Invisalign Day: Your Healthier, More Beautiful Smile!

As a dedication to promoting innovative services to patients, Petaluma Dental Group is having our Invisalign Day. If you're interested in finding more about Invisalign, I encourage you to visit the Invisalign website. It has a wealth of information about the benefits of having your teeth aligned with clear trays. For a small preview, below are just a few of the benefits:

• Healthier Gums - Invisalign aligners are removable so patients can brush and floss normally which can help prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay. Research has shown that gingival health may improve during treatment.
• Easier Cleanings - The chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay and periodontal disease can be reduced with properly aligned teeth. 
• Less Stress - Properly aligned teeth are less stressful on the supporting bone and provide better function. Invisalign offers an alternative to aggressive, restorative solutions for orthodontic problems.

As part of Invisalign Day, we will be seeing patients for complimentary consultations! If you decide that Invisalign is for you, we will provide you with:

• $500 off your Invisalign treatment
• Free Whitening (so your teeth look their absolute best)
• IPOD Shuffle

So, please contact the office to make an appointment for your consultation. I look forward to discussing your most healthy and beautiful smile! Here is more information on the event:

• When: Saturday, November 20th   9:00am - 1:00pm
• Where: Petaluma Dental Group (1430 E. Washington Street, Petaluma)
• Details: Appointments are limited. Please call today to reserve your consultation appointment! 
• Appointment: Call the office at (707) 762-0067 and ask for an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Tran!

As always, I am available to answer your dental questions (contact me). I look forward to your Invisalign questions and comments!

Trick-or-Treat,
Dr. Lynda Tran


Note: Please note that you have to sign-up for Invisalign treatment on or before Saturday, November 20th in order to partake in the Invisalign Dental Special.

Dimples on My Golf Ball, Not My Teeth!

I am going to share with you something that few patients know: With the exception of chewing and swallowing, our teeth should not be touching. Our teeth were not designed to be constantly working on each other. However, more and more patients are experiencing the consequences of clenching and grinding. As a result of the incessant clenching or grinding, patients usually have what is often called “golf ball molars” because of the dimple wear patterns (see above).

Additionally, bruxism (name for the condition of grinding teeth) may lead to your jaw feeling stiff, teeth becoming sensitive to cold, and jaws being tired after a night’s rest. Without diagnosis and immediate intervention of this condition, several things can occur:

• Teeth become extremely sensitive to cold liquids and food. 
• Compromise of existing fillings and crowns because these restorations are not strong enough to counter the impressive strength of our muscles and teeth.
• Increase risk of cavities. The more yellow surface of the tooth showing through is dentin. Unfortunately, dentin is not nearly as strong and cavity resistant as our outer enamel.
• Additionally, the teeth become shortened and flat. (see below) 

There are several believed causes of bruxism. Namely, it is attributable to a) stress and/or b) the way teeth fit together. Due to activities occurring in your life, you may have a tendency to grind/clench during the day or night. Or, if your teeth do not properly fit together, the teeth may be compensating for the discrepancy by wearing each other out.

In either event, please consult with your dentist. He/she will be able to assess the potential causes of your bruxism and develop a treatment that would cater to your unique case. Upcoming articles, I will be going more in depth on two possible treatments: night guards and braces (traditional and Invisalign).

While dimples are excellent on golf balls and babies, let’s keep them away from your teeth!

Happy golfing,
Dr. Lynda Tran

Golf Ball Anatomy: Golf balls with dimples are able to achieve “truer” flight than those that are smooth. While most dimples on golf balls are circular, it is believed that hexagonal dimples provide balls more lift.

Ca$h for Candy - Turn Sweets into Cheese

With the ever rising numbers of children developing obesity and cavities, it’s important this Halloween to focus on the amount of candy your child consumes. In an effort to remove the excess candy from your household this Halloween, Petaluma Dental Group and Synergy Dental are holding Ca$h for Candy. At this fabulous event, we will buy back every pound of unopened candy for a dollar with a chance to win great raffle prizes! Additionally, we hope to promote nutrition awareness for children in a fun, healthy way. Here are more details of this exciting event:

• When: Monday, November 1st from 2pm - 6pm
• Where: 1430 East Washington Street, Petaluma 94954

For more information, please click on link above. I look forward to seeing you there with your pounds of candy!

Best,
Dr. Lynda Tran