Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as you get used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.
We believe so. There are many studies that link the reduction of germs and diseases in the mouth to better overall health.
Yes. OraCare™ helps to maintain white teeth.
Our dentist can answer all your questions about treatments. We offer a complimentary consultation so that you can meet with our doctor and learn more about laser gum treatment. Please remember that practicing good oral hygiene at home will greatly reduce your chances of contracting gum disease, both now as well as following your treatment.
These questions are typically the first ones asked when a child has injured his or her mouth or teeth. This is subjective and depends on the situation. If your child suffers a mouth or tooth injury, it is important to see a dental professional as soon as possible to evaluate the situation and to possibly prevent further damage.
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity, pressure and force of your bite with dental implants is comparable to that of natural teeth.
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
In a perfect world everyone would brush and floss twice a day. Plaque builds up over time and this sticky bacterial film can solidify and turn into calculus or tartar. This cement-like substance is removed by the hygienist at your regular cleaning visits. A six-month interval not only serves to keep your mouth healthy and clean, it allows potential problems to be found and diagnosed earlier.
In some instances a six-month schedule in not enough. Based on your dental history, rate of calculus buildup, and pattern of decay a 3 or 4 month interval may be needed. Your dentist can work with you to determine what will be best for you.
Also, Dental insurance companies came up with the idea for people to have two teeth cleanings per year. An insurance company recommends what is average. At Blue Apple, and many other dental offices in CA and the US, three teeth cleanings per year is becoming more standard to help battle gum disease and keep a healthy mouth.
When gum recession occurs, the root structure of the tooth becomes exposed. This means that tooth decay and other problems can affect the teeth along the gumline and beneath it. Since healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, getting gum recession treated is important for lasting dental wellness.
It is true that replanted teeth do not last a lifetime; however, they are expected to last many years. If a tooth can be replanted immediately (within 5 minutes) after being knocked out, then its survival is lengthened. With an adolescent whose face and jaw is still developing, it’s best to save the original tooth until the adolescent reaches maturity, and then consider long-term replacement options.
Although studies have shown there is nothing better to eliminate bad breath, OraCare™ is much more than a mouthwash. OraCare™ is a health rinse and a tool for dentists to use to reduce the bacteria that cause many diseases in the mouth.
Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink and dissolve. This shrinkage will make your face look older than it is.
With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual dental implants.
Baby teeth are meant to fall out eventually, with adult teeth to come in behind them. By replanting a baby tooth, you may actually cause damage to the adult tooth behind it and it’s the adult tooth that should be of primary concern.
Even though most dentists refer their patients to specialists for the placement of dental implants, Dr. Lieu has the training and expertise to perform the surgery in his office without the need for a referral saving your time and money.
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.
In many situations, CEREC same-day crowns have virtually replaced conventional crowns. Many dentists recommend CEREC crowns in every situation where a ceramic crown is appropriate.
Generally, these crowns are used to protect a tooth that has sustained extensive damage, either from advanced decay, internal treatment like a root canal or an injury.
Your dentist may recommend a conventional crown rather than a CEREC crown if you need an alloy dental appliance rather than a ceramic one. These alloy crowns are stronger and therefore are better suited for patients with bruxism.
Taking care of your crown appropriately has a significant impact on how long the dental appliance lasts. The first step toward preserving a CEREC same-day crown is to pay attention to how it fits. If you need an adjustment on the fit, it’s smart to schedule that follow-up appointment as soon as possible.
To care for your crown, you should:
- Avoid circumstances that increase the sensitivity of your crown, such as drinking hot beverages or consuming foods high in sugar
- Floss conscientiously to ensure that the crown stays firmly in place If you have issues with teeth grinding or clenching, wear a mouthguard as appropriate to protect the crown from fractures or chips
- Limit the sticky foods you consume, which can potentially shift or remove crowns
- Practice good brushing and flossing habits just as you do to maintain your natural teeth
- Reduce the amount of staining foods and beverages you consume, such as coffee and tobacco, to retain the original color of the crown
- Schedule routine dental cleanings every six months or as recommended by your dentist
- In addition to these general recommendations, prioritize any instructions you receive from your dentist, especially guidelines pertaining to the recovery period after the crown’s initial placement.
