Clear Braces

Braces aren’t just for teenagers anymore; people of all ages are turning to braces in order to improve their smiles. These days, adults make up nearly half of orthodontic patients hoping to finally get the perfect smile they've always dreamed about. That’s why Dr. Shital Kazi offers a clear braces option for her San Lorenzo, CA patients.

While traditional braces are the most commonly used to correct alignment and structure, there are other treatment options available. Dr. Kazi offers clear braces for those who are more concerned about aesthetic appearances. These braces are made from ceramic and provide a certain degree of transparency to mimic the color of your natural teeth, this makes them less visible. They are as effective as traditional braces and function the same way.

Braces are typically worn one to three years, but it really depends on each individual case. Patients who have greater pride in their smile will go further to keep up their oral hygiene. Poor oral health, particularly gum disease, has been linked to heart disease, strokes and other heart conditions, so keeping good care of your oral hygiene could improve your overall health.

If you are interested in improving your smile with braces in San Lorenzo, CA, schedule an appointment with Dr. Shital Kazi by calling (510) 276-6040. For more information on other services offered by Dr. Kazi, visit www.lewellingdental.com.

Sport Mouthguards

When it comes to protecting your mouth during physical activity, especially during contact sports, a mouthguard is an essential piece of equipment everyone should own. While collision and contact sports, such as boxing and football are higher-risk sports for the mouth, patients can suffer a dental injury during non-contact activities too. The best, most protective mouthguard is one that has been custom-made for your mouth. That’s why our dentist, Dr. Shital Kazi offers custom sports mouthguards to patients of all ages at Lewelling Dental Care in San Lorenzo, CA.

You might be asking yourself what the benefits of custom-mouthguards are compared to a stock mouthguard or a “boil and bite” option. Mouthguards created by a dental professional such as Dr. Kazi are based on a mold taken of your mouth, which means they only fit your mouth. Custom mouthguards are made of resilient and tear resistant materials, ensuring a proper fit for ultimate comfort. A properly fitting mouthguard must be comfortable, odorless, tasteless and most importantly, protective.

Dr. Kazi encourages patients to let her know if they participate in contact-oriented sports. She is able to layout the risks of injury to the teeth, jaw and oral soft tissues (mouth, lip, tongue, and cheeks) to help educate patients. From there, Dr. Kazi will discuss your protective options and create a plan of care to keep your teeth safe.

To learn more about custom sports mouth guards, visit our website, www.lewellingdental.com. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Shital Kazi here at Lewelling Dental Care in San Lorenzo, CA please call (510) 276-6040. 

Benefits of Digital X-rays

Dental technology has improved greatly over the years, enhancing every step of dental care, from diagnosis to treatment. New technology has even made dental X-rays safer and more convenient, and many dentists have adopted digital radiography to view their patients’ teeth.  At our office, we have many state-of-the-art technologies, including digital X-rays, to provide our patients in San Lorenzo, CA with the best dental care available.

Digital X-rays are taken in a similar manner to traditional X-rays that use film, but rather than placing film in the patient’s mouth, a digital sensor is used. This sensor is connected to an imaging program on a computer that projects the image, allowing Dr. Shital Kazi to view your teeth more closely and with better accuracy than traditional dental X-rays. Better images mean that there is a greater chance that the dentist will spot potential problems and be able to fix them before they become more serious or possibly more painful. In addition to better accuracy, digital radiography produces 80 percent less radiation than regular film X-rays, granting peace of mind to those who take X-rays frequently.

Whichever treatment you’re receiving at our practice, from a regular check-up to dental implants, we will strive to provide you with the best service with the most up-to-date technology.

To schedule an appointment at Lewelling Dental Care, call (510) 276-6040. For more information on our practice, visit www.lewellingdental.com.

Deep Cleaning

If your teeth are sensitive or your gums bleed when you floss or brush, you might be suffering from gum disease. Patients who come in for regular cleanings are much less likely to suffer from periodontal disease.  If you’re not taking care of your oral hygiene, the bacteria and plaque can advance to gum disease and it becomes more difficult to treat. While gum disease sounds like a scary thing, the good news is that there are treatment options available. At Lewelling Dental Care, our dentist, Dr. Shital Kazi treats San Lorenzo, CA area patients with a procedure known as “deep cleaning.”

