Jasmine – Generally, Invisalign straightens your teeth faster than traditional braces. How long it takes to straighten your teeth will have to be determined by your orthodontist.

Your orthodontist will establish a treatment plan for you that determines which teeth need to be moved, and to which position each tooth should move. The more complicated your case, the longer you will need to wear Invisalign aligners.

Have your teeth examined by an orthodontist to determine how long you would need to wear Invisalign.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

I think I have TMJ. What kind of doctor should I see for it? – Blake

Blake – Dentists often treat TMJ symptoms, but there is no recognized specialty for TMJ disorders.

Find a dentist with extensive TMJ training. Visit his or her website to find out if the dentist has received training specific to the disorder. Prosthodontists are specialists who are highly trained to address jaw joint disorders.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist and Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacaa.

Rachel – At this stage of your pregnancy, one of the biggest problems with getting dental work done is your comfort. You will be reclined, so you may experience discomfort during the treatment.

What type of dental work is being done? Have you been told how long the dental procedure will take?

Dental cleanings and exams during pregnancy should continue as normal. You want your teeth to be kept clean to reduce the chances of having tooth decay or gum disease. Dental x-rays and invasive dental treatment should be avoided.

If you are in pain with a toothache, or if there is an infection in your tooth, it should be treated promptly to stop the infection.

If you have the dental work done, consider bringing a pillow or whatever back support makes you comfortable. Speak with your dentist about any concerns you have about being comfortable. The staff will make the effort to get you as comfortable as possible.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Carlie – Cavities can grow fast in primary teeth, and if the cavity is not filled, your son will develop a toothache. A cavity left untreated can cause your son to prematurely lose the tooth.

Primary front teeth are lost between the ages of six and eight. Molar teeth can remain up to age 12. Primary teeth need to be preserved to help guide permanent teeth to the correct position.

Your son’s tooth can be filled with white composite filling, instead of amalgam or “silver filling.” Speak with your dentist about your concerns. He or she will be able to explain the state of the tooth that needs to be filled, what can happen if you choose not to fill it, and the type of material that will be used for the filling.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Marian – If your current dentist is comfortable with treating children, you may consider making an appointment there. Some dentists refer children to a pediatric dentist for treatment. Pediatric dentists have two years of additional training specifically for treating children. A pediatric dentist is more likely to have treated children with autism.

As you know, autistic children prefer to have things that are familiar to them, and to be in a familiar environment. If you explain to your son’s dentist that he is autistic, it may be possible to take your son to the office in advance of the appointment, so he can see the office, treatment room, and equipment.

You can also bring along your child’s favorite toy, blanket, sweater, or whatever tends to soothe him in unfamiliar surroundings.

Despite the steps you take beforehand, you can expect some discomfort on the first appointment. Finding the right dentist who is willing to treat your son is important to helping him be comfortable. There are many pediatric dentists who are accustomed to treating children with autism. You may wish to do some Internet research for such or dentist, or make some phone calls and specifically ask for a consultation with the dentist of your choice before scheduling an appointment.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Melodee – The manufacture of Zoom!® recommends that patients under the age of 13 consult a medical doctor before receiving whitening with Zoom. Individual dentists may have an age requirement for treating with Zoom.

If you are 16 years old, you may be a candidate for Zoom, but first, your teeth need to be examined by your dentist to determine if Zoom is right for you.

It may be that take-home teeth whitening will work best for your case. Speak with your dentist about your desire to have your teeth whitened. He or she will make a recommendation based on your individual circumstances.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jamel – Dentists use x-rays to determine the appropriate treatment plan. At times, when a dentist begins to work on a tooth and drill to eliminate tooth decay, it’s found that the tooth decay is deeper than the x-ray revealed. In that case, a dental filling in the cavity won’t be enough to save the tooth.

When a dentist sees that the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth, a root canal treatment is needed to remove the infected pulp. The root canal treatment prevents the infection from spreading to your jawbone or other teeth.

Although a root canal treatment takes longer to complete than a dental filling, it can be painless procedure. You will receive antibiotics to ensure that the infection is completely gone. And a dental crown may be used to protect your tooth.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

There are several causes of sensitive teeth. You need to have your teeth checked by your dentist to determine the actual cause.

Tooth decay can make a tooth sensitive, but so can a tooth that is fractured. You may need composite fillings to protect your tooth. If the filling in a tooth is worn, it will need to be replaced. If it’s fractured, it will need to be repaired.

Sometimes, root surfaces are exposed on certain teeth. When you brush your teeth you will feel sensitivity. You can try toothpaste for sensitive teeth, or your dentist can prescribe toothpaste for you. Your dentist may need to brush your root surfaces with fluoride varnish, which works immediately.

Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of gum disease. Be sure to regularly brush and floss your teeth to fight bacteria-causing gum disease. It’s important to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups to prevent gum disease, or to detect it early.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Briana,

Gum disease is mainly caused by plaque, but there are other risks factors. Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease. Stress makes it more difficult for the body to fight infection, including periodontal disease. Certain medications can affect your oral health. Some inflammatory diseases can promote inflammation in your gums.

Poor nutrition can affect the body’s ability to fight infection and disease, which can affect your gums. Grinding your teeth puts pressure on the teeth and gums, and can affect gum tissue. Some people are genetically disposed to gum disease. And gum disease is more common among the elderly.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

• Pus in your gums, or between your teeth and gums
• Inflamed, red, or sore gums
• Gums that bleed when your brush your teeth or eat certain foods
• Loosening of  teeth
• Increase in spaces between teeth
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way partial dentures fit
• Mouth sores

Early detection of gum disease is makes treatment easier. Stopping the progression of gum disease can save your teeth and help avoid more aggressive treatment. Regular dental check-ups with an examination of your teeth and gums are critical to preventing gum disease and to detecting it early.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

The abscess can spread into your jawbone and cheek. The infection will continue to spread until it’s treated, so recommend that you promptly make an appointment with your dentist. The tooth will likely require a root canal treatment.

If your tooth is weak or cracked, a crown may be used to protect it. But there is no need for concern about the crown. Porcelain crowns are made to have the characteristics and color of your natural teeth. You will be given a prescription of antibiotics to prevent further spread of the infection.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.