Professional Dental Care with a Personal Touch
February 21st, 2012
In the last newsletter we talked about The OraRisk® HPV Test. The OraRisk® HPV test is a non-invasive, easy-to-use screening tool to identify the type(s) of oral HPV, a mucosal viral infection that could potentially lead to oral cancer. We considered using this test as a way to screen for high-risk oral cancer carriers; also to promote an awareness of oral HPV, thereby, reducing the spread of the virus among our population. The test would cost $125 (an out-of-pocket expense to you) and it would be done through Quest Diagnostics. After discussing the benefit-to-cost ratio among our team, we are not completely convinced that providing this test annually would truly benefit our patients. At our office, we provide an oral cancer screening at every hygiene visit and an oral cancer screening test (VELscope®) once a year. Under examination with the VELscope®System, abnormal tissue typically appears as an irregular, dark area that stands out against the otherwise normal, green fluorescence pattern of surrounding healthy tissue. Regardless of whether a person has HPV or not, we are already looking for oral cancer. So, should we have ANOTHER test to check solely for HPV? At this time, we are leaning towards NO. We would appreciate your feedback on this matter, thank you.
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February 20th, 2012
The alignment of your jaw is important for several reasons. A properly aligned jaw ensures tension distribution with your bite, allowing teeth to wear evenly and naturally. The alignment of your jaw also allows for your teeth to meet in their proper bite position, and helps prevent discomfort such as jaw pain, lock jaw, and even headaches.
Commonly called “instant orthodontics,” porcelain veneers can be used to correct mild malocclusion, and help realign your jaw. With the use of porcelain veneers, Fairfax, Virginia cosmetic dentist, Dr. Pamela Marzban, can correct aesthetic and functional issues including:
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Unevenly spaced teeth
- Unevenly shaped teeth
These problems can all lend themselves to a misaligned bite.
For more serious malocclusion, Dr. Marzban may recommend options such as Invisalign® prior to veneer placement. With this option, your teeth and jaw can be brought into proper alignment, and further beautified by the porcelain veneer process.
No single solution is right for every mouth. When you come to our office for your initial consultation, Dr. Marzban will thoroughly evaluate your bite and jaw alignment before suggesting the treatment options that will best suit your needs.
If you live in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia and would like to learn more about your orthodontic options, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule an initial consultation today.
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February 15th, 2012
Your smile is, without question, one of your most important attributes. A winning, bright, white, straight smile can provide you with endless amounts of confidence. Studies have shown that people with pleasant smiles are more likely to get ahead in the business world, and feeling confident is always a plus when it comes to your personal life.
When you have a smile that is marred by several cosmetic imperfections, it can leave you feeling less appealing, and more self-aware. Fairfax, Virginia cosmetic dentist, Dr. Pamela Marzban, can customize a treatment option for you that will address all of your cosmetic and functional problems, and leave you with the smile you know you deserve.
A Smile Makeover
A smile makeover is a procedure in which several cosmetic problems are addressed at once. If you require more than a simple fix, Dr. Marzban can combine service such as porcelain veneers, dental implants, dental crowns, and teeth whitening to give you a smile you are proud to show the world.
You deserve to feel comfortable with your smile. You deserve a smile that is strong and attractive. Working closely with Dr. Marzban, a smile makeover procedure can restore your smile to its most beautiful state, and provide you with the stunning look you dream of.
If you live in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia and would like more information on the smile makeover procedure, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule an initial consultation today.
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January 31st, 2012
No matter what sport you play, a proper fitting mouthguard will be essential for adequately protecting your teeth and jaw. Many people look to boil and bite sports mouthguards to provide protection against impact. Sadly, these store bought solutions often fail to fully protect your mouth and may offer little more than false security.
Fitting Your Sports Mouthguard
Experienced Fairfax, Virginia dentist, Dr. Pamela Marzban, is pleased to offer Intact mouthguards. Intact mouthguards offer superior protection over store-bought options because they are customized both for your sport, and for your unique mouth.
When you come to our office for a mouthguard fitting, Dr. Marzban will make an exact impression of your teeth. Based on this impression and the type of sport you play, your Intact mouthguard will be custom created to provide a firm hold and durable protection for all of your teeth.
According to the American Dental Association, approximately 200,000 injuries are prevented every year in high school and college sports with the use of mouthguards. No matter what type of sport you play, your mouth deserves complete protection. Dr. Marzban can customize a mouthguard that meets your individual style and also provides you with the best protection available.
If you live in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia and would like to learn more about professional strength sports mouthguards, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule an initial consultation today.
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January 29th, 2012
LVI trained, Fairfax, Virginia cosmetic dentist, Dr. Pamela Marzban, offers our patients several solutions for replacing one or more missing teeth. Dentures have long been considered an adequate solution for tooth replacement, but they can be uncomfortable, and they are incapable of preventing jaw collapse, a common consequence of missing teeth. Working with Dr. Marzban, the best option for replacing your teeth can be determined.
Alternatives to Dentures
The two alternatives to dentures offered by Dr. Marzban are:
- Dental bridges – one of three types of bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth
- Dental implants – the only permanent solution for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are inserted directly into your jaw and accepted as a natural tooth root
Dental implants may be used to hold dental bridges into place, and both implants and bridges can be used as a more secure hold for dentures. During your initial consultation with Dr. Marzban, the method, or combination of methods most suited to meet your needs will discussed with you in full.
If you are looking for an alternative to dentures in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule an initial consultation today.
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January 27th, 2012
Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening, particularly if that whitening is done with a store bought kit. The problem with store bought kits is that the trays are not fitted to your teeth, making it easy to over-fill, or to get bleaching solution on sensitive areas such as your gums.