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. There are many different forms of periodontal disease but all of them can cause serious damage to the mouth. The mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. The biggest cause of gingivitis is lack of a regular oral hygiene regimen. Preventative measures, such as regular brushing and flossing, go a long way when it comes to preventing periodontal disease. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral health practices at home.

We offer a non-surgical, non-invasive option known as deep cleaning for our patients who have chronic gum disease. This procedure is a great alternative to surgical options. Deep cleaning involves removing built-up plaque below the gum line using either manual scraping instruments or an ultrasonic tool. Then, Dr. Kazi will essentially gently sand your teeth, removing rough spots on the tooth surfaces and roots, which tend to harbor bacteria.

If you fear that you might be suffering from gingivitis or gum disease, set up an appointment at our San Lorenzo, CA practice so we can go over treatment options. 

Jaw Joint Pain

If you suffer from jaw joint pain, you know how it can interfere with your daily activities. In order to find relief, the first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. When the jaw joint is involved, pain is usually due to a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ may develop due to a jaw injury, arthritis, teeth clenching or a combination of these factors.

Dr. Kazi DDS at Lewelling Dental Care can help. Dr. Kazi is experienced in diagnosing jaw joint pain caused by TMJ. Part of the diagnostic process is taking a medical history and completing an exam. In addition, Dr. Kazi may recommend x-rays to rule out other causes of jaw pain.

Once an accurate diagnosis is made, you can discuss treatment options. Dr. Kazi will educate you on ways to decrease symptoms. For example, applying heat or ice may decrease pain. In some instances, special exercises may help stretch and strengthen the jaw and decrease symptoms.

Lewelling Dental Care also offers night mouth guards, which are often used in order to treat TMJ. The guard is worn while you sleep and helps prevent teeth grinding, which often contributes to symptoms of TMJ. Dr. Kazi will be happy to provide you with more information on night mouth guards and determine if you are a candidate.

For more information on jaw joint pain or to schedule an appointment, please call Lewelling Dental Care at (510) 276-6040 or visit us athttp://www.lewellingdental.com.

Bridges

If you need a tooth replacement or restoration after an accident, infection or extraction, a bridge can be just what you need to renew your smile.  Dental bridges can be used to fill smile gaps by using surrounding healthy teeth as support and creating a complete, cohesive and natural look.  This restorative allows you to enjoy a full diet, easy hygiene and maintenance, and protection against issues that can result from missing teeth.

 

Bridges are custom crafted from many different materials, including dental porcelain which can be matched to the precise shade of your surroundings.  This ensures that your bridge will virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile, even in highly visible portions of the mouth.

 

If you are in need of a full tooth restoration, contact us here at Lewelling Dental Care to determine if dental bridges are right for you.  

Oral Cancer

Did you know that oral cancer often goes completely undetected until it spreads to another part of the body? You can stay ahead of the game by having regular oral cancer screenings with us in San Lorenzo, CA. If you use tobacco and drink alcohol regularly, you are at a greatly increased risk for oral cancer. Oral cancer is also being connected to human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. Oral cancer can appear anywhere in the oral cavity. It is mostly found:

• On the lips
• On or under the tongue
• On the roof of the mouth
• Back of the throat
• Inside the cheek

The ability to detect oral cancer early is a great tool for us and for you. We are able to identify and pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution, meaning it can be treated well before it becomes a major problem. If you’re having regular cleanings at least twice a year, you are much more likely to have possible problems detected early because we document each appointment and know your history.

 

You should be getting an oral cancer screening at least once a year. Come in and visit us today so we can make sure your oral hygiene is in tip-top shape. We’re here to help, so call today!

Acid Reflux and Teeth

The enamel of your teeth is the thin, tough outer layer of your teeth. Enamel protects your teeth from daily activities like chewing, biting and grinding. The enamel of your teeth also protect against harmful temperatures and chemicals. Although enamel is a hard protector of your teeth, it can chip and crack. There are many factors that affect the health of your enamel, but one of the quickest ways to erode enamel comes from acid reflux disease.

 

If you suffer from consistent acid reflux, the health of your teeth probably isn’t one of the first things you’re thinking about. You’re probably reaching for an antacid or a glass of milk and moving on with your day. However, new research reveals how gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can severely damage your teeth thanks to an increase of acid in the mouth. The study concluded that acid reflux can ultimately lead to thin, sharp and pitted teeth.

