The Merits of Invisalign® to Straighten Teeth

Hamlin Dental Group offers Invisalign® in North Hollywood as an alternative to traditional metal-and-bracket braces. Many adults who have crooked or misaligned teeth opt for Invisalign because it's discreet and virtually undetectable. While traditional braces are a hallmark of youth, Invisalign is an appropriate teeth-straightening method for older patients, and Hamlin even recommends Invisalign for older teenagers who can comply with wearing the aligner trays.

Invisalign aligner trays, such as this one, are virtually undetectable!

If you're looking for a dentist in Northridge or North Hollywood that provides Invisalign, you can learn much more about the process by visiting our user-friendly Hamlin Dental Group website. The dentists at Hamlin are on board with your decision to have Invisalign from the beginning, once you are accepted as a good candidate. The first step is to create an individualized mold of your mouth, which is then used as the jumping off point to create a "road map," of sorts, which is used to create your treatment plan. The plan will include a sets of aligner trays, which must be worn 24/7 except for eating/drinking, as well as brushing and flossing.You wear the trays for 2 weeks and then switch to another set of trays, all which you will have in your possession at the onset of treatment. Gradually, the force applied to your specific teeth in each set of aligners will move your teeth until they are straightened.

Those interested in a Van Nuys dentist who can guide you through the Invisalign process while teaching you the pros and cons of different types of orthodontia should call Hamlin Dental Group today at 888-400-8011. We look forward to helping you learn more!

Thinking Even More About Our Teeth

At Hamlin Dental Group, we're often confronted with the fact that, as Oxford University Press blogger Peter S. Ungar points out in a new blog post, that the vast majority of people only think about teeth when something goes wrong with their own.

So, we were somewhat heartened by Mr. Ungar's brief post on the importance of teeth in the development of mankind and innumerable other species. For example, most of our food today is processed to one degree or another and, oysters-on-the-half-shell notwithstanding, most any animals we consume have long since gone to the meet their makers long before they found their way to our plates. At one time, however, our ancestors were often consuming insects and other live critters that might not have been quite dead yet and which presumably had a big problem with being eaten.

Of course, the wild relatives of our adorable kitties and doggies -- lions, tigers, wolves, coyotes, and what not -- are doing a far amount of their killing and eating at pretty much the same time. These are animals that truly make their living with their teeth! And they manage to do so with pretty much the worst possible oral hygiene regimen! It's definitely one of nature's miracles, to be sure.

As Mr. Ungar writes:

There can be little doubt that the diversity, abundance, and success of mammals, including us, are due, in no small measure, to our teeth.

In other words, if you could talk to your teeth, you could honestly tell them "without you, I'm nothing" and be very literally correct.

If you want to be sure you stay something, it might well be time to contact a Van Nuys, Northridge, or North Hollywood dentist at Hamlin Dental Group. Appreciate the miracle that your teeth are and call 888-400-8011 today.

Can Your Genes Keep your Teeth Healthy?

At Hamlin Dental Group, we're highly regarded for our warm demeanor and gentle dentistry. However, our
dentist in Northridge and across the San Fernando Valley is equally renowned for our incredible skill and state-of-the-art technology. That's why a recent story about high-tech scientific advances on the website Medical Express recently caught our attention.

A paper that was recently published int he Australian Dental Journal explains that researchers from the University of Adelaide's School of Dentistry have studied the way the study of genes could one day be used to treat and prevent dental disease."Our genetic code, or DNA, is like an orchestra - it contains all of the elements we need to function - but the epigenetic code is essentially the conductor, telling which instruments to play or stay silent, or how to respond at any given moment," says Associate Professor Hughes. He goes on to explain that "in the case of oral health, epigenetic factors may help to orchestrate healthy and unhealthy states in our mouths."

Professor Hughes and others believe that genetic studies may help them to determine an idividual's state of health, or even influence how their genes behave. For the field of dentistry, the professor says " it could open up a range of opportunities for diagnosis, treatment and prevention."

As the top dentist in North Hollywood, the team at Hamlin Dental Group is always excited to learn of new scientific breakthroughs that will affect our work. While we're awaiting the latest epigenetic breakthroughs, you can protect your teeth today with our first-rate dentistry.

Teach Children Dental Hygiene - It Does More than Give them Fresh Breath!

Hamlin Dental Group successfully teaches children and their parents how to set up good habits early in life so they carry them through their whole life. In fact, the North Hollywood dentist practice has helped patients through general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, even pediatric patients. It's important for children to maintain their oral hygiene and health, not only for the sake of having truly pearly whites, but to keep their overall health strong. 

New research has led experts to the conclusion tooth decay in children can stunt growth. The way this was determined was by children who had decayed, missing and filled teeth. The study appeared in the February issue of Pediatrics, and indicated that children with decayed teeth were at risk for growth problems. Some people overlook oral hygiene and don't take their children to the dentist or view it as a luxury, when in fact, oral health is crucial - particularly for children, but adults as well.

