Orthodontist of Orthodentist – What Is The Difference????

There is an advertisement that is being placed by an organization that represents Orthodontic specialists. The ad implies that orthodontics can be preformed by orthodontist only. The Invisilign technology has cut into the Orthodontist financial “pie” because general dentists are doing the majority now. However that is no excuse for making some of the public equate that “only orthodontists” do orthodontics. As a generalists/Orthodentist, we are qualified and held to the same standards that the specialist/Orthodontist are. I, along with some of my orthodontic and pediatric and pediatric collogues are on the cutting edge of orthopedics. This is the treatment of the whole jaw early in our lives to create enough space before braces. Sometimes called First and Second Phase Orthodontics. By correcting these issues early saves both time, money and even more, prevents the need for extractions. Who is better to do this than the Pedodontist or Generalist/Orthodentist? Both of these modalities of dentistry see the patient sooner than the Orthodontist. I think this is more of the reason for the short – sighted ads placed by the Organization.

Some people say orthodontists are the only ones that should do orthodontics. Following that same line of logic then…kids under twelve should be seen by a pedodontist, crowns, veneers and bridges by a prosthodontist, root canals by an endodontist, cleanings and perio by a periodontist, extractions by an oral surgeon. The fact is that these are all specialties that dentists have limited their practice to. A general or “family” dentist is held to the same levels of care that all of the specialist. However, there is one difference…the general dentist has specialist that he/she refers patients to if the treatment is in ‘need’ of a specialist. The fact is that the generalist should be able to do most procedures. The extra cost incurred by going to a specialist is because of this fact. A fair analogy would be going to an Ear Nose Throat Specialist instead of your family Doctor. If your physician saw that you needed to be treated by a specialist then he would refer you to one that he trusted which is exactly what you would want. The fact that most of your basic needs are met by your general physician/dentist makes sense. On the other side I would not want my family physician “specializing” in hip replacements when it is my cold that I wanted to have looked at. The same is true of dentists. I wouldn’t go to my dentist for a tooth that hurts if he is only trained in “cosmetics”. Choosing a good generalist is important. Interview the doctor and ask questions. If he does “orthodontics” then ask what his qualifications are. It took me many years and hundreds of post-doctoral courses to be proficient in orthodontics. It is true that you just don’t start doing orthodontics or any other “specialty” until you are qualified to do so. This is a rule that our profession holds us to at the perils of loosing our license if we do not! Go for second opinions if you feel uncomfortable with the treatment or costs proposed but be sure your doctor is well rounded in all areas of dentistry. One shoe does not fit all and the same is true in dentistry. So make sure you get the dentist that “fits” and yes that means a good knowledge of orthodontics too.

Advances In Dentistry…Some Good…Some Not So Good

There have been many advances in dentistry over the last few years. Some are a good value to you, the patient, others, well I would classify them as gimmicks that have not value at all.

A couple of examples of the good ones are implants. In 1968, this office was built by Dr. Nelson. He was one of the implant pioneers in the Portland area. Today the success rate is around 98% and accepted world wide. They have become simplified and their cost, relative to other treatments, have come down. In many cases, a tooth can be extracted and an implant placed the same day! In endodontics (root canals), electronics have taken out much of the guesswork. Nickel-titanium (the same metal that allows the Twistoflex glasses frames to bend so much and bounce back), files, and rotary instruments have made the process much quicker. Most are done in one appointment and in less than one hour!

There have been many other great advances in dentistry. Some technologies, however, in my opinion, aren’t in the best interest of the patients. For example, there is a milling machine that allows the dentist to “make” a crown in a single appointment. What the patient may not know is that the machine is approximately $100,000 and owned by the doctor who now has to make payments. Let me share with you an excerpt from the president of the ODA (Oregon Dental Association) in one of our journals, ” Do not overtreat!! Often that old amalgam restoration will outlast by many times the porcelain crown you just sold the last patient because you need to make a payment on your new Cerac machine. The patient’s pocket is not a bottomless pit. Be reasonable with treatment plans and fees”. (the complete article can be found in the February 2004 Oregon Board of Dentistry News, President’s Message) Need I say more? Besides, I used to be a dental lab technician and I can say, without a doubt, that they are substandard to a quality “hand made” inlay or crown.

Some other examples are “lasers” and those one-hour bleaching systems. Independent (Clinical Research Association) has shown how those bleaching systems don’t work as well as the “home” bleaching systems. An article from the JADA February 2004 issue states, “With respect to esthetics, our literature review showed that power bleaching has questionable whitening efficacy. Jones and colleagues demonstrated that a typical in-office laser bleaching session produced significantly fewer desirable color changes than did two at home bleaching protocols. No perceivable difference between energized versus nonenergized bleaching when performed under standardized conditions.” What happens is that the teeth become dehydrated making them “look” whiter, but it is short lived. There are some other issues, but you might ask yourself, “why are so many dentists pushing these systems?”. Well, mostly it has to do with advertising. Have you seen those “make over” type shows? They are actually paid add spots. These doctors can create a “want” for the dentists campaigns. It has nothing to do with the efficacy of the product!

