Is Invisalign® Right for Me?

Choosing orthodontic treatment to achieve the smile you want is an important one. Will your treatment plan meet your expectations? Will your appliances be comfortable? In considering braces, you’ve likely done research on options and thought about more cosmetic options, like Invisalign®. But how can you be sure that this treatment is right for you?

Determining Severity of Alignment Problems

The first step is to schedule a consultation with our Invisalign® dentists to determine if the issues you’re experiencing can be effectively corrected with clear braces. Invisalign® is ideal for treating minor to moderate problems that include:

• Teeth alignment relapse after an initial round of braces
• Tilted and twisted teeth
• Minor crowding
• Small gaps between teeth

Patients with severe bite problems, such as crossbite, open bite, or underbite may be better suited for traditional metal braces, or metal braces with more aesthetic components such as tooth-colored brackets and wires. However, Invisalign® is well-suited for the most common issues patients experience, as described above.

Adapting to Treatment

Getting used to Invisalign® isn’t much of a challenge compared to adapting to life with metal braces. This can include diet restrictions, more difficult teeth cleaning routines, and soft tissue discomfort; however, there are some tips to keep in mind. It’s important to keep your Invisalign® someplace safe while they’re not in-place. The aligners are meant to be removed during meals and before brushing and flossing teeth, and can therefore be misplaced if patients aren’t careful. Store your trays in their provided cases.

To keep your aligners clean, use a soft bristled toothbrush to sweep away bacteria and debris before putting them back in place. After meals, it’s also a good idea to thoroughly clean teeth, so that food particles do not become trapped on and between teeth throughout the day. Avoid using toothpaste while cleaning retainers to prevent scratching. Do not bite, chew, or otherwise play with the retainers when they’re in place so they don’t become warped and ineffective in re-aligning teeth.

Still Debating? Ask us about Clear Braces

If you have a question about whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign®, contact our office today to learn more about this treatment for achieving straighter teeth.

Tips for Anxious Dental Patients

Dental anxiety is common and ranges from those who simply feel a little nervous about visiting the dentist, to others who are so fearful they cannot bring themselves to keep regular appointments for teeth cleanings. If you’re worried or anxious about visiting the dentist, there are ways to combat your fear so you can keep your smile healthy.

Share your Concerns

It’s difficult to battle fears about dental care if they go undiscussed. Talk to your dentist about what makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, whether it’s the fear of the unknown, certain sounds or smells, or a sensitive gag reflex. Sharing what triggers your fears allows your dentist to be mindful and considerate, creating more comfortable dental appointments. Drs. Okamoto work together with patients to thoroughly explain treatment plans so there’s no unexpected steps in your treatment. We can also recommend headphones and other actions that help to drown out sounds and sights that can make you feel anxious.

Ask to Take Breaks

Even with productive coping methods like what’s described above, it can be difficult for some patients to avoid feelings of anxiousness during an entire appointment. Communication becomes important here as well. Set up a signal with your dentist that indicates you’d like to take a quick break before your treatment resumes. Helping to stay relaxed by taking a break when you need to keeps the feeling in the entire treatment room more comfortable for everyone. Communicate the need for a break so both you and your dentist can confidently move forward with treatment.

Concentrate on Breathing

Mindful, focused breathing techniques are proven to help minimize feelings of anxiety. Some patients are so worried and focused on what their dentist is doing that they forget to breathe. This can make some people gag and can heighten the sense of worry that fearful patients experience. If you’re feeling anxious while in the dental chair, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing; this goes a long way in calming down the physical anxiety response.

Split up Longer Appointments, if Possible

If you’re scheduled for a lengthier procedure to correct damage caused by years of avoiding the dentist, ask how your treatment plan can be segmented into different visits to help curb the anxiety of more complex procedures. While some patients prefer to have all treatment completed at once, others feel better knowing that their visits will be shorter and involve less work.

Ask Drs. Okamoto about Gentle Dentistry

We support caring dental services for anxious patients. If you have questions about what we can do to help relieve your dental anxiety, contact our office today to speak to a friendly member of our team.

Dentures Options and Care Tips

For edentulous patients (those who have lost all natural teeth), dentures are still the go-to procedure for restoring the appearance of a healthy smile and the function delivered by strong teeth. However, modern dental techniques allow Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto to customize treatment to meet your expectations.

If you are in need of dentures to restore your smile, consider the following treatment options and how you can keep your smile healthy with your new teeth:

Traditional or Fixed Dentures?

