3201 New Mexico Ave, N.W., ~ Suite 230 ~ Washington, DC 20016 ~ Phone: 202.364.8989

According to a study by the Gallup Organization and Consumer Reports, dentists are among the top five most trusted professionals.


What do powdered fruit, talc, honey, dried flowers, mice and lizard livers have in common? They have all been ingredients in ancient toothpaste and powder. Yum.


Attention Chocolate Lovers…Many dentists agree raisins can cause more tooth decay than chocolate. Sticky foods such as raisins and dried fruits can stay on the teeth longer and develop more decay.


According to a study at the University of Connecticut, too much toothpaste early in life is responsible for more than 70% of fluorosis cases (staining or mottling of tooth enamel that develops when children swallow fluoridated toothpaste). Although this problem is only cosmetic, it is recommended children under six only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and be reminded to spit it out after brushing.

 
dc family dentistry, embassy row dentist, washington dc dentist

What's the latest in dentistry?

We want your visits to be convenient and comfortable and also reflecting dentistry's latest technologies and techniques. Click to learn more about...


Invisalign

FDA approved Invisalign is the “invisible” way to straighten your teeth without wearing conventional metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable custom-made aligners to move your teeth. Because you remove your aligners before you eat and drink, there are no food restrictions or problems with flossing or brushing. This technology is also more comfortable, avoiding the mouth abrasions that can be caused by the metal and wires of conventional braces. And this technology is also more convenient, since you are likely to spend less time in the doctor’s office getting adjustments.

Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to design the complete treatment plan, from the initial teeth positioning to the desired final positioning. This 3-D imaging allows you to preview the final positioning of your teeth before you start treatment. Custom-made aligners are created based on the imaging information. Each of these aligners moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about 2 weeks. Typically, you will visit your dentist once every 6 weeks for “progress reports.” Not every situation can be treated with Invisalign, so call the office to get an evaluation to see if you can be helped with this new technology.

 

To learn more about Invisalign, click here.

 

Something to Smile About

Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible for approximately 70% of all adult tooth loss. Good oral health includes regular teeth care and gum care. Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, which contributes to the deterioration of your overall oral health. Since symptoms of periodontal disease oftentimes are unnoticeable, people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.

Periodontal disease is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up, tobacco use, certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable measures like systemic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Research shows that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.

Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the sticky film which forms on the tooth surfaces plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the imflammation is ignored, plaque releases toxins that break down the natural fibers holding your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar, which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing. Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss, gum recession and tooth loss.

dc family dentistry, embassy row dentist, washington dc dentistSymptoms and signs include:

  • Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
  • Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • Pus between the gum and tooth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Bite changes
  • Change in the fit of partial dentures

If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, please make an appointment promptly! Together we can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain your wonderful, dazzling smile: gums and all.

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From Dull to Dazzling: Enhancing Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

In addition to hygiene and restorations, dentists are now artists who can make your smile sensational. Most dentists now offer cosmetic techniques that create more aesthetically pleasing and healthy smiles.

Although you may be meticulous about your dental care , your teeth still might not look their best. Drinking coffee, tea or wine takes a toll on your teeth, causing them to look dulldc family dentistry, embassy row dentist, washington dc dentist and stained. Aging or the use of some medications can also result in a discolored smile. One easy, safe way to revive your smile is through whitening.

Moreover c racked, chipped or unevenly spaced teeth are easily restricted with procedures like bonding or veneers. Severely damaged teeth can be repaired with crowns, while bridges and implants are other natural-looking options. These methods will not only give you a more beautiful smile, they will also rejuvenate your mouth’s functionality.

We welcome your questions about the many smile enhancing options currently available.

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“Bridging” the Gaps and Wearing a “Crown”: Total Oral Health Renovation

dc family dentistry, embassy row dentist, washington dc dentistFace it, we are rough on our teeth. Sports injuries, chewing hard substances like ice, using certain medications, and other factors result in teeth getting knocked out, broken, cracked and worn down. Further, forgetting routine dental appointments and ignoring proper cleaning can result in periodontal disease, tooth decay and ultimately tooth loss.

When teeth are missing, your mouth compensates for the lack of chewing power in that area in order to function. The chewing force may shift to another part of the mouth, which can cause unwanted spaces and changes in your smile, along with jaw tension and pain.

How do we mend our mouth using various dental procedures. Smiles can be renovated to look pristine using a combination of crowns and bridges to support or replace lost teeth. A crown snugly covers the surface of affected teeth to add strength and stability. While restoring your tooth to its natural shape and size. Crowns can be made of precious metal, porcelain pressed to metal and all-porcelain. A bridge, also known as a pontic, is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill the gap left by the original missing tooth. The new tooth is then anchored to the two porcelain crowns, renewing your once damaged smile.

The moral of the story is to be nice to your teeth: be diligent with your oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Your teeth are hard workers and they deserve to be pampered. But, if the damage is already done, see us immediately. So we can decide on the best treatment to restore your smile.

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