The most obvious difference between Invisalign and traditional braces is aesthetics. Whereas metal braces may be appropriate and even socially acceptable for young teens, most adults prefer a less obvious method for teeth straightening. If appearance is a concern for you, Invisalign may be an excellent solution.

Understanding Invisalign

Invisalign is a teeth straightening system that uses a series of clear aligners to straighten adult teeth. Aligners are custom created to fit you, so you can enjoy your normal daily activities while Invisalign works hard to restore your smile. Each set of aligners is removed after a period of time, and replaced with a new set. Each set is slightly different from the others, so that your teeth are gradually shifted into their desired positions. The aligners themselves are easy to clean, because they are removable. This also allows you to brush and floss your teeth to maintain good oral health. Best of all, Invisalign is removed while eating, so you are free to enjoy all the foods you love with no restrictions. Try doing this with braces!

Comfort, Convenience, and Results

Comfort is another important factor. The smooth, wire-and-brackets-free surface of Invisalign moves teeth in gradual shifts, minimizing jaw discomfort and virtually eliminating the inner mouth irritations some experience with braces.  And because Invisalign moves the back teeth first and finishes by realigning the front teeth, most patients report a more comfortable process overall.

Is Invisalign right for you? Only a thorough examination and consultation with Dr. Ami Barakat can confirm the best solution for straightening your teeth. Please contact our office to schedule your free consultation at Dentistry@Main, serving Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville, Ontario.

If you are missing teeth or expect to have one or more teeth removed soon, it is important to understand your tooth replacement options. What are the benefits and differences between partials vs. dental implants?  Dr. Ami Barakat at Dentistry@Main in Ottowa, Ontario can help you make the right choice for your budget and lifestyle.

How Partials Work

A partial implant, often referred to as “partial,” is one (or several) replacement teeth created to fill the gap left by your missing teeth. Partials are created in a dental lab to closely match your natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, partials don’t require an adhesive to remain attached to your gums. Instead, a partial replaces your missing tooth and is anchored on either side by your natural, remaining teeth.  A partial can be removed if necessary, since it is not permanently affixed. However, this replacement option is sturdy and reliable when in place, and virtually undetectable from your surrounding teeth.

Why Dental Implants?

Unlike the partial, which can be removed, the dental implant is a permanent tooth restoration. A dental implant uses a titanium anchor placed into the jawbone to mimic the root of your now-missing natural tooth. Next, an abutment, or small post, is attached to the implant to hold the tooth. Finally, a tooth crown is attached and anchored to the new root system.

Dental implants offer several benefits. You implant will look and feel natural and is a permanent restoration. Unlike a dental bridge, the implant requires no destruction of adjacent teeth. Unlike dentures, your implant will not slip. With your new dental implant, you can look forward to better oral health, and a restoration that will last for years.

Would you like to know more about your tooth restoration options? Please contact Dr. Barakat at Dentistry@Main, serving Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville, Ontario.

If your dentures no longer fit well, but you can’t afford full dental implants, the mini-dental implant may be your best option.

At Dentistry@Main in Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa cosmetic dentist, Dr. Ami Barakat offers mini dental implants as a dynamic alternative for patients unhappy with the fit of their dentures.

Mini dental implants can be installed in just one office visit and for far less cost, making this a convenient and affordable choice for many patients.

Stop Slipping Dentures

During the mini dental implant procedure, Dr. Barakat stabilizes your denture by placing several mini implants in your jaw. Each implant is fastened tightly into place. Then, Dr. Barakat drills wells into the denture exactly where each implant was placed. These wells contain a metal housing that makes it possible to remove your dentures as needed, by snapping them on and off each implant.

In about one hour, your mini dental implant procedure is completed. Never again will you worry about slipping dentures.

Save Money and Embarrassment

Mini dental implants are an affordable alternative to full dental implants.  Added benefits include:

• Retention of healthy jaw bone
• Time and money saved on messy gels and adhesives
• Easy on/off motion when removing dentures
• Ability to enjoy favorite foods, laugh, talk, and perform other activities without the threat of denture slippage

Perhaps best of all, denture stabilization surgery is minimally invasive.  This one-step surgery renders stitches unnecessary, and the healing period is much less than that required for regular dental implants.

