Orthodontic Options

Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, you no longer have to feel embarrassed or self-conscious because you’re wearing braces. While traditional bracket braces are the most commonly used throughout the industry, there are other treatment options available. Our dentist, Dr. Shital Kazi offers you the opportunity to wear clear braces, Invisalign or even traditional braces to align teeth quickly and effectively.

 

Invisalign is considered the most technologically advanced orthodontic option for aligning teeth and is very comparable to Clear Braces. This technology uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that gradually straighten teeth. Invisalign is worn a minimum of 22 hours per days, patients will take them out to eat, brush and floss. Not only does Invisalign allow patients to have a great look while straightening their teeth, it also allows for a great smile after. Because the aligners are removable, patients are able to brush and floss just as they would if they had no braces at all.

 

Clear Braces are made from ceramic and provide a certain degree of transparency in order 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. Clear Braces are also designed so that they will not stain or discolor the teeth over the period of their use.

 

Dr. Kazi also offers traditional braces for patients looking to correct bite problems while straightening their teeth. These braces are made of strong metal alloys and are considered the smallest and most comfortable option. While they do take the longest of all the orthodontic options made available by Dr. Kazi, they are the most effective when it comes to aligning teeth and correcting bite problems.

 

Give us a call today if you want to straighten your teeth and have the smile you’ve always wanted!

Sports Mouth Guards

With baseball and softball season starting up again, we thought it would be a good idea to talk about protecting yours or your children’s teeth with sports mouth guards. Mouth guards are made to protect teeth, but not many people know that they are also used to protect the head against a blow to the jaw that could result in a concussion and loss of consciousness. At Lewelling Dental Care, we provide custom fitted mouth guards for athletes to protect their mouth and head.

 

While most people think that mouthguards are only used in “contact” sports, many athletes across all sports are utilizing mouth guards. Mouth guards can be worn by athletes of all ages who participate in sports such as:

• Football
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Wrestling
• Basketball
• Baseball/Softball
• Soccer

Traditionally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only. If you have braces or any other fixed dental appliances on your lower jaw, Dr. Kazi will make a mouth guard for your lower teeth as well. Dr. Kazi will evaluate each patient to determine what kind of mouth guard is best for you.

 

A custom-made mouth guard will be comfortable, durable and easy to clean. Over the counter mouth guards often restrict breathing and speech. Custom mouth guards are made of thin plastic that is hardened to protect your teeth. The thinness of a custom-made mouth guard allows for easy breathing and does not hinder speech skills whatsoever. If you are interested in a sports mouth guard for either yourself or your child-athlete, make sure to give us a call!

TMJ

If you regularly experience morning migraines, swollen cheeks and sore jaw muscles, they could be caused by a condition known as TMJ.  TMJ occurs when night grinding, stress or injury put a lot of pressure on the temporomandibular joint.  Fortunately, this common condition can be easily fixed.  Patients that visit my office can find relief with custom night guards that reduce pressure on the affected joint.  In addition to the long term relief that night guards provide, you can take a few steps to relieve pressure at home:

• ·         Eat soft foods


• ·         Avoid chewing gum


• ·         Perform exercises that stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles


• ·         Apply heat or ice to temporarily relieve pain

For long term relief from TMJ, visit me at the office where I can better diagnose any issues.  I look forward to helping all of my patients better their dental health and find relief from their pain.

Source:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tmj-disorders/DS00355/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies