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Invisalign Treatment in San Jose CA – How It Works

Invisalign is quickly becoming one of the popular ways for teens and adults to straighten their teeth and correct a myriad of other bite and orthodontic issues. Invisalign treatment uses a different approach to straighten teeth. Rather than using metal braces, the trained dentist uses a series of clear, plastic, custom-made aligners to gradually move your teeth to the desired position. 

 

This method is as effective as straightening your teeth with traditional braces. Moreover, it offers many benefits, including: 

 

  • Enhanced comfort – no brackets or wires to irritate your mouth 
  • Removable aligners – so you can eat your favorite foods and maintain oral hygiene
  • Discreet treatment – the clear aligners are nearly invisible 
  • Lower risk of dental emergencies so you spend less time in the dentist’s chair 

 

If you have an orthodontic issue, such as crooked or crowded teeth, misaligned bite, or over/under-bite, your dentist will evaluate your teeth to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. 

 

Invisalign Treatment Process

First, the dentist will take a detailed scan of your teeth, photographs, and a full-mouth X-ray that will be used to design your Invisalign treatment plan and custom aligners. When your aligners are ready, you will be invited for your next appointment for fitting and interproximal reduction (IPR) or slenderizing (slimming) to provide a good teeth alignment. Your Invisalign specialist will also instruct you on how to insert and remove them, as well as how to care for your aligners.

 

Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks, so you will be given the next 3-4 sets of aligners in your treatment plan to change at home. Invisalign monitoring visits are scheduled every 6-8 weeks to assess the progress of your treatment and receive the next set of aligners. The number of scheduled visits depend on the number of aligner sets prescribed in your individual treatment plan. 

 

When your treatment is complete, the Invisalign specialist will examine your teeth to determine if further refining (minor bite adjustments) should be done. If the outcome is as projected at the start of the treatment, then you only need to wear custom retainers to maintain the new position of your teeth. 

 

Schedule your Invisalign Consultation Today 

 

To find out more about Invisalign treatment in San Jose CA  and how it can help to address your orthodontic issues, please visit your dentist or Invisalign specialist today.

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Why Teeth Cleanings in San Jose CA are Vital To Your Health

Studies show that as many as 90% of adults experience some form of periodontal disease at one point in their lives. Gum disease is caused by the unchecked build-up of bacteria in your mouth. In severe cases, the bacteria can get into your bloodstream and make its way to various body tissues and exacerbates diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses. Your dental professional can help you manage your oral health and prevent bacteria buildup through dental cleanings. 

 

What Happens When You Don’t Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

 

The warm and moist environment in your mouth is very hospitable for the growth of bacteria, which manifests as either plaque, a biofilm formed by bacteria colonies living in your mouth, or calculus (tartar), which is the calcified and mineralized form of plaque when it stays on your teeth for too long. 

 

Without professional cleaning, the bacteria in your mouth can accumulate to a point where it becomes active and destructive, resulting in: 

 

  • Cavities – plaque is responsible for producing acid that can erode tooth enamel causing uneven tooth wear and even cavities 
  • Tooth discoloration – tartar is a hard substance that forms on your teeth and attracts more harmful bacteria, ruining the appearance of your smile. 
  • Gingivitis – this is the first stage of gum infection, which is characterized by gum inflammation, swelling, and reddening. Due to sensitive gums, you may also notice some blood on your toothbrush or when rinsing your mouth after brushing. Fortunately, gingivitis can be successfully treated with professional dental cleaning and an improved at-home oral care routine. 
  • Periodontitis – If there are no interventions, gingivitis can advance to a more serious and chronic case of gum disease known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. It affects the foundation of your teeth – the bone tissue connecting your teeth to the jaw. If not treated promptly, periodontitis can cause severe bone loss that loosens your teeth with some even falling out. Though it’s irreversible, dental professionals can help you manage the symptoms and improve your oral health.

