Sealants

All teeth in the back of the mouth have grooves in them. Many of the grooves are defects where the tooth did not develop properly. They may have openings into the inside of the tooth. They collect food debris and are the starting point of dental decay.

If the grooves are detected at the right time, which is soon after they have erupted and no decay has set in, the grooves can be sealed with a plastic resin or a sealant which can prevent decay from starting.

Various sealant materials are available to close the defects in the tooth before decay starts. Teeth sealants are either natural tooth colored or slightly off color for easy observation of their retention on the tooth.

Sealants are most indicated for the permanent first and second molars. First molars erupt around age six and second molars usually around age twelve. It is best to seal them within six months of their eruption. Premolars, the teeth in front of the molars; are not as prone to formation of grooves as the molars and may not need sealant protection on a routine basis. Occasionally, sealants can be considered for baby or deciduous teeth. It is not always easy to detect the onset on decay even with electronic gauging devices and therefore best to seal the permanent molar teeth as soon as they erupt as a preventative measure. Sealant placement cannot be successfully placed after the onset of decay in the tooth. Placement of teeth sealants is relatively simple and does not need the use of any anesthetic. Various isolation techniques are used to keep the tooth dry- a mild acid will cleanse the tooth and create microscopic pores to mechanically lock and retain the sealant material. Plastic is applied and hardened and the sealant is completed. Teeth sealants need to be observed at recare visits to ensure that the edges or thin area of the sealants are not worn out and if needed, they need to be repaired or replaced.

It is estimated that more than 50 % of the back molar teeth will have decay if not protected with sealants. Restoring teeth with fillings is usually more expensive and invasive than the simple placement of a sealant for teeth. Waiting to place a sealant for teeth that are fully erupted in the mouth has risks of starting decay that can be easily avoided.

Sealants for teeth are a simple, well-documented measure of protecting teeth from decay. They preserve tooth structure and reduce the cost of oral health care

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INVISALIGN

Invisalign  has revolutionized the world of Orthodontics by providing a virtually invisible, predictable and removable treatment option for straightening teeth.

Invisalign involves the use of a custom made series of aligners that gradually shift teeth into better positions in the jaws and mouth. There are no uncomfortable metal brackets to attach or wires to tighten. A new set of sequential aligners are changed every two weeks until the teeth have moved into the pre-planned desired position.

Advantages to Invisalign

Virtually invisible teeth straightening

Easy access to brushing and flossing

Less irritation to gums and cheeks

Minimal disruption to daily life activities and socializing

Attractive orthodontic option for all age groups

Disadvantages to Invisalign

Patient compliance is a huge component in the success of Invisalign treatment

Conventional treatment may work more effectively in some orthodontic cases

Discuss your best option with the dentist.

Benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident and beautiful smile. Swollen, red gums are often a result of teeth crowding. Unfortunately, they are also signs periodontal disease.Properly aligned teeth allow the healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems and other overall health hazards.

Most dental insurances provide coverage for Invisalign treatment just as they would other orthodontic treatment. In addition, flexible and comfortable monthly payments are also available with Care credit and other third party financing agencies. with

Over three million individuals of all ages enjoying beautiful and confident smiles after Invisalign treatment is a positive testament of its popularity, versatility, comfort and convenience. 

Call Janice at 909 627 6699 to schedule a complimentary consultation

Visit www.smileartistrychino.com for additional practice information.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

It is estimated that 30-50% of patients snore while sleeping- the incidence of snoring increases with age and men snore more frequently than women. Most people are unaware that there is professional help available for snoring.

A related condition, sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where the breathing space in the back of the mouth is closed off. OSA causes significant pauses in breathing and can be life threatening.

Dentists are associated with the treatment of both snoring and OSA. However, a team approach is a safe and effective means to treat these conditions. Dentists work with dental laboratories; sleep technicians and board certified sleep physicians as a team to curb snoring and sleep apnea.