Dental implants are touted as a revolutionary way to replace teeth, and they do provide significant benefits, but some patients are simply uninterested or do not wish to complete the surgical component of implant treatment. For many patients, removable traditional dentures serve them well, while others may struggle with their prosthetics.  Take the following into consideration when choosing which teeth replacement option will provide best comfort and function:

Missing all Teeth in a Top Arch – Though traditional dentures are held in place with temporary adhesive only, denture patients often have more success with upper dentures. With these top prosthetics, there is a component that covers the palate and helps to keep replacement teeth stable through creating suction. Though some patients find this portion of the denture to restrict taste, it’s an important part of keeping teeth in place and providing for a higher success rate.

Bottom Dentures- Comprehensive tooth loss on the bottom jaw arch tends to be the most problematic. While removable dentures can be used here as well, patients often report more issues with these replacement teeth, as there is less suction to hold them in place.  Because of this, and because bottom dentures are an important part of supporting chewing function, they often slip and slide out of place or become loose after consistent wear and use. For those patients, just a few dental implants can create the comfort and stability needed to ensure that their smile is functional and feels more natural.

Taking Care of your New Teeth

It’s important to remove your dentures each night and soak them while you sleep, so that they do not become dry and do not trap bacteria and debris that can cause bad breath. It’s also suggested that you brush your dentures with a soft bristled tooth brush before you soak them to keep them as clean as possible.  Be careful not to use toothpaste when cleaning your dentures and not to damage them by using a brush with bristles that are too hard.

If your denture is removable, but held in place with implants, you can follow the same care steps as listed above. If you’ve selected to receive dentures that are permanently affixed and removable only at our dental office, you will need to be diligent about cleaning under your prosthetic with a device like a waterpik.

Undecided about which denture treatment best fits your needs? Contact our Torrance prosthodontist for more information about removable and fixed dentures.

How Dentists Work with General Care Providers

At Steven K. Okamoto, DDS, Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto want patients to experience the most comprehensive care for their needs, which is why our team partners and cooperates with general care providers and specialists in the creation of your treatment plan, whenever needed. These partnerships are essential in improving systemic and dental health. The following are just some of the ways we work together with other professionals to care for our patients:

Oncologists for Pre-Cancer Dentistry

If you or a person you know is dealing with cancer, our dental office is able to work with your primary care physician and oncologist to assess your medical history and create an all-inclusive treatment plan. Drs. Michelle and Steve Okamoto provide beneficial care in protecting the health of your smile as you complete necessary therapies to combat the progression of your condition and ensure future wellness.

Steven K. Okamoto, DDS is dedicated to working with chemotherapy patients to maintain proper oral health during this time. Visit our dental office either before or during your chemotherapy treatment and we can establish contact with your medical team to maintain your dental health status under after your course of chemotherapy is complete.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Dental Appliances and Sleep Physicians

You may be looking to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. When providing OSA appliances, we consult your general care physician, determining whether such treatment is ideal for you, and collection information about current health standings that may inform how your treatment is completed at our office. 

Part of this cooperation includes your participation in a sleep study. While our office provides at-home sleep tests for determining the cause and severity of sleep disordered breathing, findings that can affect your overall health can and should be shared with your primary care physician. In cases of sleep apnea, overall health concerns like maintaining an optimal weight for your height and monitoring your blood pressure are all components that your general practitioner can provide assistance with during sleep apnea treatment through our dental office.

Existing Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions are intricately linked with your dental health, and vice versa. When diagnosing and treating these problems, your general physician and our dentists work together to determine the best course of treatment for you. One such circumstance is the correlation between gum disease and systemic health. Chronic gum disease can lead to serious heart problems, as the plaque present in soft tissue infections can build up in arteries when allowed into the blood stream. Patients exhibiting serious gum disease problems are treated by our office and often advised to have their general health carefully monitored to ensure they are not at-risk for secondary problems.

Cooperative Dental Medicine

If you are looking for comprehensive dental treatment that works in concert with your general care physician, contact Steven K. Okamoto, DDS and Michelle Okamoto, DDS today. Our team is eager to provide full care for residents in and around the Torrance area.

Oral Cancer Screening

Cancer of any type is frightening, but the more we learn about certain types of cancers and seek routine examinations to catch problems early, the better able we are to ensure health and wellness for our patients into the future. Oral cancer, for example, has been researched extensively; with that comes the knowledge that avoiding certain behaviors can decrease the likelihood of developing cancer.  With this in mind, routine and preventive dental care is important in preventing and detecting cancer.

