Thursday 21 January 2016

Benefits of Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Full-mouth reconstruction refers to a customized treatment plan that uses various dental treatments in order to improve appearance and restore the function of a patient’s teeth, all while helping your smile look more pleasing as well.

Full-mouth reconstruction helps you design a new smile from the foundation up  and takes care of:

Pain and Discomfort - Full-mouth reconstruction addresses TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, jaw pain. If you grind and clench your teeth as a symptom of TMJ, you’re also causing harm to teeth – wearing down enamel. Full-mouth reconstruction restores your ability to chew and bite without discomfort and can prevent further damage to teeth. 

Gum Tissue Recession/Disease – The best way to support a healthy smile is to have healthy gums. If a patient has been experiencing the progression of periodontal disease, they likely have pockets of bacteria below the gum line, gum recession, or even weakened and loose teeth. Dental reconstruction can include gum disease treatment in the way of deep cleanings, gum grafts, or even teeth replacements when necessary. When you have healthy gum tissue, you’re ready for a new smile.

Missing or Severely Decayed Teeth – When possible, your restorative dentist will try to save your natural teeth, as this is best for your oral health. Fillings, inlays and onlays, and root canals are all treatments that are used to treat and preserve teeth with varying levels of decay. In the event that a damaged tooth cannot be saved, it can be replaced with prosthetics like fixed bridges and dental implants. Replacing teeth, or making them stronger with endodontic and restorative care, helps you have a more balanced bite as well as a full smile.

But perhaps most importantly, it patients benefit by achieving a smile that looks balanced and its restored to full health and beauty. Since each patient is different, no two treatment plans are exactly alike. Consequently, a full-mouth reconstruction can take anywhere from a few months to a full year to complete.

Dr. Polancich can help you find the right treatment plan for range of dental problems. Contact our office today to see if full-mouth reconstruction might be the solution for you.

Wednesday 13 January 2016

Reasons to Love Clear Aligner Therapy

Clear aligner therapy is an alternative to braces that can straighten your teeth and give you a more attractive smile. There are many reasons to love clear aligner therapy, whether you opt for Invisalign® or some other brand.

One of the best parts about clear aligners is that they are virtually invisible, unlike braces. With braces, it is almost impossible to hide them, so they affect your appearance no matter where you go. But clear aligners do not stand out, and unless people are looking very carefully, there is little chance that they will even notice you’re wearing them.

Clear aligner therapy is also more comfortable than metal brackets and wires.  Because they’re made from smooth plastic, they won’t cut the inside of your cheeks or your gums.

They make dental hygiene easier and meal time hassle-free. When it’s time to brush and floss, just take the aligners out, and you can maintain regular dental hygiene practices. There are no brackets and wires in the way, so it is easier to keep your teeth clean and plaque-free. You can also remove the aligners during meal times, which means you can eat whatever you like without worrying about debris getting stuck in your braces.

But perhaps the most important reason to love clear aligner therapy is they discreetly give you a more attractive smile. Whether you have misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, or gaps between teeth, clear aligners move them into more ideal position, helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

If you are interested in learning more about clear aligner therapy, our Lexington dental office uses the trusted Invislaign® system. Call our office to for more about how clear braces can help you get a straighter smile.

Thursday 7 January 2016

Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Oral appliance therapy offers many advantages for patients suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. By keeping the airway open, the appliance ensures that you have an adequate air intake. The most obvious advantage over other sleep apnea treatments is the convenience factor – being that the mouth guard-like appliance is small and portable, but oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea provides patients with over benefits, which include:

Comfort: Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP – the traditional method for treating sleep apnea, requires the use of a breathing mask and a machine. Some patients find the mask uncomfortable and can’t handle the feeling of forced air. Patients adjust to oral appliances fairly quickly. For most, it should only take a couple of weeks to become acclimated to the presence of the oral appliance.

Non-invasiveness: An oral appliance is far less intrusive than surgical procedures which are sometimes used to treat sleep apnea. However, it should be noted that for even greater results, an oral appliance can be used in conjunction with other treatments for sleep-related disorders.

Customization: The oral appliance is custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth, so it should be comfortable to wear while sleeping. Over-the-counter appliances are available, but they are not custom-made, so they are not typically recommended for effective treatment of sleep apnea.

By repositioning the tongue and soft palate and stabilizing the lower jaw, an oral appliance can help you to stop snoring, get enough oxygen, and sleep better. The benefits of a good night’s sleep are far-reaching and affect almost every area of life, from mental and emotional wellbeing to physical health. If you suffer from sleep apnea, and are looking for a better to treat the condition, contact Dr. Polancich today to see if you are a good candidate for an oral appliance.