WHY DOES MY DENTIST WANT TO GIVE ME PREVENTATIVE FILLINGS?

Ryan Raybould • Dec 26, 2022

If you go to the dentist and they recommend that you get “preventative fillings,” you may be a bit confused about what this means. Aren’t fillings only meant to treat decayed teeth? Why would you need a filling if you don’t have a cavity? And is it really necessary to get a preventative filling? Get answers to all of these questions and more in this blog from Clear Smile Dental Studio.

WHAT IS A PREVENTATIVE FILLING?

As the name suggests, a preventative filing is intended to fill a tooth before a cavity has formed. This term is actually a bit of a misnomer. More accurately, preventative fillings are called “pit and fissure sealants.”

This procedure is sort of a cross between a dental filling and traditional dental sealants. In this process, Dr. Kwon will use a tooth-colored sealant material to fill up very deep pits and grooves within your tooth. Usually, this is glass ionomer composite (GIC), but some other materials may be used.

This differs from a filling because no tooth material is removed, and no decay is present. And it differs from a dental sealant because the entire tooth isn’t coated with sealant material. Only the pits and grooves within the tooth are filled, rather than the whole tooth.

WHY WOULD I NEED A PREVENTATIVE FILLING?

It may seem silly to get a filling when you don’t have a cavity. But the reason to get preventative fillings is in the name! When applied properly and in a timely manner, they can protect your tooth from decay, and eliminate the need for a filling or a dental crown in the future.

Most of the time, preventative fillings are recommended when you have really deep grooves, fissures, or pits in your molars. The molars are meant to have these anatomical features, since they help crush and grind food.

But unfortunately, they can also be prone to cavities. It’s hard to clean these fissures and pits, so food particles, bacteria, and acid can build up and lead to cavities in the rear teeth. This is common in both kids and adults.

By getting a preventative filling, you can seal up these pits and grooves, ensure that your tooth is easy to clean, and completely avoid decay. This is a particularly good choice if you have a history of cavities, or you have genetically weak enamel that’s susceptible to decay.

Not only is the process of a preventative filling faster, cheaper, and less invasive compared to a traditional dental filling, but it also ensures that you’ll have an easier time keeping your teeth clean. So if your Stamford dentist recommends pit and fissure sealants, take their advice. It will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run!

NEED A PREVENTATIVE DENTIST IN STAMFORD? COME TO CLEAR SMILE DENTAL STUDIO!

At our office, Dr. Park and Dr. Kwon focus on conservative, preventative dentistry in Stamford, and we offer a wide variety of treatments including preventative fillings. With our help, you can keep your smile healthy, avoid cavities, and get peace of mind in Stamford. Contact us online or call Clear Smile Dental Studio at (203) 883-4451 to schedule your appointment.

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INVISALIGN VS. BRACES – WHICH IS FASTER?

By Ryan Raybould • 26 Dec, 2022

Exploring your options for a straighter smile in Stamford? You may be wondering if braces or Invisalign from Clear Smile Dental Studio in Stamford are right for you. Both cosmetic treatments can be used to correct problems with your smile and your bite, and Invisalign has the advantage of being more subtle, removable to brush and to eat, and better overall comfort for most patients. But which treatment is faster? If you want the fastest results, should you choose Invisalign, or are traditional metal braces a better choice? Find out now in this blog as we discuss the treatment time of Invisalign compared to braces. INVISALIGN IS USUALLY FASTER THAN BRACES IF YOU QUALIFY FOR BOTH TREATMENTS The short answer is that Invisalign tends to be faster than braces if you are a good candidate for both treatments. In most cases, Invisalign takes around 20-22 sets of aligners, which are worn for about 2 weeks each. This means that the total treatment time is around a year for most people who choose Invisalign. In contrast, braces usually require at least 12-18 months of treatment for similar cases. This is because the type of force used in Invisalign treatment moves all of the teeth at once, as a unit. Braces move all of your teeth individually. Of course, this can vary depending on your case. In some cases, Invisalign may take more or less time, and the same is true of braces. Everyone’s mouth is different. The only way to know how long each treatment will take is to consult with a Stamford dentist like Dr. Byungchul Park or Dr. Gitae Kwon at Clear Smile Dental Studio. After your appointment, Dr. Park or Dr. Kwon will be able to provide you with an estimate on how long it will take to treat your smile with Invisalign and with traditional braces, allowing you to choose the right option for your situation. … BUT BRACES ARE MORE VERSATILE AND MAY BE NEEDED FOR COMPLEX CASES Invisalign is faster than braces if you qualify for both treatments. But in some cases, you may not be a good candidate for treatment with Invisalign. If you have very severe bite problems or extremely misaligned teeth, Invisalign may not be an option for you. Due to the way it works, Invisalign has some limitations, and can’t be used for all patients. Braces, on the other hand, can be used alongside other orthodontic appliances and even oral surgery to treat any problem with your bite or smile alignment. If this is the case for you, braces are definitely a better option. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to wear braces for up to 24-36 months, but at the end of your treatment, you will have a bright, beautiful, and healthy smile. READY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INVISALIGN IN STAMFORD? CONTACT US TODAY! If you’re wondering whether or not you’re a good candidate for Invisalign in Stamford, the team at Clear Smile Dental Studio is here to help. Dr. Park and Dr. Chun are Invisalign experts, and are standing by to serve patients throughout the Stamford area. To schedule your orthodontic consultation, just contact us online or give us a call at (203) 883-4451. We look forward to seeing you soon, and exploring your options for a straighter, healthier, and more beautiful smile.

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By Ryan Raybould • 26 Dec, 2022

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