If you need a crown, ask your dentist if a CEREC same-day crown is the right option to repair damage to your tooth and protect it from further potential damage.
First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.
The active ingredient in OraCare™ is Activated Chlorine Dioxide. It is not harmful if accidentally swallowed.
The Receding Gumline Technique is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, this technique is incision and suture free.
All of the tools and techniques used to perform the Receding Gumline Technique were created by Dr. John Chao, and who trained our doctor.
Plaque is a clear sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. As plaque collects it forms a hard layer of tartar (or calculus) particularly in hard to reach areas between teeth and near the gum line.
Bacteria found in plaque create toxic chemicals that irritate the gums. Eventually these bacteria cause the underlying bone around the teeth to be destroyed, a condition known as gum disease. Recent research suggests that gum disease is linked to other health problems including heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and some pregnancy complications.
Removal of plaque with brushing and flossing on a twice daily basis and removal of tartar by your dentist and dental hygienist is the first step in defeating gum disease. By the time gum disease begins to hurt, it may be too late. Seeing a dentist regularly can help prevent this and many other problems.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive gum recession treatment. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST™ is incision and suture free. All of the surgical tools and techniques used to perform the Pinhole Surgical Technique were created by Dr. John Chao. Integrative Dental Specialists of Long Island is accredited and certified to happily provide this procedure for our patients.
Scaling and root planning is frequently referred to as deep cleaning, deep cleaning is the treatment of choice for an infectious disease called Periodontal Disease.
So, what is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal Disease mainly starts with the formation of plaque around the teeth, this plaque is the yellow film on your teeth caused by food and bacteria in your mouth. When plaque buildup mixes with the saliva it hardens over time, and turns into tartar, tartar containing bacteria will irritate the gums around the teeth by attaching to the outer surface of the teeth and roots and releases poisonous toxins.
These toxins cause an infection and an inflammation of the gums, which worsens if left untreated. This can ultimately cause bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Keep in mind, the lost bone will never grow back, fortunately, deep cleaning can help as a procedure that treats the infected area by meticulously cleaning the tartar and bacteria from the teeth and their roots.
Deep cleaning scaling and root planning is normally performed by your dentist or dental hygienist in a couple of visits, the exact number of visits, however, depends on your dentist and the amount of tartar buildup. Often your dentist will choose to administer a local anesthetic to make the procedure virtually painless, the deep cleaning is either done manually or with an ultrasonic instrument called a Cavitron. Sometimes, a combination of both of the techniques loosen and remove plaque and tartar buildup.
In addition, an antibacterial irrigant or local antibiotics such as Actisite may be used in conjunction with the cleaning procedure to further reduce the number of bacteria around the gums. Keep in mind although rare one or more of the following symptoms can occur after treatment bleeding of the gum, inadvertent removal, or irritation of the gum, tooth discomfort such as sensitivity to hot and cold, or sweets, swelling, and inflammation of the gum, and finally allergies to some of the materials used during the procedure.
You may ask yourself, can I get a regular cleaning instead? The answer is no, as the name “deep cleaning” implies, the main difference is that deep cleaning goes below the gum to remove plaque or tartar buildup from the tooth root where the bone is affected by the infection.
Whereas regular cleaning only removes the plaque or tartar above the gum. Periodontal Disease cannot currently be cured, it can only be controlled so, it’s important to follow your dentist’s recommendations for follow-up maintenance and treatment. In addition to routine checkups, performing proper dental hygiene at home is of course also important to help prevent the recurrence of this destructive disease.
please check with Dr. Lieu, Dr. Styles or Oriana Lieu if you have any additional questions
OraCare™ is an oral cleanser utilizing activated chlorine dioxide. In a university study, chlorine dioxide has been shown to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi, destroy biofilms and neutralize bacterial toxins (VSCs). Dr. Lieu offers OraCare in his office.
Laser gum therapy is a treatment for periodontal disease, or gum disease, that uses lasers, rather than scalpels and sutures. It is a less invasive and more comfortable treatment than traditional gum disease treatments.
Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. This can occur as a result of periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), the natural aging process, or abrasive habits when it comes to brushing the teeth.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the bio-compatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.
While bad breath (or “halitosis”) can be linked to numerous systemic diseases, the majority of bad breath originates in the mouth. A dry mouth or a low salivary flow can also influence bad odor.
