Advantages of Dental Implants

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas +822-553-7512

The dental implants are basically the best replacements if you have lost your natural tooth.
There are several advantages that speak in favor of choosing dental implants.

• They look extremely natural. Someone with a dental implant denture will have a beautiful smile, just like he/she would have a natural set of healthy teeth.
• Dental implants not only look good, but they also feel like natural teeth. It takes a little bit of time until one gets used to them, but after that, you will never have any problems.
• With aging, natural tooth loss occurs. And, with that teeth loss, the bones in the jaw area will also start to collapse. If you have dental implants, the entire bone structure of the face stays in place.
• When dental bridge work is done to a patient, the teeth in the proximity of the missing teeth will be altered. This is not the case with dental implants, because none of your healthy teeth will suffer any changes or adjustments in order to make the implant fit.
• With dental implants, patients can eat and chew regularly just about any kind of food. With dentures, you may already know how embarrassing it can become to have a bite from an apple, without using quickly the adhesive.

However, in order to become a successful candidate you must have healthy gums and strong bones that will hold the artificial tooth replacement.
Bone grafting is routinely used for people who do not have enough or strong jaw bones for the dental implant to be biologically inserted.

The Right Way to Floss

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas +822-553-7512

Flossing is important because proper flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from those spaces between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach.  Research shows that regular flossing can also reduce the risk of developing gum disease.

Although flossing can be difficult at first, learning and practicing the proper technique will help you to become more comfortable and efficient. Try following these simple steps in front of a mirror.

• Wind about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving about five inches between your hands.
• Pinch the floss between your thumb and index finger on each hand and leave about one inch in between.
• Gently guide the floss down between all the teeth using a gentle sawing motion, pulling the floss in a "C shape" around the entire side of the tooth and sliding it under the gum line. Use an up and down motion to clean the entire surface of the side of the tooth.
• Pull the floss out from in between the teeth. As you move to the next tooth, unroll clean floss from one finger and wind the extra floss onto the other finger. Floss each tooth with a clean section of floss, gradually working your way around your mouth, cleaning both sides of each tooth.

 Tips

• Use a pattern - start at the back upper right tooth and move to the upper left side. Then go to the back lower right tooth and move around to the back lower left side.
• Establish a routine.
• Practice and improve your technique.
• Avoid wrapping the floss too tightly around your fingers.
• Remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly after flossing to remove loosened food particles.
• If the floss catches or tears you might want to try a different type/brand of floss (e.g., waxed vs. unwaxed).
• If you are just beginning to floss, your gums will likely to bleed. Once your start to floss regularly the bleeding should stop. If the bleeding continues, get your gum checked.

Deep Cleaning for Mild Gum Disease

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn- Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas +822-553-7512

Periodontal disease, often called gum disease  is a bacterial infection of the gums and bones that surround the teeth causing the gums and bones to shrink away from the teeth. The bacteria will cause the bone around the teeth to degenerate. As a result teeth will loosen and possibly fall out.

Most people are not even aware that they have it. In the early stages it is painless and goes unnoticed.

Then, how do you know if you may have periodontal disease? Do you have bad breath? Do your gums bleed or are they red and swollen? These are some common symptoms, but you may not be experiencing any symptoms at all. This is why it is important to have routine check-ups to screen for gum disease.

The good news is periodontal disease is a treatable disease. If detected early the effects can be reversed and the bone may stop receding. A tiny ruler called a probe is used to measure the “pocket depths” around each tooth. In a healthy mouth the “pocket depths” are usually between 1-3 millimeters. In an individual with periodontal disease the pocket depths start to reach 4-5 mm or greater.

Treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease.

For mild cases, deep cleaning ( scaling and root planning) is performed. Scaling means scraping off the tarter (calculus) from above and below the gum line. Root planning gets rid of the buildup on the roots of the teeth where the germs gather, removing the bacteria colonies that contribute to the disease. Additionally, the doctor may recommend placing an antibiotic down into the tissue surrounding each tooth that has periodontal involvement.
In case of severe, long-term periodontal disease, it may be necessary to have gum surgery.

The prognosis for mild to moderate periodontal disease is generally good. With diligent care, including brushing, flossing and follow-up cleanings as recommended by your dentist, it is possible to keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Dental Implants or Bridges ?

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas +822-553-7512

It is a great question to prospective dental patients with one or two missing teeth.
They go to dentists for opinions and often times end up being confused.

Dental implants are one of great medical break-throughs in history. They made a dramatic paradigm shift in almost all sides of dentistry.

Before them ;
  1. Bridges were the best options for replacing one or two missing teeth.
  2. Full or Patial dentures were placed for entire or multiple missing teeth.
  3.Root canals were routinely performed to save teeth that were causing severe pain from nerve inside.

