▶ Children's Dentistry

At Alder Dental, we offer services for the entire family. We are proud to serve our young patients and want to work with parents to set children on the right path toward caring for their dental health. We hope to establish a feeling of comfort with your child; studies have shown that when children are comfortable with their dentists, they are likely to maintain oral care throughout their lives. We also hope to educate children and adults alike on proper home techniques and discuss creating healthy habits. Cleanings for Kids Scheduling regular professional dental cleanings are important to your child's dental health as well as daily brushing and flossing. We will show your child the specialized tools using kid-friendly language to show them each step, working to reduce fears and pique curiosity. Their dental cleanings will include: •  Removing plaque •  Removing tartar •  Remove stains with polishing •  Discuss brushing and flossing tips •  Encourage healthy food habits Kids Dental Exams With Dr. Alder Meeting with Dr. Alder for regular examinations will help us detect and prevent health issues in your child's mouth before they become serious. We ask to see your child at least twice a year. Dr Alder wants to help your children catch problems when they are small and easier to treat. If problems are missed or ignored by parents, the problems will only continue to grow. Examinations for your child generally include: •  Digital x-rays •  Visual inspection of entire oral cavity for anything unusual •  Examination of head, neck, cheeks, and lips for anything unusual Dental Sealants At Alder Dental, we encourage our young patients to receive dental sealants. Dental sealants protect teeth from cavities, serving as a barrier between bacteria and your child's teeth. With sealants, we are seeing more and more children reach adulthood having never experienced a cavity. For more information on caring for your children's teeth and how we can help, contact Brian Alder, DDS, at our Vancouver office. (360) 831-0831

▶ Mouth Guards

When playing sports we frequently wear protective gear. Most parents couldn't imagine their children not wearing helmets, knee pads or shin guards when engaging in sports related activities. We all know that proper protective gear is very important for safety. At Alder Dental, we agree. The most most missed piece of protective gear is the dental mouthguard. Almost half of all injuries associated with sports and outside activities involve the face. At Alder Dental, we can customize a mouthguard to fit your mouth, it will be comfortable because it is made to fit your mouth and it will significantly decrease the possibility of injury to the teeth, lips, cheeks, and can even reduce the severity of concussion by taking some of the impact when hit. Does my sport require a mouthguard? Some sports obviously require mouthguards, coaches for sports like football, hockey or boxing know the obvious benefit of mouthguards. Additional sports, including baseball, lacrosse, bicycling, and skateboarding would also benefit from mouthguards, but is not generally discussed by their leagues or coaches. How can Dr. Alder help? Dr. Alder knows that your face is an important part of your aesthetics and that protecting your natural teeth is always best. It's better to be safe than toothless! Dr. Alder, along with the American Dental Association recommend mouthguards for any adult or child who participates in any recreational activity that could pose the risk of injury to the mouth. Why should I get a customized mouthguard? The most simple answer of why you should have a customized mouthguard is so you will actually wear it. Store bought mouthguards come in a one size fits all style. They are cheaper, but the type of plastic can range in comfort, and the sizing is often bulky. Dr. Alder can help ensure that the comfort and fit is right for you. How do I take care of my mouthguard? To get the full benefit of protection, we recommend wearing your mouthguard every time you play sports or engage in rambunctious activities. We recommend keeping it in your bag or in your car, anyplace that would go with you to play. Your mouthguard does require some care. We recommend the following: •  Never chew or bite on your guard •  Contact us if there are any holes or tears •  Contact us if the plastic has thin spots •  Keep your mouthguard clean with rinsing •  On occasion, brush your mouthguard with a toothbrush •  Keep your mouthguard in the container provided •  Avoid placing it in direct sunlight We are happy to answer your questions about Sports related oral injuries and mouthguards. Contact Brian Alder, DDS, at our Vancouver, WA office for more information. (360) 831-0831

