dentists | Briar Pointe Dentistry https://www.briarpointedentistry.com Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:35:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Smile Confidently: A Helpful Guide to Clear Aligner Therapy https://www.briarpointedentistry.com/smile-confidently-a-helpful-guide-to-clear-aligner-therapy/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:35:53 +0000 https://www.briarpointedentistry.com/?p=763 Clear aligner therapy refers to orthodontic treatment that utilizes clear aligners instead of metal braces to align teeth. A well-known brand of aligners is Invisalign® clear aligners, though there are numerous brands available. Aligners are clear plastic trays that are custom-made to fit your teeth. As you wear your aligners and graduate to the next [...]

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]]> Clear aligner therapy refers to orthodontic treatment that utilizes clear aligners instead of metal braces to align teeth. A well-known brand of aligners is Invisalign® clear aligners, though there are numerous brands available. Aligners are clear plastic trays that are custom-made to fit your teeth. As you wear your aligners and graduate to the next set of trays, your teeth will move based on your treatment plan.

How Clear Aligners Work

The way it works is rather simple:

  1. A model of your teeth and bite alignment is made by digital scan.
  2. A treatment plan is designed for you using advanced computer software to simulate the movement of your teeth.
  3. Your aligners are either 3D printed or milled.
  4. You receive the set of aligners in our office.
  5. We typically will put little bumps on your teeth called attachments, which are bonded on to your teeth during the duration of your treatment. These attachments are tooth colored so in contrast to metal braces, they are not noticeable on your teeth. The attachments are necessary for the aligners to correctly snap on to your teeth and move them effectively. You will receive a few aligners at a time and every two weeks you will go on to the next set of aligners.
  6. You will come in for visits periodically as prescribed by our dentists.
  7. When you finish your last aligner tray, we remove the white bumps on your teeth and scan your teeth for retainers which you’ll wear at night.

Clear aligner therapy represents a significant advancement in orthodontic treatment, offering a less visible, more comfortable and highly effective way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile. With the convenience and aesthetic advantages they provide, clear aligners have become a popular choice for those looking to improve their dental alignment discreetly.

Call Today!

If you’re considering clear aligner therapy in Novi, Michigan, we invite you to consult with one of our skilled dentists, Dr. Neil Blavin or Dr. Rikki Blavin, to determine if it’s the right choice for you. Please call 248-347-0030 to schedule your consultation with our Briar Pointe Dentistry team. We are excited to help you create a confident and healthy smile!

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]]> The History of Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Feel Better About Receiving Dental Care https://www.briarpointedentistry.com/the-history-of-sedation-dentistry-can-help-you-feel-better-about-receiving-dental-care/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:12:03 +0000 https://www.briarpointedentistry.com/?p=437 The history of sedation dentistry is a fascinating one that started in the 1840’s when Horace Wells and William T. G. Morton founded the use of anesthesia. They were the first ones to use nitrous oxide for pain management. Prior to 1840, pain management consisted of alcohol which was often given preoperatively (and perhaps still [...]

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]]> The history of sedation dentistry is a fascinating one that started in the 1840’s when Horace Wells and William T. G. Morton founded the use of anesthesia. They were the first ones to use nitrous oxide for pain management. Prior to 1840, pain management consisted of alcohol which was often given preoperatively (and perhaps still is). A drink consisting of alcohol and opium known as laudanum was also used to keep patients calm and relaxed.

Then, in the late 1930’s intravenous (IV-in the vein) was introduced using general anesthesia for dental procedures. Decades later, in the 1970’s, the medical professions began using the same techniques as dentists for patient comfort. Most dental pain is controlled by local anesthetic or other means of pain control. In 1970 dental students were introduced to the concept of patient comfort whereas prior to 1970 training was purely clinical.

Sedation also includes iatrosedation, oral sedation, inhalation sedation (but more about those in our next blog). Today we use a class of drugs called benodiazepines which is administered intravenously to control patient comfort. The greater amount of ways a doctor can manage pain through different types of sedation the greater probability for a successful result. What’s a successful result? A pain-free visit to the dentist!

To hear more about how IV sedation can help make your dental treatment relaxing and pain free, feel free to contact our Briar Pointe Dentistry team and learn how you can have a comfortable visit with one of our skilled dentists, Dr. Neil Blavin and Dr. Rikki Blavin. Call 248-347-0030 today. Come feel the difference, come get IV sedation today!

 

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