Nowadays;
  1. Dental Implants are the best option for replacing one or two missing teeth.
  2. Dental Implants are the best option for entire or multiple missing teeth.
  3. Root canals are not the number one choice for teeth causing pain big time.
      Rather, people want to have those teeth pulled out and place implants instead.

Then,what's the point of oscillating between dental implants and bridges?
Let's try to make a list of pros and cons of those two options.

Bridges
  1. Do not invlove surgeries.
  2. Take only 1-2 weeks to complete.
  3. Are inexpensive.
  4. Bone quantity / quality is not important at all.
 Dental Implants
  1.Do not damage any other adjacent teeth, which may develop into other problems on and on.
  2. Preserve bones around themselves.
  3.Have higher success rate.
  4. Do not catch dental caries.
  5. Flossing gets easier.

Conclusion ;

  * Dental implants are recommended for most missing area.
  * Bridges are recommended for people who
        1. Do not want surgeries.
        2. Do not have enough bone around the missing teeth.
        3. Need crowns on adjacent teeth also because those teeth have big fillings or are a lot decayed.

Gummy Smile

U.S.Dental 

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT,NJ

FACEBOOK
http://www.drginasohn.com/
Tel 02-553-7512  Overseas 822-553-7512
Yongsan / Itaewon area

We all want to have a perfect smile where teeth are white and straight with a full upper lip shining right above them.
A gummy smile is a smile that shows a lot of gums between teeth and upper lip. Slightly displayed gums might be considered charming but if a few milimeters of gum shows, it often  mars someone's confidence.
Then, are there ways to reduce gummy smiles?

Ideally, treatments embraces dental and medical specialties.
The simplest way of gum reduction is cutting extra gums covering teeth. If this method is not sufficient, then, bone underneath gum gets removed and wait until gums nicely heal up fllowing new bone line.
If gummy smile is too severe, then, upper facial bone must be shortened by a plastic surgeon.
Most cases are well handled by recontouring either gum only or gum and bone underneath,though. :-)

For moderately severe cases, bone gets removed first, and wait for 6 weeks. Then, gums gets removed.
Sometimes, veneers are placed on the newly lengthend teeth to perfect one's smile. In this cases, one should wait for another 3 months after gum surgery until gum tissues finally settle.

Sensitive Teeth

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn- Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 Overseas 822-553-7512

Do you experience pain or tingling in your teeth, especially when eating sweet, hot or cold foods? Do brushing and flossing sometimes cause you to cringe?

Pain from sensitive teeth usually comes and goes. If you have constant pain, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.

What causes sensitive teeth?

In healthy teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums and by your teeth's hard enamel outer layer. Dentin can become exposed due to receding gums, fractured or chipped teeth or erosion. Microscopic holes in the dentin, called tubules, connect to the nerve, triggering pain when irritated by certain foods and beverages.
But there are other factors that can cause tooth sensitivity:

Brushing too hard. Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum recession and root exposure over time

Gum disease. Inflamed or sore gum tissue may lead to tooth sensitivity by exposing the root surface leading directly to the nerve of the tooth

Your age. You may experience increased sensitivity at different ages throughout your life

Acidic foods. Eating acidic foods and beverages on a regular basis can cause enamel to erode, increasing the likelihood of sensitivity

How do you treat tooth sensitivity?

Depending on the diagnosis, we recommend one or more of the following treatments to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth:

1.Brush with a de-sensitizing toothpaste, like Sensodyne or Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste.

2.Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, or a powered brush, to help protect gums.

3.Use a prescription fluoride rinse or gel made for sensitive teeth.

Night Guard in Seoul Korea

U.S. Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 Overseas 822-553-7512

Tooth grinding can promote other dental problems


Do you ever wake up with an achy jaw or a headache, or notice popping or clicking in your jaw when you open and close your mouth? If so, you may be grinding your teeth at night.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, most often, is often linked to stress. However,bruxism can be caused by sleep disorders or by mechanical problems with the teeth, such as missing or broking teeth or a misaligned bite.If your bruxism is due to physical problems such as misaligned or broken teeth, those can be corrected with crowns or braces. If your bruxism is caused by stress, it's important to try to identify the stressors and try to find ways to relax, including jaw-specific physical therapy, meditation and exercise. For some tooth grinders, muscle relaxants help control the problem.

In some cases, Bruxism can be a side effect of neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Certain types of psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, also can trigger bruxism.

Many people have mild bruxism and don't need a specific treatment, but you should consider getting a night guard to protect your teeth and help prevent further damage.
It's important to mention if you think you have been grinding so your teeth can be examed for the signs of damage to the tooth enamel.

When Is The Right Time To Place Dental Implants In Teenagers

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512  Overseas 822-553-7512


This is an important question and the current wisdom is not to have implants placed until jaw and facial growth are complete.

