At this point in the year, you’ve probably heard the phrase “use it or lose it” in regards to your medical benefits. But what does this mean exactly? Your dental benefits, for most insurance plans, expire at the end of the calendar year. So what does this mean for you?
Use it before you lose it
Simply put, if you do not take advantage of your dental insurance plan, it will go to waste. Your benefits will not rollover. This is essentially throwing away money, and thousands of people do it every single year. The deadline for most insurance companies is December 31. Any benefits that have not been used by this time will simply disappear.
How can I make the most of my plan?
To avoid wasting your benefits and in turn, your money, it is important to plan ahead. Here are some ways to make sure you are maximizing your plan:
Know your coverage. It is important to understand what you are entitled to. If you have questions about what is or is not covered or what you will be paying out of pocket, contact your insurance company.
Plan ahead. Making your appointments early and talking to your dentist about your needs throughout the year will stop you from trying to use all your benefits at once in the last few weeks of December. This will be better for your overall oral health and your wallet.
Communicate with your dentist. The better you understand your dental needs and what procedures may benefit you, the easier it will be to plan your procedures and get the most coverage possible.
What is a Flexible Spending Account?
Depending on your employer and coverage, you may have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). With an FSA, you decide how much money you want to put into an account and that money is deducted from your paychecks. The money with your FSA can be used to cover things like cleanings, braces, co-pays, and other dental services.
The money on your FSA, just like a traditional insurance plan, must be used by December 31. Unlike traditional insurance, however, they may be some wiggle room within your plan. Some places allow your money to carry over, others give a small extension on when you can use your FSA card. It is important to know your options so that you can best use your FSA plan.
The end of the year is coming up quick, and whether you have a traditional insurance plan or a Flexible Spending Account, it is important to understand and use your benefits before they disappear. If you have any questions about your coverage, contact your insurance provider. If you need to use up your benefits before the end of the year, call us to make an appointment today. Appointments are filling up fast!
As you probably know, October is Dental Hygiene Month! The purpose of this month is to raise awareness about the importance of good oral hygiene. In honor of this month, here are our favorite hygiene tips to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright:
1) Are You Brushing Properly?
You should be brushing your mouth, not just your teeth, but you know that, right? Hopefully! When you brush, you should be hitting your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. All of these areas are prone to the buildup of bacteria and infection, and brushing them helps cut down on this risk.
Make sure your brush is at a 45-degree angle when brushing near the gum line. You should brush in a small circular motion. Be gentle and use a soft-bristled toothbrush: being too aggressive can cause issues for your gums!
2) Remember the Number “2”
What does “2” have to do with your dental health? Simple! Remember to brush your mouth twice a day for two minutes each time. Two minutes may be longer than you think, so set a timer on your phone to make sure you are hitting your target. When teaching your children good dental habits, invest in an hourglass or timer so that they have a visual illustration of how long two minutes actually is. Studies have shown that how long you brush is the most important part and that two minutes is the optimal amount of time!
3) Floss Floss Floss
Flossing is one of the main aspects of oral health care that often gets skipped over. This is unfortunate because flossing is important, if not crucial, for your teeth and gums. Dental floss can get the areas in between your teeth that brushing simply cannot do alone. Although it may be uncomfortable at first and your gums may feel tender, getting into the habit of flossing daily will pay off in the long run.
4) You Are What You Eat
There’s more to oral health than just brushing and flossing. In fact, your diet can greatly impact the appearance and health of your teeth. Drinks like wine and coffee can stain your teeth. Excessive sugary foods like candy and soda can be the beginning of cavity development. We know that some sugar is unavoidable, so rinse your mouth out with water if possible after ingesting sugary foods.
5) Invest in Fluoride Treatment
Many people know that fluoride is part of the dental cleaning process and that it is infused into our water supply, but aren’t entirely clear on what fluoride actually does. Fluoride helps to strengthen the surfaces of your teeth. It also helps prevent cavities from developing months after the treatment has been administered.
What’s the best form of dentistry? Preventative, of course! Good oral practices and care can prevent lots of pain, time, and money in the future. The better your dental habits are now, the better off you will be in the future. One way of keeping your mouth happy and healthy is by coming to the dentist regularly. When you come to see us, we will give you a thorough tooth cleaning and look for any signs of dental issues. By catching things early, we are able to treat you quickly and efficiently.
Dental Hygiene Month is a fun reminder to take care of your teeth and gums, but you should be practicing good oral habits every month! If you have any questions about your oral care or if you are due for a check-up, come see us. We, here at 5Points Advanced Dentistry, want to keep your dental health on track.
Have you ever wondered when you should take your child to the dentist for the first time? As a parent, you’ve probably heard contradictory pieces of advice on this topic. Should you wait until 2 or 3 years old? When the first baby tooth appears? Or maybe when all of their baby teeth have grown in? Your trusted dentist in Upper Arlington has the answers.
