Welcome to Dr. Anna Lee’s monthly newsletter,

Soon 2018 will be coming to a close, and so will your yearly dental benefits. We would like to remind you to schedule your dental hygiene, exam and/or any other dental procedures as soon as possible in order to fully utilize your 2018 insurance benefits. These benefits, as well as healthcare flexible spending accounts, may expire at the end of December.

Unlike medical insurance, healthcare flexible spending accounts, and most dental insurance plans, do not roll over to the following year. As such, any unused benefits dollars for 2018 will be lost.

We know how busy families are today, but by coming in for regular dental hygiene appointments and exams you may avoid dental complications that may cause you to exceed future dental benefits. We are committed to the prevention of dental disease, and exams and dental hygiene are essential in that effort.

As the end of the year approaches, calendars get busy and things get put off. We kindly ask you to call 626-335-5114 today so that we may schedule your appointment as soon as possible. We want you to maximize your benefits and have the best dental treatment available. Remember, it is always best to catch dental problems early.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

P.S. Don’t forget that most dental insurance plans are “use it or lose it!” Don’t put it off any longer-

Dr. Anna Lee & Staff

Amalgam and Composite fillings

What are amalgam fillings?

Amalgam fillings are also known as “silver fillings.”  Dental amalgam is a combination of mercury, silver, tin, copper and small amounts of zinc, indium or palladium.  Mercury makes up 50% of the filling material and it binds all the other metals together to provide a strong, safe and durable filling.

What are composite filling?

Composite fillings are also known as “tooth-colored fillings” or “white fillings.”  Composite is a blend of plastics and small glass particles that are used to do small and large fillings for front and back teeth.

Pros and Cons of amalgam and composite fillings

Pros: Amalgam fillings

·       Proven-most popular and effective filling material used in dentistry for the last 150 years

·       Economical-cost less than composite fillings

·       Durable

Cons: Amalgam fillings

·       Unesthetic & Noticeable-black/grey teeth

·       Allergies-some people are sensitive to the metals in amalgam

Pros: Composite fillings

·       Esthetic-natural looking, match the color of natural teeth

·       Easy adhesion-bond directly to the tooth surface

·       Preserves maximum amount of tooth structure, less drilling, and less tooth structure reduction

Cons:  Composite fillings

·       More frequent replacement, they don’t last as long as amalgam fillings

·       Placing a composite filling is more involved and it is a longer appointment

Why is mercury used in amalgam and is it safe?

·       Mercury is used in amalgam because it binds all the other metals together to provide a strong, safe and durable filling. Mercury also helps making the filling material pliable. When mercury is mixed with alloy powder it becomes soft enough to mix and press into the tooth.  Amalgam filling hardens quickly and can withstand the forces of biting and chewing.

·       In 2009, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluation and research concluded that amalgam fillings are safe for adults and children ages 6 and above.

Are amalgam fillings a problem?

·       In 1998, the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs published the scientific literature on dental amalgam and concluded that amalgam continues to be a safe and effective restorative material.  

·       In recent years, tests show very small amount of mercury (vapor) can be released as the amalgam filling wears in the mouth over time.

·       Several reviews of the research concluded that any amount released from amalgam in the mouth is very low.

·       Other studies showed that the amount of mercury people are exposed to from the fillings is less than the amount that people are exposed to in their environment and their foods.

When should amalgam fillings be replaced with another type of dental material?  What material? 

·       Patients should remove their amalgam fillings if tooth is breaking, chipping, decaying or when the filling is worn.  There is no need to replace the amalgam if amalgam is intact with no tooth problems.

·       Removing good amalgam fillings can cause unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structures and can release more mercury (vapor).

·       Depending on the size and locations of fillings; your options are composite fillings, porcelain fillings (inlays/onlays) and others

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  She is knowledgeable about different types of dental material for fillings. If you have any questions about amalgam and composite fillings, please visit us at www.annaleedds.com or call for a dental checkup at 626-335-5114. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

       

Teeth whitening is a very popular cosmetic procedure.  Most people want to whiten their teeth for a whiter and brighter smile.  There are different options to achieve the smile.  Dental professionals educate their patients about their teeth and assess whether teeth whitening is an appropriate option to achieve the white smile.  Here are some of the frequently asked questions by the patients about teeth whitening:

What are the different options of teeth whitening?

