Many people fear their semi-yearly trips to the dentist. The prospect of a cavity and the dreaded reality of a filling weigh heavily on many minds. Add in the possible need for a crown or veneer to repair damaged teeth, the dental visit quickly goes to the bottom of the to do list.

Thankfully, innovation in dentistry has made tooth restoration easier, more convenient, more accurate and overall less worrisome for patients. Our office has recently installed CEREC® equipment, which provides for on-site creation of natural-looking ceramic fillings – in a single visit. We use a digital camera to take an optical impression of the damaged tooth, design the appropriate restoration using CAD software and mill tooth-colored ceramic on-site in less than an hour. There’s no need for a temporary and return visit. From tooth preparation to placement and bonding, a patient can have his or her smile restored in less than an hour.

What is CEREC?

CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Translated, it means that a dentist can economically restore damaged teeth in a single appointment using a high-quality ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth.

How does the instrument work?
CEREC uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling machine in one instrument. The dentist uses a special camera to take an accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen, where the dentist uses CAD technology to design the restoration. Then CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, the dentist bonds the new restoration to the surface of the old tooth. The whole process takes about one hour.

What does this innovation mean for a patient?
A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. Dentists no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been eliminated. CEREC has two decades of clinical research and documentation to support the technology. The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective.

Our Guarantee!

We are so excited to offer this amazing technology to all of our patients that we are placing a no questions asked Four (4) Year Warranty on all of our CEREC Restorations. Our only terms is that you continue to make your periodontal maintenance (teeth cleaning) appointments at our office (at least two per year) so that Dr. Rosales can examine the restoration for any defects, not too mention, your oral health is very important and dental hygiene appointments should not be missed for any reason.

Video Demonstration

CEREC is a shining example of recent advances in the dental profession and we at Arrow Smile Dental are proud to offer our patients this new approach to tooth restoration. Schedule your next dental appointment with our office to learn more about CEREC.

There are a number of ways to recognize whether you have periodontal disease or not. The most certain way to find out is of course to see your Dentist. Dr. Rosales, provides free consultations to all of our current, past, and future patients. Why wait for the disease to take effect when Dr. Rosales can examine your dental health and begin a preventative treatment. If Dr. Rosales sees that there is a chance of periodontal disease, he will have a digital x-ray taken to check the health of the bone that holds the teeth in place.

Fig1 - Healthy gums are pink and firmly attached to the tooth.

Fig2 - Gingivitis: inflamed gums that look red and swollen.

Fig3 - Periodontitis: the gums are very inflamed, red and swollen. There is bleeding from the gums, and the gums around the lower teeth are receding.

 What is the treatment for periodontal disease?

As with most diseases, prevention is better than a cure. Periodontal disease can generally be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene (i.e. cleaning your teeth effectively).

Brush your teeth twice per day, for approximately 2-3 minutes each time. Be sure to brush every surface of the teeth, and particularly the point where the gum meets the tooth. The toothbrush should be positioned so the bristles contact the point where the gum meets the tooth at about a 45 degree angle. Use short back and forth strokes of the brush, with gentle pressure.

An electric toothbrush brush for most people is as effective as a manual toothbrush. They can also be useful if you have restricted movement. Make sure you clean in between the teeth using floss.

Sources: Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation

Don’t know what your insurance benefit level or amount is? Contact us and we can look it up for you and schedule an appointment with Dr. Rosales to discuss your options.

You can view the concert program and the music that will be performed on their website, www.pomonaconcertband.org. 

50/50 Drawing

One last thing…. At every concert, the band provides a 50/50 raffle drawing after intermission. This will be a huge raffle, since we’re sponsoring the concert. We’re giving away a Oral-B Professional Care Electric Toothbrush (Smart Series 5000) and a number of AMC movie tickets. So make sure you go to the concert and enter the 50/50 drawing!

