Invisalign – An Invisible Way to Straighten Crooked Teeth!

Cools

Let’s havea straight talk about crooked teeth.  There are many people who would like to straighten their teeth but do not want to wear those braces.  Relax, there is a new way to get straightened teeth through “brace-lift,” it is virtually an invisible way to improve your smile, straighten your teeth so that you can have a face without the braces.  Yes, you have  heard of it, you saw it on television, it is known as Invisalign.  Ask your dental provider for more information.  A little information never kills anyone.

Forget everything you’ve heard about teeth straightening. Because now there’s breakthrough technology that lets you get the smile you always wanted without bands, brackets, or wires.

A clear alternative: By using a series of clear removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth right before your eyes. Change them about every two weeks, and your teeth will move—little by little, week by week—until they have moved to the final position your orthodontist or dentist has prescribed. Comfortable to wear, our aligners are also removable so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual.Less treatment time: A typical Invisalign case takes about a year from start to finish. You’ll see your doctor everymonth or two to see how you’re progressing. Every few visits, you’ll be given additional aligners to continue your treatment. Commonly, the number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but treatment time and the number of aligners will vary from case to case.Invisible. And comfortable: Invisalign is a virtually invisible solution. So you won’t draw undue attention to your mouth while in treatment. In fact, virtually no one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell. Comfortable to wear, our aligners are also removable so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual.

Is Invisalign for me? Invisaligncan be used to treat the vast majority of common problems for adults and teens. Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive adjustments, Invisaligncan certainly help. It’s successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, underbites and even crossbites. In fact, an Invisalign Certified Orthodontist or Dentist can use Invisalign clear aligners in all or part of just about any treatment plan.Look your best during treatment: Invisalign is clear and practically invisible, so nothing gets in the way of your new smile. No wonder Invisalign is the choice of over half a million people.* Unobtrusive in business meetings or social gatherings * No metal wires or bands to irritate your mouth * Most people won’t notice you’re wearing aligners

Men’s Oral Health from Academy of General Dentistry.

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Men’s Oral Health Why is Oral Health Important for Men? Good oral health recently has been linked with longevity. Yet, one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being male. Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and often neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only when a problem arises. Men are also more likely to develop oral and throat cancer and periodontal (gum) disease. Read on to learn how men can take care of their oral health. Men’s Oral Health Under 30? Check for Oral Cancer In the past decade, the dental profession has seen a considerable increase in the number of oral cancer patients under age 30 who have no identifiable risk factors of contracting the disease, such as tobacco or alcohol use.  Although national surveys show that the U.S. adult population is ill-informed about the risk factors of developing oral cancers, as well as its signs and symptoms, most dentists perform oral cancer exams.  Learn how your dentist can help. Men’s Oral Health Looking for a Better Job? Start by Visiting the Dentist! Men are less likely to visit the dentist than their female counterparts, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Why? Nearly 45 percent of respondents felt that men don’t see a need to go to the dentist, and about 30 percent of those polled reported that men may not visit the dentist because they are afraid or embarrassed to go. More men are climbing back into the dental chair – for a surprising reason. FAQs: Root Canal Therapy Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes the damaged or dead tooth pulp. The canal is reshaped and filled with gutta percha, a rubber-like material, to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed. If your general dentist recommends a root canal, he or she will perform the treatment or refer you to an endodontist, which is a specialist who treats injuries, diseases, and infections of the tooth pulp.   Read on to learn more about this procedure.

The AGD has a strict policy that e-mail addresses will not be sold, rented or shared with any company or organization, including AGD sponsors without your permission. From time to time the AGD may send out e-mail of interest to our members. If you would prefer not to receive these notices, please visit your profile to unsubscribe or adjust your settings. 211 East Chicago Ave., Ste 900, Chicago, IL 60611-1999 Ph: 888.AGD.DENT (888.243.3368) Fax: 312.440.0559

Where the Teeth Bite* from Men’s Health

By Denny Watkins, Men’s Health

Men’s Health

It’s a good thing barbecue is so popular in Texas—worst case, the state’s dentally challenged can simply gum their fall-off-the-bone favorite. In ranking the nation’s best and worst teeth, two Lone Star State cities—El Paso and Lubbock—finish in the bottom 10, with San Antonio and Dallas close behind. Nor is this just a beauty contest, given that poor oral hygiene is linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, and even pancreatic cancer.

Check out Men’s Health’s Interactive Map of Where the Teeth Bite

Our analysis includes stats from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the number of people who visit their dentists for annual checkups, the number of no-shows whose choppers are dropping out, and the number of households with fluoride on tap. And since warding off gum disease is key to keeping your smile, we also factored in who’s flossing, from Mediamark Research. When the computer spit out the results, it became clear that some drilling is needed in Texas, and we don’t mean for oil.

