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When patients hear "full mouth Reconstruction" they do not always understand the term. Typically, a full mouth Reconstruction is due to years of dental neglect or trauma to your smile. A full mouth Reconstruction will restore your smile functionally and esthetically.

Below are some of the benefits of a full mouth reconstruction in Henderson NV:

Restore and Enhance Your Smile

A full mouth reconstruction can restore lost function and increase the esthetics of your smile.

Create A Functional Smile

If your teeth are broken, have extensive tooth decay, or are misaligned it will make everyday tasks like chewing and speaking difficult. A full mouth reconstruction can restore lost function.

Improve Overall Oral Health

Poor oral health has been proven to be connected to serious systemic health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.

Increase Your Self Confidence

A freshly restored smile can boost your self esteem and self confidence to help in all aspects of life. Better smile, better life!

Quality Care With Clear Goals

A full mouth reconstruction treatment plan will be laid out from the start to go in a certain sequence. This will give you the opportunity to plan financially and how much time you will need to set aside for dental care.

Full Mouth Reconstruction in Henderson NV

Marielaina Perrone DDS has over 20 years experience in general and cosmetic dentistry to bring you the best care possible for your smile.

Dental implants have proven they can last a lifetime with proper dental hygiene maintenance. Below are a few tips to keep your dental implants and entire smile healthy:

Brush twice a day

While dental implants do not get tooth decay, they can accumulate food particles, bacteria, and plaque which can lead to a dental infection around the dental implant. This infection can lead to bone loss and possible loss of your new implant..   

Floss once a day

Flossing is not a fun activity for most but it gives a great benefit to a long lasting smile. Cleaning in between and around your teeth and implants will keep harmful bacteria at bay.

Avoid abrasive products

Choose a soft bristled toothbrush along with an ADA approved toothpaste for best results.

Watch What You Chew

Dental implants restore your chewing ability to enjoy your favorite foods. However, that does you should crunching down on ice, candy, or pencils (avoid with natural teeth too!).

Quit smoking

Smokers have a higher risk of dental implant failure. Dr Perrone will recommend quitting smoking prior to dental implant placement for greatest chance of success.

Treat Your Teeth Grinding Or Clenching

Excessive teeth grinding or clenching can place undue stress on your natural teeth and  implants. Talk to cosmetic dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS about fabricating a custom dental nightguard. 

Maintain regular dental visits

Implants require professional cleanings and routine dental examinations to ensure thier health. 

Keep in mind that many of these tips apply to single implants.

Get Personalized Recommendations Today

Marielaina Perrone DSS is an experienced and skilled implant dentist in Henderson NV offering high quality dental care to her patients.

Schedule your complimentary dental implants consultation at 702-458-2929. 

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin coverings composed of a dental composite or dental porcelain material chemically to the front of the teeth to alter your smile's shape, size, and color. The surface of your existing teeth is prepared to allow for a bond with the porcelain material, which is far less preparation of natural tooth structure performed with a porcelain crown. Veneers give cosmetic dentists in Henderson NV, the ability to improve smile imperfections like discoloration, cracks, gaps between teeth, chips, slight misalignments, and decay. Veneers can transform your smile.

 Health Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can change your smile for the better and give a significant boost of self-confidence. Veneers also aid in strengthening and protecting weaker teeth that do not have decay by providing additional support and structure to your natural smile. Patients with porcelain veneers report improved dental hygiene and are proud of their new smiles.

Candidates for Porcelain Veneers

 Free Of Dental Infections and Tooth Decay

All dental infections and tooth decay must be treated prior to the placement of porcelain veneers. They not only correct your smile esthetics, but they can also replace older restorations and restore existing tooth decay.

The Dental Veneer Procedure

Following your cosmetic consultation with Marielaina Perrone, DDS, you will know if she believes you are a good candidate for dental veneers. 

Initial Visit

Once cosmetic dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS determines you to be a good candidate, the first step is to take a series of digital x-rays and dental impressions. Dr. Perrone will then take some time to discuss your smile goals and the desired results of your new smile. This cosmetic consultation will include a model created to show you how the final results will look. 

Dental Veneers Procedure

The procedure will begin with removing a small fraction of enamel from the surface of each tooth to allow for proper bonding and not affect the current occlusal bite. Following tooth preparation, an impression is taken of the teeth to custom create your new veneers. Temporary veneers will be custom fabricated and placed. Once the finished veneers return from the lab, Dr. Perrone will prepare each tooth to create an ideal surface for bonding. A special dental light will also be used on each veneer to create a stable and durable bond. Once the light is complete, the porcelain veneers are permanently in place.