There are two main goals in the management of bad breath. First, controlling the bacteria that produce the sulfur compounds and second, to neutralize the sulfur compounds that are produced. We recommend OraCare mouth wash as a wonderful and easy way to combat bad breath.
After the checkup part of your visit, it’s time to have your teeth cleaned. Your dentist or a certified staff member will use what’s called a rotating toothbrush to clean the plaque from your teeth after your teeth have been brushed and the dentist may floss to remove any and all remaining plaque between your teeth. If necessary to help Harden your teeth and help fight future cavities, your dentist or dental staff member may apply a fluoride foam solution or paint. Obviously, you can’t go to the dentist every day to have your teeth cleaned so here are some tips on how you can keep your teeth strong and healthy at home.
First, you should start by flossing your teeth to remove any food particles and plaque that may get stuck between them the right way to floss is to wind the floss around both of your index fingers and gently push it in between each of your teeth in your mouth make sure you freely move the floss upwards downwards and even sideways to get out any food that might be stuck.
After flossing you should then brush your teeth you should put a small amount of toothpaste on a soft toothbrush and hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth then gently rotate the bristles across your teeth and under your gums with a backward and forward circular motion. Be sure to also get the top surfaces of your teeth where you chew. Lastly, it’s important to brush the inside surfaces of your teeth with the same rotating motion if you have any additional questions please consult Dr. Lieu or Dr. Styles.
This may be your first visit to the dentist, or just your first visit in a while either way, you may not know what to expect and you may even be a little nervous but sit back, relax, and let us explain to you what we will be doing during this visit.
The first thing we will check during the exam is your face and neck. Checking visually, we will look for any abnormalities such as lumps, bumps, or swelling.
Checking inside your mouth is next on the agenda during this part of the checkup. We will be looking for any abnormalities in the soft tissue, such as discolorations or ulcers on your lips, gums, tongue, palate, and cheeks.
We will also perform an oral cancer screening and will check your bite and your jaw joint for any problems.
Next, we will check your gums and jaw bone as they are the foundation for your teeth. We will check them for any signs of gingivitis, gum disease, and bone disease.
Checking your teeth comes next. We will be checking your teeth for any cavities or other problems.
Finally, we’ll be sure to look specifically at any areas where you may have symptoms or concerns. In most cases, a clinical exam by itself is not sufficient to completely diagnose all potential problems with your mouth. In fact, the majority of problems with your teeth in the jaw bone, are not visible to the naked eye and that’s why X Ray’s play a key role in allowing a better and more accurate look at what is really going on inside your mouth, below your teeth and gums.
A good example of this would be the use of X Ray’s to better diagnose the destructive periodontal disease by using X Ray’s, your dentist can check for any bone loss and determine the severity of the gum disease.
Based on the diagnosis from the x-ray, your dentist can then determine the proper cleaning or treatment you may require. In addition to revealing any problems that were not visible during the clinical exam, these initial X Rays will also provide your dentist with a benchmark with which to compare against during your future visits. If you have any additional questions please consult Dr. Lieu or Dr. Styles.
There are many benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique including:
- Less discomfort for the patient after treatment
- Faster recovery for the patient than traditional grafting
- No need for uncomfortable ugly sutures
- No need for scalpels or invasive surgical tools
- No need to take donor tissue from the patient’s palate
- Immediately noticeable
- Excellent, natural-looking, long-lasting results
The benefits of the Receding Gumline Technique are many:
Less discomfort for the patient after treatment
Faster recovery for the patient than traditional grafting
No need for uncomfortable sutures
No need for scalpels or invasive surgical tools
No need to take donor tissue from the patient’s palate
Excellent, natural-looking, long-lasting results
Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, most commonly abbreviated to “CEREC,” crowns are an alternative capping method for damaged teeth used instead of conventional crowns. Conventional crowns require fabrication in an offsite lab, while CEREC crowns are milled in your qualified dentist’s office.
CEREC crowns are created through x-ray and digital-imaging references rather than dental molds. This process is often more comfortable for patients than the mold-taking procedure.
Additionally, conventional crowns always require at least two appointments — a fitting and a placement appointment. Between these two appointments, the patient must wear a temporary crown. As the name suggests, same-day crowns are finished in a single appointment.
CEREC crowns consist of dental quality ceramic, finished to match the color of the patient’s teeth.