The Acid Bath

On the surface it makes sense: Brush your teeth after breakfast. Problem is, cereal, bananas, and OJ are acidic, and if you eat them and then brush right away, you’ll remove some of the temporarily softened tooth enamel. The remedy? Wait 20 minutes before you brush, says David Bartlett, B.D.S., Ph.D., a British expert on dental erosion.

Scan for Stroke

After your dentist checks for cavities, ask him to eyeball your arteries. The panoramic dental x-ray not only offers a 180-degree window into your oral health, but also reveals whether the other plaque is piling up in your carotid arteries—plaque that might otherwise go undetected until you stroke out. Unfortunately, only 10 percent of dentists bother to look. “Many dentists miss the bigger picture of health,” says Laurie Carter, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. Nudge your dentist to examine your x-ray. If he sees anything suspicious, ask him to send the film to your physician.

Cities with the Best Teeth

Rank	City Name
1	Madison, WI
2	Nashville, TN
3	Raleigh, NC
4	St. Paul, MN
5	Aurora, CO
6	Charlotte, NC
7	Yonkers, NY
8	Grand Rapids, MI
9	Fargo, ND
10	Minneapolis, MN

Cities with the Worst Teeth

Rank	City Name
100	Lubbock, TX
99	Philadelphia, PA
98	Spokane, WA
97	Salt Lake City, UT
96	Jackson, MS
95	El Paso, TX
94	Portland, OR
93	Tulsa, OK
92	Tucson, AZ
91	Baton Rouge, LA

 

Cities with the Most Households Using Floss in the Past 6 Months

Rank	City Name
1	Fremont, CA
2	San Jose, CA
3	Anchorage, AK
4	Arlington, TX
5	Anaheim, CA
6	Aurora, CO
7	Charlotte, NC
8	Colorado Springs, CO
9	Raleigh, NC
10	Las Vegas, NV

Cities Where the Most People Visited the Dentist Within the Past Year

Rank	City Name
1	St. Paul, MN
2	Hartford, CT
3	Minneapolis, MN
4	Burlington, VT
5	Fargo, ND
6	Wilmington, DE
7	Manchester, NH
8	Lincoln, NE
9	Providence, RI
10	Raleigh, NC

Cities Providing the Highest Percentage of Fluoridated Water

Rank	City Name
1	Washington, DC
2	Lexington, KY
3	Louisville, KY
4	Chicago, IL
5	Minneapolis, MN
6	St. Paul, MN
7	Memphis, TN
8	Nashville, TN
9	Fargo, ND
10	Fort Wayne, IN

Lowest Rate of permanent teeth extractions

Rank	City Name
1	Madison, WI
2	Anchorage, AK
3	Corpus Christi, TX
4	Grand Rapids, MI
5	Jackson, MS
6	Anaheim, CA
7	Bakersfield, CA
8	Fresno, CA
9	Modesto, CA
10	Sacramento, CA

 