 

GERD, better known as acid reflux disease, causes chronic heartburn. The stomach contents, including acid, leak into the esophagus and often work their way back up into the mouth, causing burning pain. The damage from acid reflux looks a lot like tooth wear because the acid dissolved the tooth surface directly, softening the surface. Once the surface is softened, it becomes worn down layer by layer. Once the enamel is eroded, it cannot come back. In that case, patients would need a crown, veneer or filling to replace their tooth.

 

We recommend the following to our patients who suffer from acid reflux disease:

• Do not brush immediately after an acid reflux episode, use a fluoride rinse instead
• Use specialized toothpaste recommended by our staff
• Utilize antacids or baking soda after an episode to protect your teeth

If your teeth have been damaged by your condition, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shital Kazi to discuss your treatment options. 

Night Guards for Bruxism

Think you might be a night grinder but aren’t sure? If you wake up with a dull, constant headache or a sore jaw then you might be suffering from bruxism (night grinding). If you suspect that you might be grinding your teeth and you live in the San Lorenzo, CA area, schedule an appointment with us at Lewelling Dental Care for information on treatment options.

 

You might grind your teeth because of stress and anxiety, but it more likely due to an abnormal bite or missing/crooked teeth. Patients often find out that they are a grinder from a loved one or through a consultation with their dentist. Dr. Shital Kazi is trained in the detection of bruxism and can diagnose it through a simple examination. Patients exhibiting symptoms such as jaw tenderness and teeth abnormalities are most likely grinding their teeth at night.

 

Teeth grinding can become a serious issue. Chronic teeth grinding can lead to fractured, loosening or loss of teeth. Taking the time to visit us at Lewelling Dental Care is a great preventative measure when it comes to preventing night grinding. Chronic teeth grinders can wear their teeth down so bad that bridges, crowns or even dentures may be necessary. While these procedures are effective, they are also very expensive and can be very invasive.

 

We have a great reputation when it comes to creating custom mouth guards for prevention of night grinding. Our team is able to custom-fit a mouth guard to your individual needs so as to prevent any discomfort during sleep. Dr. Kazi will take an impression of your teeth and the mouth guard is molded over the model using special material. Custom-fitted mouth guards are utilized because they provide the most comfort and best overall protection. The night guard creates a barrier between your top and bottom teeth, preventing your teeth from grinding. Call us today to schedule  your appointment!

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is an excellent way to gain a boost of confidence, make a great impression every day, and feel great about smiling overall. Many of our Lewelling Dental Care patients have been thrilled with the results of our teeth whitening and bleaching services.

 

One of the benefits of the teeth whitening and bleaching service we provide is its convenience. Through the use of custom trays and a specialized, prescription whitening gel, you can whiten your teeth at home, when it’s most convenient for you.  By repeating the at-home teeth whitening process several times, you should already begin to see some improvement.  Once the full process is complete, you can expect a smile brightening improvement of up to eight shades.

 

If you’re ready to brighten your smile with our custom teeth whitening and bleaching system, contact us here at Lewelling Dental Care.   

Jaw Joint Pain

If you suffer from jaw joint pain, you know how it can interfere with your daily activities. In order to find relief, the first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. When the jaw joint is involved, pain is usually due to a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ may develop due to a jaw injury, arthritis, teeth clenching or a combination of these factors.

Dr. Kazi at Lewelling Dental Care can help. Dr. Kazi is experienced in diagnosing jaw joint pain caused by TMJ. Part of the diagnostic process is taking a medical history and completing an exam. In addition, Dr. Kazi may recommend x-rays to rule out other causes of jaw pain.

Once an accurate diagnosis is made, you can discuss treatment options. Dr. Kazi will educate you on ways to decrease symptoms. For example, applying heat or ice may decrease pain. In some instances, special exercises may help stretch and strengthen the jaw and decrease symptoms.

Lewelling Dental Care also offers night guards, which are often used in order to treat TMJ. The guard is worn while you sleep and helps prevent teeth grinding, which often contributes to symptoms of TMJ. Dr. Kazi will be happy to provide you with more information on night guards and determine if you are a candidate.

For more information on jaw joint pain or to schedule an appointment, please call Lewelling Dental Care at (510) 276-6040 or visit us at www.lewellingdental.com.

