5 Steps To A Straight Smile With Invisalign

by torjl | Mar 17, 2016 | Invisalign

5 Steps To A Straight Smile With Invisalign

If you have an underbite, overbite, crooked, or misaligned teeth, Academy Dental in Victoria and Sooke, BC can provide you with clear Invisalign braces to straighten out your smile. The Invisalign process consists of a series of custom-made aligners that are designed specially for you. You will put in a new set of aligners every two weeks, and watch as they magically straighten your teeth gently and gradually. It’s that easy!

Step 1. Schedule A Consultation With An Invisalign Provider

Choosing to use Invisalign clear aligners is an important medical decision. We invite you to schedule a consultation with your Academy Dental team to evaluate your smile and confirm whether or not Invisalign is the right option to straighten your smile. Invisalign can address many dental cases, from simple to complex cases.

Step 2. Collaborate On A Customized Treatment Plan

Since Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made to fit your mouth, we need a detailed understanding of your teeth before designing a treatment plan. This step will include taking x-rays and impressions, and creating a 3D model image of your teeth. From this model, we will show you how your teeth will adjust and align over time, and how long you can expect the treatment to last.

Step 3. Wear Your Custom Invisalign Aligners

Based on the personalized treatment plan, our team will create a series of custom-made, clear aligners just for you. The aligners will fit comfortably in your mouth and won’t cause irritation to your cheeks, due to the smooth BPA-free plastic material. The treatment is simple: wear the aligners throughout the day, and take them off only when you are eating, brushing, and flossing your teeth. The aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into the desired place.

Step 4. Advance Your Aligners Every Two Weeks

It’s easy to progress through your treatment without frequent visits to our practice. Every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, which will gradually lead you to a straighter smile. Check in with your Academy Dental Team in Victoria or Sooke, BC approximately every six weeks so that we can monitor your Invisalign treatment progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan accordingly.

Step 5. Reveal Your New Smile

Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, you’ll see a brand new smile and a more confident you! Your Academy Dental team will be with you every step of the way, and can’t wait to celebrate your new smile!

Considering Invisalign as the invisible teeth straightening option for you? Contact us today for any inquiries such as: How It Works, Benefits, Before & After, FAQ, and your Invisalign doctors through our website. Dr. Frank Van Gyn along with the Academy Dental Dentist team look forward to providing you with a detailed smile assessment and Invisalign consultation at one of our two convenient locations in Victoria and Sooke, BC.

3 Things To Know About Laser Dentistry

by torjl | Mar 3, 2016 | Dental Technology, Laser Dentistry

3 Things To Know About Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry uses a tools that produces lasers or very narrow intense beams of light. When this light comes in contact with tissue it causes a reaction. The laser is then used to remove or shape tissues. Advanced laser treatments are used in dentistry for a variety of procedures and Academy Dental,in Victoria, has been specially trained in the application of laser technology. Here are three things you should know if you are considering Laser dentistry.

It’s effective

Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1990. They can be used as an effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures and are often used in conjunction with other dental instruments.

Lasers treatments are often used for reshaping and conturing of the gums to cosmetically alter a “gummy smile”. Or they are used for removing small growths on the gums or lips which can be a treatment for cold sores. They can also be used to preform biopsy procedures, for periodontal therapy, and desensitization for cold sensitivity among other things.

Academy dental in Victoria uses laser dentistry in teeth cleaning as lasers can reach deep pockets around the teeth where plaque and tarter build up and eventually cause gum disease. They can also reduce the amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissues and tooth cavities.

It’s comfortable

In laser dentistry there are no incisions or stitches for soft-tissue surgery. The high energy beam minimizes bleeding and disinfects the tissue at the same time, speeding up the healing process. Advanced laser treatment are pain-free and can redefine your dental experience.

It’s safe

When the average person thinks about lasers, dentistry probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Some people may even be apprehensive when they hear about laser dentistry for the first time. But laser dentistry is 100% safe and for some it may be less frightening than other dental instruments. The Academy Dental team in Victoria has received specialized training to ensure quality and precision in every laser dental treatment.

If you are considering laser dentistry and want to know if you could be a candidate for laser treatments, contact Academy Dental in Victoria at (250) 385-6552 or visit victoriadentist.com.

February is Dentistry has a Heart Month

by torjl | Feb 18, 2016 | Dental Care

February is Dentistry has a Heart Month

Heart disease is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting adults in North America. With over 1.5 million heart attacks and 600,00 strokes occurring every year, it is important that we all do what we can to keep our hearts healthy.