I have been following these trends and will always do my best to keep my patients well informed of the pros and cons of all treatments. Before using any product in this office, it is thoroughly researched. I love what I do, I love the patients I work with and I will always strive to earn their trust by “watching out for them”.

Mercury Free, Metal Free Office

This seems to be a hot topic to some people so I will stick to what is KNOWN. There is a known dentist in the area that is scaring families into thinking that fetuses get mercury poisoning from their mothers through the mercury fillings in their mouths and other bizarre statements. When we take a look at the objective (as opposed to anecdotal) research that has been conducted, a much different story arises. For example: John W. Albers, M.D., PhD., of the University of Michigan Medical School says there is no association between abnormal neurological signs and amalgam exposure. The Life Science Research Office (non-profit, independent) report can be viewed by clicking here. There are thousands of research projects that have been done by non-profit and independent programs.

Let’s face it, All dentists would love to replace all of the silver/mercury fillings out there. There is a lot of money to be made but not by being dishonest about why they should be replaced. Amalgams have been a good restoration for many years and outlast many of the newer materials today but you have to admit they aren’t the best looking. So cosmetically you want those silver/gray looking fillings replaced with something that looks great? Sure!! But let’s be honest about the reason why. Make sure it is your reason and not the dentists. More information available at www.agd.org.

Cosmetic Dentistry – What Does It Mean?

You can find cosmetic dentists everywhere: in the yellow pages, the Internet, radio etc. However, there is no such thing as a specialty of cosmetic dentistry.

ADA Specialties -
Endodontics, Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Radiology, Oral-Maxillofacial Pathology, Orthodontics, Pediatrics, Periodontology, Prosthodontics (Maxillofacial Prosthodontics), Public Health

Why are there so many dentists advertising as cosmetic dentists? The word “cosmetic” is a powerful word used in the advertising industry and it is no different in dentistry. I feel it is overly abused. As an informed consumer in dentistry you need to have your dentist inform you of all of the possible options that you might have. What is the problem with cosmetic dentistry? If your dentists are limited to a type of dentistry like cosmetics then you have limited options. With this in mind you should seek a dentist that is well rounded in their post-doctoral (continuing education courses) studies. The saying, “if all you have is a hammer then everything looks like a nail”, comes to mind. When looking at treatment options you need to have a variety of plans that can be tailor made to your needs, not the doctors. An article I wrote was published in the Academy of General Dentistry titled, “When has the cosmetic makeover gone too far“.  This publication is distributed to dentists all over the country and can give you some insight to this issue we dentists are struggling with. There are many dentists out there and you need to find one that is right for you. An interview with a prospective dentist might be a good idea – it is your money and your dental health…, be wise.

My Problem with Cosmetic Dentistry

I feel there is a severe problem with the shift towards cosmetic dentistry. Without a comprehensive understanding of dentistry you cannot be expected to identify potential options that the patient has the right to know. For example, there is a prominent cosmetic dentist in California that teaches at one of the big cosmetic schools. On his website he lists his services – Veneers, All porcelain crowns, Metal-free filings, Specialized hygiene services,Teeth whitening. That is it!!! Where did the rest of his dental background go? What about orthodontics, endodontics, perio surgery etc??? Since all he sees is a couple of solutions then you will not get what you need. If all you have is a hammer then everything looks like a nail. Click on this link for an article (.pdf format) that I have written on this subject and it has been published in a dental journal.

How To Brush and Floss correctly

The most important part of dental care is down to you. Brushing your teeth twice daily insures for healthier teeth and gums. And if you dread the dentist’s chair then the best treatment is prevention.

Plaque is a major cause of cavities. It is a transparent layer of bacteria that coast the teeth. Brushing your teeth will remove the plaque build up. You can also floss once a day to insure that all plaque is removed, even where the brush cannot reach. Brushing stimulates the gums too, which keep the gums healthy and prevent gum disease.

Always make sure that your toothpaste contains fluoride. This is the most common ingredient in toothpaste and it prevents cavities.

Tartar is plaque but in a hardened form. One in ten people find that tartar accumulates on their teeth. Using anti-tartar toothpastes can target this problem as well as spending a little extra time brushing in front of the saliva glades.

If you have sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist about the best way to overcome this problem, It may be as simple as changing your toothpaste to a special, sensitive toothpaste.

