Straighten Teeth Without Braces

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Dr. Lounsberry

The end results of orthodontic treatment are worthwhile, but many patients dread the thought of enduring years of appliances in order to get there. Now, there’s a better way.

Thanks to the Invisalign system, you can get straighter teeth through a series of clear plastic trays that are practically invisible. Adults and teenagers alike can avoid a mouthful of metal by taking advantage of Invisalign.

Patients who wear conventional braces also typically have to forego many of their favorite foods during their course of treatment. Invisalign does away with this drawback, too. The trays can be removed at mealtime, so patients can eat anything their hearts desire, as long as they’re careful to brush or at least rinse thoroughly before putting the trays back in!

If you choose the Invisalign system to bring your teeth into the proper alignment, your dentist will begin the process by taking impressions of your teeth. X-rays that provide additional information on the issues that need to be addressed will also be helpful in the planning stage of your treatment.

Based on the data and information collected by your dentist, your Invisalign trays will be custom-designed to exert forces on the teeth in sequential fashion. Those forces help to move the teeth into their proper positions.

In order to get the best outcomes from your Invisalign treatment, it’s important to adhere to the schedule established by your dentist. Change your trays as recommended, and wear them at least 22 hours each day, removing them only for eating and brushing and flossing the teeth.

Your dentist can also use Invisalign to correct moderate malocclusions, or problems with the bite, in addition to crooked teeth. In fact, advances in Invisalign technology have made the system suitable for patients with increasingly complex cases.

Invisalign patients may have healthier mouths during treatment, too. It’s easier to brush and floss, so you can do a better job of clearing away the bacteria that cause disease and decay.

If you’re looking for an orthodontic method that will have minimal impact on your daily routine, consider Invisalign. Contact Balcones Family Dental in Austin Texas at 512-200-7422 to see if this approach is likely to be effective in your case.

 

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What is a Snap-On Smile?

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Dr. Lounsberry

Many patients long for a more attractive smile, but they may be wary of permanent cosmetic dental treatments that irreversibly change the structure of their teeth.

Now, those patients have an alternative. Austin dentists can use a Snap-On Smile to improve a patient’s smile instantly with minimal impact on the teeth. A versatile device, the Snap-On Smile can conceal a variety of flaws, such as stains, crooked teeth and gaps. In fact, the product’s tagline is “A Multi-Purpose Restorative Appliance.”

A Snap-On Smile slides over the teeth, attaching to them without a need for drilling or adhesives, and no invasive procedures are involved. Unlike veneers, a Snap-On Smile does not require that any alterations be made to the enamel.

If you choose a Snap-On Smile, the process takes just two visits to your dentist. At the first appointment, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth that will be used in creating your new smile.

At this planning appointment, you will also select the aesthetics of your Snap-On Smile. Your dentist can customize the device to your specifications. You can choose from 18 different smile designs and 23 shades for the material. A Smile Style Guide is available to help you navigate that decision-making process.

All of that information is then sent to the technicians tasked with making your Snap-On Smile. When your dentist has received the device from them, you will come back to the office for a final fitting.

The appliances are made of high-quality materials. The resin used in the Snap-On Smile is quite thin and flexible, but strong, durable and stain-resistant at the same time. Patients can even eat and drink while wearing the device.

Another advantage of the Snap-On Smile is cost. The Snap-On Smile is much more affordable than some alternative cosmetic dentistry procedures. When cared for properly, the appliance can last up to five years. Your dentist can help you develop a plan to maintain your Snap-On Smile.

If you are dissatisfied with your smile’s current appearance but reluctant to consider permanent cosmetic dentistry techniques, contact Balcones Family Dental at 512-200-7422 and ask if a Snap-On Smile would be effective for your case.

 

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Complete vs. Partial Dentures

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Dr. Lounsberry

Patients in need of dentures have a wide variety of options at their disposal. Dr. Paul Lounsberry, your dentist serving Round Rock TX, can make recommendations based on the number of teeth that need to be replaced in addition to your identified treatment goals.

The two main denture categories are complete and partial. Complete dentures are appropriate when no biological teeth remain in an arch, while partial dentures can be used to fill in for a stretch of missing teeth when some natural teeth are still present.

Dr. Lounsberry can fit patients with two types of complete dentures: immediate or conventional. Patients can wear immediate dentures as soon as any remaining teeth are removed. Alternatively, conventional dentures require patients to wait for 6-8 weeks to be fitted with their appliances. This period gives the gums sufficient time to heal from the tooth extraction.

