Clear Braces for Discreet Teeth Straightening

Braces are wonderful devices to create healthy, straight teeth. The end result is worth it, however sometimes wearing braces is not the most attractive procedure to go through. This is the reason why Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA offers clear ceramic braces to his patients wanting a discreet straightening process.

Ceramic braces are made of translucent brackets and a tooth-colored wire that blends into your teeth so they are not nearly as noticeable as the traditional metal braces. With modern advancements, the ceramic braces are also stain resistant, so with good care, the brackets will remain good looking for the duration of your straightening process. Both teens and adults are able to take advantage of clear ceramic braces.

The process for applying ceramic braces is the same as traditional braces. The brackets are attached to the front of each tooth and a wire is placed that will be periodically changed out. The wire applies continuous pressure on the teeth causing them to gradually shift. The duration of time the braces are worn for depend on each patient’s condition, but the longest time is typically two years.

If you are looking for a more attractive way to straighten your teeth, clear ceramic braces may be the option for you. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles, call us at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Post-Op Care

Having oral surgery is usually a necessary step for keeping a healthy mouth. After the surgery, keeping the area clean and able to heal is just as important. As a reminder for his patients undergoing oral surgery soon, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles here in Easton, PA wants to point out the important aspects of post-op care.

Keeping a clean and safe mouth post-op will ensure a smooth healing and will help avoid infection. Prolonged healing can cause infection, and infection can cause prolonged healing, so it is important to keep the area clean and protected.

To minimize bleeding, do not lie flat or drink through a straw for the first day. After that, if you still notice bleeding, continue to avoid these activities. Strenuous activity, include vigorous rinsing should also be avoided.

When brushing and flossing, avoid the site of surgery and be careful. It is still important to clean your mouth of bacteria, but you do not want to irritate the area or cause more bleeding.

Soft foods are recommended until healing has progressed. Also be sure to drink plenty of water, but again, not through a straw. Tobacco use should be avoided. Smoking and other forms of tobacco could lead to infection and prolong healing.

For more information about how to care for your mouth post-op, call Lehigh Valley Smiles of Easton, PA at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Options for Tooth Replacement in Easton, PA

When a tooth is lost, it can cause problems in the mouth. Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA offers multiple options for tooth replacement, so our patients can find the right option for their situation and lifestyle.

When an empty space is left, the teeth in the area begin to shift towards that space. This can create problems with biting and chewing, can create an area where bacteria will build up, and can cause the jawbone to degenerate. It is important to the health of the jaw, gums, and other teeth to replace the missing tooth.

Bridges are an option here at Lehigh Valley Smiles. Dr. Dilsaver applies a bridge by placing crowns on the adjacent teeth to the open space, and attaching a replacement tooth in the middle. This is a popular and durable option. With good care, bridges can last over ten years.

Dental implants, available in both traditional and mini, are a permanent option for replacement. They are customized for your specific situation and with good care, they can last a lifetime.

Dentures are available in full and partial options. Partial dentures fill in the spaces where there are teeth missing, like a bridge, but removable. Full dentures are a complete set of teeth and are available immediately or conventionally.

To find out what the best option for replacement is for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles here in Easton, PA. Call us at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Periodontal Splinting

When a tooth is loose, it can cause difficulties and may eventually lead to the tooth falling out. Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles here in Easton, PA performs periodontal splinting to help stabilize loose teeth and prevent the loss of them.

Loose teeth can cause issues when biting and chewing. They can cause pain and injure the gums. Eventually, not stabilizing them could cause them to fall out. There are a variety of reasons to why teeth may become loose. It could be caused from injury, gum disease, orthodontic treatment like braces, or from the pressure of other teeth, like when a new tooth is growing in or a tooth is shifting.

Periodontal splinting can be performed in two ways. Extra-coronal splinting uses a stabilizing wire or ribbon. The device is bonded onto the backs of the teeth. Intra-coronal splinting is applied by inserting a metal splint into a small channel within the teeth. The splint is bonded into place. This method is less noticeable. Both of these methods stabilize the loose tooth or teeth by connecting them to stable teeth.

If you are experiencing loose teeth, do not suffer anymore. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD of Lehigh Valley Smiles. To schedule in our Easton, PA dental office, call us at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net.