Dr. Stephen A. Price

NORTHERN VIRGINIA GENERAL DENTISTRY &
INVISALIGN PREMIER PROVIDER

Call today for your free no obligation consultation: (703)-935-2879

6035 BURKE CENTRE PKWY | SUITE #200 | BURKE, VA 22015

Blog

Planning on Invisalign Treatment? Prepare with these Facts!

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening treatment that has carved out quite a niche for itself in the past decade. Touted as a clear alternative to braces, this system is ideal for the adult who prefers to keep orthodontic treatment under wraps. Many of the patients who visit our Burke Invisalign practice are teens who are interested in avoiding the pitfalls of traditional orthodontia. In any case, a qualified patient has a lot to gain by completing the protocol customized by their experienced Invisalign provider. If Invisalign is something you are considering, here’s what you need to know.

  1. Treatment may not be what you imagine. There are certain aspects of Invisalign that are discussed more openly and frequently. Benefits like being able to eat whatever you’d like, for example. Another selling point of treatment has been that results may be achieved more quickly than with traditional braces. This isn’t always the case, though, and you need to know that. Also, once the active phase of your treatment is complete, you will need to wear “finishing aligners.” These retainers keep your teeth from negative shifting.
  2. Make friends with your toothbrush. Brushing is extremely important throughout the course of treatment because the clear plastic aligners fully encase teeth almost 24/7. That’s a lot of time for bacteria to cause damage! Plan to brush after every meal, and to rinse your aligners every single time you insert them. This means you will probably have multiple toothbrushes to keep at home and wherever you happen to go, so you’re always prepared for hygiene.
  3. Your drinking habits may have to change. Coffee drinkers may be surprised to realize that their morning habit of lingering over a steaming cup of coffee for hours on end will have to end. Coffee stains teeth, so it can stain the aligner. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy that cup of Joe. It just means you’ll have to take out your aligner, drink, rinse, and get back under the cover of your straightening tray. The same thing goes for soda, red wine, and any other beverage that can stain teeth.

There are nuances to any type of orthodontic treatment. We provide patients with the details they need to know to maximize their experience. Learn more from your Invisalign Premier Provider in Burke. Call (703)750-9404.

Posted on May 30th, 2017


 

What Kind of Cleaning do you Need?

When you schedule a dental checkup, you have certain expectations of what your dentist will do. In our Burke office, our thorough exam process may involve x-rays (depending on when you had them last). We will use small mirrors and instruments to check the surfaces of your teeth for softness, and will look at any restorations you have to assess structural soundness. A final aspect of the routine exam is to look at the gums. We don’t just look, though, we measure.

The standard of care for gum disease includes measuring the depth of spacing between each tooth and the soft tissue that surrounds it. The more space that has formed, the more inflammation is indicated. Depending on the extent of inflammation, what you expect next – your routine cleaning – may be scheduled for another day.

A Look at Process

The way that teeth-cleanings are performed is dictated by gum health. The routine cleanings that are performed in our office are conducted with the intent of removing debris and plaque or tartar that have accumulated around and in between teeth. To undergo such a cleaning when you have colonies of bacteria beneath the surface would be, well, pointless.

Let’s talk Periodontitis

The first indications of gum disease usually include minor nuisances like bad breath or a little bleeding when you brush. These symptoms cannot be explained away and they should prompt you to obtain dental care right away. When we treat this phase, known as gingivitis, we may be able to prevent bacteria from moving into the periodontal area of the gums.

Periodontitis is chronic inflammation from infection caused by the bacteria that live in plaque. It is a disease process that spreads inward, toward the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth. A routine cleaning does little to resolve this severe problem. To do so, we suggest a deep cleaning, otherwise known as scaling and root planing.

Scaling and root planing are two techniques that eradicate existing infection by removing the culprits, bacteria. The procedure is performed with local anesthetic to maintain comfort, and may be conducted in a series of treatments in order to address different areas of the mouth.

Prevention is always a better path to follow, and we’d like to support you toward that goal with the dental cleaning that is right for your needs. Call (703)750-9404 for an appointment with Dr. Price.

Posted on May 15th, 2017


 

Want to Restore your Smile with Dental Implants? Get out of your own Way!

Dental implants have been referred to as the gold standard in tooth replacement. The process of restoring function and appearance was a long time in the making. Just a little over a century ago, a large percentage of people who had lost teeth never had them replaced. Today, we wouldn’t dream of going without – or would we? Interestingly enough, as far as we have come in the area of tooth replacement, we continue to see patients get in their way of the ultimate in care. The way that they do so is by telling themselves stories about the care they need. Let’s take a look . . .

