Month: May 2021

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that diagnoses and corrects teeth and jaws that are ill-positioned and bite patterns that are misaligned. Most of these treatments are progressive and, therefore, require time for positive results to appear.

Is Orthodontics Only For Kids?

This is a misconception that adults tend to have when it comes to orthodontics—that they are only for young children. But, contrary to popular belief, adults can benefit from orthodontic treatments, too. Take a look at some of the basic treatments available to adult patients:

Basic Orthodontic Treatments

1. Braces 

Dental braces are alignment tools wherein brackets are adhered to each tooth and are regularly adjusted to forward your teeth’ alignment development.

These “brackets” are typically made of metal, although there are options for ceramic and/or plastic as well. Like the brackets, the coils, wires, wire ligatures, and hooks are also composed of metal. In contrast, its other parts like the separator, elastic ligature, and elastic chain are either latex or vinyl.

Patients who are allergic to these elastics can opt for their non-synthetic alternative.

There is a reason why braces are “glued” on with a tough, specialized bonding agent. The glue is used to affix brackets securely since you wear your braces for about two to three years or more.

And after that, you will be prescribed a set of retainers. Retainers are to be worn consistently for several months to a year or two.

2. Clear Aligners 

Clear aligners are well-known from the brand “Invisalign.” These removable aligners are used to align teeth gradually. Your dentist will plan your dental condition and map out how many aligners you will be using throughout the treatment.

Each new tray will differ in structure to slowly advance the alignment process.

Clear aligners generally necessitate 12 to 18 months before maximum results are seen. However, it is possible to notice minor teeth shifting in less than a few weeks from your first day of putting them on these trays.

Ensure to follow your dentist’s recommendation regarding these invisible braces for adults, which is to wear at least 22 hours daily.

3. Lingual Braces 

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces. However, they are glued to the distal or “back” part of your teeth. Therefore, the brackets, coils, and wires are not visible when you smile.

These braces require adjustments, much like their traditional alternative.

You will have to wear lingual braces for about one to two years. At any rate, extremely overcrowded teeth will need an extra year or two. Afterward, I will fashion a retainer for you once your braces are removed.

4. Self-Ligating Braces 

Self-ligating braces function the way traditional braces do. Each bracket is bonded onto the anterior (front surface) of your teeth. But instead of having metal ties or elastics for securing the archwire in position, the self-ligating type has either an active or a built-in passive mechanism. This mechanism works as a door-like tool in locking the archwire to the brackets.

Active self-ligating braces require some pressure around the spring clip as it is slid in place. In contrast, passive self-ligating braces do not require pressure. Instead, your dentist will slide them through.

Despite the differences in their mechanism for holding the archwire and keeping it from moving, self-ligating braces are similar to traditional and lingual braces in function and treatment duration. They require a minimum of 12 to 24 months of treatment, with scheduled adjustments in between.

5. Surgical Orthognathic Procedure

Also called “orthognathic,” orthognathic surgery or “jaw surgery” is a dental operation that corrects severely misaligned teeth and jaws. This is an option for patients whose dental conditions are untreatable by orthodontic devices alone.

Patients with congenital disabilities in and around the oral cavity, along with those who have suffered from major accidents, can go for this type of dental surgery. Beyond cosmetic purposes, orthognathic surgery aims to repair teeth and jaw abnormalities permanently.

The surgery itself will take two to six or more hours. But the treatment duration, which includes a lengthy healing process, may last from one to three years. Furthermore, patients who undergo orthognathic surgery may still be prescribed specific orthodontic devices as a post-surgery treatment.

To schedule a consultation for orthodontic treatment in Del Mar, CA, give Sunny Smiles Kids a call. We provide orthodontic treatment to kids, teenagers, and adults.

Very few people naturally have straight teeth. However, you are not alone if you desire a perfectly aligned and beautiful smile. Nearly 4 million Americans wish to have a straighter set of teeth.

Years ago, metal braces were the only treatment that could straighten teeth. We now have various treatments in adult orthodontics that range from conspicuous metal braces to inconspicuous clear aligner braces. With these options, you can bid farewell to all the alignment and bite-related issues that have deterred you from having a healthy and stunning smile.

Orthodontics 101

Most people think of orthodontics as a cosmetic procedure. But this is just part of what the treatment can do. Orthodontics’s heart is giving our patients a healthy and functional bite. As an orthodontist for adults near you, we can help you get a functional bite by carefully analyzing your jaw’s position and tooth alignment.

Our orthodontist can make it so that your teeth line up like they are supposed to function as designed. The attractive smile is just the cherry on top.

Malocclusion will not only affect the aesthetics of your smile, but it can come with other issues. For example, you may have increased jaw pain because your teeth aren’t lining up correctly, leading to temporomandibular joint disorder. You can also experience speech issues and digestion problems.

Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?

Almost anyone can benefit from orthodontic treatment, but some patients might need it more than others. If any of the following issues plague you, you may need to see our orthodontist for adults near you:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Spaced teeth
• Open bite
• Misplaced midline
• Crowded teeth

How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?

Whichever device you pick, they all operate under the same principle. They are designed to shift teeth to a better position by applying pressure on them over a given time frame.

