Your teeth can sustain damage from different causes, like tooth decay, injuries and wear and tear. The good news is that you don’t have to live with misshapen, unhealthy-looking teeth. You can seek out several treatment and restoration options to restore your beautiful smile,  such as dental crowns. 

In this blog, we’ll answer essential questions like what is a crown for teeth and why you may need one.   

What Is A Crown for Teeth? 

Crowns for teeth, or dental crowns, are custom-fitted tooth-shaped caps placed over damaged teeth. They are designed to securely protect cracked or weakened teeth and restore their appearance, giving any patient a permanent and beautiful smile. 

Dental crowns are a long-lasting dental restoration solution, usually lasting between five and 15 years. Usually, the lifespan of a crown for teeth ultimately depends on factors such as: 

• The amount of wear and tear it’s exposed to 
• The patient’s oral hygiene practices 
• Mouth-related habits (like grinding or clenching the teeth, biting fingernails or using teeth to open packaging) 

Different Types of Dental Crowns

Have you wondered, what is a crown made of? For teeth with specific needs, it helps for you to familiarize yourself with the different types of dental crowns and the materials they’re made from. This can give you an idea of the best choice for your requirements, preferences and budget. 

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are one of the more practical options in this list because they rarely chip or break. In addition, they have superior strength and durability, making them an ideal choice for those who tend to grind or clench their teeth. 

The downside is that because they are often made from gold, palladium, nickel and chromium, they can be pretty pricey. On top of that, metal crowns come in a metallic color that can be very conspicuous. However, you can consider getting this type of crown for molars that are out of sight.  

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

As the name suggests, this type of dental crown combines metal’s durability with porcelain’s natural look. This means that you can gain the hardwearing properties of metal while having your dental crown’s color match your adjacent teeth. 

However, there’s a possibility that the metal under the dental crown’s porcelain cap will create a fine, dark line at the gum line. In addition, the porcelain cap itself may also chip or break off under extreme pressure. Nevertheless, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are an excellent fit for front or back teeth, where a durable solution is needed. 

All-Resin Crowns

Dental crowns made out of resin are less expensive than most types. However, this also means that they are the least durable option. They wear down quickly and require regular replacement, making them the standard choice for temporary crowns. 

All-Porcelain Crowns 

All-Porcelain crowns are among the crowd favorites on this list as they can effectively match the look and color of the teeth surrounding them. Aside from this, they’re also perfect for patients with metal allergies and an excellent choice for restoring front teeth.  

However, note that dental crowns made out of porcelain are not as durable as metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. They can wear down the surrounding teeth more than other crowns, so practicing good oral hygiene and mouth-related habits is still key to extending their lifespan. 

Stainless Steel Crowns 

Crowns made from stainless steel like iron, chromium and nickel are among the oldest types. Because of these materials, these prefabricated crowns are smooth and hardwearing.

While there are newer crown materials available, stainless steel crowns are still relevant today. Dentists and orthodontists commonly use them for young children on baby teeth. This is because the dental crown preserves the baby teeth and comes out in time as they do to make room for the permanent teeth.  

Why Would I Need A Dental Crown? 

A crown for teeth is helpful in various situations, especially if you need to

• Protect a weak tooth or keep its cracked parts together.
• Restore a severely worn down or damaged tooth. 
• Cover and support a tooth with a lot of filling. 
• Cover misshapen teeth. 
• Cover a dental implant or hold a dental bridge in place. 
• Secure a tooth that was recently treated with a root canal. 

Steps Involved in Getting a Dental Crown

Generally, you will need to visit your dentist or orthodontist twice to get your dental crown. 

On your first visit, they will take a few x-rays to see the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and check for any infections or injuries to its pulp. If decay is present, they may suggest that you get a root canal treatment first. 

Otherwise, the tooth to be treated will be reshaped to make room for the dental crown. Afterward, your dentist or orthodontist will make an impression of the tooth using a paste, putty, or a digital scanner. They will then send these impressions to a dental lab to manufacture your dental crown. This often takes around two weeks, so your dentist will put a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while you wait.  

