Invisalign

Invisalign is a system of straightening teeth without the use of conventional braces. A series of clear plastic aligners are utilized to create tooth movement. New technology has developed that can generate a series of aligners with small changes to each aligner and doesn’t require traditional braces. A new aligner is given to patients every few weeks to continue moving the teeth into the desired position.

Made from a clear plastic material and fit tightly over the teeth, Invisalign can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. At Alta Loma Dental Care we make the aligners so they are virtually impossible to notice, comfortable, and easy to wear.

Invisalign is recommended for young adults and adults with fully developed mouths so the Invisalign fits appropriately and their mouth structure isn’t still changing. Children’s mouths aren’t fully developed at a young age so they are a better fit for traditional braces. Patients who have only a mild to moderate case of spacing and crowding with their teeth are the best fit for invisalign.

At Alta Loma Dental Care we specialize in Invisalign and can get patients on the right track to making their teeth healthier and straighter.

To learn more about Invisalign and the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadental.com for more information. To schedule in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Teeth Grinding

Patients affected by bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, need a customized night guard from Alta Loma Dental Care. Teeth grinding can damage enamel, wear down teeth, create jaw pain, and irritate your gums. The only way to prevent teeth grinding is a customized night guard that we make to protect the top and bottom of your teeth from grinding while you sleep.

The reason people most likely grind their teeth is due to an abnormal bite, or missing or crooked teeth. Patients who experience high levels of stress and anxiety are also more prone to teeth grinding.

It is difficult for patients that grind their teeth to know they do it because they are sleeping. Patients waking up with headaches or sore jaws regularly are likely grinding their teeth. Teeth grinding is loud and can be heard by other people who are present while you asleep and should tell you.

Night guards are the only defense against teeth grinding and guards can be made at Alta Loma Dental to prevent your teeth from ruining a good night's sleep.

To learn more about night guards and the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadental.com. To schedule an appointment at our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Dental Phobia

If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you may suffer from dental phobia which is a more serious condition than anxiety. It leaves people panic-stricken and terrified to visit the dentist, an estimated 10-20% of people suffer from dental phobia. Many patients simply avoid the dentist to solve the problem until the pain in their mouth is no longer tolerable. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we work with our patients to make their experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Patients who have trouble sleeping the night before the dentist may suffer from dental phobia. If while at the dentist's office patients feel physically ill, nervous, or experience intense uneasiness they should talk to their dentist to find a solution. Dentists should always take your concerns seriously and do everything they can to put your mind at ease.

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we talk to our patients to make sure they are comfortable and feel at ease while in the chair. If patients have issues that cause them duress while at our practice, we work with them to find common ground and make the experience is as pleasant as possible.

To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadental.com for more information. To schedule in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

A Whiter Smile Next Year

Everyone likes to make a make a great impression with a nice bright smile.  Alta Loma Dental Care provides an at-home whitening system to patients that you can use to whiten and brighten your smile gradually at home.  Patients with serious and minor stains can both see great results from this whitening treatment.  A consultation can help you determine how severe your stains are and what kind of results you can expect from a whitening treatment.  Come visit us about teeth whitening and start the New Year with your best smile!

To whiten your teeth at home, we outfit patients with whitening gel and a set of custom trays for application.  A dentist takes an impression of your teeth, and from this impression two custom trays are made for your top and bottom teeth.  The trays are made for you to take home and use by applying gel to the trays and then fitting them over your teeth. The dentist’s recommendation of how often to treat and how long each treatment should last may vary.  When following the dentist’s recommendations, most patients see results of teeth whitening 4-8 shades.

To learn more about teeth whitening and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Have You Had A Cleaning This Year?

The doctors and staff of Alta Loma Dental Care encourage all our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  During the holidays, we want everyone looking forward to the New Year and maintaining great oral hygiene!  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional.  Schedule a cleaning and ring in the New Year with your best smile!

It’s important to see a professional regularly not just to clean your teeth, but also to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. Come see us for a cleaning to make a great impression during the holidays!

To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Smoking with Sleep Apnea

Smoking cigarettes will exacerbate any respiratory condition, and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should come visit us at Alta Loma Dental Care for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea with a snore guard, but quitting smoking is up to you!

Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the flow of air to the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea like a snore guard or CPAP machine, but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments we provide, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Orthodontics for Adults

The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care provide orthodontic care for adolescents and adults.  It is often recommended to start orthodontic treatment on an adolescent patient once all the permanent teeth have come in, but adults can still get great results from orthodontic care.  There are several options for adults beginning orthodontic treatment, and the best one for you will depend on what needs to be corrected.

