How Crowded Teeth Affect Health

How Crowded Teeth Affect Health

By Mina Levi, DDS 07/23/2015

When a person thinks about getting braces, Invisalign clear aligners, or any other kind of orthodontic treatment, their main focus or reasoning is for cosmetic reasons: they want pretty, straight teeth. However, there are many more clinical reasons that orthodontic treatment like Invisalign is recommended that impacts a person’s health. In this week’s article, San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDS discusses how crowded teeth affect your health.

1. Calculus buildup. When your teeth are crowded, it causes very tight and unusual contacts between the teeth, making it difficult for floss and toothbrush bristles to reach all of the surfaces of the teeth to clean the bacteria and plaque that accumulates on the teeth. Because of this, those places are usually missed and so plaque and bacteria collect there and turn into hard calculus build up that cannot be removed by home care alone.

2. Gum disease. With more bacteria collecting in these tight places, the bacteria travel into the periodontal pockets, which are the pockets between the gums and the teeth. When bacteria and plaque accumulate in these places, the attachments weaken and the gum separates from the tooth, creating a deeper pocket in which the bacteria travels and causes a cycle of bacteria and disease. Periodontal/gum disease is irreversible, and can only be treated by a professional dental hygienist, the dentist, and a rigorous home care routine.

3. Tooth decay. When calculus builds up on the teeth, the bacteria sit there and eat away at the dental enamel. Once the enamel is penetrated, the bacteria eats away at the tooth structure causing a cavity or dental decay. Once the enamel is penetrated to a certain level, the decay can only be repaired with a filling. If the decay travels to the nerve of the tooth, the person may need a root canal.

4. Misalignment of bite/jaw issues. If the teeth are crowded, the top teeth may not fit correctly over the bottom teeth and they may have a mismatch on the bite. This misalignment can cause TMJ or jaw pain or issues like clicking, popping, or sticking.

5. Broken teeth. If the teeth do not fit correctly on top of one another, the force of biting or clenching/grinding at night can cause the teeth to actually break. This can only be repaired by a dentist, and if the misalignment is not corrected the problem can occur over and over again.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding crowding of the teeth or Invisalign clear aligners, visit San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, crowded teeth, straight teeth, straightening teeth, orthodontics, Invisalign, Invisalign clear aligners, clear aligners, Invisalign treatment, braces, metal braces, gum disease, calculus, plaque, oral bacteria 

The Scoop on Invisalign

The Scoop on Invisalign

By Mina Levi, DDS, 06/04/2015

When it comes to straightening your teeth, one of the best courses of treatment is Invisalign clear aligners. Many people have heard about the Invisalign product or are at least familiar with the Invisalign brand, but some are not aware of the benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment, what it looks like, how much it costs, or what it even does. In this week’s article, San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDS breaks down Invisalign clear aligner treatment and answers questions you may have about straightening your teeth and getting your dream smile!

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth.

What do Invisalign trays look like?

Invisalign aligners are made out of a clear, plastic material that is molded to your teeth, as you can see in the image below:

The Invisalign Process:

Step One: Talk to Dr. Mina Levi, a San Francisco Invisalign Preferred Provider

Invisalign Dentist San Francisco Dr. Mina Levi has been a preferred provider with Invisalign for over six years, and has treated many different types of cases with Invisalign. During your initial Invisalign consultation, she will discuss your case with you and determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Dr. Levi will talk through the Invisalign treatment and answer any questions you may have about the process, costs, insurance, or any other concerns. You and Dr. Levi will determine the best course of treatment for you together.

Step Two: Create a 3D Image of Your Teeth

Dr. Levi and her team will take digital x-rays, photographs, and impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to create a three-dimensional image of your teeth. Dr. Levi will use this image to map out your treatment plan and will be able to show you what your teeth will look like after every step of your Invisalign treatment.

Step Three: Receive Your Clear Aligners

Based on your individualized treatment plan, a series of clear custom-made aligners will be made just for you. Wear the plastic aligners throughout the day, and take them out to eat, drink, brush your teeth and floss. As you continue to wear each set of aligners, your teeth will gradually move into place. These aligners are clear and almost invisible, so most people will not even know you are wearing them.