Who is at Risk?

While cancer can affect anyone, there are behaviors that increase risk. In particular, extensive tobacco use is a significant catalyst for oral cancer; an estimated 80% of oral cancer cases affect patients who smoke or chew tobacco. Both smoked tobacco and chewed tobacco affect different areas, with cigarettes causing the most harm for the mouth and throat and chewing tobacco affecting the cheeks, lips and gums.

Alcohol can also increase the risk of cancer. Studies indicate that men who drink more than two servings (pints or glasses) a day or women who drink more than one have a significantly higher risk of developing oral cancer than others. When compounded with smoking or chewing tobacco, the likelihood of developing oral cancer increases dramatically. If you are able to kick or curb tobacco and alcohol habits, your risk is minimized. 

Several things beyond your control may also have increase chances of developing oral cancer. Genetics, radiation exposure, certain infections, gender, and age can all increase likelihood. Studies show that men are twice as likely to get it, and the vast majority of those who have it are over 55-years-old. People who spend the majority of their time outdoors also have higher risk for lip cancer.

Dental Hygienists: Catching Signs of Oral Cancer Early

Staying on top of biannual dental office visits is an essential part of diagnosing oral cancer early, with dental hygienists acting as the first lines of defense in spotting early warning signs Typically, oral cancer starts as a cluster of small white or red spots. Other warning signs include bleeding sores that do not heal or odd discoloration in certain areas. Some patients may develop lumps or unnatural toughening in spots throughout their mouth or on lips.

At Okamoto, DDS, our dental hygienists are trained to examine your smile for the presence of oral cancer each year. During this inspection, our dental hygienist will ensure that no lesions are present and will also visually examine tissues that include the floor of the mouth, palate, tongue, and tonsils. Our screenings also extend to the neck and thyroid to determine the presence of issues with the lymph nodes. 

If any of these problems are detected, fast action by our dental hygienists allows patients to receive appropriate medical attention as quickly as possible, including biopsies, excision of affected tissue, and even chemotherapy. These life-saving examinations and early treatments make all the difference in ensuring that patients are informed about their oral health and can access the most proactive care for their needs.

Talk to our Hygiene Team about Oral Cancer Screenings

The next time you’re due for a teeth cleaning, please feel free to ask our dental hygiene team about when you’re due for an oral cancer screening or what occurs during a preventive examination. If you have noticed any of the symptoms above on your own smile, contact our office as soon as possible for a screening.

Profile on Renee Nishihira

October is dental hygiene month! With this focus on keeping your smile clean and healthy year-round, Drs. Okamoto are highlighting their skilled and compassionate dental hygienists. We want patients to get to know our team so they feel comfortable seeking care from our office. Learn more about this month’s recognized team member, Renee Nishihira, below:

Renee Nishihira, is our Lead Registered Dental Hygienist. She attended the University of Southern California, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.  Renee was raised and continues to reside in Torrance, making her an integral part of the community we serve. Renee began working with Dr. Steve and Dr. Michelle while attending college, managing the front office and assisting chair-side on Saturdays. 

Recently, Renee joined other team members at CDA Cares in Ventura, a volunteer dental program through the California Dental Association that provides cleanings, fillings, treatment of infection, and oral health education at no charge. When not serving patients, Renee enjoys spending time at the beach, traveling to new places and taking part in Crossfit. 

Renee’s Role in our Practice

Our practice strives to provide ideal dentistry in a comforting environment with an enthusiastic team that is ready to create the most enjoyable experience possible for our patients.  Renee’s role is to help patients maintain good oral hygiene by providing preventive and therapeutic treatment, as well as offering proper tools for effective oral hygiene habits.

Renee’s Thoughts on Patient Care and Emerging Trends in Dental Hygiene

“As the standard of dental treatment evolves, hygiene is made easier for patients.  For example, by replacing dental bridges with dental implants, patients are able to access the site more easily and effectively with oral hygiene aids, such as floss, reducing the accumulation of plaque.

I inform my patients about possible or existing infections and discuss what can happen if they ae not treated with appropriate dental procedures or improvements in oral hygiene habits. The most rewarding part about being a hygienist is having the opportunity to find ways to turn what is often thought of as a dreadful and feared experience into a more pleasant one that will keep my patients returning for their appointments in a timely manner -- resulting in better oral health.”

What Renee Loves about the Okamoto, DDS Team

“I could not ask for a better team of people to work with.  Everybody arrives each morning with a positive attitude ready to work together in making sure we provide a great dental experience for our patients.”