In planning for immediate dentures, the dentist will take impressions and measurements and create models before the teeth are removed. This sequence allows the denture to be crafted in advance and ready for insertion when the patient’s remaining teeth are extracted.

Immediate dentures often appeal to patients who prefer not to go toothless while their gums heal following teeth extractions. However, immediate dentures can be prone to losing their fit if the gums and jawbone shrink during healing. When this occurs, the dentures will need to be relined so that they will continue to fit the patient’s mouth.

Some patients may choose an immediate denture as an interim solution and then follow up with a conventional denture after the healing process is complete.

Certain patients may also choose yet another appliance, the overdenture, to replace absent teeth. An overdenture fits over remaining teeth and restorations and offers added stability while enhancing the entire smile’s appearance.

In comparison, partial dentures fill in a gap and fit around the remaining teeth in the mouth. Unlike a fixed permanent bridge, partial dentures can be removed. They are linked to adjacent teeth with a system of clamps or some other attachment device.

The different categories and types of dentures are suitable for different situations. If you are considering dentures, talk with Dr. Lounsberry at Balcones Family Dental to determine which approach will be the most appropriate for your specific needs.

 

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Do Dental Implants Require Special Care?

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Dr. Lounsberry

As a tooth replacement method, dental implants are the optimal choice. They do the best job of filling in for a missing tooth both structurally and aesthetically.

With all of the advantages offered by dental implants, an increasing number of patients are choosing this option. Understandably, those patients who take advantage of implant dentistry in Austin also want to care for their dental implants properly.

In the first few days after implant placement, you will need to use a lighter touch in your oral hygiene routine as you heal. Brush gently, perhaps with a brush with softer bristles, and include a mouth rinse as an extra component for keeping your mouth clean.

After you have healed from your surgery, caring for dental implants is not much different from maintaining your natural teeth. Your implant dentist will recommend a home oral hygiene routine that is probably quite similar to the one that you already follow. Dental implants are structurally similar to natural teeth, so you can continue to brush and floss in the same way that you always have. Professional dental care is also an important part of dental implant maintenance. You will need to continue to have periodic professional cleanings and exams.

Although dental implants can be maintained in the same way as biological teeth, dental implant patients should be sure to protect their oral health from conditions that could compromise the implants. For example, if you have a history of advanced periodontal disease, it’s important to take steps to prevent a recurrence that could put your dental implants at risk.

If you care for them properly, your dental implants will serve as stable, durable replacement teeth that will last for decades. The good news is that you won’t need to make any major adjustments to your oral care routine.

Contact our experienced team at Balcones Family Dental in Austin, Texas for more information about dental implants and to schedule a visit.

 

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Porcelain Crowns: A great option for restoring teeth

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Dr. Lounsberry

Most dentists would unanimously agree that restoring and saving a natural tooth should always be a top priority. In many cases, the outcome of saving a natural tooth will outweigh the alternative: tooth loss.

There are a number of alternatives for restoring teeth, many of which can yield long-lasting and natural-looking results. Patients who are seeking an experienced dentist serving the 78729 area can schedule a consultation in order to determine the appropriate dental restoration.

Porcelain has been used in dentistry to address both cosmetic and restorative needs for many important reasons. Porcelain is:

  • strong enough to withstand normal biting and chewing forces
  • not affected by extreme temperature changes or moisture
  • resists staining from foods and beverages
  • low potential for allergic reaction
  • can be customized and shaded to mimic a natural tooth
  • can be used to restore front teeth or back teeth

When a tooth has become weakened or compromised due to large fillings, decay, or root canal treatment, a porcelain crown is a great option for restoring the tooth. Porcelain crowns may also be indicated to restore broken teeth, fractured teeth, and dental implants. They are also an appropriate solution for improving the appearance of a tooth that has not developed properly or a tooth that has old or worn fillings.

Your dentist will often recommend a crown when it is necessary to completely cover and protect your tooth. A crown, also known as a cap, covers all surfaces of the tooth and is permanently cemented in place. Patients are able to enjoy porcelain crowns just as they would enjoy a natural tooth, and there are generally no restrictions in terms of caring for the crown.

Although dental crowns can be fabricated from various combinations of materials, porcelain is the most commonly utilized, and your dentist will often recommend it due to its many advantages and beautiful appearance.

To learn more about porcelain crowns and to find out if they are the right choice for you, contact the office of Dr. Paul Lounsberry at 512.200.7422 and schedule your appointment today.

 

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Is Invisalign a treatment option for malocclusions?

