The Smile Design Center of Baltimore

"I love the way my teeth look and feel" | Review for The Smile Design Center

Take a Look at These Links to Learn About Your Potential Dental Treatment Options

If you would like to know more about laser periodontal therapy or whether the Invisalign treatment process complements your lifestyle, check out the following online resources:

• This page from Invisalign.com explains why many patients prefer Invisalign to traditional metal braces.
• Read this leaflet from the American Dental Association to learn what the scaling and root planing process entails.
• For a list of the many different uses for the Waterlase laser device, visit LaserDentistry.com.
• Learn how Waterlase is revolutionizing the treatment of periodontal disease in this article from PJSR.org.
• The American Academy of Periodontology answers some commonly asked questions about the use of laser therapy to treat periodontal disease.

Call The Smile Design Center of Baltimore at (443) 275-9821 for the answers to your cosmetic and general dentistry questions or to schedule an appointment.

A Guide to Laser Periodontal Treatment

Patients with severe periodontal disease often require a scaling and root planing procedure, which serves to remove the bacteria that are harming the teeth and gums and encourage the tissue to heal for more effective at-home oral care. Although this process can be performed manually, using instruments to clean the teeth, technological advances have resulted in the development of laser procedures that work more quickly and comfortably. Read on to learn how the BIOLASE Waterlase device can help your cosmetic dentist treat periodontal disease:

1. Removal of Infected Tissue
Advanced periodontal disease often results in bacteria-filled pockets that form between the teeth and gums. In order to prevent dental deterioration and enable the gums to heal, the bacteria and inflamed tissue must be broken down and removed. While dentists traditionally accomplish this task by using sharp instruments, the Waterlase laser makes this step faster and less invasive. The laser light kills the bacteria it touches, thereby quickly and effectively sterilizing periodontal pockets. 

2. Scaling of Tartar and Plaque
In order to ensure that bacteria are fully removed from pockets, the surface of teeth both above and below the gum line are “scaled,” or scraped free of built-up tartar. Using the Waterlase device, your cosmetic dentist can avoid disturbing your gums and finish this portion of the procedure with minimal discomfort to you.

3. Planing of Root Surfaces
To prevent the recurrence of plaque buildup and facilitate the adherence of gum tissue to the teeth, the affected roots are smoothed in a process known as “planing.” The Waterlase laser can be used during this step as well, precisely targeting the enamel while avoiding damage to nearby structures.

Find out whether periodontal therapy using Waterlase is right for you by calling The Smile Design Center of Baltimore at (443) 275-9821. We help our patients smile confidently by using the latest techniques to provide effective and comfortable dental care.

Download This App to Keep Track of Your Invisalign Treatment

While you are in the process of straightening your teeth with Invisalign, it is vital for you to remember when to switch to the next aligner. If you accidentally wear the same set of trays for too long or change to the wrong ones, you could end up prolonging your treatment.

Keeping track of this process when you are given dozens of aligner trays to wear over the course of a year can be a challenge. Fortunately, the free Align on Time app can help you stay on course, with a handy alert system that tells you when to switch trays and which number to use next.

To learn more about the Invisalign treatment process, contact The Smile Design Center of Baltimore. Call (443) 275-9821 today to schedule a consultation appointment!

Is Invisalign Right for You?

There is a variety of ways to enhance your smile with the help of a cosmetic dentist. If you desire straight teeth but are unsure whether to choose traditional metal braces, porcelain veneers, or Invisalign aligner trays, check out the following information to learn why Invisalign may be a good choice for you:

You Have Minor Orthodontic Issues
Invisalign is designed to treat many of the same issues corrected by metal braces, including overcrowding of teeth, noticeable gaps, and abnormal bite. By gently shifting teeth into position, Invisalign aligners can provide an attractive smile, facilitate better oral hygiene, and minimize pain caused by improper movement of the jaw joint.

You Practice Self-Discipline
Because Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating and oral care, many patients are tempted to leave them off for longer periods of time. However, in order for the treatment to be as effective and efficient as possible, you should keep your aligners in for at least 20 hours each day. This commitment is made easier by the comfort of custom-fit trays that won’t irritate the inside of your mouth.

You Want to Look Your Best
Whether you are a high-profile professional who wishes to straighten your teeth discreetly or a student wanting to avoid the hassle of metal braces, Invisalign can keep your smile looking picture-perfect throughout the treatment process. You won’t ever have to worry about the remnants of a meal remaining in your teeth; after your treatment ends, you are also unlikely to exhibit the discolored white spots that can affect those with traditional metal braces.

Learn more about the benefits of Invisalign by calling The Smile Design Center of Baltimore at (443) 275-9821. We can walk you through the process involved in straightening your teeth with Invisalign and help you decide which methods are best for achieving the look you want.