Step Four: Wear a New Set of Aligners Every 2 Weeks

After two weeks of wearing one set of aligners, you will move onto the next step and then wear that set for another two weeks. To monitor your progress, you will have appointments set up with Dr. Levi about every six weeks. With each set of aligners that you go through, you are one step closer to your dream smile!

Step Five: Reveal Your New Smile

For most adults, treatment typically takes about a year although each individual case is different. The best way to ensure that treatment goes smoothly and as quickly as possible, make sure to wear the aligners about 22 hours a day. Then, you will be ready to show the world the smile you've always wanted.

Treatable cases:

Many different types of cases are treatable with Invisalign, the following are some of the main conditions that are treated:

1. Gapped teeth: Gaps between teeth can occur with abnormal continued growth of the jawbone. Missing teeth can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift due to the extra space, creating gaps in your teeth. Spacing issues and gaps between teeth can lead to gum problems (due to lack of protection by the teeth), periodontal pockets and increased risk of periodontal disease.

2. Overbite: What people commonly refer to as an "overbite" is known to dental professionals as "overjet." It occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It's typically caused by genetics, bad oral habits, or overdevelopment of the bone that supports the teeth. This can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth, and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.

3. Underbite: Underbite can occur when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It's usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars, which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.

4. Open Bite: Open bite often occurs when some teeth are unable to make physical contact with the opposing teeth for a proper bite. Most often caused by a genetic abnormal jaw structure or excessive thumb-sucking, an open bite can cause poor or painful chewing, and even speech impairment. It can also lead to greater issues like thermo-mandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

5. Crowding: Teeth crowding occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can get worse over time, and result in severely crooked teeth. This crowding can lead to plaque accumulation, tooth decay and an increased chance of gum disease.

6. Crossbite: Crossbite can occur when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and the sides of the mouth. This can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease and bone loss.

Is Invisalign a good fit for you? Find out! Visit Invisalign Preferred Provider Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066 to schedule a consultation today!

Topics: Invisalign Dentist San Francisco, San Francisco Dentist, Invisalign, Clear aligners, orthodontics, Invisalign clear aligners, Invisalign invisible aligners, straight teeth, straightening teeth, braces, metal braces, clear braces, invisable braces, Invisalign San Francisco

DIY Braces: They May be Cheap, but They are Not a Good Idea

DIY Braces: They May be Cheap, but They are Not a Good Idea

By Mina Levi, DDS, 03/25/2015

       You may have seen a few stories floating around on the internet about people who have had success with cheap, $5 DIY braces in closing gaps in their teeth like this one. This method may be cheap and affordable, and you don’t have to go into the dentist for check-ups as often, however, there are many major problems that this can cause. Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS explains in this article some of the problems that can occur and why you shouldn’t try DIY braces.

1. Periodontal disease. Rubber bands that people have used as at-home braces can work their way under the gums where a person can no longer reach them or pull them out. This can separate the tooth from the gums and leave areas where the gums can collect bacteria and become infected. Even if the rubber band is retrieved, the attachments will be lost and the gums will harbor bacteria in those areas until the gums are healed with periodontal treatment and maintenance at a dental office.

2. Tooth loss. If rubber bands that sink below the gum line are un-retrievable, the separation of the gum and the tooth will continue and the rubber bands can wrap themselves around the root of the tooth, causing severe infection. The detachment of the gums from the tooth at this level can cause tooth loss alone, but with infection also in consideration, the tooth may be lost along with bone structure. The tooth will then need to be replaced with dentures or an implant. Implants are not an option, however, if there is too much bone loss in the area.

3. Lead poisoning. Metal that is found in DIY braces kits that are sold on the black market have been found to have traces of lead. Using this metal and putting it into your mouth can lead to lead poisoning; this can be fatal.

