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The Invisalign Treatment Process in Ocala FL

Posted on July 24, 2019 by admin
invisalign treatment

Invisalign treatment has been gaining popularity as an alternative orthodontic treatment to the traditional metal braces. The new technology is just as effective for treating most orthodontic issues and improving your smile, but it uses clear aligners that are more comfortable, hygienic, and discrete. 

The Invisalign system uses a series of custom-made removable aligners to gradually move your teeth to the ideal position. Since the aligners are made from clear plastic, most people you interact with won’t even notice you wearing the nearly invisible aligners, so you can maintain your lifestyle during treatment. 

If you’re considering getting Invisalign treatment to straighten your teeth, you will likely go through the following process:

1. Consultation with an Invisalign Specialist 

The first step is a consultation with your Invisalign specialist or other orthodontist to determine whether Invisalign treatment is right for your case. Generally, the treatment is recommended for most mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including closing spaces between teeth, straightening crooked or crowded teeth, fixing malocclusion, and addressing overbites/underbites/crossbites. 

2. Creating a Custom Treatment Plan 

If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, your Invisalign specialist will take photos, digital scans, and X-rays, or dental impression to assist in formulating a treatment plan that can address your teeth straightening problem with precision. The specialist will come up with a personalized treatment prescription that will be used together with the records – in the above step to create a customized 3D treatment plan for your specific problem. Using Align Technology, you and your specialist can view the expected final position of your teeth at the completion of the treatment. 

3. Manufacturing Your Custom Aligners 

This custom-treatment plan will then be used to develop your series of personalized aligners, and will determine the duration of your treatment. Your customized aligners will be fabricated and sent to your orthodontist’s office to initiate the treatment 

4. Delivery of Your First Set of Aligners 

Once your aligners are ready and delivered to your orthodontist’s office, you will be provided with a series of your custom-made aligners (either 3 or 4 sets) that you can change yourself every 2 weeks. The Invisalign system requires that you wear your clear aligners every day for 20 to 22 hours, removing them only during meals and brushing/flossing. This allows you to maintain your quality of life while receiving orthodontic treatment that will improve your smile and transform your life.

5. Follow-up Visits 

Every 6-8 weeks, you will have to return to the orthodontist for the next sets of aligners in the series. These visits are also important to monitor the progress of your treatment

6. End of the Invisalign Treatment 

After completing your Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist may recommend that you wear retainers to help maintain the new position of your teeth

Visit your orthodontist in Ocala, FL today to discuss ways to improve your smile.

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Invisalign for Teens and Adults: Is There a Difference? | Ocala FL

Posted on July 14, 2019 by admin
invisalign

The Invisalign system is used to correct mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as overcrowded or protruding teeth, malocclusion or bad bite, or under/cross/overbites. Many people prefer Invisalign over traditional braces because:

  • The clear aligners are less noticeable 
  • The aligners are removable, which makes it easier to maintain your normal diet and oral care routine. 
  • It’s more comfortable  – there’s no metal to irritate your gums, tongue, or lips

The aligners are made from medical grade, thermoplastic polymer that has high elasticity to allow for a more precise aligner fit and superior tooth movement, as well as to facilitate the delivery of a gentle and constant force during treatment with great comfort. Each set of aligners is custom-made to deliver a perfect fit over your teeth. 

Invisalign for Adults 

Generally, Invisalign treatment is recommended for adults of all ages because their teeth and jaws have finished growing and developing. Adults are also motivated and responsible enough to wear their aligners as directed by the Invisalign specialist. 

Unlike braces that are fixed to your teeth, which means that the treatment will continue without requiring your input, clear aligners require active participation from the patient. You’re required to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only when eating and brushing/flossing your teeth. 

Invisalign for Teens 

That said, there is an on option for teens known as Invisalign Teen that allows teenagers to enjoy the benefits of clear aligners when straightening their teeth. Some unique features of this option include:

  • Power ridges that facilitate the growth of tooth roots into the right places 
  • Extra features to accommodate the developing teeth in teens 
  • Tools to help ensure teens wear each set of aligners for the recommended time 
  • Complimentary replacements in case the aligners are lost or damaged 

You need to follow the direction strictly to ensure that your treatment proceeds as required, and doesn’t take longer than intended as this will increase the cost of treatment as well. Please visit your orthodontist in Ocala, FL to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. 

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Dental Cleaning Vs. Dental Exam: Is one more important than the other? | Ocala FL

Posted on May 22, 2019 by admin

Dental cleanings and examinations are two different procedures that are typically performed in a single appointment, but involve different things that are equally important for your long-term oral health.  

