RICHARD CY SHIN, DDS MS
DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF ORTHODONTICS
One of the most common questions that I get from the parents is “Doctor, when is the best time to start braces for my child?” I am sure that if either of the parents have had orthodontic treatment in the past, he or she would certainly want to make sure that the child is checked to see if they need orthodontic treatment or not.
Many parents are already confused by the mixed messages they received from many sources regarding the best time to start orthodontic treatment.
Is it best to start treatment when just a few of the permanent teeth have erupted (usually between 7 – 10 years)?
Or, when all of the permanent teeth have erupted (usually around 12-13 years)?
Or, is it best to start in primary “baby” teeth (before any of the permanent teeth erupt, i.e. under 6 years)?
The answer is there is not one best time for every child! Each child presents with a unique problem and therefore each child will need a specialized treatment plan beneficial to him or her.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic check-up no later than 7 years. Most children, by 7 years, would have reached key landmarks such as: 1) eruption of the front permanent teeth, 2) eruption of the back permanent teeth “six-year-old molars”.
The orthodontists can identify any key problems with the relationship of these permanent teeth and recommend either to start an Early Phase treatment. This is sometimes called Phase 1 treatment or Interceptive treatment. The goal of the treatment is to improve any dental problems that these permanent teeth might pose to the future growth and development of the developing permanent teeth and the jaws. Usually, the magnitude of the problem will be reduced and in some cases eliminated and greatly help in the Comprehensive orthodontic treatment stage when all of the primary teeth have been lost.
Here are some of the common examples of the malocclusions (“bad bites”) that I see in children in this clinic.
ANTERIOR CROSSBITE
Here you can see that one (often more) front tooth is coming out in front its counterpart on the top. This can be particularly damaging to the health of the gums of the teeth in crossbite, as well as to the bite.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Do not let Fear and Anxiety Keep You from Getting Needed Dental Treatment!
For many of us, fear is the number one offender. It fills us with dread, affects us negatively both emotionally and physically, and we sometimes make decisions that are fear-based which we regret later. Fear can arise out of our perceptions, and let’s face it: a lot of us fear going to the dentist because we feel the experience is going to be a painful and stressful one.This is especially true with children. For them and their parents, the ordeal of a visit to the dentist can keep them from getting the treatment they need. Even oral sedation, or “numbing,” a method proven effective for preventing pain, can work better on some than others, and in some cases, it may not work at all.At 7 Day Dental, we are committed to painless dentistry and we do not want your children or you to avoid needed dental treatment because you fear pain. This is why we offer general anesthesia. Our board-certified anesthesiologists use an IV, or intravenous drip, which provides a safe, deep sedation, or sleep, to children and adults alike. Employing the same level of professional experience and type of equipment found in hospitals and surgery centers, our anesthesiologists carefully administer and regulate IV sedation for each patient, individually based on each one’s medical condition and the length of the procedure. There are few side effects, and patients can go home soon after. By literally sleeping through the entire dental procedure, patients not only avoid pain and discomfort, but also the stress and anxiety of hearing drills, feeling pressures, and simply being aware of the experience is eliminated. This is especially beneficial to children, who usually will not remember their dental treatment, and consequentially will have less dread seeing the dentist as they grow up.To illustrate this point, consider Johnny, a cute and energetic four-year old patient of ours. Like most children his age, Johnny enjoys candy and sodas. In Johnny’s case, it resulted in some pretty severe cavities in three of his front teeth. He came to 7 Day Dental several times to have his teeth treated, but regardless of how hard his dentist and his parents tried to calm and reassure Johnny, he would not allow the dentist to treat his teeth. He would squirm, kick, yell, and cry. We tried oral sedation, but this did not work for Johnny. When the decision was made to use IV sedation, however, the ordeal was over. While Johnny slept comfortably, his dentist repaired all three of his teeth in under an hour. Today, Johnny has a beautiful smile, and he doesn’t remember the experience at all. His parents are grateful for that smile, and we at 7 Day Dental are too, and a little proud that we could help.As this true story demonstrates, it is possible to have a stress-free, even comfortable visit to the dentist if you decide that you or your child would rather sleep during the entire affair. Children often do not recall the experience, and are less inclined to be fearful of the dentist. Because you or your child is relaxed and asleep, the dentist can also often complete all of the planned treatment at one time, allowing you to awaken with a beautiful smile!
