February 17th, 2012
There are several reasons why some people’s teeth grow in crooked, overlapping, or twisted. Some people’s mouths are too small for their teeth, which crowds the teeth and causes them to shift. In other cases, a person’s upper and lower jaws aren’t the same size or are malformed. Most often, crooked teeth are inherited traits just as the color of your eyes or hair. Other causes of crooked teeth are early loss of baby or adult teeth, undue pressure on the teeth and gums, misalignment of jaw after facial injury, or common oral health problems in children such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged use of a bottle or pacifier.
Having crooked teeth isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to serious health problems as well. Crooked teeth can:
• interfere with proper chewing
• make keeping teeth clean more of a challenge, increasing the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis
• strain the teeth, jaws, and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth
There are several orthodontic procedures that can help correct crooked teeth, and at Pacificwest Dental Group we have many services that we can customize to meet your needs, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign®. We want you to be proud to show off your smile!
Tags: braces Surrey, braces Vancouver BC, orthodontist Surrey BC, Pacificwest Dental Group, Vancouver orthodontist
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February 10th, 2012
Your smile is totally unique, so the time you’ll need to spend undergoing orthodontic treatment will also be unique. Generally, orthodontic treatment will take about two years, and this is for good reason. During this time, your teeth will slowly move into their desired positions, leaving you with a great smile with as little discomfort as possible. Rushing treatment can result in a less than perfect smile with a greater chance of tooth movement after your treatment is complete. At PacificWest Denta Group, we don’t want to waste your time with treatment that won’t retain your smile for the rest of your life.
Of course, treatment time will vary depending on your specific situation. Very minor tooth movement may only take a few months to correct, while serious malocclusion (poor bite) may need more than two years to correct. Only our team will be able to accurately estimate the time your treatment will take. But trust us—it’ll all be worth it in the end!
Has your child or teen visited PacificWest Dental Group for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help him or her begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!
Tags: braces Surrey BC, braces Vancouver, orthodontist Surrey BC, orthodontist Vancouver BC, Pacificwest Dental Group
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January 27th, 2012
While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:
• Fluoride – fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.
• Antiseptic – an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.
• Combination – a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.
• Prescription – for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.
There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:
• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)
If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!
–Pacificwest Dental Group
Tags: Bertrand Chan, braces Vancouver, Cheng Lun Wang, Ivana Chow, Leo Fung, orthodontic treatment, orthodontist Surrey BC, Pacificwest Dental Group, Surrey orthodontist
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January 20th, 2012
Great question!
If you are brushing and flossing daily during your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Cheng Lun Wang, Bertrand Chan, Leo Fung, Ivana Chow, we think that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Pacificwest Dental Group, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.
Tooth decay, which is caused by sugars left in your mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay because adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines, combined with regular dental visits, help keep tooth decay away.
If you have any questions, please be sure to keep ask Drs. Cheng Lun Wang, Bertrand Chan, Leo Fung, Ivana Chow or our team during your next adjustment appointment, or ask us on Facebook!
Tags: Bertrand Chan, braces Surrey BC, braces Vancouver, Cheng Lun Wang, Ivana Chow, Leo Fung, orthodontic treatment, orthodontist Surrey BC, Pacificwest Dental Group
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My passion for Orthodontic care comes from the privilege of being involved in a very significant, personally transformative process. 
There are several reasons why some people’s teeth grow in crooked, overlapping, or twisted. Some people’s mouths are too small for their teeth, which crowds the teeth and causes them to shift. In other cases, a person’s upper and lower jaws aren’t the same size or are malformed. Most often, crooked teeth are inherited traits just as the color of your eyes or hair. Other causes of crooked teeth are early loss of baby or adult teeth, undue pressure on the teeth and gums, misalignment of jaw after facial injury, or common oral health problems in children such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged use of a bottle or pacifier.