Dental Cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning requires the dentist to use special instruments to remove calculus (hardened plaque) from the surface of your teeth and polish them. Generally, your dentist will:

  • Remove accumulated plaque and tartar using special tools, such as a metal scaler that physically scrapes off the built-up bacteria, or an ultrasonic scaler that uses vibration.
  • Squirt water into your mouth to rinse of the plaque. A suction tool will also be applied in your mouth to suck the water out immediately
  • Polished the teeth using a gritty toothpaste, and then floss them.

Dental Exam

During a dental examination, the dentist visually inspects your mouth using a mirror and small instruments, including a probe to test the surface of each tooth. This is intended to

  • Examine teeth, checking for signs of decay, sensitivity, grinding, or excess tooth wear
  • Evaluate your gums for signs of swelling, bleeding, or irritation. Your gum pockets will also be measured to check for gum recession
  • Evaluate your bite and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), checking for proper alignments and shift in your bite (underbite, overbite, or crooked bite)
  • Check the soft tissues in your mouth, including the texture and size of your tongue, tonsils and throat for signs of infection, and salivary glands for proper saliva secretion
  • Complete an oral cancer screening to check for signs of infection around your cheeks, tongue, palate, neck, head, and lymph nodes
  • Take dental X-rays for diagnostic information about non-visible parts of your mouth, including the underlying bone structure

After both processes, you can consult with your dentist about any existing oral health issues you’re concerned about, as well as get your questions answered about your dental health.

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Professional Guidelines to Keep Your Teeth Clean Between Dental Visits | Ocala FL

Posted on May 12, 2019 by admin

Many people wonder whether it’s necessary to keep each and every dental appointment for regular checkups and cleanings, and how beneficial they actually are. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned to get rid of disease-causing bacteria that has hardened on the surface of your teeth (as tartar) actually helps to prevent most dental issues, including gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. The exams also help to detect problems in their early stages, including oral cancer, for timely interventions.

Dental consultations also provide a good opportunity for you to learn more about caring for your teeth and gums. You may consider asking:

  • Which toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, or other product should I use for my teeth?
  • Based on your examination and my dental/medical history, what is my ideal interval for cleanings?
  • What dental diseases am I prone to if any? Why? What can I do to reduce this risk?

What next after your dentist appointment?

In between your dental cleanings and examinations, you will be required to maintain good oral hygiene at home. Your dentist will remind you of the best way to care for your mouth, including using proper brushing technique for at least two minutes per session and developing good dental habits, like not using your teeth as a tool to bite nails, open bottles, or crush ice.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day using an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between your teeth everyday using floss or an interdental cleaner
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if you suffer an oral illness
  • Maintain a balanced diet and reduce the intake of sugary items, soft drinks, and snacks between meals
  • Visit your dentist regularly for oral exams and professional cleanings

Final note

Dental cleanings are intended to keep your gums and teeth clean and healthy, which will in turn help you avoid paying for costly dental procedures in the future. With a 45-minute dental appointment, the dentist can detect the early stages of problems, including chips, gum disease, cavities, and even oral cancer, so you can start interventions early to prevent them from getting worse or even reverse them.

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Who is the Right Candidate for Dental Implants?

Posted on April 30, 2019 by admin

Studies show that missing teeth can not only affect your health, but also ruin your confidence, damage your professional and social life, and generally interfere with your entire life. Fortunately, all of these can be regained with dental implants.

Dental implants are a state-of-the-art tooth replacement option that also replaces your roots, giving you the strength, stability, and bone stimulation that you would enjoy with natural, healthy teeth. The implants prevent bone loss and help to restore your youthful appearance, giving you added confidence.

But can anyone get dental implants?

Dental implants are recommended for most adults, and have been successfully placed in over 95% of patients between 18 and 90 years, who have lost one, several, or even all their teeth. They’re not recommended for children and teens because their jaws are still developing, and placing the implant might affect proper growth of permanent teeth.

There are very few medical or dental conditions that could prevent a successful dental implant placement. For patients with severe bone tissue loss, your  dentist may recommend bone grafting to ensure that you have sufficient bone tissue to integrate with the titanium implant, and subsequently provide strong support for your replacement teeth. If you have a medical condition or taking medications that may affect bone healing, your dentist will advice on the best course of action during the consultation.