Concert Information:

Date & Time: September 1, 2011, 8:00pm

Location: 1575 N. White Avenue, Pomona, CA

About The Pomona Concert Band

The Pomona Concert Band was organized in November of 1947 by G. Stanton Selby.  Since that time, the Band has become an important part of all music activities in Pomona.  The Band performs at major civic events, gives concerts for neighboring cities, and presents a summer series of nine weekly concerts in Ganesha Park at the G. Stanton Selby Bandshell.  All performances are free to the public.

Here is a list of 10 Dental hygiene steps you can take to promote great oral hygiene.

1. Proper Brushing

One of the easiest steps to do to help your teeth keep clean. When brushing your teeth, position the bristles at an angle of 45 degrees near the gum line. Both the gum line and the tooth surface should be in contact with the bristles. Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth using a back-and-forth, up-and-down motion, making sure to be done gently in order to avoid bleeding. To clean the inside surfaces of the teeth and gums, place the bristles at a 45-degree angle again and repeat the back-and-forth, up-and-down motion. Lastly, brush the surfaces of your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria, which might cause bad breath.

Try to brush at least twice a day to prevent acid buildup from the breakdown of food by bacteria. However, if your work or activities prevent you from doing this, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water after eating to minimize the amount of food that would serve as substrate for the bacteria.

2. Flossing!

We know, it’s a chore and alot of times forgetful after brushing if rushing out the door or heading to bed. However, flossing can help you remove food particles and other detrimental substances that brushing regularly cannot. Flossing allows you to reach deep between your teeth where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach or even mouthwash cannot wash away. We recommend flossing at least once a day.

3. Avoid Tobacco

This will be a big favor to your teeth. One, it will save you from oral cancer and periodontal complications. Two, it will save you from the countless ill effects caused by the agents used to mask the smell of tobacco. For example, if you smoke a cigarette, you may use candies, tea or coffee to mask the smoky breath and odor. This doubles the amount of damage caused.

4. Limit Sodas, Coffee and Alcohol

Although these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth, too much phosphorous can deplete the body’s level of calcium. This causes dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make pearly white teeth appear dull and discolored. Therefore, it is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, giving you a healthy, beautiful smile and water which hydrates your body longer than sugary drinks.

5. Consume Calcium and other Vitamins that are good for the body

You need plenty of calcium for your teeth. It is essential for the teeth as well as your bones. It is better to drink milk, fortified orange juice and to eat yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products. You can also take a calcium supplement, taking different doses according to your age and necessity as per prescription. Calcium and Vitamin D are necessary for maintaining the health of gums and teeth. Vitamin B complex is also essential for the protection of gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding. Copper, zinc, iodine, iron and potassium are also required for maintaining healthy dental hygiene.

6. Visit Your Dentist

You should visit your dentist at least twice a year to have a full hygiene treatment performed. Also at these appointments, a comprehensive exam is taken with x-rays to help detect and prevent future dental treatments from occurring.

7. Use Mouthwash along side brushing and flossing

Mouthwash is not particularly necessary and not all mouthwashes are useful. Mouthwashes containing Listerine our chlorine dioxide are very helpful because they help to kill and maintain the bacteria in your mouth. It can help maintain good breath as well as help maintain strong teeth. Mouthwash cannot do all the work but if your are already brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist and eating well, mouthwash is the cherry on top that will make your dental health great.

8. Having a toothache or noticing other dental symptoms

If you are having tooth and jaw pain make an appointment  as soon as possible. Your dentist needs to diagnose the underlying cause and correct it before it turns into a greater problem.

9. Look at the Big Picture

Everyone understands that you should take care of your teeth to avoid toothaches, maintain your looks and keep dental bills at bay. Many people, however, don’t understand how crucial oral health is to our total health picture. Tooth problems can lead to diabetes, heart disease, systemic infections, an inability to eat or speak properly and other maladies – some life-threatening. Crooked or crowded teeth can contribute to gum disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss. Straight teeth are no longer just for looks.