·       The use of over the counter whitening products is one of the most popular options to whiten the teeth.  They are available everywhere and can be purchased at the drug stores and on-line.  The American Dental Association cautions patients to use accepted whitening products under professional supervision for safety.

1.     Whitening toothpastes rely on mild abrasives to remove surface stains

2.     Whitening strips rely on peroxide to bleach teeth.  They are clear strips that adhere onto the teeth (6 upper and 6 lower front teeth) for about 30 minutes a day for one to two weeks.

3.     Brush-On Whitening products are painted directly onto the teeth with a small brush and sometimes are left overnight.

·       Bleaching trays-Dental staff takes impressions of the upper & lower teeth to fabricate bleaching trays.   The whitening gel is loaded into the custom fitted bleaching trays for the upper and lower teeth.  Depending on the varying concentration of the bleaching ingredients, the treatment can be completed in one to two weeks.

·       In-office (chair side) Whitening is performed in the dental office for about 60-90 minutes.  Prior to the procedure, an informed consent discussion form is reviewed and signed.   The discussions include patient’s diagnosis, proposed treatment, risks & benefits, pre-existing condition/shade of teeth, and patients’ expectations prior to treatment.  There are several teeth whitening products available to dentists.  These products contain hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 10 percent to 40 percent. Whitening results may vary depending on the conditions of patients’ teeth.

Should I whiten my teeth? Am I a candidate for teeth whitening procedure?

Most people will notice some improvement of whitening of their teeth.  If the teeth surface stains caused by coffee and tea and the discoloration are yellow, brown, or orange, you are likely a good candidate for teeth whitening.  If the discoloration is gray and it is caused by the use of tetracycline (antibiotic) and fluoride while teeth are forming, the whitening may not be as effective.  Talk to your dentist before the whitening procedure and discuss your expectations.

·       How long do the teeth whitening effects last?  

Teeth whitening is not permanent.  People who eat foods and drink beverages that cause staining may notice the whiteness start to fade in as little as one month.

·       What kind of foods do people avoid so whitening lasts longer?

Tea, coffee, chocolate, blackberries, soda, wine and others

·       How often does the teeth whitening need to be touched up? 

People who avoid foods and beverages that stain teeth may be able to wait one year or longer before another whitening procedure or touch-up is needed.

·       What can people do to maintain their bright smile?

1.     Brush or rinse immediately after consuming stain-causing foods and beverages

2.     Brush 2x/day and floss daily.  Use a whitening toothpaste 1-2x/week only to remove surface stains and use regular toothpaste the rest of the time.

3.     Regular dental checkup and dental cleaning at minimal every 6 months

What are the risks associated with teeth whitening?

The two side effects that may occur are temporary tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of gum tissues during and after the whitening procedure. Irritation of gum tissues is probably caused by the bleaching gel leaking through the barrier during the bleaching procedure.  Both the tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are temporary and resolves shortly after the end of the procedure. 

If patients continue to have tooth sensitivity after the treatment, your dentist may recommend toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate to relieve the tooth sensitivity.

·       Does teeth whitening damage tooth enamel?

No, studies show that whitening products that contain 10% of carbamide peroxide showed no effect on the hardness or mineral content of a tooth’s enamel surface.

·       Does teeth whitening damage existing dental restorations (fillings/crowns)?

No, clinical studies showed that over 10 years use of whitening products that contain 10% carbamide peroxide cause no damage to existing restoration, such as fillings or crowns.

·       Does teeth whitening cause damage to a tooth’s nerve?

No, there is no evidence to date that whitening products cause harmful effect on the health of a tooth’s nerve.

·       Will my teeth and gums be sensitive after whitening?

Sometimes after whitening procedure, teeth and gums can be sensitive.  Contact your dentist about the tooth and gum sensitivity.

Will insurance cover the teeth whitening procedure?

Most likely not, teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure.  Contact your dental insurance and find out about your benefit coverage.

Patients are so happy and excited when they see their whiter and brighter looking teeth and smile.  It is the greatest reward for a dental professional as me to share that joy and happiness with my patients.  I love to share that joy with you.  If you have any questions about teeth whitening, please contact the office for a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us www.annaleedds.com

Dental Tips for Travelers

  

Vacation Time!  Whether you are on a vacation for a few days or months away out of the country; here are some dental tips for travelers to maintain good oral care:

Make Time for a dental checkup before travel

·       Thorough oral exam to take care any dental problems before the travel

·       Your dentist should check fillings, crowns or dentures in your mouth.  Air traps in the teeth can expand at extreme altitudes; it can cause pain, inflammation and even loose fillings, crowns or dentures

In case of emergency/emergency overseas

·       Make sure to have the dentist’s contact information handy or keep a business card in the wallet

·       If you are out of the country, get a dental referral/recommendation from the local consulate or U.S. embassy

Pack Dental supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss)

·       Ventilate toothbrush-Store the toothbrush after use in a sealable plastic bag and keep it clean and out of contact with other things. As soon as you reach the destination, take the toothbrush out for air dry.

·       Toothpaste and floss-keep these supplies in the glove compartment, purses, containers, plastic bags, carry-on

·       Bring extra, portable/disposable supplies-go small, the more compact the oral hygiene items, the more likely you are to keep them handy

Eat healthy snacks

·       Cut up fruits & vegetables, baby carrots, celery sticks, sliced apples, string cheese, whole grain crackers, trail mix

·       Chew sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities.  It gets saliva flowing and washes away cavity-causing bacteria

·       Drink water

Brush with bottled water

·       If you are in a country that the water supply may be compromised, use bottled water to brush your teeth.  It reduces the risk of getting sick

·       Clean the toothbrush with bottled water.  It reduces the risk of getting sick

Stick to your routine

·       Brush your teeth 2x/day and floss daily

·       End of day with a thorough brushing and flossing. 

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  She has been taking care of adults and children’s dentistry for over 25 years.  Call our dental office for a thorough dental examination before leaving for your vacation.  If you and your family have any questions about dental care, please contact Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com.   

Oral Appliance Therapy

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while the patient is asleep.  OSA is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. These stops in breathing usually lasts about 10 seconds and are often followed by snorts, gasps, or choking sounds as the patient’s body fights to resume breathing again.

What is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?

Oral appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea continue to increase in popularity for many sleep apnea sufferers.  Over 100 different oral appliances are FDA approved for the treatment of sleep apnea.  These appliances are worn in the mouth, just like a sports mouth guard or an orthodontic appliance while sleeping.  Oral appliances hold the lower jaw forward just enough to keep the airway open and prevent the tongue and muscles in the upper airway from collapsing and blocking the airway.  Two common oral appliances are the mandibular repositioning device and the tongue retaining device.

·       Mandibular repositioning device (MAD): it pushes the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward.  It prevents the throat muscles and soft tissues from collapsing back into the airways and allowing for normal breathing during sleep.

·       Tongue retaining device: It is similar to MAD, but it has a small compartment that fits around the tongue that uses suction to keep it held forward.  This prevents the tongue from collapsing back into the airway.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) as the first line treatment for patients diagnosed with Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea.  AASM recommends oral appliance for patients with severe OSA, who are unable to tolerate wearing the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).  Another option for people with severe OSA is Combination Therapy (wear CPAP and an oral appliance together) to help reduce the pressure on a CPAP machine, making it more comfortable to use.

Why use an Oral Appliance for sleep apnea?

·       Oral appliance supports the lower jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway

·       An effect treatment option for patients with mild and moderate sleep apnea

How can an Oral Appliance help with sleep apnea?

·       Ease of use: more comfortable and tolerable than wearing a CPAP mask (no skin irritation, itchy and dry nose)

·       Small and easy to transport at travel

·       Patients tend to be more compliant

Side effects of wearing Oral Appliance Therapy

·       Soreness of the mouth, sore teeth and/or gums

·       Excessive salivation

·       Damage or permanent change in position/bite of the jaw

Dr. Anna Lee is a dentist trained in sleep apnea who can assist you with the treatment.  Dr. Anna Lee conducts a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to ensure that your teeth and jaw structure are healthy enough to wear an oral appliance. If you have any question about oral appliance therapy, please call us for a FREE CONSULTATION at        626-335-5114 or visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com