Improved appearance:
When you lose the entire tooth – crown and root – shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.
Preserve natural teeth:
With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
Permanent solution:
There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
Have you lost your teeth due to severe tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, or even a failed root canal? If so, you may qualify for implant treatment, dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth in your mouth. Implants, are made of titanium or similar materials, that are well suited to the human body. They are, artificial replacements for teeth roots that support restoration, or a dental appliance. Besides, it’s cosmetic advantage replacing the missing teeth will restore your ability to properly chew and speak.
In addition, the space caused by the missing teeth may allow the surrounding teeth to shift into that space. This shifting could cause a misalignment in your bite, that can result in problems with your jaw joint, these shifted teeth are harder to clean making them more susceptible to gum disease, decay, or even additional tooth loss. Before we start, it’s important that you notify your dentist of your medical condition. Whether you have any artificial joints, diabetes, or a history of heart, and valve conditions you should also inform your dentist of any medications you are currently or have previously taken. Such as redux or Fen Fen blood thinners, more importantly medications that contain bisphosphonates, like fosa Max.
It normally takes a few phases, and several months for your dentist to complete the treatment. In the first phase, your dentist will place the implants in your jaw bone, it requires 3 to 6 months for the bone to fuse to the implants. In the second phase. your dentist will place an extension, or opposed to extend the implants above the gumline this process can also be performed during the first phase, depending on the technique chosen by your dentist. After, your gums are healed it is time for an impression to be made, and a final restoration or appliance to be fabricated by the dental laboratory.
In most cases, on your final visit the restoration of the dental appliances are made than placed and adjusted to ensure proper fit, and function. While every effort is made to place a successful, and functioning implant, it sometimes fails. This is mainly due to lack of proper attachment between the implant, and the jawbone, during the bone fusing phase. Other problems, such as breakage of the implants, loosening of its restoration of dental appliance, or infection of the surrounding gums are also rare possibilities.
Finally, due to differences in the shapes of the jaws and the bone density, the back area of upper jaw may require an additional procedure such as a sinus lifting, to increase the predictability and long term success. Please, keep in mind that the longevity of your implant, and its restoration depends in large part on your oral hygiene diet and the health of the supporting bones and gums. Please ask your dentist for proper brushing and flossing techniques if you have any additional questions please consult your dentist.
You may have noticed that any time you get an injection from a nurse or physician that they always disinfect the area before the injection to help prevent bacteria being carried into your body by the needle. We believe this must be the standard of care for dentistry too.
It is a fact that bacteria and bacterial toxins deep inside a tooth or in gum disease can be brought out to the tissues of the tongue and other mucosal surfaces in the mouth during treatment. These should be removed as much as possible. It is a fact that the more bacteria and microbial toxins that are present in a wound area or injection area will delay healing and induce pain. Doesn’t it make sense to help promote healing and reduce pain after a dental procedure?
Yes, children and adults with protruding front teeth are more likely to sustain mouth injury. If sports are important to a person’s lifestyle, then a mouth guard should be used for protection. Orthodontics, or braces, should also be considered as a long-term solution.
You’re not alone! Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years, it’s never too late to get back into the routine.
At our office, we can arrange for you to have a thorough and educational exam appointment. We take care of people just like you every day!
Ask about our New Years New Patient Special for $99 exam and X-rays. We can give you an idea what we see and where you can begin taking care of your smile.
OraCare™ is very safe. The active ingredient is Activated Chlorine Dioxide which has been used for over 70 years by hundreds of municipalities in the United States to purify their drinking water. It is also used by hikers to sanitize water in canteens.
For best results, use OraCare™ dental rinse twice per day or as directed by your dentist.
With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant normally causes less discomfort then placing several. Anesthesia and patient sedation are commonly administered to help reduce any discomfort during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your dentist to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.
You can come in for a Power Cleanse with OraCare™ as often as you like, or you may purchase OraCare™ from your dental professional for home use.
After rinsing with OraCare™, bad breath will be gone for 12 hours. Bad breath will be improved for 24 hours.
You can use OraCare™ while pregnant.
Yes, you can use OraCare as a vegan.
Bio Film is a sticky film of germs. In the mouth, it is called plaque.
You may use OraCare™ while taking antibiotics.
