varies from one dentist or place to another. A Dentist near Fairfax, VA, does not charge the same price as a dentist in Tennessee. However, it is worth noting that the treatment cost is slightly higher than the braces treatment. There is not much difference in cost between the two, though.

Prepare yourself with around $5500 to $6500. The average cost of traditional braces is about $4800 for teens and $5000 for adults. See, there isn’t much difference between the two. Make your choice wisely.

Taking Care of Your Invisalign

How you take care of your braces determines how long they last. If taken good care of, they can last for more than 15 years. They can last for less than seven years if you are reckless. So, how do you take good care of your braces?

Dos

Ensure to rinse your Invisalign every time you remove them. The saliva left on them after you remove them is a perfect spot for bacteria to breed.

Use denture cleaner to clean your braces from time to time. You can also use the Invisalign clean crystals, which you can buy from where you get them placed.

Always floss and then brush your teeth before wearing your braces. Failure to that, you will encourage cavities and tooth decay.

Use non-colored antibacterial soap to clean your Invisalign. Antibacterial soap is effective, yet it is very affordable. It is always an excellent choice to clean off bacteria from your braces.

Don’t be vigorous while brushing your teeth. Always be gentle to avoid scratching your aligners.

Don’ts

Don’t drink (except water) or eat anything while wearing your braces. Drinking or eating with them encourages discoloration of your aligners and can make them stink.

Don’t use toothpaste with severe abrasive agents to clean your aligners. If possible, stay away from toothpaste. Don’t use colored soap to clean your Invisalign.

Don’t leave your Invisalign unprotected. It increases the risk of losing them. It also exposes them to bacteria and other harmful germs. Any time you leave them out in the open, rinse and soak before wearing them back.

Drummond Care

Are you looking for a competent dentist in Fairfax, if you are, you are in the right place? At our clinic, you can expect the services of the highest quality. We are open till the evening every weekday, and you can schedule an appointment on Saturdays. We use equipment of the latest technology, and you can count on our 20+ experience. Call us now!

5 Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment

With the advancement of dentistry, the agony for dental ailments has reduced effectively. Teeth are an integral part of human functionality. Apart from being a vital part of the digestive system, teeth also increase your aesthetic value. A bright smile with sparkling white teeth can enhance your confidence level.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a composition of a sequence of treatments that involves the identification of the infected pulp and the elimination of the infection. The final step consists of the protection of the contaminated tooth from further microbial contamination. If cavities are formed, the same is filled with dental fillings. Vastly experienced dentists provide root canal treatment in Fairfax.

When the pulp and underlying nerves get infected, you can experience severe pain and agony. The root canal treatment can be termed as a dental emergency and needs immediate attention. Fairfax dentists are well trained to handle such a dental emergency.

Root canal treatments are highly successful and long lasting. Unlike other dental treatments as teeth whitening or dental veneers, the root canal treatment has higher longevity.

Although the expenditure for root canaling is higher than the other dental treatments, the same is covered by leading health insurance firms.

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, or use of anti-microbial mouthwash can do wonders to keep dental infection away.

Myths about Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment might seem scary with the involvement of surgical items, but numerous misconceptions exist. The myths about root canal treatment might seem scary, but on the contrary, the process is smooth and less-frightening.

#1: Root Canal Treatment is Painful

The procedure is administered under local anesthesia, so the whole process is virtually pain-free. On the contrary, the root canal treatment removes the source of tooth ache and relieves you of the persistent agony that you were experiencing.

The minimal pain that is experienced after the process is much lesser as compared to the agony and discomfort that was prevalent. The recovery time is also less, and the discomfort is also minimal. Root canal treatment is so common that at least 14 million root canal treatments are performed every year.

#2: Tooth Extraction is Better Than Root Canal

It is always better t save a natural tooth than to go for dental bridges. When you have the option to save a natural tooth, why extract it for something artificial? If you remove a tooth without extensive planning to replace them effectively, you might be suffering from malocclusion.

Instead of deciding on your own, it is better to visit an endodontist and figure out the treatment that suits you best.

#3: Root Canal is Necessary for All Toothaches

Toothaches can be caused due to cavities, gum disease, a chipped or broken tooth, or even non-dental reasons as sinus. A root canal is administered when the pulp gets infected. So, all toothaches do not need root canal treatment.