100 Cities: From Worst to Best

Rank	City Name	Grade	-	Rank	City Name	Grade
100	Lubbock, TX	F	-	50	Columbia, SC	C+
99	Philadelphia, PA	F	-	49	Modesto, CA	C+
98	Spokane, WA	F	-	48	Honolulu, HI	C+
97	Salt Lake City, UT	F	-	47	Bakersfield, CA	C+
96	Jackson, MS	F	-	46	Norfolk, VA	C+
95	El Paso, TX	F	-	45	Las Vegas, NV	C+
94	Portland, OR	F	-	44	Fort Wayne, IN	C+
93	Tulsa, OK	D-	-	43	Richmond, VA	C+
92	Tucson, AZ	D-	-	42	Charleston, WV	C+
91	Baton Rouge, LA	D-	-	41	Lexington, KY	C+
90	Los Angeles, CA	D-	-	40	Greensboro, NC	C+
89	San Antonio, TX	D-	-	39	Indianapolis, KY	B-
88	St. Louis, MO	D-	-	38	Hartford, CT	B-
87	Dallas, TX	D-	-	37	Little Rock, AR	B-
86	Tampa, FL	D-	-	36	Anaheim, CA	B-
85	Jersey City, NJ	D-	-	35	Washington, DC	B-
84	Denver, CO	D-	-	34	New York, NY	B-
83	St. Petersburg, FL	D	-	33	Atlanta, GA	B-
82	Oklahoma City, OK	D	-	32	San Jose, CA	B-
81	Billings, MT	D	-	31	Providence, RI	B-
80	Pittsburgh, PA	D	-	30	San Diego, CA	B-
79	Miami, FL	D	-	29	Wilmington, DE	B
78	Boston, MA	D	-	28	Seattle, WA	B
77	Kansas City, MO	D+	-	27	Cleveland, OH	B
76	Newark, NJ	D+	-	26	Fremont, CA	B
75	Austin, TX	D+	-	25	Manchester, NH	B
74	Fresno, CA	D+	-	24	Toledo, OH	B
73	Sacramento, CA	D+	-	23	Durham, NC	B
72	Birmingham, AL	D+	-	22	Boise, ID	B
71	Buffalo, NY	D+	-	21	San Francisco, CA	B
70	Corpus Christi, TX	D+	-	20	Columbus, OH	B
69	Houston, TX	C-	-	19	Wichita, KS	B
68	Louisville, KY	C-	-	18	Colorado Springs, CO	B+
67	Rochester, NY	C-	-	17	Omaha, NE	B+
66	Bangor, ME	C-	-	16	Jacksonville, FL	B+
65	Riverside, CA	C-	-	15	Sioux City, SD	B+
64	Burlington, VT	C-	-	14	Lincoln, NE	B+
63	Memphis, TN	C-	-	13	Des Moines, IA	B+
62	Orlando, FL	C-	-	12	Lincoln, NE	B+
61	Baltimore, MD	C-	-	11	Anchorage, AK	B+
60	Montgomery, AL	C	-	10	Minneapolis, MN	B+
59	Milwaukee, WI	C	-	9	Fargo, ND	A-
58	Detroit, MI	C	-	8	Grand Rapids, MI	A-
57	Cincinnati, OH	C	-	7	Yonkers, NY	A-
56	Fort Worth, TX	C	-	6	Charlotte, NC	A-
55	Oakland, CA	C	-	5	Aurora, CO	A-
54	Albuquerque, NM	C	-	4	St. Paul, MN	A
53	Chicago, IL	C	-	3	Raleigh, NC	A+
52	Phoenix, AZ	C	-	2	Nashville, TN	A+
51	Cheyenne, MY	C	-	1	Madison, WI	A+

Provided by Men’s Health

URL: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/oral-care/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100199710>1=31017

Where the Teeth Bite* from Men’s Health « Dradeledoherty’s Weblog

Where the Teeth Bite* from Men’s Health « Dradeledoherty’s Weblog

Women and Gum Disease Volume III*

The Teen-Age Years

 

As females reach puberty, the production of the sex hormones progesterone and estrogen increases. This hormonal increase can exaggerate the way dental tissues react to the irritants in plaque. Gums may become red, tender, swollen and likely to bleed easily when chewing or brushing teeth. After the early teen years, women may notice less inflammation and bleeding.

Reaching Menopause You may notice a number of physical changes when you reach menopause, including some that occur in the mouth. These may include a burning sensation, altered taste sensations (salty, peppery or sour), a decrease in saliva flow that can result in dry mouth, and greater sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks.

Talk with us if you experience any oral problems that you think might be related to menopause. Be sure to mention any medications you are taking (both prescription and over-the-counter products), because many drugs can have dental-related side-effects, including dry mouth. Dry mouth can increase your risk for tooth decay, halitosis (bad breath) and mouth sores. Saliva substitutes may be prescribed to reduce any mouth dryness. Vitamin C and B complexes may be helpful, as well. For good overall health, eat a balanced diet and discuss with your physician how to get the calcium you need to prevent osteoporosis (“porous bones”), the risk of which increases after menopause.

Remember that it is plaque not fluctuating hormone levels, that is the major cause of periodontal disease. Here are ways you can help prevent periodontal disease: Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner.  If you need extra help in controlling plaque and gingivitis, we may recommend antimicrobial mouthrinse. Regular dental visits and professional cleanings are essential. Plaque that is not removed can harden into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a professional cleaning at our office or any other dental office. 

Eat a balanced diet for good general health and limit snacks.

*From American Dental Association 

 

Dental Examiner Debuts Today

It is all about myths, tall stories, horsetails, long nose stories! LOL

SOME BELIEVE THAT A WOMAN LOSES A TOOTH FOR EVERY PREGNANCY

ANS.: It is not true that a woman should expect to lose a tooth for each pregnancy but some women are prone to developing swollen gums during pregnancy called PREGNANCY Tumor or Epulis.  This is generally due to irritation of the gums and a professionally cleaning of the mouth may prove useful in its management.  For most females, the swelling goes away after delivery and for others, they may require gum treatment.  Be happy, it is not the end of the world, you are not going to lose those teeth, get with it.  You know in 2007 Russia, people were even encouraged to take a national holiday for making babies!!!!!! 

Women and Gum Disease* Volume II

This volume will discuss the monthly cycle and pregnancy.

