We recommend sealants for all permanent molars, which erupt in two sets. One set of four molars erupts at about 6 years of age, and the second set of four molars at about 12 years of age. The deep grooves in these teeth are at risk of decay as soon as they break the gum surface. Plaque bacteria and food particles jam deep in the grooves. Studies show they are most at risk during the first six months of eruption!
We monitor our adolescent patients closely for the optimal time for sealant placement. The appointment takes about a half-hour and is painless. There has been some controversy about the ingredient Bisphenol-A, found in many common plastics. Our office only uses Ultradent sealant, which contains NO BPA. For more information about this product, click on the link here.
DIAGNOdent
DIAGNOdent® gives us an edge in the battle against tooth decay. Before DIAGNOdent®, it was harder to accurately diagnose cavities early, so many patients waited until the cavity became obvious before undergoing treatment. With modern flouridation practices, tooth enamel has become harder. While better for health, this means that when cavities form they tend to be hidden below the surface, making diagnosis more challenging.
A dentist using the DIAGNOdent® system shines a handheld laser onto the tooth. This laser is tuned to a speciic frequency that causes tooth decay to fluoresce. The handpiece simultaneously reads levels of fluorescent light bouncing back off the tooth, alerting us when decay is detected. The DIAGNOdent® laser allows us to closely examine the entire tooth, including areas that are impossible to reach with conventional diagnostic tools, for a quick, painless, and incredibly thorough diagnostic examination.
Spring Hawley
Many people are dissatisfied with the position of their front teeth. It may be because they never had the opportunity to have braces when they were young, or they did have braces, but the teeth re-shifted into a crowded postion. Many adults have a good bite according to their back teeth, but the front teeth remain crowded. Options to correct this include wearing traditional braces for several years, or wearing a series of Spring Hawley Retainers which are use for minor movement of the front teeth only. Dr. McConnell will evaluate your bite on your initial appointment and discuss any concerns you may have with the position of your teeth. She may recommend traditional braces in which would then be referred to an orthodontist, or she may recommend a series of Spring Hawleys, which are removable retainers, to straighten the front teeth. Dr. McConnell has been performing this technique for 17 years on hundreds of patients with outstanding results. The technique requires impressions of the upper and lower teeth, which are then sent to a lab for fabrication of the retainer This is then fitted and checked by Dr. McConnell on a monthly basis. "Slenderizing" of the teeth may be necessary. This is a technique where diamond-impregnated floss is used to go between the teeth to create room for the teeth to move. This requires no anesthetic and only fractions of millimeters of enamel are removed. If you have always wanted "straight teeth" but didn't want to wear braces, Spring Hawleys may be for you. Please contact the office for an exam and consultation.
Artistic Smiles Dentistry SC Dr. Patricia McConnell 3825 E. Calumet St., Suite 600 Appleton, WI 54915 (920)968-5000 artisticsmiles@newbc.rr.com