On your second visit, your dentist removes the temporary crown and checks that the permanent one fits just right. If there are no problems, they will cement the dental crown in place. 

Expert Dental Treatment Solutions At Advanced Orthodontics 

What is a crown for teeth? Why would I need a dental crown? These are some of the many questions our patients ask us and we’re always ready to provide expert answers. Now that you know more about dental crowns, the next step is to consult knowledgeable orthodontists who will be glad to discuss your treatment options with you. 

At Advanced Orthodontics, we’re all about helping patients like you achieve beautiful, healthy smiles through our dental restoration solutions. On top of this, we offer flexible payment options you can maximize to meet your dental needs without breaking the bank. If you want to know more about our treatment options, payment schemes, and unique treatment experience, don’t hesitate to contact us at (480) 357-4900 for a complimentary consultation.

An overbite is primarily due to genetic causes, and it makes the front teeth appear as though they’re protruding over one’s jaw. If this dental condition is left untreated, it can cause several gum, tooth and jaw problems. The usual treatments for an overbite includes using corrective devices, but it may require surgery in some cases.

What Is An Overbite?

An overbite is a condition where the top front teeth protrude in front of one’s bottom front teeth. For some, this condition may be cosmetic, but it can also cause health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw pain. Orthodontists treat overbites using corrective devices like braces and Invisalign.

Many people only have a slight overbite, so this condition is sometimes ignored. Also known as buck teeth, you can prevent children from having them by limiting pacifier use and thumb sucking. In some cases, minor conditions don’t cause noticeable issues, which is why some people may not opt to treat their overbite.

However, an overbite may lead to serious health issues for those with more severe conditions. They include the following:

• Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
• Breathing challenges
• Speech disorders
• Pain when chewing
• Cavities
• Difficulty eating
• Gum disease

How To Fix An Overbite

The correction procedures for an overbite will vary depending on the patient’s age. The treatment options for children may not always be suitable for older patients. In many instances, the treatment for a child will include preventive measures, especially if symptoms have been identified early.

Here are the treatment options for overbites in children:

• Braces: dentists use braces to move teeth slowly into alignment.
• Retainers: these tools are used to keep teeth aligned after your braces have done their part.
• Tooth extraction: baby teeth that are causing overcrowding are removed to make room for permanent teeth. However, in some cases, even some adult teeth may also need to be extracted.
• Palate expanders: these are growth modification devices that help reposition the jaw.

Here are treatment options for adults:

• Tooth extraction: this procedure creates more room for other teeth to prevent overcrowding.
• Braces: these tools move the affected teeth into place.
• Surgery: dentists use surgical procedures to correct issues with jaw alignment.

An overbite can be prevented in some instances, which is preferred rather than having correction procedures. The only time when preventive measures can’t be used is when the overbite is caused by genetics. For a lot of children, you can prevent the occurrence of this dental condition by simply doing the following:

1. Don’t let your child use sippy cups that are outfitted with spill-proof valves.
2. Make sure to schedule dental visits for your children when they turn a year old.
3. Limit the use of pacifiers when your child turns three.
4. Stop children from thumbsucking, especially when they’ve passed infancy.

How To Fix An Overbite With Braces

Using braces or invisalign is the best way to correct an overbite for children and adults. What is the process of fixing an overbite with braces? It involves the fastening of metal brackets to a patient’s teeth. The brackets will then be connected using a wire, thus straightening the misaligned teeth.

Once braces have been fastened, the correction of an overbite begins. Orthodontists will later add rubber bands, coils, or springs to the braces, applying additional force to shift the patient’s jawline.

So, how long should one wear braces to correct an overbite? There is no specific time before an overbite can be fixed, as everyone’s treatment period will vary. However, your dentist may estimate the process to complete within six months or up to two years.

Is it worth it to get braces when you’re older? It is relatively common to see adults in their 30s to 40s who still want to get braces to align their teeth properly. You can get your teeth aligned at any age.

Invisalign is another option that you might want to discuss with your orthodontist. This procedure is similar to using braces, although less invasive. Patients wear clear retainers, which help align the teeth and need to be worn at least 22 hours a day. 