To correct bite issues and straighten teeth, the traditional braces method includes brackets on the teeth and connecting wires that are tightened over the course of treatment. Clear braces use the same method but the materials are tooth-colored to avoid a metallic look.  Accelerated orthodontics are applied to correct cosmetic issues in about six months. Severe misalignments and bite issues can’t be corrected in such a short time, but if your concerns are purely cosmetic, it’s a great option for a short treatment time that can completely transform your smile.  Invisalign treatment is popular because of its almost invisible appearance.  A treatment plan consists of a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth over time.  Come see us and find out what will be best to correct your smile!

To learn more about orthodontic treatment and all the services provided at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

What Is TMD?

The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw bone (mandible) to the temporal bones in your skull, in front of each ear.  A general term for any problem or issue with this joint is temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care help patients prevent and recover from negative effects of TMD.

Patients that grind or clench their teeth often end up with a sore jaw.  Other patients experience injuries with facial trauma that cause jaw pain, or result in the patient feeling their jaw gets stuck or ‘locks’ in either an open or closed position.  A custom night guard keeps the jaw in a neutral position during sleep, and this helps many patients find relief from TMD symptoms.  For any pain, your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller or warm and cold compresses.  To prevent further discomfort, you may be assigned stretches for your jaw.  Whatever your symptoms, you don’t have to suffer with discomfort in your jaw.  Contact us for help today.

To learn more about TMD and the services provided at the practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268. 

Makeover Your Smile With Veneers!

The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care are always getting questions from patients about the latest trends in cosmetic fixes for unsightly teeth.  Some fixes are recommended just to repair damage or just to whiten, but veneers are the best way to give your smile a total makeover. Veneers are thin ceramic shells that bond directly to the surface of your teeth.  This gives you the opportunity to completely change the appearance of your smile and still look natural.  Patients with cosmetic issues like staining, cracked or chipped teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a dazzling smile with veneers.

We can give a patient a brand new smile using veneers in as little as two visits!  First, your dentist will discuss the shape and look you want for your new smile.  Then an impression of your teeth is taken in order to custom-fit the final product to the surfaces of your teeth.  The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom veneers will be fabricated, which may take up to two weeks.  On your final visit, the veneers are bonded to your teeth for you to wear and enjoy!

To learn more about veneers and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Keeping Up With Regular Cleanings

It is recommended by the Academy of General Dentistry to have a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months.  At Alta Loma Dental Care, we encourage patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional.

It’s important to see a professional regularly to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist.

To learn more about teeth cleanings and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Laser Treatment for Gums

The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care have seen great results at the practice from laser technology.  This advancement in the technology available to dentists has been especially successful in periodontal treatments.  Patients experiencing every stage of gum disease can see improvement from laser treatment.  The laser is so effective in periodontal treatments because it can target unhealthy gum tissue and leave healthy tissue undisturbed. The precision that can be achieved with a laser results in less trauma to the mouth and less recovery time.

In the past, periodontal treatment was completed using more aggressive tools and often required stitches. With a precise laser, treating only the affected gum tissue and not damaging any healthy gums is more efficient and causes little to no bleeding, which means less swelling after the procedure.  Patients often find the laser procedure relatively painless, so less and sometimes no anesthetic is needed! 

To learn more about the periodontal treatments we offer, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Caring for Invisalign

Some Alta Loma Dental Care use Invisalign, the clear aligner system that straightens teeth without the metallic look of braces. Another perk of Invisalign clear aligners is that they require less maintenance and won’t prevent you from eating certain foods.  Although you won’t have to make too many changes, there are still guidelines you should follow to wear and care for your aligners.  You should remove Invisalign each time you eat, but if you do eat anything while wearing the aligners make sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.  Ideally when wearing clear aligners, you would only drink water. Colorful drinks can stain the aligners and too many hot drinks can eventually warp the plastic.  If you do drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners you should rinse them with warm water afterwards. 

Cleaning the clear aligners regularly is important for your teeth and straightening treatment.  Clear aligners can become discolored over time without losing their effectiveness, but the color can show on your own teeth and continue to darken.  Invisalign offers its own brand of cleaning solution, and there are several soaking solutions available over the counter, but brushing the aligners is also a sufficient cleaning option.  Do not use toothpaste to brush the aligners because subtle abrasive properties of toothpaste could harm the aligner.  It is best to use mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call 909-987-6268.

Pain with Braces

We’ve seen many smiles transformed with braces Alta Loma Dental Care, and we know braces are a long process and that there is some pain and discomfort along the way.  Patients with braces often feel a little discomfort after their wires have been tightened, and patients with new braces usually experience some uncomfortable chafing as their mouth gets used to braces.  These are both normal occurrences and there are simple ways to ease the pain while getting to your perfect smile!  

