Porcelain Veneers to Correct Cosmetic Concerns

When the overall appearance of the teeth is a primary concern, porcelain veneers have proven to be the ideal cosmetic solution in many instances. Porcelain veneers are an effective means to address a variety of concerns for men and women. Because our self-image and self-confidence are so closely impacted by our smiles, the ability to conceal and correct imperfections can also improve our lives.

When the natural teeth appear discolored, worn, chipped or fractured, porcelain veneers are an extremely conservative cosmetic solution. Veneers are also effective when the teeth are not properly aligned, or when they are not uniformly shaped. The size of the teeth can also impact the overall appeal of your smile. With veneers, your cosmetic dentist can reshape and resize the teeth to more accurately reflect your age, gender, and physical stature.

In essence, by utilizing an ultra-thin porcelain shell, your cosmetic dentist can design teeth that look as beautiful and as natural as you desire. Often, patients who have considered whitening, orthodontics, bonding, and other cosmetic treatments have found that veneers can address multiple concerns at once. For instance, stained or fractured bonding material can be concealed by a brighter, whiter veneer. Veneers can be used to eliminate spaces between the teeth. Teeth that are crowded or overlapping can be designed to appear straighter.

Although the porcelain is amazingly thin, its durability and strength are impressive. Your cosmetic dentist will make minor adjustments to your natural teeth in preparation for the veneer. After the adjustments are complete, detailed measurements and impressions of the teeth are obtained. These records, along with your dentist’s specifications, will provide the blueprint for the laboratory technician who will create your veneers. When the veneers are complete, your cosmetic dentist will use the very highest quality bonding adhesive to attach the veneer securely to the front surfaces of your teeth.
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Porcelain veneers are a permanent solution designed to improve a variety of concerns regarding your smile. In pictures or in real life, no one will notice your new dental work, but they’ll be certain to notice your beautiful smile. If you are seeking to improve your smile’s appearance, contact our Plano veneers dentist to schedule a consultation.

Will Invisalign help with my overbite?

To date, more than 800,000 orthodontic patients have been treated with the Invisalign procedure. By now, you may have heard about the many benefits of this state-of-the-art orthodontic technology. The fact that the clear, removable aligners are virtually invisible and surprisingly comfortable is certainly intriguing. The possibility of achieving beautifully aligned teeth without the use of traditional wires and brackets is appealing. The ability to enjoy and unrestricted diet and brush and floss normally throughout the treatment can be liberating. The thought of fewer, shorter office visits can translate into fewer interruptions in your busy lifestyle.

With all of the advantages and benefits noted, you may still wonder if Invisalign is the right choice for your unique needs. No two patients have the same orthodontic needs, but the success of the Invisalign procedure can be attributed to its ability to address a broad range of needs:

Overbite/Deep bite (with the teeth closed together, the top teeth covers more than about a third of the bottom teeth)
Under bite (with the teeth together, the top and bottom teeth fit end-to-end)
Overjet (with the teeth together, the top teeth stick out much farther than the bottom teeth)
Crossbite (with the teeth together, the bottom teeth overlap or stick out farther than the top teeth)
Open bite (with the teeth together, the top and bottom teeth do not meet at all)
Spacing/crowding (the teeth do not touch the adjacent or neighboring teeth, or the teeth are tightly compacted together)

The Invisalign procedure is a welcome alternative to traditional braces. Most patients are able to achieve the same results, often with less treatment time. Each aligner is worn for approximately two weeks, and gradual, comfortable tooth movement can be noted throughout the process.
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The best way to determine the ways that Invisalign can improve your smile is to plan a visit to our Invisalign Plano dentist. If you have wondered if Invisalign is right for you, don’t waste another moment, call 972-398-2550 to schedule your appointment today!

Periodontal Disease: Treatment and prevention

Though it may sound cliché, the best treatment for periodontal disease is prevention. Periodontal disease is an infection that causes such destruction to the gums and bone, the immune system cannot repair it. Once you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, although your damaged bone and gums will not return, you can take steps to prevent the destruction form progressing.