Starting your Treatment

If you want to restore the proper health and function of your mouth, get rid of ill-fitting dentures, or avoid treatments that affect the structure of healthy teeth (like bridges), dental implants are a great option. But if you have already experienced too much bone loss, your dentist may recommend bone-augmentation to rebuild the lost bone tissue before proceeding with the procedure. This may, however, increase your treatment time by a few months, from the standard 5-8 months needed for a standard dental implant procedure.

Your dentist will examine your case and determine your suitability for the procedure before progressing with the treatment.

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Dental Implant FAQ

Posted on April 30, 2019 by admin

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a state-of-the-art tooth replacement option that also replaces your roots, giving you the strength, stability, and bone stimulation that you would enjoy with natural, healthy teeth. The implants prevent bone loss and help to restore your youthful appearance, giving you added confidence.

Are Implants safe?

Implants have been successfully placed in over 95% of patients between 18 and 90 years, who have lost one, several, or even all their teeth.

What are the advantages of implants over other tooth replacement options?

  • Implants integrate with the jawbone, which helps to prevent bone loss and stop adjacent teeth from shifting.
  • This in turn prevents jaw pain and popping, TMJ disorder, and migraines.
  • The stabilized soft and hard tissue also reduces the risk of the formation of gum pockets that trap bacteria and cause periodontal disease.
  • They reduce the risk of gum disease associated with other solutions that create hidden spots between your teeth where bacteria can hide.
  • Most people who get implants report better sleep at night  
  • Dental implants don’t require any special care when cleaning your teeth and mouth.
  • Implants are a hygienic option that will save you a lot of expense over time, both in cumulative dental expenses and enjoyment of life.
  • Eat and speak well. Implants function like your natural teeth, giving you the ability to chew and eat anything you want, with no embarrassing moments when in the company of your family and friends.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

If you want to restore the proper health and function of your mouth, get rid of ill-fitting dentures, or avoid treatments that affect the structure of healthy teeth (like bridges), dental implants are a great option. Most adults are good candidates of this treatment. But if you have already experienced too much bone loss, Dr. Andrew Sand may recommend bone-augmentation to rebuild the lost bone tissue before proceeding with the procedure.

What would disqualify me from getting implants?

There are very few medical or dental conditions that could prevent a successful dental implant placement. For patients with severe bone tissue loss, we may recommend bone grafting to ensure that you have sufficient bone tissue to integrate with the titanium implant, and subsequently provide strong support for your replacement teeth. If you have a medical condition or taking medications that may affect bone healing, we will discuss your case during the consultation.

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Why Should You See a Dentist Regularly?

Posted on March 29, 2019 by admin

Research shows that the health of your mouth is connected to your overall health and wellbeing. In fact, multiple studies show a link between oral disease and diabetes, heart disease, and other life-threatening systemic conditions. General dentists believe in early detection of dental problems before they worsen. If you have a toothache, sensitive tooth, bleeding gums, bad breath, or other oral issues, a timely diagnosis can help to detect the early signs of cavities, gum disease, and other problems. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate restorative treatments to repair and prevent problems as they develop.

Visiting your dentist

Whether you’re young or old, scheduling a visit with your dentist can help you enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile. Regular dental exams allow the dentist to diagnose and treat issues before they cause major damage to your teeth. This significantly reduces the risk of requiring costly and lengthy procedures in the future.

You can also receive routine dental exams and screenings, tooth cleanings, fillings, and other services that help to restore or maintain your smile. General dentists don’t just fix issues as they come up. Through regular professional cleanings and dental checkups, they can prevent most problems before they even get started. Where a problem already exists, they design your custom treatment plan so it not only addresses the symptoms, but also solves the root cause of the problem. More importantly, they will recommend lifestyle changes to help maintain your optimal oral health, and schedule follow up visits to help keep you on track.

In addition, they use the latest technology, such as digital x-rays and intra-oral cameras to carefully examine your mouth and provide a complete treatment plan that treats the root of the problem and prevents the symptoms from reoccurring.

Final Note

Dental checkups should be scheduled every six months, and oral cancer screenings once a year. Oral cancer affects about 40,000 Americans each year, which is why you should take the screenings very seriously. Visit your dentist today for professional dental care in Ocala.

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Finding the Best Dentist Near Me

Posted on February 27, 2019 by admin
dentist near me

Surveys suggest that about half of the adult population believes that a smile is the most memorable feature in a first-time meeting. At a distant second is the first words spoken by the person (25%), followed by the person’s clothes (9%). Nothing comes close to the impact that a great smile can make. And finding the right dentist to perform routine cleaning and dental exams or fix a dental or oral health issue can help you maintain the optimal health and function of your mouth.