All infected teeth do not give you toothaches. So, it’s a myth that root canaling is to be done for toothache. You might need a root canal if the pulp gets infected badly, but you might not experience a toothache.

#4: Root Canal Treatment is Not Successful

This myth can be corrected with statistics. According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canal treatment has a success rate of 95%. If you can maintain good oral hygiene and keep the gums and its surrounding healthy, the natural teeth can last a lifetime.

#5: Some Illness is caused by Root Canal Treatment

Some believe that root canal treatment is harmful and might cause illness in the body. Root canal treatments are done to get rid of the infections and microbial, causing the infection. The rumor floated by Dr. Weston Price in 1910 claimed that endodontically treated teeth could make patients susceptible to infections, but the same has been proven to be flawed.

Dismiss the Myths

Facts are stranger than fiction. You can bypass these myths and concentrate on having root canal treatment. At Drummond Dental Care, you can get comprehensive treatment of your tooth. With flexible schedules, you can e treated at your convenient time.

Our endodontists are friendly and possess experience of over 20 years. With the utilization of advanced technology, the best available treatment is provided at Drummond Dental Care.

Reasons Why You may Need Cosmetic Dentistry Services for Your Teeth

The time when dentistry was just about pulling out teeth or filling them have long gone past. These days most people are turning towards cosmetic dentistry is a method of improving their appearance. People are approaching cosmetic dentistry just as they would a cosmetic surgeon to lighten, repair, straighten or reshape their teeth.

The unique requirements of every individual determine whether he or she approaches cosmetic dentistry for a remedy. It must be understood that the needs of a movie star or a model will be different from the average individual. However, the one common feature that is attracting all towards cosmetic dentistry is the need to have a beautiful smile and a good appearance. Thankfully, dentists can satisfy the needs of people by offering different types of treatments which all help in improving the appearance as well as the smile.

Have Dentists Working in Cosmetic Dentistry Discovered a Magic Treatment for Everyone?

The treatments being offered by dentists working in cosmetic dentistry have been around for quite some time but perhaps the realization that they can and should be used has now dawned on people that are becoming conscious of their smiles and appearance. More and more people are now opting for cosmetic dentistry which is offering them various treatments to achieve the goal they have in mind.

What Are the Treatments Offered by Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has several procedures some of which have been explained below:

Teeth Whitening for Cosmetic Purposes

The procedure is also identified as teeth whitening and can brighten and whiten the teeth which may be discolored or stained. The whitening can be conducted in the dental office or even at home. Everyone is not suitable for this procedure and therefore discussing with the dentist beforehand is suggested.

Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth becomes easier with a dental implant which is a device made from titanium. The implant is inserted surgically into the jawbone where a tooth existed earlier. A dental implant is a permanent fixture and has the job of acting as the root of the tooth with the ability to anchor artificial tooth or teeth such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Tooth Bonding

This is a process where tooth-colored materials are cemented to the tooth for repairing and improving its appearance. It is particularly useful if you have badly stained, chipped, or broken teeth.

Orthodontic Treatments for Cosmetic Purposes

Children cannot be considered as the only candidates for orthodontic treatments. Many adults are seeking treatments from the Fairfax cosmetic dentist purely for cosmetic reasons. Orthodontic treatments for adults can help to straighten crooked and misaligned teeth giving the individual a better appearance than before. It also helps them to show off their smile which they were ashamed to do so earlier.

Dental Veneers

Thin shells developed from porcelain or composite material that is cemented to the front tooth are called veneers. They are customized before being cemented to the front of the tooth. Veneers can help to treat dental conditions like slightly crooked teeth, cover gaps between the teeth, discolored teeth, and chipped teeth.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns may also be offered by cosmetic dentistry in Fairfax for treating badly shaped, decayed, chipped, broken, and teeth with large fillings or to close gaps between the teeth. The crowns are often referred to as caps that are developed to fit over your tooth after the dental team at this office prepares your tooth for them. They are developed from acrylic or porcelain fused to metal to give them the strength needed to withstand biting pressure.

Can Procedures Cosmetic Dentistry Be Performed at a Salon?