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Dr. Lounsberry

When a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment for a straighter smile, the problems that need to be corrected may go beyond the teeth. A misaligned jaw can also have a detrimental effect on the smile’s appearance and contribute to the malocclusion or “bad bite.”

Austin Invisalign patients can take advantage of this tray aligning system to correct malocclusions in addition to straightening the teeth.

Malocclusions are categorized into three classes. Class I is excessive crowding of teeth, while Class II consists of overbites. Class III malocclusions are commonly referred to as underbites. Crossbites, in which the arches are shifted to different sides, are also considered to be malocclusions. Invisalign has demonstrated success in treating malocclusions of all three classes, along with crossbites.

When using Invisalign as an intervention, the dentist will consider the malocclusion as part of the treatment plan. Invisalign trays move the teeth and the jaws into the correct alignment. Each arch is treated separately, allowing the dentist to move the upper and lower teeth and jaws independently of each other.

Although most Invisalign patients are primarily motivated by aesthetic concerns, malocclusions inhibit the teeth and jaws from functioning properly, as well. Correcting these bad bites will also improve the patient’s ability to chew and prevent long-term damage to the teeth.

The Invisalign system is appealing to patients because of the many advantages it offers in comparison to traditional braces. Unlike the brackets and wires that detract from the smile, the clear Invisalign trays are barely noticeable to an outside observer. Because Invisalign can be removed for brushing and flossing and at mealtime, patients do not need to make any adjustments to their regular routines.

Patients with malocclusions may believe that their cases are too complex for Invisalign, but it’s always important to consult with a dentist before ruling out this approach. The Invisalign technology is constantly evolving and becoming more advanced, and it is now capable of correcting very complicated problems.

Each patient has unique bone and teeth structures, so ask Dr. Paul Lounsberry at Balcones Family Dental if Invisalign is an appropriate treatment in your case.

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Sleep apnea: What are the signs and symptoms?

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Dr. Lounsberry

With the proper training, your Austin TX dentist, can treat mild and moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder in which the patient’s breathing is repeatedly disrupted during sleep. Often, patients will notice decreased snoring and sleep apnea when an oral appliance is used to properly position the mouth and tongue during sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea most often occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the mouth collapse while a patient is sleeping, blocking the airway.

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea may include snoring, sleep disruptions or insomnia, lack of energy and confusion. Obesity is often correlated with sleep apnea, although the former is not a symptom of the latter. Patients’ spouses or partners may describe noticeable pauses in breathing. Patients with sleep apnea may also notice that their mouths or throats are particularly dry upon waking.

Patients who suspect they have sleep apnea should visit their primary care physicians for a referral to a sleep study, which can provide a definitive diagnosis. The sleep study will also help to determine the severity of your case, which will in turn shape the treatment approach.

For mild or moderate sleep apnea, a tongue retaining appliance keeps the tongue forward in the mouth so that it is not able to obstruct the airway. Other appliances promote a jaw position, with the lower jaw protruding, which keeps the tongue forward in the mouth. Although some over-the-counter appliances are available, patients are best served by appliances custom-designed by dentists. These devices offer a better fit.

For patients with severe sleep apnea, physicians may prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which requires the patient to wear a mask during the night. Some patients may find the CPAP mask to be uncomfortable and as disruptive to the sleep as the sleep apnea was. Those patients may also turn to dentists to see if oral appliances would be an effective alternative.

Sleep apnea is a very serious condition that has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, among other conditions. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact our Balcones Family Dental team and ask what treatments might be available.

 

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Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Dr. Lounsberry

Until recent years, if you were unfortunate enough to have crooked teeth, unsightly gaps or any one of the number of issues surrounding a crowded jaw or bite problems, you were very likely going to have to spend years in traditional braces for necessary corrections.  But today a consultation with your Round Rock Invisalign dental provider can offer a very different solution.

Invisalign is a process in which your dentist or orthodontist prescribes a series of soft, plastic aligners that are designed to gently reposition your teeth with each new aligner.  Through the use of computer technology and imagery, the Invisalign lab designs the aligners that will slowly make the changes needed to correct your bite or teeth alignment.

With traditional bands and brackets, your bite and teeth alignment are corrected through the use of metal wires and rubber bands.  The wires are continuously adjusted by your dentist during regular visits.  Your dentist is able to make any necessary adjustments by modifying the tension in the wires, and small rubber bands the wearer connects to brackets in the mouth are also used to help in achieving the desired result.

With traditional braces, the bands and brackets are cemented to the teeth for the duration of treatment.  Consequently, brushing and flossing are hampered making ideal oral hygiene very difficult.

