Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene

Oral health and dental hygiene is a top priority of Dr. Shital Kazi. Our patients often come to us for different types of dental procedures and treatments, many of which are prevented by following proper at-home dental hygiene regimes and visiting us in San Lorenzo, CA for regular examinations and cleanings. We make sure all of our patients understand the importance of keeping up with their dental hygiene and taking their oral care very seriously.

Proper dental hygiene does a variety of things for our patients, including helping patients:

• maintain fresh breath.


• keep their teeth and gums clean.


• prevent swollen and bleeding gums.


• have more comfortable professional cleanings.


• reduce the risk of gum disease or periodontal disease.


• reduce the risk of tooth loss as they get older.

In addition, by battling gum disease through proper dental hygiene, patients can reduce the risk of needing more expensive dental procedures, such as implants, dentures, or bridges later.

The important practices of dental hygiene include brushing and flossing twice a day, using a fluoride rinse, visiting us every six months for a professional cleaning and examination, and reducing the intake of sugar, soft drinks and otherwise unhealthy foods that cause tooth decay and wearing down of the enamel. Visit us here at Lewelling Dental Care to keep on top of good dental hygiene.

 

Invisalign

Invisalign

Getting straighter teeth and improving an overbite or cross bite used to require metal braces that were often uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing to wear. However, Dr. Shital Kazi offers her patients additional options, including Invisalign. Invisalign offered here at Lewelling Dental Care are effective at straightening the teeth and improving minor bite issues.

Here is what you can expect from Invisalign:

Patients who request Invisalign from our San Lorenzo, CA dental practice do so for a variety of reasons. Some opt for Invisalign simply for the fact that they are invisible, while others like that they are removable. Invisalign braces also benefit patients by not staining their teeth and allowing them to have proper oral hygiene and dental health throughout the course of treatment. We invite you to learn more about Invisalign by contacting us directly here at Lewelling Dental Care at 510-276-6040.

Clear Braces

Teeth, which are protruding, crooked or crowded can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. But fixing orthodontic issues is important for more than cosmetic reasons. Crooked or crowded teeth can be hard to clean, which increases your risk of gum disease. Crooked teeth can also cause abnormal wear of the teeth. In some instances, misaligned teeth can even lead to jaw pain.

Lewelling Dental Care offers options when it comes to orthodontic care. We offer traditional braces and clear braces. Traditional braces are made of metal and are an excellent option in order to straighten and align teeth. Traditional braces can also correct bite issues.

In addition to metal braces, Lewelling Dental Care also offers clear braces. Clear braces are translucent and may make some people more comfortable with the idea of getting braces.

Braces work by gradually moving the teeth into the correct position. The amount of time braces will need to be worn varies based on the extent of the orthodontic issue. Dr. Kazi will be happy to discuss orthodontic treatments and recommend what would work best in your situation.

In addition to orthodontic services, Lewelling Dental Care offers general dentistry, periodontal care, cosmetic dentistry and prosthetic treatments. For more information on orthodontic treatment options or to make an appointment please call Lewelling Dental Care at 510- 276-6040 or visit us at www.lewellingdental.com.

Night Guards

If you or your sleep partner grinds their teeth at night, you’re not alone. Teeth grinding is a very common condition. Teeth grinding can lead to sore gums and a sore jaw. It can also cause headaches and can wear down teeth. In some instances, it can even lead to loose or fractured teeth. Although the cause of teeth grinding is not always known, stress and certain sleep disorders may play a role.

At Lewelling Dental Care, we offer a solution for teeth grinding. Night guards are coverings worn over the teeth while you are sleeping. It creates a barrier between the top and bottom teeth. A night guard prevents damage to the teeth and gums due to teeth grinding.

Although stock night guards are available over the counter, they are often uncomfortable and don’t fit well. This might increase pain and make the situation worse. At Lewelling Dental Care, we offer custom made night mouth guards.

The process of creating a custom made night guard is simple. An impression is made of your teeth. The night guard is then created in a laboratory. Because the night guard is custom made to fit your mouth, it is more comfortable than a stock mouth guard.

For more information on night guards or to schedule an appointment, please call Lewelling Dental Care, at 510- 276-6040 or visit us at www.lewellingdental.com.

Full Dentures

Getting full dentures involves removing all the natural teeth and replacing them with prosthetic teeth. At Lewelling Dental Care, we understand if you are transitioning into full dentures, you’re likely to have questions. Our dentist and staff are happy to walk you through the process and answer all of your questions.

Having full dentures does not mean you will compromise appearance or function. In fact, getting full dentures can be beneficial in the following ways:

• Improved Appearance: Dentures can replace missing teeth and give you the confidence to smile again. Also, missing teeth can cause facial muscles to sag. Full dentures can prevent this from happening.


• Restore proper chewing and speaking: Missing teeth can mean difficulties chewing and eating. It can also cause problems speaking. Getting full dentures will help improve chewing and speech difficulties associated with missing teeth.


• Increased Self-esteem: Improving your appearance and smile is not only about looking better, but it can increase confidence. Improved confidence and self-esteem carry over to almost all areas of your life.

Getting full dentures can improve your appearance, functioning and quality of life. Dr. Kazi and her staff at Lewelling Dental Care want you to have a positive dental experience. We aim to provide excellent customer service to meet your needs.

For information on full dentures or other services call Lewelling Dental Care at (510) 276-6040.

TMJ

Jaw joint pain can interfere with proper sleeping, eating and other health problems, including headaches. At Lewelling Dental Care, Dr. Kazi provides treatment for jaw joint pain, which is often caused by temporomandibular disorder.

The temporomandibular joint connects your skull and lower jaw and controls jaw movement. In some instances, problems with the joint can develop leading to the following symptoms:

• Pain in the jaw


• Trouble chewing


• Facial pain


• Headaches

Jaw joint pain can be frustrating and inhibiting.  The good news is treatment is available. Dr. Kazi diagnoses and treats TMJ at our office.  Treatment may include education on symptom management and possibly wearing a night guard. Jaw joint pain can be successfully treated, so it does not have to interfere with your daily life. Dr. Kazi and her caring staff can offer you solutions for jaw joint pain.

If you’re suffering from jaw pain, call Lewelling Dental Care today at (510) 276-6040. We offer convenient appointment times including evening and Saturday appointments.

Inlays/Onlays May Be a Great Option for Repairing Your Damaged Teeth

At Lewelling Dental Care, Dr. Kazi wants to provide you with options when it comes to repairing damaged teeth. Since each patient’s dental needs are different, the best treatment for one patient may not be the best treatment for another.  That’s why we provide options for replacing teeth damaged by decay or injury.

Traditional fillings, also called direct fillings, are a good choice for patients who need to repair damaged teeth. However, when restorative needs are more than a filling can provide, inlays and onlays are the ideal dental option.

Inlays/onlays are used to repair a tooth, which has been damaged by decay, such as a cavity or injury. These molded dental prosthetics are applied to the damaged tooth, preserving its structure and the health of your smile. 

Some advantages of an inlay/onlay are it often covers less area of a tooth than a traditional filling. This means more of the natural tooth is preserved. In addition, inlays/onlays fit precisely, which reduces the amount of bacteria that can get between gaps or spaces. Inlays/onlays are also stronger than traditional fillings and tend to last longer.

Dr. Kazi will be happy to discuss inlays/onlays with you and help you decide what works best for you. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Lewelling Dental Care at (510) 276-6040.