Oxnard Doctors

Impressions or No Impressions?

I have a very high gag reflex so getting braces without impressions would be ideal. However, from what I have heard some offices that use Suresmile still take impressions. Are impressions needed or not with Suresmile?

 In our office the SureSmile process is to obtain a three-dimensional scan of the patient’s teeth. This can be done with either a very accurate 3D x-ray machine (we have an iCAT) or an optical scanner called the OraScanner. This digital “impression” is then electronically forwarded to the technicians at SureSmile.

Once the digital lab at SureSmile determines that the scan information is accurate, they pass it along to the modeling team. These technicians convert the scan data into a digital model that has separate, movable teeth. The Orthodontist then work on the prescription for  the final position of each tooth either by moving the teeth himself with a mouse or through very detailed instructions to the digital lab.

We do however take impressions for retainers, but the GAG reflex is very common among patients and we work with you to ensure comfort.

Page Hudson, DDS

Oxnard Orthodontist

Breast Reconstruction Options

What are the benefits of having breast reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy, and in which situations would it be recommended to postpone reconstruction?

With the newer techniques available for breast reconstruction, more of my patients are eligible for immediate reconstruction.

My patient find that when they have immediate reconstruction, they wake up with a breast or at least a head start on breast reconstruction.  Even my patients who choose tissue expanders can now wake up with a breast that is almost the same size as their previous breast with the newer techniques that are available.  My patients tell me that this makes such a difference,  psychologically. 

In addition, in patients who have had previous radiation or will have radiation and are planning to have tissue expanders, immediate reconstruction offers probably the best chance that a tissue expander/implant reconstruction will be successful.  Radiation affects your skin's ability to stretch and a delayed recosntruction would require that the skin be restretched which has been shown to have afailure rate of up to 50%. 

If you are choosing a flap reconstruction and will have radiation, then I would recommend waiting for your reconstruction until after your radiation.  You don't want to radiate you nice new reconstruction and cause scarring and distortion.

Lynn Jeffers, MD

Oxnard Plastic Surgeon

Radiesse Vs Juvederm for Lips?

Which do you think is better for lips, Radiesse vs Juvederm?

Radiesse should not be used in the lips. I routinely use Juvederm for the lips. It is much softer, pliable and less likely to cause lumps and nodules compared to Radiesse. 

Lynn Jeffers, MD

Oxnard Plastic Surgeon