Please contact Dr. Barakat at Dentistry@Main, serving Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville, Ontario, to learn more.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically implanted in the bone to replace the root of your missing tooth. A porcelain crown is attached to the screw to replace the missing tooth. The dental implant is very important for tooth replacement because it replaces the missing tooth’s root preventing the gum tissue from shrinking and the jawbone from deteriorating and causing future dental problems.

Do dental implants require any special care?

The care required for dental implants is the same as your natural teeth. The care you will want to give your dental implatns includes:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
• Flossing your teeth at least once a day
• Having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year

How many missing teeth can I have replaced with dental implants?

You can replace one or more missing teeth with dental implants.

Do I have to remove my dental implants when I eat?

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. Unlike dentures, you will not have to remove your dental implants for cleaning, to eat, or to drink. Dental implants function just like your natural teeth and are very durable and resilient.

If you have any additional questions about dental implants, please contact our cosmetic dentistry team at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry serving Laurel, Columbia, Fulton, and Silver Spring Maryland.

Implant dentistry is the field of dentistry that restores teeth using dental implants and porcelain crowns. Dental implants are used to replace the root of the missing tooth and are surgically placed in the jawbone. The porcelain crown is placed on the dental implant and acts as the replacement tooth.

Laurel implant dentist Dr. Daniel Melnick uses surgical guide stents to aid him in placing the dental implants. Surgical guide stents show the exact placement of the implant in the bone in regards to the angle and depth required for a successful dental implant.

New Tone Cone Beam 3D Digital X-rays

At Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Melnick uses state-of-the-art technology to provide you the best care and results possible. He uses the New Tone Cone Beam 3-dimensional digital x-ray machine to take high resolution images of your jaw structure. The 3D images taken by the New Tone Cone Beam machine show the soft and hard tissues, the nerves, the blood vessels, and other important structures of your mouth.

Dr. Melnick uses these images to accurately measure your bone structure and create a guide stent. The guide stent created based on the 3D images will ensure that your dental implants are placed with precision and accuracy. The New Tone Cone Bean images greatly improve the success of your implants and your dental implant experience.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Melnick about dental implants in Laurel, Maryland, please contact his dental implant office. Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry serves patients in and around the Laurel, Maryland area.

Use of lasers in various types of medical applications has not only revolutionized surgery, but has also changed the way some dentists approach their work. Laser dentistry can make numerous types of general dentistry work easier and more comfortable for the patient, and can also help dentists spot decay and other problems sooner. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area cosmetic dentist Dr. Lindsey Marshall uses laser dentistry to give her patients the best, most state-of-the-art care.

How Laser Dentistry Works

Surgical lasers used in laser dentistry have a concentrated beam of light. This light varies in intensity depending on the procedure. Low-intensity lasers can be used for different purposes than higher intensity lasers. Lasers make it possible to perform some dental procedures without stitches and even without anesthetic in some cases.

Uses of Laser Dentistry

Many cosmetic dentists use lasers to alter the outline of the gums and for other periodontal treatments. Lasers can also be used directly on your teeth. Some laser dentistry procedures include:

• Detecting cavities
• Preparing teeth for fillings
• Alleviating tooth sensitivity
• Tooth whitening
• Periodontal work to treat gum disease

Laser dentistry can also help those with dental anxiety, since they do not make the loud, whining sound that a conventional drill does. For those who associate this sound with anxiety in the dentist’s chair, laser dentistry can greatly reduce stress.

To find out if laser dentistry can help make your dental work easier and less painful, please contact the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania cosmetic dentistry offices of Lindsey Marshall, DMD. We’d be happy to answer your questions in an initial consultation regarding your dental needs and how laser dentistry can help you.

Phobia, or an irrational fear of something, can take a variety of forms. One of the most common is dental phobia. Some who suffer from dental phobia are so terrified of going to the dentist that they let their oral care fall by the wayside. Over time, you may suffer from lost teeth, gum disease, extensive decay and many other problems. To help those with dental phobia, Lindsey Marshall, DMD provides sedation dentistry for her Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area general dentistry patients.

