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February 13th, 2012
 Having your teeth straightened to adjust your bite or to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance is a process that can be attained in several ways. The traditional metal bands and brackets that were used for many years are no longer the only way to achieve straight teeth. Invisalign aligners can offer the patient the ability to have a beautiful new smile without having to deal with the more traditional method of years past.
Invisalign is a process involving the use of clear plastic aligners to slowly shift teeth to their correct position. Your orthodontist will assess your dental situation and advise you on the best method for your particular needs.
If you are a candidate for Invisalign, your orthodontist will take pictures, x-rays and dental impressions that will be sent to the Invisalign lab. A series of clear, soft plastic aligners are developed through the use of 3-D digital imagery technology. The aligners are designed to slowly reposition your teeth over time by updating the aligners every couple of weeks during treatment.
As your teeth are gently shifted into place, you are able to achieve the same result as using the former method of braces. Once treatment is completed the final step of retaining your new smile is needed.
All forms of teeth straightening require the shift of teeth. During this process as teeth move, it is intended for the bones that help hold them in place to grow to keep the teeth from drifting back to where they were initially.
This is why a retainer is so important to the straightening of teeth. In order for teeth to stay in place and that bone growth to happen, the retainer will remind the teeth of their new position, allow bone growth to occur, and keep the teeth in place.
If a retainer is not worn after orthodontic treatment is complete, the teeth could shift back closer to where they were at the start of treatment.
There are different types of retainers and the length of time needed to wear a retainer at the completion of treatment varies. Our orthodontist will provide you with the most reliable information, so following your dental provider’s advice will allow you to maximize the benefit of your time during your orthodontic treatment. Schedule an appointment today with one of our dentists located in Pleasanton TX!
Tags: Invisalign Pleasanton TX, Pleasanton TX orthodontist
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February 3rd, 2012
It is very important to do everything possible to keep the build-up of plaque off teeth at all times so we can maintain the best oral health. Wearing braces can make good oral hygiene habits more tedious than without wearing them, but following the instructions of your orthodontist will offer you the best chance of being decay-free when your braces come off.
Plaque is formed on teeth and at the gum line due to bacteria that is not removed consistently through brushing and flossing. The bacteria live on the teeth and accumulate in the form of a sticky substance that over time can harden on the teeth. When this happens, a professional cleaning is needed to remove plaque build-up. It is very important to do everything possible to keep the build-up of plaque off teeth at all times so we can maintain the best oral health.
With traditional braces in place, the metal bands and brackets can become a breeding ground for bacteria if the teeth and appliances are not consistently cleaned and food particles removed after each meal. Brushing is important, but to keep plaque from forming at the gum line, flossing daily should accompany brushing.
Flossing while wearing traditional braces can be difficult, but is not impossible. Threading the floss up through the wire and flossing each side of the tooth and then repeating until all surfaces are flossed is needed to keep plaque in check at the gum line. Your orthodontist can demonstrate this technique to show you the most efficient way to floss your teeth during your ortho treatment.
Using a fluoridated tooth paste or gel, as well as rinsing with a fluoride rinse daily, will help. In addition to preventing dental decay, keeping your gums healthy during orthodontic treatment will allow you to avoid the onset of any type of gingivitis or periodontal disease.
The process of wearing braces is to shift your teeth to correct your bite and often to provide aesthetic improvements in your smile. As your teeth shift, it is normal to feel like your teeth have become loose. As your teeth are slowly moved, the bone holding your teeth grows to help keep your new bite in place. This process can take some time, and the bands and brackets are not removed from your teeth until treatment is completed.
Consequently, wearing the same braces for years is a possibility. Learning how to care for your teeth and gum tissue properly is essential for the most positive outcome. For additional information on preventing tooth decay while wearing braces, call Brush Country Dental & Specialty Center, Pleasanton TX, at 830-569-2500.
Tags: orthodontist Pleasanton TX
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January 26th, 2012
 Crooked teeth can lead to self-consciousness and discomfort about your smile. While some misalignment of the teeth can be severe and require extensive orthodontic correction, minor misalignment is often treatable with other approaches such as Invisalign. If you have slightly crooked teeth or minor misalignment and are considering Invisalign in Pleasanton TX, here are some facts about Invisalign to help you make your decision.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic procedure that uses clear plastic trays to move the teeth into the proper position. The trays are shaped to move your teeth a small distance at a time. Each tray is worn for about two weeks, after which it is replaced with the next tray in the sequence. By the time the last tray is reached, your teeth will be perfectly aligned and your smile will be something you can be proud of.