▶ Bruxism

At Alder Dental, we can help our patients reduce the effects of bruxism with the use of a nightguard. What is bruxism? Bruxism is a condition associated with subconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth, most commonly while sleeping. This condition will damage your teeth with moderate to severe effects. These effects include: •  Flattening of the surface of your teeth •  Cracks or fractures in your teeth •  Exposing the inner layer of your teeth known as dentin •  Wearing the enamel of your teeth away •  Making your teeth susceptible to bacteria finding passage to the pulp of your teeth How can Dr. Alder help? Dr. Alder can help repair the damage done from clenching or grinding and fit you with a customized nightguard. Nightguards To protect your teeth, we can custom make a dental device that will fit in your mouth and shield your teeth while you sleep. This device is made from plastic, and by having Dr. Alder customize it, you can ensure a comfortable fit. For more information on bruxism, clenching or grinding your teeth and nightguards, contact Brian Alder, DDS, at our Vancouver, WA office. (360) 831-0831

▶ Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Treatment Vancouver, WA Waking up in the morning feeling rested and refreshed is a great feeling. However, for many Americans, this feeling seems elusive. No matter what time you go to bed, you wake up feeling exhausted, like you never went to sleep at all. Sleep apnea is a common condition that causes poor sleep night after night. This condition not only affects the quality of your sleep, but it can also affect your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. If your life is being impacted by sleep apnea, Alder Dental can help. What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a condition that affects your breathing while you sleep. Normal sleep consists of several cycles. For sleep to restore your body, it needs to go through all of these cycles. When you have sleep apnea, your normal sleep cycles are interrupted. Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing for several seconds, several times a night. Every time you stop breathing, you wake up, even if you are completely unaware, and your body needs to restart its sleep cycles all over again. Sleep apnea ranges in severity from mild, breathing stops 5 to 14 times per sleeping hour, to severe, where you stop breathing 30 or more times per sleeping hour. Because of this, you find yourself waking up in the morning often feeling more tired than when you went to bed. There are a few different types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked. Central sleep apnea occurs when there is a miscommunication between the brain and the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea is a mixture of the two. Over time, sleep apnea can have serious consequences on your mental, emotional, and even your physical health. Eventually, you could be faced with issues such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, and more. Sleep Apnea Symptoms Even if you don’t know that you are continually waking up while you sleep, there are several symptoms that can point to sleep apnea. One of the most common symptoms is snoring. Unless you have been told you snore, however, you may be completely unaware that it happens. There are also several other symptoms that can present themselves. These symptoms include such things as excessive daytime sleepiness, falling asleep during the day, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, irritability, trouble controlling emotions, and difficulty making decisions. Sleep Apnea Treatments Before receiving treatment for sleep apnea, it is important that the condition be diagnosed. We can help to identify and diagnose the issue and can determine the best treatment options for your specific situation. Treatments for sleep apnea often vary based on the severity of your condition. Mild sleep apnea treatments may consist of changes in sleep position, elevating your head, opening your nasal passageways (using nasal strips, saline, or a nasal dilator), or exercise and weight loss. For moderate to severe sleep apnea, other interventions may be required. A sleep expert may need to be consulted. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine may be recommended. This machine uses a nasal mask to deliver positive air pressure while you sleep. Supplemental oxygen may be needed. We can also help with an oral appliance. This device is similar in appearance to a mouth guard. It is a custom fit device that sits over your top teeth and is designed to hold your jaw in proper alignment. In doing so, it prevents your lower jaw, and your oral tissues, from sliding backward, keeping your airway open. With proper treatment, your sleep apnea can be managed, and you can finally get the restful sleep you need to restore your mind and your body. For more information, call Alder Dental at (360) 831-0831 today!