You may be surprised that The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that a child’s first visit should be when their first tooth grows in. For some babies that first tooth comes very early in life. Others may not start getting teeth until closer to the first birthday. All children should see a dentist by age 2. Introducing children to regular visits and proper dental care at an early age will start them on the road to a healthy smile that will last them a lifetime.
What to Expect
The first dental visit should be an adventure; one for the baby book. The purpose is to introduce a child to the office in a non-threatening way. Taking a ride in the chair and being allowed to explore and touch some of the instruments may be what most of the visit is dedicated to. Once your child is comfortable with the hygienist, Dr. Imm will take a quick peek in their mouth to check for gum health and any other problems that may affect their teeth, speech, or airway.
Dental Care for Growing Children
Dental care needs change with each stage of development.
2 to 3 Years
Toddlers should have a dental visit every 6 months beginning at 2 years old.
They should begin flossing between teeth when the two front teeth are touching each other.
They should be brushing teeth every day to prevent cavities. Research has shown that children who get cavities in baby teeth are more likely to get cavities in their permanent teeth.
The ADA recommends children three years of age and younger use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice for brushing in the morning and evening. Children 3 years old should use a pea-sized dot of toothpaste.
4 to 6 Years
Most children will have the first set of dental X-rays taken around 5 or 6 years old when the permanent teeth begin to come in. There is no set age or recommendation. If there are specific conditions or concerns, such as cleft palate or if a child drinks out of a lot of sippy cups or bottles they may have X-rays taken at an earlier age.
Monitor brushing time to make sure the toothpaste is going down the drain and not down the throat. You may increase the amount of fluoride toothpaste used when your little one masters the art of spitting in the sink. Until then keep the amount to a minimum in case it is swallowed.
The newest research shows that this is the best time to start thinking about orthodontics. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends orthodontic intervention as soon as a skeletal problem is identified if it is not likely to self-correct. Most kids wait until their early teen years to get braces, but by then it may be too late for your child to keep all of his or her teeth.
6 to 12 Years
The baby teeth start falling out around the age of 6. This is the age of prevention and the time to really start encouraging good oral hygiene.
Sealants to protect teeth, especially the molars, from decay are usually recommended between the ages of 7 and 9, and again when the 12-year molars erupt.
If needed, an orthodontic evaluation will definitely be recommended by 7 years old, at the latest.
Nutrition Matters
Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining dental health at all ages. It is especially important for children. What, when and how you feed your children is important to their overall physical growth and oral health. Diets that are good for the body are also good for the teeth.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks. The bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar.
Discourage frequent snacking which leads to increased food residue and bacteria in the mouth.
Provide a balanced, healthy diet.
Use vitamin supplements as recommended by your pediatrician.
Serve plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Offer unsweetened, non-caffeinated beverages. Water is always a good choice.
Chewy and crunchy foods, such as nuts and steak, can aid in the development of the facial bones and encourage correct swallowing patterns. Introduce these foods as early as your child is able to chew them.
The Right Tools for the Job
If you have walked down any dental care aisle in any supermarket or drugstore you know how overwhelming and confusing it can be to choose the best product for your needs. For oral care in kids, it pays to make the right choice. Little things like choosing the right size toothbrush or the best toothpaste can make a difference in preventing cavities and maintaining oral health. The best advice anyone can give you is to avoid playing guessing games and just ask a professional.
Snoring and Your Child
Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that every child who snores be evaluated by a Sleep Physician? That’s right. Early snoring can be a sign of an obstructed airway, which can lead to several health problems and will ultimately affect how your child’s face grows and develops. Dr. Imm is very passionate about your and your child’s airway health, so don’t be surprised if he asks you about our child’s sleep, and maybe even refers you to an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist (ENT).
You want to make the right pediatric dental choices for your family. To do that you need to be informed. Ask questions and do research. Use the right products at the right age. Get the best care for your kids that you can. 5Points Advanced Dentistry is one of your most valuable resources. We are here to help children stay healthy and to teach them how to properly care for their teeth.
As the saying goes; “You only have one chance at a first impression.” And what’s the first thing you notice during a first impression? Their smile! Here at 5Points Advanced Dentistry, we see white teeth and a bright smile as a golden opportunity to make an outstanding first impression.
White teeth communicate health, beauty, and success. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular services in the cosmetic industry. It is a quick and somewhat easy way to greatly improve your overall appearance.
Many people yearn for a sparkling smile but are held back by stained or yellowed teeth. Several factors can cause teeth discoloration. If you suffer from tooth discoloration, you are not alone. Dr. Imm and his staff here at our office can help to restore your healthy smile!
What Does it Involve?
The color of your teeth is a result of a combination of the color of the dentin under the enamel and the reflection of light off the enamel. Every day the outer coating of the enamel picks up stains. Aging can also make your teeth less bright because the dentin gets darker while the enamel becomes thinner. This discoloration can be mitigated through advanced whitening technology.