Cheap Insurance.
Whoever said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure may not have been entirely off the mark. This is especially true when one considers that taking the right action now can save costly problems in the future, and for an example of how this works, look no further than the trunk of your car.Why? Because that is most likely where your spare tire is. Most of today’s cars come with what is often referred to as a “donut,” or “space-saver” spare tire, much smaller in diameter and tread-width that the car’s other tires. As the name implies, this type of spare tire was designed literally to save space and to provide more trunk room, especially as modern cars became smaller, and is supposed to be used only on a temporary basis.While many people may be aware that their spare tire is smaller, they are unaware that donut spare tires are for only temporary, limited use. Unlike the full-sized spare tires of the past, these smaller tires are not designed to be used for a prolonged period of time, or as a replacement for a regular tire. Their sidewall and tread are smaller and thinner than a regular tire, and much more prone to damage and accelerated wear.Another thing most drivers may not realize is that donut spare tires are only safe to use at lower speeds, usually at no more than 50 MPH. Again, this is because the tire was designed to be used temporarily to enable the motorist to get their car safely off the road and to the shop for the repair or replacement of the service tire.However, there is one thing almost all drivers fail to recognize, and that is that the air pressure in these spare tires needs to be checked and adjusted periodically, just as with any tire. Space-saver tires typically require a much higher pressure than a conventional tire does. The recommended pressure is provided on the sidewall of the tire, and may be as high as 60 PSI. Maintaining the correct air pressure is crucial to the performance and safety of any tire, but with these smaller donut spare tires it is critical. Already smaller and lighter in design, low air pressure will definitely cause them to fail prematurely. Hidden out of sight under a cover in the bottom of the trunk, most people forget about them until they have a flat tire and need to use them. Having a flat tire is always an inconvenience, but it can become a disaster if your spare tire is flat. What do you do then?To avoid such a scenario from happening to you, make it a point to periodically check the pressure in your donut tire, or have your mechanic do it for you. Doing so could very well save you from the added aggravation and expense of having to have your car towed. This is called “preventive maintenance.”This same principle applies to your oral health, too. Scheduling regular check-ups by your dentist will ensure healthy teeth and gums. Unlike your car’s tires, the care of your teeth and gums is important to both your natural good looks and your overall health. Waiting until a tooth hurts to see your dentist is a bad idea. Pain is your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. Having regular check-ups will enable your dentist to treat any oral health problems before they become major, and often before there is a problem at all. Neglecting your oral care could not only adversely affect your overall health, but could also result in serious tooth and gum issues, and additional discomfort and costs, which is why we encourage you to schedule regular check-ups. Our offices are open seven days a week, every day of the year, including holidays. In order to accommodate the personal schedules of our patients, our hours are 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. So, an ounce of prevention can really be worth at least as much as a pound of cure. Whether it is checking the pressure of your spare tire or having your dentist check the health of your teeth, taking the right action now before there is a problem saves a lot of trouble later. Call it cheap insurance.
Dear Neighboring Friends,
We are a family-oriented dental practice comprised of some of the finest professional talent in dental care. Because of the ongoing advances being made in the field of dentistry and our commitment to provide the very best care for our patients in all areas of oral health, our dental care professionals at 7 Day Dental include specialists in endodontics, implantology, orthodontics, pedodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery, as well as general care dentists and dental hygienists.
In addition to our team of leading professionals, all members of our administrative staff at 7 Day Dental are highly trained in customer service, and are able and willing to assist our patients with any questions or concerns about billing, insurance, or scheduling an appointment. Their goal is to ensure that consideration for each of our patients comes first.
We have also designed our offices with the convenience of our patients in mind, providing convenient locations to accommodate their busy lifestyles and work schedules, a comfortable atmosphere, and pleasant surroundings. In addition to successfully minimizing waiting times, we have made our waiting areas as comfortable as possible, providing relaxing furnishings and amenities that include current movies.
Choosing a dentist can be a challenging decision, but we believe that you will agree that 7 Day Dental is the best choice when you consider the following:
Accessibility. As our name implies, we are open all days of the week, including weekends. Our hours are 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. We maintain these hours to accommodate the busy schedules of our patients. We operate around your schedule.
