Author: SusanJC_AdmEeN

Misaligned, crowded, crooked teeth are a dental challenge. These dental imperfections affect your dental appearance as well as dental health. Fixing these crowded and crooked teeth is crucial to your oral health. Fortunately, we have different orthodontic devices, including clear braces, to help correct the teeth and move them to the correct position.

Although Invisalign is commonly used as a generic term for clear braces, it Is a brand name. These braces are made of a thermoplastic material that is easy to manipulate to create the perfect shape. These clear braces offer great benefits that include:

1. Clear Braces Are Aesthetically Pleasing

One disadvantage of metal braces is that they contain visible wires. The Invisalign braces are curved from clear plastic, meaning they are barely noticeable.

2. Maintaining Oral Hygiene is Easy 

Most orthodontic devices, such as metal and lingual braces, tend to trap food between the wires. This makes it hard to clean the braces and also provides a perfect environment for the bacteria to grow. Because the clear braces are removable, you can easily clean them and remove any food buildup. Here are a few cleaning instructions to follow:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and cold water to rinse. Please do not use toothpaste because it is too abrasive for the braces.
• Rinse the braces before Putting them back on
• Always keep the braces moist by soaking them in the water when you are not wearing them.

3. The Invisalign Braces Are Comfortable and Convenient

Invisalign aligners move your teeth gently without the unattractive brackets and wires. Furthermore, they do not lean on the gums, which irritates them. Also, the material used is biocompatible and is easy on the gums.

4. No Food Restrictions

The conventional braces come with a few food restrictions because they trap food easily. Using the Invisalign braces gives you the freedom to eat the foods you like. You only need to remove the braces when eating and drinking.

5. Clear Braces have Less Treatment Time 

The Invisalign braces are worn for 22 hours every day for good results. Unlike the metal braces, the clear braces start showing positive results within six months of beginning the cosmetic treatment. However, the treatment time may, on average last for 18 months.

Traditional braces treatment may last 24 months because they move the roots too.

6. Clear Braces Correct Different Orthodontic Problems

Clear aligners correct moderate orthodontic problems such as gaps in between your teeth, crossbite, overbite, and underbite. However, if you have severe dental malocclusion, the dentist may recommend other forms of treatment.

7. Saves Time

Invisalign treatment involves using a set of aligners at a 14-day interval each set. This means you do not need constant visits to the dental clinic for adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Does the Invisalign Treatment Involved?

The Invisalign treatment is done in three steps:

• Mapping of the treatment process

The dentist will examine your dental structure, and using a 3D scanner and software; we will map out the treatment. The software helps us to determine the pressure to be applied and the time the treatment will take. The 3D dental impression is taken to the lab to make the braces.

• The commencement of the treatment process

Our dentist will give you different sets of aligners to be worn for 22 hours every day, 14 days each set. The dental assessment appointments are set every six weeks for monitoring.

• The retention phase

After the Invisalign treatment is done, the dentist will give you a retainer that helps to hold the teeth in the new position.

Q. What to expect During the Orthodontic Treatment?

The braces are not painful, but you will have slight discomfort when you first wear the braces and every time you change them. This is because of the pressure applied to move the teeth. The discomfort does not last for long, and therefore you do not need any medication.

Schedule an Appointment

Invisalign aligners deliver fast results, are subtle, and customized to suit your dental needs. Visit Susan J. Curley DDS for more information on Invisalign treatment.

Your oral health depends on your gums and their health. The gums are firm and pink cover the jawbone. They are thick, full of blood vessels, and fibrous.

Swelling in your gums can cause them to protrude or bulge. The swelling begins where the gum and tooth meet. Swelling gums can start to hide portions of your teeth. They appear red instead of their natural pink color. Gingival swelling is another name for swollen gums that are often sensitive, painful, and irritated. In these conditions, your gums begin to bleed easily when you are brushing or flossing your teeth.

What Are the Causes of Swollen Gums?

Gingivitis is the most common reason for swollen gums. It is a gum disease that causes irritation and swelling in the gingival tissue. The symptoms of this condition are mild, and most people affected by gingivitis are not aware of the infection. However, when it is not treated, gingivitis can progress to a severe condition known as periodontitis, which can also cause tooth loss.

Poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque to buildup on the teeth and gum line, is the primary cause of gingivitis. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and food particles accumulating on the teeth over time. When plaque is not removed by brushing correctly, it can harden into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing and will need intervention from a dentist who may offer periodontal treatment to the affected individual.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause swollen gums. Vitamin B and C deficiencies can also result in gum swelling. People deficient in vitamin C develop scurvy, which can cause anemia and gum disease. The problem of vitamin deficiencies is not common in developed countries, and wherever noticed is only present in older adults.

Infections caused by fungi and viruses are also a reason for swollen gums. People affected by herpes can suffer from a condition known as acute herpetic gingivostomatitis, which causes swollen gums. Gums swelling is also a result of the overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast in the mouth. Untreated dental decay can lead to dental abscesses, which are localized gum swelling.

The Treatment Options for Swollen Gums

People with swollen gums for over two weeks must discuss the problem with their dentist. They must be prepared to answer questions the dentist will pose to them. The items will relate to when the problems began and how often they occur. Full mouth x-rays may be required to evaluate the condition and offer proper treatment choices. The dentist will want to know the patient is pregnant and whether they have made any changes to their diet recently. Blood tests may be conducted to verify the presence of an infection.

Depending on the reasons for swollen gums, the dentist may prescribe oral rinses that are helpful to prevent gingivitis and reduce plaque. A specific brand of toothpaste may be recommended for use, and in some cases, antibiotics may also be necessary.

Patients with advanced gingivitis will need surgery to treat the condition. The most common treatment offered for patients with this condition is scaling and root planing. In this procedure, the dentist will scrape away the plaque and tartar from the diseased gums and on the roots of the teeth to allow the gums to begin healing. In severe cases, the patient will be advised flap surgery as a method of periodontal treatment.

Patients can also adopt specific home remedies if they are confident they can treat the swollen gums with care. They must avoid irritating their gums by brushing and flossing gently and rinse their mouth with salt water to eliminate any bacteria. However, it would be better to seek advice from a dentist or periodontist to manage the problem of swollen gums as these are specialists in dealing with issues in the gingival tissue.

Can Swollen Gums Be Prevented?

Swollen gums can easily be prevented by using standard self-care methods that will prevent the condition. Maintaining proper oral care and having healthy foods is the first step patient can take to avoid this problem. Patients must brush and floss regularly after meals and visit their dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations. Patients with dry mouths are increasing the risk of plaque and tartar buildup. They must discuss with their dentist about oral care products that will help them to avoid swollen gums.

What would be your biggest concern when your dentist provides information about the cavities on your teeth? Apart from the financial implications of having the cavities filled you would also be concerned about getting shots in your mouth, encountering the dreaded drill and eventually left with a puffy face. Your feelings at that particular time will make you want to run away from the dentists’ office to put off the treatment suggested for as long as possible.

Leaving cavities untreated may sound like a courageous act but if you think deeply you will understand that the cavity has a way of expanding and will eventually reach the roots of your tooth from where it begins to harm the underlying bone and cause problems much worse than you imagine. An untreated cavity can expose you to the problem of undergoing the dreaded root canal or may even lead to extractions that will heap upon you plenty of expenses. Thankfully, if you research carefully you will have no difficulties understanding that laser dentistry is now available to fix cavities painlessly without the drill and needles but just water and air. Do you believe it is too good to be true? Continue reading to understand more about how laser dentistry is a better option for fixing cavities.

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry utilizes lasers to treat many different dental problems and was commercially allowed to be used in clinical dental practice in 1989. Laser dentistry can offer you a comfortable treatment option for many dental procedures of the soft and hard tissue compared to the traditional methods that are still being used.

Lasers are making dental treatments cost-effective, efficient, and comfortable and have been approved by the FDA for treating many different dental conditions. The ADA is still to approve lasers but it is expected they will do so sometime soon.

Laser dentistry can fix cavities by eliminating all the painful stuff and treating everything from canker sores to gum disease apart from cavities.

The Functioning of Laser Dentistry against Cavities

Susan J Curley DDS confirms that lasers can blast cavities with an invisible beam of light which is very conservative and precise. It allows a filling to be placed in a cavity without the removal of the healthy tooth structure as it was common earlier with a drill. The tooth remains hydrated throughout the procedure because of water-based laser systems the ensure pain is reduced even further.

