June 6, 2016
If your teeth are not aligned or they are shifting, it can create gaps.
Having a gap in your teeth can be a problem and it can be embarrassing. But the good news is that there are things that you can do to help close that gap.
Below are two options for closing gaps in your teeth. One option quickly fixes the gap and the other takes a longer approach.
(more…)June 2, 2016
Are your teeth are shifting?
When your teeth are no longer aligned and they are shifting, it can happen for a few reasons. It can happen because you are sleeping on one side, or it could be because you grind your teeth.
You may also discover that your teeth are shifting because your dental habits aren’t good. No matter what the cause is, teeth that are shifting can cause a lot of dental problems if you don’t treat it, since teeth that aren’t aligned properly can be harder to clean.
Having dental issues because of shifting teeth is not the only problem you may face. You may also find that you’re having problems with your self-esteem. You have to discover why your teeth aren’t aligned correctly so that you can get the right treatment.
Here is a list of the more common causes:
When someone grows older, the area between their teeth will naturally wear away. Since teeth on the bottom are thinner, meaning they’ll wear out quicker than the upper teeth, the shifting will slowly happen when the person is biting down.
These are two really bad habits that people have when it comes to their teeth. Either habit can force your bottom or top teeth to go out of alignment because of additional pressure that is placed on them. Many people do it while they’re sleeping, speeding up the process without being aware of it.
When you lose one of your teeth, it’s smart to fill in the area. Leaving your area like it is will likely cause your teeth around your gap to shift and try to fill the gap. What could happen is that if you have a missing bottom tooth, your teeth next to it will start shifting sideways. Your tooth that’s directly above the gap could also start growing downward.
This is true even if you were born with teeth that were straight. If you have genes that dictate that your teeth are going to shift when you get older, you may find you have the same problem. Ask relatives to find out whether they have had problems with their teeth shifting. If it’s a problem on one or the other side in the family, you may want to bring it up when you see your dentist.
Having cavities that were filled because of tooth decay may cause shifting in your teeth, particularly if the dentist used plastic filling. Of course, if you don’t get the cavity filled and your decay goes to your gums, you’ll still find that your teeth aren’t aligned since it’s going to eat at that bone which keeps teeth aligned correctly.
No matter the reason why teeth are shifting, having teeth that are misaligned isn’t a big concern. If you get a good dentist to take care of the problem, your teeth ought to remain straight. There are a lot of solutions that you can use for this problem as well. Retainers, cosmetic dentistry, and braces are just a few of the measures that a lot of people take for correcting their shifting teeth. Regularly visit your dentist so that the issues can be dealt with soon.
If cosmetic issues are affecting your smile, the team at Island Coast Dentistry can help. Through a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Skupny can tailor a oral treatment plan that is most effective for you. A beautiful, healthy smile can be yours!
Contact us today to learn more, or schedule a consultation online.
February 11, 2016
Whether you’re considering Invisalign or already in treatment, it’s important to understand how Invisalign works. Please use this blog post to find answers to common questions.
Then schedule an appointment with an experienced Invisalign provider to obtain details tailored to your specific needs.
What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?
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.
How do the aligners straighten teeth?
Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation.
When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.
How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth?
Through the use of our patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your doctor as he or she maps out your unique Invisalign treatment plan.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Invisalign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day.
However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces.
Plus, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time in the doctor’s chair. Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straightened teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you’ll be able to see it for yourself.
How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined by your doctor.
How do I get started with Invisalign?
It’s simple — first take our Smile Assessment to see if Invisalign is right for you. Next make an appointment with an Invisalign Provider like Dr. Skupny.
For the best experience, take the time to find the “right” doctor, one whom you feel comfortable with, and who has experience treating cases like yours.
As with other important medical decisions, find the most experienced Invisalign-trained Provider near you. Make sure you trust your smile to an experienced doctor who uses the latest techniques.
Can I go to any dentist to be treated with Invisalign?
Dr. Skupnyt attended and completed specialized instructional sessions to become trained Invisalign Provider. In addition, Dr. Skupny must regularly submit treatment results for review and complete ongoing clinical training classes.
Dr. Skupny is an experienced Invisalign Provider near you. Doctor Skupny has a greater level of case experience.
How often must I wear my aligners?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
How often must I see my Invisalign doctor?
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
My provider mentioned “attachments”. What are they and why would I need them for my Invisalign treatment?
Depending on your specific treatment, some of the movements may require either “attachments” or “ridges” to help the aligner grip the teeth. These bumps, or wells, are where the aligner grips the attachment the doctor places on your teeth.
The attachments are actually small pieces of enamel-colored composite the doctor affixes to your teeth that are then gripped by bumps on your aligners. The ridges are slim indentations in your aligners. Your doctor will use one or both of these features to attempt to achieve the desired tooth movement.
]Dr. Jeffrey Skupny uses a variety of dental procedures and techniques to provide the very best result for your individual circumstances.
His artistic abilities and experience with dentistry along with his use of the finest materials and products combine to create a healthy, natural looking, spectacular smile. Contact our Naples dental office in Collier County area today to learn more about the dental options available to you.
Isn’t it time to look younger and feel better? If you don’t like your smile, come see Dr. Jeffrey Skupny, conveniently located in Collier County, Florida.
January 15, 2016
When it comes to straightening your teeth, you have a lot of different options besides metal braces.
Despite your best efforts, whether it’s sports related, decay, missing teeth, genetics, or age your teeth can move out of alignment.
Thankfully, many of these misalignments can be treated by individually addressing them, or by using clear aligners like Invisalign. (more…)
