Causes of Tooth Stain and Discoloration

By Mina Levi, DDS, 09/11/2015

Almost everyone wants to have a pearly white smile instead of having yellow or brown staining on the teeth. Whitening is a great option for most to whiten the color of the teeth. However, sometimes there is stain on the teeth that needs to be cleaned before the color of the enamel can show through. In this week’s article, San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS talks about the causes of tooth stain and discoloration and what you can do to keep your teeth white.

 

1. Staining food/drink. Dark colored foods and drinks like coffee, cola, wines, fruits, and red sauces stain the teeth. Avoid eating a lot of these foods, or keeping the food/drink in your mouth for an extended period of time. You can also rinse out your mouth and/or brush and floss after eating staining foods to keep staining at bay.

2. Poor hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth can cause tooth discoloration. Also, without brushing and flossing, staining foods and drinks like coffee stay on the teeth and stain them.

3. Tobacco use. When you smoke cigarettes/cigars or chew tobacco, the substances used to make these products cause the teeth to change color.

4. Medications. Certain medications like antibiotics, especially when given as children, can affect the color of the teeth.

5. Age. As we age, the outer layer of enamel wears down and the darker dentin shows through, causing the teeth to appear darker. For more information about how teeth and oral health change as we age, check out our previous article here: AGING AND ORAL HEALTH.

6. Trauma. Damage to the teeth can cause the teeth to die and change color.

If you have any questions about how teeth get stained or what you can do to avoid staining your teeth, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco dentist, tooth stain, stained teeth, staining foods, staining drinks, what drinks stain teeth, what foods stain teeth, teeth stain, whitening, teeth whitening, zoom whitening, causes of tooth stain, causes of tooth discoloration 

What Can You Eat: Substitutes for Staining Foods after Whitening

What Can You Eat: Substitutes for Staining Foods after Whitening

By Mina Levi, DDS, 04/02/2015

There are many articles that explain what you can’t eat or what foods are bad for you to eat after completing whitening treatment, but many don’t say what youare allowed to eat. In this week’s article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS gives some suggestions for food after whitening your teeth!

Main Entrée Suggestions: Turkey, white tuna (no vinegar), white fish, canned chicken breast, chicken breast without the skin, grilled cheese with white cheddar or mozzarella cheese, pasta with white sauce such as alfredo.

 Side Dish Suggestions: Plain pasta, white rice, mashed or baked potato (no peel).

 Beverage Suggestions: Milk, water, clear soda (sprite) or tonic.

 Alcohol Suggestions: Gin or Vodka (no orange juice). White wine is ok.

 Fruits & Vegetable Suggestions: Apples, bananas, pears (no peels) and cauliflower.

 Snack Suggestions: Cottage cheese, plain or vanilla yogurt, snack wells vanilla cookies, vanilla pudding, white cheese, white cheddar or mozzarella.

 Condiment Suggestions: Mayonnaise, sour cream and white gravy.

 Carbohydrate Suggestions: White bread (no crust), flour tortillas (white), crackers.

 Breakfast Suggestions: Pancakes with white syrup, egg whites, oatmeal, cream of wheat.

Additional ways you can help maintain your sparkling Zoom smile is to avoid staining related habits, use an electric toothbrush, floss and have regular professional hygiene visits. If you have questions about Zoom whitening, whitening your teeth, or what foods you are or are not allowed to eat after 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, Zoom whitening, Zoom dentist, Zoom dentist San Francisco, whitening, teeth whitening, teeth whitening San Francisco, teeth whitening dentist San Francisco, staining foods, what foods stain your teeth, staining, teeth staining, okay foods to eat

3 Ways to Whiten Teeth

3 Ways to Whiten Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS, 01/29/2015

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many of us want to be looking our best, which can include whitening the teeth. There are many options when it comes to the treatment of whitening the teeth. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS goes over three ways to whiten the teeth in terms of efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

1. Whitening toothpaste/home care regimen. This option requires the patient to purchase whitening toothpaste and mouthwash and brush, floss, and rinse with these products two to three times per day for about 6 weeks. This is the most affordable option, but it takes a lot of time and dedication on the part of the patient in order to achieve a desired effect.