Considering the demand for cosmetic dentistry many salons are offering procedures like teeth whitening. However, these procedures are better performed by a qualified dentist that offers cosmetic dentistry as a part of their practice. Laws in Europe have banned the practice of salons and kiosks offering whitening treatments by a beautician because the individuals do not have the experience or the qualification to become involved in these procedures. Dentists have received the qualification as well as the training to perform cosmetic dentistry of different types and can be considered as the best professionals for these treatments.

You may have chosen cosmetic dentistry for various reasons but it is recommended that you only obtain the treatments from dentists in cosmetic dentistry in Fairfax. It is a better option than risking the health of your mouth and teeth in the hands of an inexperienced individual who may leave you with more problems than you desire.

How Can You Get the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Have you lost one or several teeth in your mouth? You may be wondering how you can maintain your appearance with the gaps in your mouth. You will be unable to find a solution unless you contact the dental bridge dentist in Fairfax who can bridge the gaps in your smile with dental bridges. A dental bridge is a Pontic also known as false teeth that are held in place by abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. Dental bridges are made from porcelain to blend aesthetically with your natural teeth.

When you visit the bridges dentist in Fairfax you will receive information that four types of dental bridges are currently available. They are the traditional, cantilever, Maryland and implant-supported bridges. You can consider one of the options after discussing them with the bridges dentist near you or a specialist of your choice.

  • The traditional bridge is the most popular and can be used if you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by the missing teeth.
  • The cantilever variety is similar to a traditional bridge with the exception that the Pontic of the bridge is held in place by a dental crown that is bonded to just one abutment tooth.
  • Maryland bridges are again similar to traditional bridges but employ two natural abutment teeth, one on either side of the gap. However, unlike a traditional bridge that uses abutment teeth, the Maryland variety uses a framework of porcelain or metal that is cemented onto the backs of the abutment teeth. Maryland bridges are only useful if you have a natural tooth on either side of the gap caused by missing teeth.
  • Implant-supported dental bridges use implants instead of crowns or frameworks. Generally, if one implant for every missing tooth cannot be inserted, the bridge can have a Pontic suspended between a couple of implant-supported crowns. This is however considered the strongest and the most stable systems and requires a couple of surgeries for embedding the implant into the jawbone and again for placing the bridge.

Why Do You Need Dental Bridges?

When you have a missing tooth or several teeth it can affect you in many ways. The dental bridges dentist in Fairfax can offer you a solution to address the changes you are encountering including:

  • Restoring your ability to chew properly.
  • Restoring your smile.
  • Restoring your pronunciation and speech.
  • Ensuring that the shape of your face is maintained.
  • Readjusting your bite to evenly distribute the forces when you chew.
  • Preventing the remaining teeth in your mouth from moving out of position.

Fairfax dental bridges can offer you a suitable replacement solution if you are missing one or several teeth from your mouth. Before you make a decision you should consider several factors because there are many benefits that you can avail when you discuss the options with the bridges dentist in Fairfax.

What Are the Costs of Dental Bridges?

Many variables can affect the prices of dental bridges and the bridges dentist near you will be able to explain the variables which will include the following:

  • The number of teeth needed to close the gap.
  • The materials used for the bridges such as zirconia, composite resin or metal alloy covered in resin.
  • Additional treatment needed for problems such as gum disease or any other dental issues.
  • The complexity or difficulty of the placements.
  • Your geographic location.

Whether you opt for dental bridges in Fairfax or dental bridges in 22031 the costs will depend on the type of bridge you select. The bridges dentist in Fairfax may offer you convenient payment plans while also accepting any insurance plans that support this cosmetic procedure. The prices for the bridges can be anything between $ 2000 and $ 15,000 depending upon the type of bridge you have chosen for yourself. Therefore, you need to consider wisely and also choose to deal with the bridges dentist in Fairfax if you want to fill the gaps in your mouth without leaving one in your wallet. Make an informed decision and you could be smiling your way to glory after the procedure is completed in several months.

You must, however, remember that dental bridges need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years and therefore must care for them as recommended by the dentist failing which you would have wasted your investment in your smile.