Laser dentistry eliminates the need for anesthesia and drills by using light, water, and air for treating cavities. It is the reason why the procedure of fixing cavities is less painful making patients love the procedure than detest it.

Hard tissue lasers cut through the structure of the tooth using wavelengths that are absorbed by the combination of water and a specific mineral found in teeth. Lasers are popularly used for preparing teeth or shaping them for dental bonding, repairing worn fillings and removing some of the tooth’s structure.

The Benefits of Laser Dentistry over Conventional Methods

Laser dentistry has many benefits over the traditional methods used by dentists. Some of them are mentioned below for your reference:

• Lasers degrees the need for stitches when soft tissue procedures are performed.
• Bleeding is minimized when treating soft tissues as lasers can promote blood clotting.
• The need for anesthesia is also eliminated with some procedures.
• The risks of bacterial infections are reduced because the laser can sterilize the area.
• Faster healing of the wound is also experienced by patients.
• The surrounding tissues in the mouth may not suffer sufficient damage.

Why Isn’t Laser Dentistry Common If It Is Painless?

Laser dentistry is the latest in dental procedures but has certain limitations about the kind of treatments it can offer. It cannot be used on teeth that already have fillings and it is difficult to place fillings in hard to reach areas in the mouth. Some patients may request anesthesia depending upon the tolerance levels.

Laser dentistry required a significant investment from dentists because they have to purchase the equipment which is more expensive than standard drills and must also undergo training in the use of the lasers. Dentists that have invested in the technology will have more tools to provide specific treatments that are best for you and your family painlessly.

To conclude it must be stated that fixing cavities will become a painless procedure if you opt for laser treatments from a qualified dentist like Susan J Curley DDS.

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease. It is a condition that begins with inflammation of the tissues and gums that surround the teeth and is caused by accumulation of plaque and bacteria. The disease makes you gums pull away from the teeth which increases chances of cavities and tooth decay. The receding gums also gives bacteria and plaque entry to the bones of the oral cavity which damages them and causes tooth to loosen or even fall out.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Stage 1: Gingivitis

This is the earliest stage of gum disease that is as a result of plaque build-up on the teeth’s surface and gumline. Its symptoms often go by unnoticed because they are very mild and most people will hardly seek treatment at this stage. It is however very important that you are able to get proper treatment at this stage as the effects of gingivitis can be reversed. At this point the bone or connective tissue of the tooth are still in good shape and good hygiene combined with a professional cleaning will save you from you further devastating symptoms and need for invasive treatments.

Common indicators for gingivitis include redness and swelling of gums, bad breath and bleeding of the gums especially when brushing or flossing. If you notice any of these sign sand you are in Wall Township, NJ, contact Susan J. Curley DDS dentistry and book an appointment to get proper diagnosis and necessary treatment.

Stage 2: Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, you get into the second stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. At this point your teeth and gums are damaged to a point that it cannot be reversed. The infection has spread deep into the gums affecting supporting bone and this can lead to bone loss. You may still not experience any obvious or painful symptoms at this stage. Redness of the gums may increase, so will the bleeding and your breath may also worsen.

The solution at this point requires more than daily oral hygiene. You will need to visit the dentist for scaling and root planning to remove the plaque and tartar deposits causing the infection.

Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis

In advanced periodontitis, the bone supporting the teeth as well as supporting structures are greatly damaged. This is evidenced by severe tooth decay or loose teeth that may eventually fall out. In this phase there will be more obvious signs but unfortunately it may be too late to save the tooth. You may experience receding gums, pain when chewing, oozing of pus between teeth and the gum line, mouth soreness, shifting teeth and changes in your bite.

Early Signs and Symptoms

Having understood how each stage of periodontal disease affects you, below is a brief of what initial signs to look out for that can help prevent the disease from advancing.

• Gums that are swollen, tender and have redness. Healthy gums should have a pink color and feel comfortable to touch.
• Bleeding gums. It isn’t normal to bleed from the gums and it is an indicator of an underlying issue.
• Mouth sores. Although mostly harmless, they could also be sign of periodontal disease or mouth cancer.
  Bad breath
• Gum recession and increased tooth sensitivity

How to Prevent Periodontitis

The most effective way to prevent periodontitis is to ensure you adhere to a strict oral hygiene routine. Starting to care for your teeth from a young age and consistently throughout your lifetime greatly contributes to good dental health. At Susan J. Curley DDS, we advise patients to brush teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once a day. You should brush your teeth for about two minutes and do so using a fluoride toothpaste. These hygiene practices help remove unwanted bacteria from the mouth that could lead to periodontal disease.

