Patients looking to straighten their smiles without undergoing years of treatment with metal brackets and wires may have a more cosmetic and convenient alternative – Invisalign. These clear braces are effective in correcting crooked teeth and misalignments like over, under, and crossbite, making them a viable alternative to traditional braces for many patients. If you’re looking to quickly and comfortably straighten your smile without hassle of bracket and wire orthodontics, Invisalign may be right for you. One of the other benefits associated with Invisalign orthodontic treatment is that your oral hygiene routine will not be impacted in the same way that brackets and wires change daily brushing and flossing habits. However, there are a few minor changes necessary to ensure your smile stays whole and healthy during Invisalign treatment.
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August 12, 2017
Invisalign and Your Oral Hygiene
July 17, 2015
The Mouth-Body Connection from Your Virginia Beach Dentist
If you truly are what you eat, then the mouth is the gateway to a strong, healthy body. You need healthy teeth and gums to breakdown healthy, nutritious foods to support your whole body health, no surprise there. What if we told you that infection and decay in your mouth could be harmful to your entire body? At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we know that the connection between your oral and whole body health is about more than digestion, and we’re dedicated to patient education and preventive care. Call to schedule a checkup with Dr. Carol Morgan at our convenient Virginia Beach, VA office.
The Family Dentist Virginia Beach Trusts with their Smiles
You may know that swapping sugary, starchy foods for more nutrient rich meals will help improve your health from head to toe, but did you know that the mouth-body connection goes deeper? Recent studies have shown a significant link between oral health and numerous systemic diseases. The most significant impact on health occurs with people suffering from periodontal (gum) disease. Patients who suffer from gum disease are at a higher risk for blood clots, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and gum diseases is known to cause difficulties for patients who are pregnant or who have diabetes.
Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is great start, but plaque and tartar bond to your enamel and build up overtime even with the most stringent at home care and dietary restrictions. We recommend visiting Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry every six months for a thorough teeth cleaning with one of our skilled dental hygienists. These cleanings remove even the most solidly bonded plaque, and ensure the plaque causing bacteria don’t do further damage causing infection or inflammation.
Dental checkups and hygiene appointments also allow us the opportunity to screen for numerous conditions that effect more than just your smile. Our dental care professionals screen for gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), and TMJ disorder at every appointment. Early detection of these potentially detrimental health issues allows our team to treat the underlying causes and make recommendations for changes or additions to your at-home care routine.
Our teeth change throughout our lives and dental health varies from person to person. Let Dr. Morgan help you care for your teeth at any stage of life. Our practice provides dental sealants to block out cavities in susceptible, young smiles. Men are at a much higher risk for gum disease, and should be screened regularly and receive an extremely thorough cleaning around the gum line from our hygienists. Women are more likely to suffer from bruxism which can cause the biting surface of teeth to have deep grooves and ridges that are susceptible to bacterial growth. A nightguard to reduce the effects of bruxism, and dental sealants can be utilized to protect your teeth from harmful decay. Pregnant women often suffer from a form of gum disease referred to as pregnancy gingivitis that is linked to preterm or underweight birth. We recommend visiting us if you’re newly pregnant or planning to be pregnant to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. As we age, our bones become susceptible to osteoporosis. Dentists are often the first to know. Periodic dental x-rays from Dr. Morgan can help alert you to potential bone density loss.
Don’t Visit Any Dentist – Visit the Best Dentist, Virginia Beach
We want our patients to be happy and healthy and keep their beautiful smiles for a life time. Regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings paired with excellent at-home oral hygiene is the first step towards a happier healthier you. Call to schedule your checkup with Dr. Carol Morgan and the superior Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry team. Our Virginia Beach, VA office is worth the drive from nearby locations Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and beyond.
June 24, 2015
Outstanding Invisalign in Virginia Beach
Do you remember high school? The judgment, the staring, the criticism, the clicks. Imagine all of that with braces. Sadly, snap judgments based on appearance don’t disappear just because you’re an adult. In fact, the way people perceive you can effect whether you get a job, how much money you make, and even how people respond when meeting you. Braces would have been tough in high school, but maybe correcting your crowding, gaping or irregular bite just isn’t worth the stigma no matter what your age. Thanks to Invisalign clear braces, you don’t have to choose between a beautiful smile and making a great impression. In Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Carol Morgan and her outstanding team at the Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry are here to correct any smile concerns invisibly. Don’t let put off your perfect smile, call to schedule an Invisalign or other cosmetic dentistry consultation.
How Braces Work
Braces apply pressure to your teeth to shift them in the soft, gum tissue until they align. This is not an easy task. Think about walking through water at the beach. The deeper you get, the more difficult it is to move through the water. As braces work to shift your teeth into place, the gums resist the motion, but gradually and with enough pressure the teeth are able to move. Traditional braces are comprised of brackets that attach to your teeth, and are connected to the surrounding teeth with wires that provide the resistance to shift the teeth into place.
