Dental Superheroes to the Rescue!

As an orthodontic patient, you are probably more aware than most that the dental world involves a variety of specialties – orthodontics being one of the dental specialties identified by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Because there are myriad factors involved in taking care of your mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw, we sometimes call on our partners who specialize in different areas of dentistry. You can think of us and our partners as a team of dental superheroes, each with a different special power – although we usually work alone, we rely on each other for backup in tricky situations.

You may have been referred to us by your general dentist, who diagnosed your need for orthodontic treatment. In turn, we may need to refer you to a different type of specialist, should we spot any indication of a different type of problem.

Below you'll find a handy reference guide of dental specialties. Of course, should we ever refer you to another doctor, we will explain in detail exactly why your individual oral health requires a closer look by a particular specialist.

Endodontics
Dentists specializing in Endodontics are focused on the dental pulp, or soft tissue inside your teeth. As such, they are authorities on root canal treatment (extraction of the pulp from an infected tooth). With expertise in both root canal treatment and avulsion (salvaging teeth that have been knocked out), endodontists are the tooth-saviors of the dental world.


Orthodontics
Probably the best-known of the dental specialties, Orthodontics sets its sights on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems such as overbites and underbites. (These problems are known in the field as malocclusion, or "bad bite.") Orthodontists straighten and align teeth and jaws, most often using appliances such as braces and retainers.


Periodontics
Experts in the tissues that support the teeth (gums and other areas), periodontists are most often associated with the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontists also treat complications arising from gum disease, such as lost bone and gum tissue.


Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Surgery involving the bones and tissues of the face, mouth, and neck is the task of the oral surgeon. Operations include wisdom teeth removal, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, dental implants, and surgery to remove cancer. This specialty also includes cosmetic facial surgery, which can address birth defects and ease the effects of trauma, accidents, and aging.

Pedodontics
Commonly known as Pediatric Dentistry, Pedodontics is the branch of dentistry dedicated to the oral care of infants and children. Trained in child development and psychology as well as dentistry, experts in this field are especially attuned to children's needs, and focus heavily on preventative care.


Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to tooth restoration and replacement, providing a variety of options to either fix or replace problem teeth. From crowns and veneers, which work with the teeth in your mouth, to bridges and dentures, which replace them outright, prosthodontists identify the best solution for damaged or missing teeth.

Dr. Eric Wu teaches at UOP, School of Dentistry!

We would like share and congratulate Dr. Eric Wu for recently being appointed as an Adjunct Faculty Member of the Orthodontic Department at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry!

Dr. Wu loves teaching as well as being the most up to date with the latest techniques and technology. Dr. Wu will be working with orthodontic residents and teaching them about the Damon system, Invisalign, TADs and soft tissue lasers to name a few things.

Continuing education is very important to Dr. Wu and he considers himself to be a perpetual student!

Dr. Wu constantly strives for excellence in orthodontics, and a big part of that includes keeping himself informed on the latest and most efficient treatment techniques. You can always trust that because of his dedication to continuing education, you will always receive the best orthodontic care in Palo Alto when you visit Wu Orthodontics!

Nifty “Eggs”periment

Summer is drawing to a close. If the little ones aren’t at camp, you may be running out of ideas to keep them occupied. Why not use a fun and simple science experiment to focus their attention for a while? This one includes a lesson about why it’s important to brush teeth to make plaque go away.

Gather the items you will need for this experiment:

* 1 hard-boiled egg with the shell on

* 12 ounces of Coke, Pepsi or other dark-colored cola

* 1 container large enough to hold the cola and egg

* 1 plastic bowl

* 1 toothbrush

* 1 drop of fluoride toothpaste

* Clean-up supplies

Explain to your child that plaque is a sticky layer of germs that collects on her teeth. If she doesn’t brush, plaque can cause serious problems for her teeth, for example holes in the teeth (cavities) or swollen gums (gingivitis). Tell them that you are going to do an experiment to see how plaque coats her teeth, and why brushing twice a day is important for healthy teeth and gums.

Conduct the experiment:

Make the comparison between the white color of the egg and the while color of your child's teeth.

Place the egg into the container and pour the cola over it, so that it completely covers the egg.

Let the egg sit in the cola for 24 hours.

Remove the egg from the cola. The egg will be stained and yellowish.

Explain to your child that the colored layer that has appeared on top of the eggshell is just like the layer of plaque that occurs on her teeth.

Place the egg in the plastic bowl and give your child the toothbrush with the drop of toothpaste on it.

Let her brush the "plaque" off of the egg. The yellowish film will disappear, exposing the white eggshell. Explain that the same thing happens when she brushes her teeth.

Keep up the great work with keeping those smiles healthy!

Why I love my job!

I wake up every morning feeling like the luckiest person in the world.

Everyday I have the opportunity to influence people and their lives in a positive way. As an orthodontist, I straighten their teeth and give them beautiful smiles.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is watching a quiet patient with low self confidence gradually come out of their shell start smiling and increasing their own self confidence.

I love practicing in the community in which I myself grew up. Having attended the same schools, extracurricular activities and having braces myself in the past, I know exactly where my patients in the area are coming from.

I look forward to many years ahead of creating "Wu"nderful smiles!

Why the Damon System?

We are pleased to offer our patients The Damon™ System. Damon braces allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces. Thanks to these innovative new braces, achieving your perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

Better Results in Less Time

With the new Damon braces, we can achieve terrific results and finish your treatment faster. Depending on your case, this may mean saving many months. After analyzing your specific needs, we will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will have you smiling soon!

Elastic ligatures create friction and require more force and more frequent adjustments.

Damon braces allow freedom of movement, resulting in faster results with gentler forces.

Simplified Procedures

Damon braces are very precise and effective. With this system, we can reduce the need for many of the time-consuming and complicated procedures that are used with traditional braces.

Fewer Visits to the Office

Because Damon braces work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, your appointments will be faster and fewer in number.

Greater Comfort

Due to the unique design of this new braces system, we can move your teeth into their correct positions with much less discomfort than traditional braces. Also, Damon braces are small, very comfortable, and easy to keep clean.