Off the Cusp

Spring 2010

 

 

 

Panoramic X-rays:

Offering a “Bigger Picture”

 

We are proud to announce the recent addition of a digital panoramic x-ray unit in our office.  As its name suggests, a panoramic x-ray offers a picture of an entire mouth, supplying information about the teeth, upper and lower jawbone, sinuses, and other hard tissue of the head and neck. 

 

Panoramic x-rays are extremely convenient since, unlike traditional x-rays, no film needs to be placed into a patient’s mouth.  Instead, the digital image is instantly captured by a machine that takes a scan of the patient’s head.  Panoramic x-rays are most commonly recommended for:

·         Patients with smaller jaws who cannot tolerate traditional x-rays (“gag reflex”)

·         Implant and Denture evaluations

·         Patients with both baby and permanent teeth

·         Patients who may benefit from braces

·         Wisdom teeth evaluations

·         Patients with TMJ or jaw joint problems

If you would like to know more about panoramic x-rays, ask us at your next appointment.

 

Did you ever consider

straightening your teeth?

“Consider Invisalign”

Clear aligners rather than metal braces

 

Invisalign is an alternative orthodontic treatment that consists of a series of clear aligners instead of metal braces. Each aligner in the series is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. Since Invisalign is custom-made according to a plan devised by you and Dr. Sapienza, you know you’ll end up with a smile that truly fits.

 

There are many benefits to Invisalign.  The treatment period is usually shorter than traditional metal braces and with less discomfort.  You can remove the aligners while eating and brushing, making cleaning your teeth much easier.  Best of all, no one has to know you are wearing Invisalign . 

 

If you’re ready for a smile that transforms your appearance without interfering with your everyday life, Invisalign is your answer. You can look forward to wearing clear, easy-to-remove aligners that are customized and effective.

 

Whiten Teeth for Charity

 

The time is ticking for this year’s Smiles for Life Campaign.  From now through the end of June, we are donating every dollar raised to children charities – 50 percent will go the Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation and 50 percent will go to a charity right in our community, Build Jake’s Place.  Help us with this worthwhile event.  If you’ve been thinking of brightening your smile, why not help a child in need at the same time – and it’s tax deductible.   

                                             

 

                                              Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

 

Anthropologists theorize that back in the “cave days” our diet was much coarser than it is today. Also, there were no dentists and no fluoride in our water. So by the time we reached our late “cave teens” we most likely lost many of our teeth due to trauma or decay. Wisdom teeth were considered “back up” teeth.

 

Today, we have great general dentists to help us keep our teeth healthy and a softer diet with fluoridated water. We tend to keep our teeth much longer; therefore, wisdom teeth commonly do not have enough room to grow into our mouths. Even if wisdom teeth do come in it is difficult to keep them clean and healthy.

 

This lack of space can result in a number of harmful effects on your dental health. Some of these conditions include: infection, impaction, damage to adjacent teeth, disease, and crowding. Therefore, it is wise to have your wisdom teeth evaluated as early as possible during your pre-teen years in order to avoid any complications later in life.

 

Dental Dollar$ Chips

The next time you are in our office, be sure to pick up some Dental Dollar$ Chips.  Hand chips out to family members or friends that you would like to refer as new patients to our office.  When that new patient comes for an appointment, both you and the new patient will be awarded $50 Dental Dollars to use toward dental treatment.  Everybody wins in our office!