Indeed, choosing a new dentist is an important decision for you and your family. You’re entrusting care for a major part of your overall well being to a dental professional you have never dealt with before. Most people depend on recommendations from other primary care providers, family members, or friends when considering their options for dental care.

But the needs/wants of other people may not necessarily match yours. To find the best match for you, here are a few things to consider:

  • First, you need to come up with a basic criteria for your ideal dental care provider. Typically, most people want a dentist who’s close to their home, children’s school, or workplace to make it easier to keep appointments.
  • Second, you need to consider any family members with special needs. For instance, you may want a dentist who specializes in infants, kids, and teens, or one whose office is easily accessible for a handicapped patient.
  • Third, you may need to consider any certifications, licenses, or memberships that help to ensure standards of quality. This will give you peace of mind that you are working with a dental professional who is focused on continual improvement, and follows the accepted standards for safety and hygiene.

Lastly, you should take your time to make careful observations of the practice and ask important questions to help you choose the best dentist who will serve your needs to your satisfaction. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are in capable hands that will help to enhance their oral health and maintain their beautiful smiles.

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5 Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Posted on January 8, 2019 by admin

Veneers are typically placed on the six to ten visible teeth in your smile. Some reasons to choose porcelain veneers over other types of veneers include:

  1. Ability to match the color of veneers to your existing teeth for seamless integration and a natural looking smile – You can choose a precise shade and color of porcelain veneers to improve the color of one or more stained teeth, usually in the upper jaw, giving you the desired smile.
  2. Minimal tooth removal – The placement of all types of veneers requires the dentist to shave down some of the tooth enamel to create room for bonding. But since porcelain veneers are considerably stronger and tougher than other veneers, very little enamel is extracted. This means that you experience little to no discomfort during tooth preparation.
  3. Preservation of the integrity of your teeth – Based on the previous point, it means that you can preserve more of your tooth structure, and your natural tooth is not weakened. Furthermore, bonding with tough porcelain veneers significantly improves the strength of the teeth.
  4. Adjust the size of your teeth – You can make subtle to moderate changes to your teeth depending on your unique needs. porcelain veneers come in thicknesses of between 0.3mm and 0.5mm, while conventional porcelain veneers have a minimum thickness of 0.5mm. Dental veneers allow for more flexibility.
  5. Increased durability – Traditional porcelain veneers are prone to cracks and chips because of their thickness. porcelain veneers are harder and thinner, offering superior durability.

If you are a suitable candidate for veneers, porcelain veneers will give you the most beautiful and natural appearance, and the longest lasting dental cosmetic repair available.

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5 Ways Dentures Can Fix Your Dental Troubles

Posted on December 5, 2018 by admin

The prospect of spending the rest of your life without a tooth, or with incessant pain can be a daunting one. Dentures are among the cheapest treatments that cover virtually all those minor problems you reckon do not merit spending a fortune for. Discussed below are simple ways through which dentures can fix your dental problems:

  1. The remedy for loose teeth

Apparently, you don’t have to wait until a tooth falls off to have it replaced. When your teeth shift around, it might be a sign you have advanced periodontal disease, which may sometimes call for tooth extraction.

Dentures are an excellent treatment for the restoration of your smile and your chewing ability. You might particularly consider them if you are in urgent need of a replacement.

  1. Replacement for lost teeth

Implants are arguably the closest thing to natural teeth, but they are expensive and may not fit in your budget. Dentures are cost-effective, less invasive and easier to remove and replace, which makes them a good treatment solution while you wait for a permanent solution.

  1. Replacement for rotting teeth

Extraction is usually the recommended option when teeth are too decay-damaged, infected or broken to be repaired using veneers, a crown or bonding. Extremely damaged teeth can cause chewing problems or result in infections such as sepsis, which can be fatal. Consider dentures if you need the extracted teeth replaced immediately.

  1. Gum disease treatment

Your teeth are at risk of falling out if you have gum disease that is characterized by deep pockets and a weakened jawbone. Sometimes your teeth have to be removed to save the damaged gum tissue. Dentures make for the perfect treat when it comes to this as you don’t have to heal completely to have it fitted.

Schedule a consultation with Smart Dentistry in Ocala today to determine if you are qualified for dentures. Contact our office at 352.620.0093 or fill out an appointment form on our website.

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