Having straight, clean teeth can do wonders for one’s self-confidence, as well as their oral health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and prevent some serious issues that can result from misaligned teeth and jaws. As such, the question of when is the best time to get orthodontic treatment is one of the most common questions orthodontists get. While there is an ideal age for orthodontic treatment, people of any age can get orthodontic treatment – including those in their 70’s or older! 

Here’s what you need to know about the best time to get orthodontic treatment and what orthodontic treatment entails throughout your life. 

The Ideal Age For Orthodontic Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be evaluated for orthodontic treatment no later than the age of 7. This is because early orthodontic treatment makes it easier to prevent serious problems from developing and makes the entire treatment process easier and shorter as a whole. This is because when you’re young, before you get all of your permanent teeth, your teeth and jaw are still developing. This makes it so that many think the best time to get orthodontic treatment is early on in life.

When children get orthodontic treatment, it’s possible for your orthodontic to be able to correct any harmful orthodontic habits before they get the chance to impact your child’s permanent teeth, improve your child’s oral health and dental appearance, fix alignment issues, improve your child’s bite, help to guide the growth of the jaw, and reduce the risk of trauma to your child’s teeth. 

The best time to get orthodontic treatment is often considered young like this because there are cases where it’s possible for your orthodontist to be able to achieve results with your child’s smile that would not be possible with adult orthodontic treatment, at least, not without intensive surgery. 

Orthodontic Treatment As A Teen/Child

While the younger the better to make the orthodontic process easier and shorter, the best time to get orthodontic treatment is whenever you have orthodontic problems. When it comes to braces, it’s considered the ideal time is between the ages of 10 and 14. This is because it’s easier to straighten teeth when your jaw is still growing and your permanent teeth are still coming in. There are cases, however, when orthodontic treatment as a teen or a child can be traumatic, which is why it’s best to thoroughly discuss the matter with your child and your orthodontist.

In some cases, your orthodontist may decide that 2-phase orthodontic treatment is best. This is when, as the name implies, your child undergoes two phases of orthodontic treatment. The first is used to help with more major problems and the second with alignment. This is most commonly recommended in cases where your child has more severe orthodontic issues and it would be less traumatic to split treatment into two phases. 

Another reason why the younger years are considered the best time to get orthodontic treatment is because when you have straight teeth, it improves how you talk, how you bite, how you breath, and more. Orthodontic treatment can not only address the way your teeth look, but also your overall health and wellbeing. 

Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Although most people presume that orthodontic treatment is restricted to children and teenagers, this isn’t the case. Adult orthodontic treatment is entirely possible; it can just take longer, due to the fact that your body has finished developing. The best time to get orthodontic treatment is whenever you need it, which means that if you need adult orthodontic treatment, that’s the best time for you to get it. 

It is not uncommon for people’s teeth to shift as they get older. This can mean that even if you had straight teeth growing up, as you age, they can become crooked. Many adults are self-conscious about traditional metal braces, however, there are many different orthodontic treatment options available, such as clear aligners, lingual braces – which are done behind your teeth, ceramic braces, and more. 

When Is The Best Time To Get Orthodontic Treatment?

When you need it! Mountain View Dental offers orthodontic treatments for people of all ages. Whether you are taking your child in for their first orthodontic evaluation to get braces or whether you are an adult who is interested in ClearCorrect to straighten those pearly whites, we can help you. In order to obtain an orthodontic evaluation or consultation, contact our office today!

If you’re of the opinion that fluoride is a chemical additive to dental products that is of questionable safety, then you are not alone. Many people question if fluoride is safe, or if it is actually detrimental to your oral health. There are those who believe that fluoride is to be avoided at all costs, unless you want your teeth to suffer some terrible consequences. Is fluoride safe? Is it actually good for your oral health, or does it do more harm than good? Here’s what you need to know about fluoride and its safety. 

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found throughout nature and the Earth’s crust, even in natural water and food supplies. It’s often referred to as nature’s cavity fighter, because of this, especially considering how fluoride works to strengthen your teeth and help to protect them from decay. Because fluoride is safe and has so many benefits for your oral health, many U.S. cities add it into the water supplies, in order to reduce the amount of cavities the general population gets. 

Fluoride is often used in dental practices to do what it does naturally: strengthen your enamel and stave off cavities. There are plenty of studies that have shown how fluoride in community water supplies and fluoride treatments at the dentist’s office decrease tooth decay. 

What Does Fluoride Do?

