Do You Have Pain From Clenching Your Teeth?

If you have pain from clenching your teeth, you know how difficult it seems to be to have relief.  In the past, bite guards that covered all of your teeth had to be used and they were often considered cumbersome and caused gagging.  At Tavormina Dentistry we have been pleased to help people with clenching, bruxing, and migraine pain.

We’re fortunate to have over the past decade another alternative that works very well.  The NTI-tss Plus appliance was originally developed to prevent migraine pain.  It is a useful appliance for migraine headaches, but like the inventor of post-it notes discovered, an invention can have other uses that may even be unanticipated.  Even though the NTI-tss Plus works for migraine pain, it was discovered that this appliance eliminates tooth wear from bruxing and clenching and muscle pain associated with muscle dysfunction.  As dentists we can have a way to simply and effectively treat patients who suffer from tension and migraine headaches by reducing the intensity of jaw clenching while patients sleep.

This appliance does the job of a full-arch bite guard but only covers four of the front teeth either on the top or lower arch.  Full-coverage bite guards can increase clenching for some patients, because they create an ideal clenching surface for eye teeth and molars.  The NTI-tss Plus keeps the back teeth from touching and reduces clenching intensity by almost 70%.  Also, because the device is smaller and less bulky than traditional bite guards, patients are more likely to use it.

The NTI-tss Plus is a small, clear shell with a patented special edge that attaches to the front teeth area.  Because the NTI-tss Plus covers only the front teeth, it takes less time to make the appliance and it’s easier to seat in the mouth and requires fewer adjustments compared to a traditional bite guard.  The appliance is more comfortable than traditional bite guards and because it is less bulky, it does not trigger the gag reflex.

The appliance has flexibility and can be used as an appliance for upper or lower teeth.  Factors that influence which arch is used for an appliance include the length of the crown of the tooth, the shape of the tooth, the position of the teeth, uneven edges of teeth, and narrow arch width.  There also is an NTI-tss Plus Soft appliance which is also available when teeth are extremely crowded, slightly mobile, or especially sensitive.

For information about other dental topics visit www.TavorminaDentistry.com

How Does Dental Insurance Work?

The other day a patient was in for a visit and told us she was not going to have dental insurance coverage after December.  She and her spouse had assumed that they would research dental insurance coverage to replace what they presently had.  I offered them the free service that we provide at Tavormina Dentistry of reviewing any research they came up with and evaluating the information for the best coverage, as well as evaluating for any savings by not replacing the dental benefit.

It’s important to remember that dental insurance is not an insurance, but a benefit.  The difference is that for most dental plans, there is a limit to the total amount that the insurance will pay out per year.  The dental benefits vary based on the plan the employer or privately insured person has agreed upon with the insurance company.  Most dental plans don’t reimburse for services more than $1,000 maximum per person per year.  This was a pretty good amount in 1969 when dental “insurance” came into existence, but in 2013, unfortunately, $1,000 coverage doesn’t go very far, especially if the patient with the dental benefit has significant dental needs.

On the other hand, if a patient visits the dentist regularly, and does his own homecare well, they most likely only have the fees for regular routine maintenance.  Very often the fees that a dental office charges for routine prevention, diagnosis, and cleanings can be less than the premiums for, let’s say $1,000 coverage.  So, if you only need routine care, it may make more sense to use your money to cover the routine care, especially if the premium for a limited dental benefit is greater than the fees for these services.

Having a dental benefit is most useful when you do have need for additional dental services in Millburn NJ and when there is an employer in the picture paying the dental insurance premium.  In most cases dental coverage for prevention, diagnosis, and cleanings is covered in full or almost completely by the dental benefit, and should make it very easy for people to receive routine health maintenance visits twice a year, which is the usual limit for such care for most dental insurance plans.  Although most adults ideally benefit most by checkups and cleanings every 3 months (based on scientific research), when people have dental benefits, they usually find they are only covered for two such visits.  Some coverage is better than none.  Don’t let your coverage dictate how frequently you have preventive/hygiene visits.  There are many different kinds of plans, so what is covered, and when, varies.

The best advice we can give is that if you are interested in having dental benefits, make sure you have the freedom to choose to see whatever dentist you want, and still receive your dental benefit.  You want to choose your dentist, not have the insurance company choose your dentist for you.

