Alex Nguyen DDS on Yelp!

June 13, 2012 alexnguyen

Out of curiosity, I clicked on my Yelp reviews page today and discovered that we currently rank number one on the Best of Yelp list for Saratoga. What a pleasure to receive such positive feedbacks from our patients. In fact, we have the privilege to service patients from all over, and not just from the nearby community.

Compliments motivate us to continue working hard to deliver outstanding service to our patients. We are grateful for your trust, and we look forward to many years of care with you!

Is the Gum Contour Crucial in Creating a Better Smile?

May 20, 2012 alexnguyen

I was recently asked this question following a consultation I did for a patient. A front tooth is beautiful not only because of the white part of the tooth, but also because of how the pink gum tissue drapes around the neck of the tooth. In your smile, there should be a harmonious proportion which flows from the front teeth to the back teeth.

For people whose front teeth have been traumatized, often time the lip line is unconsciously restrained to limit the display the front teeth. If we do not plan for proper gum contouring to create the right proportion and gum tissue drape for the front teeth; when you are happy with the new teeth and begin to smile more openly, then the gum line may throw off the otherwise-could be perfect smile line.

........................................................................................

Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.

Things about Teeth that can Stress You Out !

April 28, 2012 alexnguyen

This patient had TMJ problem. She went to see a "TMJ Specialist" who does orthodontics. This is how her teeth look at the completion of the orthodontic treatment. Everything looks nice and straight from the front, and the smile is beautiful. However, when you take a closer look at the back teeth - She's missing teeth contacts in the molar areas on both sides of the mouth. With this much spacings in between the teeth, the patient would have to exert extra forces as she tries to chew her food. That in turn takes a toll on the chewing muscles, excessively stresses her joints, and defeats the original reason of her visit to a "TMJ Specialist".

Front Teeth after Orthodontic Treatment:

Back Teeth after Orthodontic Treatment:

Before choosing a "dental specialist". It is important to understand what your problem is, how the problem can be fixed, and what to anticipate at the end of the treatment. The last things about teeth that you would want to deal with may be things that can stress you out !

........................................................................................

Crowns Gone Wild !

April 1, 2012 alexnguyen

This patient received a total of 22 crowns to mask out her tetracycline stained teeth. The case result was compromised on multiple levels. The most severe problem in this case is the inflammation of the gum around each tooth.

The margins of the crowns were placed too deep inside the gum pockets. This problem is known as "violation of the biologic width." In such situations the gum is unable to remain healthy. Severe inflammation occurs in the initial stages, and the inflammation will eventually cause bone loss in the same area. You can see a line of redness around the neck of the teeth. Light pressure in these areas is enough for the gum to bleed profusely.

Furthermore, the diagnostic X-rays reveal root canals were done for all the front upper and lower teeth. According to the patient, the root canals were done in conjunction with the crown treatments... for no apparent reason.

This truly is a case of "Crowns Gone Wild!"

To change a tetracycline stained smile, we do not need to crown every single tooth. We also don't need a root canal for every crown we place. Likewise, the gum should not be chronically inflamed.

........................................................................................

Anterior Teeth Restorations - It's Not Just About Color Match

March 17, 2012 alexnguyen

Restoring anterior teeth is all about recreating what nature has intended for your teeth to look like. We have to match the adjacent teeth as well as the opposing teeth in multiple dimensions: Shape, Contour, Length, Surface Texture, Color, and even the Gum Position. Here is a case where the patient's specific request was to recreate the original two front teeth.

[slideshow]

Images of actual patients of Alex Nguyen, DDS are Copyrighted and Digitally Embedded to track Unauthorized Use.

........................................................................................