Although it varies from person to person, growth of the jaws in most cases is not complete until late teens. Consequently and most importantly, as the jaws continue to grow, the upper jaw may move in an outward and downward direction. The teeth will accommodate and move with jaw growth, but implants will not. As the upper jaw moves, the implants (and the crowns attached to them) remain stationary and so appear to intrude i.e. go back up into the jaw. This also affects the position of the gum tissues which also will not follow the growth of the jaws around the implants.

Of course, we are faced with the dilemma of waiting for the optimal time to place dental implants so that they will succeed on the one hand, and respecting the psychological needs of a teenager missing front teeth on the other.There are many other good interim options for temporarily replacing the teeth for a few years, both aesthetically and comfortably until implants can be placed. For example, temporary "fixed-in" options like bonded bridges can be attached to the adjacent teeth with little if any irreversible change to them. You should consult your dentist about them.

Sometimes, placing implants too early can be remedied by changing the crowns which attach to them. Other times it may mean removing and replacing the implants which may require bone regeneration -- expensive and difficult options. Neither is as good an option as waiting for the correct time in the first place, even if it means waiting a little longer.

For these reasons, and since implants are a relatively permanent and best current solution to the problem of tooth replacement, it is better to wait until growth of the jaws and face is complete.

Orthodontic Braces in Seoul Korea

U.S.Dental 

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT,NJ

FACEBOOK
http://www.drginasohn.com/
Tel 02-553-7512  Overseas 822-553-7512
Yongsan / Itaewon area





9 months


1 year

6 months

2 months and 2 weeks.

1 month and 1 week.

8 months 

7 months

1 year








3 months

16 months







1 month and 1 week

6 months

5 months

8 months








2 and half months

9 months









6 months

6 months

Orthodontic Braces

Braces are the most traditional way of straightening teeth. Braces use a system of brackets and a wire to slowly move your teeth into the desired position. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and a wire passes through them. Wires are held tightly to the brackets with elastic rubber bands of different colors. Once threaded through the brackets, the wires struggle to return to their original shape. This process pressures your teeth to move. Braces can treat most cases of teeth straightening.

Esthetic Braces
Clear braces use tooth colored brackets. They are made of ceramic or hard resins and blend in with the natural color of your teeth. They are a great alternative for patients who want a more esthetic option of teeth straightening.

Self ligating Braces = Speed Braces
These are brackets that do not need the elastic bands to hold the wire to the brackets. Elastic bands used with traditional braces place friction and pressure on the teeth, which unnecessarily slows down teeth movement. In contrast, self ligating braces have a small “trap door” structure that opens and closes over the arch wire. There is almost no resistance between brackets and the wires. Therefore, self ligating braces reduce treatment time an average of 6 months. They are smaller than traditional metal brackets.

Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are attached on the inner surface of your teeth, are therefore invisible when you smile. The treatment time is about the same as with regular braces. However, the process will be a little different than regular braces. Due to their location, you do need to spend more time to brushing your teeth and have your teeth cleaned professionally more often. Most people notice a change in their speech for the first few weeks but this generally improves after a period of adaptation. If teeth are very small, or not fully erupted, it is difficult to place lingual braces.

Metal Braces
Metal braces are traditional and strong enough to withstand chewing force.

Retainers

Wearing retainers is a very important step. Retainers hold your teeth in their new position after your braces are removed while the surrounding gums and bones adjust to their new position.

Fixed retainers are a length of orthodontic wire permanently bonded to the teeth. They are convenient. However, some of the bonds may come loose after some time in retention. Many patients have difficulty keeping the retainer area clean.

Removable retainers are more ideal. They are made of clear plastic material that tightly fits on your teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene is not an issue since they are removable.
They should be worn full time for 6 – 9 months even after braces are removed and can be worn only at nights afterwards. If you want your teeth to remain in their ideal positions for the rest of your life, it would be best to wear a retainer that long.

Braces and children
All children should be examined by age 7 because some problems require early intervention and careful monitoring on jaw growth and teeth eruption. Some children require two phases of treatment: An early phase to correct growth problems and a later phase to straighten the teeth. Children seen earlier can often be treated without extraction of any teeth.

Cosmetic Dentist in Seoul Korea

U.S.Dental ( also know as Tufts Dental )
Dr.Gina Sohn is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ

FACEBOOK
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas 822-553-7512
Yongsan/ Itaewon area


Crowns




Crowns

Crowns

Veneers + Reshaping + Whitening

Braces + Veneers

Braces + Crowns

Esthetic Crowns

Esthetic Crowns

Crowns + Veneers

Veneers








Esthetic Crowns






Teeth Reshaping + Veneers







Teeth Reshaping 

Lumineers








Teeth Reshaping

Crown and Bridge

Can I have a Better Smile?