If the cost of professional Invisalign or metal braces is what may cause you to try DIY braces, please talk to Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS about the multiple financial options that are available to help you pay for Invisalign treatment such as in-office payment plans and Care Credit. If the multiple office visits is what is causing you to think about DIY braces, we can also talk to you about how often you will need to come in to the office and why, and we will try to make the treatment as seamless as possible for you. Please do not use DIY braces, as you could lose your perfectly healthy teeth. To learn more about Invisalign treatment, visit our Invisalign page here or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

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Mobile or "Loose" Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Mobile or “Loose” Teeth during Orthodontic Treatment

By Mina Levi, DDS, 10/30/2014

During orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, a patient may feel like their teeth are loose. Many patients feel nervous and confused about this sensation and can have questions like “are my teeth supposed to be loose?” and “why do I feel like my teeth are mobile?” San Francisco Invisalign Dentist Mina Levi DDS explains why teeth are semi-mobile during orthodontic treatment in the article below.

Tooth movement (from crooked to straight) occurs due to pressure applied to the teeth by the orthodontic device such as traditional braces or Invisalign. This pressure is transmitted to the crown, root, periodontal ligament and bone surrounding the tooth. The slow, continuous application of this pressure moves the teeth efficiently. In the direction the teeth are moving, the periodontal (gum) membrane is squeezed. The bone surface contacting this membrane begins to resorb due to activation of bone cells called osteoclasts (bone removing cells). In the places from which the tooth has moved (its original placement) bone cells called osteoblasts (bone building cells) start rebuilding the bone.

This is the reason that the teeth feel loose during orthodontic treatment, because the ligaments are squeezed and the bone is being removed and re-built around the tooth. Once the orthodontic treatment is finished and the teeth are in the final position, the bone stops rebuilding and stabilizes. Therefore, the feeling of tooth mobility will no longer exist. Even though the teeth are more secure in the bone after the treatment is complete, a retainer is still needed to keep the teeth in this position once appliances are removed.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Invisalign or orthodontic treatment, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Invisalign, Invisalign preferred provider, Invisalign provider, Invisalign dentist, Invisalign Dentist San Francisco, Invisalign preferred provider San Francisco, San Francisco Invisalign, orthodontic treatment, orthodontics, clear aligners, braces, metal braces, traditional braces, orthodontist San Francisco

Complementary Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry at Work

Complementary Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry at Work

By Mina Levi, DDS, 09/18/2014

In order to have a beautiful, radiant smile, the first and most important thing is to ensure that the mouth is healthy. This may require some restorative dentistry such as tooth colored composite fillings, Zirconia metal free implants and/or porcelain crowns. Restorative dentistry can complement cosmetic dentistry so that the patient can have the healthy smile that they’ve always wanted. 45 year old female patient S.K. presented to Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS with a complicated cosmetic and restorative case. The patient was missing her left and right lateral incisors and had discolored and crowded teeth. The first step in the treatment plan with Dentist San Francisco was to go through Invisalign orthodontic treatment to straighten the teeth and at the same time, place Zirconia metal free implants in the spaces of the lateral incisors. This allows the teeth to be straightened and the bone to heal around the implants.

After the implants were placed and the Invisalign orthodontic treatment was finished, S.K. had Zoom whitening performed to whiten the teeth. Then, abutment supported porcelain crowns were placed over the implants to finish the smile.

 

 

The patient was very happy with her new beautiful, healthy smile.

If you have any questions or concerns about Invisalign orthodontics, Zirconia metal free implants or Zoom whitening, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, restorative dentistry, restorative dentist, restorative dentist San Francisco, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist 94108, implants, dental implants, metal free implants, Zirconia implants, Zirconia metal free implants, metal free dental implants, Zirconia dental implants, Invisalign, Invisalign orthodontic treatment, Orthodontics, clear braces, clear aligners, braces, Invisalign San Francisco, clear braces San Francisco, orthodontics 94108, Invisalign dentist San Francisco, Zoom whitening, white teeth, whiter teeth, teeth whitening, Zoom dentist, Zoom San Francisco

Instant Gratification: A Quick Cosmetic Fix

Instant Gratification: A Quick Cosmetic Fix

By Mina Levi, DDS, 08/21/2014

A 56 year old female I.C. saw Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS as an emergency due to a fractured front tooth during a visit to San Francisco, CA from Ireland for a wedding. Upon examination, the patient was asymptomatic, the broken tooth was not causing her any pain. There had been a previous history of an existing restoration on that tooth that was older than 5 years. The break of this restoration was causing the patient to not be able to eat well, but was mostly a cosmetic concern.