The Story about Age

It is fascinating to see patients so easily disqualify themselves from the care that could give them back all that they have lost. Sad because we know the extensive benefits of tooth replacement with dental implants. The tiny posts that are carefully inserted into the bone reinstate the stable foundation of natural teeth, and enable patients to chew without feeling concerned about artificial teeth failing or falling out. Implants are used for single-tooth replacement and can also hold full dentures firmly in place. In neither situation is age a requirement to obtain care, and yet we hear this statement far too often: “I’m too old for implants.”

It is important to know that age is hardly a factor in getting the care you need to restore your smile. Factors that are important include your lifestyle habits (smoking), oral health, and general health.

The Story about Need

Another way that patients disqualify themselves from care is by saying they don’t need implants to achieve the outcome they would like. Some go so far as to say tooth replacement isn’t necessary. This is like saying that it isn’t necessary to have teeth. But Mother Nature gave us teeth for a purpose! The need for teeth does not change as we go through life. Whether a small gap or a large one, the absence of teeth places the burden of chewing on those that remain, and this leads to a high susceptibility to damage.

As your Burke dentist, Dr. Price offers the services you need to enjoy a healthy, functional smile. Learn more about dental implants when you call (703)750-9404.

Posted on April 30th, 2017


 

So True, So False

You know a lot about your teeth, probably more than you think. When you visit our Burke Invisalign practice for teeth-straightening or general dental care, you may learn even more. Here, we want to give you the opportunity to test that knowledge with a short, fun dental quiz.

True or False

  1. Invisalign works to improve the appearance of your smile, and that’s it.

Answer: False. Invisalign was, at one time, used more for the correction of minor, visible misalignment, such as turned or slightly crowded teeth. Since the end of the 1990s, when Invisalign was first developed, the system has evolved a great deal. Not only can Invisalign close gaps and smooth out crowding, but the aligner method can also correct overbite, cross-bite, and underbite issues.

  1. Tooth-colored fillings are an excellent option for long-lasting function.

True. Historically, it has been thought that tooth-colored fillings were more for cosmetics than long-lasting structural support, but that is not the case. A tooth-colored filling is made from composite resin that is shaped and bonded to the tooth. Because it is bonded, this filling requires minimal reduction of the natural structure. Bonding also sets tight margins, which supports durability for many years.

  1. Teeth whitening can tackle the toughest stains.

False. Teeth whitening can do a lot, but not everything. Sometimes, we use porcelain veneers to disguise tough stains, such as those that are caused by injury to a tooth. Stains from fluoride or certain medications may also be treated with veneers.

  1. You may not know that you have gum disease.

True. This is an important question because, if you want to avoid advanced gum disease and the ongoing treatments that are necessary to control infection, you want to obtain treatment at the earliest possible stage, when only the gingival tissue is involved. For your best protection against gum disease, maintain a six-month checkup and cleaning schedule.

Your smile is in great hands with our friendly, experienced team. Schedule your visit at (703)750-9404.

Posted on April 15th, 2017


 

Invisalign may not be what you Think

invisalignAs a premier Invisalign provider in Northern Virginia, we hear a lot of questions regarding this method of alignment correction. Perhaps you have given some thought to whether or not you could get the straight and healthy smile you want without having to wear metal or tooth-colored braces. If you have, the immediate secondary thought may have been “would Invisalign even work as well as braces?”

Throughout the past several years, there has been an ongoing conversation between dentists and their patients about the efficacy of Invisalign. Sure, there are benefits to this system! Who doesn’t love the idea of getting straighter teeth without having to have brackets glued to their teeth! Who doesn’t find a removable aligner more than a little appealing? We get it, and we love helping our patients experience these benefits and more.

The fact that you can eat what you want and don’t have to live with a smile that just isn’t “you” is a clear advantage to the Invisalign method. However, none of the little niceties of this system really answer that question about what is possible with Invisalign. Is it possible to straighten teeth without braces, really? Let’s see . . .

Invisalign has been around for more than 15 years. Since it’s early use in the late 90s, a lot has happened. At the onset, dentists were able to conduct treatment only for minor cases of misalignment. This lead to the impression that Invisalign was nothing more than cosmetic braces. What developers did, though, was genius. They paid attention. Whatever worked, and whatever didn’t, was noted. More than that, work was put into the various aspects of the Invisalign system to make it better and better. Again, genius!

The treatments that are conducted today address a wide range of conditions. No longer are we limited to straightening out a tooth that has turned slightly. Today, we are able to correct mild to moderate bite issues, as well; to close gaps and create space and move individual teeth as needed. But there’s more. The reason why we could say that Invisalign is better than braces is because, without metal fixtures, it is much easier for patients to brush and floss throughout the course of treatment. This has reduced instances of post-treatment tooth decay, adding even more value to the aligner approach.

Are you ready to learn more? Call your Burke Invisalign dentist at (703)750-9404.

 

 

Posted on March 30th, 2017


 

Thinking about Veneers? You want to Know These Details!