Regular dental exams are also necessary and should be performed every 6 to 12 months. During the exams a hygienist will professionally clean your teeth and administer preventive treatment like fluoride application. It is also at this time that the dentist will check for any abnormalities in your gums, tongue,, teeth and jaw that could be an indication of a disease.

Do you have crooked or gapped teeth that are not along you to smile properly? Have you considered metal or ceramic braces but believe they are out of the question because they would leave you with an ungainly appearance? You should be considering Invisalign as an option to correct the imperfections in your smile. Learn what these invisible braces can do for you and begin the orthodontic treatment you need as soon as possible to have that beautiful smile on your face all over again.

The thought of considering Invisalign as an option to improve your smile may scare you into believing that Invisalign cost may be unaffordable. However, if you make proper inquiries you will realize the cost of these clear aligners is not as high as it is being claimed to make you decide in favor of this option as compared to any other that is also available. Therefore it is suggested that you visit an orthodontist right away to understand whether your situation is suitable for treatment with these clear aligners and begin your journey to a good smile instantly.

What Can Invisalign Do for You?

When you consider or are suggested orthodontic treatments with metal or ceramic braces you will be wearing them for approximately 2 to 3 years before you can even imagine what a beautiful smile looks like. However, with Invisalign, you will have the convenience of not being stuck wearing hard metal supports in your mouth that can scratch and tear the soft tissues. You will be benefiting from a lightweight tray that is clear and comfortable and totally removable whenever you want. When you begin smiling with an Invisalign tray the only thing you will displaying is your naturally white teeth. This clearly means that you have the benefit of displaying a better smile immediately as you begin treatment with the orthodontist using Invisalign as your option.

How Do You Begin Your Treatment with Invisalign?

Visiting your dentist will be the first step to getting a referral to an orthodontist who is a specialist in treating orthodontic problems with your teeth. Your dentist would have referred you to him or her because the orthodontist would be able to identify the problems in your mouth accurately and provide you the best treatment possible to correct the imperfections with your teeth.

During your visit, the orthodontist will evaluate your condition to determine whether the problem you have a mild or complex. If the problem in your mouth is complex you may be in for a disappointment because the orthodontist will suggest metal or ceramic braces to rectify it. It may be the worst news you ever heard but the suggestion may be the best for your teeth.

If you as many Americans believe that a straighter smile makes you look more attractive or successful in life you will accept the suggestions made by the orthodontist to have your teeth straightened. By accepting the suggestion you will benefit from cleaner teeth and fresher breath after your smile is eventually aligned evenly. This is because you would be having difficulties brushing and flossing your teeth as they are crowded.

However, if you are deemed suitable for Invisalign the orthodontist will begin designing the transparent braces that will provide you an opportunity to begin smiling from the word go.

What Can Invisalign Do for You?

Invisalign can provide you a better smile without the need to sacrifice its appearance for 2 to 3 years by wearing permanent metal or ceramic braces. You will be able to smile instantly without displaying the metal wires in your mouth or trying to hide your smile just because you have decided to correct a problem that went unnoticed during your childhood. The clear aligners are virtually invisible ensuring no one will notice them unless you make a conscious effort to advertise them to all and sundry. Invisalign gives you an option to correct the imperfections in your mouth with aligners that just need to be replaced every couple of weeks. Depending upon the severity of your condition you could be free from the aligners in about 6 to 18 months and have a smile you would be proud to show off.

What You Must Do for Invisalign?

It is your responsibility to understand that Invisalign aligners are removable without help from the orthodontist. It may tempt you into believing you can take them out of your mouth frequently during the day. You are responsible for wearing the aligners for the stipulated number of hours every day failing which the treatment time will be extended. You are free to have the foods you love and the beverages when the aligners have been removed but will be suggested to brush and floss regularly to avoid dental conditions and gum disease. Invisalign aligners are recommended for adults and require a sense of commitment from them to wear the aligners for at least 22 to 24 hours per day.

You may read multiple Invisalign reviews over the Internet or the print media describing how easy or difficult it was to correct orthodontic problems with invisible braces. However, it is strongly suggested that you take the word of your orthodontist and not the reviews because you can definitely get a better smile with the transparent braces from Invisalign.