If you're looking for a top dentist in the San Fernando Valley, look no further than Hamlin Dental Group. We are located in Van Nuys, North Hollywood and Northridge, and look forward to serving you and addressing all of your dental needs. Simply call 888-400-8011 today to book an appointment and a friendly representative will speak with you today!

Stress is Bad for Teeth, but Don't Get Too Stressed About It

Here at Hamlin Dental Group, we think that right about now might be one of the most stressful times of 2014. There nearest major holiday is months away, the drought out here in Southern California continues, the Winter Olympics are just about done, school and work are in full swing, and it seems like the rat race will be on forever. If you're a dentist in North Hollywood or Hollywood proper, you might even notice an additional epidemic of teeth clenching right around Oscar time next week, or maybe afterwards when everyone inevitable disagrees about the outcome.

Yes, to be honest, stress is with all too many of us on a pretty much 365/24/7 basis, so no surprise that bruxism, the tendency for many of us to clench or grind our teeth in our sleep, is also a problem that dentists deal with all the time. Here's the thing, however, as harmful as excessive stress can be to us in many areas of our health, it's important not to get stressed out about being stressed out. It's the epitome of a vicious cycle and it doesn't do any good.

Fortunately, a Hamlin dentist in Northridge, North Hollywood, or Van Nuys knows exactly what to do. Simple mouthguards made by dentists have effectively and easily protected the precious teeth of nervous folks for years. It might not get to the root of excess stress the way, say, exercise and meditation might, but at least it makes sure you don't have to stress out about stress harming your teeth and jaw. Just give Hamlin Dental a call at 888-400-8011 and, please, take it easy.  

Hamlin Celebrates Children's Dental Health Month and Offers Advice

Hamlin Dental, a dentist in North Hollywood and participating dental practice following the guidelines set by the American Dental Association, celebrates Children's Dental Health Month this February! We often know that it's important for children to have their regular doctor visits for vaccinations and so forth, but oral health is another very important piece of the health puzzle. Why? Because teaching children the importance of twice-daily brushing instills good habits for the rest of their lives. By teaching children to brush for 2 minutes per brushing session, you can help them with an early start in keeping their teeth healthy and beautiful. 

Teach your children early about good oral hygiene habits, such as twice-daily brushing, and remember to schedule regular dental visits so they'll have a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Children can be taken to the dentist for their first checkup as soon as their teeth start to erupt, or no later than their first birthday, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. By offering a child-friendly dental office, Hamlin Dental Group caters to children's specific oral health needs.

Here are some quick tips for healthy teeth specific to children:
1. Once a child's first teeth appear, start brushing the teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate size toothbrush. Only a smear of toothpaste is needed for children younger than age 2.
2. Children between the ages of 2-5 should have a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and should be supervised while they first learn to brush on their own, as young children do not yet have the ability to brush their own teeth effectively. Remember to teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and not swallow it, and teach them to brush for 2 minutes per brushing session, both in the morning and before bedtime.

If you're in need of a child-friendly dentist in Van Nuys, North Hollywood or Northridge, contact Hamlin Dental Group today. We are proud to help keep your child's smile healthy and beautiful!

Make Sure Your Teeth Enjoy that Glass of Wine as Well!

At Hamlin Dental Group, we are happy to treat anyone that is looking for a gentle dentist with a conservative approach. That's why we've garnered a reputation as the dentist in Van Nuys and throughout the San Fernando Valley that can be trusted to provide impeccable general and cosmetic dentistry to patients of all ages.

Simply put, we care a great deal for every patient we treat, which is why we're always on the lookout for new information to share on how to keep smiles dazzlingly white and teeth healthy. Often, that means offering advice on how to care for teeth on a day-to-day basis, and what foods or drinks to avoid to ensure teeth stay strong.

We know some of our patients may hate to hear it, but as fun as wine may be to drink, if you're not careful, it can significantly wear away on the enamel of your teeth. In fact, sad as it may be to hear for the barflies among us, wine is not the only alcoholic beverage that can degrade one's teeth. Wine Spectator reports that the acidity of wine can lead to a "significant reduction in mean salivary pH after consumption of any form of alcohol". Beer and whiskey can even pose more of a risk than wine.

Of course, we're not telling our 21-and-over friends that they should never partake in their favorite beverages from time to time, only that they should pay attention to the effect on their teeth - and work to minimize it as much as possible. Drinking a glass of water or milk afterwards can reduce acidity and flush out the mouth. However, it is suggested to wait an hour before brushing, giving enamel a chance to harden, to make sure you aren't harming enamel when it is already weakened.

If you choose to have a drink or two, your friendly neighborhood dentist in Northridge reminds you to always make sure you're staying safe - and that goes for your teeth as well! And remember, when it's time for your regular dental check-up, you can do no better than Hamlin Dental Group!