Recovery

There is almost no recovery from the porcelain veneers procedure. Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and food for a short time. 

Porcelain veneers are an ideal and attractive choice to improve your smile and self-confidence. 

Marielaina Perrone DDS believes everyone deserves to have a healthy, beautiful, and functional smile.

Finally, creating the smile you have always dreamed of will be an exciting journey and a journey that can be a bit nerve-wracking. It is a big step to take, after all! Marielaina Perrone DDS wants you to experience the comfort and confidence that comes from a beautiful, healthy smile.

Dr. Perrone takes a gentle, individualized approach to all dental care coupled with advanced technology to provide you with a convenient and pleasant visit every time we see you walk through the door.

Marielaina Perrone DDS

Contact Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929 to schedule a no-cost implant dentistry consultation appointment if you are ready for a smile makeover or dental implants in Las Vegas NV.

We cannot wait to help you with your smile makeover to create the smile of your dreams in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV.

There are multiple options for nonsurgical skin rejuvenation options to help you reverse the signs of aging and restore a more youthful appearance. One of the most popular skin rejuvenators used for this purpose is the dermal filler, Juvederm.

Juvederm is one of the more versatile fillers available on the market today. This allows cosmetic dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS the ability to customize your esthetic treatment.

Dr Perrone offers a no cost cosmetic consultation at her cosmetic dentist office in Henderson NV. She will be able to customize an aesthetic treatment that is right for you and your goals.

What Is Juvederm?

Juvederm is a dermal filler comprised of hyaluronic acid. This acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies. As we age, the levels of hyaluronic acid in your skin decrease. This results in a loss of volume and structure that will lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Juvederm replaces this lost hyaluronic acid to fill in fine wrinkles, restore lost volume, and potentially achieve a youthful, rested appearance.

Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid gel filler that provides greater predictability with cosmetic results, and potentially gives a more natural looking outcome than other dermal fillers on the market today.

What Can Juvederm Correct?

Juvederm can be used for the following:

• Fill in smile lines
• Improve the appearance of nasolabial folds
• Plump up thin lips
• Add volume to hollow cheeks
• Fill in deep lines and wrinkles

Juvederm Procedure

Your Juvederm procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes to complete and is performed by Marielaina Perrone DDS. Dr. Perrone will inject Juvederm dermal fillers beneath the surface of your skin. There is typically little to no downtime, and patient usually resume normal activities almost immediately.

Esthetic results generally appear right away following treatment and can potentially last up to one year. Long term results vary from patient to patient. Follow up treatments will be necessary to extend the results even longer.

Please contact cosmetic dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS today to schedule your no cost Juvederm consultation today. We serve patients in Henderson, Summerlin, and Las Vegas, NV areas.

WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox injections can help you look younger quickly and easily and to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming on the face. Marielaina Perrone DDS in Henderson, NV is pleased to offer BOTOX to her patients. This nonsurgical esthetic procedure provides outstanding cosmetic results and is available for both women and men.

Botox injectable can give a dramatic aesthetic improvement to facial wrinkles. These wrinkles result from our expressive movement with the contracting muscles on the forehead and around the eyes.

When injected into the facial muscles, BOTOX temporarily blocks specific muscle movements to soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. BOTOX injections are most commonly administered between the eyebrows, Crow's feet, and across the forehead.

BENEFITS OF BOTOX

An individualized BOTOX treatment plan designed by Marielaina Perrone DDS can help you look younger quickly. Other benefits include::

• Smoothing fine wrinkles and lines
• Preventing the formation of new creases and wrinkles
• Creating a more rested, youthful appearance
• Quick results without the need for surgical intervention
• Highly effective for both men and women
• Proven safe and effective

BOTOX FOR TMJ

The masseter muscle is located on the side of your face. The main role of this muscle is to help you chew your food properly. With properly placed injections, the masseter muscle can be relaxed resulting in many benefits for patients experiencing migraines and TMJ issues.

Benefits include:

• Relief for Teeth grinding
• Creating a symmetrical face profile
• Relieve tension or migraine headaches
• Reduce jaw tension and habitual clenching
• Recontouring jaw into a more square shape

WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR BOTOX?

BOTOX injections are ideal for men and women who want to:

• Lessen and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face
• As a wrinkle preventive treatment
• Lessen appearance of crow's feet by the eyes

For deeper lines, a filler product (Juvederm dermal filler) may be a better esthetic option.

HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?