VeneersIf you’ve been considering how you can finally get the smile you picture yourself having, veneers have probably crossed your mind. These ultra-thin sheaths of porcelain, or a thin covering of composite material, can go far beyond just brightening up your smile. Veneers are hands-down the most versatile of all cosmetic treatments, capable of disguising tough stains, of closing gaps, of leaping buildings in a single bound! Oh wait, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Veneers are great. Let’s leave it at that.  If you think this treatment may be in your future, you want to know some of the finer details.

Veneers are pretty conservative.

Whether you choose a direct veneer (bonding), or a composite or porcelain indirect veneer that is made in a dental lab, your smile makeover can be completed without extensive tooth reduction. A veneer is only about as thick as a fingernail. So, this is how much surface enamel needs to be reduced. Without this step, there would be a slight ridge where the veneer meets the gums, and that would attract bacteria. We don’t want that.

Sensitive teeth may love veneers.

Veneers are intended as a cosmetic enhancement to the smile. There is no restorative value to speak of, really. That is, unless you are one whose teeth tend to be sensitive due to erosion. Because a veneer builds up the surface, it creates a barrier between the nerve and external factors such as hot or cold temperatures. This is very slight, but it may be enough for some patients to notice a decrease in sensitivity.

Upkeep is required.

A veneer that is affixed to the front surface of a tooth will not last forever. Veneers have a life expectancy of anywhere from five to 15 years. In some cases, however, with excellent care, dentists have seen veneers last up to 20 years. If a veneer is damaged or the bond becomes compromised at some point, it will be necessary to replace the porcelain or composite with a new covering. The good news is that porcelain needs to special upkeep to stay bright and white! Unlike natural enamel, this material is highly stain-resistant.

Your face shape may change.

This can be a big advantage, but one that you don’t want to sneak up on you. When you do a serious smile makeover, the overall appearance of your face may change – in a good way! Lips and cheeks may be better accentuated by your new smile, and facial symmetry may also improve.

Call the Burke office of Dr. Price at (703)750-9404 to learn more about veneers.

Posted on March 15th, 2017


 

The Cavity Game: It’s Not Always Easy

smile healthyFrom the time we come into this world, we are in the fight; the fight against tooth decay, that is. Parents put a lot of effort into teaching children how to brush and floss so they don’t struggle with painful cavities. Once children understand the value of good oral hygiene and develop the skills to manage their teeth, there is an expectation that cavity prevention is well under way. So, if you continue to come face to face with tooth decay into adulthood, what gives?

Cavity prevention is, in fact, a lifelong task. It isn’t always difficult, just brush, floss, eat well, and see the dentist. For the most part, these activities go a long way in keeping oral bacteria in check, but not always. Here, we look at a few hidden hazards that you may need to address if you continually experience cavities.

Tooth spacing isn’t what it should be.

Correcting the spacing between teeth is one of our specialties! We understand what can happen when teeth are too close together. If one tooth overlaps the next, there is a ridge in which plaque accumulation is pretty much a given. You don’t want spaces like these throughout your mouth. They make oral hygiene too much of a challenge. In addition to more cavities, the plaque buildup can make it hard to keep your breath fresh and your gums nice and pink.

Going to great depths.

One of the primary purposes of teeth is to chew food. To accomplish this, there cannot be a level surface. Teeth have high and low points that break into food and break it apart. The thing is, those low points could be quite deep. When they are, there is an increased chance that debris can get caught in spaces your toothbrush cannot reach. Many people have heard of dental sealants in the realm of pediatric dentistry, but this treatment is not reserved for any age group. Teens and adults of all ages can have the deep grooves of molars sealed to prevent the buildup of cavity-causing plaque.

There are several ways in which your Invisalign dentist in Northern Virginia can help you keep your smile healthy. Call (703)750-9404 to learn how.

Posted on February 28th, 2017


 

Want Straighter Teeth? These are your Options.

bracesImperfections are a given. There are relatively few people whose permanent teeth grow in perfectly, symmetrical and in a proper position. For some, the tiny variances in the straightness of their teeth come across as the character. For others, misalignment or bite issues are more problematic, and correction may be needed.

When teeth are not aligned properly, each tooth may endure excessive bite force. Crowding and twisting make it difficult to clean all plaque from hard-to-reach places, and this invisible biofilm can harden into tartar. This creates a higher risk for cavities and gum disease, not to mention bad breath. In our Burke office, patients from Northern Virginia can consult with an experienced Invisalign dentist about a discreet, comfortable way to straighten their teeth.

Why would you want to consider Invisalign? To understand the answer, let’s explore the options that you may have to choose from:

Traditional Orthodontic Treatment

What is traditional orthodontia? Braces.  It’s metal brackets that are cemented to the front surface of each tooth. A wire is run through each bracket. About every 4 weeks, this wire is adjusted to place pressure in the area where movement is desired at that time.