▶ Extractions

The extraction of a tooth is the procedure of removing a tooth from its socket, generally due to being badly damaged from decay or fracture. Dr. Alder is able to improve the health of your mouth by removing teeth that are beyond repair and helping to restore function and promote the retention of bone. Why are teeth extracted? •  When a tooth is severely decayed •  Due to advanced periodontal disease •  A tooth is fractured in such a way that repair is impractical •  The tooth is positioned in such a way that it impacts other teeth, including your wisdom teeth •  The tooth is non-functional How are teeth extracted? Dr. Alder removes teeth within two categories, either non-surgically or surgically. •  Non-surgical is the pulling of a tooth in one clean piece. This means that Dr. Alder was able to grasp the tooth with his dental tools and cleanly pull the tooth from the socket. This is generally a quick removal. •  Surgical is the pulling of a tooth piece by piece, sometimes requiring the cutting of gums to get each piece out. This is a more complicated removal procedure, requiring more time, and may be more uncomfortable for the patient. This is due to a tooth being fractured or decayed and breaking apart with the pressure of pulling. What can I expect after my extraction? Following your tooth extraction you may experience several of the following symptoms including: •  Bleeding •  Moderate to severe discomfort or pain •  Oozing and soreness in the jaw We will send our patients home with care instructions following their extraction. For more information on dental extractions, contact Brian Alder, DDS, at our Vancouver, WA office. (360) 831-0831

▶ Root Canals

Sometimes patients come to us with pain or after noting a bubble that has formed on their gum. These symptoms may be signs of infection requiring endodontic treatment, also known as a root canal. Dr. Alder can help. Using digital x-rays, he is able to see what cannot be seen with the naked eye. If repair is needed, Dr. Alder can remove the infection and, in most cases, save your tooth from extraction. When is a root canal needed? Root canals are needed when the pulp of the tooth has become infected. Our teeth are comprised of layers. The hard layer you can see is the enamel, below that layer is another hard layer called dentin. Below the dentin is the soft portion of your tooth known as the pulp. The pulp is a blend of various materials including blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The pulp creates your surrounding hard tissues during development, but is no longer needed once the tooth is fully developed. The removal of the pulp and the bacteria that is causing the infection is known as endodontic treatment. What is endodontic treatment? Endodontic refers to the inside portion of our teeth. Endodontic treatment is the treating, or repair of the inside portion of our teeth. Why would I need an endodontic procedure? Dr. Alder recommends Endodontic treatment when the pulp has become infected. Infection inside your tooth will not heal on its own, treatment is needed to save the tooth from extraction. How did the pulp of my tooth get infected? Infection can arise from a variety of causes. All that is needed for infection is for passage of bacteria to the inside of your tooth. This could occur from a deep cavity or decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Additionally, an impact injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. What will Dr. Alder do to remove the infection? To remove the infection, Dr. Alder will use a drill to gain access to the pulp. He will then remove the pulp, and the bacteria along with it. He will fill the now empty space with a medicated rubber material, and then cover the space with a filling material. Depending on the placement of the tooth, and the extent of damage, Dr. Alder may recommend a dental crown to protect the remaining portion of the tooth. Are root canals painful? What our patients may not understand is that endodontic treatment does not cause pain, but relieves it. Dr. Alder relieves the pain of infection that is already brewing. At Alder Dental, we will help make you comfortable with one of several pain relieving options. For the first few days following treatment, many patients report feeling tooth sensitivity, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Over the counter pain relievers should be able to alleviate any discomfort. For more information on root canals and endodontic treatment, contact Brian Alder, DDS, at our Vancouver, WA office. (360) 831-0831

