Cascade Dental

What to Expect with Invisalign

Seeing your general or cosmetic dentistry provider for braces can be daunting, especially if you have heard about the disadvantages of traditional braces. Luckily, there is an alternative that can alleviate those concerns. Watch this video to learn what to expect when you use Invisalign.

As this video explains, Invisalign has many benefits and advantages not offered by traditional braces. The trays are removable, there isn't as much pain, and you can actually see how you are progressing towards your goal of straight, healthy teeth. Ask your general or cosmetic dentistry provider if Invisalign is right for you.

At Cascade Dental, we offer the treatments and services you need to have beautiful teeth. In Vancouver, call (360) 213-1999 to schedule your appointment for a cleaning or Invisalign consultation today.

A Patient's Guide to Dental Anatomy

When you visit your general dentistry office, you'll hear a lot of terms that relate to your teeth and their care. To ensure that you can properly care for your teeth and understand your dental treatment, you need to know what those terms mean. Some of the common terms regarding dental anatomy you'll hear at your general dentistry office include:

• Enamel - Dental enamel is the hard, white substance that covers your teeth. It protects your teeth, but can be damaged by bacteria and acids in your mouth.

• Dentin - This is another hard, white substance that gives your teeth their size, shape, and color. The main job of the dentin is to protect the pulp of the tooth. The enamel covers the dentin to help protect it from damage.

• Crown - The crown of the tooth is part of the tooth above the gum line. You see the crown when you brush your teeth. This is the part most people think about when they think of their teeth.

• Pulp - Pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth. Blood vessels and nerves are in the pulp, and if those are damaged or destroyed, the tooth must be removed.

• Root - This is the part of the tooth that is below the gum line. The blood vessels and nerves that reside in the pulp come up through the root.

• Gingiva - Another word for gingiva is gum. The gums are the pinkish tissue that covers the root of the tooth and lies between and around teeth. Improper oral hygiene can lead to infections and diseases in the gums, such as gingivitis.

For a general or children's dentistry appointment in Vancouver, come to Cascade Dental. We offer the care you need for your teeth. Call (360) 213-1999 to schedule an appointment today.

General Dentistry: FAQ's

If you’d like to learn more about dental exams, dental terminology, and Invisalign braces, check out these great websites. 

• For more information on routine dental exams, check out the Mayo Clinic's website.

• Learn more about dental x-rays from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

• WebMD has a great list of terms to help you understand your dental anatomy better.

• Find out more about dentin and its role in tooth sensitivity from Colgate Professional.

• Check out more of the advantages to Invisalign for your orthodontic needs.

Call Cascade Dental at (360) 213-1999 for more information or to schedule an appointment today.

What Happens During a Routine Dental Appointment?

When you visit a general dentistry office, you probably go for a routine dental appointment or for treatment of a dental problem. If you have never had a dental appointment, or if it has been a while since you last had one, you may be wondering what happens during the appointment. Here's a quick overview of what happens during a routine dental appointment :

• Check In
  When you first arrive at your general dentistry office, you'll sign in and provide your information to the receptionist. You'll be given papers to fill out, which will include your dental history and medical history. This information will help your dentist treat you properly.

• X-rays
  One of the first things you'll have done during your dental appointment will be x-rays. Your general dentistry provider will use the images to determine if you have cavities, and to check the placement and alignment of your teeth. Images can be compared to previous x-rays to see if your teeth have changed.

• Cleaning
  The dental hygienist will clean your teeth before the dentist examines them. Your teeth will be brushed and polished to remove all the plaque, tarter, and bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. You'll be given pointers and tips for proper cleaning and brushing at home.

• Exam
  The dentist will examine each of your teeth. He or she will look for cavities, bite problems, and alignment issues, as well as gum disease or infections in the mouth. Your gums and other tissues will be checked, and you'll have time to ask questions and discuss any problems with your general dentistry provider.

• Follow Up
  After your appointment is done, don't forget to make your next dental appointment before you leave the office. Routine dental exams and cleanings are vitally important to your oral and overall health. 

Visit us at Cascade Dental for all your general, children's, and cosmetic dentistry needs. Call (360) 213-1999 to schedule your appointment today.

General Dentistry - Cerec Crown

If you need to visit your general dentistry office for a crown, you may be wondering if you have any options aside from the traditional crown. You do, in fact, have a choice when it comes to crowns. Watch this video to learn about Cerec Crowns.

As this video shows, Cerec Crowns are a great alternative to regular crowns. They can be made and fitted in one appointment, meaning that you don't have to have a temporary crown or come back for more anesthesia and dental work. Talk to your general or cosmetic dentistry provider to see if a Cerec Crown is right for you.

At Cascade Dental, we can help with your dental problems. Our Vancouver offices can fit you for crowns and provide routine dental examinations. Call (360) 213-1999 to learn more.