Clear Braces

The development of clear brackets and wires has made orthodontic treatment more appealing – at least regarding aesthetics.

Invisalign

Invisalign has been a huge leap forward in the correction of mild to moderate misalignment. The system may still seem new, but its use began in 1998. Early on, Invisalign was perceived as a cosmetic orthodontic method; meaning, it was intended for the correction of mild alignment issues at the front of the mouth. This idea was all wrong.

The Invisalign system has been designed to correct spacing issues as well as occlusal issues such as an overbite or cross-bite. The difference between this method and traditional braces is that Invisalign moves teeth with force exerted via a clear, plastic aligner. The appliance looks like a mouth guard, or like the trays you where to whiten your teeth.

In addition to being ultra discreet, Invisalign aligners are appealing because they can be removed, unlike the metal, fixtures were worn during orthodontic treatment. This means that food choices do not have to be altered and that oral hygiene can be performed without obstacles getting in the way.

We are happy to discuss your option for Invisalign when you visit our Burke office. Call (703)750-9404.

Posted on February 15th, 2017


 

Why Dental Visits could be Something you Look Forward to

cosmetic-dentistryWhen the morning of a dental appointment comes, how do you feel? Excited? Would you say that you enjoy seeing the dentist? Most people don’t. We know this, and we work hard to let each of our patients know that dentistry doesn’t need to be stressful. A person’s mindset about dental care can be a challenge to overcome! Once a negative attitude has developed, some people hold on to it for life. The downside to this is often poor oral health and visits to the dentist only when a painful problem forces it. Here, we suggest a few thoughts to help you view dentistry in a new light.

  1. Your dentist means well. It’s easy to form this idea in your head that a dentist is a “boogie man” kind of person who finds pleasure in people’s painful dental conditions. Not so. Dentists are incredibly committed to good oral health. So much so that they choose to work in a field where most of the people they see in a day don’t really want to be in that chair. Our team has a strong desire to provide outstanding care that fosters good oral health and good relationships with our patients.
  2. One bad dentist doesn’t represent the whole. Have you had a bad experience with one dentist, or have you heard stories from others who have? This can be a terrible slope down which you slide if you’re not careful to remember an important fact: not all dentists are the same. Perhaps your unpleasant experience meant that particular dentist was not a good fit for you. Your smile and your general health deserve quality care. Rather than lump all dentists together in a category, try a new office. We’re happy to meet you personally to discuss your concerns.
  3. Prevention is the best medicine. You have heard this, but maybe not in the way we are about to describe. Of course, it is advantageous to see your dentist before there is a problem. This can help you avoid pain. More so, it can help you avoid stress during urgent situations. Let’s say a crown cracks or falls off. This is not the time to find a new dentist. When you need to be seen right away, you will feel much more confident if you have a family dentist that you already know and trust.

We enjoy providing gentle care to patients across Northern Virginia. To schedule your visit, call (703)750-9404.

 

 

Posted on January 30th, 2017


 

Tooth Replacement has Finally Come of Age

Dental ImplantsComing of age. This is something that happens in stages. When we are children, we look forward to visits from the tooth fairy as our baby teeth fall out of the mouth. This is an exciting time because it marks a path toward growing up. We know that new teeth will take the place of those we have lost. In adulthood, tooth loss is not something we expect to happen to us, even though we know it happens to others. This is an interesting fact, seeing that upwards of 30% of adults lose one or more teeth before they reach middle age.  Tooth loss in older adults, although largely preventable, is still looked at as a normal event. We need to move away from this mindset.

Another mindset we could do well to move away from is the perception that dentures and bridges are the norm in terms of tooth replacement. Dentistry has changed dramatically in terms of what is considered normal. Many centuries ago, objects such as shells were tried as stand-ins for natural teeth. Not so many centuries ago, human and animal teeth were used to create dentures. Only in the last 100 or so years did toothlessness among adults become less common. Today, everything from the appearance of false teeth to their foundation has evolved – thankfully!

Structure Rules

Advancements in technologies are often achieved through trial and error. Dental technologies are no different. As we can see from ancient civilizations, humans have recognized the value of teeth roots for ages. The problem that needed to be overcome was the issue of just how to get new roots into place. It was only halfway through the 1900s that science caught up, and dental implants were developed.

We are pleased to help our patients recapture the smile they once knew; a smile that not only looked natural but stayed in place at all times. There is no need to worry when you eat, smile, or speak. There is no need to settle for dentures that rub against your gums. Because it’s possible to set a new foundation on top of tiny titanium posts, tooth loss no longer has to mean living out your life in discomfort and self-consciousness.

If you are in Northern Virginia, you can learn more about dental implants by calling the office of Dr. Price at  (703)750-9404.

 

 

 

 

Posted on January 15th, 2017


 

 

 

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