For information about other dental topics visit www.DrTav.com

What Are Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces are clear, custom aligners that are made to gradually move teeth into an attractive, healthy smile without using wires, bands, or brackets on teeth. Who are invisible braces designed for?

Invisible braces are the answer for adults who don’t want anyone to know that they are having their teeth moved and by some teens who don’t want the distraction of a smile filled with wires and elastics. Not all teens are good candidates for invisible braces because the aligners are removable, therefore making strict compliance of the invisible braces technique a necessity.

Once a dentist or orthodontist in Millburn NJ examines you to determine if you are a candidate for invisible braces, your doctor will take impressions, photos, and sometimes x-rays.

At Tavormina Dentistry we use the ClearCorrect system to move our patients’ teeth with invisible braces. We send a prescription along with your records to ClearCorrect and their laboratory uses 3D technology to create aligners with computer precision. Each aligner moves your teeth a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth.

In the first phase of treatment the aligners are passive. These aligners won’t move your teeth. They are to be worn as practice to get used to wearing your custom, clear aligners. The aligners are to be worn all day except when eating and drinking and during daily oral care such as brushing and flossing.

The sets of aligners are usually worn in 3 week intervals and with each successive set of aligners, your teeth get closer and closer to your desired result. For information about other dental topics visit www.TavorminaDentistry.com

What Does A Dental Laboratory Tech Do?

Dental laboratory technicians are very important members of dental healthcare.  They make the prostheses, the actual replacements, for patients who are missing some or all of their teeth. 

Dental laboratory technicians use impressions, or molds, of a patient’s teeth to create crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental appliances. They work closely with dentists but have limited contact with patients.  In our office in Millburn we are fortunate to work with several talented and proficient laboratory technicians.  We work with labs across the country when the procedure we are providing is done best by a distant lab, however, we also work with several talented local laboratories and we do have the advantage of local dental laboratory technicians visiting our office, when necessary, to provide the best result for our patients.

Dental laboratory technicians work directly with dentists by following detailed written instructions and using impressions (molds)of the patient's teeth or oral soft tissues to create replacements for missing teeth. 

The dental technician is responsible for accurately following the prescription the dentist sends the dental laboratory so that a patient’s teeth can be restored to proper function, comfort, and aesthetics.  The prostheses they make enable people to eat, chew, talk and smile in a manner that is similar to or better than the way they did before.

Dental technicians work with a variety of materials in replacing damaged or missing tooth structure. These include waxes, plastics, precious and non-precious alloys, stainless steel, and a variety of porcelains and composites or polymer glass combinations.

The best way to become a dental technician is to receive formal education. Studying in a Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited program provides education that is based on the latest procedures and techniques. Dental technicians can begin their careers without a college degree; however, continuing education is encouraged. The best dental laboratory technicians have manual dexterity, and accuracy, artistic ability, and attention to minute detail.  The artistry and attention to detail result in the most beautiful smiles for the dental patient. We are proud of our Millburn office's commitment to providing dental care beyond compare and working with dental laboratory technicians who have the same passion.

For information about other dental topics visit www.TavorminaDentistry.com

Does A Great Smile Equal A Great Job?

Many people may consider the cosmetics of their smile to be unimportant compared to their dental health, and we certainly can understand that way of thinking.  However, the appearance of your smile and the health of your smile are usually quite connected.  Life demonstrates that cosmetics are a lot more important than one may think.

Of course, first and foremost, you want to have healthy teeth and gums.  Proper daily dental hygiene of brushing and flossing is the first line of defense against dental problems.  Next, visiting the dentist regularly, according to a health maintenance schedule that is appropriate to your personal dental health needs is necessary.  Once you are on this right track, take the time to look at the appearance of your smile.   What do people really see when you smile?  How does your smile make people feel?  Do you hold back from smiling?

The answers to these questions are really interesting when considering what a potential employer sees or is reacting to.  We all know, even if we don’t consciously think about it, that there are stereotypic impressions made by different kinds of smiles.  Unfortunately the appearance of your teeth can connote stupidity or low socioeconomic status.  It isn’t nice and it isn’t fair, but it is a harsh reality of this world. Research has shown that when people are offered dental care, it increases their chances of employment.  

