An Invisalign® Dentist in Denver Can Treat You and Your Teen

As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we have seen this solution transform our patient's appearance by creating beautiful smiles.  For adults, Invisalign® offers the most convenient and flexible solution for correcting misaligned teeth. In today’s busy world, there are very few adults who have the extra time to spend years wearing braces considering how they can hamper activities. The ability to straighten teeth, while taking the clear trays out when needed, is a huge plus for busy professionals. The clear nature of the trays makes Invisalign® extremely discrete, which is also important for people who do not want to advertise to the world that they are getting their teeth straightened. Additionally, with traditional braces there is a need for repeated orthodontist visits. By eliminating much of this, Invisalign® is an excellent option for people who don't have time for traditional braces. This includes children, especially teenagers. 

For teenagers, Invisalign® offers an entirely new solution that straightens teeth without all of the challenges they face with traditional braces. Teenagers face many of the same challenges that adults do, and often at more intense levels. For example teenagers have very busy schedules, filled with school, activities, and friends. For them having a hassle free experience can make them more willing to go through the exercise of getting their teeth straightened. Additionally, teenagers are known for wanting to eat what they want, when they want, so this is an ideal solution.  The Invisalign® Teen aligners are supposed to be removed while eating so the treatment plan fits their lifestyle.  Simultaneously, since teenagers are often obsessively concerned about their looks, this clear alternative won't hurt their self-image. With braces, your teenager will be stuck with a mouth full of metal, and this can affect their social status. However, using an invisible product to fix their teeth means that it will have no short term effects on their looks. 

Invisalign® works along exactly the same principle and uses the same forces of nature, as regular or traditional braces do. What traditional braces accomplish with metal brackets, rubber bands, and screws, Invisalign® does with the help of invisible retainers that fit over the teeth. These retainers are progressive in nature, gradually pushing the teeth into a more desirable alignment over the course of time. Naturally this means that your teenager will need to wear the aligners for the majority of the day, often between twenty-one and twenty-three hours, for maximum effect. As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we will discuss this with your teen at length so that they understand when they can take their aligners out. 

Traditional braces have to be protected from damage and wear. This means that the installed braces come with a laundry list of foods that your child will not be able to eat for the duration of the treatment. Given that treatments can last as long as two years, in extreme cases, this can be quite traumatic for the child. On the other hand, Invisalign® has no such restrictions. Simply remove the aligner, eat whatever your heart desire, rinse and clean your teeth, and put the aligner back in. As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we know that this solution is simple and loved by teenagers everywhere.

Did You Know That a Clear Correct Dentist Can Straighten Teeth?

As a Clear Correct® dentist, we straighten teeth the invisible way.  Clear Correct® braces are the next evolution in getting the perfect smile. Dentists and orthodontists have long sought solutions that would not adversely impact their patient’s lives, as the patient was going through the process of correcting a natural misalignment of teeth. Traditional metal braces are designed to have the most impact without taking any other factors, like esthetics, into account and hence the phrase metal mouth was born, and many people became fearful of getting braces. Metal braces have served their purpose for a very long time, and the time has come for a new iteration of this age old remedy. Clear Correct® is the dentist solution to crooked, misaligned teeth while not requiring the patient to have a mouth full of metal for years on end. 

The idea behind Clear Correct® braces is very much the same as traditional braces, without the metal. Clear Correct® works on a gradual correcting schedule which moves the teeth out of their misaligned placement into a more permanent place within the mouth. Typically there are two types of treatment plans that dentists follow when using this treatment. The first is a full treatment, known as Clear Correct® full, which involves 32 distinct steps of treatment. These are delivered over the course of eight phases. Most people, with moderate to minor imperfections, do not require such an extensive treatment and can get their teeth aligned in 12 distinct steps. These are delivered over the course of three phases, and this treatment option is known as Clear Correct® limited. For the vast majority of patients, they will only ever use the limited path to perfectly aligned teeth. Each phase of the treatment lasts three weeks. There is a deliberate time gap between each treatment phase, giving us control and flexibility to adjust the treatment as needed. 