When the bacterial plaque in our mouths is not removed by frequent brushing and flossing, it tends to harden into a roughly textured deposit called calculus or tarter. This hard deposit cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, quickly spreading along the surfaces of the teeth and below the gum line. As the bacteria continue to colonize at and below the gum line, they produce a toxic byproduct that causes inflammation of the gum tissue and eventual bone loss.

Once bone loss has occurred, the condition is determined to be an infectious disease. The onset of the disease is sometimes marked by symptoms such as bad breath, red or bleeding gums, or extreme sensitivity. At this stage, brushing and flossing at home will no longer be effective. For the earliest detection, routine dental exams are recommended, since it is possible for periodontal disease to progress without the presence of the painful or visible symptoms.

For a successful outcome, your efforts at home are just as important as the care you receive in the dental office. Your dentist may recommend a type of deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, followed by a course of antibiotics, if necessary. You will be instructed to brush and floss diligently at home, using a toothbrush, dental floss, and other plaque controlling tools where indicated.
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Your chances of preventing periodontal disease can be improved by careful plaque control and routine dental treatment, but it is important to realize that even minimal plaque levels can trigger the disease in patients with compromised immune systems. This can be a result of stress, illness, or a systemic disease. If you feel that you may have periodontal disease, or would like to be proactive in preventing this disease, contact your Plano dentist, Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, today.

Happy Thanksgiving

So Much To Be Thankful For!

From all of us at Plano Smile Studio, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day. We hope you have a safe and satisfying holiday!

We are having a great year in the new Plano Smile Studio and are looking forward to greeting the holiday season. Stay tuned to this site for updates regarding brand new ways to bring your best smile into the new year!
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Remember how much we all have to be thankful for and Happy Turkey Day to all!
In health,
Dr. Hucklebridge, Stephanie and Amy

New Custom Under Armour Performance Sport Mouthwear™ (Mouth Piece/Mouth Guard) Enhances Athletic Performance

Athletes in just about any sport can take advantage of an innovative new mouth guard that can not only protect their teeth, but also helps them perform better.

Under Armour Performance Mouthwear™ with ArmourBite™ technology is a new Sportguard we have made available at Plano Smile Studio to help athletes in a variety of activities – from contact sports such as football and hockey to limited or no-contact sports like weight training, running, soccer, baseball, and golf.

How Can It Help?As a cosmetic, restorative dentist, and a former athlete, I can tell you that I see a number of patients come into my office who have serious damage to their teeth, or have developed TMJ Disorder, because they failed to wear the proper guards to protect their teeth. Under Armour Performance Mouthwear™ with ArmourBite™ technology prevents the teeth from clenching, a natural reaction to those engaging in sports, and pivots the jaw forward. This ultimately relieves pressure on the temporomandibular joint and lessens the release of hormones that can cause fatigue and distraction.

The Fitting ProcessThis patented technology is applied in a three-step process: we will take an impression of your teeth here at Plano Smile Studio in order to get a custom-fit; then, the impression will be shipped to a lab for the sportguard to be made; and, finally, the mouthwear will come back to our office where we will give you a final fitting.

Performance BenefitsThe exciting thing about this new kind of sportguard is that it is not only designed to protect your teeth during sporting activities, but also to enhance your performance. Recent statistics show that Under Armour Performance Mouthwear™ products can increase endurance, speed up reaction time, reduce athletic stress, and diminish the G-Force impact from blows to the jaw. From Yoga and Pilates to wrestling and football, this new mouthguard can do wonders for protecting your teeth, and boosting your game!

Your Dallas Dental Implants Team

Plano Smile Studio offers the latest in restorative implant dentistry in Dallas and Plano.

With over 45 years of combined experience, Dr. Hucklebridge and Dr. Fred Thompson are pleased to provide the leading technology in restorative implant dentistry through Straumman and Nobel Biocare implants.

An attractive smile can not only enhance one’s appearance but also greatly elevate one’s self-esteem. Throughout life, tooth and gum loss due to neglect or trauma can lead to more serious dental issues. Tooth loss can have a far-reaching effect on your dental health and personal appearance. When you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease. Dental implants can be an effective method to replace one or several of your teeth.
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The Straumman and Nobel Biocare technologies offer more than 20 years of clinical research and the most extensively documented, clinically validated and practice-proven implants system in the market. Doctors Hucklebridge and Thompson are recognized experts in restorative implant dentistry in Dallas.

