Is Invisalign Right for Me?

Here at our office, we have the great distinction of being named one of Invisalign’s Premiere Providers. We have the understanding and the ability to use Invisalign to help our patients and provide the path to their dream smiles. Our dentist also has exceptionally well-trained dentists who provide care to our patients. Our dentists are certified and possess years of experience with Invisalign.

We often have patients ask us if Invisalign is the right choice to adjust their misaligned teeth. When they come to consult with our Invisalign dentists in San Francisco, they are frequently surprised that Invisalign technology continues to advance and those who could not benefit from the alignment system several years ago, now get excellent results.

Because of Invisalign advances, teens have great success with Invisalign Teen, a newer extension of the traditional system with specially designed aligners made to meet the needs of teen patients. Many patients also enjoy the Invisalign Express treatments which are an accelerated version of the traditional Invisalign. Our dentists often recommend this treatment for patients with relatively minor issues.

There are a few reasons that a patient could not benefit from the Invisalign alignment system.

Patients with dental implants and bridges do not experience success with Invisalign because the dental work, by design, will not move. This defeats the purpose of the alignment trays pushing the teeth into proper position.

Many of our patients who have Temporomandibular Joint problems have limited success with Invisalign. Our office will not automatically rule you out for Invisalign if you have TMJ. It is a condition that varies in symptoms and severity so our dentists judge the benefits of the aligners for TMJ patients on a case to case basis. Those with excessive swelling or pain usually are not good candidates for the alignment trays. However, other patients with TMJ concerns have success with Invisalign.

If you would like Invisalign aligners, contact our office and ask about our no-obligation consultation. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn the Invisalign system is just what you need to love your smile.

When is Invisalign Express a Good Option?

The Invisalign system has spent 20-plus years helping dental practices create straight and brilliant smiles. During that time, there have been advances and upgrades to Invisalign making a great system even better. Our dentist is at the forefront of these advances. As one of eight dentists sitting on The Align Technology Innovation Leadership Panel, our dentist works with Invisalign’s parent company, Align Technology, to continue improvements and enhancements to Invisalign. Therefore, our office is at the front of the line for Invisalign innovation. One particularly useful addition to the group of products is the Invisalign Express system.

Our dentist in San Francisco sees many patients who could see excellent results from the Invisalign Express system. Our dentist normally suggests the express option to patients with minor imperfections or crooked teeth.

The Invisalign Express system works in the same way that the original Invisalign treatment works. A series of transparent plastic alignment trays work to guide the teeth into the proper position. The customized aligners change periodically during treatment. Each change moves the teeth a bit closer to the preferred location.

The most noteworthy difference between the primary Invisalign system and Invisalign Express is that express patients complete their treatments in approximately three to six months. The average time spent using the full Invisalign system is 12 to 18 months. We like to remind our patients these are just approximations each individual’s treatment time can be shorter or longer. Occasionally, our dentist may add to your express treatment, especially if he sees insufficient progress.

The protocol for Invisalign Express is the same as that of traditional Invisalign. For a patient to get optimal results, you need the aligners on your teeth for 20-22 hours every day. Also, patients using Invisalign Express must adhere to the hygiene standards set for traditional Invisalign patients such as removing aligners to eat, brushing your teeth after meals, and cleaning the aligners regularly.

If you think Invisalign Express may be a good option for you, contact our office to schedule a no-obligation consultation to learn more about this revolutionary system. 

Types of Braces for Adults

Often hearing the word braces brings to mind teenagers with mouths full of wires and rubber bands. While we see many teen orthodontic patients in our practice, adults are opting to get braces in ever-increasing numbers. Many of our adult patients are willing to see our orthodontist because the latest kinds of braces are more discreet and this led to their decision to seek orthodontic care. There are numerous types of braces well suited for our adult patients.

• WIRED BRACES- While today’s wired braces are similar to the traditional sets of heavily wired stainless-steel braces from decades ago, the updated version is smaller and more discreet. They are as effective as the braces from long ago, and they work in the same way. Our dentist attaches small brackets to the surface of your teeth and then threads the wire through them. The wires connect to rubber bands used to adjust the amount of pressure the braces put on your teeth.