As a Clear Correct® dentist, we will provide you with aligners that are worn virtually all the time. The advantage they have over traditional braces, in addition to the fact that they do not give you a mouth full of metal, is that they can be removed. When you are brushing your teeth, eating, drinking, or flossing you will remove your aligners and then replace them after you are done. This is revolutionary because it allows you to eat and drink any kind of food without restriction. It also means that you will have no problems with oral hygiene since you will be brushing and flossing on your regular schedule without having to deal with the discomfort or needing to adapt to braces. 

To get started, visit our Clear Correct® dentist office. Once you have decided that you want to use the Clear Correct® alternative to braces, all your dental records including impressions, radiographs, and photographs will be forwarded to Clear Correct®’s laboratory. Once there, technicians will create an exact three-dimensional (3D) model of your teeth and uses this to map out a complete treatment plan. You will have access to the complete plan, including the steps showing where you started and where you will end up with perfectly aligned teeth. 

Known as the “treatment set-up” this computerized representation will be sent to you by email, from where you will approve, make minor adjustments, and then order your custom made aligners.  

To learn more about this process, call for a consultation.

Learn Why a Root Canal is a Common Emergency Dentist Procedure

When you get a toothache, we can perform an emergency dentist procedure to help you feel better.  There are several reasons why a tooth may start to hurt.  Sometimes food gets stuck in between two teeth or a tooth and gums. Other times a cavity has grown and become painful or the dental pulp has become infected.  We can treat all of these problems and help you to feel better. 

The reason, that root canals are such common emergency procedures, is due to why a tooth starts hurting in the first place.  In order to experience a sharp and sudden toothache, your nerves need to be touched or impacted in some way.  When the dental pulp or soft center of your tooth becomes infected, it will lead to this level of discomfort because the tooth roots run through the dental pulp. Many people schedule an appointment due to the resulting toothache.

If you need this emergency dentistry procedure, we will start by giving you sedation so that you can feel comfortable during the entire appointment.  We will then make a small hole in the tooth in order to remove the infected dental pulp.  If your roots are infected, we will remove them as well so that the infection cannot spread into the jawbone and floor of the mouth.  While root canals have a reputation for being uncomfortable, thanks to sedation, you can have the infection removed comfortably.  This is important because it will eliminate the discomfort you are feeling and help to save your tooth from needing to be pulled.

After the infection, has been removed, and the area cleaned we will fill the hole and restore any missing tooth structure with a tooth-colored filling. This will ensure that no bacteria or food can enter the hole created during the procedure.  Simultaneously, your tooth may need further strengthening, and if it does, a dental crown will be used.  A crown can be made of silver amalgam or ceramic so that it can fit any tooth and blend in perfectly.  A crown is an excellent solution because nothing can touch the natural tooth.

As an emergency dentist, we also use crowns to restore teeth that have been cracked or chipped in a car wreck, sports injury, or on the job.  It is incredibly common for teeth to become injured during these normal activities.  While most people don’t think about their tooth getting damaged while playing basketball, it happens all of the time.  

Another common occurrence is teeth getting knocked out during these same activities.  Teeth are held in place by a root system that is incredibly strong but when blunt force interacts with your tooth, it can get knocked out even if your teeth are otherwise healthy.  As an emergency dentist, there are ways that we can save a tooth that has been knocked out but in order to do so, you have to visit the dentist right away.  If you find yourself in one of these situations or with a toothache, give us a call. 

Fun Facts About Orthodontics and Straightening Your Teeth

When you visit our office for orthodontics, we will start by examining your teeth and talking about your goals and what you want your smile to look like. This isn't the 1980’s.  There are a variety of ways to straighten your teeth and improve your smile now.  Traditional metal braces are only one solution, and we will work with you to make sure that whatever we recommend is a fit for your appearance goals and your lifestyle.

If you are concerned about a certain type of treatment of worried that you won’t be able to eat your favorite burger – let us know.  We want to take your concerns into consideration so that when we make a treatment recommendation we are making one that you can live with. 

Here are some fun facts about orthodontics that you should keep in mind.

