Northern Virginia, including Arlington and Alexandria
January 27th, 2012
Orthodontic treatment is as much about dental health and wellness as it is about achieving a beautiful smile. At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, we never sacrifice function for appearance. Instead, we treat all aspects of your teeth, jaws and smile.
By choosing Galleria Dental Aesthetics, you will enjoy the following benefits:
- Outstanding aesthetic and functional results
- State-of-the-art technology
- Modern, elegant office environment
- LVI-trained dentists
We offer Invisalign to our patients and combine the treatment with metal brackets when necessary. This approach to orthodontic treatment provides a discreet way for our patients to straighten their teeth while also achieving effective, meaningful tooth movement.
The experienced, knowledgeable dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics have been voted “Best Dentists” and “Top Dentists” by several leading publications and organizations. In addition to receiving personalized care from our dentists and staff, you will enjoy our patient amenities, including limousine service for our out-of-town patients and relaxing in a high-tech massage chair.
Our orthodontists possess the skills to provide you with high-quality dental care and orthodontic treatment in an office environment designed for your comfort and enjoyment.
If you are searching for an orthodontist in Alexandria or the surrounding Virginia areas, please contact the experienced orthodontists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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January 25th, 2012
Treatment length with Invisalign is variable depending on the required tooth movement. The majority of patients wear 20 to 30 aligners per arch during the span of their Invisalign treatment, changing from one set of aligners to the next set of aligners every two weeks, so the average treatment length is about a year.
It is also not uncommon to wear Invisalign more than a year, or for as little as nine months. Before committing to Invisalign, you will be examined by our dentists. We first determine if Invisalign is right for you, and then we can create a customized Invisalign plan including the number of aligners required to complete your orthodontic treatment.
Even if your treatment length is comparable to that of metal braces, Invisalign lets you see progress at every stage. You will be able to see the movement of your teeth and the developing improvements to your smile. This visibility of results has been a strong motivating factor for many Invisalign patients.
Galleria Dental Aesthetics provides Invisalign treatment for people living in Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Please contact the experienced Invisalign dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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December 27th, 2011
Sensitivity is a major concern for people considering orthodontic treatment. Some people avoid treatment because of their fear of the discomfort. The truth is that pain is very subjective and will vary depending on the depth and breadth of your orthodontic treatment.
There are some sources of discomfort in the orthodontic process, including:
- Spacers between the teeth
- Adjustment of the archwire
- Force exerted by the combination of brackets and wires
Many studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that fixed appliances (like metal braces) tend to be more pain-inducing than removable appliances like Invisalign. Other studies say the opposite. Everyone’s experience of pain and discomfort varies slightly.
Realistically, you will most likely experience some discomfort from orthodontic treatment. Many Invisalign patients report the greatest discomfort during the first few days after wearing a new aligner, after which time the discomfort lessens.
The overwhelming majority of patients find that the temporary discomfort is well worth the results of straight teeth and an aligned bite. Both the aesthetic and functional benefits of orthodontic treatment will outlast any discomfort you may experience.
To learn more about orthodontic treatment available to patients living in McLean and the surrounding Northern Virginia areas, please contact the experienced dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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December 20th, 2011
With the innovative Invisalign system, your teen does not necessarily have to wear metal braces. With comparable treatment length, cost and results, why not let your teen enjoy the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth?
Invisalign may not be right for every teen. Some parents may be concerned that their teens will be tempted to take the removable aligners out more often than necessary. Another common concern is that Invisalign does not work as effectively in correcting the orthodontic needs of a teen’s developing dentition. Several features of Invisalign Teen address those concerns:
- Blue dot wear indicator. This feature tells parents and dentists if the teen is not wearing the aligner often enough.
- Eruption accommodation. Eruption tabs and other design features plan for teeth that will erupt or are partially erupted.
- Power ridges. This feature provides the extra force necessary to perform complex movements that are characteristic of teen treatment, including tooth root movement.
These features personalize treatment to a teen’s specific treatment needs while retaining the full benefits of Invisalign. Teens still get to take the clear, plastic aligners out to eat, so dietary restrictions are not necessary with Invisalign. The removable nature of Invisalign also makes it easy to maintain oral hygiene. Your teen can brush and floss normally, while metal braces can make these tasks difficult.
The only way to find out if Invisalign is right for your teen is to schedule a consultation with our Premier Invisalign Provider. At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, we will determine if Invisalign will address your teen’s needs or whether another treatment will be more effective.
If you live in Arlington, Northern Virginia or the surrounding areas, find out if Invisalign is right for your teen. Please contact the experienced orthodontists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
contact the experienced orthodontic team at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
Posted in Invisalign® | No Comments »
December 16th, 2011
Like traditional metal braces, Invisalign can correct a diversity of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
The tooth movement provided by Invisalign differs slightly from other orthodontic treatment. As such, your orthodontic treatment depends largely on how your teeth need to move.
Cases of a certain severity may require metal braces or another orthodontic approach. To find out if you are a candidate, we must first examine your teeth, jaws and bite. We may need to take x-rays of your mouth and use computer imaging technology to determine the proper treatment to align your bite.
If you live in Alexandria or the surrounding Northern Virginia areas, find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign at Galleria Dental Aesthetics; please contact our experienced orthodontists to schedule a consultation.
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December 12th, 2011
Straight, properly aligned teeth are the hallmark of a beautiful smile. In addition to an aesthetically pleasing smile, orthodontics achieves a functional, healthy bite.