Expert Treatment For Overbites In Adults And Children

Correcting an overbite doesn’t need to be a difficult procedure. At Advanced Orthodontics, we offer you a full suite of treatment options that can fit any schedule and budget. In addition, we provide you with a uniquely caring experience, and we make sure that every visit to our orthodontic offices are fun and enjoyable for patients of all ages. Call or text (480) 357-4900 today for more information and schedule an appointment.

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist? To answer a question that is often asked, both dentists and orthodontists help patients obtain better oral health, albeit in different ways. It helps to remember that dentistry is a rather broad science with different medical specializations. All dentists, including orthodontists, treat the teeth, gums, jaw and nerves.

So, what is an orthodontist and how different are they from dentists? What conditions do they treat, and what are the things that they can do? We’ll answer these questions below.

What Is The Difference Between A Dentist And An Orthodontist?

Orthodontists and dentists both provide dental care for patients. Orthodontists can work in a dental office and offer the same treatments as other dentists. So you can think of both doctors who treat gum and teeth problems.

The main difference is that becoming an orthodontist requires a particular specialty in treating the misalignment of the teeth and jaw. A general dentist who studies further to focus on orthodontic care is called an orthodontist.

What Is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist that has undergone training to specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of irregularities in the jaw and teeth. Their training includes correcting these existing conditions. They can also identify potential problems in teeth alignment that may develop when conditions are left untreated. Orthodontists can assist people of all ages.

What Education Is Needed To Become An Orthodontist?

Becoming an orthodontist requires approximately 12 years of training in a formal university. This includes all the necessary education to become a general dentist. According to the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), it means you will need to have either a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).

In other words, orthodontists need to complete dental school and then obtain an orthodontics specialty education. Orthodontists can also gain a certificate of orthodontics through residency, which can take up to three years. Some orthodontists also get their masters in craniofacial biology. 

Many dental schools provide limited orthopedic training and instruction, which is why general dentists need to go to orthodontic school after graduation. Orthodontic residency programs offer intensive training for this type of dental specialization. These programs focus on two specific areas or disciplines:

1. Dentofacial Orthopedics: This study focuses on guiding teeth and jaw development.
2. Orthodontics: This study focuses on how one can safely and effectively move teeth into their proper place.

Once you have completed your orthodontic training, you have the option to obtain board certification. 

What Does An Orthodontist Do?

Orthodontists work on a specific set of dental problems, meaning they treat misalignments in the teeth and other related irregularities. Some of the conditions that they treat include the following:

• Jaw misalignment
• Teeth that are too far apart
• Crowded teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crooked teeth

As you can see, these are specific types of dental conditions other than the usual problems general dentists deal with. Orthodontists will also use specialized methods to change and adjust the position of the teeth. These include apparatus such as braces, retainers and Invisalign.

So, what does an orthodontist do, and what do they focus on? The overall goal of an orthodontist is to improve a patient’s bite. Not everyone is born with straight teeth, and an orthodontist will ensure that patients get evenly spaced straight teeth. In addition, the upper teeth must align with the opposing teeth along the jaw.

When you have a healthy bite, you can speak, chew and eat properly, thus improving your quality of life. 

What Is An Orthodontist Assistant Called?

Other than the orthodontist, we often see assistants working with these dental professionals in their clinics. So, what is an orthodontist assistant called? They’re appropriately known as orthodontic assistants. They are specialized aides, and are trained to handle dental gear and provide preventative dental healthcare. Orthodontic assistants can place wires into braces, take x-rays and photos, impressions and digital scans to help the orthodontist with treatment.

When To See An Orthodontist

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends your first check up by age 7. You’ll need to see your orthodontist if you have a misalignment in your teeth, also known as malocclusion. Also, if you notice irregular bite patterns, a slightly misshapen jaw, or when your teeth are overcrowded, you will likely need orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists specialize in the treatment of various conditions and will perform any of the following procedures:

• Oral exams
• Dental x-rays
• Digital scans of your teeth

Expert Orthodontic Care At Advanced Orthodontics

Expert orthodontic care not only treats irregularities, but also helps to improve your smile and provides you with an overall better quality of life. At Advanced Orthodontics, we provide patients with a holistic treatment experience. In addition, we offer adjustable treatment schedules, flexible payment options and a fun, enjoyable experience. Call (480) 357-4900 today for more information and schedule an appointment.