Emergency Care. We will see all emergency patients within 30 minutes. While no one can foresee an emergency, we will provide the best care and emergency treatment in the least amount of time if you have one.
Fees. Our fees are very competitive, and we are able to keep them that way through the loyalty of returning patients. Moreover, because of our group-practice philosophy, we are committed to providing the best dental care possible, regardless of a patient’s means.
Insurance. We welcome all insurance plans and accept a wide variety of coverage, including HMO, Medi-Cal, PPO, and other plans.
Complete Dentistry. Whether you need a regular check-up or are interested in beautifying your smile, 7 Day Dental offers it all. Our dentists are experts in all areas of dentistry, including aesthetics. In addition to our skilled staff of general dentists, the expertise of our staff of doctors ranges from pedodontic care for children to dental implants and porcelain veneers for adults. We also offer Brite Smile Professional Teeth Whitening, a unique one-hour process that remarkably whitens teeth for years. The significance of 7 Day Dental’s “complete dentistry” approach lies in affording our patients with the most comprehensive dental care available from oral health professionals from all areas of dentistry at each of our locations, thereby eliminating the added stress and the cost of fuel involved in driving around to various offices for needed care.
Patient Care. In addition to providing unsurpassed comprehensive dental care, a primary tenet of 7 Day Dental’s group practice philosophy is the care, consideration, and respect we afford every patient. We know that no two people are the same, and our doctors provide personalized treatment for each of our patients, thoroughly examining their medical history, oral environment, and radiographs. Because of the vast pool of professional expertise at each 7 Day Dental location, our doctors also collaborate with each other to determine the best possible treatment plan for each patient. After consultation, our doctors spend time with each patient to both fully explain and to educate the patient about the recommended treatment plan, including any options available. This enables each patient to make an informed decision about her or his care. Painless dentistry is also a crucial part of patient care at 7 Day Dental. Our doctors are committed to eliminating pain, and no procedure is undertaken until both the patient and the doctor are certain that the anesthetic, or local painkiller, has thoroughly taken effect. For those patients who experience anxiety, we offer general anesthesia, which allows them to sleep throughout the entire procedure. And finally, the cornerstone of 7 Day Dental’s philosophy of patient care is our commitment to provide the finest dental care to as many patients as possible, just as we would want for our family and ourselves, regardless of their means.
Reputation. Since opening in 1990 in Anaheim, we have built our reputation by providing service and care to our patients in Orange County and the surrounding areas. Today, we provide care to over 50,000 patients in three locations. In addition to retaining only the finest doctors, hygienists, and administrative staff, 7 Day Dental maintains only the highest ethical and health standards for patients and employees, and continues to make inroads to providing quality dental care to all, regardless of their income. In 2006, 7 Day Dental received the prestigious Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award, and we have also been recognized twice by the California State Assembly. We also believe it is important to give back to our community, and 7 Day Dental provides sponsorships to the Y.M.C.A., the youth organization Learning for Life, and the Academy of Arts Foundation. It is our constant efforts to provide the finest dental care available at the lowest cost possible to our patients that has enabled us to grow and earn the reputation we have; and it will be our continued efforts, commitment, and innovation that will enable us to remain the best at what we do to provide for our patients and for our community.
We look forward to providing you the finest dental care available and hope that you join our growing family of patients!
Our Mission: “To provide the most modern yet affordable dental care to as many as possible, giving our patients the genuine down-to-earth service of yesterday, while employing the innovation, the skills, and the advancements of tomorrow in order to provide the best care for them today, regardless of their means.”
Sincerely,
Chuck Le, D.D.S.
We are a family-oriented dental practice comprised of some of the finest professional talent in dental care. Because of the ongoing advances being made in the field of dentistry and our commitment to provide the very best care for our patients in all areas of oral health, our dental care professionals at 7 Day Dental include specialists in endodontics, implantology, orthodontics, pedodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery, as well as general care dentists and dental hygienists.
In addition to our team of leading professionals, all members of our administrative staff at 7 Day Dental are highly trained in customer service, and are able and willing to assist our patients with any questions or concerns about billing, insurance, or scheduling an appointment. Their goal is to ensure that consideration for each of our patients comes first.