The Most Effective Ways To Whiten Your Teeth
If drugstore whitening products aren’t working for your teeth, it may be time to seek help from a professional. There are several reasons why you may benefit from whitening your teeth at our office. At 5Points Advanced Dentistry, you will receive specialized care from Dr. TJ Imm and his team. You will have the opportunity to choose the option that best fits your budget, schedule, and preference. Through Zoom!® advanced teeth whitening technology, we can gently lighten up your teeth.
The best thing about our Zoom! whitening system is that it is suitable for everyone; the treatment can be customized to for your specific needs. After making all the necessary arrangements, the doctors will apply a whitening gel to the affected teeth to activate the process.
After the procedure, you will be given Zoom! gel to carry home for touch-ups. You will be provided with post-whitening instructions. Our in-office procedures are suitable for anyone looking for a safe way to get a whiter smile instantly. So, if you have a special event coming up such as a graduation or a wedding, our in-office whitening treatment will get your smile ready to go.
Most patients experience impressive results with this whitening treatment. Teeth whitening treatments are effective in removing brown, orange or yellow tinges caused by beverages, smoking or aging. Dark grey stains as a result of smoking, fluorosis or tetracycline may take time to whiten. Besides this, patients with periodontal disease, sensitive teeth or worn enamel may not do well in whitening treatment. The best solution for these cases may involve dental crowns and bridges.
How to Prepare For Treatment
When you schedule an appointment, Dr. Imm will examine your teeth to help evaluate the best course of action. In the examination, he will photograph your mouth. Other dental problems can affect the whitening treatment. In most cases, some conditions such as cavities must be treated first before whitening.
Before the whitening process, our team will clean your teeth. This will remove the food residues, bacteria, and other substances that may contribute to the yellowing.
Benefits of In-Office Whitening
Instant Gratification: You will leave our office with a healthy smile. You will have whiter teeth within two hours. In most cases, a whitening session lasts less than an hour.
Safe and Painless: 5Points Advanced Dentistry utilizes the latest technology in teeth whitening. This results in a low risk of developing long-term sensitivity issues. This is safer than over the counter whitening treatments.
Improve Your Image: Most may argue that our eyes are the window to our soul. While this is true, teeth are also the window to our health and lifestyle. Dull teeth can signal ill health or nutritional deficiency.
Improve Your Self-Esteem: If you are less confident about yourself especially because of stained teeth; it is possible that you avoid social gatherings. Whitening can improve your self-esteem and can help you regain your social life. While some events such as a graduation, a wedding, the photos you take at these events are permanent. With our in-office whitening, you can shine through the years courtesy of a beautiful smile.
Improve Interview Performance: A bright smile projects confidence, capability, and energy. These are the traits that most employers are looking for.
If you are ready to improve your appearance with a healthy smile, please call us at 5Points Advanced Dentistry today! Our team will have your smile looking “first impression ready” in no time at all!
5 Points Advanced Dentistry has a variety of solutions for people who suffer from missing teeth, gaps, alignment problems, discoloration or overall dissatisfaction with their smile. If you are impacted by any of these issues, you may want to consider dental implants. Dental implants are a sturdy, permanent solution to restore your smile to its healthy and natural state.
More About Implants
Implants are replacement teeth that have two parts to them. They have a titanium post that the specialist places underneath the gum line and into the jawbone. The post acts as the root of the entire tooth. It’s the foundation that the tooth is set upon after the post integrates into the jawbone. A replacement tooth or a bridge goes over the top of the root and forms the entire implant. The process of placing implants in the mouth requires surgery no matter which type of implant you get when you visit. It also takes a while before it’s officially complete.
Reasons to Choose Implants
There are many reasons to choose implants over other methods of correction. One main benefit is its durability. Because it is integrated into the bone, the implant stands firm in its placement, even while eating. It fuses with your jawbone and creates a solid foundation that cannot easily be interrupted. The permanence makes them a lifelong option that requires minimal maintenance.
Implants are a much better solution to missing teeth than dentures, which require adhesives and are often inconvenient and unsightly.
The Benefits of Implants
The benefits of choosing dental implants are many. One of these is simply the natural look of dental implants. They can restore your perfect smile and bring your self-confidence back.
Another benefit of the implants is that they are long-lasting. They can last for 25 years or longer if cared for properly. Other solutions may only last five to 10 years before they start to deteriorate. Dental implants can also improve your speech. Unlike dentures, that can move around in the mouth if not fitted properly, dental implants are permanent and can help you speak clearly. Dental implants make eating easier than other smile repair options. Because they fuse to your bone, chewing with a dental implant is easy and comfortable.
When a tooth is missing, the jaw bone beneath it can start to deteriorate. Implants prevent this; helping you protect your jaw and prevent future dental issues.
