Three Ways to Improve Your Smile Aesthetic

As a premier Invisalign provider in Northern Virginia, Dr. Price works with patients of all ages to correct alignment issues. Quite a few who come to our office mention that their misalignment concerns only recently began. Teeth may shift at any time in life, which can come as a surprise. While the ultimate goal is to address the situation, many people are interested to know why their teeth have moved out of optimal position. The problem may stem from one of several factors.

Age

Throughout life, the jaw and facial bones may change somewhat. This can affect how teeth fit in the mandible. In particular, the lower front teeth are inclined to sit behind the upper front teeth. To maintain this, the lower teeth may crowd together, leading to turning or even overlap depending on the extent of shifting.

Bruxism

Bruxism is the term we use to describe teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching behaviors. Many people engage in grinding and clenching when they sleep so are unaware of the stress their jaw and teeth are under. The pressure that is exerted onto teeth by bruxism can cause shifting as well as several other problems. A nightguard can be custom-made to decrease the force on teeth.

Tooth Loss

In childhood, tooth loss is necessary for permanent teeth to grow in. Tooth loss as an adult can be problematic. If a tooth falls out, is injured, or needs to be extracted, our priority is to replace structure as quickly as possible. Teeth butt-up to one another for support. The space that is created by tooth loss depletes the support of surrounding teeth, inviting them to shift.

Whatever the cause, at whatever age, misaligned teeth can create unnecessary self-consciousness. As troubling as a crooked smile can be, this problem is one that can be easily corrected. Invisalign is a reliable solution that is appropriate for many people. In some cases, it may not even be necessary to straighten a tooth or teeth. Veneers can be made to cover a turned tooth, fill gaps, and generally enhance the appearance of the smile.

To learn more about how we can help you correct shifting teeth, call our Burke office at (703)-935-2879.

Ok. Maybe you don’t expect for your smile to be 100 percent perfection. However, if gaps between the teeth that make up your smile are causing self-consciousness, they have to go. A skilled dentist has several ways to make this happen. Fortunately, none of them are particularly complicated. If you are ready to see the smile you have always envisioned for yourself, one without gaps, read on to discover your options.

Bonding

Dental bonding is a relatively common cosmetic procedure intended for the correction of minor flaws. For example, a dentist may apply composite resin bonding material to a tooth that has chipped or cracked. The bonding material is the same that is put into a cavity to restore damage without affecting the natural appearance of the tooth. While there are advantages to direct bonding, using this technique for a gap may not be ideal due to the bite force that occurs in front teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers have become a popular cosmetic technique to address a wide range of smile concerns. Where dental bonding can last as little as a few months or as long as about 8 years, porcelain veneers have a lifespan of up to 15 years or longer with excellent care. To cover a gap with veneers, we schedule two appointments. The first is reserved for preparation and impressions. After slightly reducing surface enamel, we take impressions to obtain a model of the teeth the surround the gap. Veneers are then made in a dental lab to be slightly wider than natural teeth. Where natural teeth stop, the new veneers will meet at the center of the gap. The final product is bonded to teeth during the second and final visit.

Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment was historically necessary for people who wanted to close gaps in their smile. While we now have more options to cosmetically disguise gaps, there are benefits to physically closing space in between teeth. Fortunately, we can do this without disrupting a person’s life too much. Invisalign treatment is an excellent option for people who want to reposition their teeth permanently. When this approach is taken, the only form of maintenance that is needed is general upkeep to oral health.

We can help you love your smile. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Price, call (703)-935-2879.

Dentistry has had a longer lifespan than many of us could imagine. When we think of dental fillings, we may imagine the dark spots that a parent or grandparent has in their smile. Some people even know that there was a time when metal crowns were sought as a type of cosmetic smile enhancement. Rarely do we stop to consider what may have come before. When we do, though, we can see how long the road to innovation has been, and why we can be thankful for the dental techniques we have today.

The First Dental Fillings

Throughout the history of humankind, tooth decay has always been a risk. The more our usual dietary habits have changed, the more prevalent cavities have become. However, archeological finds have disclosed the existence of cavities in prehistoric remains. Prehistoric! Many hundreds of years ago, there were no dental drills; there wasn’t even a formal field of dentistry (that didn’t happen until the 1800s). However, based on evidence, there was at least one method of removing tooth decay. Fillings were another story altogether.

Dental filling material has been a bigger challenge. Early evidence points to attempts with beeswax and resin. Down the line, tin foil was tried. Gold became a common filling material in the early 1500s and was followed by amalgam shortly after that. Today, we repair cavities using sturdy composite material that looks like natural enamel and is supportive of structural soundness for many years.

Braces? Who Could Have Imagined!