Zoom Whitening

Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. A whiter, brighter smile is powerful and can help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression!

Lifestyle and aging can stain and darken your teeth. Many things people do routinely such as drinking coffee, red wine or smoking can contribute to stained teeth.

Fortunately, at Plano Smile Studio you can have a whiter, brighter smile through a Zoom whitening procedure that takes about an hour! With the Zoom Technology, Dr. Hucklebridge can provide a beautiful change that can last for years with either an in-home supervised method or an in-office laser-assisted method.

The In-office whitening is our most popular choice. It takes just 1 hour to complete and includes take-home trays so you can maintain your shade.
Another option is a professional strength take-home solution with a custom-fitted mouthpiece. This method will take 2 to 4 weeks to produce results equal to that of one in-office whitening session.
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Zoom into Plano Smile Studio for a whiter, brighter smile today!

Holiday Fireworks!

From the Plano Smile Studio family to your family, here’s wishing you and yours a happy and safe holiday weekend!
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Great things are happening in the office and we can’t wait to share them with you. Watch this space for new updates on technology advances, procedural upgrades, and personal holiday messages from me, just like this one!

Happy birthday to our country and happy Independence Day to everyone. Light a sparkler for us!
In health,
Dr. Hucklebridge

How do I floss my teeth?

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.

When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don’t forget the backside of your last tooth.

When flossing, establish a regular pattern. Do the top half on one side, then the other. Move to the bottom half on one side, then the other. This way you’re less likely to miss any teeth.

You may experience sore or bleeding gums for the first five or six days that you floss. This should stop once the plaque is broken up and the bacteria removed. If bleeding does not stop, call your dentist. Improper flossing may be banning your gums.

Persons who have trouble handling floss may wish to try a commercial floss holder or an interdental cleaning aid. Interdental cleaning aids include picks, sticks or brushes used to remove plaque from between teeth. Your dentist can explain the proper use of these implements.
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Reprinted in part from the American Dental Association “Caring For Your Teeth and Gums” guide.

Preventive Care

Daily brushing and cleaning between teeth are important to your dental health because they remove plaque. Plaque is a thin, colorless, sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth.

When you eat foods containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeth. After many such attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms.

If plaque is not removed with daily brushing, it eventually hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus forms near the gum line, gums can become irritated and inflamed. They become swollen and may bleed. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that usually become infected. If gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost.

It may surprise you to know 50% of adults over age 18 and 75% of adults over age 35 have some degree of gum disease. It’s never too early to start fighting back. Your dental team can remove calculus from your teeth and treat gum disease that has already appeared. But daily dental care is in your hands.

Reprinted in part from the American Dental Association “Caring For Your Teeth and Gums” guide.

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AACD Annual Conference

This month, I attended the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s 24th annual Scientific Session in New Orleans, Louisiana May 6-10 2008. This year’s program gathered the most dynamic group of educators ever assembled in the field of cosmetic dentistry. I attended daily CE classes and hands-on workshops in order to gain further expertise in the field of Cosmetic dentistry. It was a very rewarding time and I look forward to next year’s Session!

What does a dental implant procedure involve?

Making the decision to replace missing teeth isn’t always easy. You must consider factors such as your health, your finances, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Fortunately, Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, a Plano implant dentist, can help to guide and advise you on the best available tooth replacement solution: dental implants.

Though dental implants have received much recognition for being the most natural and most conservative solution, the procedure still requires prior planning, open communication, and a highly motivated patient. Prior to beginning the implant procedure, your implant dentist will want to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery and motivated enough to see it to completion.

The dental implant procedure is generally a process which involves multiple phases as well as a predetermined amount of healing time between phases.

After an implant consultation and a review of your medical and dental histories, the implant procedure can begin. The initial phase of the process involves the placement of a titanium cylinder which is inserted into the bone at the site of the missing tooth. The titanium implant is specially coated to promote a strong bond between the implant and your bone. After placement, the implant is covered and protected with the surrounding gum tissue for a specified healing period.

After an average 4-6 month healing time, the implant is uncovered and a healing cap is placed. The healing cap is generally used to allow the gum tissue to heal properly around the newly exposed implant. Again, a short healing period is recommended to ensure that the gums are firm and healthy.