Invisalign offers several advantages over traditional braces, including:
- Plastic trays are virtually invisible
- Invisalign trays can be removed
- Plastic trays do not cause irritation or discomfort in the mouth
Many adults much prefer Invisalign treatment to traditional braces because of the convenience and because treatment is less visible. Invisalign treatment can also be more comfortable and more convenient than traditional braces.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is often a good option for orthodontic treatment if your teeth are only slightly misaligned, or if they have small gaps. Severely crooked teeth, or teeth with wide spaces between them, might require traditional orthodontic treatment. Other issues caused by misalignment, such as teeth grinding or temporomandibular joint disorder, might require additional treatment beyond basic orthodontics.
To find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign, consult with our orthodontist. If your teeth are only slightly misaligned, Invisalign might be a good option for your treatment. To find out how Invisalign can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted, please contact our office for an Invisalign consultation.
Tags: Invisalign Pleasanton TX, Pleasanton TX orthodontist
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January 16th, 2012
Malocclusion refers to misalignment of the bite, or the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. While some malocclusions are minor, others are more severe. Minor malocclusion produces few symptoms and can often be left untreated. However, more serious malocclusion can cause severe problems with the teeth and adversely affect your overall oral health. If you need braces in the Pleasanton TX area, our office can help you determine the best orthodontic treatment for your situation. Treating malocclusions can eliminate or prevent these symptoms as well as correct any cosmetic issues the misalignment might cause.
Causes and Side Effects of Malocclusions
Malocclusion can occur due to various factors. Some of these have to do with the way the teeth come in. If teeth come in crooked or in the wrong position, malocclusion can be the result. The bite can also be affected by the shape and size of the jawbones. For instance, if the upper jaw is small in relation to the lower jaw, or vice-versa, the teeth will not align properly.
Malocclusions can lead to a variety of symptoms and side effects, including:
- Grinding
- Clenching
- Accelerated wear
- Misalignment of the temporomandibular joint
- Headaches
Treating malocclusions can eliminate or prevent these symptoms as well as correct any cosmetic issues the misalignment might cause.
Correcting Malocclusions
Braces are a common and usually effective means of correcting malocclusion. Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, jaw and your bite to determine the best approach to treatment. Braces are worn for a period of several months, gradually moving your teeth into the correct position.
Other issues causing malocclusion might require different treatment. These treatments could involve removable appliances, removal of teeth that are causing crowding or other problems, or surgery to correct problems with the size of the jaw or the alignment of the jaw joints.
Individual treatment depends entirely upon your symptoms and the desired result. To find out if orthodontic treatment can help you improve your bite and eliminate symptoms of malocclusion, please contact Brush Country Dental at 830-569-2500 for an orthodontic consultation.
Tags: braces Pleasanton TX
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January 6th, 2012
 Teeth that grow in crooked or in the wrong place are fairly common. Many younger children and adolescents seek orthodontic treatment to correct misalignments or teeth that are improperly positioned. Many also wonder if leaving the teeth alone will work just as well. Is it possible for teeth to straighten out or move into the correct position as they grow? Your orthodontist in Pleasanton TX 78064 can answer these questions, but here are some of the basics.
Why Teeth are Misaligned
When teeth first emerge, there are several factors that can cause them to be misaligned, crooked, or in the wrong position. These can include:
- Crowding
- Premature loss of baby teeth
- Impacted permanent teeth
Any of these issues are treatable with orthodontic approaches such as braces and other treatments. Crowding can also be addressed in younger children by gradually widening the palate. Impacted permanent teeth might need to be removed, or oral surgery might be necessary to remove whatever is blocking the tooth from emerging.
Unfortunately, as teeth grow in, most of these problems are actually made worse rather than improve. As more teeth emerge, existing teeth will become more crowded. Teeth that come in misaligned are likely to become more severely misaligned as additional teeth arrive.
Why Crooked Teeth Should Be Treated
Straightening crooked teeth is more than a cosmetic consideration. Teeth that are misaligned suffer from abnormal wear and tear, and can also lead to problems such as teeth clenching and grinding, or long-term issues like temporomandibular joint disorder. Symptoms of misalignment can range from ear and jaw discomfort to chronic headaches or problems with the shoulders, neck and upper back. Orthodontic treatment, when provided early enough, can prevent these symptoms from occurring.
A consultation with our orthodontists will help you determine the best treatment for your specific issues. To find out what orthodontic treatment can do to help you with crooked or misplaced teeth, please contact our office.