BOTOX injectable treatments are performed right in our office by Marielaina Perrone DDS. Following a cosmetic consultation to determine treatment needed and desired, you will be asked to make various expressions using the upper face, like squinting and frowning, to give Dr Perrone a guide where the injections should be applied.

The injection sites will be cleansed thoroughly and BOTOX will be applied using a fine needle. Following injection a cold compress will be usedto help decrease discomfort and possible bruising. A numbing cream is also available if needed to help make the entire process more comfortable. BOTOX treatments generally take about 15-20 minutes, and you can typically return to your usual non strenuous activities after leaving the office.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER BOTOX?

Strenuous activity should be postponed for at least 24 hours. Dr Perrone will advise you to keep your head elevated for at least one night and to avoid touching your face, which may accidentally spread the BOTOX to undesired areas.

The injection sites may develop bruising, swelling, or redness but you should not have any long-lasting side effects. For many patients, it takes about a week for results to show fully. The results typically last 3 – 4 months before needing a touch up to maintain your youthful look.

BOTOX = LESS WRINKLES

Marielaina Perrone DDS believes dental implants are the ideal tooth replacement for your smile. However, are they right for your smile? If you have lost a single tooth or multiple teeth, below are a few things you should know about the dental implant procedure.

Dental implants act as a replacement for the root of the missing tooth.

Dental implant restorations are anchored by a post (the actual implant) placed in the bone and act like your natural tooth root. The dental implant is intimately connected via a process called osseointegration. This process keeps the bones stimulated and prevents them from resorbing over time. This bone maintenance will give you a more youthful appearance than if it was to resorb away.

The placement procedure and restoration have multiple steps.

Dental implants are placed during a surgical procedure performed by a qualified and experienced implant dentist. Osseointegration with the bone takes about 4-6 months to complete, creating a solid base for the eventual replacement tooth. Once fusion is complete, a dental crown will be placed on top of the dental implant to restore and enhance your smile.

Dental Implants are considered a permanent solution to tooth loss.

Dental implants are designed with proper maintenance to be permanent. A properly designed, placed, and cared for implant can last a lifetime. Because they stand alone (unlike a dental bridge), they do not cause stress to the adjacent teeth.

They are low maintenance.

Dental implants can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth and cannot develop tooth decay. However, they can develop an infection in the bone and periodontal disease without proper care. Care should include at-home dental hygiene maintenance as well as regular visits to the dentist.

Dental Implants are highly customized for each patient.

Treatment is highly customized to the unique needs of each patient. Factors include how many teeth need replacement, where they are located in the mouth and the number and type of implants utilized. 

Contact Dr. Perrone Today For A No Cost Consultation

If you are interested in discussing your tooth replacement needs with a trusted implant dentist Dr. Perrone invites you to schedule a consultation at her Las Vegas, NV dentistry office. 

If you are unhappy with the aesthetic appearance of your smile, cosmetic dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS can use various dental procedures to enhance your smile. Cosmetic dentistry treatments, technology, and materials continue to move forward, offering patients more options than ever to achieve the ideal smile of their dreams. Below you will read about some of the most common cosmetic dentistry in Henderson, NV.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening is typically completed in one appointment. The teeth whitening procedure involves applying a specialized gel with a powerful bleaching agent to the teeth, activated by a specialized light. 

Following treatment, you may receive custom whitening trays and gel to use at home to enhance and maintain your results periodically.

Why patients choose teeth whitening:

• Whitening is perfect for lifting stains caused by red wine, coffee, tea, smoking, and certain medications
• Minimal discomfort (some patients will experience temporary tooth sensitivity)
• Fast, uniform esthetic results
• A whiter smile exhibits a healthier and more youthful smile
• Cost-effective

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are tiny porcelain shells chemically bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. These can hide imperfections and create a more uniform-looking smile. Veneers are commonly used to hide small tooth chips or cracks, uneven tooth edges, small misalignments, stains, or discoloration that will not respond to whitening or even abnormally shaped teeth.

Veneers typically require one to two visits to design and place.

Why patients choose veneers:

• Can quickly transform an imperfect smile into a flawless one
• Custom shade matching to the surrounding teeth for a uniform cosmetic result
• Conservative treatment as just a small amount of natural tooth structure is removed
• Lasting results with the proper at-home care and dental maintenance

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is applying a tooth-colored resin using specialized light to cover tooth chips, cracks, stains, or gaps between teeth. The material can be sculpted and molded to improve the tooth’s size, shape, and spacing. It blends in seamlessly with your natural smile and is virtually undetectable.