When your implant dentist has determined that the implant is well-accepted by the body and the gum tissue looks natural and healthy, the final phase of the process can begin. Your implant will be restored with a crown, bridge, or attached to a denture or partial. By anchoring the implant to your bone, your new restoration is more stable and more esthetically pleasing than any other tooth replacement alternative.
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If you are considering your options for replacing a missing tooth, it’s time to schedule your dental implant consultation. Call 972-398-2550 for yours today.

Inform January 2010

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge was featured in the January 2010 issue of Inform! Click HERE to view the article!

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge is one of the most experienced cosmetic dentists Dallas is home to. Over the years, he has performed numerous advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures, including porcelain veneers, dental implants and tooth whitening in Dallas. Dr. John M. Hucklebridge is also a highly experienced Dallas Invisalign clear orthodontics specialist.

Hot On Health And Beauty

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge was featured on “Hot On Health And Beauty” in January 2008.
In this in-depth interview, Dr. Hucklebridge discusses his passion for dentistry and the innovative changes in the profession that make practicing cosmetic dentistry today extremely rewarding.
Visit the Hot on Health and Beauty website
 
Dr. John M. Hucklebridge is a cosmetic dentist near Dallas patients seek out for sophisticated cosmetic dentistry procedures that can turn their less-than-perfect teeth into dazzling smiles. Some of the procedures requested by patients more often include Invisalign orthodontics, teeth whitening and porcelain veneers in Dallas. In addition, Dr. John M. Hucklebridge has helped numerous Dallas dental implants patients realize their dreams of confident, lovely smiles.

Things That You Should Know About Dental Bonding

Do you want to make a slight adjustment to your teeth? Dr. John M. Hucklebridge provides a quick and comfortable solution for your dental problem. With the use of dental bonding, your Plano TX dentist can improve the appearance of your smile. If you’re not familiar with this treatment, here are some things that you should know about dental bonding.

Effective treatment
Dental bonding solves a variety of dental issues. It can repair your decayed teeth, fix chipped or cracked teeth, improve the appearance of stained teeth, fill gaps in between teeth, reshape your smile, replace old amalgam fillings, and protect your teeth from further damage.

Quick and simple
The procedure will only take about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. This involves a consultation with your dentist wherein he’ll discuss the process and the details about the treatment. Then, he’ll prepare the affected tooth by removing a very small portion of the enamel layer. After this, the tooth colored bonding material will be applied, molded, and smoothed to its appropriate shape. A special light is used to harden the material. Lastly, he’ll make some adjustments to make sure that it blends well with your natural teeth.

Non-invasive procedure
Dental bonding is considered as a non-invasive procedure because it involves minimal reduction of your tooth surface. This means that your healthy teeth are preserved.

Convenient and comfortable
Local anesthesia is not required unless it’ll be used to treat a decayed tooth. Aside from this, you’ll experience convenient and comfortable treatment while you in the clinic.

Personalized treatment
Your dentist can create a personalized treatment plan for your based on your needs, budget, and schedule. The team at Plano Smile Studio is committed to giving you the best dental service that you deserve.
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Ask your Plano TX dentist about dental bonding. Call 972.398.2550 to set an appointment right away.

Invisalign for Teens

Teenagers live a very active lifestyle and would not want any interruptions with their busy schedule. Wearing metal braces is not their top priority as it can interfere with their daily activities. They find it inconvenient and uncomfortable. Dr. John M. Hucklebridge has a solution for this. Your child can straighten their teeth using Invisalign Teen. It’s a unique way of correcting bite problems without the need for brackets and wires. Here are top three reasons why patients choose the removable aligners.

Your Plano TX dentist understands that every teenager has a unique orthodontic condition. Invisalign Teen is an effective treatment for various cases such as gaps, overcrowding, open bite, underbite, overbite, and crossbite. It has blue-compliance indicators that fade from blue to clear to estimate wear time. The device is worn for 20 to 22 hours a day.

Since the aligners are virtually invisible, your teen can straighten his/her teeth without being noticed by others. He/she can smile confidently in front of many people.