10. Clean your tongue

Clean the surface of your tongue daily. By using a professional tongue cleaner you remove countless bacteria that otherwise live, particularly on the rougher top surface of your tongue. These can contribute to bad breath (halitosis) and negatively affect your dental health.

Braces for Children

It’s best for the children to start no earlier than age 7. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, Dr. Rosales will be able to guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.

Braces for Adults

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are no longer growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.

Types of Braces

There are many types of braces, for today, we’re going to discuss 3 of the most popular ones for dental treatments.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Gold Braces

Gold braces are stainless steel braces coated with 24 karat gold, and are popular with patients of all ages.

Treatment Time

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient’s diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.

Welcome to the new ArrowSmileDental.com website, the new online home for Dr. Victor Rosales, DDS. and his practice. You’ll find all sorts of great resources on our website. Feel free to browse around and contact us if you have any questions. Thanks for stopping by.

Invisalign for Teens and Adults

We begin our 2-part series with Invisalign, the clear alternative to Braces.

The Invisalign system is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, until the final position of your teeth is achieved.

Your initial consultation with Dr. Rosales, is always offered for free. During this visit, you’ll discuss the issues you have with your teeth and what kind of results you would like to see. Once Dr. Rosales decides your situation is suitable for Invisalign treatment, a treatment plan will be mapped out with your goals in mind. Then, impressions and pictures of your teeth will be taken for digitization purposes.

The impressions of your teeth will be digitized in order for Dr. Rosales to work with a computerized 3-D image of your teeth. Then, Dr. Rosales will plan your tooth movements throughout your entire treatment timeline. You’ll be able to see a virtual representation of your teeth before, during, and after completion of the Invisalign process so you can see what your smile should look like when you’re done with treatment.

From your precise treatment plan, customized aligners are created with advanced technology for you to wear at each stage of your treatment. While the number of aligners varies for each individual situation, a full set of treatment typically includes 20-30 aligners per arch.

You should wear your aligners at all times, with the exception of eating and drinking, in order to complete your treatment in the timeline determined by you and Dr. Rosales. You’ll go in for occasional checkups, to monitor your progress and to receive your next set of aligners. During the entire treatment process, you’ll be able to watch your teeth gradually moving into place. Your smile will, little by little, move into something you’d like to show off. The people around you will be sure to notice your new-found confidence.

Invisalign aligners are practically clear. No one may even notice that you’re wearing these virtually invisible “braces,” making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others. Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. Unlike braces, there are no metal brackets or wires with the Invisalign system that could cause irritation to your mouth. Plus since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time at the dental office.

Part 2 of our Orthodontic Series will be in our next newsletter, issue #5. The contrast to Invisalign, Traditional Braces and the modernization of them.

December 31st is fast approaching…

Many insurance providers reset patient benefits on January 1st making December 31st the final day to utilize your 2010 remaining benefits. If you don’t use these then they will be lost forever (Sorry no roll over benefits). Plan ahead and request an appointment before that time to finish any delayed or missed treatments and cleanings.

Dental FAQ Book

Q: What does “good oral hygiene” really mean?

A: The phrase “good oral hygiene” refers to the three things you should do to take care of your teeth: 1) brush and floss daily; 2) eat a well-balanced diet; and 3) visit the dentist on a regular basis. These dental hygiene basics shouldn’t be taken lightly; together, they help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease and can keep your breath fresh not foul. Plus, practicing good oral hygiene can not only save your teeth — it can save you money too.

Message from Dr. Rosales…

One of my main goals as a dentist, is to always bring the highest quality of dental education to my patients. I’m happy to not only present important information to you at your appointment but also on our website and monthly newsletters. With everything that is going on in our world today, I know that YOU are concerned with that “extra” cost. By keeping a good oral hygiene you can help relieve most of that cost down the road.

I also want to remind you that most, not all, insurance benefits “reset” at the end of the year. In other words, if you have any remaining benefits from your insurance plan you will no longer be able to utilize them after December 31st. Take this time and call us, or make an appointment sooner than later, to go over your remaining benefits and to finish any planned treatments.