Procedures for dental restorations are routinely performed on patients throughout the globe. Patients are seeking restorations from cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of their smiles or oral health which may have been affected by an injury, illness, and other issues. Unfortunately, not all restoration procedures offer similar results. Thankfully DSD or digital smile design has taken the world of dentistry by storm and is offering better results and outcomes for every patient.

Explaining Digital Smile Design

The digital smile design is a unique planning tool in dental treatment that has strengthened the diagnostic vision of the dental provider while enhancing the predictability of the treatment and improving communication between them and their patients. The treatment plan is developed based on a thorough analysis of the facial and dental proportions of the patient. The use of newer technology is helping dental providers to use photographs, temporary mockups, and videos to understand better the relationship between the teeth, gums, and lips to understand how they work together to create a smile for the patient.

Providers of digital smiles can also look at the emotional needs of the patient to understand how they react to certain situations. These are factors that can impact the treatment plan as the emotions are important to create a physical method to express the reactions. If you decide to embark on a journey with digital smile design you will be working with a group of providers that have an artistic vision which is essential for creating beautiful smiles along with the experience needed to give you positive results.

How Can You Begin the Process for Digital Smile Design?

When you decide to learn more about this process you will initially need to find a provider near you. After you have located a provider you can discuss the benefits with him or her to understand whether it is suitable for your needs. If you decide to move forward the provider will take 3D photos and videos of your mouth from different angles. An intraoral scanner is used to obtain the digital scan before importing the data into the software specially created for digital smile design.

By offering more views of the mouth the intraoral scanner works effectively and during the scan, the technician will watch the images popping up on the screen in real-time. It ensures that the right images are captured from all angles needed to create a visual representation of the final result. You will not be required to return for additional imaging after the initial consultation because the visuals would have allowed you to view the images to save you time.

The Procedure of Digital Smile Design

The dental provider will be looking at the digital library of various types and shapes after the data is imported into the software. The shapes and types will be placed over the tops of your teeth in the images to give you a quick glimpse of what you can expect from the treatment. It also allows the dental provider to create a physical model with the dental laboratory.

You can expect to be fully involved in the entire process from the beginning to the end. You must communicate your needs to the design of your dental smile. You will also be provided with an opportunity to approve the 3D model and mockup images to understand how your smile will look like after the treatment discovery. You can consider yourself as being in the driver’s seat when you choose a digital smile design. The provider will begin the restoration process only after you approve it. This often requires maintaining the model of your mouth as a guide for the preparation.

The provider will restore every tooth before moving onto the next. Any damaged teeth or fragments will be removed and the restored teeth will be placed as veneers or implants. The process will finally be completed by a polishing treatment that will help your teeth look clean and shiny.

Dental providers are using certain aspects of digital imaging software but many do not have access to a comprehensive solution like digital smile design. They are often unable to tell you what your smile will look like after the treatment but digital smile design can help to remove the miscommunication or unanswered questions because of a lack of clarity. Digital smile design is at the forefront of dental technology and ensuring dental care re-treatment that is the best for every patient. If you opt for this treatment you will be on your way to creating a treatment plan that will be unique to your dental needs and give you the smile you deserve.

Restorative dentistry is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on restoring the health of a patient’s mouth. The term is used to refer to different treatment options that are used to replace missing teeth, fix damaged ones and sustain the existing ones. It is why there are more than two dental treatments involved in restorative treatment of teeth.

What Treatments Are Performed?

As mentioned in this text, the treatments vary a lot depending on the condition presented. Patients come to the dentist with all sorts of dental problems requiring treatment. For some, the best treatment involves multiple procedures to achieve a smile transformation. Some of the treatments for restorative procedures include:

