Many patients undergoing orthodontic care will experience white spot lesions, or WSLs, after having their braces removed. These lesions are often caused by a demineralization of the enamel. Not only can these white spots be detrimental to a patient’s self-esteem, but they can even contribute to early decay and tooth sensitivity. For this reason, treatment of white spot lesions is important and can be done here at Bright Star Sapphire Dental in a noninvasive, gentle manner.

What is Icon Treatment?

Icon treatment has been used for years to help treat white spot lesions and early signs of decay. The treatment uses a simple etching device that is cured with a bright dental light. In just one visit, the enamel is re-mineralized and the pores of the enamel are closed. This can be helpful in preventing sensitivity as well as further damage and decay to the tooth. There is absolutely no drilling or anesthetic required, so it’s a great solution for children who may not be able to sit for more invasive procedures. Icon is useful when it comes to creating a more beautiful, even-looking smile without the use of whitening products.

How Long Will Treatment Last?

Keep in mind that Icon treatment is not permanent, and future treatments may be needed. For most patients, treatment lasts for roughly two years. However, there are many patients who have had Icon treatment administered and who still have no white spot lesions after five or more years. The amount of time that Icon treatment will last for you or your child depends on many different factors, such as oral hygiene and diet. Foods high in acids tend to break down the enamel quicker than other types of foods, so avoiding fruit juices and acidic foods can help to prevent the white spot lesions from returning.

Is Icon Treatment Worth It?

Unlike many professional and store-bought whitening products, Icon is considered to be a more cost-effective and long-term solution to discoloration of the enamel. With the help of an examination, Dr. Boris Kleyman & Dr. Denada Kleyman can help to determine which treatment option is right for you or your child. You will benefit from Icon treatment because it is minimally invasive and provides long-term results that you can appreciate.

Contact Bright Star Sapphire Dental in Fair Lawn, NJ

If you would like to learn more about Icon treatment, call Bright Star Sapphire Dental in Fair Lawn today to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members.

In the past, whenever you’ve gotten a cavity, the only option for removing the decay and preventing it from getting worse was with a dental filling. While fillings are still effective and used daily in dental offices worldwide, there are several options for treating cavities before they are allowed to get worse. Understanding what your options are can help improve you or your loved one’s overall oral health.

What are Cavities?

Cavities are areas of decay in one or more teeth and affects children & adults. Tooth decay often forms as a result of poor oral hygiene and a poor diet. Eating a lot of high-sugar foods and not brushing or flossing well enough causes a thin layer of sticky plaque to form on different surfaces of the teeth. Not only does plaque make your teeth feel dirty, but it contains acids that lead to enamel erosion. As the plaque acids continue to essentially “eat” away at the tooth, a cavity forms and treatment is needed. If an area of decay is ignored and left untreated for too long, it will eventually spread to the inner pulp, or nerve, of the tooth. This will then cause the need for a complete root canal or extraction of the tooth.

What Treatment Options are Available?

While fillings are a great way to replace areas of decay in one or more teeth, there is no question that they compromise the overall strength and integrity of the tooth. Fillings do not last forever and will need to be replaced over time, which can be a cost issue for many patients.

There are two main treatment options that we here at Bright Star Sapphire Dental have available to you: Silver Diamine Fluoride & the  Icon Resin Infiltration System

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)?

This treatment uses a silver and fluoride mixture to halt the progression of tooth decay. SDF has been approved for use by the FDA, so it’s safely used in dental offices. The silver in the mixture kills the bacteria that is causing and contributing to the decay and the fluoride works to strengthen the teeth. SDF treatment can prevent the cavity from getting larger, which prevents the need for a filling.

What is the Icon Resin Infiltration System?

Another option to treat cavities is known as the Icon Resin Infiltration system. This simple and effective method works to re-mineralize white spot lesions and the early stages of decay using a simple etching device. There is no drilling or anesthetic required. The system works by essentially filling in the pores of the enamel, closing it off to further damage and demineralization. Dr. Boris Kleyman & Dr. Denada Kleyman are proud to offer you both options, and with the help of an examination, we can discuss which one is right for you.

Contact Bright Star Sapphire Dental in Fair Lawn, NJ

If you would like to learn more about treating cavities without the need for fillings, call Bright Star Sapphire Dental in Fair Lawn today for more information and to speak with one of our friendly professionals.

WHAT IS THE CARIES OF THE FEEDER OR BOTTLE?

This type of infant caries causes injuries to the temporary teeth of children that can destroy them very quickly. It affects young children and infants, so it is difficult to detect if the child is not taken for regular checkups to the pediatric dentist. How can you tell if your child suffers from bottle caries? The initial lesion is a small stain on the teeth, but the problem is that it quickly gets older and acquires a yellowish color. If it is not detected immediately, it can affect the root of the tooth and create an important inflammatory lesion.

WHY IS IT CALLED CARIES OF THE FEEDER?

Although it can appear in children who drink breast milk for a long time, the most common origin of this type of infant caries is that the child has a bottle in his mouth constantly, or a pacifier covered with some sugary substance to keep the child distracted.

Many parents let the child fall asleep with the bottle, but the sugar of its content permeates the teeth and creates the bacteria that end up causing tooth decay. In addition, it should be taken into account that the enamel of baby teeth has very low density, which makes it very easy for the lesion to be caused.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE CARIES OF THE FEEDER

Bottle decay can precipitate the loss of temporary teeth, which can have important consequences on your ability to chew or pronounce well. In addition, it should be borne in mind that possible infections originated are difficult to treat in a young patient.

Similarly, the early lack of baby teeth can alter the eruption of the final teeth, causing space and aesthetic problems.

HOW IS FEEDER CARIES TREATED?

specialized pediatric dentist will normally assess the extent of the baby bottle decay your child suffers and decide on the most appropriate treatment. In milder cases, a composite seal may be sufficient, while major lesions may require crowns or tooth covers. In the most severe cases, the treatment of the nerve of the milk tooth, or the extraction of the tooth is carried out. 

If the tooth is removed, the child dentist will opt for the application of space maintainers that avoid problems in the eruption of the final teeth. 

Feeder caries can be a severe problem and we highly recommend that you visit your pediatric dentist before it gets any worse. 

Contact Bright Star Sapphire Dental in Fair Lawn, NJ

If you have any additional questions about cavities  please don’t hesitate to contact Bright Star Sapphire Dental! Dr. Boris Kleyman & Dr. Denada Kleyman, our Fair Lawn dentists, would be happy to help.