It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.
When you look in the mirror what color are your teeth white, yellow, or Brown? You may or may not be aware, that overtime teeth naturally become darker and stained In addition, to natural aging there are some other factors like cigarette smoking, in certain types of foods and drinks such as coffee and tea also darken your teeth.
Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can have the same effect as well, a bright white smile can be achieved by bleaching your teeth. Home whitening involves wearing a custom fit mouth tray that contains a concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel, which will bleach your teeth to A brighter whiter smile. So how does it work? During the first visit, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth, after making sure your teeth are free of plaque and tartar from this impression a custom mouth tray is made specifically for your mouth.
On your second visit, your dentist will show you how to apply the gel to the tray and place it into your mouth, as well as tell you the amount of time you must wear your mouthguard. The amount of time depends on how badly your teeth are stained, as well as the concentration of the gel used. It can vary from a few minutes to a few hours, as an example, many brands are applied twice a day for one to 2 hours, over a time period of two weeks. Home whitening can last anywhere from a few months to a few years and the degree of whitening changes from one person to another. This in part, depends on the original condition of your teeth specifically how stained they were as well as the strength of the bleaching gel used also. In large part, it depends on your eating, drinking, and smoking habits as no teeth whitening solution will result in a permanent color change of your teeth, and it won’t prevent future staining.
There are some minor risks associated with home whitening, the most common side effect is tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is generally mild and will subside most of the time once the treatment is completed. If you feel severe sensitivity, you should wear a mouth tray for shorter periods of time or consider stopping treatment entirely. Brushing your teeth with a highly concentrated fluoride toothpaste, or desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne, will also help to reduce the discomfort. Your dentist can also prescribe a fluoride gel that can be used in your bleaching tray, which also should help reduce the sensitivity. gum irritation. or discoloration of the gum is another possible side effect of the home whitening procedure, this is mainly due to over loading the mouth tray. Simply stopping the process for a few days should help your gums feel and look normal again.
If you have any additional questions please consult with Dr. Lieu or Dr. Styles.
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist in six months, or more frequently if so advised.
There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children and adults are exposed. Lead aprons and digital sensors are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. More radiation comes from using a smartphone than getting a full set (25) of dental x-rays.
It is recommended that you wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day and only remove them for eating or drinking, brushing and flossing.
Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This new method has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.
The conventional process can take from three to six months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, your are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.
The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.
The cost for the Pinhole Surgical Technique varies for everyone. The treatment cost is based on several things including:
- Severity of gingival recession
- Number of teeth that have receding gums
- Difficulty of individual case
Cost is always a concern, and only your doctor can the exact price of treatment. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. In the U.S., the cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,500 to $8,000, with the national average at about $5,000.
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, your dentist will recommend the treatment that is best for you.
You usually only need two treatment visits and a couple of post-operative, follow-up appointments. Our dentist will then ask you to visit our hygienist every 3 months for a checkup.
Bio film is reduced for approximately 24 hrs after treatment with OraCare™.
The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Initial treatment will focus on scaling away the plaque and tartar, and the laser portion of your treatment will only take a few minutes. An accurate estimate of the time it will take to complete your treatment will be provided after evaluation, when our dentist discusses your treatment plan with you.
One of the most common reasons that patients and providers opt for CEREC same-day crowns is to save time. As mentioned in the last section, conventional crowns require multiple appointments, usually within the time frame of a month or less. This time commitment can often be difficult for busy patients.
Conversely, CEREC crowns are finished in a single appointment that generally only runs moderately longer than the average dental cleaning and exam. Most CEREC appointments last between one and a half to two hours.
However, the appointment time includes 30 to 45 minutes of free time for the patient while the crown is milled. Patients are free to use personal electronics, read or otherwise entertain themselves during this period.
Because CEREC crowns are quicker than traditional crowns, some patients worry that CEREC crowns won’t last as long as their conventional counterparts. However, the milling process used for same-day crowns produces high-quality ceramic crowns that are comparable in durability to conventional dental appliances.
Well-cared-for crowns should last for at least five years. Because five years is the expected lifespan for ceramic crowns, most dental insurance providers cover a replacement crown after that time frame.
Additionally, because CEREC crowns tend to fit more precisely than conventional crowns, these crowns typically require less refitting. The reduced maintenance of CEREC crowns can translate to even more durability for some patients.