 

 

After the initial exam, it was determined that the patient would need to restore this tooth with a porcelain crown for the long run since so much tooth structure was missing and another composite restoration would probably not last long. However, due to the patient being in San Francisco for only a few days and she was in need of a quicker solution to her issue for the time being, Dentist San Francisco decided to restore the tooth with a large composite restoration. She explained to the patient that she would need to have the tooth restored with a porcelain crown when she returned to Ireland.

 

 

Dr. Levi completed the restoration and the patient was happy with the result. The composite restoration provided a fix for the patient’s cosmetic concerns and would serve functional for the next few weeks.

 

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist concern, broken tooth, chipped tooth, composite, restorative dentistry, dental restoration, bonding, porcelain crown, crown, porcelain, porcelain crowns San Francisco, crown dentist, composite restorations

Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment

Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment

By Mina Levi, DDS, 08/14/2014

 

A 22 year old female A.G. saw Dentist San Francisco Dr. Mina Levi with a chief complaint of crowding of the teeth and an upper front tooth sticking out more than she would like. The front tooth that was sticking out had a previous history of a root canal with a large plastic composite bonding over the tooth. The secondary concern was the overall look of the teeth with color and shape. After the initial examination, it was concluded that the patient would be a good candidate for Invisalign orthodontic treatment to correct the crowding and pull the front tooth into alignment with the rest of the upper teeth.

  

 

The Invisalign treatment lasted 10 months for patient A.G., and the teeth were aligned.

  

 

Once the Invisalign treatment was completed, Dr. Mina Levi suggested Zoom whitening to change the color of the teeth. However, the root canalled tooth in the front with the composite material on the top would not change color, and a new restoration would have to be placed at the time that the shape of the teeth was being changed.

After the Zoom whitening, the patient decided to restore the front 8 teeth with Lumineers, very thin limited-prep veneers. To begin this process, San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS reshaped the gumline using laser dentistry, and also re-contoured the teeth in order for the veneers to fit well and not look too bulky in the mouth.

 

After the re-contouring was finished, Dr. Mina Levi took impressions of the teeth and sent them to the laboratory for the Lumineers to be fabricated. About three weeks later, the veneers were placed.

After about 11 months of treatment, through Invisalign, Zoom whitening and Lumineers, the final restorations gave the following final result:

  

If you have any Cosmetic Dentistry concerns or interest in Invisalign, Zoom or Lumineers, give Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS a visit on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

 

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist san Francisco, comprehensive cosmetic treatment, comprehensive cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign clear aligners, Invisalign, Invisalign clear braces, orthodontics, Invisalign dentist San Francisco, Orthodontist San Francisco, Zoom whitening, whitening teeth, teeth whitening, white teeth, Zoom dentist, Zoom San Francisco, Lumineers, Lumineers veneers, porcelain veneers,

Snap-On Smile: Is it Right for Me?

Snap-On Smile: Is it Right for Me? 

By Mina Levi DDS, 01/16/2014

Aesthetics of the mouth and teeth can be a big deal issue for a lot of people, and some consider cosmetic treatment to fix unappealing areas. These treatments include Invisalign clear aligners, dental implants, porcelain veneers, dental bridges, dentures and more. For some people, a great solution is called the Snap-on Smile, but for others it may not be such a good choice. In this article, we review Snap-On Smile and who are good candidates for the treatment.

What is Snap-On-Smile?

Snap-On Smile is an affordable cosmetic solution that can be either temporary or permanent. Snap-On Smile is made from impressions of the individual’s own teeth to be able to “snap on” over the teeth and cover any aesthetically unappealing flaws. It is made from dental resin, which makes it thin but strong enough to eat and drink with.

The Snap-On Smile is great for patients who:

1. Have gaps or spacing between the teeth. Invisalign clear aligners are also great for this issue as well, but the Snap-on-Smile is a little more cost-effective.