It’s important to take the best care of your oral health as possible – you only get one set of natural permanent teeth, after all. Fluoride helps with this, in how it fights off tooth decay. How fluoride strengthens your teeth and prevents cavities is interesting, and shows how fluoride is safe, because it does this through working with your mouth’s natural demineralization and remineralization processes. 

Demineralization refers to when the bacteria in your mouth feeds on carbohydrates and sugar, which ends up weakening your tooth enamel – demineralizing it. Remineralization refers to when the calcium and phosphate ions that strengthen your enamel are replenished, which makes it so that your teeth are more protected, and less prone to decay.

Fluoride works with the demineralization and remineralization processes through protecting your teeth from the damage that demineralization can do to your teeth. It also helps with the replenishment of calcium and phosphate ions during the remineralization process. If your teeth lose too many minerals, this can lead to tooth decay. Fluoride protects your teeth, making it so that acids cannot damage your teeth as easily, which leads to stronger, healthier teeth. 

Is Fluoride Safe?

Yes, fluoride is indeed safe, when it is used properly and with appropriate doses. The same as everything else, it is possible for fluoride to become unsafe, when used incorrectly. Generally, fluoride carries the highest risk for children, if they are exposed to too much fluoride over an extended period of time. This can result in a condition called dental fluorosis, which is when children’s teeth become discolored or have white lines or spots on the enamel. 

Dental fluorosis typically affects children who have not yet had their permanent teeth come in. There are cases with long-term exposure to excessive levels of fluoride that can result in a condition called skeletal fluorosis, which can also affect adults. Skeletal fluorosis is when your bones are affected. 

However, these conditions are rare, and avoidable through using fluoride in the recommended dosages and ways. Fluoride is very safe, it is simply the same as anything else – too much water can make you sick, but that doesn’t mean that water is bad for you. The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that fluoride is safe and that there is no evidence that fluoride causes adverse health effects when used correctly. 

Additionally, the American Dental Association (ADA) shows that there are over 125 organizations world-wide that recognize the safety, legitimacy, and benefits of fluoride for your oral health, including the World Health Organization. Is fluoride safe? Yes. When used correctly, it very much is, and is in fact an important part of maintaining good oral health! 

How To Get The Benefits Of Fluoride

Now that we’ve established how fluoride is safe, there are several things that you can do in order to ensure that you are getting those vital benefits fluoride provides, with stronger teeth and lessened tooth decay. You can get the benefits of fluoride through fluoride treatments from the dentist, through fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes, through fluoride in your water, through fluoride supplements, and more. 

Mountain View Dental can help you ensure that you are both using fluoride correctly and that you are getting enough in order to maintain strong, healthy teeth. We offer professional fluoride treatments designed to improve your dental health, and are more than happy to advise you on the best way for you, personally, to use fluoride. Contact us today, and let’s get your mouth at healthy as can be!

So, you’re at the dentist and they say that you need to have some work done on your teeth that goes beyond a filling. If it’s too much for a filling to fix but not bad enough for you to need an entirely new tooth, you may need a veneer or a crown. Although veneers and crowns both go over your natural tooth, they have different purposes and aren’t interchangeable. Here’s what you need to know about veneers vs crowns so that you can understand which is best for you and why your dentist might recommend one over the other. 

The Differences Between Veneers Vs Crowns

While some can get confused about the differences between veneers vs crowns – understandably – they won’t work for the same kinds of issues. While both veneers and crowns are kinds of dental restoration procedures that improve how your teeth look and function, the one your dentist will recommend will depend on the problem that you’re trying to have fixed and the condition your teeth are in. 

The key difference between veneers vs crowns is that veneers only cover the front part of your tooth while crowns cover the entire thing. But the differences between veneers vs crowns go beyond how much of your tooth they cover. Let’s go over veneers and crowns and their unique purposes to better explain the differences between veneers vs crowns. 

Veneers

As previously mentioned, a veneer is a type of dental restoration that involves a thin layer of porcelain or another kind of material that is bonded to the front of your tooth that is thin enough to feel like part of your real tooth. 

Why You Would Get Veneers

Veneers are unique in that sometimes people get them not only to fix dental problems but also for aesthetic reasons. People will get veneers if they’re unhappy with their smile, like if their teeth are yellowed or stained or have a number of other aesthetic problems, such as chipping, irregular shapes, uneven spacing, and more. Veneers enhance your smile by providing a new surface for the front of your existing teeth. If the surface of your teeth are harmed or make you self-conscious, veneers can be a solution for you. 

