Best Dentist in Tysons Corner - McLean VA Dentists - Vienna Va

5 things your dentist wants you to know

1. Oral health problems don’t improve without treatment. In fact, most conditions only get worse. When you identify and treat problems with your teeth and gums in the early stages, you stop the progression of decay or disease and avoid unnecessary pain and cost.

2. You may be tired of hearing it but flossing is important. Do you floss your teeth about as often as you change the oil in your car? There’s a reason why you hear, “floss, floss, floss,” at the dentist’s office. Toothbrushes can’t remove food between your teeth; you need to floss for this. If the food isn’t removed, you’re more likely to have tooth decay and gum disease.

3. In most cases, it’s better to have a root canal than to pull the tooth. Many people avoid root canals because they have unwarranted fear of the procedure, which today is relatively pain-free. In removing the tooth’s decayed pulp and treating the underlying infection, the tooth can be preserved. Pulling a tooth may seem easier, but it will likely cost more to replace the missing tooth with an implant or bridge.

4. Choose the dental implant. If you lose a tooth, a dental implant is a better option than a crown. Why? Because a crown requires removal of a portion of the teeth on either side of the empty tooth socket. An implant is attached to the jaw bone, leaving other teeth in their original condition.

5. It’s pointless to have cosmetic dentistry without first treating oral health conditions. The popularity of cosmetic dentistry is skyrocketing. Advanced procedures work wonders in approving the appearance of your smile. But they shouldn’t be performed if you have untreated tooth decay or gum disease.

6. Think you’re too old for braces? Think again! If your impression of braces is a mouth full of shining metal “train tracks,” it’s time you learned about the exciting new advancements in orthodontics. Today, youth and adults have a number of attractive alternatives and new technologies are being introduced regularly.

7. Conventional Metal Braces Normally made of stainless steel, traditional braces are still the best choice for most children. PROS Less expensive than most options. CONS Very visible.

8. Ceramic Braces Ceramic braces operate much like conventional braces, but the unsightly metal brackets are replaced with clear or tooth-colored brackets. The band that attaches to the brackets is clear or white. PROS Appearance is subtle. Some people say they’re more comfortable. CONS More costly. Monthly adjustments are needed. May take a little longer for desired results. May not be suitable for major adjustments. 9. Invisible Braces Clear, plastic aligners straighten your teeth—invisibly. Fitted over your teeth, they slowly ease them into alignment. Every two weeks, you get a new set that adjusts the alignment a little further. Often called “”Invisalign” braces because of the dominance of this brand. PROS Very difficult to see the braces. Perform faster than regular braces. Can be removed when you eat and brush your teeth. CONS New aligners are required every two weeks. They work on front portion of mouth only. Not for complex orthodontic conditions.

10. Lingual Braces Wire braces are fitted on the back side of your teeth. They function much like conventional braces. PROS Can’t be seen from the front of the mouth. CONS Can be more uncomfortable and harder to adjust to. May take longer for desired results. May be more expensive than many alternatives. Not for all orthodontic conditions.

11. Self-Ligating Braces Tooth-colored braces that attach in a manner similar to traditional braces. There are a number of self-ligating braces that use different methods for straightening teeth. Two common technologies are 6-Month Smile and the Inman Aligner. PROS They work fast. On average, treatment is completed in six months. Much less noticeable. Cost effective. CONS Monthly adjustments are required. Not for all orthodontic conditions.

Looking for the right dentist for your dental care needs in Tysons Corner or McLean Virginia? Visit our site to download a FREE dental care guide, plus discover the best dentist in Tysons Corner, VA. http://www.TysonsCornerDentistry.com