How Implants Can Improve Your Smile
Dental implants can be a saving grace when it comes to improving your smile. They fill gaps and give you a full, healthy set of teeth again. The implants are so life-like that other people will not detect them. Facial structures can often appear sunken when an individual is missing teeth. Dental implants can fill out your smile and give you a full and youthful appearance.
The Process of Getting Implants
To begin the dental implant process, you must first make sure that you are a good fit for the procedures. For implants to be effective, there must be a workable amount of bone and gum tissue. Having deteriorated bone or damaged gums from the disease will not allow for successful implant placement. Thus, Dr. Imm will determine if you qualify for the implant procedure. If you do, then you can start working with Dr. Imm to create your recovery plan.
The implant will most likely take multiple visits to conduct. The specialist will implant the post into the jawbone or gum during the first visit. You may be able to request a flipper or partial denture for the area while your jawbone is recovering from the initial procedure.
The second visit will involve putting the tooth onto the posts. This is a surgical procedure, so there will be a waiting period between procedures. The entire process may take up to seven months, but it will be worth it when you see the results.
Visit for an Assessment
Contact 5 Points Advanced Dentistry if you’re interested in learning more about dental implants. We can help determine if implants are the right course of action for you and create a treatment plan. Call us today and let us help you get back your perfect smile.
Do you snore loudly? Do you feel tired when you wake up, even though you went to bed early? Do you occasionally wake up at night with a gasp? You may have a common sleep disorder that affects about 18 million adults in the United States. Sleep apnea can interfere with the quality of your sleep, disrupt your relationship with a partner, interrupt work, and increase your risk for heart attacks, early death, and car accidents.
Here’s what you should know about this common sleep disorder, including how you can start your sleep apnea treatment.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder that causes breathing to become interrupted briefly but frequently during sleep. Each apnea episode lasts at least 10 seconds when breathing stops completely.
There are three types of the disorder: obstructive, central, and mixed. It is conservatively estimated that Obstructive Sleep Apnea, (OSA), affects about 4% of men and 2% of women, although it’s estimated that just 1 in 10 people who are diagnosed with OSA seek medical care. This form of sleep disorder is caused by blockage of the airways during sleep when your throat relaxes and allows your tongue or tissue of your throat to fall back and reduce airflow.
The central form of this sleep disorder, or CSA, happens when the brain does not signal to the muscles responsible for breathing during sleep. This form is less common than OSA. A third form of the disorder is called mixed or complex because it combines central and obstructive symptoms.
Signs You Have a Sleep Disorder
There are many signs you may have a sleep disorder, some more obvious than others. You may have OSA or CSA, or a mixture of the two if you experience the following:
You snore very loudly. Not everyone who snores has a sleep disorder, but it is a classic sign of the condition. Snoring punctuated by moments of silence is an especially clear sign of sleep apnea.
Beware! Not everyone who has sleep apnea snores! Stoppage of breath is oftentimes completely silent!
You wake up with a dry or sore throat.
You sometimes wake up gasping or choking.
A partner witnesses episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep. This usually lasts about 10 seconds and you may startle when breathing resumes.
You have headaches in the morning.
You feel very sleepy while driving.
You have chronic fatigue or low energy.
You wake up frequently at night, even just to use the bathroom, or have insomnia.
You wake up feeling tired.
You notice mood changes, forgetfulness, or reduced libido.
What Causes Sleep Disorders?
All three forms of this sleep disorder can be caused by many factors. In adults, excess weight is the most common cause of OSA, but it may be caused at least in part by anatomical features like a thick neck, small jaws, or narrow throat. In children, it can be caused by enlarged tonsils and dental conditions like an overbite. CSA is also associated with being overweight, but it may be caused by certain medications, heart failure, and conditions that affect the brain stem as well.
Men are up to twice as likely to develop a sleep disorder than women, and as you age it can increase your risk of developing OSA or CSA. Other risk factors associated with serious sleep disorders include:
Smoking
Heart disorders
Stroke
Opioid medications
Frequent alcohol consumption
Family history
How Is it Diagnosed?
Sleep disorders are usually diagnosed with a sleep study or polysomnogram. This will require spending the night at a sleep center. Your dentist or primary care physician may refer you to a sleep clinic if you suspect a sleep disorder.
During the sleep study, your eye movement, sleep state, respiration, airflow, heart rate, muscle activity, and blood oxygen levels will be monitored and used to diagnose you. This will be done through surface electrodes on your scalp and face that monitor electrical signals generated by your brain and muscles. You will also have a belt around your chest to measure breathing and an oximeter probe on your finger to monitor blood oxygen levels.
Treatment Options
A sleep disorder can cause more harm than snoring and poor sleep quality; it can also increase your risk of heart disease, accidents, and death. Once diagnosed, it’s important to have the disorder treated effectively to help you get a full night of quality sleep.
