Invisible Lingual Braces

Just because you need to wear braces doesn't mean anyone has to see them.  Lingual braces are just like normal metal braces, except they're worn behind the teeth rather than the front. They'll still reshape your smile to the right position, but it will look like there's nothing on your teeth at all.


Not all orthodontists can offer lingual braces as a part of your orthodontic treatment, but Desert Orthodontics can!  Visit our website to find out more about lingual braces and the rest of our orthodontic services.

Invisalign: Clear Orthodontic Alternative

Have your teeth grown incorrectly or been pushed out of place? Many people believe that their dental conditions are too severe for Invisalign to correct. The truth is, Invisalign will work to solve your dental problem in almost every case that can be fixed by traditional braces.

As a customized and subtle alternative to braces, Invisalign's clear aligners can reverse the effects of gaps left behind by missing teeth or accelerated jaw bone growth. Invisalign also corrects common dental problems, such as crossbites, overbites, and underbites, which are caused by jaw misalignment. Overcrowding is also a common problem that occurs when the jaw space cannot adequately accommodate all of the teeth. All of these problems can be solved by both traditional braces and Invisalign aligners, but only Invisalign offers the following added benefits.

   - Invisalign's clear aligners are virtually invisible and blend in with your teeth.

   - Invisalign aligners are made of a single, flexible piece of plastic that's reported to be more comfortable than traditional braces.

   - Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing, which means no eating restrictions.

The Cost of Braces

Orthodontics have changed over the years. Treatments no longer rely on oversized metal headgear or unsightly shiny brackets over the teeth. And the good news is they're also cheaper than they used to be. Here's a brief example of the cost of modern braces:

   - Traditional braces: $5,000-7,500. This is the typical range of the complete cost for basic metal braces with brackets.

   - Lingual braces: $6,000-10,000. Lingual braces are worn behind the teeth and are hidden from view when smiling. These cost more than traditional braces due to customization requirements.

   - Invisalign treatment: $3,500-5,000. Invisalign is growing in popularity and dropping in price. This is a great choice if you want to disguise your orthodontics treatment. They're also often considered to be more comfortable than traditional braces.

Las Vegas Orthodontist First Visit

Our Las Vegas Orthodontist office guarantees to provide our patients with the most accurate care possible. That is why we offer consultations for first time visitors. Dr. Kate T. Nguyen will educate you about orthodontics treatments and learn more about your teeth and oral health. Our office will review all of the options with you, whether it is traditional braces, Invisalign, or other forms of treatment.

If you have any questions about Braces and other Braces for Adults and Kids please call (702) 463.7400 or click here to submit your question.

Las Vegas Orthodontist Answers How You Can Avoid Sensitive Teeth (Part II)

Las Vegas Orthodontist Answers How You Can Avoid Sensitive Teeth (Part II)

In Part I of this article, I explained some of the reasons that your teeth may be sensitive.  The main thing to remember is that sensitivity is mostly caused by exposed dentin, the inner part of the tooth that contains nerve endings.  Normally, this is protected by the enamel, which layers the outside of the tooth.  When the enamel is worn down, you cannot recover it.  The key to preventing tooth sensitivity is in making sure the dentin is never exposed.  Here are some ways to make sure your teeth stay protected against pain.

1.     Maintain good oral hygiene – It seems obvious coming from a dentist, but good oral hygiene is extremely important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.  Your gums actually work to protect your teeth similarly to the enamel; your gumline blocks off particles and bacteria from entering the spaces where your teeth are held in place below your gums.  If your gums are unhealthy, the gumline can recede, exposing more of the tooth and leaving it unprotected against painful experiences.  If brushing hurts, don’t let this discourage you from maintaining good oral hygiene.  Just try using a soft bristled toothbrush and low abrasivity toothpaste.  Hard bristled toothbrushes and whitening or anti-tartar toothpastes can be good for cleaning your teeth, but they may also be the causes of your sensitivity.

2.     Brush correctly – You might be surprised to hear that there’s a good chance you’re not brushing your teeth the right way.  Many people brush so hard, they’re actually damaging their teeth and gums.  Here’s how brushing should be conducted: Start at the gumline with your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and the brush end pointed toward the gums.  Brush vertically toward the ends of your teeth, away from your gumline.  Horizontal brushing can scratch away the enamel, so make sure you are brushing up and down rather than side-to-side.  Do this on each tooth, front and back, then brush the top part of your teeth, the chewing surfaces, with horizontal movements.  Brushing your teeth this way can keep your teeth healthy and protected against sensitivity.