2. Custom whitening trays. This option is when the patient comes to the dental office to have impressions taken and custom-made whitening trays are fabricated. Then, when the patient comes back to check the fit of the trays, they will receive the whitening gel, which is between 8-32% carbomide peroxide gel.  The patient will then wear the trays with the gel for about 15-20 minutes per day for two to three weeks. This option is effective, and is more affordable than the Zoom whitening procedure, but it takes a long time to achieve the desired result and requires active dedication/participation from the patient.

3. Zoom whitening. The patient will make one appointment at which they will be sat in a dental chair and their gums will be covered with a protecting gel so that the gums are not damaged in the process. The patient will then undergo three to four fifteen-minute sessions of the Zoom! light with a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel applied to the teeth. This procedure requires only one office visit for about one and a half hours to achieve the desired whiteness. However, this is the most expensive option and can cause some sensitivity for up to 24 hours after the procedure.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding whitening or whether or not you are a good candidate for 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, Whitening Dentist San Francisco, whitening, whitening San Francisco, teeth whitening, zoom whitening, whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, whiter teeth, Valentine’s day, brushing teeth, custom whitening trays, whitening gel, sensitivity, sensitivity after whitening, Zoom procedure, Zoom dentist San Francisco, home care, brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, gums, gum health, peroxide gel, whitening gel take home

5 Foods and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth

5 Foods and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS, 01/22/2015

 

Many people come to the dental office of San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS asking about how they can whiten their teeth, or asking about why they get stains on their teeth. People get staining for a number of reasons, which may be due to lack of proper home care (brushing, flossing) and it can also be contributed by the foods or drinks a person consumes. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS discusses 5 foods and drinks that stain your teeth.

 

1. Wine. Red wine with tannins and a dark color will stain teeth easily. White wine, even though it lacks the deep color, also has staining factors.

2. Tea. Tea (black tea, for example) has staining tannins just like wine. Black tea is the worst stain offender; while white and green teas are less likely to stain.

3. Coffee. Coffee is a notorious teeth staining aggressor. However, since it is high in chromogens but low in tannins, it is less likely to stain the teeth than black tea.

4. Soda. Both light and dark colored sodas are very acidic, and can promote staining by other foods and beverages by “prepping” the enamel of the tooth and making it more porous.

5. Tomato Sauce. Tomato sauce has a deep red color just like red wine, and can easily stain the teeth.

 

To minimize staining, Cosmetic Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS suggests swishing with water after eating/drinking staining foods, using a straw to attempt to avoid long exposure on tooth surfaces, and swallowing promptly. If you have stained teeth and would like to whiten them, it is suggested that you have a regular cleaning done first and then Zoom whitening or take-home whitening trays are both options. Keep a look out for next week’s article when we discuss 3 options for teeth whitening. 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, Cosmetic Dentist San Francisco, whitening, white teeth, staining, teeth staining, yellow teeth, staining foods, foods that stain teeth, red wine, wine, wine staining, will wine stain my teeth, tea, tea staining, coffee, soda, tomato sauce, foods, eating, dental cleaning, zoom whitening

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

Treatment for Peg Lateral Teeth

Treatment for Peg Lateral Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS 08/28/2014

What is a peg lateral tooth? Peg lateral teeth are terms used to describe a condition where the lateral incisors (second tooth on either side of the very front upper teeth) are undersized and are smaller than normal. This condition occurs when the incisors to not fully develop. In some cases, permanent adult lateral incisor teeth do not develop at all, leaving only the baby teeth. Peg lateral teeth refer to the under-developed adult tooth erupted in the incisor place.

35 year old female patient S.M. presented with a peg lateral incisor on the upper right side.

There are multiple ways to treat a peg lateral tooth to make it look more fully developed. One is cosmetic bonding, and the other is porcelain veneers. Cosmetic bonding is the application of a composite material that is matched to tooth color (usually, Zoom whitening or at-home whitening kits are recommended before this procedure) to the surfaces of the teeth. This composite material is then sculpted into the shape that is so desired by the patient to achieve the highest aesthetic value. Porcelain veneers are thin “shells” of porcelain fabricated in a laboratory that cover the front surfaces of the teeth. The teeth are prepared for the veneers, molded impressions of the teeth are then sent out to a laboratory so that the veneers can be made to fit the exact tooth structure. Then the veneers are applied to the teeth with an adhesive.

In this patient’s case, the porcelain veneer was the best option. After a quick preparation, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS took impressions of the tooth for Lumineers by DenMat, which are very thin veneers that do not require removal of a large amount of healthy tooth structure. After about two weeks, the Lumineer was fabricated and Dr. Mina Levi the permanent restoration.  

 

If you have questions about peg lateral incisors, cosmetic bonding or Lumineers, visit Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, peg lateral, peg lateral incisor, peg lateral teeth, treatment for peg lateral, peg lateral options, cosmetic bonding, bonding, cosmetic dentist San Francisco, cosmetic dentistry, veneers San Francisco, teeth bonding, Lumineers, porcelain veneers, veneers, veneers for peg lateral teeth, veneer dentist, Lumineers Dentist San Francisco, teeth whitening, dental restoration

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,

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Bonding vs Porcelain Veneers

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Bonding vs Porcelain Veneers

By Mina Levi DDS, 01/09/2014

Cosmetic dentistry is an option for those who are unhappy with the aesthetic aspects of their smile such as undersized teeth due to development issues (Peg Lateral Teeth), chipping, discoloration, and misalignment, amongst other issues. Cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers have been available for a long time, giving people the beautiful smile they have always dreamed of. There are differences between bonding and veneers, though, and one option may be more suitable for you than the other. Below, we discuss the pros and cons of both cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic Bonding

What is it?

Cosmetic bonding is the application of a composite material that is matched to tooth color (usually, Zoom whitening or at-home whitening kits are recommended before this procedure) to the surfaces of the teeth. This composite material is then sculpted into the shape that is so desired by the patient to achieve the highest aesthetic value.

Pros

1. Speedy Treatment Time. Cosmetic bonding does not involve any laboratory work, and can be performed usually with one dental office visit after the initial consultation unless the patient wants to whiten their teeth via the in-office Zoom procedure before the bonding takes place.

2. Relatively Low Cost per Tooth. The cost for cosmetic bonding is relatively low in comparison to porcelain veneers, about the same as a composite filling.

Cons

1. Staining. Unlike porcelain veneers, the composite material that is used in bonding is susceptible to staining by coffee, tea, and smoking.

2. Durability. Cosmetic bonding only can last between five to ten years, and then they will need to be replaced.

Porcelain Veneers

What are they?

Porcelain veneers are thin “shells” of porcelain fabricated in a laboratory that cover the front surfaces of the teeth. The teeth are prepared for the veneers, molded impressions of the teeth are then sent out to a laboratory so that the veneers can be made to fit the exact tooth structure. Then the veneers are applied to the teeth with an adhesive.

Pros

1. Realistic Look. Porcelain veneers are custom to each individual’s teeth and are made from a material that gives them a transparency, making them look almost identical to the natural tooth structure.

2. Stain Resistant. Porcelain veneers, unlike natural tooth structures and cosmetic bonding, are resistant to staining from coffee, tea and smoking. This makes it so that the patient can have more freedom in their diet and they will not have to worry about teeth whitening procedures.

3. Long Lasting. Depending on oral hygiene, porcelain veneers can last a lot longer than cosmetic bonding, decades if maintained properly.

Cons

1. More Procedural Work. The process to prepare the teeth, have the veneers made and then apply them to the natural teeth is a longer process than the cosmetic bonding, taking about three visits to the dental office in total with waiting periods in between in order for materials to be made and shipped.

2. Higher costs. Porcelain veneers are much pricier than the cosmetic bonding option, and are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure and thus are not covered by dental insurances.

If you wish to transform your smile cosmetically or have any questions or concerns regarding cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers, visit the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Cosmetic Bonding, Dental Bonding, Porcelain Veneers, Zoom Whitening, Dentist San Francisco, Dental Office Visit, Teeth Staining, Cosmetic Procedures,Invisalign

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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