Invisalign Instead of Braces for Straight Teeth

Invisalign® is the revolutionary way to straighten teeth, and if you have been reluctant to see a dentist or orthodontist because you don’t want to wear conventional wires, and brackets, talk to Dental Care of Corona who can determine if you are a good fit for Invisalign®.

Old School Braces

Conventional braces can take up to two years to straighten your teeth, but that isn’t the only problem with old school braces. Because you cannot remove the wires and brackets, it is impossible to brush and floss properly. With conventional braces tooth decay and gum disease are both issues. Conventional wires and brackets can also cause pain when adjusted.

Invisalign® Clear Plastic Aligners

Invisalign® consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that you wear between 20 and 22 hours every day. Because you remove your aligners when you eat, brush and floss you are less likely to deal with gum disease or tooth decay.

The Invisalign® Process

Dental Care of Corona will custom make the Invisalign®  trays and give you between 11 and 31 sets of clear plastic trays that you will swap out every week or two depending on your Invisalign® customized tooth straightening plan.

Unlike conventional wires and brackets, you will only need to see your Corona Dentist every 6 weeks to make sure that your Invisalign® treatment is going according to plan. Old school wires and brackets require more frequent dental appointments. Although the average for Invisalign®  wearers is between 9 and 18 months, some patients will have a brand new smile in as little as six months.

If you want to boost your self-confidence and repair your rotated, tipped, or crooked teeth, schedule an appointment with Dental Care of Corona who can determine if Invisalign® is right for you. You really can have the smile that you deserve. Call for a no obligation Invisalign® consultation today. 

Chronic Halitosis Could Be Ruining Your Life

If your chronic halitosis is keeping you away from social engagements, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Although there are several reasons for chronic bad breath, gum disease is at the top of the list. If you have gum disease it’s not just your teeth and gums that will suffer.

Periodontal disease, the more serious form of gum disease, has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.  Although it is imperative that you schedule an appointment for your chronic halitosis, there are some other reasons for your bad breath.

Dry Mouth-Medications, postnasal drip, tobacco use and certain medical problems can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can cause bad breath and other teeth and gum problems. Dry mouth occurs because your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva. Ask your doctor to switch your medication. If you aren’t on any over the counter or prescribed drugs, talk to your dentist.

Tobacco-Cigarettes, cigars, Hookah pipes, and chewing tobacco are equally as bad as each other. If you smoke or chew, you could be suffering from chronic halitosis. Ask your doctor about kicking the habit. Tobacco also affects your sense of taste and smell, can irritate your delicate gums and can stain your teeth. When you quit chewing or smoking, you may see an increase in your social engagement invitations.

Onions and Garlic-You may love garlic and onions, but be aware that the odor will stay in your system up to 72 hours after you have eaten it. Odorous foods are absorbed into your blood stream, through your skin and into your teeth and gums. Brushing, flossing and mouth rinse will not help the smell go away until the onions, garlic and other odorous foods have been absorbed into your body.

If you have chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment with your Corona Dentist who can determine the cause and come up with a solution to your chronic halitosis. Call or click now.

Stay Safe with a Custom Made Mouthguard

It’s Facial Protection Month and that means a trip to your Corona Dentist for a custom fitted mouthguard this April.

According to the American Dental Association that trip to the emergency room last spring thanks to a blow to the head, could have been avoided if your kids had been fitted with a custom-made mouth protector.

Every year thousands of kids spend their Saturday afternoon in the emergency room instead of on the playing field. If your daughter split her lip because of a fall on the balance beam, a custom fitted mouth protector may have lessened the damage.

Spring sees a flood of kids and adults in the ER thanks to outdoor activities. Patients suffering from facial, mouth and head injuries because of a sports related mishap are spending time and money on procedures that may have been avoided.

Although boxing and football are at the top of the list when it comes to mouth protectors, people who play tennis or like to surf should also talk to the dentist about a custom-made mouth protector.

According to the American Dental Association, mouthguards will protect the face by cushioning the blow. This can also help minimize broken teeth and lip, face, jaw and tongue injuries.

The ADA says that kids aged between 7 and 11 are the most vulnerable when it comes to mouth injuries that are sports related. Add the fact that 60 percent of athletes are more apt to suffer mouth, teeth and gum damage if they do not wear a mouthguard and you will want to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom fitted mouthguard.

All sports enthusiasts should consider custom made mouth protectors, and although custom-made mouthguards are more expensive than stock or boil and bite, you will save in the long run, especially if an unfortunate accident should occur on the playing field.

Call your dentist for a custom fitted mouthguard and stay safe this spring and summer. 

The Hidden Dangers of Oral Piercing

There are plenty of horror stories telling the tale of a pierced tongue gone wrong. Infection, swelling, and tooth damage are just a few of the dangerous side effects of oral piercing.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some serious problems can occur with oral piercings. Of course, some people never have an issue, but do you really want to take that chance?

Although it may seem about as risky as getting your ears pierced, getting a hole in your tongue could have some serious side effects.

Common Problems

Infection, nerve damage, teeth and mouth injuries, swelling, periodontal disease, and irreversible nerve damage are just a few of the problems you can develop if you have your tongue, lip, or mouth pierced.

Those little barbells and studs may make you look cool, but accidentally bite down on one and you may have second thoughts about having your tongue pierced.

Infections: In a survey of college Students in New York, six percent of those who had oral piercings had a problem after the piercing. Some required a visit to the ER to treat infections with antibiotics. In addition, you will be left with a scar after you remove your stud or post. It may heal quickly, but you will be left with scar tissue.

Tooth Chipping: In one study, over half of the people who had long barbell piercings chipped their teeth. Those in the study who wore them for four years or more had chipping on their back teeth as well.

Gum Recession: Dentists are now discovering that your gums in the front of your mouth are twice as likely to recede after tongue piercing. Experts believe this is because the barbell or stud is constantly being forced against your front teeth. If you have gum recession due to oral piercings, your jawbone will reabsorb into your body. Once the bone is gone, there is nothing to hold your teeth. You may love the look of your pierced tongue, but it could eventually cause you to lose your teeth.

Dental Restoration Damage: If you have dental restorations, you are running the risk of damage. Your beautiful porcelain veneers that your insurance didn’t cover could be ruined with that gold barbell that you cannot get enough of.

If you insist on wearing oral jewelry, dentists recommend wearing acrylic barbells or acrylic balls to lessen the chance of tooth and gum damage.

Although lip, tongue and cheek piercing is all the rage, take a moment to consider what it is doing to the rest of your body. If you are thinking about having your tongue pierced, you may want to reconsider. Losing your teeth over a pretty little piece of jewelry really isn’t worth it.

Talk to a dentist who can help you understand the dangers of oral piercings. It just may change your mind. Call today. 

Drinks that Can Eat Teeth

Your teeth are strong, but just like your bones, aren’t indestructible. What you eat, and especially what you drink, can play a huge roll in your overall mouth health. Good oral hygiene habits are essential for strong teeth, but so are the foods that you eat and the beverages that you drink.

Acidic Drink Danger

High pH levels are responsible for many oral health issues, but it all starts with the acids that can destroy the enamel on your teeth. Enamel erosion is a major problem, as it cannot be reversed. The outer layer of your teeth does not have living cells and is unable to heal itself.

When the enamel on your teeth begins to erode, the dentin that is underneath it will become exposed. Dentin is yellow in color, which could explain why your teeth will begin to discolor if you do not take proper care. Dentin exposure can also lead to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity cause pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, acidic, spicy, or even sweet food and drinks.

Acidic Drinks to Avoid

Soda-Although diet soda may be helping your waistline, it isn’t doing any good for your teeth. Diet soda is just as bad for enamel erosion as regular soda is. Even small amounts of diet or regular soda can damage teeth.

Fruit Juice-Citrus juices may have vitamins and minerals, but can also be loaded with sugar and tooth damaging acids. Your dentist in Corona explains that lime and lemon juice can be compared to battery acid.

Wine-Wine is also damaging and highly acidic. Red wine contains less acid than white does, but both should be enjoyed in moderation. Red wine can also stain your teeth.

Protection

If you want to keep the enamel on your teeth safe, your dentist in Corona recommends that you limit your intake of acidic drinks that contain high pH levels. Opt for tooth friendly low acid alternatives such as: 

• Water
• Milk
• Black Coffee
• Black Tea
• Green Tea 

If you have already damaged the enamel on your teeth from consuming acidic drinks, your dentist can help with restorative dental procedures such as cosmetic bonding, dental crowns, or porcelain veneers.

For more information regarding enamel protection and restoration, schedule a dental checkup with your dentist in Corona today. 

CEREC Crowns in Two Hours

If the thought of spending two appointments for a dental crown keeps you out of the dentist’s chair, call and schedule an appointment with Dental Care Corona for a new crown in just one dental visit. CEREC® Crowns are created, made, and fitted in about two hours and could be the answer if you would like a beautiful new smile in 2017.

With the amazing CAD/CAM CEREC® system, you can take an extended lunch hour and come back to the office with a gorgeous new smile.

The CEREC® process involves 3D images that are sent to the CEREC® computer system. Once the data has been analyzed, your new tooth will be ready to be sent to the milling machine for manufacturing. The ceramic block used is perfectly matched to the rest of your natural teeth so that your new dental crown will look just like the rest of your natural or restored teeth. The entire process takes a couple of hours. During the milling process, you can relax, read, watch television, or surf the net.

CEREC® can be used for other dental treatments as well including tooth colored fillings, onlays an inlays. CEREC® is safe, effective, and proven to last up to ten years or more. CEREC® can be used for: 

• Tooth colored fillings
• Dental crowns
• Inlays
• Onlays
• Bonding
• Veneers
• Dental Implants 

CEREC® can repair chipped teeth or lengthen your eyeteeth. The CEREC® system also works for cosmetic dental veneers.

Some dentists are now using the CEREC® system to create dental implants to place over the titanium screws used for dental implants. The artificial teeth look and act just as strong, if not stronger than your natural teeth.

If you would like more information regarding CEREC® Crowns or CEREC® for any other dental restoration procedure, call and schedule an appointment with a certified CEREC® dentist today.

Sweet Treats You Should Avoid

Sweet treats announce the arrival of the holiday season, and if you and your family like to indulge in sweet treats there are some that you should try to avoid, or at least enjoy on occasion.

Sticky Candy

Gummy bears and those delicious caramels that your Aunt Dottie always likes to send for Christmas may be yummy, but they have a tendency to stick into the cracks and fissure on your back teeth and between your teeth, and unfortunately that sticky candy can’t be moved by your saliva. If you do enjoy, brush and rinse with water as soon as you can.

Dried Fruit

Just like gooey candy, dried fruit can stick to your teeth as well, and what’s worse, it will stay there much longer after you have eaten that fig, dried apricot or dried prune. Dried fruit may be good for your diet, but it doesn’t do much good for your teeth. Brush after eating and if you must indulge, include your dried fruit with the rest of a meal.

Hard Candy

Sourballs, butterscotch, and those never-ending candy canes are great to suck on, but are literally coating your teeth in a sugar bath. Hard candy can also chip and even break a tooth. Keep hard candy to a minimum and if you must, don’t bite down.

Fruit Cake

Starchy foods are bad enough for your teeth as the doughy goodness from that piece of bread or scrumptious soft pretzel will stay with you. Add sticky fruit from your Grandmothers favorite cranberry and fig bread to the mix and your teeth will pay the price. Eat fruitcake and bread with a meal and rinse with water after you enjoy.  

Citrus

Oranges, limes, grapefruit and lemons are abundant during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you should over-indulge. Citrus fruits are loaded with sugar and acid that eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Try eating fruit as part of a meal and never suck on a lemon.

If you are trying to stay healthy by watching your weight over the holidays, make sure and pay attention to your diet and your teeth and gums, and don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your dentist for your regular dental checkup.