Traditional orthodontics treats many dental problems, including:
- Malocclusion
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
All of these issues can mar your smile, make chewing and speaking difficult, and exert physical stress on the temperomandibular joint (TMJ). Braces are worn for a period of time that is dependent upon how much movement is required to straighten your teeth and align your jaws into an optimal bite.
“Bite” refers to the way your teeth and jaws come together. More and more adults have begun seeking orthodontic treatment because of varying degrees of bite misalignment. Contrary to popular belief, most adult orthodontic patients report that there is no difference in the way they are treated or perceived when wearing braces.
If you prefer to avoid metal braces, Galleria Dental Aesthetics can offer Invisalign to patients who are good candidates for the orthodontic system. Invisalign corrects many of the same issues as traditional braces, but uses clear, plastic aligners instead of metal wires and brackets.
If you are interested in orthodontics and live in McLean or the surrounding Northern Virginia areas, please contact the experienced orthodontic team at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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November 22nd, 2011
If your TMD symptoms are caused by an improper bite, then a dental crown may help alleviate the pain you are experiencing.
When the temporomandibular joint is subjected to excessive pressure, you may experience painful TMJ/TMD symptoms like headaches and tooth pain. Damage caused by decay and trauma can cause your teeth to have uneven surfaces. An unbalanced bite can also cause stress to the TMJ. Placing tooth crowns over damaged teeth will restore these teeth to the normal shape and size, allowing your teeth and jaws to come together in an appropriate manner.
Depending on the severity and underlying cause of your TMJ symptoms, several other treatment approaches may be suggested. For instance, orthodontics may be necessary to correct a misaligned bite. If your TMD symptoms arise from grinding your teeth at night, a mouth guard can be used while you sleep to keep teeth separated.
For experienced neuromuscular dentistry to treat TMD in Northern Virginia, please contact the experienced staff at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
Posted in Dental Crowns, TMD | No Comments »
November 18th, 2011
The ultimate purpose of a root canal is to save a natural tooth. Root canals stop an infection that could otherwise lead to the loss of your natural tooth and the necessity for a tooth replacement, like a dental implant.
Inside your tooth is an inner chamber that houses the tooth pulp. The pulp contains connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves, and it extends through the tooth root canals. When the pulp becomes infected, an abscess can form at the tooth’s root tip.
The tooth pulp can become infected from:
- Decay
- A crack or chip in the tooth
- Trauma to the tooth that causes a fracture
- Repeated dental procedures, such as large fillings
To stop the infection and allow you to keep the natural tooth, general dentists and endodontists treat the root canal by drilling a hole in the crown of the tooth; the decayed pulp is then removed through the hole and the infection is allowed to heal. The cleaned out tooth is then filled and sealed to prevent future decay.
Some patients choose to repair the lost structure of the tooth with a restoration like a tooth crown. After root canal treatment, the structural integrity of the tooth is weakened, which may lead to fractures later on. A tooth crown protects the tooth from cracking and effectively stabilizes and seals the tooth.
For root canal treatment in Northern Virginia, general dentists Joseph Oh and Chong Lee provide skilled treatment, as well as porcelain crowns. Please contact Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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November 14th, 2011
The length of treatment for TMJ will vary depending on individual cases. The causes of your TMJ symptoms will significantly influence the amount of time it takes to reduce your discomfort and correct the underlying issues.
Several approaches can be taken in treating your TMJ, including:
- Dental orthotic devices
- Nighttime mouth guards
- Dental restorations
- Orthodontics
- Stretching jaw muscles
- Medications
A combination of these approaches may be used to treat you, so the time required will vary. If your TMJ pain is caused by grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep, exercise or work, a mouth guard can stop the grinding or clenching. The mouth guard can be worn while you sleep, exercise or work for as long as you continue to grind or clench your teeth.
Dental orthotic devices, or “splints,” are also worn in the mouth, but these devices are usually worn 24 hours a day to alleviate headaches, neck and back pain, and muscle soreness and tension. Some patients wear splints indefinitely to help reposition the jaw and associated muscles.
Some treatments may offer immediate correction of the cause of TMJ pain. If the pressure on your TMJ is caused by uneven tooth surfaces or missing teeth, then dental restorations like dental fillings and dental implants can realign your bite and relieve TMJ discomfort.
For TMJ treatment in Northern Virginia, please contact the experienced neuromuscular dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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November 9th, 2011
Crowns are used to restore tooth structure that has been damaged by decay or fractures. They are normally used when more that 2/3 of the natural tooth structure is missing, and are an exceptional restoration to stabilize and restore the remaining tooth structure.
In some rare cases, dental crowns can become dislodged from the restored tooth and fall out. A crown is bonded to your tooth with dental cement, and a cementing error can be the cause of the crown falling off. Another reason may be if the crown is not fitted properly to the remaining part of your natural tooth.
If your tooth crown falls out, you should schedule a dental appointment immediately. Keep the dental crown clean by placing it in a sealable plastic bag. Depending on the situation, the crown may be cemented again or a new crown may be made.
Improperly fitted crowns are rare, as is possible inadequate cementation. Properly fitted and adequately cemented crowns can last at least 10 to 20 years. At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, we use all-porcelain crowns in McLean, Virginia, for the most natural, metal-free look. Please contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Posted in Dental Crowns | No Comments »
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