3.     Avoid contact with acidic foods/drinks – Sodas and citrus juices are delicious, but they can also be very harmful to your teeth.  These common beverages are acidic and therefore destructive to the protective enamel on your teeth. Pickles, white bread, eggs, dairy products, processed meats, and all forms of alcohol are highly acidic.  Cutting down on these foods and drinks can prevent their eroding effects.  If you simply can’t cut down on consuming sodas and citric juices, at least drink them through a straw to minimize their contact with your teeth.

Aside from these three simple tips, here’s a big one that’s guaranteed to help: Visit a dentist!  No one knows more about your teeth than your dentist.  Even I can’t tell you exactly what’s wrong with your teeth without looking at them.  If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, just ask your dentist about it next time you’re due for a dental exam.  You’ll be glad you did.

For more information, please visit: Invisalign Las Vegas

Las Vegas Orthodontist Answers How You Can Avoid Sensitive Teeth (Part I)

Las Vegas Orthodontist Answers How You Can Avoid Sensitive Teeth (Part I)

 You've probably met someone who simply cannot understand why they suffer from sensitive teeth.  How can they avoid this problem?  To answer this question, we need to look at what causes it.  If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you may experience unbearable pain when exposed to heat or cold, such as when drinking hot coffee or eating ice cream.  You may also feel pain when brushing your teeth.  Sometimes, bleeding can occur, as well.  This usually happens to people with cavities or damaged teeth.  Most of the time, it is because the enamel protecting the teeth has been worn down.  When this happens, the dentin (sensitive part of the tooth) is exposed and left vulnerable to all kinds of painful experiences.

The cemetum under the gums is a protective substance that covers the tooth root.  When the dentin loses the protection of the enamel, the nerves under the tooth are stimulated, triggering pain whenever it is hit with a hot or cold temperature.  So, how do you fix this problem?  When even brushing causes intense pain and even damage to sensitive teeth, how are you supposed to keep protected against sensitivity?

I have compiled a few tips to help answer this question, which will come in Part II of this post.

For more information, please visit: Invisalign Dentist Las Vegas

Desert Orthodontics - Team Introduction

Desert Orthodontics a Family Orthodontics Office   introduces team member: Ingrid Wollin

I've been working in the Orthodontic Field here in Las Vegas for 20 years.  I've enjoyed getting to know all the families over the years and I enjoy seeing the patients show off their new smiles.  I'm originally from California and I travel back there every chance I get.  I have 2 daughters that I'm very proud of and enjoy spending time with them and friends.

If you have any questions please click Las Vegas Orthodontist or call us at 702.463.7400.

Maintaining Braces Las Vegas Orthodontics Part II

To read Part I of Maintaining Braces click here

This Christmas tree-shaped brush is specially designed for cleaning between teeth with braces. The brush fits underneath the wires of braces and can clean under them. Make sure you brush in every direction to get the food out of every crevice.

Flossing with braces is also a little more complicated. To start, fit one end under the wire and slide the floss between the teeth. Use gentle motions to loosen the food between the teeth. Be careful not to use too much force or you’ll risk damaging your braces or breaking the floss.

The best way to keep your braces and teeth looking good are to avoid certain categories of particularly destructive food. Below are some examples of food to avoid:
• Tough, hard-to-bite foods (apples, bagels, etc.)
• Chewy, sticky foods (taffy, caramel, gum, etc.)
• Crunchy foods (hard pretzels, popcorn, nuts, etc.)
• Corn on the cob
• Ice

Maintaining Braces Part I

Braces are used to straighten teeth and make them look their best. However, wearing braces and failing to keep them clean can stain them and even lead to additional dental problems.

Braces have many small parts that tend to attract food and keep it stuck there. The best way to deal with trapped food is to carefully brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after every meal. Brushing with braces is slightly different from brushing without them. First, with a regular toothbrush, brush downward from the top and upward from the bottom on each tooth.

If you have any questions about Braces and other Braces for Adults and Kids please call (702) 463.7400 or click here to submit your question.

Las Vegas Orthodontist discusses Orthodontic Treatments

Malocclusion is a dental condition that is caused by a poor bite. This problem can be treated with a form of dentistry called orthodontics. The most common orthodontic treatments come in the form of dental braces. While braces were originally intended for children, modern orthodontics can be used to treat teens and adults.

Orthodontists use several methods to determine which orthodontics treatment to use, including oral examinations, X-rays, and impressions. Your orthodontist may also check your dental records in order to better formulate your treatment plan.

Orthodontic treatments involve the use of controlled pressure on different sections of the teeth. The process repositions the teeth and dental roots in order to align the teeth into a corrected smile. This takes approximately two years, though the duration of treatments vary by case and treatment plans. After the main treatment process, your orthodontist may recommend wearing a retainer for some time after.

For further questions regarding Orthodontist Las Vegas please call (702) 463- 7400.