Menstruation:  During menstruation, a woman of child-bearing age may observe several changes in her mouth, including canker sore, swollen gums, lesions and swollen salivary glands.  Some women don’t even notice any changes at all.  For others, particularly those for whom dental plaque of gum pockets are a problem, the gums my bleed in days before the period begins.  These symptoms should be attended to promptly.  Your dentist may prescribe some special cleanings, treatment or topical anesthetics to ameliorate any discomfort and/or pain.

Pregnancy and A Woman’s Dental Health: During pregnancy, a woman’s hormone levels rise exponentially.  Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) , especially common during the  second to eighth month of pregnancy, may cause red, puffy or tender gums that tend to bleed readily when brushed.  This sensitivity is an exaggerated response to dental plaque and oral irritants and is caused by an increased level of ah hormone called progesterone in the system.  Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during the second trimester or early third trimester to help avoid the problems.  Occasionally overgrowths called “pregnancy epulis or tumors,”appear on the gums during the second trimester. These localized growths or swellings are usually found between the teeth and are believed to be related to excess dental plaque.  They bleed easily and are characterized by a red, raw-looking mulberry-like surface.  They are often surgically removed after the baby is born.  If a woman experiences pregnancy epulis, she should call her dentist promptly.

It is especially essential, then, to maintain good dental health during pregnancy.  Research suggests that the pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be at increased risk for delivering a pre-term and/or low birth-weight baby.  If a woman notices changes in her mouth during pregnancy, please call your dentist immediately.

*Courtesy of the American Dental Association and for more info, pls visit http://www.ada.org

Dental Examiner – Read All About It!

Starting in March 2008, we will begin a new segment that will deal with myths, old tales and stories about dentistry and dental care.  For example, it is believed in some quarters that a woman would lose at least one tooth on pregnancy.  This is certainly not true!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can also send in your own stories, myths, old tales, etc and all refined stories, tales, etc shall be published. Let’s have some fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Women and Gum Disease Volume 1

Females generally have different needs at various stages of life. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can all affect the dental health and the need for treatment of a woman.  During these periods, the body of a woman undergoes hormonal changes that can make ones gums (periodontal tissues) sensitive and increase her risk for periodontal (gum) disease.  By understanding these changes, one can make informed decision as to how to practice good dental health habits that can keep ones teeth and gums healthy.  American Dental Association (http://www.ada.org) and your dentist have information for you.

WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums and bone that help anchor the teeth in the mouth caused by dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria (germs) that adheres to teeth surface.  Dental plaque forms regularly on teeth and do build up if it is not removed through daily oral hygiene.  The bacteria in dental plaque produce toxins that irritate gums.  In the early stage, called Gingivitis, gums swell, turn red and do bleed readily.  Eventually, the gum may separate from a tooth and form deepened spaces called Pockets.  In this stage, called Periodontitis, the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth are destroyed, which ultimately can cause the teeth to be loose, fall out, or require removal by any licensed dentist in your state.

Gum disease occurs at any age, but it is most common in adults.  In fact, 3 out of 4 adults are affected by this disease at some point in their lives.  women are especially susceptible to the disease at certain stages of life.  You can be sure that hormonal changes can affect the blood supply to the gums, and response to irritants from dental plaque may be extra-large i.e. exaggerated.  The periodontal tissue is a target for female hormones, which makes it much more sensitive to changes in the levels of these hormones.  Any person who is already prone to the disease, may find the problem worsening during hormonal changes.

VOLUME 2 will include Monthly Cycle, Pregnancy.

VOLUME 3 will include Teen-age years, Menopause and What to do to help Oneself.

For more information visit American Dental Association website (http://www.ada.org) or write ADA for information.  The bulk of the material obtained from ADA patient education handouts.  You can also speak with your dentist about periodontal disease and your dental health.

Do You Know A Dentist was the Father of General Anesthesia?

Sleepy & Ready for Dental Work! Back in the 1800s, a young dentist, Dr. Horace Wells was determined to make dental care as painless as possible.  He experimented on a number of techniques sometimes medical to find a way to ameliorate pain and discomfort during dental procedure.  He adopted many other health field’s techniques to dentistry and he was indeed very creative and energetic.  He even used himself as guinea-pigs in most of his experiments.  His original practice was in Hartford, CT and he introduced the use of nitrous oxide in pain management during dental treatment.  This discovery changed the field of dentistry and medicine forever and paved the way for the development of anxiolysis, conscious sedation and general anesthesia.  Dr. Wells was only 33 years old when he took his life and was honored  for his contribution to modern anesthesia by an honorary membership of the world-renounced Medical Society of Paris and both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Medical Association  (AMA) recognized him as a giant in the field of general anesthesia.