▶ Dentures

At Alder Dental, we are able to replace many or all of your teeth with dentures. Dr. Alder is happy to discuss the many options available to you when you have few or no remaining healthy teeth. Dentures are a big deal, a life changing decision. We can make it easier. To improve the fit and feel, you will want a base to attach the dentures to. Without it dentures can be an uncomfortable change. Dentures will never feel like your own teeth, but we can help you be comfortable and provide the function needed. Ask Dr. Alder about the options available, including All-on-4 and implant anchored dentures. What exactly are dentures? Dentures are a prosthesis consisting of false plastic teeth set in a pink base made to mimic your gums. Traditionally, they were designed to be held in place with an over the counter adhesive. This type of denture is removable. Dentures allow the patient to regain ability to eat and speak, though it will take some practice and patience. Full dentures provide more benefits than having no teeth, but they will never feel like natural teeth. You will have to use a certain amount of caution with the variety of foods that you are able to eat. Learning how to navigate your new dentures is a difficult transition. Ask Dr. Alder about implant anchored dentures. By attaching your dentures to a strong post, it will offer you significantly more freedom and comfort. What are implant anchored dentures? By anchoring your dentures to dental implants, we are able to provide you much more comfort. Implants are posts that are attached to your jaw, providing a very strong base. For you, this means that your dentures are placed permanently, no adhesives, no worries. You may even find yourself forgetting that you have dentures. We are happy to discuss dentures and the options available to you. Contact Brian Alder, DDS, at our Vancouver, WA office for more information. (360) 831-0831

▶ Cosmetic Dentistry

At Alder Dental, our dental team can transform your smile, make it more functional, and give you a look that will make you want to smile. There are procedures that are easier than you think. Advancements in cosmetic dentistry are fast and furious, they have opened windows that may surprise you. Dr. Alder has treatments in various amounts of cost, including some very cost effective treatments that will improve your confidence and give you that radiant and healthy smile you want. Let Dr. Alder show you how he can make a significant difference in your smile. Our cosmetic services include: •  Teeth Whitening, both in office and at home treatments available •  Cosmetic Bonding to repair chips, gaps and cracks •  Dental Veneers to give your teeth an even, straighter, whiter appearance •  Crowns to provide strength to weakened teeth •  Bridges to fill the gaps of missing teeth •  Dentures to replace many or all of your teeth We are happy to sit with you and discuss our cosmetic dental procedures and how we can help. Contact Brian Alder, DDS at our Vancouver, WA office. (360) 831-0831

▶ Dental Implants

Dental Implants Vancouver, WA At Alder Dental, we are able to replace missing teeth using a metal device called a dental implant. An implant is a strong, permanent substitute for a tooth root which we then place a dental crown on top of. There are many advantages to this replacement tooth structure that Dr. Alder would love to discuss with you. What is a dental implant? A dental implant is a metal device made from titanium. We like titanium because it is a biocompatible metal, meaning it is safe to be used in surgical procedures. Our tissues are able to integrate with titanium making a strong bond and creating a strong base. Dental Implants resemble what we think of as a screw. This surgical screw is placed directly into the jawbone by Dr. Alder. To do this, he first needs to locate strong bone. If it is unavailable, he is able to discuss a bone graft. With sufficient bone, Dr. Alder continues to prepare the site by opening the tissue and creating the space necessary to place the implant. The implant is placed and the area is sutured closed. After the area has had time to heal, a dental crown is placed and you are able to use it with full normal function. Do dental implants replace just one tooth at a time? You may be surprised what we can do with dental implants. You can have one or multiple teeth replaced. We can place one or two and then create a bridge of false teeth between them. We can even place an entire arch of false teeth with four dental implants. There are many ways dental implants can create a much healthier, and full set of teeth for you. Typical reasons for dental implants: •  To replace one of multiple missing teeth •  To create a permanent, strong root base for a false tooth •  To maintain a healthy bone density •  To support a dental prosthesis Dental Implants have improved significantly over the years. The success rate of implants today exceed 95% and are known for having a smaller failure rate than any other dental procedure. Dr. Alder will help you determine if dental implants are a good tooth replacement option for you. As always, caring for your mouth with proper brushing and flossing will maximize the longevity of your new dental implant. Contact Brian Alder, DDS, at our Vancouver, WA office for more information. (360) 831-0831