There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically, from restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth makeover. Ask Dr.Sohn how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile. Dr.Sohn is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

What is a Smile Makeover or Cosmetic Dentistry?
Smile Makeover is the art of creating beautiful smiles. It includes procedures such as Porcelain Veneers, All Ceramic crowns and bridges, Tooth-colored fillings (Also known as Composites or Resin Bonds), Power Teeth Whitening & Teeth Reshaping, Cosmetic Gum Surgery, Invisalign and Implants.

Who would be a good candidate for Smile Makeover?
Individuals who are unhappy with their present smile. Their smiles may be a result of crooked teeth, discoloration of teeth from stains, such as coffee, tea or red wine (yellow color), or tetracycline stains (brown/gray color). It may be ideal for those who prefer an ideal smile with immediate results.

When should I consider Cosmetic Dentistry ?
When you feel that you need improvements on your smile. Cosmetic dental procedures will change your entire appearance. If you are unhappy about the color, shape, or size of your teeth, want to close a gap, or simply cover up imperfections, Cosmetic Dentistry is a great solution. Replacing your old silver fillings with high esthetic tooth-colored fillings will take only minutes. Porcelain Veneers and Non-metal Crowns and Bridges are customized in a matter of days. Or simply whitening your existing smile can be accomplished in a matter of minutes.

Will having Cosmetic Dental Work expensive?
Improving your appearance, rejuvenating your youth, and building your self-confidence will completely change your life. How much would you pay to have this? Having a perfect smile is priceless. Our goal is to provide the best quality of dentistry for our clients in the most pleasant environment both clinically and financially.

Dental Implants Can Be Successful With Less Root Than Crown

U.S.Dental ( also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas 822-553-7512

Dental implants are now a common way to replace a tooth. But a dentist must first determine that an implant restoration can be successful for a particular patient. As an indicator, dentists use the crown-to-root ratio-how much of the tooth extends above the jawbone and how much is in the bone. However, the ideal crown-to-implant ratio for the replacement tooth has yet to be determined.


The ideal crown-to-root ratio for a tooth to serve as an abutment for a partial denture is considered 1 to 2-twice as much root as crown. But previous studies have given mixed results about ratios for implanted teeth. Excessive crown-to-implant ratios have been named as detrimental to long-term survival of an implant, while disproportionate ratios have been noted in high rates of implant survival.

The current study found an average crown-to-implant ratio of 2 to 1. Natural teeth with such ratios would often be recommended for extraction and replacement. The authors found that stable implants could be produced with less of the tooth serving as root. Additionally, the study found no statistically significant relationship between increasing crown-to-implant ratios and decreasing bone-to-implant contact levels around the implant.

Invisalign Invisible Braces in Seoul Korea

U.S.Dental (also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S.Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ

FACEBOOK
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas 822-553-7512



4 months and 2 weeks.

11 months

5 months

1.5 Year


1 Year

5 months

6 months

4 months

4 months

7 months

7 months

12 months

Invisalign is a series of clear, thin polyurethane trays that straighten your teeth by just wearing them. Wearing aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place. You simply pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete and you achieve the confident smile that you've always wanted.

There are no metal wires or brackets.
Invisalign is a lot more comfortable than traditional braces.
Unlike regular braces, there are no metal wires that scrape against the teeth or irritate gums and cheeks.
Thereby, no pain is involved.

People can't see it.
Not many people can tell that you are going through orthodontic treatment because Invisalign is almost invisible from a distance.
You can smile without holding back. Nothing to hide.

Life gets easier.
You can remove them from your mouth and eat whatever you want during treatment. Brushing teeth gets so easy,too.
However,for full efectiveness, they should only be removed to eat and practice daily oral hygiene.
Invisible aligners are easily cleaned simply using a toothbrush and tap water.

How Invisalign Works ?

The process begins with taking molds of your teeth.
From the molds, your teeth models are duplicated, teeth are set up straightened by little increments, and a series of aligners are fabricated duplicating the amount of teeth movement created.

Aligners have certain degree of elasticity. Once applied in your mouth, this elasticity forces teeth to conform to the shape of aligners. This way, teeth are straightened milimeter by milimeter, day by day.

Patients wear each stage of aligners for approximately 2 - 3 weeks before switching to the next in the sereies. About every 4 - 6 weeks, patients revisit for re-taking new molds and for check-up to make sure the treatment is progressing as planned. On each visit, patients are given new sets of aligners.

Total treatment time is shorter than regular braces and usually ranges from 4 - 12 months depending on complexity of the case.

Initially, some patients may notice increased salivation or difficiulties speaking especially right after new aligners are worn. However, these symptoms subside within a few days most of the time.
As treatment nears completion, our doctor will design a retention plan to help you keep your smile for life.

 Invisalign solves a variety of problems including overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowded and gapped teeth. However, traditional brace are recommended for some cases.