Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry, orthodontics and oral health issues.  If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

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A: By age one,  Sooner if you or your pediatrician have concerns.
A: For the same reason you go to a pediatrician for medical treatment. Pediatric dentists treat only children and are trained to understand their special needs.

Dr. Hillman and her staff are sensitive to your child’s fears from the very first time they come to visit. Whether it’s holding a hand or explaining instruments and terminology in a way that educates rather than frightens, they help your child look forward to each visit. Positive feelings about dental care formed at this early age often last a lifetime.
A:

The acronym CAMBRA stands for “CAries Management By Risk Assessment”. CAMBRA is a method of assessing caries (cavity) risk and making prevention and restoration recommendations accordingly. Risk factors include current decay of your child’s teeth, current bacterial challenge, decay history, dietary habits, tooth alignment, current medications, salivary flow, medical conditions, and oral hygiene habits. Dr. Hillman utilizes this information in designing a custom prevention program for each of our patients.

Success in preventing future cavities in our patients, even those at high and moderate risk, have been nothing less than SPECTACULAR! 

PREVENTING CAVITIES IS THE ULTIMATE MINIMALLY INVASIVE DENTISTRY

" I can't believe the difference since we started coming to Dr. Hillman in 1998!  Well-worth the time and effort and much better than spending money on cavities"      Patty Wheeler, Antioch, CA 

 For more information on CAMBRA visit  http://www.jdentaled.org/cgi/content/full/71/5/595
A:

Although thorough brushing and flossing remove most food particles and bacteria from easy to reach tooth surfaces, they do not reach the deep grooves on chewing surfaces of teeth. More than 75 percent of dental decay begins in these deep grooves (called pits and fissures). Toothbrush bristles are too large to possibly fit and clean most of these areas. This is where sealants play an important role.

A sealant is a thin plastic coating that covers and protects the chewing surfaces of molars, premolars, and any deep grooves or pits on teeth. Sealant material forms a protective, smooth barrier covering natural depressions and grooves in the teeth, making it much easier to clean and help keep these areas free of decay.

Who may need sealants?

Children and teenagers - As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.  Primary teeth are occasionally sealed if the teeth have deep grooves and the child is cavity-prone.

Adults - Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions that are difficult to clean.

Sealants are easily applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and the process only takes minutes per tooth. After the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution that helps the sealant adhere to the tooth, the sealant material is “painted” onto the tooth surface, where it hardens and bonds to the teeth. Sometimes a special light will be used to help the sealant material harden.

Your child's sealants will be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental check-ups.

Combined with good home care, a proper diet, and regular dental check-ups, sealants are very effective in helping prevent tooth decay.

A: A minimally-invasive technique in which small areas of decay are removed and then a composite filling is placed and the undecayed portion of the tooth is sealed.
A:

A malocclusion is an incorrect relationship between the maxilla (upper arch) and the mandible (lower arch), or a general misalignment of the teeth.  Malocclusions are so common that most individuals experience one, to some degree.  The poor alignment of the teeth is thought to be a result of genetic factors combined with poor oral habits, or other factors in the early years.  (Interceptive orthodontics treats factors in the early years to allow harmonious growth of the face and jaws.)

The following are three main classifications of malocclusion:

  • Class I – The occlusion is typical, but there are spacing or overcrowding problems with the other teeth.

  • Class II – The malocclusion is an overbite (the upper teeth are positioned further forward than the lower teeth).  This can be caused by the protrusion of anterior teeth or a deep bite causing the lower jaw to be positioned too far backward.

  • Class III – Prognathism (also known as “underbite”) is a malocclusion caused by the lower teeth being positioned further forward than the upper teeth.  An underbite usually occurs when the jawbone is large or the maxillary bone is short.

Reasons for treating a malocclusion

Besides wanting a beautiful, stunning smile, here are some of the main reasons  to seek orthodontic treatment for a malocclusion:

  • Reduced risk of tooth decay – A malocclusion often causes an uneven wear pattern on the teeth.  The constant wearing of the same teeth can lead to tooth erosion and decay.

  • Better oral hygiene – A malocclusion can be caused by overcrowding.  When too many teeth are competing for too little space, it can be difficult to clean the teeth and gums effectively.  It is much easier to clean straight teeth that are properly aligned.

  • Reduced risk of TMJ – Temporomandibular jaw syndrome (TMJ) is thought to be caused by a malocclusion.  Headaches, facial pains and grinding teeth during sleep all result from the excessive pressure to the temporomandibular joint.  Realigning the teeth reduces pressure, and eliminates these symptoms.

How is a malocclusion treated?

A malocclusion is usually treated with dental braces.  The dentist takes panoramic and cephalometric xrays, conducts visual examinations and bite impressions of the whole mouth before deciding on the best course of treatment.  

 

 

 
A:

One of the most commonly asked questions about dental braces is whether placing them causes any pain or discomfort.  The honest answer is that braces do not hurt at all when they are applied to the teeth, so there is no reason to be anxious.  In most cases, there may be mild soreness or discomfort after the orthodontic wire is engaged into the brackets, which may last for a few days.

What to expect when getting braces

Here is an overview of what you can expect when getting braces:

  • Placement day – The placement of braces will not be painful in the slightest.  It may take longer to eat meals, but this is largely because it takes some time to adjust to wearing the braces.  In some cases, the teeth may feel more sensitive than usual.  Hard, difficult to chew foods should be avoided in favor of a softer, more liquid-based diet for the first few days after placement of braces.

  • Two days after placement – The first several days after placement of braces can be slightly uncomfortable.  This is because the teeth are beginning the realignment process and are not used to the pressure of the archwire and orthodontic elastic bands.  The dentist will provide relief wax to apply over the braces as necessary.  Wax helps provide a smooth surface and alleviates irritation on the inner cheeks and lips.  Additionally, over-the-counter pain medication (e.g., Motrin® and Advil®) may be taken as directed to relieve mild soreness.

  • Five days after placement – After five days, any initial discomfort associated with the braces should be completely gone.  The teeth will have gradually acclimated to the braces, and eating should be much easier.  Certain hard foods may still pose a challenge to the wearer, but normal eating may be resumed at this point.

  • Orthodontic appointments – Regular orthodontic appointments are necessary to allow the dentist to change the archwire, change the rubber or metal ties, and make adjustments to the braces.  Fixed braces work by gradually moving the teeth into a new and proper alignment, so gentle pressure needs to be applied constantly.  The first several days after an orthodontic adjustment may be slightly uncomfortable, but remember that this discomfort will quickly fade.