How Does ClearCorrect Work?

Progress in dentistry has given patients dental treatment that is not only effective, but comfortable and aesthetically appealing. ClearCorrect removable aligners are a perfect example of such progress. ClearCorrect are orthodontic appliances that gradually shift teeth into the desired position, but do so invisibly and without uncomfortable metal brackets and wires.

What Does ClearCorrect Do?

ClearCorrect straightens teeth over time with a series of customized clear plastic aligners that are worn by the patient throughout most of the day, a minimum of 22 hours. The aligners gently move teeth into the desired position in a gentler manor than traditional braces.

Teeth straightening is desirable for multiple reasons. Misaligned teeth can be unsightly, impacting a person’s self-confidence and even their ability to communicate. Teeth that are crooked, unevenly spaced, or crowded can cause more dental issues down the road. ClearCorrect can address some bite problems, too, such as an overbite and underbite.

The Process

ClearCorrect aligners are virtually invisible, made of a smooth plastic that is designed to fit the teeth and mouth structure. Your ClearCorrect provider – dentist – will gather impressions, photos and images of your teeth to send with a prescription to the ClearCorrect laboratory.

At the lab, a 3-D model of the teeth is used to create a complete treatment plan that maps out exactly how the realignment will take place. Following this initial treatment plan approval process, the aligners are created using digital mapping and molding technology.

The length of time required for ClearCorrect treatment varies according to individual needs – treatment can take from one to two years. Each treatment process involves four phases of therapy and during each phase a new set of ClearCorrect aligners are worn for a three-week period.

What to Expect

ClearCorrect provides adults and responsible teens with the opportunity to be more in control of their dental treatment. The aligners are removable, and though they must be worn all the time, they can be taken out for eating and drinking, brushing and flossing.

Although the process is gradual, results are noticeable as soon as the adjustments begin. And, unlike traditional orthodontics, ClearCorrect doesn’t require multiple lengthy checkups with the dentist – just periodic appointments so that the dentist can ensure the treatment plan is on track and the aligners are working as planned.

When the treatment process is complete, the patient is left with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile!
Schedule an appointment with a Victoria ClearCorrect provider to find out if this orthodontic option will work best to improve your smile. Call today!

Seven Reasons for Root Canals

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes decayed nerve and pulp from the tooth’s root system, yet preserves the integrity of the natural tooth. After the nerve and pulp have been removed, the tooth is sealed and usually protected with a single crown.

Routine professional cleanings can detect tooth decay before it settles into the pulp, therefore preventing the need for a root canal. Root canals are often a part of emergency dental services when a patient begins to feel discomfort and seeks out a dentist to resolve the problem.

If you have not had a professional cleaning and exam in a while, and you have consistent tooth pain, your need for a root canal may be caused by:

1. Fracture – Fractures can abscess caused by an infection in between the tooth and gum, and tooth-related abscess which takes place in the tooth at the tip of the root and then spreads to adjacent bone tissue.
2. Toothache – Severe toothache or pain, usually felt when eating hot or cold foods, while chewing or when applying pressure on the area. Other problems can mimic the pain of a toothache, and it is always best to check with a dentist who can look at the tooth and gums, and assess the health of the tooth’s pulp.
3. Deep Cavity – When dental caries causes large cavities to form in the teeth, a root canal can be performed to save the tooth and prevent further complications from developing. A deep cavity can be filled or capped with a crown, and after the decayed material has been removed, it will function as a natural teeth. 
4. Trauma – Teeth injuries can break the tooth structure, damaging or exposing the soft pulp and causing nerve trauma and pain. To save the tooth but rid the patient of pain, a root canal is performed and the cavity sealed and covered, depending on the severity and location of the injury.  
5. Fracture – Fractures can cause intermittent pain and often can be seen and confirmed via imaging, such as x-rays. As with other dental traumas, a fracture can cause the pulp to be exposed or damaged, requiring a root canal and covering to protect the remaining natural tooth and gum. 
6. Resorption – This uncommon condition occurs when the body’s cells turn on themselves and eat away at the tooth structure, leaving holes in teeth and root system. Unfortunately resorption can develop rapidly, and it’s best to get treatment as soon as possible to prevent the onset of further damage. Root canals can help with the pain, and stop the erosion before it kills the entire tooth. 
7. Repeated Dental Procedures – Recurring dental treatments can impact the teeth, placing a lot of stress on them and aggravating the pulp. When the pulp becomes inflamed, the tooth should be tested by the dentist in order to determine the best course of treatment. 

Contact the office of Dr. Heinrich-Null to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing dental pain or have not seen a dentist in over 6 months. Early detection helps to prevent the need for a root canal, but if you do indeed need one, this procedure will help save your tooth.

Are Fluoride Treatments Helpful?

Fluoride was discovered to keep teeth healthy in the middle 20th century; since then, fluoride has been included as an important part of dental health and treatments. According to research, fluoride is crucial for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. Topical fluoride treatments and products are vital in the fight against tooth decay for developing teeth.

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, making it more resistant to bacterial acids that cause tooth decay. Fluoride can also repair some of the damage done in the very early stages of the decay.

Who Needs Fluoride?

Fluoride is delivered in one of two forms, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is a fluoride treatment applied to the outside of the teeth, such as toothpaste or professional fluoride treatment. Systemic fluoride is that which is consumed, such as fluoridated water and fluoridated supplements.

Although everyone should brush with a toothpaste containing fluoride, exposure to fluoride is especially vital for teeth and gum health in developing teeth. Fluoride treatments are most helpful for the high risk population of infants and children, and particularly those too young to be responsible for their own oral health.

Some medical or health conditions, can put patients in an at-risk category. Fluoride treatments are particularly helpful for people experiencing the following:

• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be caused by various diseases, medications – including allergy medications and anti-anxiety drugs – and medical treatments, such as head and neck radiation treatment. These conditions can reduce the presence of saliva naturally produced in the mouth, allowing food particles, bacteria and acids to remain on the teeth and erode enamel. 
• Periodontal Disease: Also known as gum disease, or periodontitis, this disease can cause gums to recede and leaves the soft tissue and tooth roots open to a bacterial attack, which increases the chance of tooth decay under the gum line. 
• Dental Appliances: Any fixed appliance or metal bracket can challenge the integrity of teeth by making it more difficult the keep areas free of debris and bacteria. 
• History of Dental Caries: People who experience cavities frequently or whose family history includes a history of dental caries will benefit from additional fluoride treatments. 

For personalized advice, or more detailed information on how fluoride can benefit your dental wellbeing, contact your Victoria dentist to schedule an appointment.