OraCare™ does not make your mouth germ free. OraCare™ greatly reduces the number of germs and the mouth gradually returns to its normal state in about 24 hours.
During the Pinhole Surgical Technique™, a tiny needle is used to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special PST™ proprietary instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help slide and reposition the gumline to cover the exposed root structure. There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed with the Pinhole Surgical Technique™. It simply involves the adjustment of the existing tissue. An enhanced PST™ is achieved by utilizing Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF). Simply put, your blood is taken chair-side from a vein in your arm by Dr. Etess himself. In about ten minutes, the blood is prepared and processed with absolutely NO CHEMICALS, and it is ready for immediate use to help HEAL YOU. PRF is a revolutionary leap forward in dental healing. The PRF plug that is created contains your own growth factors, growth proteins, healing platelet cytokines, and all-important regenerative stem cells. The PRF becomes your own dynamic super biomaterial to biologically stimulate your Pinhole soft tissue gum lift repair and regeneration, and to aid and accelerate wound healing. There are only about 1500 dentists WORLDWIDE who can perform and are certified in the Pinhole Surgical Technique®, and only a small fraction of them like Dr. Lieu utilizes PRF to achieve even greater results.
During the Receding Gumline Technique, a needle is used to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help expand and slide the gumline to cover the exposed root structure.
There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed with the Receding Gumline Technique. It simply involves the adjustment of the existing tissue.
Traditional gum recession treatments involve the use of donor tissue or soft tissue grafts in order to rebuild the gumline. This soft tissue would be sutured in place and would join with existing gum tissue as
it healed.
While this traditional grafting treatment is effective, comparable results with better patient experience can be achieved through the Receding Gumline Technique.
Traditional gum recession treatments involve the use of donor tissue or soft tissue grafts (connective tissue grafts from your palate or tissue from a cadaver) to rebuild the gumline. This soft tissue would be sutured in place and would join with existing gum tissue as it healed. While this traditional grafting treatment is effective, more predictable results with a better overall patient experience and satisfaction can be achieved through the Pinhole Surgical Technique™.
First, our dentist will use and ultrasonic scaler and small instruments to remove from plaque and tartar from the root surface of your teeth. Then he will use a small laser to direct light between the gum and the tooth, removing the diseased tissue and reducing the bacteria in the area. The area will then be thoroughly cleaned so that your body can heal naturally.
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. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before moving onto the next set of aligners in your treatment plan.
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
If you are missing one or more teeth, or have loose fitting dentures, dental implants may be for you.
Dental implants are permanent anchors that integrate with the jawbone to provide secure, stable and long-lasting tooth replacement. Because dental implants become part of the jaw, they look and feel like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, talk and smile without worry.
When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them one of the best investments for long-term tooth replacement. Studies have reported that the long-term success rate of implants is over 95%.
Veneers are custom made tooth-colored shells that are bonded to your teeth with dental cement or bonding adhesive, they cover the front surfaces of your teeth and can help improve your appearance and smile by covering up a tooth that is discolored, misshaped, or worn down. Veneers, can also close gaps between teeth or repair a chipped tooth, veneers can be made from several different types of materials generally, your dentist will help you decide which type is best for you.
Veneers can be porcelain, composite or Lumineers. Porcelain are the most common type of veneers, porcelain has a very shiny surface that closely resembles your enamel, and will give you a more natural and translucent appearance. In addition, porcelain is stain resistant and it is also very friendly to your gums. It normally takes 2 visits for your dentist to complete your veneer.s In preparation it is necessary on the first visit for your dentist to use a dental hand-piece to shape and prepare the teeth so the veneers will properly fit over them.
Next, an impression of your teeth is taken and temporary veneers may be placed to protect the prepared teeth, the impression of your teeth is then sent to a dental laboratory where custom-fit veneers are made. During this first visit, your dentist will also help you choose the proper shade for the color of your veneers in most cases, on your second visit the veneers are placed, and if necessary adjusted to create a proper fit. If the fit, shape, and color of the veneers are satisfactory your dentist will proceed with permanently cementing them into place. Keep in mind, in some instances the veneer received back from the laboratory may not fit as expected in these cases your dentist may have to take a second impression or readjust the tooth in order to fabricate a veneer that fits just right and creates the beautiful smile you want.