Top tips on brushing:

- Gently brush your teeth, holding your brush at a 45 degree angle against your gum line. Use short strokes, starting from where the tooth meets the gum. Careful not to brush too hard as this could cause receding gums, and over time tooth sensitivity, or even tooth loss
- Using a sweeping motion, gently brush your tongue in a downward motion to remove the decay- causing bacteria. Not forgetting the roof of your mouth
- A lot of people do not brush for the suggested 2-3 minutes each day. Use an egg timer, or play a favorite song to get used to brushing for the suggested time

“Ortho” means correct or straight, and “Odont” means tooth.

Orthodontics is a special discipline of dentistry concerned with aligning the teeth and jaws to improve your smile and oral health. Through orthodontic treatment, problems like crooked or crowded teeth, overbites or underbites, incorrect jaw position and disorders of the jaw joints can be resolved.

Patients with orthodontic problems can benefit from treatment at any age. An ideal time for placement of braces is between 10 and 14 years of age, while the head and mouth are still growing and teeth are more accessible to straightening. However, orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids - more and more adults are also wearing braces to correct minor problems and improve their smiles!

Orthodontic treatment may be beneficial to patients suffering from any of the following conditions;

- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking as a child
- Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Speech difficulties
- Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
- Facial imbalance
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth

Although individual problems determine the best time to start orthodontic treatment, early diagnosis is best.

How do I care for my Dentures?

Even through your Dentures are fake, they still require impeccable care. Our top tips for Caring for your Dentures are:

- When handling your Dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.
- Don’t let your Dentures dry out. Place them in a Denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you’re not wearing them. Never use hot water, which can cause them to warp.
- Brushing your Dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque and help prevent them from becoming stained
- Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush before you insert your Dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
- See your Dentist if your Dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don’t be tempted to adjust them yourself - this can damage them beyond repair.

If you have lost a tooth, then a Dental Implant may be the solution!

Dental Implants are a permanent solution; helping you to recapture the beautiful nature of your smile.

Looking and feeling natural; Dental Implants can help prevent further deterioration of your teeth and give you something to smile about. A Dental Implant is a man-made replacement for the root of a tooth, which is surgically inserted into the jawbone.

As the mouth heals, approximately two to six months after surgery; the bone and Implant begin to fuse together. Once healing is complete, the Implant is then used to anchor Crowns, Bridges or Dentures.

The number of Dental Implants required is dependant upon your individual needs. This question will be determined during your initial consultation with your Dentist. Playing an important role in this decision is the quality and quantity of the patient’s bone. Implementing the correct number of Implants is vital in achieving long-term success. Dental Implants may also be implemented in such cases as a single missing tooth. This apparatus is referred to as a Single Tooth Implant Crown.

There are several types of Dental Implants available. Although Dental Implants will not decay, they still require impeccable care. Dental Implants may be cleaned and flossed just like normal teeth and best of all they do not require any special tools to clean around them (as with Bridgework).

Why is Sedation Dentistry life changing?

Sedation Dentistry offers patients the ability to conquer their fear of the dentist. If you break into a cold sweat when someone mentions the word ‘dentist’, Sedation Dentistry may be the technique for you.

Many adults today, continue to put off seeing the dentist; some for up to several years. This is generally the case due to the fear and discomfort generally associated with dental restorations. Sedation Dentistry offers the solution to patients suffering from dental anxiety. You may benefit from Sedation Dentistry if you;

- Dislike dental Injections
- Detest the noise of dental equipment - drills, suction hoses, etc.
- Gag easily and hate the taste during dental procedures
- Have sensitive teeth
- Cannot handle pain well
- If you need to undergo a complex dental procedure or a treatment that will consume a long period of time

Sedation dentistry enables patients who have a fear of the dentist to undergo dental treatment. Most patients, who have utilized Sedation Dentistry during a procedure, have no memory of their treatment. Sedation Dentistry can be highly beneficial to patients who have deferred seeing a dentist, yet wish to attain healthy teeth and gums.

Take years off the way you look and feel with cosmetic dentistry!

Cosmetic Dentistry is fast becoming the most popular form of esthetic enhancement. Unlike plastic surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry isn’t a major operation. Imagine coming in for a single appointment or two and emerging with the smile you’ve always wanted…no pain, no strain and no time taken out of your busy life. The results are immediate and dramatic.

Cosmetic Dentistry is the intricate combination of art and dental science. It encompasses several dental treatments, all of which are designed to enhance the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic Dentistry treatments include;

- Extreme Makeovers
- Tooth Whitening
- Dental Implants
- Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Crowns And Bridges
- Porcelain Inlays And Onlays
- Tooth-Colored Restorations
- Composite Bonding

Previously, little could be done to treat crooked, chipped or stained teeth. Today, through the continual advancements in the field of Cosmetic Dentistry treatment your dream smile is closer than you think.

We want you to look and feel your best. Cosmetic Dentistry can take years off the way you look and feel and give you the smile of your dreams. Contact us today and achieve your perfect smile tomorrow. We look forward to hearing from you.

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