Dental Emergency Conditions, Causes & Precautions

A dental emergency is a medical situation that requires dire attention from a dentist. It usually involves oral health, ranging from teeth, gums, throat, lips, and jaw bone. It is the reason we have emergency dentists in Faifax readily available. Learning to rely on your dentist in Fairfax to cater to your oral health is a habit that can go a long way in sustaining your overall health. There is no telling when a dental emergency can happen, and whether or not to will have the kind of urgent care in Fairfax you would want. Besides, you may never know what causes your oral emergency, and what time of the day it happens.

What Causes A Dental Emergency?

Most Faifax emergency dentists tend to patients whose emergencies result from accidents. Falling on the staircase or having a car accident can all be reasons you need your Fairfax dentist. However, some of the injuries are accounted for by sporting activities. Dental emergencies are not only for kids who love to play around and can get hurt easily. Adults involved in intense sporting activities require a dentist in Farifax VA for when such oral emergencies occur.

What Kinds of Injuries Require Emergency Dental Care?

All oral conditions should not be rushed to a dentist in 22031 as dental emergencies. Sometimes, all you may be needing is a dental exam by a dentist near you. It is why it’s important to know what situations cut it as dental emergencies, and when you must see a doctor. Some of the situations include:

  1. Missing tooth – if one or two of your teeth have been knocked out accidentally, there is cause to see a dentist. This is especially needful for adults because they no longer have new teeth to look forward to as do kids. The importance of calling a dentist is to control the bleeding and to restore the tooth before it is too late to save it.

  2. Bleeding – bleeding can be expected when you accidentally bite your cheeks or scratch your gum when eating. However, the mouth is capable of controlling the bleeding that happens inside. Therefore, if you are experiencing continuous bleeding that will not stop, it should be a cause for alarm. The bleeding can indicate a severesevere oral situation, ranging from gum disease to oral cancer.

  3. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction – do you feel pain in the joints of your mouth when you chew? Are you having a hard time opening your mouth fully? The joint that connects your upper and lower jaw is called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When the joint is dysfunctional, a lot of the mouth’s activities are paused. This could mean having your mouth stuck in the open position, or simply weird noises at the joint when you open and close your mouth.

  4. Bleeding tongue – the tongue is a very powerful muscle. However, biting can be painful and uncomfortable. If you accidentally bite yourself and the bleeding will not stop, your dentist needs to be involved in the matter.

What to Do In Case of a Dental Emergency

  1. Find the missing tooth – the idea is to retain your natural teeth for as long as possible. When one of them is knocked out, find it and keep it moist. You can use salty water to keep it moist while fighting the infection. However, if you are brave enough, try to restore the tooth in its socket. At all times, make sure you avoid touching the root of the tooth.

  2. Use cold compress – this is especially needful for pain and swelling. It will help reduce inflammation and cool off some of the pain in the affected area.

  3. Gargle clean water – clean water will help rinse off any dirt and bacteria that could cause infection. It also helps slow down the bleeding.

  4. Call your dentist – if you have a family dentist, then call them. Otherwise, reach out to any dentist near you as soon as you can.

Precautions to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be prevented in some of the following ways:

  1. Wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth, especially during sports activities.

  2. Avoiding hard things – this includes cutting, breaking, or opening things with your teeth.

  3. Practice chewing properly – to prevent frequent accidental bites on your tongue or cheeks.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Losing one’s teeth can be a recurring nightmare for many people, and most of them would hope never to recreate in this in their waking lives. Unfortunately for many people however, tooth loss may be a reality at some phase in their adult lives. Tooth loss can happen because of decay and gum disease, or simply from an accident. While losing a tooth or many teeth will never be comfortable for any person, thankfully science has developed to the point where fake teeth can easily replace their natural counterpart. Dental implants are a boon for people who have lost teeth to resume life as normal, with a beautiful smile they’ve always had.

Dentist in Fairfax, VA fix dental implants surgically into the mouth by placing a titanium rod into the jaw bone, beneath the gumline. This acts as a base for a crown to eventually be fitted into the empty space. There must be enough strong bone for the rod to be placed, before the rod can be fixed into the jaw. In rare cases, a sinus lift or a bone graft may be needed to create a more stable surface for the implant to fit into. For the procedure of dental implant, Fairfax dentist also insists on healthy mouth and gums.