How Invisalign is Different
Imagine you’re walking through the water again. As you push into the waves, they push back, and you work harder and harder to move forward. Now, imagine you stop walking and start swimming. You are still working to move through the water, there is still resistance, but it’s easier. Innovations in orthodontics have made it possible for teeth straightening to feel more like swimming and less like walking into the waves.
One of the many bite correcting options on the market is Invisalign. Invisalign is a clear braces system. Rather than use the pull of your teeth against each other to move them into place, Invisalign uses customized alignment trays to put pressure on your teeth moving them into alignment over time. Because your teeth are not moving against the gums and pulling against your other teeth, there is less resistance. Many patients who tried traditional braces, but were unable to complete their treatment because they found it too painful have experienced much more success using Invisalign.
Invisalign also takes less time, requires less frequent dental visits, and best of all your lifestyle isn’t impacted while you were them. Most patients are able to completely correct their smile in about year simply by wearing their alignment trays and replacing them with new ones every two weeks. Periodic checkups will be necessary to ensure your teeth are progressing as planned, but you will need about half the number of visits you would need with traditional braces. This is much more convenient for adults with busy schedules. Finally, not only does Invisalign straighten your teeth virtually invisibly, your alignment trays are removable. That means you can eat what you want simply remove Invisalign during meals. If you have a big event or a family photo session, remove Invisalign and replace after.
What to do Now
If you’ve been unhappy with your crooked teeth for years, if your teenager has extremely sensitive teeth and gums or feelings, or if you just want a faster, gentler way to perfect your smile, Invisalign clear braces might be your best option. Dr. Morgan and the knowledgeable team at Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry are here to help every step of the way. Call to schedule a consultation today. Our conveniently located Virginia Beach, VA practice invites patients from our neighboring communities including Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Portsmouth to come see the difference a picture-perfect smile can make.
September 11, 2014
Dr. Carol Morgan Can Make Straight Teeth Appear like Magic with Invisalign®
Are you self-conscious about your smile? Would you like straighter teeth, but don’t want the hassle and appearance of metal braces? With Invisalign aligners you can straighten your teeth without anyone obviously knowing. Dr. Carol Morgan and her staff at the Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, can design a customized treatment plan for you that will straighten your teeth like, well, magic!
Invisalign for Health and Beauty
Having straight teeth is not only a matter of looking good. Straight teeth mean better oral health, too. Misaligned teeth make brushing and flossing more difficult, thus leaving spots for food and bacteria to hide and cause a host of problems. So, when you straighten your teeth with Invisalign you won’t only have a more beautiful smile, you’ll have a healthier smile.
Invisalign clear braces may be particularly appealing to adult patients who need to maintain a professional appearance during orthodontic treatment. Dr. Morgan will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth in order to design a treatment plan just for you. Then, based on that plan, Invisalign creates a series of custom aligners. Made of a smooth and clear plastic, each set of aligners are practically invisible and won’t irritate your cheeks and gums the way metal braces might.
Once you receive your Invisalign aligners, simply wear them throughout the day and night, removing them to eat and brush. Approximately every two weeks, you’ll wear a new set of aligners. With each new set, your teeth gradually move into place. Of course, Dr. Morgan will want to monitor your progress, so regular check-ups during treatment are advisable. You will be delighted as you watch your smile become straighter and healthier!
Contact Us Today for a Consultation on Invisalign
If you are ready to have the smile that you thought would never happen, then schedule an appointment today with Dr. Morgan to discuss Invisalign aligners. The Hamptons Road Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, also serves residents of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Suffolk.
August 15, 2014
Oral Cancer Screening & Your Health: What You Need to Know
When you think of a general dentistry checkup, the first things that come to mind are mostly likely x-rays, a cleaning, an exam, and some questions and answers regarding your hygiene routine. Another important part of your routine dental visit is oral cancer screening, a special exam that checks for signs of cancerous cells within the oral cavity. At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Carol Morgan and her team perform routine oral cancer screenings using the latest technology in the industry.
The Importance of Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is an aggressive disease that is most easily and effectively treated when the condition is diagnosed early. Because many of the signs of oral cancer are not easily detected by patients at home, oral cancer screenings are performed at routine checkups approximately twice per year. Though a visit to our office is the only definitive way to diagnose a real problem, there are some more conspicuous signs you can watch for between appointments.
- Red or white patches or lesions anywhere in the mouth
- Unexplained tenderness, numbness, tingling, or any other odd sensation
- Unusual bleeding
- Recurring ulcers
- Bumps or lumps on the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, or other soft tissues
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
- Persistent hoarseness and/or sore throat
If you notice any of these issues, it is important that you schedule a visit with Dr. Morgan as soon as possible. We will work with you to reach an accurate diagnosis and begin the process of developing a treatment plan. Our team is here to help, serving as your trusted partner in a journey toward lifelong oral health and overall wellness.
Protect Your Smile with Dr. Morgan
At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Morgan provides patients of all ages with the comprehensive care they need to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment and find out how our patient-centric approach and cutting-edge technology can benefit you and your family. Our office happily welcomes patients from Virginia Beach, VA and the surrounding areas, including Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and more.