• Replacement of missing teeth – Losing a tooth or more does not only affect how you look. Equally, other functions of the mouth are limited because of the loss of teeth. For one, chewing can become problematic, more so for hard foods. The other dental problems attached to losing teeth include irregular shifting of teeth, as well as gum problems. For tooth replacements, several treatments can be offered, including the use of dental crowns and bridges as will be highlighted below.
• Treating gum infection – the gum tissue can also suffer damage in the course of doing life. The foods we eat alp g with the dental practices can affect how the healthy the gum tissue is. Most people do not appreciate the role of the gum tissue in the mouth until there is a problem. Gum disease has happened to so many individuals, with some experiencing severe symptoms than others. The disease of the gums often results from an infection that attacks the soft tissues. The infection develops mostly due to plaque buildup, follow g poor oral hygiene. Even then, some other risk factors can increase the chances of gum disease, including tobacco usage, alcohol consumption, or genetics.
• Removing infection on teeth – other than gum infection, teeth too can suffer and infection. For the teeth, it is called dental decay. It starts as a cavity in a tooth, then follows through as decay. The decay process worsens with time, as the cavities provide an entry point for the bacteria into the internal parts of the tooth. This leads to toothaches, heightened sensitivity, abscesses buildup, and further infection. One way of riding infection off of a tooth is through root canal therapy. However, this can only be done on a tooth that is still strong enough to withstand such a dental procedure. Other treatments include tooth extraction to completely remove the tooth that is infected.
• Restoring receded gums – sometimes the gum tissue can start receding away from the teeth. The result is an exposed tooth that cannot be stable especially through chewing activities. When the roots of teeth are exposed, patients experience wobbly teeth, as well as heightened tooth sensitivity. Gum grafting is a procedure that is performed to restore the gum tissue and reinforce the strength of teeth.

Appliances Used in Restorative Dentistry

Based on the diverse treatments offered in this arm of dentistry, it is clear that several different appliances are used in the process. The appliances vary in their usage, with some more versatile than others. They include the following:

• Dental fillings – used to fix tooth decays. When the infection is removed from a tooth through professional cleaning, the next step involves sealing the cavities. This prevents further entry of bacteria and food residues in the future. Different types of dental fillings can be used, based on your needs, preferences as well as budget.
• Dental crowns – used for many dental treatments. The crowns can be used as alternatives for dental fillings, more so where the natural structure of the tooth has been severely damaged. They can also be used in tooth replacement, alongside other treatments like dental bridges.
• Dental bridges – they bridge the gaps caused by losing teeth. Whether you have a single tooth or more missing, dental bridges can be worked to bridge the existing gap. However, they cannot be used alone. They require tooth crowns to cover to offer anchorage on the adjacent teeth. In other cases, they get reinforcement from dental implants.
• Dental implants – they feature titanium posts inserted in the jawbone of patients to replace missing teeth. They are more or less a permanent solution to losing teeth.
• Dentures – dentures are replacements for multiple missing teeth. They can restore a set of teeth in either arc of the mouth. Some people require complete dentures because they lack all teeth while others need partial ones.

Restorative dentistry allows our dental team not only to prevent but also diagnose and treat the various dental conditions. Any preventive or corrective dental procedure that is done by our dental specialists like prosthodontist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon is classified as restorative dental treatment.

What Forms of Treatments Are Offered?

On your first dental appointment, the dentist will use visual, radiographic and mechanical techniques to examine your mouth and make a diagnosis. Depending on your dental health, the dentist will recommend a minimally invasive dental treatment. However, in severe cases, oral surgeries may be performed by a maxillofacial surgeon.

Restorative dental treatments are used to address cavities, dental infections, missing teeth, and cracked or broken teeth and they include;

1. Dental implants

Dental implants are a permanent dental solution for missing teeth. The titanium post (acts like a root) is surgically fixed into the jawbone to provide support for the artificial tooth.

The procedure is, however, done only if you have enough bone density to support them. If you don’t, the dentist may perform a bone graft to rebuild your jaw bone and stimulate bone growth.

Dental implants have a 95% success rate.

2. Dental fillings

Dental fillings are the common restorative treatments and they are used to repair broken or cracked teeth. Several dental fillings are used such as gold, silver, porcelain, or tooth-colored materials.

The location of the teeth and the cost will detect the dental filling to be used.

3. Dental crowns and bridges

Crowns are tooth-shaped protective caps that are placed over the tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength of the teeth. Your dentist may recommend dental crowns if you have weak, broken, or misshaped teeth. Different crowns can be used ranging from metals to porcelain.

Bridges, on the other hand, are false teeth used to cover one to two missing teeth. The dental bridges are made up of two crowns that anchor the tooth. The dentist can use traditional, cantilever, or Maryland bridges.

4. Dental dentures

Dentures are removable tooth support and are used to replace missing teeth. The dentures can be complete (that are ideal if you are missing all teeth) or partial.