 

Your dentist can check for cavities during routine visits, and diagnose periodontal disease by measuring the depth of your gum pockets (space between the teeth and gums), which should be between 1 and 3 mm for a healthy mouth. The dentist will also check for bleeding sites, and assess the extent of bone loss through digital X-rays and clinical observation. Based on the results, they will recommend the best type of dental cleaning in San Jose CA to solve any issues and improve your oral health.

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Who Is A Good Candidate for Dental Implants? | San Jose CA

cosmetic dentistry

If you have lost most or all of your teeth due to advanced gum disease or decay, it will become nearly impossible to maintain the function of your mouth, whether it’s eating or speaking properly. Your smile will also be affected. In such a case, your dentist may recommend a tooth replacement solution such as removable dentures or dental implants. That said, there is a high likelihood that you will want dental implants to be included in your treatment. 

 

To Replace One to Several Teeth 

If you have gaps between your teeth, a dental implant will help to prevent the teeth adjacent to the space from tilting or shifting, which may misalign your bite. The teeth on the opposing jaw may also grow irregularly because there’s no mate to make contact with, causing you to injure the gum tissue in that area. This can create a chronic sore spot and discomfort. Moreover, the bone tissue under the gums may begin to shrink away (resorption) due to lack of stimulation during chewing, causing your face to appear aged. Dental implants can prevent these issues. 

 

To Replace Teeth in the Entire Upper or Lower Arch

Innovations in the use of dental implants have led to the discovery of a placement technique known as “All-On-4” that provides a stable and comfortable prosthesis using only four implants to support tooth replacements in the entire upper and/or lower arch. The implants are placed in strategic areas that have sufficient bone structure, providing firm support for dentures to be screwed on permanently. The result is stable teeth replacements that feel and function like your natural teeth. 

 

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

There are several factors that may affect your suitability as a candidate for dental implants, including:

 

  • Position of the missing tooth in the mouth 
  • Quality and quantity of jawbone in the area with the gap 
  • General health of the patient 
  • Cost of treatment 

 

If you have one or more missing teeth, dental implants can provide you with a stable replacement that looks and feels like your natural teeth, so you can continue to eat your favorite foods without any worry and practice your usual oral care routine.

 

To learn more about dental implants in San Jose CA and how they can help to restore the function and aesthetic of your mouth, please visit your dentist today.

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Dental Crowns Treatment in San Jose CA

dental crown

Dental crowns are custom-made tooth restorations that are designed to cap the entire surface of a weakened tooth in order to strengthen it. Dental crowns are permanent. As such, they’re carefully designed using impressions of the damaged tooth to ensure that the size and shape of the crown matches that of the original natural tooth. You can even choose tooth-colored materials for fabrication of your custom crown so it blends in with the surrounding, natural teeth. 

 

The commonly used materials for tooth-colored crowns are porcelain and composite resin. However, you may also choose metal crowns made from gold, silver, or nickel/chromium alloys, or even choose a blend of porcelain and metal to take advantage of the properties of each material. During your visit, your dentist will help you determine the best choice of material depending on:

 

  • The location and function of the tooth 
  • The visibility of the tooth when smiling 
  • The position of your gum line and gum tissue 
  • The shades of surrounding teeth 
  • Signs of teeth clenching and grinding 

 

The crown that you choose will be placed in a number of steps undertaken within two appointments:

 

Step 1: Tooth Preparation

On your first visit, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb your face and prevent you from feeling any pain when preparing your tooth. Tooth preparation involves the removal of any decay and infection on the site, after which the tooth is filed down to maximize the retention of the crown and to ensure a good fit that doesn’t distort your smile. 

 

Step 2: Making an Impression for the Dental Lab

After tooth preparation, a mold or impression of the tooth will be made and sent to the lab to fabricate your permanent custom crown. An impression of the opposing tooth may also be created to ensure a perfect fit with the mouth closed. Impressions are created using putty or paste that is spread over the prepared tooth and then pulled away so it keeps the shape of the tooth involved. The dentist can also note down specific details about the replacement tooth, such as the natural shade and fit, so its unnoticeable when you smile. 