• Braces are for the artist in you.  That’s right – you can get creative with your braces. That’s because we use rubber bands to secure your wire in place. They come in a wide variety of colors, and you can make any pattern that you want.  Your braces can match your favorite outfit or the next holiday.  It’s up to you!
• You don’t have to see them.  In some cases, patients qualify to wear braces behind their teeth instead of in front.  This may sound strange, but it can be an effective way to move your teeth.  If you’re interested in this option let us know, and we can determine if it’s a viable treatment for you. 
• You can take them off.  If you use an aligner to straighten your teeth, instead of metal braces, you can take the aligner off when you eat.  This is the perfect option for foodies that can’t live without their favorite plate of ribs or other messy foods that can be hard to eat with braces.  Simply pop it off; eat like normal, brush, and put the aligner back on to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. 
• The procedure is faster.  Dental technology has improved to the point that most people wear orthodontics for a shorter period of time than they used to.  Decades ago some people had their braces on all through high school.  Now it’s common to wear them for two years or less. 
• They are smaller.  The size of the metal brackets and wires has shrunk.  This means that more of your natural teeth show through, they are easier to clean, and your appearance will look better.  Even though they are smaller they are still more effective, so it’s better all around. 

Orthodontics is also cooler than it used to be.  Braces got a bad reputation when they first came out because only a few people wore them.  This made them a little strange.  Now, more and more people have braces, and it is rare for kids to not have at least a few of their friends wearing braces at any given time.  This has made them socially acceptable and even fun. More importantly your smile will look amazing when done. 

Our Family Dentist Office Has Compiled Ways That You Can Save Money on Dental Care

In our family dentist office, we treat patients of all ages and understand that the larger your family is, the more important it becomes to save money. Managing health care expenses is an important part of that.  Unfortunately, most people don’t know how.  Our team has compiled a series of ideas that you can implement to start saving money right away.

• Review your dental insurance.  Just because you are insured, doesn’t mean that your policy is right for you.  It is important to review your dental coverage on an annual basis to make sure that it is covering the things that are the most important to your family.  You should also look to see if you can get similar coverage for a reduced rate or if you can get more procedures covered without increasing your annual premium.
• Purchase a savings plan.  You can buy a dental savings plan online and use it to help reduce what you pay for dental work. Select one that covers procedures your dental insurance does not.  This way you will be covered, regardless of what dental work you need to be done.  As a family dentist, we have seen patients save money by taking this simple step.  These dental plans reduce the rate that you pay for dental work and can be particularly helpful when getting orthodontics.
• Have your teeth cleaned.  If you want to control your health care cost, you need to focus on preventative care.  Most insurance companies will pay for all or most of your dental cleanings so this becomes an affordable way to stay healthy. By cleaning your teeth twice a year, we can remove harmful plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. This is by far the easiest way to save money because it prevents the need for emergency dental care later on.
• Prevent an accident.  If you injure your teeth, you will need emergency dentistry and a dental restoration.  This can be expensive, especially if you have damaged multiple teeth.  In our family dentistry office, we recommend that you wear a mouth guard in order to prevent dental injuries while playing sports.  The American Dental Association reported that over 200,000 high school and college athletes avoid injury on an annual basis by wearing one, and these devices can help younger children and adults as well.
• Use fluoride.  You can strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities by using fluoride.  In our dental office, we provide fluoride treatments for children but they can work for adults too. You can also brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for the maximum benefit.
• Try sealant.  If your child has deep ridges in their teeth, bacteria can become trapped in them and lead to cavities.  We can seal their teeth so that nothing will become trapped, and their teeth can stay healthy.

The best way to save money and to manage your dental care cost is to prevent dental emergencies.  We can do so in our family dentistry office so call today and schedule your appointment.

The Spooky Truth About Halloween from a Pediatric Dentist

Halloween is bad for your teeth and as a pediatric dentist we have ways that you can protect yourself and your kids from getting cavities due to a sugar overload.  Sugar is bad for your teeth in any amount and when the kids are trick-or-treating or the office is throwing a party, it can be difficult to resist the urge to eat those cupcakes or indulge in a candy bar.  This places your teeth and gums at risk for getting an infection.

We understand that it isn’t easy to resist sweets but have several ways that you can encourage your kids to make healthier choices in a way that is so fun they won’t even notice it.