There are several options to treat sleep apnea. For very mild cases, lifestyle changes can be effective. This includes losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol. Sleeping on your side can also help keep your airway open.
For OSA, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the most common. This usually involves a BiPAP or CPAP machine with a mask you wear at night. A CPAP machine blows air gently and continuously into your airway to keep it open while you are asleep. A BiPAP machine is similar but it changes airflow when you breathe in and out.
Oral appliances like a tongue-retaining mouthpiece or a mandibular advancement device (MAD) can also treat obstructive sleep apnea. These dental appliances work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to clear the airway during sleep. These dental devices are designed by dentists who specialize in treating sleep disorders.
In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary. There are a few types of surgery that may be warranted such as nasal surgery to correct a deviated septum, removal of soft tissue at the back of the throat that obstructs the airway, and surgery on the jaw to correct issues that contribute to sleep apnea.
Are you concerned that you may have OSA? At 5 Points Advanced Dentistry, we can help. While a dentist cannot diagnose a sleep disorder, your dentist can help treat your condition and refer you to a medical professional that can diagnose you. We screen patients at our Upper Arlington office for sleep disorders, and if this screening indicates you may have sleep apnea, we can refer you to a sleep doctor for a formal sleep evaluation and testing. From there, we can help treat your condition with a special dental appliance that keeps your airway open while you sleep.
Don’t ignore the signs of sleep apnea; it can negatively affect your life in a variety of ways. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, contact our office today for a screening and referral.
Dental veneers are custom-made, thin pieces of porcelain put on your teeth by your dentist. A veneer is a layer of thin material placed over a tooth’s enamel. A veneer helps to protect the tooth’s enamel from damage, as well as fix cracks, chips, or misshapen teeth. Veneers can help fix something you don’t like about your smile so you can achieve the perfect smile you’ve always wanted.
Why you need dental custom veneers
Do you try to hide your smile in photos or when talking or laughing? Many patients come to us that don’t love their smiles and are looking for a change. Porcelain veneers offer a chance to give yourself the smile makeover you deserve. Below are a variety of scenarios where you may want to consider porcelain veneers as a treatment option.
Broken Teeth
Teeth can get broken through a variety of activities, whether it’s sports-related, kids playing rough, or an accident. If one of your teeth becomes cracked, chipped or broken, veneers can lay over top of your tooth, giving it strength and preventing more damage, as well as smoothing out your smile.
Discolored Teeth
Teeth become discolored due to different foods and drinks (like wine or coffee) staining them, using tobacco products, or just the natural aging process. Regardless, everyone wants a white smile. If whitening options haven’t worked for you, or you want a longer-lasting solution, veneers can give you the perfect white smile!
Misaligned Teeth
If your teeth are misaligned, irregularly shaped or uneven, your dentist can use veneers to restore them to a natural appearance and dimension. Veneers can be used to transform a tooth’s size, color, and shape.
If you have any of these dental problems, a smile makeover is highly recommended. A smile makeover is a process where a dentist conducts an assessment of your whole dental structure and mouth. After writing the analysis results and studying them, Dr. Imm will then discuss the results and help you to choose procedures to help you recover your smile.
The process of getting a dental veneer
If you are thinking about getting veneers, we first recommend making a consultation appointment with Dr. Imm. He can get a better look at your teeth and bite, and decide if dental veneers are right for you, or suggest any other treatment options that might make sense. Your dentist will also most likely take x-rays to get a better picture of your bite and how he can help perfect your teeth.
Preparing your tooth/teeth for a veneer application
After you and your dentist have discussed the veneers process and have decided to move forward, your next visit will begin with your dentist preparing the tooth that will be receiving the veneer. First, your dentist removes some of your enamel from the surface of the tooth. Normally, the amount removed is equal to the veneers’ thickness that is to be added to it, so your teeth are a normal shape and thickness and feel natural. Since veneers are so thin, this means that not a lot of enamel is removed. Then, your dentist makes a digital mold of your tooth and sends it to a dental lab to construct your veneer. Temporary veneers will be placed at this time.
At your next visit, once the veneer has been made, bonding is the process where the dentist ensures that the custom veneer fits your tooth perfectly. This is done by temporarily placing the veneer on your tooth and examining its measurements in comparison with the tooth’s measurements. In order to achieve a highly accurate fit, it needs to be adjusted and re-adjusted until it’s perfect. After all of the adjustments have been made, your tooth or teeth are prepared to receive the veneer(s).
Preparing your tooth or teeth involves cleaning and polishing it, and then etching it. The tooth is etched to roughen its surface, allowing the bonding to be stronger between the tooth and the veneer.
A special cement is applied to the veneer and then the veneer is placed on top of the tooth. The dentist will then shine a beam of light on the veneer. This beam of light activates the binding chemicals in the cement causing it to harden fast. Excess cement can be removed and an evaluation of your bite is done. The dentist will then schedule a follow-up visit to see how you are getting along with the veneer.
