Brushing Up on Healthy Teeth

By Deb Lehman

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DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dr. Kevin Corry is an oral surgeon who specializes in bone reconstruction, tumors, traumas and implants. In practice for twenty years in Union, the major part of his practice focuses on tooth replacement with dental implants.

“A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that I place into the jaw to hold a replacement
tooth or bridge,” says Dr. Corry. “I can replace an entire tooth with manmade products.”

While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework.

“One of the biggest benefits of implants is that they don’t require drilling other teeth or
contribute to loss of bone like bridges and dentures,” he says.

Another advantage to implants is that they may eliminate the need for removable full or
partial dentures, or make them far more stable and retentive, enabling patients to feel a sense of comfort and security that might otherwise not be possible.

“Implants are phenomenal, the best thing since sliced bread,” says Dr. Arida. “While
implants have been around for quite awhile, they have become more user-friendly and accepted as average standard of care over the last few years.”

“Implants cost about 10 percent higher than bridges, but their lasting value make them worthwhile,” says Dr. Corry. “Implants last over 30 years in 71 percent of cases. Bridges, on the other hand, need to be replaced every seven to ten years. Implants also don’t damage teeth and bone which can result in expensive dental treatments. Under
proper conditions, implants can last a lifetime.”

Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

“They are so natural-looking and feeling, patients often forget they ever lost a tooth,” says Dr. Corry. “Some people hide their smiles because of spaces. Others don’t feel secure with dentures – Or have difficulty chewing. Dental implants can enable you to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence.”

ORTHODONTICS, IT’S NOT JUST FOR KIDS
Another branch of dentistry focused on helping people attain a healthier, more beautiful smile is orthodontics. Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who correct improperly aligned teeth and jaws.

The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that nearly five million people in the United States and Canada are presently in orthodontic treatment. Some are as young as 2 or 3, and some are in their 50s, 60s and older. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age.

“The trend is for older people to seek out orthodontic care,” says Dr. Patricia Thrower, an orthodontist with a 24-year-old multi-generational practice in Westfield. “I’d say 30 percent of my practice is composed of adults.”

Another trend she observes is children starting the process sooner — at age 8 or 9 — when they are in the mixed dentition stage (some baby teeth, some adult teeth). Dr. Thrower conducts a thorough examination at age eight as the adult teeth are coming in to see if there is room. One of the many health benefits to orthodontia is avoiding
permanent tooth extraction.

“Some young patients are fearful,” says Dr. Thrower. “My partner, Dr. Jean Gong, and I do our best to put them at ease, especially on a first visit. We let the parent stay with the child the whole time.”

Scary instruments are hidden from view. Patients are encouraged to use a mirror to see
what’s going on. Dr. Thrower has created a comfortable, kid-friendly environment in which patient and parent can relax within a warm, renovated home.

“A child has to want treatment,” emphasizes Dr. Thrower. “Otherwise, it’s not worth the effort. It usually takes one to one-and-a-half years to straighten teeth.”

Even after braces are removed, retainers have to be worn for two years. Fourteen-year-olds are reluctant to wear them, but this is the age when wisdom teeth develop and can crowd the incisors.

“Because remediation may be necessary at this time, I emphasize annual follow-up visits,” says Dr. Thrower. “Braces are such a huge investment of time and money–a commitment–my patients and I develop long-term relationships. Some come to me to check their retainers when they are in college. I’ve even treated children’s children.”

Patients have more options in braces today.

“Braces have changed over the last forty years,” she says. “The straightwire system is more streamlined and comfortable. I start my patients with very soft and flexible wires.”

Then there are other products like Invisiline®, a new method to straighten teeth without metal or wires that’s nearly invisible and designed for adults. A patient can eat and drink anything while being treated along with being able to brush and floss normally. There are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation.

“I’ve used the system myself and like it,” says Dr. Arida.

Invisiline uses 3-D computer imaging technology to simulate the complete treatment plan. Each appliance moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

“It can’t be used for major orthodontic correction, but mostly for adults with minor issues,” says Dr. Thrower.

“Kids are not good candidates for Invisiline because the system is removable,” Dr. Arida says. “Traditional braces cannot be removed.”

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