Bleeding Gums

If you have bleeding gums, it is most likely due to having a form of gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of the adults in the U.S. have periodontal disease, which is a more severe form of gum disease.

Gum disease can cause bleeding gums, as well as swollen gums, loose teeth, tooth loss, infection, and many other problems, which is why our Lewelling Dental Care dentist Dr. Shital Kazi encourages all patients to visit our office immediately after discovering bleeding gums.

Aside from bleeding gums, other symptoms of gum disease include shifting or loose teeth, deep pockets forming between the gums, changes in tooth arrangement, and bad breath that doesn’t go away.

Here at Lewelling Dental Care, we provide several treatment options for bleeding gums and gum disease, depending on other factors our patient is experiencing. Gum disease treatment usually involves various procedures like deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, and some surgical treatments. Antibiotics can help with some infections, but periodontal treatment is the best option.

Call us here at Lewelling Dental Care in San Lorenzo, CA at 510-276-6040 to talk about your treatment options if you have bleeding gums.

Source: http://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm

Loose Teeth

Feeling loose teeth in your mouth is one of the most unpleasant and unsettling things that can happen with your teeth. Immediately you feel like something must be very wrong and that you might end up losing a tooth. You’re also hoping that you can find an effective treatment option that helps you save your teeth.

Severe form of gum disease, excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth, or even pregnancy, are among the many reasons our patients experience the feeling of loose teeth. Any time a tooth is weakened, whether following a root canal procedure or due to the bone structure being lost from periodontal gum disease, it can make the teeth loose.

Along with the feeling of loose teeth, patients may experience other symptoms. For example, patients might experience discomfort while chewing, pain along with the slight tooth movement, or the gum tissue is swollen, red, and damaged, the latter of which may be likely signs of gum disease.

The treatment for loose teeth depends on the cause. If the tooth is loose because it has been weakened, putting a crown over it can be helpful as it saves the tooth structure. However, if a loose tooth is due to clenching or grinding, we provide occlusal (bite) treatments of the teeth. Orthodontic procedures are also helpful in some cases.

Call us here at Lewelling Dental Care at 510-276-6040 to speak to our dentist Dr. Shital Kazi about your loose teeth right away so we can help you to save them.

Stained Teeth

Here at Lewelling Dental Care in San Lorenzo, CA, our patients experience a variety of dental imperfections, including lack of luster of their teeth. Stained teeth are an unfortunate result of smoking, drinking certain beverages, and eating foods with high amounts of sugar — in addition to the natural aging process.

Our dentist, Dr. Shital Kazi, provides teeth whitening procedures right here in our office that help patients whiten their teeth. While the tray whitening system we offer can whiten our patient’s teeth up to eight shades, we still believe preventative measures are an important way to keep a smile bright.
Dr. Shital Kazi recommends avoiding the following things that can stain or discolor the teeth:

• Red wine
• Black coffee
• Tea
• Smoking cigarettes
• Dark-colored sodas
• Berries
• Soy sauce
• Sugar and sweets

Our dental office provides the take home whitening system, which utilizes custom-made trays from impressions of the patient’s teeth and whitening gel to whiten their teeth in the office and at home. Our take-home trays are reusable, so our patients can use them again and again should the brightness of their smile fade.

If you have stained teeth and want to whiten them, contact us here at Lewelling Dental Care in San Lorenzo, CA at (510) 276-6040.

Migraines and TMJ

Migraines and TMJ seem to go hand-in-hand with those who suffer from both. TMJ is the term used for the joint connecting the lower jaw and temporal bone of the skull, called the temporomandibular joint. Because this joint is responsible for so many daily functions like talking, opening and closing the mouth, and chewing, it is also susceptible to a condition called TMJ disorder.

The following symptoms are common among people with TMJ disorder:
1. Headaches and migraines
2. Teeth grinding
3. Ear pain
4. Clicking and popping sounds of the jaw
5. Difficulty chewing
6. Pain while opening or closing the mouth
7. The jaw getting stuck in the open or closed position

Migraines are a severe type of head pain that also accompanies other symptoms like dizziness, flashes of light, sensitivity to bright lights, nausea, and vomiting. Unfortunately, a misaligned jaw, and the pain that may come from it, can trigger migraines in some of our patients. This is why we provide treatments to alleviate the pain here at Lewelling Dental Care, including night guards to reduce teeth grinding.

