Neuromuscular Dentistry - Smiles by Design Livermore

Neuromuscular dentistry (NMD) enhances traditional dentistry and describes the additional factors of jaw muscles and joints, which affect the bite and how the whole masticatory system works. The bite or what dentists call occlusion is a primary concern in virtually all areas of dental care. Most people don't realize that their bite can be a primary cause of pain and dysfunction of the head and neck. NMD goes beyond using your habitual bite as the basis for diagnosis and for planning treatment. NMD considers the entire system that controls the jaw. Many people can benefit from this advanced method of dealing with nerve and muscle pain, which may also be related to the jaw joints (TMJ). This treatment has helped people with a number of pain problems such as:

• Headaches – tension, migraines and sinus related
• Neck, back and shoulder pain
• Jaw joint pain (TMJ)

By understanding how jaw alignment issues and poorly designed and defective dental restorations can be changed, we can reduce or even eliminate pain. You may benefit from the latest devices, such as computer-aided instruments, to measure your jaw joint and muscle activity or from an appliance (an orthotic), which is frequently prescribed to evaluate and reduce pain levels. In addition, it is frequently a benefit to coordinate our dental and jaw treatment with other forms of care from different specialists and therapists, such as neurologists, ear, nose and throat specialists, massage therapists, chiropractors and other forms of multidisciplined care may be necessary to provide diagnosis and relief of pain.

Few dentists provide the level of treatment and even fewer have the education and experience that we can provide our patients that require this type of care.

Please call and speak with our expert staff or if you wish, come and meet us and allow us to provide a no charge consultation.

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How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care (see below), implants can last a lifetime.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders -- such as diabetes or heartdisease -- or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.

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What is Involved in Getting A Dental Implant? - Smiles by Design in Livermore

What Is Involved in Getting a Dental Implant?

The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by a team of professionals who are specially trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. This team approach provides coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for you.

Next, the tooth root implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from 6 to 12 weeks.

Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post -- calledan abutment -- is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make your new tooth or teeth, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth, and creates a model of your bite (which captures all of your teeth, their type, and arrangement). Your new tooth or teeth are based on this model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment.

Instead of one or more individual crowns, some patients may have attachments placed on the implant that retain and support a removable denture.

Your dentist also will match the color of your new teeth to your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth.

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Gum Problems - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Gum disease is very common and can take various forms. Some forms are painful, but many are not and can go undiscovered for years without detection if someone doesn't see a dental professional (dentist or hygienist) for help. The key to dealing with gum disease is to prevent it from developing into a form that is dangerous to the long-term use of teeth. This is relatively easy for most of us as it simply involves daily brushing and flossing as well as regular cleanings and exams with a dental professional.

There are a great number of different forms of gum disease and a few of the most common types include:

1. Gingivitis - this type of gum problem is so common that it could be considered normal and is not dangerous to the teeth and gums at this stage. This condition is relatively easy to improve and should be done to prevent development of additional gum disease.

2. Periodontitis - this type of gum disease takes different forms and can only be properly diagnosed by a dentist. All forms require treatment and the more severe form may not be treated successfully; in other words, it can, in late stages, cause loss of some or all the teeth.

• Mild periodontitis - will slowly and without pain get worse. At this stage, the disease is very treatable. This form afflicts almost all adults at some point during a lifetime.
  
• Moderate periodontitis - a more advanced form of gum disease than mild periodontitis. This form is also very treatable, but the treatment is considerably more involved as the bone underneath the gums has been affected.
  
• Advanced periodontitis - a very dangerous disease not only to the teeth but even the general health may be affected at this stage or even at earlier stages. All patients with cardiovascular disease and heart problems as well as diabetes should ensure that any form of gum disease is treated. This type of gum disease frequently results in tooth loss and is not hard to detect but can be very difficult or even impossible to treat without loss of the teeth.