The Process Of Getting Veneers

Before you can get a veneer, your dentist will need to ensure that you have enough enamel in order to sustain it, for it to affix to. After that, they’ll trim the enamel of the front of your tooth in order to make it rough enough for the veneer to bond to while still leaving a good portion of your natural tooth intact. They then make an impression of your tooth or make a mold in order to send to a lab to make your veneer. They may put a temporary veneer on your tooth, depending on how much it was ground down. Once the permanent veneer is ready, they’ll bond it to your tooth with a dental cement. 

Crowns

As mentioned before, the key difference between veneers vs crowns is that crowns cover your entire tooth. Crowns don’t preserve as much of your natural tooth as veneers do because of this, since your tooth needs to be ground down in order for the crown to fit over it. In some cases, it may need to be built up, such as if there is significant decay. 

Why You Would Get Crowns

While veneers are typically used for more aesthetic concerns, crowns are more often used in cases of significant decay or damage. Crowns can be used to cover discoloration, but they’re more needed in cases where your tooth has been severely damaged, cracked, broken, worn, decayed, or is weak and needs protection. They’re also used to hold dental bridges in place. 

The Process Of Getting Crowns

Similar to veneers, crowns require your natural tooth to be ground down and for your dentist to make an impression or mold of it to send to a lab in order to make your permanent crown. They’ll put a temporary crown on while your permanent one is being made, then cement the permanent one in place with a dental cement. 

Veneers Vs Crowns: Which Is Right For You?

If you’re wondering about what kind of dental restoration you’ll need and curious about veneers vs crowns, your dentist will be able to tell you based on the kinds of dental concerns you’re facing. For example, if your tooth has very minor damage or just cosmetic issues and is virtually entirely intact, you could go with a veneer. But if it has significant decay or damage or has a large filling that is beginning to fail, you’re better off with a crown. 

Do You Want To Learn More About Veneers Vs Crowns?

Mountain View Dental offers both veneers and crowns. While there are differences between veneers vs crowns, they both are great options for their intended purposes. Whether you need veneers or crowns, we can help you out. If you’re wondering about which one you’ll need, don’t hesitate to contact us today and set up an appointment. We want to help you have strong healthy teeth and a smile you can feel confident in. 

As much as we strive to care for our teeth, sometimes we can’t always keep them. In some cases, the best thing to do for our oral health is not to have a filling or a crown, but to have a tooth removed entirely. With modern medicine, extractions, regardless of if they are simple or surgical, are nothing to fear and will in fact benefit your oral health in the long run, if you need to have them done. Here’s what you need to know about simple vs surgical tooth extractions. 

Reasons Behind Tooth Extractions

There are many reasons why people need to have teeth extracted. They range from how much space is in your mouth, to the underlying conditions, to the state of your tooth itself. Some of the most common reasons why people end up needing tooth extractions include:

Overcrowding

If there isn’t enough space in your mouth for all of your teeth, your dentist can remove some to prepare for other treatments, like orthodontics.

Infection

In many cases, the dentist can take out decay and install a filling, but if that decay reaches the pulp of your tooth, you may end up needing an extraction to prevent it from spreading to other parts of your mouth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Since wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in, they often don’t have enough space to come in fully. This leads to only part of the tooth getting above the gumline, while the rest stays under. These are often painful and can result in further dental issues, meaning that these need extractions.

These are but three of the many reasons why people need to get teeth extracted. With how many potential causes there are, it makes you wonder which kind of extraction is better for which kind of problem, simple vs surgical tooth extraction. Here’s what you need to know.

Types Of Tooth Extractions

In general, there are two different types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. The key difference with simple vs surgical tooth extractions lies in the nature of the tooth that needs to be extracted and the structures around it.

Simple Extractions

Simple extractions are not a surgical procedure. This kind of tooth extraction is typically done on a visible tooth, and you can go to your usual dentist for this kind of extraction. Simple extractions generally only need local anesthesia in order to numb the pain, though you can be sedated, if need be. Your dentist simply wiggles the tooth out of its socket with dental tools, and you are back to normal within days after the procedure.

Surgical Extractions

As you may expect, surgical extractions are more involved than simple extractions. Generally, you won’t go to your typical dentist for this kind of extraction, but would rather be referred to a specialist. This is because surgical tooth extractions involve the structures under your gums, not just a visible tooth. An extraction turns surgical when your dentist would need to remove any gum or bone tissue in order to extract the tooth.