Having straight teeth is about more than just an attractive smile. The alignment of your teeth has a significant impact on your overall oral and digestive health, and crooked teeth can cause an array of problems ranging from tooth decay to jaw pain. This is why it’s so important to understand the health benefits of straight teeth.

If you’re considering having your teeth straightened, curious about the health benefits, or wondering how to straighten teeth without braces, we’ll cover the top 5 benefits below. 

How Rare is it to Have Straight Teeth?

It’s hard to believe based on what we see on TV and movies, but it’s actually rare to have naturally straight teeth.

The technical term for crooked teeth is malocclusion. One of the most common causes of malocclusion is not having enough room in your jaw, which causes your teeth to crowd. About 84% of people around the world have crowded teeth. This goes to show how rare it is to have completely straight teeth.  Crooked teeth are partially a result of how we’ve evolved, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.

Having crooked teeth can cause all kinds of health problems. The good news is that there are effective and non-invasive ways to straighten your teeth, and you don’t even have to get braces to start reaping the health benefits.

The Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

If you’re wondering why your teeth should be straight, here are five health benefits of having straight teeth.

1. Clean Your Teeth More Easily

One of the biggest benefits of having straight teeth is that it makes it easier to keep your teeth clean.

When your teeth are poorly aligned, there are lots of gaps and crevices for food to get stuck and cause decay. It’s much more difficult to effectively clean crooked teeth, because you often can’t reach all those crevices with your toothbrush or floss.

When your teeth are aligned properly, there’s no longer any room for food debris to settle between your teeth and gums. This makes them easier to clean, which helps to prevent plaque build-up and bacteria from accumulating in your mouth and causing cavities.

2. Keep Your Teeth Healthier for Longer

Having straight teeth is one of the best things you can do to protect your smile from everyday wear and tear.

As we age, our teeth naturally deteriorate from regular use, but having crooked teeth speeds up this process considerably by disproportionately increasing the amount of stress on certain teeth. This can lead to some teeth taking more than their fair share of strain from bites. This results in more chipping, fractures, and breaks. Straight teeth wear more evenly and stay healthier for longer.

3. Improve Your Digestion

Another big benefit of having straight teeth is that it improves your digestion.

Thoroughly chewing your food is a vital first step to a healthy gut. Well-chewed food is easier to break down by the bacteria in your stomach, which helps prevent digestive issues and indigestion.

When your teeth are properly aligned, the muscles and tissues in your mouth are better able to work together to effectively chew and break down the food you eat. This helps the bacteria in your stomach work better, which ultimately, improves your digestion.

4. Prevent Jaw Pain

One of the most common complaints from patients with misaligned teeth is jaw pain.

When your teeth are misaligned, the biting and chewing muscles in your mouth are forced to work harder than they should. This can lead to a host of jaw and headache problems, including:

• TMJ disorder
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Stiffness while chewing
• General jaw pain

When you have straight teeth, the muscles and tissues in your mouth work together to effectively chew your food, which prevents strain on your jaw and jaw pain.

5. Speak More Clearly

One of the often overlooked health benefits of having straight teeth is that well-aligned teeth can help you speak more clearly.

Having crooked teeth increases the chance that you’ll develop a speech problem such as a lisp. This is because when your teeth are misaligned, the position and shape of your teeth can affect the way your mouth works when you speak. Some people also develop speech problems as a result of trying to hide imperfect teeth while speaking.

But when your teeth are aligned properly, your mouth and jaw work synchronously to effectively form and articulate words. It also improves your confidence, helping you to speak clearly.

How to Straighten Teeth Without Braces

If you’re still wondering how to straighten teeth without braces, the good news is you don’t have to get braces to start enjoying the health benefits of well-aligned teeth. 