Results of getting a dental veneer
After getting a dental veneer, you need to continue maintaining good oral hygiene. A veneer does not require any special attention, but you want to be sure to continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. It’s also important to continue attending your semi-annual dental visits to clean and polish your teeth.
We offer dental veneer applications to help you smile confidently and as a way of correcting what you don’t like about your smile, without much wait time. At 5 points advanced dentistry we can help you choose the right color, size, shape, and structure of veneer for the best results. Contact us today for more information about our products and services. Or, book an appointment and you will meet with Dr. Imm to discuss the best dental procedures for your needs.
Who doesn’t dream of having the perfect smile? However, a lot of us don’t want to go through the trouble of getting braces to achieve our dream smile. Fortunately, Invisalign clear aligners give you the option to get straight teeth without the hassle of braces!
Braces are still used to straighten teeth, but they are not the only option for patients. Braces use brackets with wires connecting them. These wires are made to move the teeth slowly in one direction as they guide the teeth to a more even position. The brackets come in clear plastic or metal materials and have bands that come in a variety of colors. But, unfortunately, braces are limiting to what a patient can eat, and they can be uncomfortable and not very aesthetically-pleasing.
Invisalign offers a great solution to these problems. They work in a similar fashion as traditional braces, but they are removable and transparent, making it a virtually invisible treatment option for people who want to keep their dental treatment on the down-low. Invisalign aligners are custom-made retainers that change the position of the teeth over time. They serve the purpose of braces, but they are clear and don’t have the same restrictions as braces do with their brackets and wires.
Why would I choose Invisalign?
Apart from their convenience and invisibility, there are still even more reasons as to why they may be the perfect option for you. Below are many benefits to Invisalign that demonstrate why so many people love this treatment option.
Confidence
Many of us hate the look of traditional braces and feel uncomfortable getting them, especially as an adult. Invisalign offers a great way to feel confident showing off your smile while striving to perfect your teeth and bite.
As effective as traditional braces
Invisalign aligners offer fantastic results, as good as traditional braces. Overbites, underbites, gaps, and overcrowding can all be fixed with Invisalign. During this treatment, you will be fitted with several different invisible retainers that make tiny adjustments to the position of your tooth over time. These aligners are made from a plastic material, and they fit perfectly over the teeth.
Eating habits
There are some things that you cannot eat when you have braces. You have to avoid eating certain sweets, popcorn, raw carrots, apples, bagels, etc. With Invisalign aligners, you will bypass these restrictions because you can remove them when you are eating and indulge in anything you want!
Cost-effective
Invisalign is also a cost-effective way to straighten your teeth. You can get them directly through your dental office, so you already know if your dentist takes your insurance and can work with them to find out how much coverage you have or a payment plan that works for you. Some dentists and orthodontists even offer monthly payments to make the treatment affordable and convenient.
Convenient Treatment
The Invisalign treatment takes 12 months on average depending on the condition of the teeth that need to be moved. Your follow-up visits to your dentist along the way are usually very short, about every 6 weeks or so. This allows your dentist to make recommendations and check your progress to ensure your teeth are moving together correctly.
Aesthetics
This is probably one of the main factors as to why Invisalign is the preferred treatment by most people over traditional braces. Not only do they give you the great results you are looking for, but they are also almost invisible! People will barely notice you’re wearing them, and you are able to remove them at any time to fit your lifestyle.
Fix your bite
This aligner doesn’t only help you feel confident smiling, but it also works to improve your health. When your bite is corrected, you can relieve jaw and joint pain, headache pain, and improve how you chew to better your overall health.
Reduced pain during treatment
If you grind your teeth, it can make your muscles sore and cause other dental problems. The treatment for this is usually a custom mouthguard. However, wearing Invisalign aligners will also help protect you from grinding your teeth because of the protective layer between the teeth.
Improve your dental hygiene
When you have traditional braces, there are a lot of hard-to-reach places to brush and floss to keep your teeth clean. On the other hand, with Invisalign, you can remove your aligners and you can brush and floss your teeth easily without barriers. Not to mention, that when you have crooked or cluttered teeth, it is more difficult to clean them and bacteria can grow with ease. Once the aligners straighten your teeth, it will be easier to clean them and ensure you don’t have plaque or tartar build-up.
No discoloration
It is possible to get teeth discoloration when you have other dental treatments like braces. This can occur when the patient is eating sugary foods or drinks that leave stains, such as coffee, tea, wine, etc., and not taking time to clean all the nooks and crannies of his or her braces. Although you can still get teeth discoloration without braces, your chances are lower with Invisalign, as you can take out your clear aligners at any time and easily brush or floss each area of your teeth.