Though rare, during the first few days with your new veneers you may feel some discomfort or sensitivity to temperature changes, as advised by your dentist you can take over-the-counter pain medicine to alleviate the discomfort. If your symptoms persist more than a few days, visit your dentist sometimes your newly cemented veneers may feel too tall in this case, you should also contact your dentist for further adjustment of the veneers porcelain veneers, are usually not repairable should they chip or crack so you should attempt to avoid biting directly on small hard items such as hard candies, your fingernails, or pens.
You should never chew on anything cold or hard such as ice, if you grind your teeth during the day or night your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect your veneers from these grinding forces, a nightguard is a plastic cover that fits over your teeth to deflect hard forces. Nightguards will also increase the longevity of your veneers finally, it is important to keep up with your daily brushing and flossing to avoid getting cavities in your teeth with veneers as well as your other teeth.
If you have any additional questions please consult with Dr. Lieu or Dr. Styles.
No. We use the same billing codes as traditional gum surgery. The factors affecting your treatment cost are related directly to the severity of your disease, such as how many teeth are involved in the treatment. We invite you to discuss your payment options with our office, as we offer financing solutions for this treatment.
The procedure itself is virtually painless, although we may anesthetize the area for your comfort. There is often some discomfort following your procedure, but it is minimal, and should disappear fairly quickly.
Yes. Over 1.5 million patients have been treated with Invisalign. It is perfect for realigning teeth if you have had regular braces, or looking to make a minor correction. Wear your aligners and your teeth will move.
Because medical benefits differ from policy to policy, you should review your personal coverage plan and check with your insurance provider. In general, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.
After the checkup part of your visit, it’s time to have your teeth cleaned. Your dentist or a certified staff member will use what’s called a rotating toothbrush to clean the plaque from your teeth after your teeth have been brushed and the dentist may floss to remove any and all remaining plaque between your teeth. If necessary to help Harden your teeth and help fight future cavities, your dentist or dental staff member may apply a fluoride foam solution or paint. Obviously, you can’t go to the dentist every day to have your teeth cleaned so here are some tips on how you can keep your teeth strong and healthy at home.
First, you should start by flossing your teeth to remove any food particles and plaque that may get stuck between them the right way to floss is to wind the floss around both of your index fingers and gently push it in between each of your teeth in your mouth make sure you freely move the floss upwards downwards and even sideways to get out any food that might be stuck.
After flossing you should then brush your teeth you should put a small amount of toothpaste on a soft toothbrush and hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth then gently rotate the bristles across your teeth and under your gums with a backward and forward circular motion. Be sure to also get the top surfaces of your teeth where you chew. Lastly, it’s important to brush the inside surfaces of your teeth with the same rotating motion if you have any additional questions please consult Dr. Lieu or Dr. Styles.
No treatment will be effective unless you follow it up with routine and proper home care. This means you should brush and floss regularly after every meal, and at a minimum of twice a day.
The key is not only to do it regularly but also to do it right, here is how to properly floss.
You should wind the floss around both of your index fingers, and push it between each of the teeth in your mouth, make sure to freely move the floss upwards, downwards, and even sideways to remove any food particles or plaque that may be lodged between your teeth or under the gums.
Many people these days use an electric toothbrush such as Sonic care, whether you use an electric brush or still prefer a manual brush, you should hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth.
Gently, but thoroughly rotate the bristles across your teeth and under your gums with a backward and forward motion. Be sure to also get the top surfaces of your teeth, where you bite or chew on food.
Your tongue can also be cleaned with your toothbrush, which will help reduce bad breath. It is important to clean the inside surfaces of your teeth with the same rotating motion.
When brushing it’s also important to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps Harden the outer layer of the tooth called enamel, which will prevent cavities and also reduce bacteria in the mouth. It can also reverse the formation of smaller cavities.
Lastly, antibacterial mouth rinses can also help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Please check with your dentist or dental hygienist if you have any additional questions.
Many dentists are now recommending OraCare™ over Peridex for your periodontal and gingivitis care.
It will not stain your teeth or interfere with taste like Peridex does. It also can be used long term.
Children age 8 and up can use OraCare™. Accidental swallowing of a mouthful will not harm children or adults.
