Overcoming Your Fear of the Dentist

Sharon L. Albright • May 22, 2024

We realize that many people don’t look forward to seeing the dentist. While most of us appreciate the product of dental care, not many people enjoy the process and the possible discomfort, be it physical or psychological.

If you suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, you might be putting off your dental care. You may have such severe anxiety that you’re avoiding the dentist, despite experiencing pain, living with fractured, discolored, or missing teeth and possibly an infection.

While you may be willing to put up with some pain and think it is minor compared to other health problems, remember that dental health can affect your overall health. The bacteria from oral infections such as gingivitis and periodontal disease travels through the rest of your body. Oral infections have been linked to complications related to cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections and poor control of other systemic diseases such as diabetes.

Fortunately, there are ways we can help reduce your anxiety, so you don’t have to neglect your oral health.

Tips to Overcome Dental Phobia

If you avoid visiting the dentist, the following tips may help…

Let your dentist know about your anxiety. We take your feelings seriously and will work to help you overcome this fear, but we can’t help if we don’t know about it. Let your dentist’s office know as soon as you schedule an appointment.

Talk to your dentist. Discuss your fears with us. Let us know why you feel anxious and what, if anything in particular, causes you to feel frightened. There’s no reason to feel embarrassed. We deal with this quite often and will listen to you without judgement. Also, ask what will be done to help you feel more at ease during treatment. In our office, we can take a range of measures, from playing your favorite Pandora station on Bose noise-cancelling headphones to relaxing DVDs with tranquil music to pre-medication with sedatives.

Ease into your exam and cleaning. We can discuss your past experiences and apprehension. If you like, we can also show you the tools we use and explain what they do and how they work. When you feel comfortable and are ready to proceed, we can talk you through procedures before we take the next steps.

Create a plan. Work with your dentist to create a plan that works for you. For instance, you may want us to ask you when you are ready to proceed or to fully explain each action before taking it. If you need pre-medication with sedatives, we might plan for that step as well.

Your oral health is important. With patience, understanding and acceptance, we can work together to overcome your fear and ensure your oral health is in top condition.

Invisalign in Oakland: What You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment

By Sharon L. Albright • February 20, 2025

Have you ever thought about how a perfect smile can transform your confidence and overall appearance? According to a survey by OnePoll and Forbes Health, 72% of Gen Z'ers use social media to compare their smiles. However, with the rise of popular orthodontic solutions like Invisalign, there's no more FOMO when it comes to having a great social-media-worthy smile. Getting started with Invisalign in Oakland can be a significant decision. Learn more about what to expect with Invisalign treatment in Oakland below. Understanding Invisalign Treatment Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional metal braces. It provides a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth. Rather than utilizing brackets and wires, Invisalign in Oakland employs a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gradually shift your dental structure into the desired position. It's crucial to engage with a professional who specializes in Invisalign. They will craft a tailored plan specifically for your needs. Key Benefits of Invisalign Beyond its invisible appearance, there are several advantages to choosing Invisalign for your teeth alignment. These benefits have made Invisalign treatment in Oakland popular among those wishing to elevate their smile. Comfort The aligners are made of smooth plastic for greater aesthetic appeal. This means less irritation and discomfort compared to traditional braces. Convenience You can easily remove the aligners when eating, brushing, or flossing, which allows you to maintain optimal oral hygiene . Predictable results Using advanced 3D imaging technology, your dentist can show you how your teeth will move and what your smile will look like after treatment. It helps make teeth straightening in Oakland straightforward and understandable. Fewer office visits With Invisalign clear aligners in Oakland, you typically need fewer appointments for adjustments. You'll be provided with multiple sets of aligners at once to change out at pre-determined intervals. The Treatment Process So, how does the treatment process work? The entire process usually spans about 12 to 18 months. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of your case and how long you wear your aligners. Initial Consultation One of the first steps in your Invisalign journey is scheduling a consultation with an Oakland orthodontics office. During this appointment, your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss your goals. This will determine if Invisalign is the right fit for you. Customized Plan 3D images of your teeth will be taken. From there, a personalized treatment plan will be created to guide your aligners' progression. Receiving Aligners You'll receive several sets of aligners. Typically, you'll wear each set for about two weeks before progressing to the next set. For maximum effectiveness, it's important to wear them for the required 20-22 hours per day Regular Check-ups Periodic visits will be scheduled to ensure your treatment is on track and your smile is beautifully on track. Transform Your Smile with Invisalign in Oakland at Sharon L. Albright, D.D.S., Inc. Today Invisalign isn't just about aligning your teeth. It's about enhancing your overall confidence and self-esteem. If you're interested in pursuing Invisalign in Oakland, Sharon L. Albright D.D.S., Inc. can help. The experienced dental team at Sharon Albright D.D.S. specializes in providing high-quality orthodontic treatments tailored to our clients' needs. Are you ready to embark on your journey towards a stunning smile? Contact our office today to make your dream of a perfect smile a reality!