How to use Invisalign
To be successful with this treatment, you need to wear them at least 20 to 22 hours a day. This means that you need to wear them all day and night with the exception of removing them when you are eating or brushing your teeth. This ensures that your teeth are moving in the right direction and not reverting back to their original state. After your Invisalign treatment has been completed, you risk the teeth returning to their original form. To counter this, your dentist can offer you a retainer to wear at night to ensure that you maintain your beautiful new smile.
Most of us would agree that your most magnetic facial feature is your smile. Since the field of dentistry has seen tremendous advances in technology and procedures to help restore and maintain great smiles, you don’t have to worry about having chipped, uneven, stained or crooked teeth on your wedding day, graduation, or any other upcoming event! 5 Points Advanced Dentistry offers procedures that can help you smile with confidence as you prepare for a graduation or a wedding. Dr. Imm will help you in the selection of the most suitable options, depending on your desired results.
Teeth Whitening At Our Office
Teeth whitening is probably the easiest way to make your smile stand out and help you feel more confident attending any upcoming events. There are many different options for teeth whitening. In our office, we use the ZOOM! Whitening system to help our patients have white smiles. It is very convenient for busy patients, as we can brighten and whiten your smile by several shades in just a single visit! The ZOOM! system is suitable for almost anyone and we customize the treatment to help you achieve the results you want. Schedule your in-office teeth whitening session today at 5 Points Advanced Dentistry to enjoy the benefits of Zoom!® advanced teeth whitening technology!
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
There are also other options if you don’t want to get your teeth whitened in the office. If you would prefer to whiten your teeth gradually in the comfort of your own home, talk to us about the DayWhite® or Opalescence® Boost teeth whitening kits. You can wear a tray filled with a whitening solution when it is most convenient for you and see results within 10 to 14 days. We have many busy patients looking for a simple and effective teeth whitening solution that love their results with our take-home whitening systems.
Dental Crowns
The purpose of dental crowns is to restore the normal size, shape, and strength of your tooth, and also to cover any imperfections in your teeth. Unlike teeth whitening that cleans the teeth, a crown covers the tooth. A crown can make teeth look great and feel stronger. If you have a tooth filling you don’t want to be seen, for example, a crown can cover it up, whereas teeth whitening cannot. A crown is a great way to cover teeth that are out of position, uneven, or discolored.
Do you have weak teeth that you and your dentist are concerned they might break? Dr. Imm can prepare a crown to prevent brittle teeth from chipping or breaking, as well as to restore already broken teeth. This is a great treatment option that allows you to keep your natural tooth, but ensure that it will be stronger and aesthetically pleasing. There are several materials that are used to make crowns and they range from very strong to very aesthetically appealing. With your help, your dentist will choose the right one for you. The crown is custom-made to fit your tooth and goes over top of the natural tooth. Essentially, it looks like a thimble and it is cemented to your tooth. If a crown is recommended by your dentist, then it is the chosen procedure to solve the dental issues listed above. Always remember that the primary objective of the dentist is to ensure that you have a healthy smile for life!
Bridges and Implants
Do you have missing teeth that are affecting your confidence in your smile? Or do you have a hard time chewing or speaking due to a gap in your teeth? To replace missing teeth, there are two types of replacement procedures: an implant and a fixed bridge. Bridges or dental implants are used to fill in this space and help you to be more confident smiling as well as reduce discomfort when you are eating and drinking.
In a fixed bridge replacement procedure, an artificial tooth is used to replace the missing tooth. For bridges, the restoration can use alloys, gold, porcelain or combinations of those materials, and it is hooked to the teeth to close the gap for support. It is a great alternative because it looks great and it can even fill the space of several missing teeth.
Implants are installed by placing a titanium fixture directly in the jawbone and screwing in a fully-functional fake tooth into your gums. They can take some time to heal, however, implants are a great permanent solution for tooth loss that can give you confidence smiling, as well as eating any type of food. You can have no fear of biting into an apple or an ear of corn after dental implants!
The success of an implant or a bridge depends on the foundation of the teeth, the gums, and the jaw bone. It is important to keep your gums, teeth and a jaw bone healthy to help these procedures be successful!
What’s the best procedure for me?
The decision of which procedure to go for will be different for every patient, and cannot be made before visiting your dentist! The final decision is made after your dentist has examined your mouth and spoken to you about your desired outcomes, and any questions or concerns you have. Each of these procedures has different results, costs, recovery, and time associated with them. But before you go into your appointment, it’s great to know what options you have and help yourself become educated on the different procedures we have available! We are always more than happy to discuss each option in detail and advise you on what we would suggest for your individual treatment plan.
No one wants to feel uncomfortable smiling, especially with all of your upcoming spring and summer events! We love transforming our patients’ smiles and getting to see them become excited to show them off! Schedule your visit with us today to discuss your ideal results and how we can get you there! We look forward to speaking with you about your vision for your smile!