Causes of snoring are partial or complete closure of airway is the cause of snoring as seen in:

Obstruction of nasal airway

Weak throat muscles

Lower jaw being too far back closing off throat

Sleeping posture- sleeping on back causes closure of breathing space

Fat accumulation in and around throat

Loss of muscle tone related to aging

Use of muscle relaxants including alcohol and sedative hypnotics

Snoring Effects:

Sleep deprivation

Social and marital challenges

Increased potential for heart attack and stroke

Snoring can be reduced or eliminated with relative ease but the associated condition of OSA needs more consideration. The pauses in breathing in children and adults happen between 5- 30 times an hour and causes daytime fatigue, slow reaction time and vision problems. About 15% of the American population suffers from sleep apnea. It is a serious condition that can be life threatening. Since OSA is associated with snoring, it must be addressed as part of the treatment for snoring.

Types of Sleep Apnea:

Obstructive sleep Apnea- occurs when soft tissue in the back of throat relaxes during sleep and blocks airway and causes loud snoring

Central Sleep apnea- much less common condition and occurs when the nervous system fails to signal the muscles that control breathing

Complex Sleep apnea- a combination of OSA and central sleep apneas and is associated with significant medical problems

All forms of sleep apnea often go unnoticed and can become serious when left untreated over time.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatments:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Anti snoring oral appliances / mouthpiece for snoring

Surgery

Medications

Losing Weight

Stopping Smoking

Sleeping on Side

Over the Counter Nasal Sprays

Nasal Strips or Clips

Anti Snoring Pillows

CPAPs and anti snoring devices are the most used and most successful treating options. Severity of snoring and OSA condition is measured by a sleep monitoring device to select appropriate treatment. Assuming that the OSA is not severe, sleep apnea dental appliances can easily control snoring and OSA.



Potential Side Effects of Oral Appliances:

Jaw/facial pain

Bite Changes

Tooth Pain

Jaw Joint Pain

Drooling

Dry Mouth

Sound, restful and peaceful sleep is possible. Cost of our sleep apnea dental appliances, or our mouthpiece for snoring are very minimal considering the huge benefits of sound sleep and increased productivity. 

Visit www.smileartistrychino.com for more information on our services.

Teeth Whitening

Do you want your teeth to be whiter? Whitening of teeth is universally desirable and accepted well around the world. It is the most conservative and economical option of improving your smile and self esteem.

There are almost no side effects to this process if the whitening is carried out properly. There can however be too much whitening. A good rule to gauge an adequate white is to match to the shade of white in the eyes.

Some patients also experience sensitivity following whitening but this usually goes away within a few days.

Some tooth shades respond better to whitening than others do.

Discoloration due to a pulp breakdown does respond initially to whitening but the discoloration tends to return over time.

Internal tooth discolorations during tooth development in childhood can often be lightened with some degree of success.

Florosis (excessive floride) can be resistant to significant shade changes but can be aided by whitening

Staining of teeth from a diet comprised of dark color foods such as coffee, tea or chocolate is very easily removed.

Discolorations as a result of aging also noticeably respond to whitening.

Options for teeth whitening:

Veneers and Crowns are a great alternative when the internal discoloration in teeth is significant and whitening is unlikely to significantly lighten the shade. The restorative alternatives are more expensive and extensive but can also correct decay, misshapen and mal positioned teeth.

Bonding is the process of adding a thin layer of resin material over the surface of the tooth to improve shade and minor defects on the surface of the tooth. Although less expensive than a veneer or a crown, bonded restorations can significantly improve esthetics but may discolor over time needing replacement.

At Home Whitening This widely used and hugely successful whitening technique is the most popular one in dentistry. A flexible tray is custom made for your mouth. After adequate instructions are given by the dental staff, you are given hydrogen peroxide to take home with you. Each day you will place a small amount of material into the tray and seat in the mouth for various lengths of time as instructed. The progress is monitored by the dental staff to avoid unwanted effects. Several days later, a significant whitening of teeth is observed. There may be slight sensitivity with the procedure, which goes away in a couple of days.

In Office Whitening is a supervised whitening which takes place within the office. In office whitening uses higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide compared to at home whitening. The major advantage to doing in office whitening is the result is accomplished much faster but the disadvantage is that there could be more tooth sensitivity because of the rapid pace of whitening. De sensitizers can be applied to the sensitive areas to reduce post -whitening sensitivity.

Cost is moderate for both the options.

A wide range of whitening products are available over the counter (OTC) that produce varying degrees of results. Some work better than others and depend on the degree and the nature of discoloration. In general, OTC products are less effective than the dentist supervised products. Do seek dental professional guidance in selecting the best OTC whitening products to help maintain a shade that blends with your natural teeth and dental restorations. OTC products however, do not have the predictability of professional whitening.