With a new set of braces, the insides of cheeks and lips will rub against the brackets and wires.  The soft tissue will toughen as your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, but at first it can create sore spots.  Dental wax is a great defense against this.  Just a small piece can cover the edge of a bracket and relieve any chafing.  After a set of braces is tightened a patient will also feel some pain and soreness.  The patient should eat soft foods right after a tightening if they are experiencing discomfort.  If the pain continues, over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Motrin are helpful.  Please still contact the office if you experience any extreme or long-lasting discomfort.

To learn more about orthodontics and all the services we provide, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call 909-987-6268.

How Can I Get a Crown in a Single Appointment?

The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care use technology that delivers to give patients the best products available and the most pleasant dental visit possible.  CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.  As the full name implies, CEREC equipment is used to fabricate crowns in the office during a dental appointment.

A crown fits over the top of a tooth like a little cap.  When a tooth experiences damage or decay, it can be rescued with a crown if the tooth hasn’t been harmed near the root.  For a tooth to receive a new crown, the decay will be drilled out and the remaining tooth is then reshaped to ensure there will be a great fit for the crown.  Without CEREC machines, other dentists make a mold of the patient’s mouth and send the mold to a laboratory which designs the restoration.  Using CEREC allows us to take a detailed digital image which we use to design the new restoration and mill a custom product.  It only takes about 10 minutes for the CEREC machine to mill a ceramic crown restoration, and it can be applied in the mouth on the same visit.  With the aid of CEREC technology, a crown can be done in as little as an hour!

To learn more about single visit crowns and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Sleep apnea is something that can affect everyone. While this is true, there are also risk factors that can increase your risk or make sleep apnea symptoms worse. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we treat sleep apnea. Keep reading for more information obstructive sleep apnea and its risk factors.

Sleep apnea is hereditary. This means it can be passed down from parent to child. Though sleep apnea is often found in older men who are overweight, it can affect anyone regardless of their gender, age, or size. It can even affect babies and children.

Some factors that increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Being overweight


• Being male


• Being older


• Smoking


• Use of alcohol or sedatives

While these factors can certainly increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea and worsen symptoms, sleep apnea is not limited to those factors. As mentioned before, men, women, and children of all ages and sizes can have sleep apnea. Often it is caused by the way your airway is structured. Extra soft tissue or a narrow airway can be enough to cause the disturbance. If you are at risk, it is important to cut out factors that you can control like tobacco and alcohol.

It is important to treat sleep apnea for a good night’s sleep and the health of your entire body. To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Why Your Teeth May Be Sensitive

Sensitive teeth can be a real pain and frustrating to deal with. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we are able to talk with you to find out why your teeth may be experiencing sensitivity. Until your appointment with us, check out some of the reasons why it may be happening and evaluate your habits to see if changing them could help.

It is important to see your dentist if you are experiencing sensitive teeth because we need to check to see if it is a cavity or an infection. If it’s not, it is most likely due to worn down enamel. Here is how that can happen:

Brushing Too Hard to Too Soon

When brushing your teeth, you do not have to scrub hard. A light touch with soft bristles is all that is needed to remove plaque. It is more about the technique you use than the strength you use. In addition, do not brush your teeth too soon after eating or drinking anything but water. The acid in our food softens our enamel and if we brush before it hardens again, we could brush away enamel.

 

More Acid

Speaking of the acid in our food, sometimes sensitivity can be caused simply because we are eating too much acid. Pop, candy, and energy drinks contain a lot of acid so make sure these are enjoyed sparingly. Also, while tomatoes and citrus fruits are good for our health, they should also be consumed in moderation. It can also help to rinse your mouth out after consuming foods and drinks with a high acidic content.

 

Grinding Your Teeth

If you notice that you wake up with a sore jaw or sore teeth, you may be grinding and clenching your teeth at night. Some patients even notice themselves doing it during the day. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, see us for a protective night guard.

 

Sensitive teeth can create pain and make you want to avoid some of your favorite foods like cold ice cream or hot apple cider. To schedule an examination with Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA office, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Avoiding Uneven Staining After Braces

Preventing staining can keep a smile white and bright and it is even more important while you are wearing braces. Because the brackets are usually in place for at least a year, staining can lead to uneven marks when the braces come off. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we offer professional teeth whitening; however it is nice to know how to avoid staining, as well.

The main part of keeping a white smile is keeping a great dental hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth for the recommended amount of times and doing a thorough job. It will help to brush after every meal. Just be sure to wait at least thirty minutes after eating to protect your enamel. Also, be sure to hit spots like the roof of your mouth, your inner cheeks, and your tongue. These places, especially your tongue, can collect bacteria just like your teeth. It will help to pick up some extra supplies like an interdental cleaner and floss threaders. These make it easier to clean around the brackets and wires.

When it comes to dark foods and drinks, they are okay every now and then but try to avoid consuming them frequently. Examples of these foods are cranberries, tomato soup, coffee, and tea. Liquids can be sipped through a straw to minimize contact. Rinsing your mouth out afterward can also help deter any lasting staining.

Interested in perfecting your smile? Inquire about our orthodontic options and professional teeth whitening. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, call (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

TMJ Exercises

TMD is a condition that affects the TMJs, causing pain, stiffness, and a lot of frustration. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we can provide experienced and effective treatment for TMD. These exercises may also help with relaxing your jaw and increasing range of motion. However, if any of these exercises make the pain worse, do not continue.

Relax

To help relax your jaw, smile the biggest, widest smile as you can while keeping your jaw open about two inches. Hold this post for five seconds and then release. You can do this exercise several times until you begin to feel your jaw and facial muscles relax.

Strengthen

This exercise will help strengthen the ligaments around your jaw and it will help relax the muscles you use to close your mouth. Close your mouth, keeping your teeth together, but not clenched. Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, right behind your front teeth. Move your tongue backwards until the tip touches your soft palate. Gently and slowly open your mouth until your tongue is separated from the soft palate. Keep your mouth open for five seconds and then close your mouth. Repeat this exercise slowly for five minutes.

Stretch

To stretch your tight jaw, start with your mouth closed but with your teeth slightly parted. Place your thumb under your chin and apply gentle pressure. With your thumb creating pressure, open your mouth. Do this exercise ten times. Gradually, you will notice you can open your mouth comfortable more and more.

If you notice you are having difficulties with your TMJs, be sure to schedule an appointment with us for help. To schedule at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

What Causes Worn Down Teeth?

Worn down teeth can lead to sensitivity, gum irritation, and it can even make you prone to cavities. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we want our patients to be educated on how to keep a healthy smile. Read on to learn what can lead to worn down teeth. Also, visit our Alta Loma, CA office for your routine examination and more dental advice.

 

Brushing Too Hard

The purpose of brushing teeth is to remove plaque and other debris. Plaque is a thin, sticky film that covers teeth, but it is very soft and easily removed. All it takes is some light scrubbing with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Using excessive force or stiff bristles can actually harm your teeth by wearing down your enamel.

 

Home Whitening

Many patients have seen these at-home whitening kits while scrolling through Pinterest. It promises bright, white teeth while using something that you probably already have in your pantry; however, baking soda is very abrasive. If used too much, it can lead to very worn down enamel, making your teeth prone to cavities. In addition, worn down enamel tends to darken teeth, the opposite of what you were trying to accomplish! For safe, professional whitening, contact us!

 

Acidic Drinks

Another way that patients can damage their tooth enamel is by drinking large amounts of acidic drinks like pop. The acid in your favorite cola can gradually eat through enamel. Stick to keeping pop and other acidic beverages as treats for now and then, not daily drinks. In addition, wait at least thirty minutes after drinking an acidic drink to brush your teeth. The acid softens our enamel which can then be brushed away. Waiting at least thirty minutes will allow the enamel to re-harden.

Remember to keep a great at-home oral hygiene routine and visit us for your checkups! To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, call our office at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

How Does a Dental Bridge Replace a Tooth?

Replacing your missing teeth will allow you to chew properly, it will help maintain your jaw structure, and it keeps your smile looking like you. One option for tooth replacement we offer here at Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA office is the dental bridge. Being around for a long time, the bridge is a popular option.

Dental bridges work by attaching a replacement tooth to dental crowns. The dental crowns are placed on the teeth next to where the opening is and the replacement tooth sits snugly in the opening. Dental bridges are made to last a long time and they can look just like the rest of your teeth. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we have a dental laboratory create a completely custom crown for each of our patients.

To get started with the bridge process, first, your teeth adjacent to the opening are reshaped so that crowns can be fitted on them. Next, an impression of the area is taken so the dental lab can create the bridge. You will wear a temporary bridge while your permanent bridge is being created. When it is ready, the bridge arrives with the replacement tooth, called a pontic, attached to one or more crowns. We then cement the bridge into place.

Tooth replacement is important for a variety of reasons. If you have recently lost a tooth, do not hesitate to find out your replacement options. To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, call our office at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.