The removable device allows your child to undergo a treatment without affecting his/her daily life. He/she can take it out when necessary. Your kid can enjoy his/her favorite meal with no device on his/her teeth. He/she can also attend an event or participate in any sports without the appliance and then insert it afterwards.

Invisalign is made of smooth and comfortable plastic material that is BPA-free. It won’t irritate the gums and cheeks.

Your youngster will be amazed on how your Plano TX dentist will create a treatment plan using the latest technology. A 3D model of his/her teeth will be shown. You and your kid will see the exact movement of the teeth in every stage.
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Bring your child to Plano Smile Studio and experience the convenience of wearing Invisalign Teen. Make an appointment by calling 972.398.2550.

Dental Implants’ Value Isn’t Determined Solely by Price

Despite advancements in dental care that have been made by the best cosmetic dentists, millions of Americans continue to suffer from missing and broken teeth. For many years, the only available restorative treatments that cosmetic dentists could offer were dentures or bridges. Now, it’s possible to get a superior, restorative treatment: replacement tooth roots that are called dental implants.

Though the best cosmetic dentists can now perform a superior treatment, many would-be patients still hem and haw, particularly because of implants

price. However, money isn’t the only factor at play here. Restorative dental treatments are an investment — not an expense — and you get what you pay for. Here are a few other factors to take into consideration.

1. The Higher Quality.
Even the best cosmetic dentist can’t fit dentures perfectly. This leads to discomfort when talking and eating. With dental implants, though, since they’re permanently anchored into your mouth just like real teeth, it’s like having a new set of real teeth. They won’t slip when talking or cause pain while eating. What’s more, implants also look more natural than dentures. They give a person his or her smile back, and improve self-confidence.

2. The Procedure’s Speed.
Believe it or not, most dental implant treatments can be done in a day. This is why the procedure is known and advertised as “teeth in a day.” The best cosmetic dentists do extensive planning beforehand to ensure that the procedure has the utmost accuracy. This precision leads to almost no time needed to heal, and allows a patient to walk out the door the same day as their singular procedure with brand new teeth.

3. Possible Insurance Coverage.
While it’s not guaranteed, some insurance companies are actually willing to cover portions of what the new teeth in a day costs.
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When you consider the fact that other restorative dental treatments simply aren’t as high quality and take longer to implement, then you’ll realize that getting full or mini dental implant costs less. Though patients may have to spend more money, it’s a much more worthwhile investment. If you have any questions about what the best cosmetic dentist can do for you, feel free to ask in the comments.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign, or “invisible braces,” is a revolutionary new treatment in orthdodontics. Conventional braces require metal or ceramic brackets to be bonded to teeth to hold an “arch wire” in place. As the orthodontist progressively changes the tension in the arch wire, the teeth are slowly moved to their desired locations. While this method is tried and tested and works well, the “metal mouth” look and discomfort associated with braces deters many patients, especially adults, from seeking the orthodontic treatment that can give them better smiles or dental function.

The Invisalign system of invisible braces works without any brackets or wires and is equally and, in some cases, more effective than conventional braces in producing an aesthetic and stable orthodontic result. The Invisalign system uses a series of sheer removable aligners, similar to bleaching trays, which the patient needs to wear most of the day. These aligners, like retainers, while are easy to wear and almost unnoticeable though they cover the front surfaces of teeth.

The clear aligners generate forces on teeth similar to conventional braces. Each tray is designed from special Invisalign software, which uses computerized images of your teeth to design a series of trays, each tray causing a small force to shift the teeth slightly–about 0.25mm–to a more desirable position. Thus, when worn in succession, the teeth are progressively moved into alignment.

The Invisalign system actually virtually simulates the treatment outcome on the computer, which you can also see in the consultation phase, and actually see how the teeth will look after orthodontics. These computerized images are then used to produce the aligner series specifically for you. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and an average patient would need about 18 to 30 aligners over a year to year and a half.

The Invisalign aligners are matchless in comfort because they can be removed while eating, brushing or flossing, so you enjoy your food more and oral hygiene is not a problem, unlike with regular braces. Plus you can smile without anyone noticing them, which makes them worth the higher expense when compared to regular orthodontics!
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The Invisalign system works best for mild to moderate bite corrections and is well researched and clinically proven, but may not be suited to all cases. Visit your Dallas Invisalign dentist for a consultation to determine if Invisalign is the right orthodontic choice for you!

