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Come to the Washington D.C. dentistry office of Dr. Peter Merai to discover Invisalign, the invisible way to straighter, healthier teeth.

There have been over 1,000,000 patients who have used Invisalign braces to get the smile they want. Why not let yours be the next success story?

As opposed to conventional braces, the clear, removable design of Invisalign is incredibly convenient. First, daily life goes on without anyone knowing that you’re straightening your teeth. Invsalign aligners can be removed for eating and drinking, which makes meals easier while also promoting good oral hygiene by reducing plaque buildup, tooth decay and periodontal disease. Given its lack of metal parts, Invisalign is also a much more comfortable option than what has been available in the past.

Designed by leading orthodontists and FDA cleared, Invisalign corrects many common issues such as overbite, underbite, as well as spacing and crowding.

The system also has many benefits beyond straightening your teeth:

Healthier gums
Studies show that properly aligned teeth help the gums fit tighter around the teeth, which promotes periodontal health.

Improved chewing and speech
Misaligned teeth and jaws that go without treatment can lead to painful chewing and speech issues. Invisalign works to better align your teeth and jaws.

Easier cleanings
One of the Invisalign system’s best qualities is that it uses no metal bands, brackets, or wires that may trap food and plaque like traditional braces do. Easy to remove. Easy to clean.

Inquire about Invisalign at Leading Washington D.C. Area Dentist

An alumnus of Boston College and Howard University College of Dentistry, Dr. Merai is the leading cosmetic dentist serving Oxon Hill, Fort Washington, Temple Hills, Clinton, Upper Marlboro, Camp Springs, Alexandria and Washington D.C..

For more information on Invisalign or to schedule an appointment with Washington DC dentist, Dr. Merai, visit: http://www.washingtondccosmeticdentists.net/washington-dc-dentists-dental-services/invisalign-braces/

Don’t Wait for the Tooth to Ache To Visit a Washington DC Dentist

It is well known that frequent dental exams lower the risk almost completely that you will ever have a tooth ache again, yet most people will delay going to a dentist for years!  People will consistently continue their other medical exams and ignore the one part of their body that is always open to germs, bacteria and infection!  Dr. Merai, a Washington DC dentist, advises and educates his patients to get frequent dental exams to prevent decay, diagnose problems before they begin so you don’t become one of the victims of periodontal disease.

Healthier Teeth and Gums Can Lead to a Healthier Life

Research has shown that infections associated with periodontal disease, or gum disease, can lead to other severe health risks.  Inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other systemic diseases have a correlation with gum health.  Proper oral health care is crucial to optimum overall health.  Dr. Merai, a Washington, DC gum disease specialist, says that 80% of American adults have some form of gum disease.  Treating symptoms in the early stages helps manage and prevent periodontal disease.

Your gum tissue is not attached to your teeth as high as it looks.  There are very shallow V-shaped pockets between the tooth and gums.  Periodontal disease is an infection of that tissue that supports your teeth.  70 % of tooth loss is from this chronic inflammation.  Dr. Merai serves the Washington, DC area and specializes in gum disease.  Gum disease starts with the basics of not brushing or flossing correctly and a lack of routine in oral health.  Warning signs are:

• Bad Breath
• Red or Swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth

A visit to Dr. Merai, an Oxon Hill gum disease dentist, will start you on the road to maintaining oral health, treat symptoms early, prevent periodontal disease and save you money in the long run.

Dr. Merai and his staff have your best interest in mind in achieving and maintaining a beautiful smile and healthier gums and teeth:  Teeth that you can be proud of inside and out.

Call Dr. Merai, an Oxon Hill and greater Washington, DC area gum disease specialist at 301-567-9844 for more information.

By Peter Merai, DDS.,F.A.G.D.

 Gum disease, or periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue, is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life.

What causes gum disease?

Bacterial plaque––a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth––is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. Specific periodontal diseases may be associated with specific bacterial types. If plaque isn’t removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Toxins (poisons) produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.

Are there other factors?

Yes. Genetics is also a factor, as are lifestyle choice. A diet low in nutrients can diminish the body’s ability to fight infection. Smokers and spit tobacco users have more irritation to gum tissues than non-tobacco users, while stress can also affect the ability to ward off disease. Diseases that interfere with the body’s immune system, such as leukemia and AIDS, may worsen the condition of the gums. In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, where the body is more prone to infection, gum disease is more severe or harder to control.

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

Signs include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, puss between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, change in the way the teeth fit together when the patient bites, and a change in the fit of partial dentures. While patients are advised to check for the warning signs, there might not be any discomfort until the disease has spread to a point where the tooth is unsalvageable. That is why patients are advised to get frequent dental exams.

What does periodontal treatment involve?

In the early stages, most treatment involves scaling and root planing––removing plaque and calculus around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment.

How do you prevent gum disease?

Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk.

Is maintenance important?

Sticking to a regular oral hygiene regimen is crucial for patients who want to sustain the results of therapy.

*Source for “What Is Gum Disease?” was provided by The Academy of General Dentistry

Additional information on gum disease (periodontal disease):

Recent studies have linked periodontal disease to clot formation in the brain. The accumulation of gum disease plaque in arteries can lead to a cerebro vascular accident (stroke). Perodontal disease is also linked to heart attacks, kidney involvement, weakened bones, pneumonia, and a disruption of diabetic control.

Learn more about gum disease on our website.