To learn more about our staff or to schedule your next dental cleaning with one of our outstanding dental hygienists, contact our office today!

How Dental Health Connects to Overall Health

The body is made up of many parts, all of them individual but connected to each other; tissues are part of systems and the whole body works holistically. Dentists understand more than most how the mouth acts as a gateway to the body and how taking care of your teeth protects your general health.
Research has proven how infections like periodontal disease can affect other parts of the body in surprising ways. Dr. Stephen Okamoto takes care of each patient’s smiles with the whole body in mind. This blog offers tips, information, and wisdom in how to protect your body by caring for your teeth.

How Oral Health Affects the Body

Blood flows into our oral systems through the carotid artery, which branches out and ends in our jaw. The arteries provide nutrients and oxygen to our gums, lips, and teeth, but their proximity to oral structures makes them vulnerable. This is especially true if a person smokes, chews tobacco, and neglects proper oral health care. Bacteria thrive off debris that gets trapped between our teeth and in below the gum line. Brushing and flossing break up this bacteria and stop the advance of plaque across our teeth and beneath the gums.

But gum disease thrives if left alone and advances to cause more problematic signs of infection. Early stages of periodontitis are the reason our gums bleed or become sensitive, while progressed infection is the reason people lose teeth. It is also how bacteria enter the bloodstream from our mouths. Gum disease has been tied to diabetes, heart disease, arterial infection, weight gain, bad breath, and numerous other health effects.

Proper Oral Care for Holistic Well-Being

An easy step to better wellness is getting in the habit of regular brushing and flossing. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes, and floss once a day. Toothbrushes should be held at a 45 degree angle, and gently moved in small circles around the mouth. Floss, and it doesn’t matter if you use sticks or wax floss, should be moved gently between the teeth and gums. After some time, it gets easier and easier to do so.

Avoiding frequent intake of these items will protect oral health and whole body health as well:

- Tobacco (including E-cigarettes, chewing products, and cigars)
- Excessive processed sugar
- Alcohol (causes swelling and bacterial growth)
- Sugary gum

Please contact our dental office for any oral health concerns you may have; we’re happy to help with any questions. Browse our website for information and procedures, and feel free to schedule an appointment!

Top 5 Tips to Maintain Optimum Oral Health

Your smile should not only be aesthetically beautiful, but it should be healthy as well. Understanding what it takes to keep your teeth and gums healthy can affect not just the way your smile looks, but your overall health as well. Maintaining your oral health can be an easy task with these 5 top tips:

Changing your diet – Inhibit the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume on a daily basis. If you’re a heavy soda drinker, consider the two essential ingredients in many sodas and other carbonated drinks that eat away at the surface of your teeth: phosphoric and citric acid. Food and drinks with added acid and sugar wear down dental enamel and make teeth susceptible to cavities. But whole and natural foods that produce a scrubbing effect, like certain vegetables, or contribute in vitamins help to keep your smile strong and healthy.

Rinsing – Utilizing mouthwash and toothpaste that contain fluoride can protect your smile. Fluoride has a protective effect that makes your teeth more resistant to decay.  Implementing fluoride based oral care in your twice daily regimen will protect your teeth from decay and strengthen their durability, while also cleaning and freshening your mouth.

Flossing – Although there is some recent buzz that flossing isn’t the be-all-and-end-all for your oral health, the truth is that flossing doesn’t damage your teeth – rather it helps to keep your smile cleaner overall. Not only it will remove food from in between your teeth, it can also prevent bacteria and debris from collecting below your gum line. However, there is a right way to floss your teeth; you should utilize a fresh section of floss for each tooth and follow the curve of your teeth gently.

Brushing Technique and Choice of Toothbrush – By brushing at a 45 degree angle and utilizing a brush with soft bristles, brushing your teeth twice daily effectively maintains a clean mouth. Be sure to use soft circular motions and thoroughly clean back molars, as well as brushing your tongue.
Regularly visit your dentist! Visiting your dentist is the number one way to maintain your oral health all year round. Dentist provide ample information and tips to ensure you maintain a proactive approach with at home oral care and are making smart choices about keeping your smile clean, healthy, and beautiful.

At Steven K. Okamoto DDS, Inc., our father-daughter team helps patients understand the importance of their oral health. Contact our Torrance, CA dental practice today for your next appointment or to speak to a member of our staff.

What Can Patients Expect When They Visit our Office?