If you have cracked or dull teeth, you may suffer from low self-esteem. If this is the case, and you no longer want to be embarrassed by your teeth, a smile makeover may be a worthwhile consideration. A smile makeover begins with a dentist looking at your entire mouth, discussing your concerns, and choosing procedures that will improve your smile. Afterward, you will want to show off your pearly whites instead of hiding them.
What are the Benefits of a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover will restore both function and aesthetics to your mouth. For example, if you have a misaligned bite, we can correct the problem so you can chew properly and smile without being self-conscious. Damaged or crooked teeth can also be repaired, and missing teeth can be permanently replaced. After a complete smile makeover, you will enjoy a beautiful smile, enhanced tooth structure, better jaw health, and improved self-confidence.
What Procedures are Involved in a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover usually consists of numerous cosmetic procedures. For example, a patient may receive dental implants, veneers, Invisalign, or whitening treatments. Before forming a plan of action, a dentist will examine your gums, teeth color, and the overall condition of your mouth.
Color. If your teeth are stained, or you have amalgam fillings that bring a damaged look to your teeth, the color can be improved with white fillings or a whitening procedure. Thanks to today’s technology, it is possible to perfectly match the color of your existing teeth. A professional whitening treatment provides faster and better results than an OTC product or kit. In-office procedures include the application of high-dose hydrogen peroxide. When performed correctly, it is possible to whiten teeth a few shades after one visit. Also, veneers may be placed over teeth to improve their shape and color.
Alignment and Spaces. If your teeth are crooked, or your mouth has visible gaps, we can correct this as well. Invisalign is a set of clear molded braces that straighten teeth without the use of traditional metal brackets. Clear trays are custom fit and work to correct misalignments. It is possible to wear them without people noticing, and remove them for cleaning. Also, veneers may be applied to teeth that are chipped, leaning, or imperfect in other ways.
Missing Teeth. One of the most common ways that a smile makeover improves a person’s appearance is by replacing missing teeth. If you have spaces in your mouth, it may be impossible to eat or speak correctly. Dental implants are permanent solutions that look and function like real teeth. They are implanted into the jaw, which means that they are not removable like dentures. Dental crowns are placed over the implants to make them look just like your natural teeth. These may also be used as part of a bridge. Both bridges and crowns are cemented on top of existing teeth to repair them. Bridges are used to fill spaces where more than one tooth is missing. By filling in these gaps, your jaw and facial shape can be preserved. Crowns offer strength to damaged teeth as well.
Bone Reshaping. If you have lost one or more of your teeth, there will be a hole left behind in your jawbone. Your gums will eventually heal, but the bone will encounter various highs and lows. These can cause dentures or similar restorations to rub and cause soreness. In time, the bone will become lost. To smooth the bone, a reshaping surgery, or alveoplasty, may be necessary.
Targeting Teeth in a Smile Makeover
A smile makeover targets your teeth so that they look aesthetically pleasing. It is important to pay attention to the smile line. This goes along the upper teeth and should follow the curve of your lips during a smile. It is essential to adjust tooth length and proportion as well. When a person is young, his or her teeth are longer. With time, teeth begin to wear down and become shorter. Veneers can restore length. Also, it is possible to modify the gums. Gum tissue reshaping helps people who have uneven, obtrusive or receding gums.
Besides leaving a smile looking better, it also helps to prevent periodontal disease. When gums are receding, teeth are left exposed and pockets commonly develop. These pockets accumulate bacteria that can cause severe problems.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Smile Makeover?
Anyone looking to improve their oral and overall health may take advantage of a smile makeover. If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth, Dr. Imm, who specializes in cosmetic dentistry, can help. He can meet with you to do a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth and discuss exactly what results you are looking for in the smile makeover.
How to Maintain Results of a Smile Makeover
After undergoing a smile makeover, a patient must change his or her oral hygiene routine in order to maintain positive results. It is essential to brush with a non-abrasive toothpaste and to floss each day. Removing debris from between teeth will elongate the lifespan of any cosmetic procedure and keep tooth decay from starting.
If you receive composite fillings or crowns, it is best to avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol. This is known to have negative effects. Also, we will advise you to avoid foods that are packed with sugar and items that are known to cause staining (coffee, cigarettes, etc.).
Finally, please avoid biting or chewing hard objects (such as ice). Even though cosmetic restorations are sturdy, the best way to ensure a long life for your new smile is to act with care. Your dentist will be able to provide more advice when you meet so that you can easily maintain the results of your smile makeover.
Before you decide to pursue a smile makeover, it is vital to understand what can realistically be accomplished. At 5 Points Advanced Dentistry, we offer all patients previews of expected results. We use state-of-the-art imaging technology and various mock-ups so that it is possible to see all of the improvements that a smile makeover will bring. We provide customized plans for all of our patients so that individual needs are targeted. For more information, call our office today.
importance of good oral hygiene. In honor of this month, here are our favorite hygiene tips to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright: 
