Interesting Facts About Orthodontics

If your teeth need straightening, you should visit a certified orthodontics office for treatment. Orthodontics is a field of dentistry specifically concerned with straightening crooked or crowded teeth, treating malocclusions, correcting abnormalities in the mouth cavity, and fixing bite and jaw alignment. Having your teeth corrected can give you a more attractive appearance and a healthier mouth. If you are considering receiving straightening treatment in Santa Cruz, you may be intrigued by these interesting facts about orthodontics.

• Only 5 percent of dentists practice orthodontics.
• Orthodontists receive years of specialized education in which they correctly learn how to straighten teeth. This additional education is required for all forms of orthodontics. If your general dentist suggests they can effectively straighten your teeth, visit our orthodontics office instead. Most orthodontists receive seven years of education following high school.
• Our orthodontics office in Santa Cruz is up-to-date with the latest technology regarding the best methods for teeth straightening. We are constantly acquiring more knowledge regarding the best orthodontic practices.
• The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children see an orthodontist by age seven at the latest. The earlier your child receives treatment, the sooner their growth development can be successfully and permanently corrected.
• Some adhesives used for attaching the brackets of braces actually release fluoride that can help strengthen and remineralize your teeth.
• If you do not go through a retention phase after having your braces removed, you are more likely to need braces again, as your teeth were not correctly and permanently repositioned without this phase.
• Some braces include the material nickel-titanium, which was actually developed by NASA scientists for its shape memory abilities.
• Lingual braces, a form of braces placed so they are invisible to others, were actually first called couture braces. Lingual braces work the same way as traditional braces, but the brackets and wiring adhere to the backside of your teeth.
• “Clear braces” are very similar to metal braces, but they blend in better with your teeth due to the ceramic components. Clear braces are translucent, so your natural tooth color shows through, eliminating most of the distracting metal that some patients dislike.
• There are actual floss picks created for braces wearers to make cleaning easier. You can also use a water pick to squirt out lodged food particles from in between teeth without having to navigate around your braces wires and brackets.

There are many factors that go into the potential success of orthodontics treatment. Age and health, genetics, bad habits like nail biting and teeth grinding, diet, missing teeth, stress, and responsibility of the patient can all affect the progress of orthodontics and the final result of a permanent straightening. These are reasons why it is so important to follow the instructions of your orthodontist faithfully and to make your investment count by following a treatment plan fully.

These are only a few of the interesting things you can learn about orthodontics. For more information about the services we provide in Santa Cruz and the history of braces, visit our office for an appointment. You will soon have the beautifully straightened teeth you want!

Our Dental Crown Treatment in Santa Cruz Is Durable and Natural-Looking

A dental crown treatment in Santa Cruz is used to completely cover a tooth that is damaged. Our dental crowns protect, strengthen, align, and improve your entire tooth. If you are looking for a durable and natural-looking restoration for a damaged or decayed tooth, continue reading to learn more about our quality crowns.

Natural-looking

Our crowns are typically created to match the color of your nearby teeth. To create a tooth-colored crown, we will have it made out of porcelain or ceramic materials. These options look natural with your other teeth, so no one will know you have a restored tooth. If you are not interested in the aesthetic potential of a dental crown, we can also create strong crowns made of metal alloys or porcelain fused to metal.

Durable

A dental crown treatment in Santa Cruz is a durable option you should consider if you have a weakened tooth. Not only are our dental crowns natural-looking, but they are also strong and durable. The crowns we provide give your tooth protection against more damage or decay, or crowns can keep your tooth structure sound if you have a cracked or a chipped tooth.

Long-lasting

While dental crowns can last a lifetime, crowns should last for at least five years, but more commonly longer. Most dental crowns will last around 15 years with the best care. Avoid using your crown to open packages or bite nails, and if you have night clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism) habits, wear a protective night guard to keep your crown in the best condition. Approximately 80 percent of crown failures are caused by unprotected bruxism habits. Notify our office during your appointment if you think you may be a night grinder, so we can help. For the longest lasting crowns, you should also have proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth will protect them from decay and help your crown ward off more potential decay.

Multiple Uses

A dental crown treatment in Santa Cruz can be performed for many reasons. Dental crowns are one of the most common restoration options because they have so many uses. You may need a dental crown to:

Replace a large filling if not enough tooth is remaining to hold it in place. This normally occurs if you have a large cavity.
Protect a weak tooth from breaking further if it has been fractured or chipped.
Restore a damaged tooth to a more attractive appearance and stronger function.
Cover a discolored, oddly shaped, or undersized tooth.
Cover a tooth that recently received root canal treatment
Attach a dental bridge or cover a dental implant for tooth replacements.

If you are looking for a tooth restoration that is both strong and attractive, visit us for a dental crown treatment in Santa Cruz. We know you will be pleased with your durable, natural-looking, and stain-resilient crown. Quality dental crowns from our office will strengthen your teeth for years to come.