Tags: orthodontist Pleasanton TX, Pleasanton TX braces
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December 29th, 2011
Metal bands and brackets were the industry standard for straightening teeth for many years, but it is time to step aside and welcome an updated approach to orthodontics known as Invisalign now available in Pleasanton, TX.
What is Invisalign and how does it work? Invisalign is a method used to resolve many types of dental problems from a cross bite, over bite, under bite, spaces between teeth, misaligned or crooked teeth, or basically any type of orthodontic repair that would be achievable with traditional metal bands and brackets.
Not all patients qualify for Invisalign, so a consultation with your orthodontist is required to see if you are a candidate for this exciting method of teeth straightening.
The Invisalign process itself involves the gentle repositioning of teeth to correct the bite and straighten teeth through the use of soft plastic aligners.
After your consultation to determine if you are a candidate, photos and x-rays are taken along with dental impressions. These are sent to the Invisalign laboratory where technicians employing the use of 3-D technology and dental software develop a series of aligners. Throughout the course of treatment your orthodontist will continually monitor your progress and every two to four weeks you will replace your aligners with the next in the series. The Invisalign process itself involves the gentle repositioning of teeth to correct the bite and straighten teeth through the use of soft plastic aligners.
As treatment progresses, your teeth are gently shifted to their correct position. The advantages of Invisalign over the traditional method of teeth straightening include:
- Soft aligners eliminate metal wires reducing abrasions to the soft tissue in your mouth.
- The aligners are virtually undetectable, making Invisalign aesthetically pleasing.
- Aligners are removable allowing the wearer to eat the foods you love and maintain a healthy diet.
- Since aligners are removable, oral hygiene care is more easily maintained. Brushing and flossing is made much simpler during orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.
It is important to note that the aligners are designed to be worn a minimum of twenty to twenty-two hours per day in order to achieve the desired result.
For most adults, treatment will range anywhere from six months to two years. For teens and young adults, treatment will generally take the same amount of time as traditional braces.
Our dental team can answer any questions you may have about Invisalign, so call us at 830.569.2500 to schedule a consultation and get started on the path to a corrected bite and straight, beautiful teeth.
Tags: Invisalign Pleasanton TX
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December 19th, 2011
 Although it might seem impossible to floss between your teeth and along the gum line while wearing metal orthodontic bands and brackets, there is a safe and efficient way to floss while your teeth are being straightened wearing braces in Pleasanton TX.
Knowing the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits before, during, and after treatment with your orthodontist is imperative in keeping those new straightened teeth healthy.
Brushing and flossing during orthodontic treatment might take a little practice, but the payoff will be great. It is best to start with the correct tools to make this task as easy as possible.
A waxed dental floss will make this job easier. If you use a dental floss without wax, the wire or metal connected to your braces could tear the floss. If this happens, it could be very difficult to grasp and remove the caught floss that broke off.
Start by taking a piece of floss at least 18 inches in length. Push one end of the floss up through the wire between any two teeth. Grasp the end you’ve pushed up through the wire and holding both ends of the floss, gently floss along both teeth you can reach from this angle, as well as the gum tissue. It is important that you do not put pressure on the wire connecting your bands.
Remove the floss by pulling one end through, and move on to the next tooth. While this may seem tedious, taking care of your teeth and gums while undergoing orthodontic treatment is very important as food and bacteria can gather in those places that offer the opportunity to collect. Once all teeth have been flossed, rinsing with warm water will aid in flushing out any particles you removed with the floss.
Our goal should be to keep our natural teeth for as long as we possibly can. If you spend years undergoing orthodontic treatment, you want to try to keep those straight teeth for your lifetime.
Call our orthodontic team to discuss the option of braces. If you choose braces, you will be visiting our orthodontist periodically for follow-up on your progress, but it is important to make sure you keep up with your professional dental cleaning and exams as well. Keep all scheduled appointments, as well as brush and floss daily. It will certainly be worth the time and effort.
Tags: braces Pleasanton TX, Pleasanton TX orthodontist
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December 7th, 2011
When you smile, do you feel that you show more gums than teeth? If so, you might have what many people refer to as a “gummy smile.” This imbalance between the size of the gums and the size of the teeth can be corrected, if you feel that it detracts from your appearance or causes you to be self-conscious. Our oral surgeon serving Pleasanton TX offers treatment options to correct a gummy smile.
Causes of a Gummy Smile
Most causes of a gummy smile are related to the way your gum tissue forms over your teeth, as well as how your teeth and jaw are structured. If your teeth are naturally short, or your lip line is naturally high, the result can be a larger proportion of gums showing as compared to the length of your teeth. A gummy smile can also result if your teeth do not erupt normally, and less of the tooth is exposed.