Where Dental Phobia Comes From

The source of dental phobia differs according to the individual. Perhaps you had a difficult time with the dentist when you were a child, having numerous cavities with each visit. Going to the dentist didn’t mean a quick cleaning and fluoride treatment for you, but another round of fillings or other treatments that were painful. Or perhaps you were unlucky enough to visit a dentist who did not deal well with children, or who did not go to extremes to ensure all patients were comfortable, pain-free and relaxed.

Any of these experiences could lead to dental phobia, and, unfortunately, these experiences are not uncommon. Avoiding regular dental care, though, is not the answer.

Help for Dental Phobia

Fortunately, today dentists are more aware of dental phobia than ever. Techniques such as sedation dentistry, or painless dentistry, help many people relax during their dental visits so long-neglected work can finally be addressed. With a light sedative or nitrous oxide, you can feel relaxed and stress-free throughout even a complicated dental procedure.

If you suffer from dental phobia and live in the Philadelphia, Main Line, or Ardmore, Pennsylvania area, please contact the offices of Dr. Lindsey Marshall for more information. We can help you put aside your dental phobia and get the oral care you need.

Also known as painless dentistry, sedation dentistry allows patients to have dental work done without fear, anxiety or pain. Many people with a longstanding dental phobia choose sedation dentistry for a relaxed, pleasant experience with the dentist. General and cosmetic dentist Dr. Lindsey Marshall offers sedation dentistry for her general dentistry patients in the Philadelphia and Ardmore, Pennsylvania area to help reduce fear of the dentist and increase patients’ overall oral health.

Sedation, not Unconsciousness

Some people are under the misconception that sedation dentistry involves being placed under general anesthesia. This is not the case. Instead, Dr. Marshall provides a mild sedative pill or nitrous oxide to help you relax and to alleviate your anxiety while your dental work is being done. You will be fully conscious and aware during your visit, but relaxed, calm and in a state some patients describe as dreamlike.

Although some dentists do offer general anesthesia for simple dental procedures, this is considered a dangerous practice. General anesthesia has numerous risks and possible side effects. Sedation dentistry allows you to be comfortable and calm during your dental procedures so you have a pain-free experience without the risks.

Advantages of Sedation Dentistry

In addition to alleviating your tension and anxiety, sedation dentistry has other benefits.

• Dr. Marshall can perform several procedures in a single visit, if needed
• Sedation dentistry can help you catch up on work that has been neglected over time
• Sedation dentistry can help you overcome long-term fear of the dentist

If you have experienced dental phobia in the past and would like to find out more about sedation dentistry in the Ardmore and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, please contact Lindsey Marshall, DMD. We would be happy to schedule an appointment or a consultation to help you leave your fear of the dentist behind forever.

One of the most common reasons cited for avoiding the dentist is fear of pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, this fear of the dentist can lead to long-term, serious problems and greatly compromise your overall dental health. For those who suffer from fear of the dentist, Lindsey Marshall, DMD, offers painless dentistry for her Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area general dentistry patients.

How Painless Dentistry Works

Painless dentistry works by not only removing any pain or discomfort from your dental visit, but also by removing your anxiety. Before beginning any work on your teeth, Dr. Marshall will provide a light sedative in pill form or will offer nitrous oxide. Either of these mild sedatives will help you pass your time in the dentist’s chair quickly, painlessly and without anxiety.

How Does Painless Dentistry Feel?

Whether you choose a pill or nitrous oxide, you will feel a bit “floaty,” as if you are in a dream-like state. Time seems to pass more quickly, and although you are aware of where you are and what Dr. Marshall is doing, you will be anxiety-free and completely relaxed.

Many people who have suffered from a life-long fear of the dentist have found significant relief through painless dentistry. Using painless dentistry can help you keep your teeth at their best by allowing you to schedule any necessary procedures knowing that your fear will be alleviated. Painless dentistry also allows Dr. Marshall to perform multiple procedures in one sitting, if necessary, because you will be completely relaxed and your anxiety will not affect her ability to work quickly and efficiently.

If you have avoided dental work in the past and are concerned about your oral health, painless dentistry may be the answer you have been waiting for. For information about painless dentistry in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, please contact the offices of Dr. Lindsey Marshall to make an appointment.