Invisalign not your mothers braces!

Invisalign is the modern way to achieve straight teeth and this nifty little tool is only getting better! In the old days if you wanted your teeth straightened, you went to your orthodontist and had something that looked like a mid-evil torture device placed on your teeth.  You then had to return to the Orthodontist regularly to get your wire braced tightened every so often (again like a mid-evil torture device!!!) until your teeth moved into the correct position.

Welcome the dawn of the golden age of orthodontics!

Invisalign has been around since 1999 and has grown in to a cutting edge dental treatment with multiple options to meet the needs of orthodontic patients ever where. My Scottsdale Dentist and Dr. Steven Poulos have been using Invisalign as a treatment option for quite some time.  Dr. Poulos finds that more often than not, a patient in need of orthodontic treatment can be treated effectively with Invisalign.

Invisalign Options 

My Scottsdale Dentist in Scottsdale, AZ uses the full range of Invisalign treatments: Invisalign Full the foundation of the Invisalign protocol, straightens teeth with a series of removable, invisible aligners that support a wide variety of treatment options. Invisalign Teen a treatment that provides all the features of Invisalign Full, plus additional features that target the unique needs of non-adult orthodontic patients. Invisalign Assist a turn-key option that provides Dentists with additional clinical support throughout the treatment process including case selection and treatment planning assistance. Invisalign Express 10 and Invisalign Lite is a less expensive option for less complicated cases such as minor crowding, spacing and as a pre-treatment to more complex cosmetic treatments. Invisalign Express 5 is another less expensive option for very minor crowding and spacing. Vivera Retainers clear plastic retainers used for post-treatment retention. My Scottsdale Dentist and Dr. Steve Poulos are experts at treating orthodontic cases using Invisalign as the gold standard of treatment. Dr. Poulos feels that almost every case can be successfully treated using these more advanced cutting edge braces. My Scottsdale Dentist in Scottsdale, AZ looks forward to a day when no one has to wear those mid-evil metal dental appliances to achieve a beautiful straight smile! To find out how you can get started with your Invisalign treatment, contact us today at 480-614-1122 or visit our website at www.myscottsdaledentist.com.
Post Date: October 24, 2012

Dental Tips for Halloween from My Scottsdale Dentist

It's almost Halloween! Costume stores are springing up, yards are decorated with ghoulish décor, and our day of sweet indulgence without guilt is almost here. Everywhere you look, there's your favorite candy or chocolate wrapped in scary yet appealing packaging. What! It's Halloween. Well, to all the sweet tooth Halloween lovers -both adults and kids- here are some practical tips from My Scottsdale Dentist who shares your love for all things sweet.
  1. Sort the candy. When you are raiding your five-year-old's candy bag at 2 in the morning, separate the stack into two parts. Place the taffy, the caramels, the gummy bears, anything that is sticky, chewy or sour into the first pile. All of the other candy goes into the second pile.
  2. Avoid the first pile. Dental cavities have a proven cause-and-effect relationship with extended exposure to sugary or sour substances. Oral bacteria thrives in this environment and converts these substances to acid that can, in turn, lead to cavities.
  3. Watch your family's consumption of these sweet treats during this season. A great tip is to leave the candy wrappers in a visible area so that you remember how many of these ghoulish confections you've eaten.
  4. Chew sugar-free gum to help you ration your sweet intake. Ingredients like Xylitol and Sorbitol, low calorie sweeteners found in some gum, can actually be beneficial to your oral health. Research has shown that these sweeteners starve destructive bacteria, allowing your mouth to replenish minerals to your teeth. Get advice from your Dentist on the frequency and amount recommended.
  5. Dr. Steve Poulos recommends talking to your kids about oral health. This is a great time to reinforce the twice-a-day brushing routine and the daily 'oh-so-dreaded flossing' regime. Always remember, children will mostly do as they see. The most ideal scenario would be to brush after the consumption of candy. If that's not possible, then encourage your child to eat the candy within a few minutes instead of snacking throughout the day, and then wash away some of the sugar by drinking a glass of water. And remember, Halloween is a great time to call My Scottsdale Dentist at 480-614-1122 and get the family scheduled for a check-up!
In the words of Robert Louis Stevenson, "There is only one difference between a long life and a good dinner; that in the dinner, the sweets come last." Enjoy the sweets in moderation and have fun this Halloween!
Post Date: October 15, 2012

Veneers

One of the easiest ways to improve the look of your smile is through veneers. My Scottsdale Dentist specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry using veneers as a way to correct minor flaws in your teeth including the shape and color. A veneer is an ultra thin piece of porcelain that is created from a mold of your teeth and are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size or shape. Veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline and damage due to an injury or as a result of a root-canal procedure. They are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed. What happens during the procedure? Patients may need up to three appointments for the entire procedure: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation and bonding. It's critical that you take an active role in the smile design. Spend time in the planning of your new smile with Dr. Poulos of My Scottsdale Dentist. Understand the corrective limitations of the procedure. To prepare the teeth for the veneers, Dr. Poulos will lightly buff your teeth to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. Composite resin veneers are generally done in one appointment. After the tooth is prepared, the dentist carefully bonds and sculpts the composite material onto your teeth. For ceramic veneers, a mold is taken of the teeth, which is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers. This may take several days. If the teeth are too unsightly, a temporary veneer can be placed, at an additional cost. When your ceramic veneers are ready, Dr. Poulos of My Scottsdale Dentist will  place each veneer on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or color. While the veneers are resting on your teeth, view the results, and pay particular attention to the color. At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the cement to be used. The color cannot be altered after veneers are cemented. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a light beam hardens the cement. For about a week or two, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your "new" teeth that have changed in size and shape. Brush and floss daily. After one or two weeks, Dr. Poulos will ask you to return for a follow-up appointment. For more information and to get started with your new smile, call us today at My Scottsdale Dentist at 480-614-1122.
Post Date: October 12, 2012