Can you believe that it is already spring?!

Wouldn't you believe it, it’s already springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you take some special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve during your orthodontic treatment.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with our team.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards!

Clear braces, the esthetic choice

Today’s orthodontic patients have more choices than ever before to straighten their teeth and to correct their bite.  Choices include, but are not limited to traditional braces, clear braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, and even lingual braces (braces on the tongue side). 

Clear braces are a popular choice for many people because they function like traditional  metal braces, but they offer an esthetic solution to those who may want to minimize the appearance of braces.  Here are the most common questions that I get from my patients about clear braces: 

Do clear braces work the same as metal braces?
Clear braces, also known as ceramic brackets, have come a long way in technology and engineering since they were first developed.  Not only do they look brighter and clearer, but they are also less bulky and easier to remove once you are done with your treatment.  Treatment with clear braces takes about the same amount of time as traditional metal braces.

What do they look like?
There are many types of clear braces used by orthodontists today, varying slightly in looks, shape, and size.  At Salins Orthodontics in Union City & South San Francisco, we use Radiance Plus ceramic brackets, made in the USA by American Orthodontics.  Each clear bracket is created from one single crystal of clear sapphire and is honed and heat polished into a strong and beautiful bracket that is nearly invisible on the teeth.  Sapphire is one of the hardest materials in nature, second only to diamond!

Will clear braces work for my case?
Most patients will be able to have clear braces on their front teeth (the teeth that people can see when you talk and smile).  I usually evaluate the bite and treatment objectives of each patient to determine whether they can have clear braces on all of their teeth.  Because clear braces are made of the strong clear sapphire material, if your bite is deep (your top teeth cover too much of your bottom teeth) placing clear braces on the bottom teeth can actually damage your upper teeth. The best way to find out whether clear braces are an option for you is to speak to your orthodontic specialist.

Do they cost more than metal braces?
Clear braces do cost a little more and this additional cost is not usually covered by your orthodontic insurance.  However, the difference in price compared to metal braces could be as little as $20 per month. 

Can I still customize my color ties?
Yes, even though most patients with clear braces prefer clear or white ties (tiny elastic ties that hold the wire to your braces), you can select from a wide variety of color combinations to customize your unique smile. 

Patient question: "What is malocclusion?"

This is a question we hear all the time. Malocclusion, or what we call having a “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance. Most people will experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require orthodontic treatment. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment may be necessary to correct the issue.

Untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

We use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion or about starting your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call!

Thinking About Using A Groupon Offer For Braces?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA—Occasionally, we run across something online that we feel like we have to pass on like this topic about using Groupon discount offers to get Las Vegas pediatric orthodontic treatment.

“My short answer for people asking about whether or not they should use a Groupon deal for braces is no,” says Dr. David Alpan, a Las Vegas incognito braces provider. “The deals can be tempting because they offer steep discounts, but there is good reason to reconsider before buying.”

Groupon is a Chicago-based company launched in 2008 that offers coupons to its subscribers, often giving deep discounts—50 percent or more—on everything from restaurant meals to vacation spots to spa visits. Companies use Groupon and other similar sites in hope of bringing in new customers and converting them into repeat business.

Some dental offices and orthodontic practices are getting involved in the discounts too and offering a deal through Groupon on their services.

“At first glance, it looks like you’re getting Invisalign treatment or whatever the offer is at a great price that is significantly less than regular,” says Dr. Alpan, who is also a TMD dentist. “But we’re not talking about markdowns at a department store on last season’s merchandise. Orthodontic treatment is a service not a product, and the doctor you choose will have a big impact on your final results.”

If you read through the offer completely and carefully to review the limitations and qualifications, you may find that the offer only covers up to so long in treatment or a certain number of trays. It may not include retainers or check-up appointments during the retention phase of treatment.

“A good orthodontist works until the malocclusion is corrected, the bite is aligned and the patient has a smile to be proud of,” says Dr. Alpan. “Aesthetic Orthodontics is really an investment in your oral health and self-confidence, so it’s not a good idea to take your business to the lowest bidder.”

These discount medical services offers also come with possible state and federal legal issues as well as ethical ones. The American Dental Association legal division said in a press release about Groupon incentives that offering such discounts may violate certain ADA ethical rules, including the one prohibiting dentists from giving rebates and splitting fees.

“In some states, boards have begun banning the use of Groupons to discount professional services because of concerns about rebates, kickbacks and fee-splitting,” says Dr. Alpan, who offers orthodontics for children and adults.

Any medical provider should be researched, but it is very important to find out how much experience a doctor has using the type of orthodontic treatment and what their finished product looks like. 

© 2012 Sinai Marketing and Dr. David Alpan. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. David Alpan and Sinai Marketing are credited as sole sources. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Where’s Your Bite? the Differences Between Crossbites, Overbites, and Underbites

Did you know there is a direct correlation between your bite and your overall health? When your teeth and jaws are not properly-aligned, it may affect your breathing, speech, and, in extreme cases, even affect the appearance of your face. As a result of malocclusion, also commonly referred to as “bad bite,” your teeth may become crooked, worn or protruded over time. Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it is generally not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the issue.

Malocclusion may also be referred to as an underbite, crossbite or overbite. So, what, exactly, is the difference between the three?

· Crossbites, which can involve a single tooth or a group of teeth, occur when your upper and lower jaws are both misaligned, and usually causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth. Crossbites can happen on both the front and/or the sides of the mouth, and are known to cause wear of the teeth, gum disease and bone loss.

· Overbites, also known as “overjet,” occurs when your upper teeth overlap considerably with the lower teeth. Overbites can lead to gum issues or irritation and even wear on the lower teeth, and are known to cause painful jaw and joint problems. Overbites can usually be traced to genetics, bad oral habits, or overdevelopment of the bone that supports the teeth.

· Underbites, which occur when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth, are caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. Underbites can also be caused by missing upper teeth, which can prevent the normal function of front teeth ( molars). This in turn leads to tooth wear and pain in your joints and jaw.

Fortunately, we are able to treat bite problems. If you suspect you or your child has a bite misalignment, we encourage you to be examined at our office as early as possible. By starting early, you can make sure you or your child avoid years of pain and self-consciousness.

The myths and facts about braces

January 28th, 2013

Some folks believe your chances of being struck by lightning increases when you have braces, while other folks believe having braces interferes with romance, and even metal detectors as you try to make your way through the airport for a much-needed vacation. Trust us when we say we know there are quite a few myths about braces out there these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts first! To help set the record straight, here is some great information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about braces or your orthodontic treatment, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook! Smile bright!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

Each February for the past 63 years, our friends at the American Dental Association have sponsored National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health at a young age, and especially during your orthodontic treatment. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular visits with your dentist—even while you’re wearing braces—helps our young patients get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and effort to remove food particles that accrue on and between your teeth and braces. If you ignore your oral health during your treatment, the results can be significantly compromised. We are happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is so critical during orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask us at your next adjustment appointment!