The traditional methods of dealing with gum disease still apply and serve as the basic level of treatment. These include cleaning the teeth mechanically with a variety of instruments such as the usual metal scalers and the polishers, but also the ultrasonic cleaners which spray water and use high frequency sound waves to loosen the plaque and tartar that clings to the teeth and which provides the environment for bacteria and the associated infection so characteristic of gum disease.

There have been a number of new developments and improvements over the past 5-10 years including:

• Laser therapy - lasers can be used in a variety of ways to help either kill bacteria or remove diseased tissue.
• Neutraceuticals - dietary supplements which can help provide benefits to the immune system which can help with gum disease.

The most important aspect of any treatment program is the maintenance care following the active treatment phase. There have been a significant number of improvements to the methods of cleaning your teeth at home. When a good home care habit is combined with an active maintenance cleaning program provided by your dentist and hygienist, most cases require little, if any, further active treatment.

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Smiles by Design in Livermore - Thank you to our Patients

Think dentist office meets spa....The candles smell inviting, the coffee and tea cart is a nice touch but the best part is getting a parafin hand wax and a warm blanket when sitting in the chair. Then when the appointment is over, the 10 minute chair massage is AWESOME...I don't want to leave.

I started seeing Dr. Howes over a year ago and have had several appointments ranging from basic teeth cleaning, zoom whitening and filling replacements. Dr. Howes and his staff are experts in their industry and keep up on the latest in technology. It made my previous dentist procedures seem prehistoric. As an example, they use some sort of light to determine exactly where the tooth is decayed so that when they are removing tooth, they don't remove more than they have to. Compare that with my previous dentist saying "Well, this looks like it MIGHT be decayed too so let's just keep removing it!".

Anna

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Smiles by Design in Livermore - How To Brush Your Teeth

What is Plaque?
Flashing your best, most healthy smile means brushing well and often. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth twice a day for dental hygiene and to help promote dental health. Make the most of that time by giving your brushing technique a refresher.
Tooth Brushing Technique
You’ve been brushing your teeth your whole life, but are you getting the most from your efforts? The following technique will help you get the most thorough clean.
1. On the outer and inner surfaces, brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle in short half-tooth-wide strokes against the gum line.
2. On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth.
3. On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and down strokes with toe of brush.
4. Brush the tongue in a back-to-front sweeping motion to remove food particles and freshen your mouth.
Remember to spend at least 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth, adding up to two minutes each time you brush.
Choose the Right Toothpaste
Crest toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps strengthen weak spots and prevent tooth cavities. And whether you’re looking for tartar protection, a rush of flavor, or dentist-inspired protection, we’ve got a toothpaste that’s right for you.
* Ready for a brushing experience that awakens the senses? Try our flavor experience toothpastes.
* Looking for solutions such as enamel protection? View our dentist-inspired products.
* Have sensitive teeth? Try our sensitivity toothpastes.
Change Your Toothbrush
Most dental professionals recommend replacing your toothbrush every three months. To remind yourself, write the date you should change your toothbrush in permanent marker on the handle.

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Smiles by Design Livermore - Welcome to our Practice

We have established a unique dental practice treating adults who desire beautiful, healthy, more youthful looking smiles, in a spa-like setting. We understand that your smile is your greeting to the world. When your smile sparkles, it’s only natural that you will too!

At Smiles by Design we have combined the luxury and comfort of a day at the spa with the latest in dental technology, to create the dental experience you could only imagine.

You are a valued guest and we will treat you to services replicating that of a spa. You will be pampered with massage, paraffin wax hand treatments, soothing neck pillows, and your choice of movies or music during long appointments. You may also enjoy a beverage from our list of refreshments. Our desire is to help enhance your self-image, improve the health of your teeth and gums, pamper you, and create the smile you have always dreamed of.

We are dedicated not only to your comfort; we are proud to stand on the forefront of dental technology. We use the latest in techniques and materials, and guarantee that you will experience the finest dental care available.

We thank you for your interest in Smiles by Design, unique dental services. We invite you to browse throughout our web site and view the beautiful smiles we have created for others, and can create for you. Please contact us with any questions you may have, or to be pampered at our dental “spa”. 

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