Since it is a more involved surgical procedure, you’ll need high levels of anesthesia or sedation. After the extraction, your dentist will stitch you back up and likely will end up prescribing you something for the pain while you heal.  

Some examples of when you’d need surgical extractions are wisdom teeth, if your tooth is broken at the gumline, or the tooth has a long-curved root.

What To Do After A Tooth Extraction

With how medicine has progressed, there’s no need to fear tooth extractions. With painkillers, professional training, and scientifically informed procedures and recovery recommendations, you’ll be back to normal soon after your procedure. It stands to reason that the recovery time between simple vs surgical tooth extractions varies, seeing as surgical extractions are much more involved.

After your extraction, you can expect gum bleeding, which can be controlled through biting on gauze until a blood clot forms. This blood clot will seal the socket where the tooth was and assist in healing. If you have a surgical extraction, you’ll have stitches to be mindful of. You’ll want to ensure that you rest your mouth, stick to soft foods and liquids, and follow your dentist’s recommendations about brushing and pain killers. 

Do You Have Questions About Simple Vs Surgical Tooth Extractions?

Mountain View Dental knows that sometimes the best thing to do for your oral health is to remove a tooth that cannot be saved or that is causing problems. We can perform simple extractions and refer you out to a specialist for any surgical extractions. For any questions about simple vs surgical tooth extractions or about any of our other dental services, please contact us at Mountain View Dental today!

Clear aligners have many benefits for realigning your teeth. They are removable and are a more discreet orthodontic treatment method than traditional braces. They’re easier to clean and tend to be more comfortable too. But when considering clear aligners, you may be stuck on the question of ClearCorrect Vs Invisalign. Aren’t all clear aligners the same? Why choose ClearCorrect vs Invisalign? 

The fact is that ClearCorrect and Invisalign may both be clear aligners, but they’re not the same thing. Here’s what you need to know about ClearCorrect vs Invisalign. 

What Is ClearCorrect?

ClearCorrect is a brand of aligners developed by a dentist – Dr. Willis Pumphrey – who worked with many patients who used clear aligners. 

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is another brand of clear aligners which can be used as an alternative to braces in some cases. 

How Are They Similar?

There’s a reason why people would be confused about ClearCorrect Vs Invisalign. They are very similar, both in function and look. Both ClearCorrect and Invisalign treat misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, crowding, spacing, and issues with your bite such as an overbite or an underbite. Both ClearCorrect and Invisalign are clear aligners that shift your teeth without braces. 

They both have similar treatment requirements, too. For both treatment methods, the aligners are worn for 20-22 hours in a day and treatment generally takes a few months. They both can be removed in order to eat and both are easy to clean. 

Both of them also require you to meet with a certified dentist in order to receive a consultation as well as in-person treatment and check-ins throughout the process, too. 

However, just because they are very similar does not mean that they don’t have their differences. These differences tend to prompt the question of: ClearCorrect vs Invisalign, which is better? Here’s what makes one or the other a better choice for you.

How Are They Different?

ClearCorrect and Invisalign may seem the same on a surface level, but when you go deeper, you find their differences. 

Invisalign tends to have thicker and more flexible trays than ClearCorrect. This means that they can be more visible than ClearCorrect aligners. Invisalign also has scalloping on the edges, which means that they are designed to cover your teeth rather than extend up to your gums. 

ClearCorrect has a thinner, less visible, and less flexible tray, which means that you can see faster results with ClearCorrect than you would with Invisalign. Another reason for the faster results is the fact that ClearCorrect has a straighter edge than Invisalign, which means it applies more force. These straight edges can make the aligners more visible on your gums. 

The differences in thickness also affects the durability. Because Invisalign is thicker, it is more durable than ClearCorrect aligners. This affects how they feel on the teeth too, though. 

When it comes to comfort in ClearCorrect vs Invisalign, ClearCorrect has more reviews praising its comfort levels. This is because of the thinner plastic, which feels more natural than the thicker Invisalign, although both are made to be comfortable to wear. 

ClearCorrect generally tends to be cheaper than Invisalign, as well, although this can vary on a case-by-case basis. 

ClearCorrect Vs Invisalign: Which One Is Right For Me?

The differences between ClearCorrect and Invisalign may leave you wondering which one is the better option for you. They are both reputable brands which do the same thing. What makes one better than the other is dependent on you and your situation. A dental professional can help walk you through ClearCorrect Vs Invisalign so that you can receive the best treatment possible for you. 