▶ Whitening

At Alder Dental, we can whiten and brighten your teeth using a simple, easy and non-invasive dental treatment. This treatment will enhance the color of your natural tooth enamel, lighten stains, and give your smile a whiter and brighter look. Whitening your teeth is a cosmetic dental treatment that can greatly improve your aesthetics. There are several ways to whiten teeth. What are the differences? All whitening products contain varying amounts of peroxide. Below is what you can expect from the application of different products: •  Store bought products generally contain 3% peroxide •  At-home whitening kits prescribed by Dr. Alder, contains from 3% to 20% peroxide, based on your need •  Whitening kits done in office under Dr. Alder's care contains 15% to 43% peroxide, based on what you need Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed once a year or more often if you smoke and/or drink coffee, tea, or wine. Why do patients come to us for teeth whitening? •  To remove streaks from flourosis •  Stains from daily use •  Stains due to specific medications •  Yellowed teeth or brown stains from coffee or smoking What does tooth whitening involve? At Home Teeth Whitening with the assistance of Dr. Alder usually requires two office visits. At your first appointment we will create customized trays that will fit comfortably, then together, we will determine the starting shade of your teeth so we can monitor your progress. Dr. Alder will prescribe the peroxide solution he feels is best for you. With your whitening tools in hand, you will wear the trays daily for the prescribed amount of time and number of days. In Office Whitening is a faster, though more expensive option. Dr. Alder is able to whiten your teeth in about one hour using a high concentration of peroxide. You will leave with a whiter and brighter smile. For more information on teeth whitening, contact Brian Alder, DDS, at our Vancouver, WA office. (360) 831-0831

▶ Veneers

A Dental Veneer is a thin piece of durable porcelain. It is shaped to fit your tooth, or the shape you want your tooth to have. Dr. Alder bonds the veneer onto the face of the tooth providing you a look of perfection. Our patients love veneers because they can completely change the look of your teeth and your smile. We can use veneers as an alternative to dental crowns or caps, making them the ideal solution in treating many cosmetic dental conditions for your front teeth. As with most dental restorations, veneers will need replacement but should last many years, they are very durable. As with most dental restorations, veneers may someday need replacement; however, they are still very durable and will last many years, giving you a long-lasting, beautiful smile. Our patients come to us for veneers because: •  They want a clean, uniform look •  There are gaps •  A tooth is chipped •  A tooth is crooked •  A tooth is longer or shorter then the others •  A tooth is badly stained What is the process for getting porcelain veneers? Dental veneers require at least two office visits to complete. Your teeth are prepared to allow for the thickness of the veneer. Dr. Alder will need to permanently alter the natural tooth for this process. He will shape the natural structure in an irreversible way. Next, a mold of your teeth will be taken and together, you and Dr. Alder will select a color to match your other teeth. Custom Veneer Placement At your second office visit your teeth will be cleansed with a specialized cleaner helping your tooth and veneer achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a blue light beam is used to harden and set the bond. You will receive care instructions for your veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new and beautiful veneers. We would love to help you dramatically change the look of your teeth with this simple procedure. For more information on dental veneers, contact Brian Alder, DDS, at our Vancouver, WA office for more information. (360) 831-0831

▶ Composite Bonding

At Alder Dental we are able to significantly improve the look of your teeth. Composite bonding is used to make simple repairs on your teeth. Known by other terms including aesthetic bonding, or adhesive bonding, Dr. Alder can make small repairs using composite filling for a strong, durable fix. What is composite filling? Composite filling is the same material that is used to repair cavities because of its ability to adhere to enamel and dentin. Made using a mixture of quartz and a resin material, this composite is shaded to match the color of your teeth, and provides a strong hold. What can you repair with bonding? Composite fillings can be used to: •  Repair chipped teeth •  Fix gaps •  Fill cracks •  Repair discoloration •  Add length to even out teeth •  Change the shape of your teeth At Alder Dental we frequently use composite filling to repair front teeth. This process is much more cost effective than other repair methods including dental veneers or crowns. We find aesthetic bonding to be a great solution which is a cost efficient and fast, though temporary, fix. Composite bonding does not have the same life span veneers or crowns and it will not offer the same strength, but is a wonderful alternative when needed. We are excited to show you how we can make a difference with composite. Contact Brian Alder, DDS, at our Vancouver, WA office for more information. (360) 831-0831