2. Have overly-crowded teeth.

3. Have teeth that are shorter than usual.

4. Are waiting for implants to heal before the crown is placed.

5. Are looking for an alternative to old fashioned partial dentures.

The Snap-On Smile is not great for patient who:

1. Require a full mouth reconstruction.

2. Have compromised oral hygiene.

3. Have gum or periodontal disease.

4. Have a significant number of missing teeth.

5. Have bulky teeth.

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to see if Snap-On Smile is right for you, visit the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web atwww.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Snap-On Smile, Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Bridges, Dental Implants, Teeth Gaps, Teeth Crowding

New Years Resolutions for Your Mouth

New Year's Resolutions for Your Mouth

By Mina Levi, DDS 01/02/2014

As we kick off this New Year of 2014, many people will have New Year’s Resolutions involving their health such as “lose 10 pounds” or “eat healthier”. What some people will not think about though is to have New Year’s Resolutions for your mouth and oral health. Your smile goals as well as taking better care of your mouth and teeth are incredibly important, especially since your oral health is linked to your overall health. Below, we discuss five New Year’s Resolutions for your mouth and how you can accomplish them.

1. Whiter Smile. There are many ways to achieving a whiter smile this year. There is an at-home option where Dentist San Francisco Dr. Mina Leviwill make customized whitening trays and provide you with concentrated whitening gel. There is also the very popular Zoom whitening in-office procedure. This procedure takes about an hour in the dental office and can achieve up to eight shades whiter in just one sitting! There are also many foods that can help you whiten your teeth, see the article “How to Keep Teeth White Through the Holidays” for more details.

2. Straighten Teeth. Some people are embarrassed by or unhappy with teeth that are crooked or out of alignment. Invisalign clear alignment is an option for straightening teeth that is nearly invisible, comfortable and easily removable for eating and keeping up with oral hygiene.

3. Reduce Cavities. The first step toward this goal is to visit the dentist to see if you have any cavities or areas of concern. If the areas of concern are early stage cavities, then Icon: No Drilling resin infiltration may be right for you. Icon treats areas that are in an early stage to stop the cavity from progressing without drilling. If the area is a later stage cavity, however, a filling or crown may be necessary. Either way, it is essential that you get a diagnosis as soon as possible so that any unhealthy tooth structure can be removed or healed.

4. Follow a Stricter Oral Hygiene Regimen. Many people are pretty lax about their daily oral hygiene routine. Some brush well but do not floss while others only brush their teeth once per day. This at-home routine is essential to optimal oral health. It is recommended that the teeth are brushed at least twice daily and flossed at least once per day. Also, it is very important to see the dentist at least twice a year to have a check up and get a professional cleaning done. These professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that is not able to be removed at home, and if avoided this plaque will begin to eat away at healthy tooth structure.

5. Heal Periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums that has progressed from gingivitis from plaque build-up. The best ways to heal periodontitis and achieve optimal gum health is to have professional cleanings done more often than usual and keep a very strict oral hygiene regimen. There is also another option for advanced periodontitis cases called Perio Protect, which delivers medication directly to the gums using custom-made trays.

For more information regarding your own smile or oral health goals for 2014, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web atwww.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. We wish you the best of luck in achieving your goals and wish you a Happy New Year!

Topics: New Year’s Resolutions, Oral Health, Teeth Whitening, Zoom Whitening, Cavities, Oral Hygiene,Icon, Perio Protect, Periodontitis, Gingivitis,Straighten Teeth, Invisalign, Dentist San Francisco 

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Pros and Cons

By Mina Levi, DDS 11/26/2013

 

Alignment of the teeth is one of the most important aspects of having the optimal, beautiful smile. The treatment to align the teeth known as Orthodontics can be a bit of a hassle, especially when thinking about having a mouth full of metal for a long time. However, there are options available for patients who are longing for straight teeth that don't involve all of the wire work. The most popular of alternatives is called Invisalign, which is clear alignment. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS can be helpful in making the decision between traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Below we discuss some of the differences between the two, and the pros and cons of both.  
 

 

1. Visibility. Invisalign aligners are exactly as they sound, invisible. They are manufactured with a plastic material and are clear. Traditional braces are made of metal and are absolutely visible.

 

2. Removability. Invisalign aligners are completely removable and can be taken out of the mouth when needed. There are disadvantages to this, however, if the patient is not compliant with the amount of time prescribed to wear the aligners the straightening process will not move along on track. Traditional braces are not removable, which is inconvenient and they get in the way of many activities. The patient compliance is a non-issue with the traditional braces since it is not an option to remove them.

