Behind the Scenes with Invisalign - Episode 3

Questions you want to ask someone with Invisalign...and the answers that may surprise you!

Behind the Scenes with Invisalign - Episode 2

Krystle, our Treatment Coordinator, had her first Invisalign appointment last week. After her Invisalign trays came in, she put herself in the schedule for her first Invisalign fitting. (Krystle is getting married in September so she is eager to have a perfect smile and doesn't want to delay treatment!)
One way Invisalign works is by adding little attachments (like tiny, temporary, tooth colored bumps) on some of your teeth. The trays then fit perfectly in your mouth and slowly move your teeth. In the video below you will see a short close-up of the bumps - they are nearly invisable - as are her trays!
This video shows Krystle learning how to insert and remove her Invisalign trays as well as her initial reaction to how they feel.

Invisalign Case Study

Krystle started working at Dovetail in September and although she has a beautiful smile, she also has a crossbite which causes her smile to be a little crooked, and crowding which makes it difficult for her to floss and increases her risk for periodontal disease. When I asked her how her crooked teeth had impacted her so far, she said her smile made her feel self-conscious, and when eating out it would be worse because she would get food stuck in them.

A couple weeks ago, Krystle finally decided to do Invisalign. It is funny because she wanted to do Invisalign for awhile and once she made the decision she was eagerly awaiting the UPS truck every day - hoping that her Invisalign trays had arrived.

Today, her Invisalign trays came. We are going to let you see what it is like for a person to have Invisalign - along with some behind the scenes stuff. Please feel free to comment with any questions about Invisalign (or post on our Facebook wall) and we will try to address them on the blog!

More Digital Dentistry

We are a fully digital office. What does that mean?

We do not have paper charts

• All of your chart data is locked in our secure server. Not only does this speed up the charting process and assist with accuracy, but also allows Dr. Cariello to view your records immediately from home in case of an emergency.

We use digital x-rays

• Digital x-rays are up to 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays
• Digital x-rays produce a higher quality, and an instant image on the screen
• Digital x-rays merge directly into your paperless chart to assist with continuity of care
• Digital x-rays are easily shared between Dr. Cariello and the best specialists in the area (when needed).

We use intraoral digital cameras

• Intraoral cameras are long, narrow cameras that allows your hygienist, assistant, or Dr. Cariello to easily take pictures of areas (or a single tooth) inside your mouth.

We process your insurance claims electronically

• Traditionally, insurance claims and benefits estimations were submitted and by mail. Our claims are submitted electronically which facilitates faster communication and instant x-ray transmission.

Online appointment requests and surveys

• Request an appointment online and we will call or email you with available times that are convenient for you.
• Want to give us feedback? We are always ready to hear what you think. Feel free to complete an online survey about our office or a specialist we referred you to. Thank you in advance!

Your quality of care has been dramatically enhanced by a few subtle changes to our recordkeeping, insurance documentation, and technological gadgets. We are thankful for digital advances and how they help us help you!

"4 Cavities and Yellow Teeth"

I talked with a 7 year-old girl the other day who was sad that she has "4 cavities and yellow teeth". I asked her if she brushes her teeth at least two times per day. She responded, "Well, in the mornings we are in such a hurry that Mom says I can do it later." I know this happened in my house growing up too, especially when running late. It takes two minutes and that time is worth the investment to avoid "4 cavities and yellow teeth".

Now that kids are going back to school, here are some helpful hints to keep you children's chompers healthy:

1. Food. You hear it all the time, but I am going to say it again: be aware of what your children are eating. All the rage tends to be about fruit snacks and juice, but be cautious with other things that are starchy such as chips, breads, cereal, and cereal bars. These sticky culprits can contribute to decay. Simply drinking milk or water after snacking will help expedite the mouth's cleaning process.

2. Floss. I know, another thing you hear all the time. Your kids want to be like you so teach them by doing. You can make it fun for them by getting fun flossers and although they won't be perfect at it, it is better than nothing!

3. Brush. Although your five-year-old may enjoy his independence by being allowed to brush by himself, make sure you do a good brush after he is done. Singing a song or playing music while brushing will help make it fun.

4. Visit. Come see us at least every 6 months to prevent and treat decay (and, of course, so your kids can pick a toy from the basket).

Good luck with the Back to School routine. We are here if you need us:)

Technology

Technology is finally catching up with research. Leaky amalgam fillings, cracks in your teeth, the evidence of not flossing, and even the amazing job you are doing when you brush, floss, or waterpik can all be visually shared with you when you come to our office.

Each treatment room has a digital intraoral camera so you can now see what we see. Every picture we take is saved to your digital file so you can document before and after treatment pictures.

Your oral and overall health are important to us and we are so excited to share our technology with you! See you soon!

Kiss Me, I Have Periodontal Disease

I recently read a list of statistics that itemized many of the health risks a person with periodontal disease incurs. It talked about the periodontal bacteria from your mouth being inhaled into your lungs, absorbed into your bloodstream, and transmitted to your spouse and children. Then, I stumbled upon this article from the Mayo Clinic. Left untreated, Periodontal Disease could wreak havoc on multiple systems in your body. Are you at risk? Ask Dr. Joe!