• CLEAR OR CERAMIC BRACES- The clear or ceramic braces are quite popular with our adult patients. While these braces work just as regular braces work, the materials used to make ceramic or clear braces blends in with your natural tooth color. This makes them difficult to notice. This is also the reason for the popularity of clear braces.

• LINGUAL BRACES- These braces are metal and work the same way as traditional braces work. The difference is they are unnoticeable because they attach to the back of your teeth and are out of sight. Because the wires are closer to the tongue, some patients find lingual braces uncomfortable.

• INVISALIGN- The Invisalign system differs from braces, but it is made to correct misalignments. This system consists of a series of custom-made clear plastic aligning trays. The aligners fit on to of your upper and lower teeth and gradually push your teeth into the proper position. Invisalign is extremely popular with patients because the alignment trays are difficult to see and come out when eating; this eliminates the food restrictions of traditional braces.

Our dentist can help guide you through the process of choosing your braces. If you would like to learn more, please contact our office.

Good Foods for Oral Health

Even though we give our patients suggestions regarding the best ways to maintain good dental health, it is also essential for our patients to understand the way nutrition can help improve oral health.

It is not surprising to learn that many of the foods which are good for our overall health also can help improve our dental health. Likewise, many of the foods carrying an adverse effect on our bodies are also best avoided for your dental wellbeing. Things like candy, soda, and pastries are low in nutrients but high in carbohydrates. When you eat carbs, the bacteria in your mouth produce high levels of acid. The acid wreaks havoc on your tooth enamel and your gum health.

Fortunately, there are many tasty and readily available foods beneficial to your dental health. These include:

• DAIRY PRODUCTS- While many patients hear that dairy is a food that is good for teeth because of calcium and vitamin D, studies show that consuming cheese changes the pH in your mouth, helping to avoid cavities.

• NUTS- Aside from being full of protein, nuts also contain minerals necessary to build your oral health. Another benefit of nuts is that chewing them stimulates the production of saliva. Because saliva continually cleans your mouth, having more is a good thing. There is no reason for you to be concerned about small indulgences; a hand-full of nuts is a great snack.

• FRESH VEGETABLES- Many of us can remember being told to eat our vegetables because they would help us to grow healthy and strong. It turns out that veggies not only promote our overall wellbeing, they also work to keep our teeth in good shape. Much like the nuts, the crunch effect of raw vegetables helps to stimulate saliva. In turn, saliva helps wash away bacteria, sugars, and debris in our mouths. The vitamins found in vegetables also promote oral health.

Be sure to add these types of food to your diet so you can reap the benefits of health-conscious and dental health-conscious eating. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our dentist.

Options for Treating Periodontics

As many of our patients may already know, periodontitis is not just a threat to your dental wellbeing but your overall health as well. More commonly known as gum disease, periodontitis is an insidious disease which begins when the bacteria in your mouth build up and release toxins. The toxins attack the surfaces close to your gum line and can usher in a variety of health problems. After compromising your gum tissue enough, the bacteria can enter your body through the bloodstream, creating infection and inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, as the disease progresses, your teeth loosen, your gums are unstable, and you are at risk for tooth and bone loss. This is why proper dental care is necessary during all stages of your life.

Gum disease has several levels of severity and therefore our periodontist in San Francisco offers patients numerous treatment options.

TREATMENT FOR EARLY STAGE GUM DISEASE:
• Gum disease in its earliest form is also known as gingivitis. This initial form of the disease is known for symptoms like inflamed or swollen gums, bleeding gums when eating or brushing your teeth, and chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible. Your first course of treatment is called scaling and root planing. This treatment involves a deep cleaning to remove plaque, tarter, and diseased tissue at and below the gumline. To maintain healthy gums, you should practice diligent oral health care at home.

• A more developed form of gum disease is chronic periodontal disease. The hallmarks of this stage of gum disease include prominently bleeding gums, inflammation, and a receding gum line.