Orthodontics works by using various devices. The devices will fall into two categories: removable and fixed appliances.

Here are the various orthodontic treatments that our dentist near you offers:

• Traditional Metal Braces

Metal braces have evolved ever since they came into the market decades ago. As a result, they are much lighter and more effective than ever before. In addition, they are made from high-grade stainless steel, making them sturdy.

They have metal brackets, which are attached to your teeth. Then an archwire is used to link one metal bracket to another. These wires are the ones that apply pressure on your teeth so that they can move them to their new positions. They are effective clear aligner braces when dealing with severe cases.

The only downside is that most adults find them aesthetically unappealing and associate the treatment with teenagers and children.

• Lingual Braces

Lingual braces operate the same way as conventional metal braces, with the major difference being that they fit on the inner teeth’ surface. This is a fantastic feature that makes them virtually invisible when you smile.

Can use them to correct specific needs. For example, if you desire to straighten just six teeth, they are a great option.

• Clear Braces

Clear braces have more aesthetic appeal than metal braces. They are similar to metal braces; however, the brackets are made from tooth-colored material. Clear braces are also referred to as ceramic braces.

• Clear Aligners

If you are skeptical about metal braces because of their poor aesthetics, you can go for clear aligners. They come in customizable trays that look somewhat like boxers’ mouth guards. However, these have a better design and are more discreet.

• Self-Ligating Braces

These braces are similar to conventional braces. However, they differ in how they are designed. Traditional metal braces have o-rings or elastics that hold the archwires to the metal brackets. The brackets hold the archwire in place with self-ligating braces by closing a small spring-loaded door.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are looking for an inconspicuous option or you don’t mind having a bit of color in your mouth, we have a suitable orthodontic treatment for you. In any case, orthodontic treatment is essential if you have bite-related issues. Contact our dentist at Sunny Smile Kids to schedule a consultation for orthodontic treatment today.

 

At the mention of a dental practice, many people panic, especially children. This fear arises from anxiety, and it only worsens the situation you or your kid is experiencing. Our Del Mar pediatric dentist and her team have tons of solutions to help you. These solutions help patients relax during their dental appointments. What follows is a painless procedure, and just like that, you have a healthy mouth.

Sedation dentistry ensures you get a very relaxing and anxiety-free experience. Sedatives include a range of medical solutions. Experts carefully administer them so that they are highly effective and beneficial to the patient. Sedation dentistry services available at Del Mar are as shown below.

Dental IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation has been in existence for many years. It has been the primary technique used to sedate dental patients. Interestingly, it is administered via an IV injection directly into the veins. This method is highly effective and is not as painful as many people think. An IV injection should never make you panic. These injections make your whole body deeply relaxed. You feel dizzy, and you might not even remember what happened.

Pros 

• It does not affect bodily functions
• It works instantly
• It helps patients with a gag reflex
• Once injected, the dentist can perform multiple procedures

Cons

• An expert must do it
• Many people may have a fear of injections

Oral Sedatives

Since many people fear injections, including painless ones, oral sedatives are taken orally. They offer similar relaxation to injections. Also, they are the most popular means of sedation in the vast USA and Canada.

The only difference between injections and drugs is that drugs are taken an hour before the dentist’s appointment. This time is enough for them to get into the system. As a result, you remain conscious but then in a very relaxed mood for the entire appointment period. It helps you to interact with the dentist and cooperate where necessary.

Pros

• It is painless
• It keeps you conscious

Cons

• It takes about an hour to get into the bloodstream

Laughing Gas

Laughing gas is administered through inhaling. The good thing about it is that it stays inside the system for a short period. The short time is, however, enough for the dentist to finish his procedure. After treatment, you should be back to normal and able to drive home.

Pros

• It works well for minor procedures

Cons

• The effects diminish faster than with other sedation options

Who Typically Requires Sedation Dentistry?

There are some reasons why people prefer sedation dentistry. Although some people don’t care about it, a considerable number do.

If any of these apply to you, you may benefit from sedation dentistry:

• Have resistance to locally used anesthesia
• Have a mouth that is smaller than average.
• Feel discomfort around dentists
• Fear dental procedures
• Have an anxiety disorder

Through your dental care provider’s help, you can get necessary treatments such as root canals, bridges, and dental implants, which may not be possible without sedation dentistry. In addition, many basic procedures do not require sedation—for instance, tooth whitening or teeth cleaning treatments do not typically cause anxiety.

Which Type of Sedation Should You Choose?

At this point, you have to make a tough choice. IV injection gives the best relaxation and works almost instantly. However, if you choose it, you will have to take an injection. Since it’s injected directly into the bloodstream, it has to be done by a very qualified specialist or dentist.

When it comes to oral sedatives, some people suffer from dysphagia or pharmacophobia, so swallowing pills is not an option. Others are allergic to gases, and thus laughing gas will not work for them. It would help if you stuck with whatever method works best for you.

Additionally, most necessary procedures require an injection of a local anesthetic. With sedation coupled with a local anesthetic, you can expect a painless experience regardless of the option you choose.

Where Can I Get These Services?

Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is a committed kids’ dentist in 92014 (Del Mar). Feel free to book an appointment with our pediatric dentist any day. You can book an appointment online or by giving us a call.