The most obvious deterrent to an employer hiring you would be missing teeth that can be seen when you speak or smile.  You can understand that especially if your position would involve contact with the public, such jobs are not going to be possibiities for you.  An employer cannot take a chance that your image will translate over to the image of the company.  Especially positions of service such as reception, cashier, sales, would be off the table for you most likely, if you are missing some or all of your front teeth.

Crowding of teeth and a smile with stains or blackened decay pose additional problems.  Bad breath from gum disease and obviously dirty teeth can be a deterrent to employment as well.

There is a terrible vicious cycle happening in our country where many people find themselves unemployed for extended periods of time.  Once dental problems such as those discussed in this post appear, the cycle of unemployment is difficult to break.

Good daily prevention can help prevent this cycle, but sometimes that is not enough without professional dental care.  Whether you are unemployed or have no dental coverage of any kind, remember that visiting the dentist even once a year is not a big expense (payment plans can usually be arranged – especially if you have had a good working relationship with a dentist before you came on hard times).  Staying away from the dentist when resources are low or depleted actually will cost you more in the long run – more time and more money to restore the damage, as well as dfifficulty getting employment.

For information about other dental topics visit www.TavorminaDentistry.com

What Is A Dental Hygienist?

Many people frequently are confused by the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist.  There is a difference.  Each position serves a different function in a dental team.  Being a dental assistant should not be confused with being a dental hygienist.

A dental hygienist is the position of the person, other than the dentist, who you visit to have your teeth cleaned.  A career as a dental hygienist carries its own set of requirements and regulations, including an education of at least two years and as much as six years.  Sometimes people who are interested in dental hygiene will start their careers in dentistry as a dental assistant to gain experience and earn some money before furthering their education.

Along with the dentist, this licensed healthcare professsional provides preventative oral care. Dental hygienists clean patients' teeth and examine them for signs of disease and damage. They teach patients how to maintain good oral health. Their scope of practice—what services they are legally allowed to deliver—differs according to the rules of the state in which they are licensed.

On a typical day in addition to cleaning teeth to remove hard and soft deposits on teeth, the dental hygienist will take and develop x-rays, keep the patient's records in order recording the dental care provided, teach patients how to take care of their teeth, prepare diagnostic tests for the dentist to administer, and apply sealants and fluoride to patients' teeth.

For information about other dental topics visit DrTav.com

What Is A Dental Assistant?

A dental assistant is like the dentist’s nurse.  A dental assistant prepares the treatment room for the patient with all the instruments and supplies necessary for performing the scheduled appointment.  Part of that preparation includes the prior sterilization and organization of instruments and supplies.

Many dental assistants are involved in the monitoring of the office inventory and are responsible for ordering supplies.  Dental assistants may also do some simple clerical duties like answering the phone, scheduling patients, doing transactions, handling insurance, and educating patients.  The degree of a dental assistant’s involvement with these tasks depends on the number of staff in the office.

Once a treatment room is set up for the patient, the patient is greeted by the dental assistant and seated in the dental chair.  A bib is placed on the patient before the doctor and dental assistant proceed to provide a dental service.  It is most important that a dental assistant serve as a compassionate support to the patient and an efficient helper to the dentist. 

Dental assistants need to know dental procedures well and the dentist’s routine so that they can anticipate what the dentist needs as the procedure progresses.  Dental assistants suction water and help keep patients safe during dental procedures.  They prepare cements and medicaments needed for crowns, root canal therapy, and fillings, and mix materials for dental impressions.  They prepare custom trays for impressions and do other labwork that's for providing dental care.

Dental assistants update patient files and paperwork, filling in information in the patient’s chart after dental procedures.  The dental assistant helps the patient feel comfortable throughout the procedure and at completion of the procedure, assisting with the patient rinsing their mouth and being dismissed for any rescheduling and payment.  Dental assistants take and mount x-rays for the dentist to evaluate for diagnosis.

In NJ there are four different levels of dental assisting based on the credentials the dental assistant has earned.  A dental x-ray license is required in NJ in order for a dental assistant to take x-rays.  A high school diploma or GED is all that is usually needed to get started in this career.

At Tavormina Dentistry we are presently looking to hire a dental assistant with a dental license.  Call 973-761-5090 if you are interested in providing dental care beyond compare.