 

3. Oral Hygiene. Since Invisalign aligners are removable and do not block any part of he teeth, oral hygiene is much better than with traditional braces in which it is difficult to remove the plaque from in between and around the brackets. Also, with traditional braces, if the plaque remains on and around the brackets it can cause de-calcification of the teeth and gum inflammation. This changes the color of the teeth permanently in those areas because calcium has been leeched out of the tooth structure by the plaque build-up.

 

4. Irritation. Traditional braces are very bulky and can have sharp edges and ends. Because of this, they commonly cause irritation of the lips and cheeks. Also, it allows for spaces for plaque to accumulate, which causes gum irritation and gum disease. Invisalign clear aligners are customized to fit tightly to the teeth and so they do not irritate the gums or surrounding tissues.

 

5. Diet. Traditional braces come with dietary restrictions due to their physical nature; certain foods are difficult to eat and can cause the brackets to come loose. Also, when braces are tightened it makes the teeth very sore and hard foods are almost impossible to consume. Invisalign allows the freedom to choose one's personal diet due to the fact that they are removable.

 

6. Whitening. Teeth whitening is not an option with traditional braces since parts of the tooth surfaces are covered in metal, and whitening the other surfaces would leave discolored squares on the teeth when the braces are removed. Invisalign aligners can double as whitening trays during the alignment process. You receive whitening gel through the Dentist San Francisco and place it into your trays, then rinse out after 15-20 minutes.

 

7. Straightening Issues. There are certain teeth conditions that are better treated with Invisalign aligners, such as a deep bite condition. However, there are certain teeth conditions that are better treated with traditional braces, such as an open bite condition or rotation of cylindrical teeth.

 

8. Price. The price of Invisalign is very comparable to traditional braces, about $4000-$6500.

 

After reviewing the positive and negative aspects of both Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces, you can make the next step in finding an Invisalign Preferred Provider dentist for treatment. Dr. Mina Levi, DDS has been a Preferred Provider for Invisalign since 2009. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule a complementary Invisalign consultation, visit the Dentist San Francisco on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

 

Topics: Invisalign, Teeth Whitening, Traditional Braces, Orthodontics, Dentist San Francisco, Gum Disease, Dental Plaque

Four Ways to Improve Your Smile

Improvements in dental techniques and new cosmetic products and procedures give you many options for improvement if you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile. Depending upon your goals, your oral health, and your budget, you can opt for cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign® alignment devices, or even an instant “Snap on Smile.”

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with the aesthetics of your smile, not just your oral health. Cosmetic dentists use state-of-the-art tools, materials, and techniques to realize your vision of a beautiful smile. Often, Cosmetic Dentistry includes removal or movement of teeth to improve the symmetry of a patient’s smile, but some dental problems that detract from a smile’s appearance are easier to fix. You may opt for custom whitening with an oxidizing agent, laser-reshaping of gum tissue, or correction of broken or chipped teeth with epoxies or veneers.

Veneers

Dental Veneers are thin coverings of ceramic or porcelain – or sometimes a composite resin. This covering is permanently bonded to the fronts of patients’ teeth, and can be used on one or two, or the entire visible smile. Fitting and adhering Veneers does not usually require anesthesia, and is ideal for those who want to improve the look of their most visible front teeth but do not require movement or removal of teeth. You can hide stains, fill gaps between teeth, create a brighter smile, and make slight changes to the shape of teeth with Veneers. Results can last for many years.

Snap on Smile

Snap-On-Smile is a great option for patients who are not sure they want to commit to more permanent or expensive improvements to their smiles. Some patients use Snap on Smile temporarily, to mask damaged teeth until a permanent fix can be achieved. These thin, strong, custom-fitted coverings for the visible teeth provides better bite function as well as a more pleasing appearance, and can be created and fitted without anesthesia or any change in tooth structure. They are available for upper and lower teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign® tooth aligners are clear, comfortable nearly invisible customized devices that work similarly to regular braces, without the pain, mouth sores, tooth decay or discoloration, plaque buildup, and difficulty eating that regular braces often cause. Invisalign® helps to gradually move a patient’s teeth into the proper alignment, creating a symmetrical smile and helping the gums fit more securely around the teeth to help prevent gum disease.

 

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