Professional Whitening Solutions
Fairfax cosmetic dentist, Dr. Pamela Marzban, offers professional teeth whitening solutions to our patients. With these options, sensitivity is greatly reduced, as is the risk of accidental application to your gums.
Dr. Marzban offers one hour, in-office whitening with the Boost Tooth Whitening system. This system is designed to minimize discomfort and speed pleasing results. For patients who prefer to whiten at home, Dr. Marzban offers Opalescence, a professional at-home whitening solution with customized application trays that reduce your risk of over-application and tooth sensitivity.
White teeth are a cornerstone of a healthy, attractive smile. Working with Dr. Marzban, you can achieve the bright, white smile you deserve without the risk of serious sensitivity.
If you would like to learn more about yourteeth whitening options in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule an initial consultation today.
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January 25th, 2012
If you are not a candidate for Invisalign®, you still have options for correcting your bite, and restoring proper function to your smile. Fairfax cosmetic dentist, Dr. Pamela Marzban, works with each patient on an individual level to determine the type of treatment that will best correct their smiles. Based on the unique needs of your mouth, Dr. Marzban can help you find the ideal option for you.
Alternatives to Invisalign®
Alternative to Invisalign® include:
- Traditional wire and bracket braces
- Clear braces
- Instant orthodontics with porcelain veneers
- A smile makeover
Depending on your needs, Dr. Marzban may recommend combining one or more cosmetic treatments to provide you with the smile you deserve.
Because no two smiles are the same, no single option will be optimal for every patient. Working closely with you on an individual basis, Dr. Marzban will help you find the solution that meets all of your needs.
If you live in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia and would like more information on your many orthodontic options, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule an initial consultation today.
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January 18th, 2012
Do you know about Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like smoking, genetics, pregnancy and puberty, medications such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, clenching or grinding your teeth, and poor nutrition also affect the health of your gums.
Types of Periodontal Disease
There are many forms of periodontal disease. The most common ones include the following.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good at home oral care.
Aggressive Periodontitis
A form of periodontitis that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
Chronic Periodontitis
A form of periodontal disease resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is recognized as the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases
Periodontititis, often with onset at a young age, associated with one of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes.
Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases
An infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions including, but not limited to, HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.
We hope you found this informative and helpful. We invite you to pass on the knowledge!
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January 16th, 2012
Oral HPV and Oral Cancer: Are You At Risk?
What Is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one the most common virus groups in the world. There are many different types of HPV, and the health risk varies depending upon the type of virus. While some types of HPV are low-risk and may cause skin lesions such as warts, there are other HPV types that are classified as high-risk. These high-risk HPV types may cause HPV infection that may lead to cancer. For example, medical research shows that certain high-risk types of HPV are linked to approximately 90% of cervical cancers. Similarly, recent studies show that these same high-risk types cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, and throat areas. Along with excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, specific types of oral HPV are now considered to be a separate and serious risk factor for developing cancer in the head and neck regions.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of oral HPV Infections?
Clinical signs of oral HPV infections vary depending on the type of HPV that is present in the infection. Low-risk oral HPV types lead to wart, or “papilloma.” High-risk oral HPV may present as a sore that won’t heal, which is a worrisome sign of potential cancer.
How Do I Know If I Have An Oral HPV Infection?
Early oral HPV infections do not typically cause any clinical signs or symptoms; thus, a visual exam would not detect people that may already have an infection caused by oral HPV. Today, however, a simple test called OraRisk HPV is available that can detect oral HPV infections very early.
The OraRisk HPV Test
Dr. Marzban can perform this easy test as a part of your routine oral health exam. The OraRisk HPV test uses a sterile saline rinse to determine if an oral HPV infection is present.
Here’s how the test is done:
Dr. Marzban will ask you to “swish and gargle” with a sterile saline solution for 30 seconds. You will then empty the saline from your mouth into a small, coded container that will be sent to OralDNA Labs for processing. Dr. Marzban will receive your test results and contact you to discuss them.
Who should be tested for Oral HPV?
- Individuals with “traditional” risk factors for oral cancer such as smoking and alcohol
- Males and females that are sexually active
- Individuals with a family history of oral cancer
Why Is It Important For You To Take The OraRisk HPV Test?
When oral HPV causes an infection, there are generally three possible outcomes:
- It may “clear” without causing cell changes (usually occurs within the first 12 months)
- It may linger for long periods of time without any clinical signs or changes
- It may progress and later cells, leading to malignant changes and cancer of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, or throat
Are You At Risk? Get tested today and be certain.
Have a great year!
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December 23rd, 2011
Experienced Fairfax, Virginia dentist, Dr. Pamela Marzban, knows that every mouth is unique. When it comes to Invisalign® treatment, the question is less one of age, and more one of preparedness.
Invisalign® is capable of making minor changes to your bite and correcting mild cases of malocclusion. When you are in your teenage years, your teeth may be easier to move and require a less intensive option. While braces remain a popular choice for adolescents and young adults, Invisalign® is often a less obtrusive alternative.
Invisalign® is appropriate for most people who have all of their adult teeth. It is important that you have all of your adult teeth for Dr. Marzban to determine the exact adjustment you will require. If all of your adult teeth have erupted and you are considering braces, Dr. Marzban can provide you with a thorough evaluation and help you determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®.
The important thing to remember is that Invisalign® requires diligence. The plastic alignment trays must be worn at all times unless otherwise directed by Dr. Marzban. You need to be prepared to wear your aligners, and follow all of Dr. Marzban’s advice before you are ready for Invisalign®.
If you live in Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia and would like to know if you are a candidate for Invisalign®, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule an initial consultation today.
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Care, Invisalign® | Comments Off
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