Using laser gum treatment, our dentist has been able to save many teeth that would otherwise have been extracted. As with other aspects of dentistry, we may or may not be able to save your tooth depending on the severity of your dental condition.
Yes. Many patients worry about more germs released during a power cleaning. Dentist Dr. Lieu recommends Pre-, Mid-, and Post-Treatment Rinsing with OraCare™.
Yes, you may eat immediately after cleansing with OraCare™.
When you look in the mirror what color are your teeth white, yellow, or Brown? You may or may not be aware that overtime teeth naturally become darker and stained. In addition, to natural aging, there are some other factors like cigarette smoking, certain types of foods, and drinks such as coffee and tea that also darken your teeth. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can also have the same effect as well, a bright white smile can be achieved by bleaching your teeth, there are several ways in which this can be done but the most commonly recommended technique by dentists is an in-office bleaching.
Hands down, this is the quickest and most effective way to whiten your teeth, here’s how it works in-office whitening uses a concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel to bleach your teeth to A brighter whiter smile. To help accelerate the process for better results a special light or with some bleaching systems our laser is used in conjunction with the gel, what’s great is that the whitening procedure generally takes only one office visit.
The first step is to make sure the teeth are free of any plaque or tartar.
The next step is to apply a protective layer of cream to your lips, so they stay moist during the process.
Next, your dentist will place a protection on your gums, now that the lips and gums have been protected your dentist will apply the bleaching gel to your teeth.
Finally, the entire process is accelerated by shining a special light on your teeth, the entire process takes roughly 1 to 2 hours, and unlike other whitening techniques that may take weeks to show results, you will see results almost instantly. In-office whitening can last anywhere from a few months to a few years and the degree of whitening changes from one person to another. This in part depends on the original condition of your teeth, specifically how stained they were, as well as the strength of the bleaching gel used.
In large part, it depends on your eating, drinking, and smoking habits as no teeth whitening solution will result in a permanent color change of your teeth, and it won’t prevent future staining. However, you can maintain this whitening effect with the use of a home whitening kit, home whitening involves wearing a custom-fit mouthguard, that contains a less concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel to help preserve your new brighter and whiter smile.
There are some minor risks associated with whitening, the most common side effect is tooth sensitivity, tooth sensitivity is generally mild and often subsides in a few days. Brushing your teeth with a highly concentrated fluoride toothpaste or desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne will also help reduce the discomfort. Dr. Lieu or Dr. Styles can also prescribe you a fluoride gel to use, which will also help reduce the sensitivity, gum irritation, or discoloration, side effects such as these will subside and the gum will go back to normal condition in about a few days.
If you have any additional questions please consult with Dr. Lieu or Dr. Styles.
If a manual toothbrush is used for the appropriate amount of time, and done with proper technique, it can perform just as well as a powered toothbrush. But many people don’t brush for the recommended two to three minutes. Children are also good candidates for powered brushes as their brushing habits tend to be less than optimal.
While everyone certainly does not need an electric toothbrush, in many instances they can be beneficial. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about which brush is best for you.
Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.
Adri
Dental Assistant
My goal is to help people who may have dental anxiety get through their fears and be happy with their smile and get their oral health back under control.
Katie
Insurance Coordinator
Our main Insurance Coordinator, Katie is an expert with over 5 years of experience in assisting our patients with their dental insurance.
Linda
Insurance Coordinator
Born and raised in Sonoma County, Pamela has been in the dental field for almost 5 years. Being bilingual in English and Spanish and her expertise in treatment planning and finances are a great asset to our patients.
Alexis
Dental Assistant Sterilization Tech
Alexis is one of our crucial members at Blue Apple Dental Group. When she is not assisting hygiene or our doctors, you will find her in our sterilization area ensuring optimal sterilization of our dental instruments by properly sterilizing them in accordance with OSHA law and guidelines.
Brooke
Dental Assistant
Brooke is a Sonoma County native, born and raised in Rohnert Park. She attended Santa Rosa Junior college for 2 years earning her Associate's Degree and graduated top of her Class at Carrington College's Registered Dental Assistant's Program in Pleasant Hill.
Dr. Styles began working in the dental field in 2000 in her hometown of San Luis Obispo.
Martha
Office Manager
Blue Apple Dental Group's outstanding Office Manager, Martha, was raised in Petaluma...