Plano Dental Implants and Insurance

Today more people are choosing dental implants to replace their missing teeth, instead of opting for conventional treatments like bridges or removable ‘flipper’ prostheses. Dental implants mimic tooth roots and give a look and feel closest to that of natural teeth, which can make an enormous difference in your appearance and the way you chew.

Most dental insurance plans don’t cover implants, considering them “cosmetic treatment,” but an increasing number of plans are adding implants to their lists of covered procedures, and charging higher premiums. It makes sense to compare the offers and read the fine print before deciding on a plan. Ask your insurance agent and research online to find the best deal.

If you’re paying a high premium for your existing plan, it may already cover implants. Some plans offer to cover half the costs of certain higher cost dental treatments such as implants. Shop around for a plan that’s best for you. To avoid any surprises, make sure to be aware of what your plan offers, and how it fits with your finances and needs.

At times, medical insurance can cover some of the add-ons in implant surgery. If the implants are medically necessary or there is a lot of bone loss and bone grafting is needed, a medical insurance provider will sometimes cover the cost. Ask your dentist if they can bill the medical insurers for some of these services.
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You could also consider medical flex spending accounts, which pays for medical services not covered by your insurance provider, and you also get tax benefits. Check out your employer’s policies for the cap on a flex spending account and if it can be used to reimburse implant surgery costs.
If your insurance doesn’t cover them or if you have no insurance, be sure and ask your dentist if they offer financing options.

Choosing the right toothbrush

With so many different designs of toothbrushes flooding the supermarket shelves, people often wonder if a specific kind of toothbrush is better than the rest. The truth is, there is no “ideal” toothbrush and what best works for you may not be the best for someone else!

Toothbrushes can be manual or powered/electric. The best toothbrush for you is the one you can use most effectively for removal of dental plaque from most areas of the mouth.

Manual toothbrushes are the most popular, and can be classified based on their bristle size as hard, medium, soft and ultra-soft. Generally, soft bristles are recommended for most people, as they are gentle on the enamel and gum tissue, and result in less wear or gum recession. When the bristles start showing signs of wear, it is time to change the brush. People who brush over-vigorously and have sensitive teeth as a result, or have had gum surgery recently, would benefit from using an ultra-soft toothbrush.

Handle designs and brush head sizes also vary considerably. While ‘regular’ straight handle toothbrushes are acceptable, many people can reach far back in the mouth to areas such as lower molars’ inner surfaces when they use toothbrushes with angled handles. A thick “ergonomic” handle design helps improve the grip and maneuverability; helpful for young children. The size of the brush head should generally be selected according to the jaw size; children’s brushes have smaller heads. A tapered brush head design is often useful in reaching hard to reach areas, such as around the wisdom teeth. Overall, a toothbrush brand with a seal of approval from the American Dental Association would make a good choice.
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Electric toothbrushes have electrically operated rotating or oscillating heads. While the ADA considers both manual and powered toothbrushes to be equally effective in plaque removal, many people do prefer electric toothbrushes. The gentle massage produced from the vibrations has a soothing effect, and many have a timer attached, which helps users keep track of brushing time. As your local dentist will tell you,” the ‘right way’ is more important than the ‘right brush’!”

Season’s Greetings from Plano Smile Studio!

We at Plano Smile Studio would like to send you and yours all the best wishes for a happy holiday season and a healthy new year!

As we wind the year to a close, we at Plano Smile Studio want our practice family to know we sincerely appreciate their continued support. We look forward to another year of Professional and Personal growth. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling 2010 for all of us!
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In health,
Dr. Hucklebridge, Stephanie and Amy

Southern Vanity

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge in Southern Vanity, April 2008.
Dr. John M. Hucklebridge strives to provide all of his cosmetic dentistry Dallas patients with smiles that are both beautiful and healthy. He uses a variety of procedures to achieve this goal, including teeth whitening ,porcelain veneers and Invisalign. In addition, he specializes in prosthodontics and is renowned as one of the most experienced dental implants Dallas specialists.