July 1, 2014
Implant-Retained Dentures: Restore Your Complete Smile Today
Are you one of the millions of Americans who wears dentures? Do you often find yourself wishing that there was a way to make them feel more comfortable and natural like real teeth? At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Carol Morgan offers a comprehensive selection of restorative dental solutions for patients just like you, including implant dentistry and implant-retained dentures.
Transform Your Smile and Your Life
While traditional dentures do serve a variety of functions, they don’t always prove the ideal solution for many patients. Ill-fitting dentures can be exceedingly uncomfortable and slip around, and the adhesives meant to hold them in place don’t always work so well. Patients who wear dentures may not be able to enjoy all of the foods they’d like to eat due to texture, and the fear that they will slip during conversation can make socializing awkward.
Fortunately, there is a lasting solution available to patients looking to enjoy a full, beautiful smile without the hassles normally associated with dentures: implant-retained dentures from Dr. Morgan. Custom-fitted, meticulously crafted dentures can be attached to the jaw itself using utilizing the proven power of dental implants. Implant-retained dentures are firmly secured to implanted posts within the bone of the jaw so they look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. You’ll love your results, finally feeling confident in the way you look and feel.
A Completely Revitalized Smile
Replacing missing teeth is an integral step in reclaiming your overall oral health, regardless of your age. At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we invite you to explore your options for repair and rejuvenation with our wide array of restorative dentistry procedures, including implant-retained dentures. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Morgan and her caring, compassionate staff in Virginia Beach, VA. Our practice also serves patients from the surrounding areas of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk, and beyond.
June 2, 2014
Orthodontic Treatment for Your Entire Family in Virginia Beach, VA
If your smile suffers from one or more of the most common alignment issues – including gaps, crowding, underbite, overbite, or crossbite – then you know how orthodontic problems can affect your life. Whether you are an adult who feels you have waited too long to seek teeth-straightening treatment or the parent of a little one with orthodontic concerns, Dr. Carol Morgan is here to help. At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, we believe every patient deserves to enjoy straight teeth and a healthy smile. That’s why we offer an all-encompassing menu of orthodontic solutions to fit your unique lifestyle.
The Importance of a Straighter Smile
People with straight, healthy teeth tend to be perceived as more attractive, charismatic, and even successful. If your teeth are misaligned, gapped, or crowded, you may feel hesitant to show your smile when the mood strikes. Having straighter teeth helps patients who would otherwise feel self-conscious about their smile share it with the world.
Though the cosmetic benefits of straight teeth are quite clear, many patients don’t realize how the alignment of your teeth actually affects overall oral health. Teeth that are properly aligned are inherently easier to clean, making them less susceptible to problems like tooth decay. In addition, straighter teeth tend to result in a more comfortable bite, thereby reducing a patient’s risk of developing common issues like temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ.
Call Dr. Morgan today to explore our range of orthodontic treatment, including traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and everything in between. We look forward to becoming your trusted source for orthodontic treatment.
Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Morgan Today
Whether you are an adult who is unhappy with your smile due to alignment issues or you are the parent of a child in need of orthodontic treatment, we are here to help. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Morgan and discover the difference our commitment, experience, and advanced technology can make in your smile. Our family-friendly practice in Virginia Beach, VA proudly serves patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Suffolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and more.
May 2, 2014
Tooth-Colored Fillings for a Beautifully Healthy Smile in Virginia Beach
Dental fillings are the most common restorative dentistry service performed in America, helping to preserve natural teeth and protect delicate internal structures from further decay. Previously, fillings were composed of an amalgam of silver, mercury, copper, and tin, though now dental technology offers us the ability to fill a cavity with something much better: tooth-colored fillings. At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Carol Morgan and her team offer a variety of cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry services, including tooth-colored fillings.
Tooth-Colored Fillings: Form & Function
Though scientific research has yet to prove the existence of health risks associated with amalgam fillings, many patients and doctors tend to prefer alternatives that do not contain mercury. Mercury itself, which comprises about 50 percent of the amalgam in silver fillings, is toxic to humans; however, whether or not mercury in fillings can be harmful continues to stand for debate. Fortunately, there is a preferable alternative to dark metal amalgams: composite resin fillings.
Because they are color-matched to the shade of your natural teeth, composite resin fillings blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile. There is no more worry or self-consciousness surrounding dark metal fillings when you smile or laugh, and the materials used offer even better structural stability than their amalgam counterparts. The end result is a beautiful smile that is protected from decay and damage, and even stronger than before.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Whether you are in need of a new filling or you’d like to learn more about how Dr. Morgan replaces amalgam fillings with beautiful tooth-colored composites, our team is here to help. Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule your appointment. Our family-friendly dental practice happily welcomes patients from the surrounding areas of Portsmouth, Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and beyond. We can’t wait to help improve your smile and enhance your overall oral health!