Invisalign offers clear plastic liners that comfortably and subtly straighten your teeth to give you a beautiful smile and improve your overall health.

Find out how Advanced Orthodontics can help you achieve all the health benefits of straight teeth with Invisalign. Book your free consultation today.

If you want to straighten your teeth and are considering Invisalign, you might be wondering what happens when you go to bed. Of course, with traditional braces that attach to your teeth, you have no choice but to leave them in. But what about Invisalign? Do you sleep with Invisalign still in or do you take Invisalign out to sleep?

Invisalign has become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments because it’s one of the least invasive ways to improve the look of your teeth. With traditional braces, metal wires and brackets are placed on your teeth to pull them into the correct position. This process can cause pain and discomfort, and you can’t remove them yourself. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses clear, removable aligners to accomplish the same goals, which means you get to choose when to take them out.

Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about sleeping with Invisalign, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

Do You Sleep With Invisalign in?

So are you supposed to sleep with Invisalign? The short answer is: yes! You do sleep with Invisalign in for the best results.

You should wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours each day. Since there are only 24 hours in a day, that means it’s essential you let them do their work while you’re asleep.

The purpose of Invisalign is to help you improve the appearance and function of your teeth. Over the course of several months, the aligners gradually and gently shift your teeth into the desired position. To achieve this, you need to wear your Invisalign throughout the night as you sleep.

When Can I Take Out My Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are removable, but as we’ve mentioned, you should keep them in for 22 hours a day, including when you sleep. So what about the other two hours every day?

You can remove the Invisalign aligners so that you can eat, drink, and brush your teeth normally. This helps prevent food from getting stuck in your aligners as it often does with traditional braces, and makes them easier to brush effectively.

What Happens if You Take Invisalign Out to Sleep?

You are supposed to sleep with Invisalign, but what happens if you don’t?

Taking your Invisalign out to sleep once or twice shouldn’t be a big deal. But if you regularly take them out to sleep, you’ll be subject to a few downfalls:

• Your teeth may return to their pre-Invisalign positions. During the night, your teeth will naturally drift back to their original positions because they are not being guided by your Invisalign.
• Your Invisalign may be uncomfortable in the morning. Because your teeth will have drifted back to their former positions, your Invisalign will not fit as well, making it more uncomfortable to put back in.
• Your progress will stall. When you don’t sleep with your Invisalign in, instead of making progress you’ll need to wait for the aligners to re-do the work that was undone while you slept.
• You’ll need to keep wearing Invisalign for longer. The more time you spend without your Invisalign out, the longer it will take for the alignment process to complete. You won’t see the results you were hoping for in the same time frame.

At the end of the day (or night), if you do take Invisalign out to sleep, you won’t see the optimal results you want. It’s much better to leave your Invisalign in overnight to ensure your progress stays on track and the alignment of your teeth continues to improve each day.

Is Sleeping With Invisalign Comfortable?

There’s no need to worry about discomfort when it comes to sleeping with Invisalign.

Not only do Invisalign aligners look less conspicuous than traditional metal braces, but they’re also much more comfortable. They’re smooth and flexible to move with your mouth, and don’t use any wires or brackets that might cause cuts. Many patients forget that they’re wearing their Invisalign, so you should be able to sleep comfortably.

What If I Do Experience Some Discomfort?

If you do experience discomfort while wearing Invisalign to sleep, there are things you can do to get relief and a good night’s rest. Try:

• Checking that your Invisalign is snapped into place. If your aligners aren’t fitted correctly, they will put pressure on your teeth and cause discomfort.
• Using an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth or towel. Apply it to the sore area for up to ten minutes at a time.
• Drinking cold water or sucking on ice cubes to help numb your mouth. You don’t need to take your Invisalign out while you do this.

How We Can Help

At Advanced Orthodontics, we’re proud to be a top 1% Invisalign provider. Invisalign is a fantastic option if you want to straighten your teeth without the hassle and discomfort of traditional braces, and yes, they even keep working as you sleep.

Find out more about Invisalign by scheduling a free consultation today.