Some degree of whitening is reversed within days of the whitening procedure and stabilizes within a couple of weeks and only slowly progresses towards a darker color overtime. The whitening process may need to be repeated within a year and sometimes months.

Visit www.smileartistrychino.com for details or call 9-09 627 6699 for an appointment.

Snap ON Smile

Is a great smile make- over option that is affordable, easy, reversible and painless that can be used as a temporary or a more permanent enhancement.

Snap on Smiles offer an excellent alternative for missing, crooked, stained or discolored teeth, teeth with spaces where implants, bridges and other restorative alternatives are not an option.

Snap on smile is also a comfortable and affordable alternative to patients unhappy with the fit and feel of a removable partial denture.

Snap on Smile is manufactured using a proprietary dental resin that is thin, yet strong. The processing starts with taking precise impressions of the upper and lower jaw with instructions to the lab of the desired shade and other characteristics of the desired restoration. A second appointment about three weeks following the impression visit is for seating of the Snap on Smile.

Snap on Smiles can be made for upper or lower teeth and have proven to be a life changing and confidence building alternative to the more expensive and invasive restorative options. Maintenance is simple with some specially formulated cleaning and disinfecting solutions. 

Call 909 627 6699 for a free consultation of visit our website for more information www.smileartistrychino.com

MINI IMPLANTS or Small Diameter Implants

Dental Implants are small metal screws that are surgically placed in the bone and are considered the most important innovations in the history of dentistry. 

Many denture patients have difficulty holding their dentures securely in the mouth because of reduced bone quantity. Dental implants have allowed these patients to restore a good fit and function of the dentures.

Types of dental implants:

There are many types of implants and the ones most currently used are the ones in the shape of a root of tooth. Dental implants vary in length and diameter. Small diameter implants are only 2mm in diameter.

Small implants are needed in mouths with significant bone loss where very little jaw bone is remaining to place standard implants Alternatively, patient can undergo bone- grafting to surgically enhance bone formation but many patients prefer non traumatic procedures or overall health may limit surgical intervention.

Uses of small diameter implants:

Retention of Lower complete denture

Retention of Upper complete denture

Retention of Removable Partial dentures

Anchoring Fixed Bridges

Single tooth replacement

The number of small diameter implants necessary to facilitate the above functions depends on the quality and quantity of remaining bone and needs to be addressed on an individual basis.

Advantages of Mini Implant:

Surgery is minor and usually with no complications

Simple placement

Retention of dentures is immediate

Lower cost compared to standard implant options

Almost anyone with an ill-fitting denture is a candidate for mini implants. The difference in the fit and function is immediate and is a source of instant gratification for the patient and the dentist.

Call our office at 909 627 6699  if you would like to schedule a consultation.  Visit www.smileartistrychino.com for our practice information.

Antibiotics and Dental Procedures

The mouth is packed with various strains of bacteria, which in a healthy individual maintain optimal oral health. During daily routines like chewing, brushing or flossing, the bacteria can enter the blood stream but don’t present a problem for most of us  when the immune system is healthy. In compromised health, bacteremia (bacteria entering blood stream) can cause infections elsewhere in the body.

Specific heart conditions and orthopedic implants such as artificial joints have known to be the more vulnerable sites for potential infections. 

Antibiotic prophylaxis, or preventative use of antibiotics prior to a dental visit is recommended in conditions like-

-Artificial heart valves

-History of infection of the lining of the heart or heart valves known as Infective Endocarditis

-A heart transplant

-Congenital heart conditions like Cyanotic congenital heart disease

-Defects repaired with a prosthetic device

The criteria for antibiotic prophylaxis is periodically updated by the American Heart Association and the American Dental Association depending on current research and development. Currently, the AHA recommends prophylactic antibiotics only on patients with a history of endocardial bacterial endocarditis.

American Associations of Orthopedic Surgeons in their revised guidelines no longer recommend antibiotics for patients with artificial joints.

In an abundance of caution, our office coordinates with the patient’s physician to determine the appropriate antibiotic protocol. 

Visit www.smileartistrychino.com to E mail us at lovemydentist@gmail.com