Other restorative dental treatments

• Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to repair chipped and cracked teeth, close the spaces in between, and change the shape of the teeth.
• Inlays and Onlays are indirect restorations. An inlay is fixed inside the tooth while an Onlay is applied to the surface of the teeth.

These dental treatments can be done in one or multiple dental visits based on the severity of the dental condition.

Dental Restoration Procedure

Regardless of the dental treatment, two processes will be done; preparing the tooth for placement and fixing the material. The preparation process involves cutting the tooth to make space or remove decay. At times if permanent restoration can’t be done immediately (as in the case of dental implants) a temporary restoration is done.

The dental restoration procedure can be direct or indirect—all restorative treatments mentioned above are indirect restorative.

Complications

Different complications may arise;

• Nerve irritation which normally occurs when a deep cavity has been filled following a root canal procedure
• The weakening of the dental structure increases the risk of tooth fracture in the future

Oral Care

These dental restorations are not invincible, meaning there is still a risk of a recurrence. Bacterial plaque can form and create room for infection and cavity. Furthermore, reinfection can increase the risk of gum disease.

Only a consistent dental hygiene regimen can keep plaque and tartar off. Besides brushing and flossing, incorporate the use of fluoride mouthwash that can help strengthen the tooth enamel. Plus, you need regular dental checkups, at least twice a year to assess your dental health and prevent further damage.

Schedule an Appointment

If you would like to learn more about restorative dentistry, contact our dental clinic for a discussion. Our dentist, Susan J. Curley DDS, is skilled and highly experienced in restorative dentistry and other dental treatments.

Research approximates that about 18 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, but unfortunately only 20% have been properly diagnosed and treated. While it is possible to live with the condition without knowing, sleep apnea symptoms negatively affect your quality of life. It increases the risk of complications such as heart disease, blood pressure and depression.

Sleep apnea treatment in Wall Township, NJ, will vary depending on the cause and the level at which an individual is affected. However, the goal of each treatment technique is to try and normalize breathing as you sleep. by normalizing breathing, you get to enjoy a better life without the symptoms and side effects associated with interrupted breathing. Common methods to treat and manage sleep apnea include:

Conservative Therapy

For mild cases of sleep apnea, conservative treatments can fix the problem. This often includes adjusting lifestyle habits and behavior of the patient. If you are overweight, we may advise that you lose some weight to reduce apneic events. Losing weight may however be difficult because of the increased appetite antimetabolic changes associated with sleep apnea. Great discipline is therefore required. You may also have to reduce or completely avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco as well as refrain from using certain medications. If sleeping position is the contributing factor, such as lying on your back, sleeping in a side position may help. You can use pillows or other devices to help you stay on your side as you sleep.

Mechanical Therapy

This is often the first type of medical intervention used on most cases of sleep apnea. It is popularly referred to as Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy. Patients are required to put on a mask over their nose and/or mouth, then an air blower gently pushes air up the airways. The air pressure is often adjusted to an amount that is enough to keep the upper airway tissues from collapsing as you sleep. PAP therapy is only effective when in active use, on stopping PAP or not using it properly, the apnea episodes continue. PAP techniques vary depending on the needs of the patient.

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
• Bi-Level PAP
• Auto CPAP or Auto Bi-Level PAP
• Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)

Oral Appliance Therapy

More people are embracing the use of oral appliances now that there is awareness that they actually effective for controlling apnea. The treatment involves wearing an appliance similar to an orthodontic appliance or a mouth guard while you sleep. the appliance is put inside the mouth and helps hold the lower jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open and prevent the tongue and the muscles in the upper airway from closing and obstructing the airway. The appliances work for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Those with severe apnea but cannot tolerate CPAP can also use oral appliance or combine them with CPAP. Our dental clinic in Wall Township will provide you with a custom appliance upon examination of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint.

Surgery

If you have an extreme case of obstruction or an abnormal tissue that is blocking the airways, then surgery is a more suitable procedure. This is especially after other methods of treatment such as CPAP have failed. Types of surgeries include:

• Somnoplasty – Uses radiofrequency energy to reduce the size of the soft tissue in the upper airways.
• Tonsillectomy – Gets rid of the tonsillar tissue at the back of the throat.
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty(UPPP) – Removes soft tissue in the back of the throat and palate in order to increase the width of the airway at the throat opening.
• Mandibular/maxillary advancement surgery -Corrects facial anomalies or throat obstruction that cause apneic episodes. It is quite invasive and only used for severe cases that involve abnormalities.
• Nasal surgery – Corrects nasal obstructions like a deviated septum

Upper Way Stimulation Therapy

This is a relative new treatment technique called Inspire, that works from within the body, alongside the natural breathing process. It uses a system with three components controlled by a tiny handheld Inspire remote. The components include: a small generator, a breathing sensor and a stimulation lead.