Bonding typically takes one appointment to complete.

Why patients choose dental bonding:

• Fast cosmetic results
• Little tooth structure needs to be removed
• Inexpensive compared to other esthetic treatments
• Results last a long time

Contact Marielaina Perrone DDS Today

For more information about the cosmetic dentistry treatments available with Dr. Perrone, please contact our Henderson NV practice today.

Stress is the body’s internal and external reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional response. Stress can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, nervous, or anxious.

Too much stress is known to be bad for us but did you know that stress can also cause issues to your dental health?

Dental Issues That Can Be Caused By Stress

Poor Dental Hygiene

When a person is under stress they tend to lose focus on basic habits and this includes being diligent with maintaining their dental hygiene. If you do not take care of your dental hygiene, your dental health as well as your general health will begin to suffer. This is especially true if you already suffer from periodontal disease as skipping any part of your dental hygiene program can worsen the periodontal disease. Another issue with being under stress is your nutrition changes. Most people dealing with stress tend to develop very unhealthy eating habits. This can include snacking on larger than normal amounts of sugary foods and drinks. These changes will increase your risk for tooth decay.

A good way to combat stress in your life is to maintain a routine of regularly exercising. Exercising regularly can help you relieve some of that stress and give you an extra energy boost. Exercise will also boost your immune system which is always a plus.

Teeth Grinding (also called Bruxism)

One of the main reasons why people grind their teeth is due to stress. Bruxism can occur day or night but it is usually a subconscious act. Stress is not the only cause of bruxism but it does make it worse. Some of the dental issues associated with bruxism include:

-Headaches

-Ear Pain

-Worn Down Teeth.

-Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues

-Sensitive Teeth

-Chipped or cracked teeth

-Receding Gums or teeth with notches in them at the gum line

Your dentist may recommend a night guard to wear while you sleep to minimize the damage caused to your teeth. Usually, if stress is the cause the bruxism will stop when the stressor is removed.

Mouth Sores

Mouth sores come in many forms. These can include:

-Canker sores. These are small ulcers with a white or grayish base and bordered in red.  There has been vigorous debate regarding what causes canker sores. Some believe it is an immune system issue, bacteria, or even a virus. Consensus is that stress can increase the risk of them showing up. Canker sores are not known to be contagious.

Canker sores generally last about 7-10 days. Spicy foods as well as highly acidic foods should be avoided as they tend to irritate the sores. One of the best forms of relief comes from a dentist prescribed medicine called Debacterol. This medicine is applied directly to the sore and can reduce symptoms as well as the length that the sores are present.

-Cold sores (or fever blisters). These sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are highly contagious. Cold sores are blisters that are filled with fluid that often appear on or around the lips. They can also appear under the nose or around the chin area. Emotional stress can trigger an outbreak. Other triggers include fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.

Cold sores often heal on their own in about a week’s time. Treatment is available, including over-the-counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask your doctor or dentist if either could help you. It is important to start treatment as soon as you feel or notice the cold sore forming. The sooner you start treatment the effects of the cold sore will be reduced.

Periodontal Disease

Stress can lead to depression. And studies have shown that patients who are depressed have twice the risk of a poor outcome from periodontal disease treatment compared to those who are not in a depressed state. You can not make depression or the stress disappear, of course. But most experts agrees that learning healthy coping strategies can help reduce the risk of periodontal issues getting worse.  Also, people who are depressed tend to have poor overall hygiene and that includes dental hygiene.

Conclusion

Keep in mind we all have stress during the course of our day. Developing proper techniques for dealing with that stress can make a world of difference in the maintanence of our dental health as well as our overall health. As always, see your dentist regularly for dental examinations along with professional cleanings to ensure you keep your smile as healthy as can be!

Remember, eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene help reduce your risks of periodontal disease. Make sure you brush twice a day and floss daily.

© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

In the past, orthodontics was routinely an early teen event that began once all of the baby teeth were gone and permanent teeth were in. Recent advances in the understanding of a child development as well as modern materials have re-evaluated the time for orthodontic treatment to an earlier age. It is now recommended by the American Association of Orthodontiststhat every child should receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. But Why?

