How to Fix Gaps in Your Teeth

June 6, 2016

Filed under: Moving Teeth,Oral Health Topics — Tags: — islandcoast @ 8:22 pm

Common Methods for Fixing Gapped Teeth

If your teeth are not aligned or they are shifting, it can create gaps.
Having a gap in your teeth can be a problem and it can be embarrassing. But the good news is that there are things that you can do to help close that gap.
Below are two options for closing gaps in your teeth. One option quickly fixes the gap and the other takes a longer approach.

Tooth Bonding

For tooth gaps that are large or when someone wants a fix that is quick, a good option is tooth bonding. A special resin that is tooth-colored is applied to your tooth and then hardened with a light.
This will bond the resin right to your tooth either to improve the tooth’s appearance or restore the tooth.
Quickly, just three or four hours, your teeth are normal again. This is a procedure that’s used when the tooth’s broken or chipped, although it’s becoming more common for closing gaps.
It’s one of the cheapest options, although you will probably have to pay for it yourself unless its due to medical repair.
Even though the material that dental bonding uses is fairly stain resistant, it’s not as good at resisting stains as the crown option. This material also doesn’t last long compared to other types of dental procedures and it can break and chip off of your tooth.

Orthodontia and Retainers

Retainers are used often after braces are taken off to keep your teeth aligned while your mouth is adjusting to not wearing braces. But they are also becoming more commonplace being used for aligning teeth right away. There are three retainer types.

1. Hawley Retainer

This is the one that a lot of people think about when it comes to a retainer. It’s tongue shaped, thin and removable that’s molded for your mouth. It also has a wire which holds teeth in place. This kind of retainer’s meant more for keeping teeth aligned instead of adjusting them.

2. Clear Aligner

These retainers are trays and made from transparent, thin plastic which goes over your teeth so that they’re slowly moved into the right position. These are favored by kids since they can’t be seen.
Since they’re made of plastic, they’re easily damaged and they’re not good for people who have trouble with grinding their teeth. These also needs replacement as the teeth are fixed.
When you eat, they simply can be removed and you can naturally chew without crushing it.

3. Fixed Retainers

These retainers are good especially for front teeth on the bottom. A wire’s bonded to the teeth’s tongue side so they’re kept in alignment. This can stay there for a few months or longer.
Fixed retainers may lead to tartar build-up or gingivitis due to the difficulty of flossing while wearing these retainers.
It is used for keeping the teeth in place instead of moving them. This retainer type is recommended sometimes when there’s a big risk that the teeth could go back to the way they were.
If you have a gap in your teeth, using one of the above methods can help you with looking and feeling better. They can fix it quickly or they can take longer, depending on which one you choose. Either way, both will help you close the gaps and give you a better smile.

Questions about your Gaps?

If cosmetic issues are affecting your smile, the team at Island Coast Dentistry can help. Through a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Skupny can tailor a oral treatment plan that is most effective for you. A beautiful, healthy smile can be yours!
Contact us today to learn more, or schedule a consultation online.

Why are My Teeth Moving?

June 2, 2016

Filed under: Dental Problems,Moving Teeth,Oral Health Topics — islandcoast @ 3:05 pm

Common Reasons Why Teeth Move

Are your teeth are shifting?
When your teeth are no longer aligned and they are shifting, it can happen for a few reasons. It can happen because you are sleeping on one side, or it could be because you grind your teeth.
You may also discover that your teeth are shifting because your dental habits aren’t good. No matter what the cause is, teeth that are shifting can cause a lot of dental problems if you don’t treat it, since teeth that aren’t aligned properly can be harder to clean.

Five Reasons Why Teeth Will Shift

Having dental issues because of shifting teeth is not the only problem you may face. You may also find that you’re having problems with your self-esteem. You have to discover why your teeth aren’t aligned correctly so that you can get the right treatment.
Here is a list of the more common causes:

1. Age Causes Teeth to Drift

When someone grows older, the area between their teeth will naturally wear away. Since teeth on the bottom are thinner, meaning they’ll wear out quicker than the upper teeth, the shifting will slowly happen when the person is biting down.

2. Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching

These are two really bad habits that people have when it comes to their teeth. Either habit can force your bottom or top teeth to go out of alignment because of additional pressure that is placed on them. Many people do it while they’re sleeping, speeding up the process without being aware of it.

3. Tooth Loss Impacts Your Smile

When you lose one of your teeth, it’s smart to fill in the area. Leaving your area like it is will likely cause your teeth around your gap to shift and try to fill the gap. What could happen is that if you have a missing bottom tooth, your teeth next to it will start shifting sideways. Your tooth that’s directly above the gap could also start growing downward.

