In an interesting and fun development for dental patients everywhere, a Businessweek article is currently making the rounds that claims accurate economic predictions can be made based on a variety of dental trends and statistics. The article states that these metrics have reliably predicted the state of the economy for the past seven years! Though here at offices of Dr. Koskhki, we’re more interested in continuing to provide our patients with topnotch treatment options than moonlighting as economic experts, we can’t deny these metrics are certainly interesting. Here are a few factors in play at your dentist office that Businessweek states reflect the state of our economy.

Taking care of a young child can be a challenging experience for new parents, and one that’s filled with obligations and responsibilities. When it comes tending to your child’s needs, thinking about their teeth might be one of the last things on a parent’s to do list. Many parents aren’t even sure when to take their kids in for a dental checkup for the first time, or when to start oral care. As an experienced practicing dentist in the Santa Monica area, Dr. Koshki has answers parents are looking for to help them care for new teeth.

The first thing to realize is that, although young children are likely not consuming solid foods or candy that could expose them to excess sugar, that they’re still at risk for developing decay and other dental issues. To help prevent this, start providing them with oral care as soon as their teeth begin to come in. For children under 2, use a wet toothbrush without toothpaste and do some gentle brushing. For children over 2, a soft children’s toothbrush with child toothpaste will suffice.

You should care for their teeth as often as you care for your own: twice a day at least. If you start introducing sugar treats like juice into their diets, just make sure you don’t let them go to bed with anything, but water in their bottle. And remember, there is no minimum tooth number your child has to have before they have their first dental visit. It’s definitely better to do it sooner than later. For more dental tips, and for treatment from a top surgical and cosmetic dentist, the dedicated team at Dr. Koshki’s Surgical & Cosmetic Dentistry is standing by with the expertise you needs.

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ClearCorrect is a clear aligner used to straighten teeth as an alternative to traditional braces. Similar to other clear aligner brands (like Invisalign) available to dentists certified to offer them to their patients, ClearCorrect straightens teeth using a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners that gradually move teeth a little bit at a time, eventually correcting the alignment of teeth to elicit a new, revitalized look.  You will also be able to care for the health of your teeth and gum tissues more easily, which is perhaps the best healthy advantage to having straighter teeth. Scientists agree:  Your healthy mouth is the gateway to your healthy body.

Your ClearCorrect Process:

Are you considering treatment with ClearCorrect aligners? If so, here’s what you need to know:

Your records — including impressions, photographs and radiographs, along with a prescription for your custom-made aligners — are sent by Dr. Koshki to the ClearCorrect laboratory, where an exact 3-D model of your teeth is created. Your ClearCorrect treatment team then maps out a complete treatment plan showing the gradual realignment that will reposition your teeth from their current position to where Dr. Koshki wants them to be.

ClearCorrect Treatment: How it Works

ClearCorrect treatment involves four phases of aligner therapy. Each phase requires a new set of aligners that are worn for a three-week period. The time between each phase allows for control and flexibility.

ClearCorrect aligners are worn all the time, except when eating and drinking, or while brushing and flossing. Designed with aesthetics in mind, ClearCorrect aligners are barely noticeable and won’t have an impact on your daily routine.

After wearing each aligner set, results will be noticeable as your teeth begin slowly adjusting and aligning to your desired smile. Periodic check-ups with your dentist are required so your progress can be evaluated and you can be given the next set of aligners. This sequence will continue until you have achieved your new, ClearCorrect smile.

Treatment time can vary from 6 months to two years, depending upon your specific condition and degree of misalignment. Dr. Koshki’s patients typically are in treatment for about 9 months.

Who Can Benefit from ClearCorrect?

ClearCorrect currently is available to treat most adults and teenagers. Dr.  Koshki offers a courtesy, no obligation evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for ClearCorrect.

ClearCorrect can be used to treat the following orthodontic conditions:

• Crowded teeth
• Spacing between teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crooked or turned (rotated) teeth

In cases where ClearCorrect is not suitable for certain misalignment cases or complex bite problems, traditional orthodontics may be recommended. Dr. Koshki can refer you to several excellent orthodontists for more traditional fixed, or bracketed orthodontics.

When it comes to dental issues, teeth whitening is one of the most discussed elements of dental care, and one that receives a lot of public attention. It makes sense when you think about it; we all want to have those perfect and radiant movie star smiles. Nevertheless, there is some debate about whitening and many of us understandably have plenty of questions. To that end, here at Moeiz Koskhi Surgical & Cosmetic Dentistry, we want to make sure everyone has the right information, and we’d like to provide you with the facts when it comes to whitening. Just remember, for whitening procedures that are safe, only trust your dentist, and steer clear of home remedies.