It’s not widely known how important good oral health is in preventing cardiovascular disease. To raise awareness, February has been named Dentistry Has a Heart Month – we thought we’d join in the cause – Dentistry has a Heart Month represents a great opportunity for us to help our patients understand the critical role your dental team has to play in your heart health.

Researchers have suggested two possible explanations for the relationship between bad oral health and heart attacks or strokes.

The first is that the bacteria that collect in your gums when you have gingivitis or periodontitis enter your blood stream as your gums bleed, sticking to and inflaming the pre-existing fatty deposits in your coronary arteries (a condition called atherosclerosis). This can cause blood clots that lead to a heart attack or stroke.

The alternate explanation is that when oral bacteria are released into the blood stream they cause the body to develop antibodies that attach to receptors on the cells lining the blood vessels of the heart. This can cause an inflammatory reaction that thickens the fatty deposits lining the coronary artery walls, reducing blood flow to dangerous levels.

Good oral care and preventive dentistry are thus critically important in the fight against heart disease. We recommend that you brush well twice every day (and floss once), and schedule appointments with your dental professionals at least twice a year.

Further, if you are experiencing any of the following signs of gum disease it’s very important to contact us to reserve an oral care appointment right away.

Gums that bleed
Sore or inflamed gums
A receding gum line
Persistent bad breath
Pus or infection in the gums
Sores in your mouth
Increased spaces developing between your teeth

Dentistry Has a Heart Month is a perfect time of year to remind ourselves that making a personal commitment to oral health will improve our overall health and lower the risk of heart disease.

How To Take Care of Your Mouthguard

by torjl | Feb 4, 2016 | Dental Care

How To Take Care of Your Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard while you’re playing sports is important to protect your teeth and avoid dental injuries. When you have invested in a sports mouth guard from your Victoria dentist, Academy Dental, we’ll take you through the process of how to properly take care of your gear to ensure it stays protective and effective for a long time. To make sure your mouthguard is providing the protection you need, here are some tips to follow for mouthguard maintenance!

Get the Right Guard

First things first – make sure you get the right mouthguard for your needs. You can find specialized mouthguards that are designed for different levels of protection depending on the sport or activity you’ll be wearing it for. They are also designed based on which areas of the mouth need the most protection, whether it’s the front of the teeth or under the molars. Come for a consultation at your Victoria dentist, Academy Dental, to get fitted for a mouthguard that’s right for you!

Don’t Chew!

Many athletes believe that chewing gum during athletics increases brain activity, as the act of chewing improves various bodily functions. However, chewing on your mouthguard can cause damage to your mouthguard, and decrease its protective qualities. Not only can chewing cause your mouthguard to be less effective, but it can also make your mouthguard less comfortable, because chewing creates rips and tears. These tears allow bacteria to get trapped in the mouthguard, which you don’t want!

Keep It Cool and Dry

No matter what type of mouthguard you have, it should be stored in a cool, dry place. It’s best to avoid heat and moisture, which can cause damage to your mouthguard and deform the protective material. Finally, be sure to keep your guard in a clean protective case when you’re not using it.

For more information about how to take proper care of your mouthguard, come visit us at one of Academy Dental‘s convenient locations in Victoria.

The ultimate guide to eating with Invisalign

by torjl | Jan 23, 2016 | Invisalign

The ultimate guide to eating with Invisalign

At Academy Dental in Victoria, the most common questions our patients ask us about Invisalign are all about eating and drinking. With this mind, we’ve compiled this handy guide to help you negotiate the lunchroom with ease. Can you eat while wearing Invisalign? Some dentists say you can eat soft foods while wearing Invisalign, but it is not something we recommend at Academy Dental. In fact, the ability to remove your Invisalign trays is one of the best things about the system! Now you can eat what you want without having to worry that it is going to get stuck in your braces. If you are eating out, simply excuse yourself to the washroom to remove your trays before your meal. Can you drink while wearing Invisalign? Yes, technically you can drink with your Invisalign trays in, but again it is something that our dental team does not recommend. This is because the liquid will seep underneath the trays and can cause decay. If you do drink while wearing your Invisalign trays, find a moment to brush your teeth, or at the very least rinse them with warm water, as soon a possible. Do I have to avoid any foods or drinks? Because you will be removing your alignment trays every time you eat, you will not have to avoid any foods. But if you plan to drink with your Invisalign trays in, know that substances like coffee, tea, and red wine will stain the trays. Hot liquids could potentially melt and warp the plastic, so stay away from hot drinks! Ready to start your journey to a beautiful smile? Academy Dental can help! Contact us now for Invisalign services in the Victoria area.