Common Orthodontic Problems Found At Age 7

1. Buck Teeth. Do the upper front teeth stick way out of line?

2. Deep Bite. Do the upper teeth cover the lower teeth?

3. Underbite. Do the upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth?

4. Open Bite. Do only the back teeth touch when biting down?

5. Crowded or overlapped teeth. Do the teeth have too much or too little space in certain areas?

6. Misaligned front teeth. Do the spaces between the upper two front teeth and lower two front teeth not line up?

7. Crossbite. Do the lower teeth fit properly inside the upper teeth?

8 .Missing teeth. If there are baby teeth that never developed, there will not be a permanent tooth to follow. Jaw x-rays may also find that certain permanent teeth are not  presently formed or are unable to come down on their own.

9. Extra teeth. When there are double teeth, extra teeth or malformed teeth.

Generally, orthodontic treatment does not begin at age 7 but it is good to get a head start to avoid any complications down the road. However, early orthodontic treatment may be necessary before age 7 if the following appear:

-Problems Speaking

-Proper Chewing Is Difficult

-Abnormal bite development

-Clicking or popping in the jaw

-Permanent teeth that are erutping into the mouth crowded or overlapped

-A thumb sucking problem

-A teeth grinding problem

-Issues biting cheeks or biting into the roof of the mouth

Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic evaluation provides both timely diagnosis of problems and increased opportunity for more effective treatment. Early intervention gives the ability to guide growth and development, preventing more serious issues later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Early orthodontic treatment is also referred to as interceptive treatment or Phase I treatment. Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment include the following:

-Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth

-Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth

-Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth

-Preserving space for teeth that are coming in

-Reducing the need for tooth removal

-Reducing Phase II treatment time with braces

Phase II orthodontic treatment begins when all of the permanent teeth erupt and usually involves a full set of braces and not just a localized treatment plan.

Orthodontic Conclusion

While not every child will need early orthodontic treatment, it is best to know in advance what the options will be going forward. It is important to remember, orthodontics is not strictly a cosmetic endeavor, bite alignment is the ultimate goal. The issues presented above can all be corrected fairly easily if done in a phased approach. However, allowing this early intervention time to pass can complicate treatment requiring more extreme measures (i.e. teeth removal or surgery) to fulfill the same goal.

© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

Periodontal Disease – is a progressive inflammatory disease, that affects the tissues that support and anchor the teeth. These support tissues include, gums, bone, cementum, and ligament attachments.

The main area in which periodontal disease is diagnosed and treated is in “the pocket”. The pocket is the unattached tissue between the tooth and gum, measured with a tiny ruler-like instrument called a periodontal probe. A healthy tooth generally has pocket measurements of 0-3 mm, whereas diseased tissue can be 4-15 mm deep, ( The deeper the pocket, the more difficult to fully clean). The measurements vary in what they measure, for example, in Gingivitis measurements indicate how swollen the tissue is, while in Periodontitis, the measurements indicate the loss of bone and gum tissue. If  left untreated,periodontal disease results in the destruction of the support structure, bacteria growth down into pockets, toxin release (to breakdown attachments),  loosening of teeth, and subsequent tooth loss.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is said to affect over 50% of all Americans. Periodontal disease advances in 4 stages:

1. Gingivitis- Swollen, red, inflamed gum tissue. There has not been loss of attachment at this stage. Reversible with proper hygiene.

2. Early Periodontitis- Less than 25% attachment loss, as determined by x-ray and measurement with a probe.

3. Moderate Periodontitis-25-50% attachment loss as determined above.

4. Advanced Periodontitis-50% or more attachment loss.

Periodontal disease can be reversible in its earliest form. This form of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. But if the periodontal disease progresses to periodontitis then the damage is not reversible by the body on its own. Patients and dentists alike are always looking for ways to combat periodontal disease with newer and better ways to treat the disease and maintain good oral hygiene at home. The tried and true home methods have generally consisted of varying types and techniques with  tooth brushing, flossing, and antibacterial rinses. All of these methods have the same limiting factor, none of the at home methods could target the deeper pockets of 5 mm and above, until a new product was formulated in conjunction with the waterpik utilizing a special tip which places a tartar dissolving liquid  directly where it is needed. This new rinse is called Periogen.

What Does Periogen Do to Fight Against Periodontal Disease?

Periogen is a patented oral rinse that has been proven capable of dissolving tartar buildup between professional cleanings and dentist visits. Periogen works by exploiting a weakness (discovered by the research team at the Periogen Company) in the fundamental structure  of oral tartar, and its adhesive nature.