Invisalign: Treatment for Bite Problems

Malocclusion is the improper alignment of the teeth. When your teeth and jaws are not aligned, it may affect your bite. As a result, your teeth may become crooked, spaced, or protruded. This can affect your speech, appearance and your ability to eat. To correct your bite problems, your Plano TX dentist uses an orthodontic appliance called Invisalign

Description

Invisalign is a set of clear aligners designed to move your teeth into place. It’s an effective treatment for bite problems such as spacing, crowding, misplaced midline, open bite, and underbite.

The device is removable. You can take it out anytime. Just make sure to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. It’s made of high-grade plastic that is free from BPA. This won’t cause any irritation.

Procedure

If you need to straighten your teeth, find someone who is a certified Invisalign provider like Dr. John M. Hucklebridge of Plano Smile Studio.

He’ll discuss the details involved in the treatment and assess if this is the best option for you. Upon verification, he’ll proceed with the actual procedure by taking X-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth. The obtained data will be used to create a virtual representation of your teeth. Using the 3D images, your dentist will prepare a unique treatment plan for you. A preview of your teeth will be shown to you. You’ll see the exact movement of your teeth in every phase. Then, the final design will be sent to the laboratory for fabrication.

On your next visit, you’ll wear the first set of aligners for two weeks and shift to the next one until the right position is achieved. At the end of the treatment, you’ll be happy to see your straight, new teeth.

If you need to correct your bite, ask your Plano TX dentist about Invisalign. For appointment, please contact us.

All-on-4: Dental Implants in a Day

If you are missing all of your upper or lower teeth and have struggled with the fit and function of traditional dentures, you may want to consider implants as an alternative. Not only can a full arch of artificial replacement teeth now be secured by dental implants, those implants can be placed in a single office visit.

In the past, patients who were missing an entire arch of teeth often had to undergo a bone graft to ensure that they had sufficient bone structure prior to having implants placed. The All-on-4 procedure improves upon past techniques, placing all of the implants near the front of the mouth, where the jaw bone recedes at a much slower rate. This strategy eliminates the need for bone grafts for most patients.

Advances in implant technology allow your implant dentist to identify the precise spot for placement of the small titanium posts, which means that the procedure can be completed more quickly and with a smaller incision. The dentist will use digital images of your mouth and bone structure in combination with three-dimensional planning software to determine the ideal locations for the implants.

Because the All-on-4 procedure is less intrusive and takes less time, patients recover more quickly. In fact, most patients are able to eat a light meal of softer foods later that evening.

All-on-4 dental implants are preferable to traditional dentures for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they’ll prevent further jaw bone resorption because the implant mimics the tooth’s root. The implant serves as sort of an anchor in the bone. Artificial teeth that are held in place by implants also are more secure, and their function replicates that of natural teeth. Patients can speak and eat with ease, without worrying that a slipping or sliding denture will lead to a major embarrassment.
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If you are considering dental implants, consult with Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, a Plano implant dentist, to see if you are a candidate for the All-on-4 procedure.

Oral Sedation

When self-help practices alone are unable to take your dental fears out of your system, asking your Plano dentist to administer oral sedation on you seems like a wonderful idea. For one, you don’t have to go through any difficulty to achieve sedation as you only need to swallow an oral sedative at least one hour before undergoing your procedure. Secondly, you have the luxury of receiving the necessary dental treatment in a very comfortable manner since the oral sedative can put you in a deep state of relaxation.

Below are a few guidelines to think about:

Before you’re put under oral sedation:

• Deprive yourself of herbal supplements and natural remedies. Herbal supplements and natural remedies contain chemicals that are capable of negatively altering the prescribed oral sedative’s effectiveness.
• Ask someone to be your companion on your big day. You’ll still be under the influence of the oral sedative even after your procedure. Therefore, it’s advisable for you to take someone who can assist you on your journey back home with you on your big day.
• Control the urge to eat or drink anything six hours before your procedure. Keeping your stomach
empty prior to undergoing oral sedation prevents you from regurgitating.
After you’re put under oral sedation:
• Refrain from taking heavy meals. Taking heavy meals immediately after your procedure can increase your chances of developing an upset stomach and vomiting.
• Get as much rest as you can. This allows you to regain your strength faster.
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For additional guidelines on conquering oral sedation, you may book a consultation with us by calling us.