 

Step 3: Fitting a Temporary Crown

To protect the prepared tooth, a temporary or transition crown will be placed on it. This crown is typically made from plastic material (acrylic), and is held in place using a temporary cementing medium to allow easy removal at your next visit. During this period, it’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene at home to prevent reinfection of the tooth or gum tissues, which may affect the overall success of your crown treatment. 

 

Step 4: Fitting the Permanent Crown

On your second scheduled visit, which should be in two to three weeks from the first visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean off the temporary cement from the prepared tooth. The permanent crown will then be fitted and adjusted for any bite variations. The dentist will check for accuracy and assess the aesthetics. If there are no issues, the crown can be cemented to your tooth. 

 

Caring for Your Dental Crowns 

Dental crowns should last a long time with proper care. Please discuss with your dentist about how to care for your teeth to protect the restoration and your other teeth from future damage.  

To ask about Dental Crowns in San Jose CA please contact us today.

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Cost of Teeth Whitening in San Jose CA

cost teeth whitening

Nothing gives you a more confident smile than having impeccable white teeth. Whiter teeth are often associated with beauty, good health, and high self-esteem. They stand out and everyone is drawn to you, which is good for your professional and social life.  There are different whitening treatments whose effectiveness depends on the cause of the discoloration and the type of whitening system which ultimately affect the cost of teeth whitening. During your appointment, the dentist will perform a thorough dental examination to determine the condition of your teeth and oral tissues, and identify the source of the discoloration. Before any treatment, the dentist will professionally clean your teeth using specialized tools to remove the plaque and tartar that may interfere with the whitening process. Afterward, your teeth whitening treatment can continue. 

 

Is Professional Whitening Worth It?

Considering that teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, it’s usually not covered by dental insurance. So if you’re planning to schedule the procedure, then you will likely need to pay out-of-pocket. 

 

The cost of bleaching depends on several factors, including:

 

  • Type of whitening treatment and sessions 
  • The extent of tooth discoloration 
  • Dentist skill and expertise 
  • Location of dental practice 
  • Additional procedures before whitening 
  • Number of follow-up visits 

 

In addition to the cost of treatment, you should also consider the maintenance needed to keep your smile impeccably white. Even with great results following teeth whitening, the changes tend to fade over time, with the whitening effect lasting about one year. So to maintain your white, dazzling smile for as long as possible, you should avoid stain-causing foods and drinks, or at least rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking. You should also consider stopping smoking, and scheduling follow-up whitening treatments every 6 to 12 months.

 

Schedule Your Appointment Today 

With affordable teeth whitening options and flexible payment plans, you can get the smile of your dreams today. Please visit your dentist in San Jose CA today for a consultation and to plan your teeth whitening treatment. 

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What to Expect with Teeth Whitening in San Jose CA

teeth whitening san jose

Teeth whitening in San Jose CA is a straightforward, non-invasive dental solution for changing the color of natural tooth enamel, and to enhance the appearance of your smile. 

 

Getting whiter teeth is considered the most popular esthetic concern for most dental patients. Common reasons for teeth whitening include:

 

  • Normal wear of tooth enamel
  • Excess fluoridation (fluorosis) during early tooth development
  • Stained teeth due to smoking or medications like tetracycline
  • Brown or yellow stained teeth

 

Generally, any patient above the age of 10 years can consider teeth whitening to enhance their smile and boost confidence. However, it is not recommended for patients with oral issues such as dental cracks, leaky fillings, or dental decay, because the whitening products may irritate the tooth nerve, resulting in discomfort or more damage. In addition, patients with short teeth or a gummy smile may not necessarily look better after bleaching because whiter teeth tend to accentuate a gummy smile.