• Create your own haunted house.  Instead of going out trick-or-treating, create your own haunted house and surprise the kids walking by.  Get your own children involved in the planning process so that they can get excited to set everything up and startle the kids that are coming to your door.  While they won't be getting candy themselves, this can actually be far more fun and we would love to hear their stories at our pediatric dentist office. 
• Go out for a good time.  Instead of trick-or-treating, you can dress up in costume and go bowling or even out to dinner.  Ask your kids what they want to do and go to it in costume.  This is a funny way to have a good time and be festive without overloading on sugar. 
• Party all night.  Spend the evening by either hosting a party or going to a friend's party.  Have everyone dress up in costume and play games, give out prizes and dance the night away.  You can have a great time, and the kids will love it.  By throwing a party, you can control the foods that your kids eat and make sure that they don’t fill up on sugar. 
• Swap the candy for a toy.  You can give your kids a toy in trade for their big bag of candy.  It's much more fun to get a new toy and healthier too!  This is a great solution because it allows you to confiscate the candy without the struggle and tears. 

If you decide to go trick-or-treating, make sure that you don’t go on an empty stomach.  As a pediatric dentist, we recommend that you feed your kids a diet that is full of lean protein, veggies, dairy products and nuts.  This is good to eat every day and not just on Halloween.  By feeding your kids a large dinner that also contains complex carbs, they will feel full and not be tempted to snack on candy as they go.  This is important because if they are walking around hungry, they will instantly turn to candy, and this will only make them hungrier as the night goes on.  

After they have eaten a piece of candy, make sure to brush their teeth right away.  It is important to get sugar off of their teeth so that they aren’t at risk for cavities developing.  You can buy a special Halloween toothbrush to make this even more fun.

Visit Steele Dentistry of Stapleton, a Sedation Dentist, for Help with Sensitive Teeth

People living with sensitive teeth should visit a sedation dentist as we can treat you oral health issues while keeping you completely comfortable.  This is important because sensitive teeth can create discomfort while even brushing them and getting teeth cleaned can seem like a chore unless you visit a dentist that knows how to keep you feeling great during the entire appointment.

We offer various levels of sedation so that our patients can feel relaxed and at ease, regardless of whether they are having their teeth cleaned or a major oral procedure.  When you schedule an appointment, let us know that you suffer from sensitive teeth so that we can plan accordingly.  Our dentist will meet with you and discuss options before starting a procedure to ensure that the best possible course of treatment is selected for your particular needs.

There are several reasons that you may experience tooth pain and as a sedation dentist we can treat all of them.  This includes:

• Cracked Teeth.  If your tooth has become cracked while eating a nut, playing sports, or in an accident, the damage could be causing you significant amounts of pain.  We can restore your tooth using cosmetic dentistry solutions including dental veneers and dental crowns. 
• Fillings that have worn away.  If you had a cavity repaired years ago, that filling might wear away over time.  As it does, your teeth can become more sensitive to hot, cold, or brushing. We can replace your filling and do so using a natural colored filling so if metal was used before, you can improve the appearance of your teeth and their physical condition. 
• Cavities.  When you get a cavity, it may feel uncomfortable and become painful over time.  As a sedation dentist, we can treat your cavities so that the infected area is removed and filled in. This way you can eat without pain or discomfort.
• Brushing too hard.  If you use a hard toothbrush and brush vigorously, you could be stripping away your enamel and cause your teeth to hurt.  We recommend switching to a soft toothbrush and brushing using fluoride toothpaste so that your teeth can be strengthened. This will help to reverse some of the damages. 
• Gum disease.  When bacteria settle on and underneath your gums, you can get gum disease.  This will make your gums swell and even bleed.  It will also make your gums and teeth sensitive overall.  By removing the bacteria, we can help your gums to heal naturally so that the disease won’t spread, and you can feel more comfortable. 
• Lack of enamel.  The enamel on your teeth protects the interior of your tooth that is made out of dentin.  The enamel can wear away through the process of demineralization and as it does, the dentin is exposed along with the nerve endings inside of it.  We can perform a bonding procedure to seal the dentin and close the pores containing those nerve endings. 

As a sedation dentist, we offer a variety of ways to treat your sensitive teeth while keeping you comfortable.  To learn more, call and schedule an appointment.