We have also designed our offices with the convenience of our patients in mind, providing convenient locations to accommodate their busy lifestyles and work schedules, a comfortable atmosphere, and pleasant surroundings. In addition to successfully minimizing waiting times, we have made our waiting areas as comfortable as possible, providing relaxing furnishings and amenities that include current movies.
Choosing a dentist can be a challenging decision, but we believe that you will agree that 7 Day Dental is the best choice when you consider the following:
Accessibility. As our name implies, we are open all days of the week, including weekends. Our hours are 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. We maintain these hours to accommodate the busy schedules of our patients. We operate around your schedule.
Emergency Care. We will see all emergency patients within 30 minutes. While no one can foresee an emergency, we will provide the best care and emergency treatment in the least amount of time if you have one.
Fees. Our fees are very competitive, and we are able to keep them that way through the loyalty of returning patients. Moreover, because of our group-practice philosophy, we are committed to providing the best dental care possible, regardless of a patient’s means.
Insurance. We welcome all insurance plans and accept a wide variety of coverage, including HMO, Medi-Cal, PPO, and other plans.
Complete Dentistry. Whether you need a regular check-up or are interested in beautifying your smile, 7 Day Dental offers it all. Our dentists are experts in all areas of dentistry, including aesthetics. In addition to our skilled staff of general dentists, the expertise of our staff of doctors ranges from pedodontic care for children to dental implants and porcelain veneers for adults. We also offer Brite Smile Professional Teeth Whitening, a unique one-hour process that remarkably whitens teeth for years. The significance of 7 Day Dental’s “complete dentistry” approach lies in affording our patients with the most comprehensive dental care available from oral health professionals from all areas of dentistry at each of our locations, thereby eliminating the added stress and the cost of fuel involved in driving around to various offices for needed care.
Patient Care. In addition to providing unsurpassed comprehensive dental care, a primary tenet of 7 Day Dental’s group practice philosophy is the care, consideration, and respect we afford every patient. We know that no two people are the same, and our doctors provide personalized treatment for each of our patients, thoroughly examining their medical history, oral environment, and radiographs. Because of the vast pool of professional expertise at each 7 Day Dental location, our doctors also collaborate with each other to determine the best possible treatment plan for each patient. After consultation, our doctors spend time with each patient to both fully explain and to educate the patient about the recommended treatment plan, including any options available. This enables each patient to make an informed decision about her or his care. Painless dentistry is also a crucial part of patient care at 7 Day Dental. Our doctors are committed to eliminating pain, and no procedure is undertaken until both the patient and the doctor are certain that the anesthetic, or local painkiller, has thoroughly taken effect. For those patients who experience anxiety, we offer general anesthesia, which allows them to sleep throughout the entire procedure. And finally, the cornerstone of 7 Day Dental’s philosophy of patient care is our commitment to provide the finest dental care to as many patients as possible, just as we would want for our family and ourselves, regardless of their means.
Reputation. Since opening in 1990 in Anaheim, we have built our reputation by providing service and care to our patients in Orange County and the surrounding areas. Today, we provide care to over 50,000 patients in three locations. In addition to retaining only the finest doctors, hygienists, and administrative staff, 7 Day Dental maintains only the highest ethical and health standards for patients and employees, and continues to make inroads to providing quality dental care to all, regardless of their income. In 2006, 7 Day Dental received the prestigious Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award, and we have also been recognized twice by the California State Assembly. We also believe it is important to give back to our community, and 7 Day Dental provides sponsorships to the Y.M.C.A., the youth organization Learning for Life, and the Academy of Arts Foundation. It is our constant efforts to provide the finest dental care available at the lowest cost possible to our patients that has enabled us to grow and earn the reputation we have; and it will be our continued efforts, commitment, and innovation that will enable us to remain the best at what we do to provide for our patients and for our community.
We look forward to providing you the finest dental care available and hope that you join our growing family of patients!
Our Mission: “To provide the most modern yet affordable dental care to as many as possible, giving our patients the genuine down-to-earth service of yesterday, while employing the innovation, the skills, and the advancements of tomorrow in order to provide the best care for them today, regardless of their means.”
Sincerely,
Chuck Le, D.D.S.
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