 

Your Consultation

Before you decide to whiten your teeth, it is important that you get a proper dental examination that includes X-rays to help establish the cause of tooth discoloration. In some cases, staining can be an indication of dental disease that requires a different treatment. But for simple whitening, options include bleaching from inside the tooth, for a dead tooth that has a root canal, or a single-tooth bleaching tray for a living tooth. Once the cause and extent of discoloration and staining are known, you and your dentist can explore the different whitening options that apply to your case. 

 

Teeth usually don’t get discolored uniformly. So your dentist will come up with an appropriate strategy to whiten each tooth sufficiently to give you a uniform smile. This means that you can also choose to whiten only one or two teeth, or more. 

 

Final Note 

Restorations like tooth-colored fillings, veneers, bonding, bridges, and crowns do not stain or lighten. So, bleaching has no effect on existing dental restorations. As such, you may need to replace pre-existing dental work to match the new tooth shade achieved in your natural teeth following whitening.

 

Please visit your dentist in San Jose CA to learn more about teeth whitening. 

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Factors Affecting the Cost of Invisalign in San Jose CA

invisalign

You can straighten your teeth and improve your smile discreetly with Invisalign. Although this approach is becoming increasingly popular among teens and adults of all ages, many people tend to be concerned about the cost of treatment. Generally, you want to choose the treatment that gives you the best possible results with minimal interruption to your normal life and routine, but without breaking the bank. 

 

Orthodontists agree that the cost of straightening your teeth with Invisalign varies from person to person depending on the severity of the problem. It may also be affected by

 

  • The complexity of the case 
  • Treatment goals 
  • Duration of treatment 
  • Availability of orthodontic insurance coverage 
  • Your location
  • Flexible spending accounts or payment plans 

 

With more Invisalign specialists popping up, the two may cost more or less the same, or with a small difference. 

 

The cost of Invisalign usually includes:

 

  • The initial consult 
  • The set of x-rays (but not always, so it’s best to ask your orthodontist)
  • The retainer can be charged separately. 

 

Part of the payment may be catered for through your insurance provider.

 

Is Invisalign Worth the Cost?

Invisalign was developed by leading orthodontists to meet the demands of the active lifestyles and unique treatment needs of different kinds of patients, like those who want to play wind instruments or feel shy when smiling in public. The system has proven to be as effective as conventional braces for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. 

 

Even with Invisalign Teen, the variation recommended for teenagers looking for a discreet orthodontic treatment, there are measures in place to ensure that the aligners are worn for the required duration of 20 – 22 hours per day. 

 

To find out if you or your teen qualifies for Invisalign, and to compare the price with other orthodontic solutions, please visit your orthodontist in San Jose CA today. 

 

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Invisalign Dentist Near Me, San Jose CA

invisalign dentist

Invisalign is a virtually undetectable and hygienic approach to straightening your teeth and giving you a healthy, confident smile. This system was developed by a leading Invisalign dentist to meet the demands of the active lifestyles and unique treatment needs of different kinds of patients, from shy teens to active athletes, so the treatment won’t interfere with their lifestyle. 

 

Some of the advantages of Invisalign include:

 

  • It can be used to correct many orthodontic issues – The Invisalign system is effective for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues, including underbite, overbite, crossbite, crowded teeth, and widely spaced teeth. 
  • Virtually invisible – The aligners are transparent, offering a discreet way to straighten teeth. People hardly notice them, so your teen can continue to smile with confidence throughout their treatment. 
  • Comfortable – The aligners cause minimal irritation to the gums and mouth compared to fixed braces. 
  • Removable – The aligners can be removed when eating, brushing and flossing, and for special occasions, provided you wear them for 22 hours a day. 
  • Safe – Invisalign aligners are safer and more comfortable for teens who play sports or musical instruments compared to metal brackets and wires. 
  • Fewer orthodontist visits – Patients typically get 3-4 sets of aligners to wear for 2-weeks each, so you don’t need to see the dentist for about 2 months. Moreover, there are no dental “emergency” visits for loose or broken brackets and wires. 
  • Easier to clean – Since teens can remove their aligners to brush and floss properly, it eliminates the risk of food debris and plaque buildup around the brackets and wires. Better oral hygiene reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral problems. 
  • Low risk of enamel damage and tooth discoloration – Fixed braces are cemented to the enamel of each tooth. During removal, the enamel can get damaged, or reveal white patches on each tooth. Invisalign aligners are not bonded to your teeth. 

