DO MY WISDOM TEETH NEED TO BE TAKEN OUT?

I am often asked by patients if they need their wisdom teeth extracted so that their teeth do not shift after their braces are done.  Many studies have shown that having wisdom teeth removed does not lower changes that teeth may shift and only proper retainer wear will prevent unwanted toot movement after orthodontic treatment.  That does not mean that in some cases wisdom teeth should be removed for other reasons.  Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, typically erupt once all other teeth are in place and there is no more room in your mouth to accommodate four more back teeth. If they can’t erupt fully, these extra teeth grow under the gums, leaning into the roots of the existing teeth. The wisdom teeth then become stuck, or  impacted, and not only cannot erupt into a proper position in the mouth, but can also damage the roots of the  already-erupted permanent teeth. Having these extra teeth trapped under your gums can result in infection, the formation of cysts, and gum disease. Despite all this action under the gums, most people usually do not realize their wisdom teeth are impacted until their dentist discovers so on an x-ray. At this point, the dentist may recommend extracting the teeth before they become more difficult to remove and start causing serious dental issues. Ideally, this is when the patient is in his late teens or early twenties, as extractions tend to become more difficult as the patient grows older.

Dr. David Hoffman is an orthodontist and Invisalign Certified Provider serving the communities of North Scottsdale and Central Phoenix at Arizona Orthodontics Studio. Please call 480-451-3088 or visit www.thesmilecreators.com to schedule your appointment.  follow Dr. Hoffman on Google+  

Is Invisalign Right For You

Are you unhappy with your smile but hesitant to get braces due to the thought of discomfort or the sheer look of braces? Invisalign orthodontic treatment has gained in popularity over the last ten years, although many people still don’t know much about it. Rather than having metal brackets attached to your teeth, Invisalign involves a series of clear, custom designed trays that patients wear, while having the flexibility of taking them on and off. There are many advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces, as well as some disadvantages.  Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign treatment tends to be more comfortable and more cosmetically pleasing. However, traditional braces are needed to treat the more complex cases. The first step In the Invisalign process is to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign certified orthodontist. At the consultation your orthodontist will do a full evaluation of your orthodontic needs and determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.  The process starts with taking x-rays, photographs, and a very detailed impression of your teeth, all of which are used to create a 3D simulation of how your teeth will move from start to finish.  When the orthodontist approves the treatment plan, Invisalign manufactures a series of trays, each tray slightly different from the next.  The patient is instructed to wear each tray for two weeks. Once the teeth have moved into the new position, a new tray is used. This process is repeated until the teeth have moved into their final position.  It is important for consumers to know that many dentists are also certified Invisalign providers. However, orthodontists have additional expertise with orthodontic treatment after completing a two to three year university based residency.  This expertise makes your orthodontist the most skilled provider to ensure the best results, and ultimately your satisfaction.

Dr David Hoffman is an orthodontist and Invisalign Certified Provider serving the communities of North Scottsdale and Central Phoenix at Arizona Orthodontic Studio and Avalon Orthodontics.  Follow him on Google+  Call (480) 451-3088 today to schedule your complimentary consultation. Make sure to mention that you are a member of AZ on the Rocks.

The Power of a Beautiful Smile

So often during an initial consultation I am asked about the “need” for orthodontic treatment. My response is always the same, “Orthodontic treatment is not a necessity, no one had died from not having braces, but there are often many strong benefits of treatment including function and esthetics.” One of the primary benefits of orthodontic treatment is a beautiful smile. While this is not a necessity, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that a beautiful smile is of great value.
Studies have shown that people with a great smile are thought to be:
*More intelligent * More likeable
*More productive * Higher Achievers
*More successful * Honest
*More trusting * More Brave
*More outgoing
Perceptions may not be accurate, but they are powerful. As a society, we form instantaneous judgments that determine what extent we listen to, believe, are skeptical of, consider, doubt or trust what a person says, based solely on their appearance. These are only initial judgments and can be changed should we choose to get to know someone better. You never get another chance to make a great first impression!
Interesting facts based on several studies…
Attractive People:
1– Are afforded the opportunity to earn 12-27% more income.
2– Have disproportionately more opportunities to date and marry.
3– Are assumed to have greater intelligence, capability and personality.
An independent study conducted on the behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that:
¨ 99.7% of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset.
¨ 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more engaging to members of the opposite sex.
¨ 74% of adults believe an unattractive smile can lessen a person’s chances for career success.
¨ 88% say they remember someone with an attractive smile.
¨ Only half of Americans are satisfied with their smiles.
While I cannot claim to have saved a life with orthodontic treatment, I have had many patients state that orthodontics have dramatically changed their lives. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to watch the transformation of my patients as they advance through treatment. With beautiful smiles, I see my patients blossom in self esteem, confidence and personality. Are these assets essential? In the words of John Ray,
“ Beauty is power, a smile is its sword.”

Dr David Hoffman is an orthodontic specialist and Premier Invisalign Provider serving the communities of North Scottsdale and Central Phoenix at Arizona Orthodontic Studio. Call (480) 451-3088 today to schedule your complimentary consultation. Make sure to mention that you are a member of AZ on the Rocks.