Tartar (or calculus as it is sometimes called) can be found above and below the gum line. Tartar above the gum line is referred to as supra gingival tartar and tartar below the gum line is referred to as sub gingival tartar. Dental Tartar is comprised almost entirely of Calcium Phosphate Salt. Calcium Phosphate is the basic component of tooth material. Calcium phosphate salt differs from calcium phosphate in its electron structure. The calcium phosphate salt has two less electrons than the calcium phosphate which makes it electrically unstable. This process of losing electrons happens in nature all the time. The best comparison is the buildup of lime deposits in water pipes and faucets. Microscopically, tartar is layer upon layer (can be in the tens of thousands layers) of fossilized bacteria trapped between the calcium salts.

The tartar causes periodontal disease by toxins released by the bacteria in plaque and tartar on teeth. The toxins cause the body to react by starting the inflammatory

Periogen Oral rinse for Dissolving Tartar Between Professional Cleanings

process thereby destroying healthy gum tissue and supporting bone structures. Periodontal disease is progressive and without periodontal disease treatment will lead to tooth loss and infections throughout the mouth.

Periogen is used as an oral rinse 1-2 times per day between professional cleanings to reduce the level of tartar buildup and stain. This will in turn make for an easier dental visit but also maintain a healthier state in your mouth for your teeth and gums to heal. Periogen should in no way replace brushing and flossing, or visits to the dentist but just works as an accessory between professional dental cleanings to give you a more effective way to reduce tartar and fight periodontal disease .

Periogen Conclusion

As you know, there are many methods and products on the market to aide you in your dental hygiene and combat periodontal disease. Remember this, “The best  offense is a good defense!”.   It is up to you to find and decide what works best for you to prevent periodontal.disease. Visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and professional cleanings to ward off dental problems and stay healthy.

© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

Reposted From Dentistry IQ

A beautiful smile is important to many. With so many adults in our practices with misaligned teeth, shouldn't cosmetic orthodontics become a bigger part of your treatment planning? In the past, many adults were afraid to wear orthodontic braces because they were either embarrassed to wear brackets or did not want to spend the time and money. Cosmetic orthodontics has addressed these concerns. Below you will see some common questions and fears about cosmetic orthodontics, which can help you help your patients with their concerns.

“I’m just too old for braces. Braces are for kids.”
When your patients make statements like these, they expect you to agree with them. Instead, you should take this opportunity to reassure your patients that it is never too late to have the smile they have always wanted. There is no age limit for adults with a healthy periodontal condition to undergo orthodontic treatment. Cosmetic orthodontics lets you have the perfect smile you have always wanted without putting your life on hold. These new options allow you to look great throughout treatment. FACT: One out of every five orthodontic patients is an adult.

“I’ve already had braces; won’t they just move again?”
Explaining to a patient the importance of retention after movement is key. If they understand why that fixed retainer or clear stent needs to be worn during bone fill after movement and that they need to be continually monitored at each recall appointment, they are more likely to be compliant with their retention. For many, they need to understand retention as a protection of their investment.

“Braces take too long.”
For many adults, cosmetic orthodontics can be completed in as little as six months. Depending upon the appliances used and the amount of movement required, treatment can be quite short in length. When addressed in this manner, a patient should understand that treatment may be completed by the time of the next recall visit.

“Orthodontic treatment is painful.”
There is a huge difference between discomfort and pain. All appliances take some getting used to, but it is only for a matter of months. Most of the discomfort is short-lived, lasting a few days after an adjustment appointment. Some of the discomfort has to do with the metal aspects, which may poke or pinch, but this can be reduced drastically with a quick application of wax. In general, the discomfort does not get past the point where a Tylenol does not bring relief.

“Orthodontic braces make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean. Will this cause cavities?"
Good oral hygiene will take a bit more attention than it did before appliances were in place, but is very manageable with the right tools. Waterpiks, electric toothbrushes, fluoride rinses, and threader floss can make it much easier to keep everything clean and cavity-free.

“Isn’t it expensive?”
Your patients need to understand that cosmetic orthodontics is usually the most conservative way to fix a cosmetic issue. Very often, the need for full bonding or veneers may reduce to just a few teeth or none. It may also be the only way to achieve optimal cosmetic dentistry results. The cost factor can be overcome using payment plans through your dentist or using a third-party provider such as CareCredit.

Cosmetic orthodontics conclusion
Whether you practice limited orthodontic movement in your office or not, cosmetic orthodontics should be offered as a treatment option for patients who would benefit from it. Orthodontic treatment can transform your patients' smiles and attitudes about their dental health. You will be surprised at the positive results and referrals!

Marielaina Perrone DDS, is a family, cosmetic, and implant dentist creating and enhancing beautiful smiles in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Cosmetic Dentist Las Vegas