Brent R. Browning, DDS, PC

Procedures

Orthodontics | Invisalign | ZOOM Whitening | White Fillings | Nitrous Sedation

Orthodontics

Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. Treatment involves impressions of your teeth being made before braces can be put on. A gummy paste is placed in the mouth to get an impression of the teeth and gums. From these impressions, models of the teeth are made.

After impressions, Dr. Browning will make the final decision about what will be put on the teeth. It depends on whether the patient is in phase one or two of the treatment. Sometimes treatment only has one phase; other times there are two. When this happens, it’s usually because there is a problem with the bite that needs to be fixed before the teeth can be aligned. Dr. Browning also offers the choice of clear or regular braces.

Perfect oral hygiene is necessary during any type of orthodontic treatment. Teeth can pulled into a perfect smile, but they can’t be prevented from decaying unless they are taken care off. This means flossing around the braces and brushing at least twice a day, very carefully. Only soft-bristled brushes should be used.

Be sure to call our office to inquire about our pre-ortho exam and consultation!

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Invisalign

WHAT IS INVISALIGN?
Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, nearly undetectable, removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. It has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthdontic practices nationwide.

HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?
You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until they have straightened to the final position Our Doctor has prescribed. You'll visit us about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

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ZOOM Whitening

It's Your Choice!
Whether you want your teeth whiter right now or over a few nights while you sleep, Zoom! is your answer. The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth an average of eight shades in a little over an hour while you relax at your dentist’s office. It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results. The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System uses a revolutionary patent-pending gel to whiten your teeth an average of six shades in three nights. And you may go even lighter with additional applications. Start on Friday and by Monday you’ll have a whole new smile.

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White Fillings

When you need a small filling but don't want ugly silver in your teeth, direct resin or white fillings are the way to go. Their most obvious advantage is beauty - a well-done white filling can be indistinguishable from the natural tooth. They have many advantages. White fillings can change the appearance of teeth, strengthen teeth, and more conservatively treat teeth - all things that silver fillings cannot do.

White fillings are bonded to tooth structure - this means that they actually integrate with the tooth, thereby sealing the gap between tooth and filling and adding their strength to the tooth. This allows for the more varied uses of resin beyond just regular fillings - like placing thin layers over front teeth to change their color, shape or general appearance; or repairing small chips or fractures in teeth; or even being placed in the grooves of teeth to prevent decay from ever occurring. Bonded white fillings are an extremely beautiful advance in the creation of fantastic and healthy smiles.

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Nitrous Sedation

Nitrous Oxide
Bringing Comfort To Your Dental Visit.
When patients are anxious or if relaxation techniques fail, Dr. Browning may use sedatives or antianxiety agents such as nitrous oxide to help you relax. Nitrous oxide is a commonly used dental sedative that produces a giddiness or euphoria, which is why people frequently call it "laughing gas."

Nitrous Oxide, a sweet-smelling gas, is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen. It is inhaled, along with oxygen, through a nasal mask. It is used for patients of all ages. It is also used in a number of dental treatments such as tooth restoration, placement of crowns, or for minor surgical procedures. Nitrous oxide is often used along with local anesthetics and pain medications. It has the effect of raising the pain threshold and may even make the time appear to pass quickly.

Nitrous oxide has several advantages over other sedatives; it's fast-acting which means patients recover quickly and it is associated with few side effects.

Nitrous oxide provides "conscious sedation." The patient is capable of rational response to a question or command. Conscious sedation differs from general anesthesia since it does not put the patient totally "to sleep" and involves less risk.

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