How Well Can Invisalign Move Teeth ?

July 27, 2013 alexnguyen

Invisalign can effectively move teeth to help enhance both functional and esthetic issues. Cases for Invisalign must be evaluated carefully and selectively to ensure optimum end results. My two cases below demonstrate the fact that Invisalign can work extremely well. Note the degree of misalignment of the teeth in the Before views. Case 1 After Invisalign

Case 1 Before Invisalign

Case 2 After Invisalign

Case 2 Before Invisalign

Images of actual patients of Alex Nguyen, DDS are Copyrighted and Digitally Embedded to track Unauthorized Use.

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Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.

Whitening Infographic

May 17, 2013 alexnguyen

Whitening Infographic | American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. ........................................................................................

Where to Start When it Comes to Implant Teeth

May 12, 2013 alexnguyen

When it comes to Implant teeth, the work should begin with proper diagnosis and treatment planning with the restorative dentist who will fabricate your final restorations. If the restorative dentist does not place the implants, he/she will coordinate with the surgeon so that the outcome of the treatment can be optimized for both esthetic and function. In the case below the patient went to an oral surgeon before coming to me for a consultation for crowns to be placed on the implants in her mouth. This is actually a reversed pattern of treatment. Sometimes the ideal final result cannot be achieved because the implants have been placed in the wrong position.

We will be gathering some detailed diagnostic records and studies to come up with a plan to restore these teeth, but there are obvious issues with the case.

In the X-ray you can see that Implant # 1 and # 2 were placed too close to each other. Here are the potential problems:

1. The crown for Implant # 1 may be much smaller than its ideal size.

2. The gum tissue between the teeth for Implant # 1 and Implant # 2 will not have any room to sustain a normal shape and healthy environment.

On the other hand, you can also see that implant # 2 and # 3 were placed too far from each other. Here are the potential problems:

1. The crowns between these 2 implants may appear unusually large/wide and may not fit the patient's smile esthetically.

2. It may also be impossible to create normally looking gum tissue between these two implant teeth.

Additionally, Implant # 3 was placed too close to the adjacent natural tooth. This may cause the natural root to resorb if indeed the threads of the implants have impinged on the ligaments and/or root of the natural tooth.

To ensure an optimal dental implant result, it is always recommended that the patient seek proper consultation with qualified clinicians prior to proceeding with the treatments.

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Is a CT Scan Necessary for Dental Implant Treatments?

March 16, 2013 alexnguyen

In order to place an implant in the patient's jaw, we need to assess several criteria at the location of the planned implant. Some of the important factors may include: 1. The patient's bone height

2. The patient's bone width

3. The proximity to the nerves in the lower jaw

4. The proximity of the sinus cavity in the upper jaw

Using a 3D Cone Beam Scan (CT Scan) we can precisely analyze all of the above criteria and predetermine the exact size and location of the implant prior to the surgical placement.

Here is a screen capture of the planning process for two implants to replace two missing molars in our actual patient's lower jaw. The red line below the two planned implants is a nerve in the lower jaw. That nerve is often the limiting factor in the lower jaw where some implants for posterior teeth may be needed.

Proper use of technology helps ensure optimum results and safety of dental implant treatment.

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What are Veneers?

January 29, 2013 alexnguyen

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