The type of treatment you are needing, the price of either treatment, and what your dentist recommends to you are all factors that can help you figure out which of the clear aligner types is right for you. 

Are You Considering ClearCorrect Vs Invisalign? 

Here at Mountain View Dental, we want to help you achieve your perfect smile. We know how clear aligners can fix those imperfections in a more subtle and comfortable way than traditional braces, which is why we offer ClearCorrect aligners. If you would like to learn more about ClearCorrect aligners, please feel free to contact us to set up a consultation at Mountain View Dental today! 

There are so many firsts with children! Every single one from their first word to their first dentist appointment is so special. When it comes to dentist appointments, new parents may find themselves wondering when to start taking their child to the dentist. When does that first happen? The answer is: probably a lot sooner than you would expect. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children see a dentist as soon as they get their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. 

Why So Early?

It’s recommended that you take your child to see a dentist so early because prevention is key in oral health. The CDC says that 20% of children under 5 suffer from untreated tooth decay. The CDC also shows that children with poor oral health don’t just have tooth problems, they also don’t do as well in school. This is because your oral health isn’t contained to your mouth – your oral health affects your overall health.

Because oral health affects everything, it’s crucial in developmental years. How teeth come in and the health of a child’s gums and mouth affect how they learn to talk, to eat, and how they play and learn.If you have a healthy mouth, your body will be healthier. If you have oral problems, they can manifest elsewhere too. For children, good oral health is a must, which is why it’s important to take them to a dentist as soon as you notice a tooth coming in.

How Early Visits Help Dental Health

It’s easier to prevent or fix a minor problem than fix a major problem. As soon as you have teeth, you can get cavities. This is why dental exams are recommended so young. Early dental exams aren’t just about your child’s teeth, but also about their overall oral health – the inside of their mouth, their lips, their gums, etc. 

Dentists can also track the progress of how teeth develop as well as potential problems. They can intervene if necessary, and offer suggestions for nutrition and promoting oral care. For example, if a baby falls asleep with a bottle in its mouth, that liquid pooling in its mouth can do more than risk your baby choking, but also cause tooth and gum decay. 

Baby teeth are just as important as permanent (adult) teeth. Baby teeth help kids speak and eat and also provide a blueprint for permanent teeth. Early dental exams catch potential problems and ensure that everything is developing as it should. Dental exams can also use x-rays to check on permanent teeth and see if they are coming in as they should. 

Why Worry About Problems In Baby Teeth

Why worry about problems with baby teeth? They fall out, so why does it matter if they have cavities or other issues? You should worry about problems in your child’s teeth because they put them at higher risk for problems in adult teeth. As previously established, this can affect their overall health because oral health impacts the health of the entire body. 

How To Care For A Baby’s Teeth

How do you know when to start oral healthcare? You can start before their teeth even come in! After feeding your baby, you can clean their gums with a cloth or gauze and water. As they get older, you can graduate to a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s not recommended that you use a fluoride toothpaste until your child is at least 2, because until their teeth come in, they are at risk for fluorosis. Fluorosis is a condition caused by fluoride that can cause discoloration on your child’s teeth, and in severe cases, pits between their teeth. 

Your dentist can advise you on how best to care for developing teeth. You can also always call your dentist for advice and any questions you may have. 

What To Expect From A First Dental Exam

Dentists know this is new for your child and will be as gentle as possible. They will look at your child’s overall oral health, checking how their bite is coming in, and identifying any issues or potential issues. They will also talk about teething, brushing, risks, nutrition, prevention, how your child’s teeth will come together, and more.

It’s important to take care of your child’s oral health. You can do this through taking them to regular oral exams, teaching them about proper oral hygiene, and working to prevent any potential issues. If you notice anything concerning in your child’s mouth, make an appointment right away! It is better to catch problems sooner than later. 

Mountain View Dental offers “Happy Visit”s to help your child get accustomed to a dentist’s office and form positive associations with it. They can sit in the chair, examine the surroundings, and get used to a dentist touching their mouth. Sometimes, children will allow a full exam, sometimes now. In both cases, it helps them feel more comfortable with the dentist’s office. 

Do You Need To Schedule An Exam For Your Child?

Here at Mountain View Dental, we understand how vital it is to take care of your child’s dental health early. We offer family dentistry for you and your children. If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child or have any questions about pediatric dentistry, please contact us at Mountain View Dental today!