Components of the implant

Firstly, a titanium rod must be surgically fitted into the lower or upper jawbone to act as the anchor for the new tooth. After which, an abutment made of titanium, porcelain or gold is screwed into the titanium rod to serve as a foundation for the crown. Finally, the restoration or crown is cemented to the abutment. The crown used is mostly made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy and will look appear very much like a natural tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implant

One can opt for different kinds of dental restorations, as per their need, but dental implants come with some significant benefits.

– They help in improving bone health and density. When anyone chew on a dental implant, the action stimulates bone growth in the jaw.
– Dental implants appear like natural teeth. The dental crown on top of the implant is custom-made to match the teeth and gives a very natural look.
– Dental implants are good options for any area of the mouth, including the front teeth because they are stable and appear natural.
– Dental implants are long-lasting and with proper care, they can last two decades or even more.

Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implants procedure initiates with a full dental exam to identify any underlying oral health concerns. It is quite vital to address and treat systemic issues that may have led to the need for one’s implants before, during, and after the implants are fixed. This helps to ensure that implants are successfully placed as well as lead to proper healing and speedy recovery.

Once the dentist near you is confident that one has adequate healthy bone to receive the implant, they will proceed. First the area is numbed and if one suffers from anxiety about dental procedures, then the dentist may prescribe a sedative to take prior to the appointment, or they may have other options.

After the anesthetic comes into effect, the dentist in Fairfax will open the gum and drill a small hole in the jawbone. This is the time when the titanium post is screwed into the jaw. After this the dentist will replace the gum and allow the implant to heal before a second surgery to attach the dental crown and abutment.

How long does a dental implant procedure take?

The dental implant time for treatment varies from patient to patient and takes into consideration any hidden health concerns and the number of teeth replaced. If one is getting one dental implant in an otherwise healthy mouth, both receiving the abutment and the implant process and dental crown should normally take a couple hours total. If one needs complete mouth dental restorations or procedures that involve extraction, it will require much more time.

Dental implants are one of the best options for a healthy and natural tooth. They allow the person to live the way they want to i.e. smiling, laughing, confidently eating, kissing, talking and enjoying all of their everyday activities without worrying about your teeth.

What Your Family History Tells About Your Teeth

You may have heard that candy is what causes cavities, but this isn’t the only thing that can increase the development of tooth decay. Genetics can also play a role along with any behaviors that you’ve learned while growing up.

Genetics

genetics play a large role in how much risk patients may have of developing cavities. Your genetics can influence how much you enjoy or crave sweets and also affects the strength of the enamel and the composition of your saliva. If you notice that family members often suffer from cavities and tooth decay, you should speak with your dentist near you to discuss preventative treatment methods, such as dental sealants or the application of fluoride.

Learned Behavior

While genetics plays a large role in your risk of cavities and other health issues, our dentist in Fairfax has found that the link between how parents take care of their teeth and how children do the same is direct. Children learn from watching their parents, so habits like brushing and flossing as well as visiting the dentist are learned from authority figures. Teaching children early and maintaining good oral health is a good way to keep children’s teeth healthy.

Is It Genetic or Learned Behavior?

Your oral health status can depend on your behaviors as well as your genetics. Many patients are curious about the difference between the two and what dental issues are caused by genetics or learned behaviors. To make it a bit easier to understand, let’s look at some of the dental issues that may come from genetics as well as learned behavior.

Tooth Decay

The American diet is filled with sugary drinks and foods that can greatly contribute to tooth decay and the loss of teeth. These sugars feed the bacteria in your mouth and allow them to thrive, making your teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Until recently, your dentist in Fairfax, VA, had not pinpointed the specific bacteria that cause tooth decay by eating away at the enamel. It was also a mystery as to whether or not genetics contributed to the presence of decay in teeth. Studies found that the bacteria that is affected by genetics is not responsible for tooth decay.

The bacteria that forms cavities is influenced solely by the environment of your teeth, such as how clean they are and how much sugar you ingest. Eating or drinking sugary and starchy items can significantly increase the development of cavities and oral health issues.

Crooked Teeth

Misalignment can be corrected using braces, but your genetics along with the environmental effect of your teeth grow in. The arrangement of your teeth depends on several factors, such as the number of teeth as well as their size. The size of the jaw also matters along with its alignment.