1. Whitening is not bad for you teeth, and will not cause permanent damage to you enamel, or any tooth structure.
2. There has been recent concern over the toxicity of whitening agents. Though the agents used in whitening can in fact cause damage if misused, they are not inherently dangerous. This is not unlike medication and treatment provided by your doctor. In the wrong hands, many medical procedures can be harmful. That’s why it’s important to only trust a well trained professional like Dr. Koskhi.
3. Toothpaste whiteners do work, but not as you may expect. They don’t change the color of the teeth, and only remove surface stains.
4. Whitening typically lasts from six months to two years depending on each patient’s habits. Smoking, red wine, and coffee consumption all have a negative impact. For more information on whitening and to inquire for treatment, contact our office today!

Allerdent, a new therapeutic toothpaste delivery system is available by prescription for people with allergic rhinitis.

Allerdent is designed for daily use as part of a normal tooth brushing regimen and enables users with allergic rhinitis to incorporate immunotherapeutic allergy treatment into their routine activity.

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a diagnosis associated with a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These symptoms occur when you breathe in something you are allergic to, such as dust, animal dander, or pollen. Symptoms can also occur when you eat a food that you are allergic to.

This article focuses on allergic rhinitis due to plant pollens. This type of allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever or seasonal allergy.

Causes

An allergen is something that triggers an allergy. When a person with allergic rhinitis breathes in anallergen such as pollen, mold, animal dander, or dust, the body releases chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Hay fever involves an allergic reaction to pollen.

Plants that cause hay fever are trees, grasses, and weeds. Their pollen is carried by the wind. (Flower pollen is carried by insects and does not cause hay fever.) Types of plants that cause hay fever vary from person to person and from area to area.

The amount of pollen in the air can affect whether hay fever symptoms develop.

• Hot, dry, windy days are more likely to have a lot of pollen in the air.
• On cool, damp, rainy days, most pollen is washed to the ground.Hay fever and allergies often run in families. If both of your parents have hay fever or other allergies, you are likely to have hay fever and allergies, too. The chance is higher if your mother has allergies.

We face a lot of pressure to look youthful. This pressure comes from both internal and external sources. Many people decry this “youth movement”, but it’s not new. What is new is how we achieve this youthful look. In decades gone by, only the steel blade of a surgeon could reverse the ravages of time. In modern days, we look to more healthy ways to maintain both our youthful looks AND our youthful health. Your mouth is truly the gateway to your youthful health. Brushing and flossing is just the beginning. Dr. Koshki and his hygienists may recommend the use of products and tools to keep your oral tissues healthy and free from bacteria, free radicals and inflammation that lead to decay and gum disease.

How Does My Oral Condition Make Me Appear Older?

Have you ever heard the expression that an older person is said to be “long in the tooth”? That’s because recession and other aspects of periodontal disease can make teeth appear longer and misshapen. Old amalgam fillings and bondings can make teeth look dark and discolored; also a very “aging” effect. Decades of grinding teeth can make them short, which makes the face look caved in on profile; the lips appear thin and sunken in. “Smoker’s Lines” around the mouth are unsightly at any age. Angular Chelitis is inflammation of one or both corners of the mouth caused by yeast development in the area. This can cause deep cracks or splits in the lips and may extend onto the skin of the face; definitely an aging look.

How Can Your Dentist Help You “Stay Young”?

Dr. Koshki advocates a healthy diet including lots of organic fruits and vegetables which are rich in anti-oxidants and nutrients. He advises all his patients to brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes, and floss at least once a day. Use the rinses and/or tools that have been recommended specifically for each patient’s best results. Dr. Koshki wants his patients to lessen their chances for developing cancer, diabetes and heart disease. He urges the cessation of smoking, processed sugar and over consumption of alcohol. See Dr. Koshki for an “Anti-Aging Dental Evaluation.” He can determine if changing old fillings and bondings along with teeth whitening can give you just the “lift” that you need. Dental lasers can help stop unsightly oral sores from developing, and Dr. Koshki can prescribe medications for cracks and sores to give you immediate relief. If your teeth have been severely worn down due to grinding, he can explain how building your teeth back up with crowns or other restorations can make a huge difference in your lips, cheeks and profile. Porcelain veneers on the front 4 to 6 teeth may be all it takes to turn back the clock!

I Plan On Having Botox, Fillers and A Mini Facelift – Isn’t That All I Need?

Of course having injectables, fillers and surgery are excellent temporary ways to look refreshed and more youthful. Dr. Koshki has both friends and family who have used these techniques and he is not against them; on the contrary, Dr. Koshki would like to partner with your dermatologist or surgeon to compliment your results using dental anti-aging solutions to give you the youthful appearance of your dreams. Let’s all be our youthful best, not only because it looks good, but because it feels good.