Other causes can include abnormal wear on the teeth, making them considerably shorter than normal. After orthodontic work, sometimes the gum contours change, leading to a gummy smile.
Treatment for a Gummy Smile
The appropriate treatment for your gummy smile is based on what causes your smile to be out of proportion. Oral surgery to correct the contours of the gum is one of the more common treatments. In one common procedure, lasers are used to remove excess gum tissue from above the upper teeth, allowing more of the teeth to be exposed and balancing the look of your smile. In some cases, bone is removed, as well, so that the balance between teeth and gum tissue is more attractive. Most causes of a gummy smile are related to the way your gum tissue forms over your teeth, as well as how your teeth and jaw are structured.
If your lip line is higher than normal, this can also lead to the appearance of a gummy smile. Your dentist can alter the attachment of the upper lip to the upper gums, allowing the lip to cover more of your upper gums.
For questions or to schedule a consultation about laser gum recontouring, or other treatments for a gummy smile, please call Brush Country Dental & Specialty Center in Pleasanton TX at 830.569.2500 today.
Tags: Oral Surgeon Pleasanton TX
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November 28th, 2011
 The build up of plaque in the mouth and on the teeth is the root cause of several dental health problems. The best way to avoid plaque build up is to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist in Poteet TX twice a year. This will help you avoid the long-term effects of plaque build up.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is the byproduct of the actions of bacteria inside your mouth. When you eat, fragments of food remain behind on your teeth. Bacteria flock to these bits of food and digest them, leaving behind a sticky, acidic substance that builds up on your teeth. This is plaque.
Because plaque is highly acidic, it can eat through the enamel of your teeth, leading to decay. If plaque is not cleaned from the teeth promptly, it hardens into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and also carries a high acid content. Your dentist uses special tools to remove tartar from your teeth, but it cannot be efficiently removed with simple brushing and flossing.
In addition to decay, plaque build up can lead to gingivitis and gum disease. If not properly treated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, as can severe decay.
How to Avoid Plaque Build Up
Brushing and flossing are the first line of defense against plaque. You should brush after every meal to remove the remnants of food left behind on your teeth, and floss once a day to clear out anything that is left between the teeth where your brush cannot reach. Your dentist might recommend an anti-plaque mouthwash, especially if you seem to suffer from more cavities than usual.
Another way to avoid plaque build up is by avoiding sticky, sweet and sugary foods. Bacteria are most attracted to sugar, so any sweet foods that remain on your teeth even in small quantities are more likely to attract bacteria and lead to decay.
Our dental team at Brush Country Dental & Specialty Center are also important allies in preventing plaque build up. Visit our dentists twice a year, or as recommended, for regular cleanings, X-rays and other routine services that will help keep your mouth healthy. For an appointment, cleaning, standard exam or other dental services, please call our office today!
Tags: dentist Poteet TX, Poteet Texas Dental
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November 18th, 2011
Dental crowns are a common tool used to repair cracked teeth, restore a tooth after a root canal, or occasionally for cosmetic corrections such as asymmetry, severe discoloration or damage to the tooth. If you need information about crowns in Pleasanton TX, here are some facts to get you started.
What Is the Best Type of Crown?
There are several types of dental crowns. Which one is best for your specific needs depends upon a variety of factors. The major types of dental crowns are:
- Metal crowns
- Porcelain crowns
- Porcelain fused to metal
Each of these types of crown comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Metal crowns are strong and long lasting. Many dentists recommend these for molars that are likely to undergo high levels of stress due to chewing. If you grind or clench your teeth, metal crowns are less likely to be damaged from this action than porcelain crowns.
Porcelain crowns are matched to your natural tooth enamel. These are nearly always used for teeth in the front or near the front of the mouth, so that your smile will not be disrupted by the look of a metal tooth.
Porcelain fused to metal is another popular option for molars. The metal part of the crown can withstand the strain of chewing, while the porcelain means the tooth will look natural.
How Do I Know Which Crown Is Best for Me?
If you are in need of a dental crown, our dentists will consult with you to help you make the decision regarding which type of crown will be best. Many factors are considered, including the placement of the tooth, the reason why the crown is needed, and the amount of stress the tooth will be expected to endure. Aesthetics, as well as practical and monetary implications, should be considered. Once you have discussed your needs, concerns and goals with our dentists, you will be able to make the best decision about what crown will work best for you.
To find out more about crowns, how they work and what crowns are better for what situations, please contact our office at 830.569.2500 for an appointment or consultation.
Tags: crowns Pleasanton TX
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