The demand for straight, attractive teeth is so strong today that it’s hard to envision a time when this wasn’t the case. In fact, there may not have been. According to archaic texts and archeological evidence, attempts at straightening teeth existed as far back as ancient Rome. In the 1700s, one of the pioneers of modern dentistry wrote about a bandeau system that could correct misalignment. Just a few hundred years later, we are straightening teeth without braces at all. Invisalign, which corrects misalignment using semi-rigid plastic trays, has become one of the most popular methods of straightening teeth ever to exist.

There is no denying that a lot can change over time. We are proud to support our patients’ desires for healthy, attractive teeth by providing modern dental techniques with a proven track record. To learn more about our services or schedule your visit, call our Burke office at (703)-935-2879.

As much as we have demonstrated our love for straight, attractive teeth, we have also resisted the conventional way of getting them. Orthodontic treatment has come a long way since its initial use. Way back when braces were first seen in the smiles of most teens in America, they were pretty obvious. The brackets that held the orthodontic wire were attached to bands. Metal bands. Metal bands that wrapped all the way around each tooth. That’s a lot of metal! The early model paved the way to brackets only, and then to invisible braces that were much more discreet. Now, we’ve pretty much got the best way to straighten teeth: Invisalign.

The benefits of Invisalign are well-known at this point. Patients know that Invisalign has aligners instead of brackets and wires. They know that these aligners can be removed. They know that, when their aligners are in, they may not be noticed at all. Patients know they can eat whatever they want and they may even know they still need to wear a retainer once their treatment is complete. What they don’t know is that Invisalign might work for them.

People love the idea of getting straight teeth without braces, but many still don’t really believe it’s possible for them. Their misconception about Invisalign leads them to count themselves out. Don’t do this. Don’t make assumptions about what Invisalign can accomplish. If your teeth are not as straight as you’d like them to be, find out for sure how Invisalign works.

How Does It Work?

If you believe that braces could give you a straight smile, you have reason to believe that the same could be accomplished with Invisalign. The use of aligners doesn’t downgrade possibility. Beneath aligners, we see the same principles at work that we see beneath brackets and wires: gentle, consistent force. It’s that simple.

Invisalign works for patients who have crooked teeth, crowded teeth, even overlapping teeth. Invisalign has corrected overbites and underbites and cross-bites and more. It has been able to achieve excellent outcomes because each aligner is made using advanced software through which every little movement is predictable. From week to week, aligners guide tooth movement precisely as it needs to happen until teeth align as planned.

Aligners for a straight smile, really? Yes, really. Discover the possibilities in our Northern Virginia office, where your Invisalign treatment can be carefully planned. Call (703)-935-2879 to schedule your consultation.

We smile for several reasons. When we do, our entire body benefits. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that just being witness to an authentic smile brings joy to the heart, and causes the release of “feel good” hormones in the brain. Who cares if smiling causes wrinkles (Thanks for that, Kim K.)? Who cares if our ancestors from the 1800s didn’t think it “cool” to smile, whatever the word they used at that time to describe being cool or uncool. There are benefits to smiling that cannot be denied. But to smile freely, most of us want to like what we see on our face.

In our Burke office, we perform some cosmetic treatments that can bring out the best in a smile. If you’ve been considering the reasons to schedule your cosmetic dentistry treatment, we’re going to give you more reason to stop thinking and start acting.

Your best smile makes you look successful.

This isn’t phenomena; books have been written about the value of how we carry ourselves. In Smile and Move, author Sam Parker breaks success down into simple attributes such as treating others respectfully and engaging in work with a smile on your face. Upon exploration of the effects of a smile, it has been discovered that people who observe the smiles of others perceive character traits such as being more successful, more authentic, and younger.

The Benefits of Your Best Smile

Having a great smile is good for our confidence. It’s even good for our career and our relationships. Research also suggests that the appearance of the smile, and the act of smiling, offers physiological benefit, as well. Specific positive consequences of smiling, as concluded in one university study, include:

• Boosted immunity.
• A more youthful appearance.
• Reduction or alleviation of pain.
• General sense of positivity.
• Decreased blood pressure.
• More smiles around you!

The world can sometimes feel full of negativity. Smiling is a great way to offset a heavy mood within yourself and those around you. We can help you want to smile more by addressing the concerns that you have about oral health or the appearance of your teeth. Contact our Burke office at (703)750-9404.

We may not phrase it just like that, but most of us want to bring our A-Game wherever we go. This doesn’t change once we pass a certain age, but it can be easier to forget or brush off the idea that looking good is an important aspect of feeling good at any age. Men and women in the Baby Boomer generation are doing a lot more these days to maintain their appearance. Botox and other non-surgical treatments have made it easy to anti-age. There is more that can be done, though, and it can be powerful.