There are many advantages to teeth straightening with Invisalign.  Because each aligner is made of a clear, soft plastic, they are aesthetically ideal as they are practically undetectable.  Also, because of the soft material used in Invisalign aligners, there is less abrasion to mouth tissue than with metal bands and wires.

Invisalign aligners are removable so the wearer is able to take them out when eating.  But more importantly, excellent oral hygiene is attainable as the wearer can brush and floss without any metal barriers.  It is important to note, however, that Invisalign aligners need to be worn a minimum of twenty to twenty-two hours daily to achieve the desired result.

The duration of treatment for adults is generally 6 months to one year with Invisalign.  Teens and young adults will generally require a similar length of treatment for either traditional braces or Invisalign.  To see if you are candidate for this exciting alternative to metal orthodontics, contact the office of Dr. Paul Lounsberry at 512-331-9088 to schedule your consultation. Our experienced dentistry team can have you on your way to the smile makeover you’ve always wanted.

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Restorative dentistry: The benefits of composite fillings

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Dr. Lounsberry

With the help of modern technology, dentistry has grown tremendously over the last four decades. In addition to offering early detection of dental diseases and virtually pain-free dentistry, dentists can design smiles that are both healthy and beautiful.

Gone are the old silver or amalgam fillings of the 1970’s. These fillings have been virtually replaced by an assortment of tooth-colored composite fillings. Composite restorations are not new in dentistry. Rather, they have transitioned from the front teeth to the entire mouth. Composites can be used to restore both small fillings in the front teeth as well as large fillings in the back teeth.

Composite fillings are being utilized for more than just their beauty.

  • Composite restorations have been clinically proven to be as strong as the silver or amalgam filling materials. They have been clinically proven to stand up to the forces of chewing and biting.
  • Compared to the formerly used silver fillings, composite fillings do not expand, contract, or conduct temperature at the same rate in response to temperature changes. This characteristic is especially important in the mouth, where it is common to enjoy hot food and very cold drinks in the same instance. Composite restorations contribute to far less sensitivity compared to amalgams.
  • With the use of bonding agents and adhesives, composites are designed to bond directly to the tooth structure. This permanent bond can effectively reduce the possibility if recurrent decay between the tooth and the filling. The bond has also been proven to strengthen the tooth, helping to hold it together.
  • Composite restorations are esthetically appealing, even in the back teeth. Even patients who have had numerous fillings in the back teeth can still open wide and laugh freely. Today’s composite materials can be polished to a high shine, able to resist pitting and staining.

Your dentist has your best interests in mind. You can feel confident in knowing that your dentist has chosen the material most suitable for your particular needs. In terms of a quality restorative material, composites meet a long list of criteria.

Contact the office of Dr. Paul Lounsberry, a dentist serving the 78728 area, and begin enjoying the advantages of composite fillings.

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Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Dr. Lounsberry

For many years if you had one or more missing teeth, you had to resort to a partial, denture or bridge to try to restore some semblance of normalcy to your smile and appearance.  But due to the technology of Round Rock implant dentistry, your options are no longer limited to these choices.

Dental implants are suitable for healthy individuals who have matured to the point where bone growth has been achieved.  Whether you need one or more teeth restored, implant dentistry can help you achieve a total smile makeover.  When completed you will once again be able to realize the joy of being able to eat the foods you love, speak without fear, and laugh with the confidence of someone with all their natural teeth.

The dental implant itself is made of a titanium type material that is surgically placed in the gum tissue to work much like the root of a tooth.  As the implant heals, it fuses to the jaw bone giving the implant strength and stability to prepare for the final restoration.  During the healing process, which typically takes four to six months, the implant is covered with a temporary restoration.  Once completely healed, your dentist will make a final covering to closely match your surrounding natural teeth making it virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, your dentist will assess your dental health as well as your physical health. Patients who suffer from immune disorders, have had cancer or deal with periodontal disease may require additional treatment to qualify for dental implantation.

If it is determined that you qualify for dental implants, your dentist will provide you with all the information and tools you need for success.  Once the implant has been placed, it is imperative to take excellent oral hygiene care of the implant and surrounding area.  Improper brushing and flossing is the leading cause of implant failure and infection.  Smoking and tobacco use also contribute to implant failure, so it is important to discontinue the use of all tobacco products if considering dental implants.

An honest conversation with Dr. Paul Lounsberry, your Round Rock dental provider, is the first step to learning all the information you need to determine if going forward with dental implants is the right decision for you.

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