Filling Cavities

Dental Filling Options for Cavities

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Fillings used to treat cavities have come a long way, and today there are many options beyond traditional metal fillings.

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Cavities, also called caries or tooth decay, develop when plaque damages the enamel that protects the outer surface of the teeth.

If you have cavities, it is important to have them treated by a dentist as soon as possible. Without prompt treatment, cavities can eventually progress and affect the delicate tissue and nerves deep within your teeth. When cavities are treated early, serious complications, such as nerve damage and tooth loss can be prevented.

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Preventing Gum Disease - Biermann Orthodontics

Signs of Gum Disease

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Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Periodontitis, also generally called gum disease or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end — if not properly treated — with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth.

What’s the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Gingivitis (gum inflammation) usually precedes periodontitis (gum disease). However, it is important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.

In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, causing the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.

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The Changing Face of Orthodontics - Biermann Orthodontics

The Changing Face of Orthodontics

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While the goals of orthodontic treatment haven’t changed since the early days, the way in which we reach those goals to create beautiful, healthy smiles has evolved significantly. With today’s advanced digital technologies, doctors can offer a more comfortable treatment experience that is both faster and allows for better, more exact final results. Gone are the days of providing all patients with the same metal brackets regardless of the underlying issues. Now, we can customize brackets and digitally design each step of the treatment to ensure the course of action addresses the patient’s needs (yours!)

Almost all adults believe a smile is an important social asset and approximately 23 million adult Americans are interested in improving their smiles. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment as an adult, you’re not alone. All patients share similar concerns: how long treatment will take, how painful will it be and how will it affect appearance. The world of orthodontic treatment has changed! Today, with cutting-edge technologies, we can forgo headgear and bulky metal braces and develop a predictable, patient-specific treatment plan with custom made brackets. The following article highlights how technology has successfully addressed some of the biggest treatment fears adult patients have. Braces may just be the perfect option for you!

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What are Orthodontic Spacers?

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Your orthodontist may have told you that you need to have spacers before your braces go on. What does this mean?

Some of your teeth may need brackets that are attached to metal bands that go all the way around the tooth.* Usually, the bands are used only on molars. If the space between your molars is very tight, it will be difficult for the orthodontist to put the bands on the teeth. Therefore, space must be opened up to fit the bands in. This is where spacers come in.

SpacersSpacers are little rubber nodules that fit between the teeth. In some cases, your orthodontist may use a metal spacer, which looks like a tiny metal hinge. The spacers stay between your teeth for several days and move the teeth apart slightly. You wear the spacers 24/7 until your orthodontist removes them. Do not floss teeth that have spacers between them (it will be impossible)!

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What is Hyperdontia? - Biermann Orthodontics

What is Hyperdontia?

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Sometimes children are born with supernumerary, or additional, teeth, which is an oral condition called “hyperdontia.” Extreme cases are very rare, and the majority of cases are limited to only a single tooth. The standard number of primary teeth is 20, and the standard number of permanent teeth is 32. The first set of teeth to erupt in a person’s mouth are the primary teeth. Typically these appear by the age of 3, and are shed by the age of 12. Permanent teeth are usually erupted by the age of 21, and take the place of those primary teeth. If a person develops more than 20 primary teeth, or more than 32 permanent teeth, the condition is known as hyperdontia.

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Misconceptions About Orthodontics | Biermann Orthodontics

Misconceptions About Orthodontics

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By Dr. Leighton Wood, DDS, MS, PC

While everyone understands that a dentist takes care of teeth, not everyone is aware of what an orthodontist does. This confusion sometimes leads to misunderstandings about what our practice does for our patients and how exactly we can help them. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of the myths and misconceptions about orthodontics.

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