 

Is visiting an Invisalign dentist right for you?

All patients who have to erupt or erupted permanent teeth are eligible for Invisalign treatment. This includes most teen patients. To find out if you or your teen is a good candidate for Invisalign, please schedule an appointment with your San Jose orthodontist today. 

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Dental Crowns Near Me, San Jose CA

dental crowns san jose

When you have chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, the damage can be repaired using dental crowns or tooth caps in San Jose CA. In some minor cases of tooth damage, fillings can be used as the preferred restorative treatment. Although fillings are cheaper, there are not as strong as crowns unless the damage is minimal and located in your front teeth. Otherwise crowns are the preferred option. 

 

Dental fillings draw their strength from the tooth. A larger filling would mean that the tooth is severely damaged and weakened, which increases the risk of the filling or tooth breaking. A well placed filling should last between 5 and 15 years depending on the material used, with metals offering the greatest durability. Crowns should last a lifetime with proper dental care. 

 

Dental crowns in San Jose CA can be successfully used to treat various dental problems, including:

 

  • Decay – that has affected more than half the tooth, such that a filling cannot be used 
  • To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy 
  • Broken or fractured teeth 
  • To replace large fillings 
  • To fix chips and cracks 
  • To close small gaps between teeth 
  • To support dental bridges when replacing missing teeth 

How the Procedure is Done 

 

Most people are good candidates for tooth crowns, which makes them one of the most popular dental restoration procedures for people of all ages. Tooth caps can also be recommended as a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of damaged teeth. 

 

During your initial consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for dental crowns. The treatments starts by numbing the damaged tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Then, depending on the type of damage, any decay will be removed and the site thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in preparation for placing the filling material in the cavity. The dentist will also take digital impressions that will be used to create your custom crown in a dental lab, making sure to match the color of your crown to that of your teeth, or use a different shade if you wish to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. 

 

On your next visit, the custom crown will be placed so it “caps” the entire damaged or decayed area of the tooth. This produces a permanent, long-lasting restoration that looks and functions like your natural teeth. 

 

Contact Your Dentist Today 

 

Please contact your dentist in San Jose CA today to learn more about dental crowns and other dental restorative options that can work for you.

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Cosmetic Dentist Near Me, San Jose CA 95128

cosmetic dentist san jose

Your smile plays a big part in your appearance. It is the first thing that people notice about you, besides your eyes, which influences how people perceive you. A bright smile is associated with good health, confidence, and happiness, which essentially draws people to you and makes you more successful in your personal and professional relationships. This truth is why many patients visit a cosmetic dentist in San Jose, CA to learn more about how they can enhance their smiles.

 

Preparing for the Initial Visit 

If you’re looking to restore or improve the health and appearance of your teeth, the first step would be a free cosmetic consultation at a cosmetic dental practice near you. To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

  • What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between 
  • Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
  • Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way? 
  • What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc.

Thanks to technological advancements, dentists today have access to tooth-colored dental materials that help to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results. Modern techniques are also less invasive, allowing you to preserve a greater portion of your natural tooth structure during restorations. And with 3D software, your dental team can design your smile and show you the expected results of your treatment plan on a screen before the procedures start. 

 

The Consultation Process 

A typical cosmetic dental consultation is a brief appointment with the dentist to discuss any issues that you have with your teeth and smile, as well as the various treatments available and the best options for your case. 

 

Your dental visit will also include a physical examination, a review of your dental and medical history, and dental imaging so the dentist can have a clear look at your teeth. Next, you will establish clear treatment goals based on your needs and concerns. This provides a great opportunity to ask other specific details about procedures you’re interested in.

 

Please contact your dentist in San Jose CA to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment.