Sierra Studio - Braces

Misaligned teeth can often lead to more problems than just embarrassing smiles - they can lead to receding gums, difficulty in maintaining basic dental care and increased risk of cavities (among a variety of other potential troubles). Thus, in cases of malocclusion (which is the scientific word for misaligned teeth), adult or not, straightening your teeth using orthodontic braces may be the right thing to do. And now, with ever increasing dental awareness, adults have a plethora of options before them when it comes to dental braces which could straighten their teeth (and possibly their enhance their career and improve self-confidence!).

So what to choose? Ceramic braces? Invisalign? Traditional metal? Golden metal? Self-ligating brackets? What about Lingual braces? These days, there are many choices available and it gets confusing! Which type of braces should you choose? Can you choose, or is it strictly up to your dentist?

Today, orthodontic treatment is different

Fortunately, metal bands have been replaced with brackets that are bonded with an adhesive right to the front of the teeth. They're much more comfortable, smaller in size, and much less noticeable!

The type of braces you need depends on a number of factors:

• The extent of your treatment, such as:
  • The severity of your bite or tooth crookedness problems
  • If extractions are necessary
  • If jaw surgery is necessary
  • If headgear or other special appliances are necessary
  • The amount of time you will need to wear braces
• The preferences of your dentist or orthodontist
• How much you are willing to pay
• How long you will be in braces to correct your problems
• What you, yourself desire!

So you must ask yourself, would you feel embarrassed in metal? Are you only willing to straighten your teeth if Invisalign is used? Do you prefer the look of ceramic or sapphire? Or don't you care, as long as the outcome is good?

At Sierra we will help guide you and inform you of all the alternatives available so you can choose what is best for you and your smile!

Sierra Studio - Invisalign

What is Invisalign

It's the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.

The Invisalign systems uses a series of clear, removable aligners to move your teeth over time to give you the smile you deserve!

Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks.

Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist or orthodontist, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits.

If you're ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Although there are many choices out there, no other works as effortlessly as the Invisalign system.

Invisalign is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life. Check out the benefits below:

Sierra Studio - Splints/Orthotics

What is Splinting?

Splinting is a process where the teeth are joined together to increase their strength. If one or more teeth become loose they can be joined to the surrounding stable teeth. Splinting of the teeth enables us to move part of the load in occlusion (distribution of chewing forces of the mouth) from a mobile tooth to a healthy tooth.

What does a Splint/Orthotic do?

As such many people suffer from nightime grinding of their teeth, clenching of the jaw, and other TMJ disorders. TMJ stands for tempromandibular joints, which are the joints of the jaw that connect the mandible (the lower jaw bone) to the skull.

Teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, can be caused by stress, hyper-activeness, or a misalignment of the teeth or jaw. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause varying degrees of pain and discomfort. These habits can also weaken teeth and cause chipping and wearing. If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to an eventual breakdown of the teeth, jaw pain, headaches, loss of sleep, and other TMJ disorders.

How do I know if I am suffering a TMJ disorder?

Some of the symptoms or signs of TMJ may be surprising, but patients with a TMJ disorder may suffer from the following:

• Headaches
• Pain in neck, shoulder, and back
• Clicking or popping of jaw joints
• Reduced ability to open or close mouth
• Loose teeth
• Facial pain
• Pain and sensitivity in teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Biting or chewing difficulty
• Difficulty swallowing
• Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth or fillings
• Numbness in arms and fingers
• Clenching or grinding of teeth/jaw
• Dizziness
• Earache: ringing in the ears or ear pressure

What can be done to help my situation?

Dental mouth guards and splints can relieve pain, discomfort, and wear caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Specialty mouth guards can also be corrective, conditioning the body to stop grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw. These mouth guards are to be worn at night, during sleep to prevent the pain and discomfort associated with nocturnal bruxism.

One of the most common types of dental mouth guards being used today is the full upper mouth guard/splint. This therapeutic device is constructed of a specialty material and can be constructed to your mouth's exact specifications by your Sierra dentist.

Most commonly, the mouth guard fits over all of the upper teeth, but can also be fashioned for the lower set of teeth, should that be necessary, while providing the same results. The full upper mouth guard, sometimes called a bite plate, holds the jaw in a more comfortable position during sleep, reducing jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Patients with any of the above symptoms should contact
Sierra Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry to arrange for a consultation.

Sierra Studio - Appliances

Mouthpiece devices -- also known as dental appliances, or mandibular advancement splints -- have been effective for many snorers, including those suffering from mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They are usually small plastic devices worn in the mouth during sleep to prevent the soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. They do this by bringing your lower jaw forward and/or by lifting your soft palate.  Some devices also stop the tongue from falling back over your windpipe.

What are Dental Appliances?

A dental appliance is a device that the patient wears in their mouth as they sleep that is intended to prevent vibration and collapse of the upper airway. There are three basic kinds of dental appliances that are used in the treatment of Snoring and OSA:

• Devices that pull the tongue forward that are useful in properly selected patients.
• Devices that use a flange at the base of the tongue to hold the tongue out of the pharynx which are ineffective and often dangerous.
• Devices that advance the mandible and which are the most effective kind.

What are the health effects of snoring?

Most chronic snorers are often overweight and middle-aged. Snoring may indicate the more serious underlying medical condition sleep apnea (see below). Severe snoring can cause profound marital discord and sleep deprivation for both the snorer and bed partner. The effects of sleep deprivation are as follows:

• Severely reduced cognitive performance
• Increased risk for vehicular and industrial accidents
• Daytime sleepiness
• Reduced immune system responsiveness
• Decreased productivity
• Slower reaction time

In addition, some research has linked snoring to the following:

• Hypertension
• Premature death
• Type II diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart disease

Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea?

Snoring is loud, unwanted noise (sound) associated with breathing during sleep. At the other end of the sleep disordered breathing spectrum is sleep apnea which is a cessation of breathing for ten seconds or longer during sleep. A person with sleep apnea usually awakens hundreds of times during the night but usually does not remember the awakenings. Snoring is usually associated with sleep apnea but having snoring during sleep does not necessarily mean a person has sleep apnea. To properly differentiate primary snoring (simple snoring) from sleep apnea either a sleep diagnostic test must be done at home (i.e., unattended or domicilatory recording) or in the sleep laboratory (attended recording).

Once a proper diagnosis is made, a snoring treatment solution can be implemented. Your Sierra dentist will usually be the one to fit these special appliances to meet your individual condition. Typically they will take a mold of your mouth and then either send off for a custom mouthpiece or fashion it themselves.

Sierra Studio - Retainers

As a means of helping to improve the appearance of teeth, dental retainers play an important role. Designed to help realign teeth into an even and straight configuration, the dental retainer is usually worn for a period of time that is specified by a Sierra Orthodontist. There are a couple of different types of dental retainers in use today. Here is some information about retainers and their use.

Why use a Retainer?

Dental retainers are sometimes used as a follow up mode of treatment for persons who have worn braces for an extended period of time. With this application, the dental retainers are employed as a means of reinforcing the process of realigning the teeth into permanent positions. This process was begun with the braces, but the use of dental retainers helps to complete the final stage of the procedure. Because dental retainers are often made of casts that fit snugly over the teeth, they help to keep the teeth in line after the braces have been removed, allowing more time for the slight gaps between the teeth to settle into a more natural configuration. In some cases, dental retainers of this type are worn during the night, but not required during the daytime.

Another application of dental retainers has to do with helping to correct an underbite or overbite. Along with helping to align individual teeth properly, dental retainers designed for this purpose also help to bring the two rows of teeth more into a natural alignment. Normally, dental retainers of this type are worn around the clock, at least for a period of time. However, orthodontists vary on the duration of this constant wear. Often, the duration is determined by considering such factors as the severity of the overbite and the general condition of the teeth. In just about all cases, the period of constant wear is followed by a period in which dental retainers are worn only at night.

While dental retainers were once rather bulky and uncomfortable, the new models of today are often hard to detect. Many dental retainers are made of a strong clearthat fits snugly over the teeth, but does not add much in the way of bulk to the mouth. Also, advances in the construction of dental retainers have made it possible for the wearer to be much more comfortable than in years past.

As a means of correcting dental issues and providing more people with a healthy and straight set of teeth, dental retainers provide a solution that is moderately priced and treatment that is almost always effective. Please consult with your Sierra Orthodontist for more information.

Sierra Studio - Orthodontic Care Recommendations

Oral Health/Oral Hygiene: All necessary dentistry must be completed prior to starting orthodontic therapy. While undergoing orthodontic treatment, excellent (not just good) oral hygiene is essential!!!

Poor brushing and flossing while undergoing orthodontic treatment may result in cavities, demineralization of the enamel (decalcification or "white spots"), discolored teeth and gum disease. It is important to brush the teeth and gums, and floss after each meal. Also, minimize sugar and soda consumption while undergoing treatment. Frequent visits to your dental hygienist for cleanings and topical fluoride treatments are an important part of maintaining good oral health while in treatment.

In the event that gingivitis becomes uncontrollable, orthodontic treatment may need to be discontinued before its completion. Failure to seek regular dental treatment with your dentist and follow their advice may result in serious dental problems, including early tooth loss. Orthodontic visits are not a substitute for regular dental cleanings and check-ups. Regular dental check-ups are necessary every six months at a minimum. For optimal oral outcome, 3 to 4 month hygiene appointments are recommended.

Non-compliance: Poor cooperation, poor motivation, poor oral hygiene, broken appliances and missed appointments will prolong treatment time and negatively affect the quality of your result! In cases where any of the above becomes a regular event, orthodontic progress and final treatment results will be compromised and put the patient at higher risk for root resorbption, cavities, gum disease, loss of space, and impaction of teeth to name a few. In some cases, it may be necessary to terminate treatment prior to completion to prevent further negative side effects. In addition, this office reserves the right to impose additional fees if necessary to cover the cost for additional treatment time and material necessary to complete treatment based on patient neglect and non-compliance.