Patients with this form of gum disease need more treatment than a deep dental cleaning. You may receive antimicrobial therapies to stop the progression of the disease. Because the gums and jawbones are affected by the infection, our dentist may choose to do pocket reduction surgery or tissue grafts.

• Aggressive periodontal disease is the hardest gum disease to treat because it progresses extremely quickly. Patients experience bone loss and gum detachment.

Surgical intervention is usually necessary to keep any healthy bone and tissue. Laser treatments, bone grafts, and tissue regeneration are options that can save your smile.


If you have signs of gum disease, do not delay in seeking treatment. When caught in the early stages, gum disease is curable. For more information or an appointment, please contact our office. 

What are Invisalign Aligners Made of?

In our dental office, we see new techniques and treatments as well as the happy reactions of the patients who try the new advances. Few new devices have gained the level of popularity that we see in the Invisalign system.

Invisalign began more than twenty years ago, yet it is still gaining popularity with patients requesting more consultations about the system than all of the other orthodontic options combined.

Our Invisalign dentist in Huntington Beach credits the success of the aligners to its comfort and the fact that it delivers on its promise to be nearly invisible. In our society, we have a premium on our image, so many adults who want straighter teeth and a beautiful smile rejects the traditional wire and metal braces in favor of Invisalign and its system of alignment trays.

Invisalign has numerous positive features that our patients like.
• The system is removable, so those who wear the aligners do not have strict limitations regarding food and drink.

• Invisalign is comfortable. A few patients report an adjustment period of one or two days, but the majority of Invisalign wearers say they do not notice the alignment trays.

• Patients say it is easy to track your progress with Invisalign because the results are present each time the aligners are not on the teeth.

• Invisalign is nearly invisible.

Our patients are always impressed by how such a thin and discreet tray can correct misaligned teeth. They often ask what materials are used to make Invisalign’s clear and lightweight alignment trays.

The Invisalign makers use top of the line medical grade plastic to create the alignment trays. The plastic is polyurethane, and the United States Pharmacopeia also known as the USP approves of the plastic finding it is biocompatible with humans, making it safe for human use in the mouth. Invisalign manufacturers the aligners in a high-tech facility specializing in medical manufacturing.

If you would like to learn more about Invisalign, please feel free to contact our office and make an appointment for a no-obligation consultation. 

How Veneers Improve the Appearance of Teeth

Veneers can do a lot for a smile. Dental veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of teeth. Typically made of porcelain, veneers have a translucent appearance that mimics dental enamel, but they cover imperfections for a more aesthetically appealing smile. Our cosmetic dentist can use veneers to correct many cosmetic flaws and transform a smile. 

What Can Veneers Do?
Our cosmetic dentist can use veneers to improve the shape, color and other aspects of teeth. They can conceal chips, cracks, uneven enamel and other common flaws, and they can cover stains, close gaps and make teeth look straight. Veneers can even be used to strengthen a weak tooth. Once a veneer is applied, it can last 15 years or more with good care.
Benefits of Veneers
Little preparation is required to place veneers, and some require no preparation at all. The porcelain is carefully matched to teeth for a natural appearance, and once they are applied, they are indistinguishable from natural enamel. They have an attractive translucency that reflects light just like teeth do, but they do not stain or discolor. 
The Process 
Candidates for veneers will begin by having a small portion of their outer enamel removed. This is to make room for the veneers, which are about the same thickness as a contact lens. By removing the enamel, a better, more comfortable fit is ensured. Once the tooth has been prepared, an impression is made to serve as a model for crafting the veneers. The porcelain is matched to surrounding teeth for a flawless look. 
Two visits are needed: the first to prepare the teeth and the second to fit the veneers. The veneer is bonded into place using a special adhesive that will keep it secure for years. To maintain the veneers, patients only need to brush and floss as directed and schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups. They should also avoid using their teeth as tools, a habit that could crack both veneers and natural teeth. 
Contact our veneers dentist in San Francisco today to learn more about how veneers can transform a smile. 
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