Smile regeneration is an excellent way for the Baby Boomer generation to stay in the game as far as confidence is concerned. According to research, there are good reasons to stay abreast of the latest dental treatments to revitalize the smile.

The Lines Have Blurred

There are numerous reasons why the lines between generations have become blurry. Sure, we have categories that span about every 20 years; we’ve got the Baby Boomers, the Generation X kids, and now we’ve also got the Millennials. All have their character traits as a group, but they share more than we may think.

Where it was once common for retirement to occur at the age of 65, this is no longer the case. Many in the Baby Boomer generation are still working in thriving careers. They may own businesses, or they may volunteer. The point is, they are staying active, and that means they need to stay competitive regarding appearance.

Professional success isn’t the only reason why older adults want to maintain a vibrant smile; there is also the matter of socializing. There is no expiration date on dating or getting married. There are many instances of men and women meeting later in life, and starting a new life together. When there is an interest in fostering a strong social life, there is also a desire to look good and feel confident. A warm smile can do wonders to achieve this.

Burke dentist Dr. Stephen Price performs preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments with great care to achieve the desired outcome; one that patients will appreciate for years. To schedule a visit with us, call (703)-935-2879.

Students of all ages are busy, to say the least. This time of year is filled with exciting new possibilities, new friends, and new challenges. In between finding new classrooms and finding new friends and interests, there is very little space to give thought to oral care. We can’t expect students to think about how they can avoid cavities and other problems when there are so many other thoughts filling their minds. What we can do, though, is lend a helping hand.

Like a friendly neighborhood dentist in Northern Virginia, Dr. Price and our team see a lot of young people interested in Invisalign. In addition to developing successful treatment protocols, we discuss inventive ways to keep teeth healthy and injury-free during the school year. Some of our suggestions are . . .

• Think of the future. This one is for parents. Once the school year is settled into a nice groove, parents can think ahead to the next convenient time for dental checkups and cleanings. Mid-year holiday break time is an excellent option for busy students and parents. However, if your student did not have a checkup and cleaning during the summer months, you may need to contact us sooner for the routine care that catches problems early.
• Think about protection. It is easy to trust in the school-provided or recommended protective gear for student athletes. Numerous studies suggest that there could be a problem when it comes to the prevention of dental injuries. Most students are steered toward affordable, easy boil-and-bite mouth guards for any sports. What research has found is that these are often left on the bench. Why? Because they are uncomfortable! Give your student a leg up by talking with your dentist about a custom-fit mouth guard.
• Think for your student. Sometimes, parents have to think about the important things that their children can easily forget – like brushing and flossing. Young students may need a weekly chart and reward system to encourage them to brush regularly (two minutes, twice a day!). Older students may also need an age-appropriate reward system or at least a friendly reminder.

Dental needs do not go away when life gets busy. In fact, this is when we most need to remember our oral care habits. To get help from your Burke dentist, call (703)750-9404.

It’s the time of year when we think about the future. The holidays may have left us on an emotional high that drives us to make resolutions that will make life better, even if it’s already a splendid journey. There are several aspects of life that improve when you take the time to create and foster optimal oral health. Research indicates that everything from professional success to our general sense of wellness correlates with how we feel about our smile. As you consider how to optimize your life in the coming year, think about how your dentist in Burke can help you secure your healthiest, most attractive smile.

Aesthetic Beauty
As a premier Invisalign provider in the Northern Virginia area, Dr. Price is recognized for helping patients bring out the best in their smiles. Creating more attractiveness doesn’t stop with straightening crooked teeth. We also offer veneer treatments that can disguise significant discoloration, injury such as a crack or chip, or anatomical imperfections like gaps. You don’t have to go through another year feeling dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile. We can help you bring out the best in your natural features.

Health and Wellness
When you hear the words “health and wellness,” you may imagine life habits such as exercising regularly or eating well. Do you also know that the way you take care of your teeth and gums will significantly affect how you feel from day to day? If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to optimize this area of your life, making oral care a priority. We can help you.

Restorative dentistry may be the place we begin building a great smile. Tooth damage doesn’t stop once it begins, no matter how well you brush and floss. If sensitivity or pain occur, contact us for prompt treatment. The more quickly we can address a small problem, the better chance we have of preventing the need for more in-depth care.
Preventive dentistry is also necessary to keep your smile looking and feeling good. Cleanings and exams are the ideal methods of avoiding cavities and gum disease, conditions that can rob you of a healthy mouth and body.

Get the dental care you need to love your smile this year and every year. Call (703)935-2879.