These components are mainly genetic but learned behaviors can also influence your alignment. Using a pacifier as a child or sucking your thumb can affect your tooth alignment. Improper positioning of the tongue can also cause teeth to become crooked or misaligned as they develop.

Speak with Your Dentist

If you believe that you have dental issues that may stem from genetics, speak with your dentist in Fairfax, VA, to learn more about your family’s history and how it can affect your oral health. Learning more about how your DNA can play a role in your health is essential in understanding your overall health and how to manage it. By knowing certain information, you may be able to prevent dental issues and keep an eye out for certain symptoms.

If you are a patient looking for a dentist in 22031 that can help you determine your oral health risks and go over ways to keep your teeth shining and healthy, schedule an appointment with a professional in our office. We can diagnose any problems you may have and provide treatment if it is needed. If your teeth are healthy, we can make sure they stay that way with preventative treatment from a dentist near you.

Why Too Much Mouthwash Can be Bad for Teeth?

At Drummond Dental Care, we want patients to be informed about the dangers associated with misusing dental products. While your dentist in Fairfax may recommend methods to keep teeth clean, they may not provide you with the proper warnings. Let’s get into some of the dangers of mouthwash and how much is too much of a good thing.

Dangerous When Swallowed

When using mouthwash, make sure that you spit the mouthwash out of your mouth and avoid swallowing it. Do not give mouthwash to children and people who may not be able to spit it out or who may think they can drink it. If anyone in your home is at risk of getting into the mouthwash and swallowing it, store it in a locked cabinet. If you believe you or someone you love has consumed mouthwash, contact the authorities or poison control immediately.

Excessive Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in several areas throughout nature. It is used to prevent tooth decay and keep the enamel strong and healthy, which is why it is added to drinking water and an essential ingredient in toothpaste. However, exposure to too much fluoride can result in a dental condition known as fluorosis.

Excessive Alcohol

If you’ve ever felt the tingly sensation that occurs when using mouthwash, then you have been using a mouthwash with alcohol in it. Not every mouthwash has alcohol in it, which can cause the mouth to become dry. Your dentist in 22031 can recommend an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Kills Good Bacteria

Some of the mouthwashes you can choose from fight bacteria, but they may be getting rid of good bacteria along with harmful bacteria. This can cause stains and other issues that a dentist near you can treat.

Now that you have more information on how mouthwash can be harmful to your teeth, you can look for safe products to use and follow directions more closely. If you’re still unsure of how to keep your teeth clean or what mouthwash you should use, speak with your dentist in Fairfax, VA to learn more about using dental products on your teeth.

Dentures vs Dental Implants: What is the Difference?

Dentures and dental implants are two of the most popular forms of cosmetic solutions for teeth. Each of them serves a different purpose, so it is important to know the differences before talking to a dentist near you about your needs.

 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the closest dental solution available to a natural tooth. This procedure involves a metal pole being grafted into your jawbone to anchor a crown as if it were attached to a root. Thanks to advances in technology, dental implants are no longer as expensive as they once were.

 

Dentures

Dentures are a fully removable alternative to implants. These will often take longer to install because the process involves creating a mold of your exact bite, the installation itself, and several more adjustments to ensure a proper fit. The more temporary immediate dentures are premade but will require far more adjustments over a lifetime because they aren’t meant for your specific mouth.

 
 

Partial dentures are similar to dentures, but they are meant to replace only a few teeth rather than an entire set of them.

What’s the real difference?

Knowing the differences can help you to have a more informed discussion with your dentist in Fairfax, VA. Here are some key differences to know going into your appointment.

 

Dental implants graft to your bone, acting in the same manner as a natural tooth. Dentures do not reach as deeply, as they are a superficial solution. Partial dentures attach to the other teeth with wings, possibly causing damage.

 

Dental implants are far more stable and durable than dentures, and they have a much longer lifetime, but they are fitted in tooth-by-tooth, so they may not be the best solution if you have multiple missing teeth.

 
 

If you are looking for a dentist in 22031 zip code to help you find the best solution, then Drummond Dental Care can help you properly care for your teeth. Let them help with your dental needs.

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