Visiting a dental practice should be a relaxing and beneficial experience. Our father-daughter dental team provides specialty, restorative, prosthetic, and implant dentistry services, during which patients can expect quality care that protects their comfort, understanding of their oral health, and optimal results.

How We Treat Patients

Dr. Okamoto has been providing dentistry to South Bay and Torrance for over 30 years. With that history and legacy in mind, we treat our patients and their families like they are our own. You can expect a helpful, experienced, and professional medical staff that serves you and your family. Our modern dental office creates a relaxing experience you can feel during your visit. Patients are at-ease with our multi lingual staff and many are long-term visitors, having come to Dr. Okamoto as teenagers as young as 14 years old; we love building and sustaining lasting relationships with all of our patients. 

We help our patients make the connection between oral and overall health to prevent infection and make sure they can maintain their whole body health. Patient comfort, preventive measures, and modern, quality services are our goal.

Our Philosophy for Patient Care

Drs. Steven and Michelle are committed recreating the natural beauty of your smile after damage or decay by providing a range of high quality and specialized services, paired with advanced dental technology. Patients in need of surgical treatment, such as the placement of implants, are cared for in our brand new and enhanced surgical suite. As a trusted and experienced dentist, Dr. Steven Okamoto is a leader in the field of sleep apnea and prosthodontics and welcomes patients dealing with any number of issues that can affect their dental health and wellness.

We believe in continuous education and the use of innovative dental technologies and techniques to provide the best services possible to our patients. With this in mind, our commitment to preventive dentistry and ensuring aesthetically pleasing smiles make up our patient-centered approach to dentistry.

We Welcome New Patients!

At our Torrance, CA dental office, our dentists are here to build long-lasting relationships that are maintained by quality, modern services to promote beautiful and healthy smiles. Trust our family to serve yours. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our Torrance dental practice for help in answering any questions or making our next visit.

Welcome Back to our Blog!

Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto are happy to welcome you back to their blog. Over the next year, we will be embarking on a monthly effort to keep you informed about our practice, community involvements, and the advancements in dental technology and care we plan to bring to our patients. This blog will also be a place where our visitors and patients can get to better know our team and have their oral health questions answered.

In this initial posting on our year long journey, we start with an introduction to our dentists. Our returning patients know how invested our team is in your oral health and wellness and the skill we offer in dental care; however, for new patients and users, we would like to introduce:

Steven K. Okamoto, DDS
Dr. Okamoto is trained in the art of prosthodontics, or restoring damaged and lost teeth with replacements made from a variety of tooth-colored and durable materials. Dr. Okamoto was educated in Southern California at UCLA and is happy to continue caring for patients in the area at his Torrance dental practice. After obtaining his dental doctorate, Dr. Okamoto spent time teaching other oral health professionals and brings that spirit of communication, outreach, and education to daily patient care at our office. With practiced skill in implant dentistry, oral surgery, and sleep apnea treatment, Dr. Steven Okamoto is prepared to care for patients with all manner of dental needs and goals.

Michelle Okamoto, DDS
We are a unique dental practice, with Dr. Steven’s daughter Michelle Okamoto, DDS serving as his partner practitioner. Dr. Michelle’s education includes time spent at such well-known institutions as Pepperdine and UCLA. In her college career, Dr. Michelle has been recognized repeatedly for her leadership and service and carries those commitments through to her philosophy of exceptional patient care. Dr. Michelle has completed additional training in dental surgery and therapies involved in alleviating oral facial pain. Through her work in-office, Dr. Michelle helps patients enjoy healthier and more beautiful smiles each day.

Our Mission Statement

As stated on the face of our website, our mission is to utilize our dentists’ advanced training and education to provide the best care possible, whether that includes incorporating sleep apnea appliances into your dental plan, or providing surgical treatment to ensure best outcomes for implant care. We work to develop trusting patient relationships and cultivate an environment of positivity with a focus on your health and wellness.

Services

As dental professionals, we are committed to restoring patient confidence, wellbeing, and quality of life by improving and protecting your dental health. That goal is served through general preventive care and cleanings, as well as more advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, which include:

• Dental Implants
• All on 4
• Teeth Whitening
• Veneers
• Bone Grafting
• Sleep Apnea Therapy

Whether you are looking to have a tooth, or all of your teeth, replaced or you are in search of a dental home for twice yearly cleanings and dependable service, Drs. Okamoto are here to help.

Stay Tuned for Updates!

We are excited to bring you more information about our team, services, and dental health as the year progresses. Check back on our blog next month to meet a member of our team or contact our office for additional assistance.