Inspire is implanted along the right side of the neck and chest wall through a surgical procedure that takes 2-3 hours. The patient is usually put under general anesthesia. Four weeks after the surgery the device is ready for use. It is turned on at night using the remote and switched doff at night. The sensor in the chest wall will be monitoring the patient’s breathing and then signal the hypoglossal nerve to stop the tongue from blocking the airways.

If you are looking for sleep apnea doctors near your area, contact our clinic today and you will get professional assistance to ensure sleeping is no longer a nightmare for you.

Sleep apnea is a condition which affects not only the sleep of a person but also their health and general well-being. People with sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods while sleeping. They don’t get enough oxygen which causes them to gasp for breath and wake up from their sleep, explains the sleep apnea expert near you. In several cases, people are not even aware that they have stopped breathing. Sleep apnea can sound like snoring but it is potent enough to cause many health complications.

It can leave you tired, irritated and confused the next day. If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to complications in the long run such as:

• Trigger mental health issues
• Contribute to memory loss
• Lead to poor immune function
• Increased risk of heart failure

Some of the common sleep apnea treatment in New Jersey includes breathing devices, medication, and surgery. Little lifestyle changes and care at home can also improve the quality of life and your sleep. Let’s have a look at some simple and effective ways of treating sleep apnea.

• Reducing Weight

If the person suffering from sleep apnea is overweight, the doctor may recommend losing weight. Obesity in the upper body can increase the risk of airway obstruction and narrow the nasal passage. These obstructions can stop you from breathing while sleeping.

Reducing weight and achieving healthy weight can keep the airway clear and reduce symptoms of sleep apnea. Several studies show that even slight reduction in weight can eliminate the need for surgery or using the CPAP therapy. If weight loss has helped in relieving the symptoms, chances are that the condition will return if you gain weight.

• Using a Humidifier

The humidifier is a device which adds moisture to the dry air. Dry air is known for irritating the body and the respiratory system. The humidifier can help in opening the airway, decreasing congestion, and promoting clearer breathing. You can also add lavender, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil to the humidifier as these essentials oils have anti-inflammatory benefits which soothes your senses.

• Using Oral Appliances

The oral appliances can help in treating sleep apnea by repositioning the jaw or tongue and keeping the airway open while you sleep. The two main types of devices are mandibular advancement device and tongue stabilizing device. They move your lower jaw or tongue for decreasing the obstruction in the back of the throat.

These devices can range from low-cost OTC options for the custom-fit devices by the dentist. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the oral appliances are an effective therapy for sleep apnea.

• Yoga

Exercising regularly can help in increasing the energy levels and strengthening your heart. It can help in improving your sleep apnea. Yoga can especially help in improving the respiratory strength and improve the flow of oxygen. It is associated with decreased oxygen saturation in the blood. Various breathing exercises can help in improving the oxygen levels. Yoga can effectively help in reducing amount of sleep interruptions that you generally experience.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Lifestyle changes can help in improving and encouraging better sleeping habits. Avoiding smoking and quitting alcohol can prove to be effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea in Wall Township, NJ. Alcohol relaxes your throat muscles which control your breathing. This can lead to snoring and interrupted sleep cycle. It can also cause inflammation of the airway which blocks the air flow.

Just like alcohol, tobacco can also lead to inflammation and swelling in the airway, it can worsen the snoring and sleep apnea. Smoking is a risk factor which can trigger sleep apnea.

• Change Your Sleep Position

A small change such as altering your sleeping position can also help in reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea and improving your quality of sleep at night. According to the best dentist near me, sleeping on your back can worsen the symptoms.

• Mouthguard

You can get a customized sleep apnea mouthguard from a dentist near you. The mouthguard is similar to the one that you wear while playing sports. They can help in preventing snoring and relieving OSA symptoms. Not all mouthguards are same and one should go for customized options only.