If you feel your migraines may be stemming from TMJ, visit our dentist Dr. Shital Kazi in San Lorenzo, CA to get started on treatment.

Clicking / Locking Jaw Joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for clicking and locking of the jaw joint. Usually, this is due to a disorder of this joint, which not only causes locking of the joint, but can also cause pain and problems chewing as well.

Here at Lewelling Dental Care, we provide diagnosis and treatment of disorders relating to a clicking and locking jaw joint. Treatments include dental procedures and orthodontic appliances that help prevent some of the side effects of TMJ disorder.

TMJ disorders cause more than just clicking and locking of the jaw joints, though this is one of the most common signs. Other symptoms include problems chewing, grinding the teeth at night, pain when opening or closing the mouth, ear pain, jaw pain and headaches, and hearing popping sounds when opening the mouth. Clicking and locking of the jaw joint often causes teeth grinding, which can be damaging to the teeth enamel and tooth structure. Patients with this condition often wake up with a sore jaw from clenching or grinding.
Dr. Shital Kazi provides oral appliances, such as mouth guards, to help keep the pain to a minimum. It is not always possible to prevent TMJ disorder, but the teeth can be protected and the pain minimized through treating the different side effects.

Call us at 510-276-6040 to find out more about treatments for clicking and locking jaw joints.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is something our patients often experience, and is one of the common things they ask us about at our practice. Quite often, having bad breath, also called halitosis, is the result of decay and can be remedied with proper cleanings and periodontal health.

Lewelling Dental Care offers a variety of dental services that help clean the patient’s mouth. Whether that means a regular cleaning, treating gum disease, or providing tips and suggestions for improving their halitosis, we help patients find better self confidence.

In general, bad breath can be caused by a number of things, including the following:

• ·         Failing to brush and floss regularly.
• ·         Smoking cigarettes.
• ·         Not drinking enough water.
• ·         Suffering from dry mouth, also called xerostomia.
• ·         Taking certain medications.

During the first dental visit, we determine the root cause of the bad breath. This helps guide us in the right direction for the best treatment options. In some cases, it is simply a matter of a deep cleaning, while other patients need treatment for periodontal disease. If you are struggling with bad breath in San Lorenzo, CA call Dr. Shital Kazi to schedule an appointment for a professional cleaning and check-up.

Teeth Whitening

If you are not happy with the shade of your teeth, you are certainly not alone. Many of our patients struggle with discoloration or staining of their teeth, which can be a natural progression due to things like tooth decay, drinking coffee or red wine, and smoking cigarettes. Lewelling Dental Care provides the tray whitening system for teeth whitening the teeth up to eight shades whiter. With the tray whitening system, custom trays are made to fit over our patient’s teeth perfectly.

This is a great benefit over store-bought trays that hardly fit right. A whitening gel is placed on the teeth, followed by the trays. We perform the first treatment in our office, then send the patient home with the gel and trays, where they repeat the process several times over a few days.

They are left with teeth that are about 5-8 shades whiter, and they stay white for quite a long time. They keep the trays for future use as well, since they were made from impressions of their own teeth. Patients enjoy not having to deal with sensitivity or soreness following this teeth whitening treatment.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Shital Kazi in San Lorenzo, CA by calling (510) 276-6040 for custom teeth whitening.

Traditional Braces

For misaligned teeth, spaces between the teeth or problems with your bite, you have multiple options for correcting these dental problems. A classic method is with traditional braces, which are made up of metal brackets, wires, and rubber brands. Regardless of the patient’s orthodontic problems, including severe cases, traditional braces are highly effective. They also cost less than some other types of braces, and most dental insurance policies have at least partial coverage.

Dr. Shital Kazi promotes the following benefits by offering traditional braces:

1. They are less expensive than other types of orthodontic braces.

2. They help with all levels of teeth problems, including severe overbites, underbites or crossbites.

3. Protruding teeth are corrected with traditional braces.

4. Most dental plans covering orthodontic treatment include coverage for these braces only.

5. They can take the same amount of time as other orthodontic options.

6. They have a very low risk of damage.


Whether you have mild spacing problems or a severe overbite, traditional braces are a very good option for orthodontic treatment. To learn more about traditional braces, contact Lewelling Dental Care at 510-276-6040 to schedule an orthodontic consultation.

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.