4. Genetics Plays a Part

This is true even if you were born with teeth that were straight. If you have genes that dictate that your teeth are going to shift when you get older, you may find you have the same problem. Ask relatives to find out whether they have had problems with their teeth shifting. If it’s a problem on one or the other side in the family, you may want to bring it up when you see your dentist.

5. Cavities and Tooth Decay Are Not Good

Having cavities that were filled because of tooth decay may cause shifting in your teeth, particularly if the dentist used plastic filling. Of course, if you don’t get the cavity filled and your decay goes to your gums, you’ll still find that your teeth aren’t aligned since it’s going to eat at that bone which keeps teeth aligned correctly.

Conclusion

No matter the reason why teeth are shifting, having teeth that are misaligned isn’t a big concern. If you get a good dentist to take care of the problem, your teeth ought to remain straight. There are a lot of solutions that you can use for this problem as well. Retainers, cosmetic dentistry, and braces are just a few of the measures that a lot of people take for correcting their shifting teeth. Regularly visit your dentist so that the issues can be dealt with soon.

Questions about Shifting Teeth?

If cosmetic issues are affecting your smile, the team at Island Coast Dentistry can help. Through a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Skupny can tailor a oral treatment plan that is most effective for you. A beautiful, healthy smile can be yours!
Contact us today to learn more, or schedule a consultation online.

How Invisalign Works + Other Teeth Straightening Facts

February 11, 2016

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Moving Teeth,Oral Health Topics — Tags: — islandcoast @ 1:33 pm

Whether you’re considering Invisalign or already in treatment, it’s important to understand how Invisalign works. Please use this blog post to find answers to common questions.
Then schedule an appointment with an experienced Invisalign provider to obtain details tailored to your specific needs.
What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.
How do the aligners straighten teeth?
Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation.
When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.
How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth?
Through the use of our patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your doctor as he or she maps out your unique Invisalign treatment plan.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Invisalign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day.
However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces.
Plus, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time in the doctor’s chair. Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straightened teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you’ll be able to see it for yourself.

What Is the Treatment Process?

How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
How do I get started with Invisalign?
It’s simple — first take our Smile Assessment to see if Invisalign is right for you. Next make an appointment with an Invisalign Provider like Dr. Skupny.
For the best experience, take the time to find the “right” doctor, one whom you feel comfortable with, and who has experience treating cases like yours.
As with other important medical decisions, find the most experienced Invisalign-trained Provider near you. Make sure you trust your smile to an experienced doctor who uses the latest techniques.
Can I go to any dentist to be treated with Invisalign?
Dr. Skupnyt attended and completed specialized instructional sessions to become trained Invisalign Provider. In addition, Dr. Skupny must regularly submit treatment results for review and complete ongoing clinical training classes.
Dr. Skupny is an experienced Invisalign Provider near you. Doctor Skupny has a greater level of case experience.
How often must I wear my aligners?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
How often must I see my Invisalign doctor?
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
My provider mentioned “attachments”. What are they and why would I need them for my Invisalign treatment?
Depending on your specific treatment, some of the movements may require either “attachments” or “ridges” to help the aligner grip the teeth. These bumps, or wells, are where the aligner grips the attachment the doctor places on your teeth.
The attachments are actually small pieces of enamel-colored composite the doctor affixes to your teeth that are then gripped by bumps on your aligners. The ridges are slim indentations in your aligners. Your doctor will use one or both of these features to attempt to achieve the desired tooth movement.

Your Invisalign Provider in Naples

]Dr. Jeffrey Skupny uses a variety of dental procedures and techniques to provide the very best result for your individual circumstances.
His artistic abilities and experience with dentistry along with his use of the finest materials and products combine to create a healthy, natural looking, spectacular smile. Contact our Naples dental office in Collier County area today to learn more about the dental options available to you.
Isn’t it time to look younger and feel better? If you don’t like your smile, come see Dr. Jeffrey Skupny, conveniently located in Collier County, Florida.

How to Straighten Your Teeth Without Braces

January 15, 2016

Filed under: Dental Care,Moving Teeth,Oral Health Topics — islandcoast @ 4:48 pm

When it comes to straightening your teeth, you have a lot of different options besides metal braces.
Despite your best efforts, whether it’s sports related, decay, missing teeth, genetics, or age your teeth can move out of alignment.
Thankfully, many of these misalignments can be treated by individually addressing them, or by using clear aligners like Invisalign. (more…)