David J. Martin, DDS Blog

Research shows that certain dental treatments can improve conditions that have previously been considered only medical. What do headaches and heart disease have to do with dentistry?

Dr. Janet Travel, who was the White House physician for Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, estimated that up to 90% of pain in the head and neck was due to painful muscles. These are the same muscles that move the jaw when the teeth bite and chew. If the teeth fit together in a way that is uncomfortable for the muscles, patients can be prone to headaches. Dentists have a variety of treatments to improve individual bite patterns. This can help with headaches and other bite related symptoms.

Recent research has shown that c-reactive protein (CRP) is even more important than cholesterol as a risk factor for heart disease. CRP is produced as a result of inflammation and gingivitis is inflamed gums. For years, doctors have noted a correlation between people with gingivitis and heart disease. CRP appears to be the missing link.

If you have headaches or heart disease, and your doctors are doing all they can, see your dentist.

Ever wanted to get your teeth straightened but were afraid it might hurt or cost too much?

Our office now offers Invisalign® – the exciting new way to straighten your teeth without braces

Invisalign® is an exciting new technology that straightens your teeth with a series of clear, customized, removable aligners. The aligner is a thin piece of medical grade plastic that fits over the teeth like a glove would fit on a hand. Hardly anyone can tell you’re going through treatment and because the aligners are removable, you can eat whatever you want during treatment.

Invisalign is an alternative to braces and has been developed for use on adults and teens. Invisalign uses a series of virtually invisible, custom-made appliances to move teeth into the desired position. For the many patients interested in straightening their teeth, but not willing to wear metal braces, Invisalign can be an ideal treatment.

We have found so many people have been unhappy with crowded teeth or smiles that do not seem to enhance their looks. According to The Journal of the American Dental Association, two-thirds to three-fourths of adults have some degree of malocclusion (crooked teeth). Malocclusion presents many challenges to good oral hygiene. The simple fact is straight teeth are healthier teeth, and more and more Americans are choosing aesthetic, low profile treatment solutions to get straighter teeth and correct their “bite.” While a beautiful, healthy smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment, orthodontic health can also have a positive impact on overall physical health and self-esteem.

But Invisalign isn’t the only innovation in dental practices today. Offices like ours are using digital photography, radiology and video, chair-side computers and Internet access, and a host of technology-based products to educate patients about their dentition and engage them in the treatment process.

This is a terrific story of how technology impacts and improves our health care and our everyday lives. We’d like to arrange some time for you to talk with Dr.’s Martin or Ferraiolo about all the ways technology is improving dental care. In addition, we just received new Beta footage of the technology and manufacturing process behind Invisalign. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions or need additional information.