Dentistry is the only healthcare field where we produce something that can immediately improve someones self-esteem. That to me is the most powerful part about dentistry. Being able to chew food properly and speak properly is, of course, equally important. However, I am most passionate about having the ability to work with my hands and have an artists touch, and through my work, be able to transform peoples lives directly in a very powerful and meaningful way.

So many people are afraid of going to thedentist. I see this as a challenge and try to make my patients feel comfortable in a relaxed environment where I can make their dental experience as pain free and as stress free as possible. I pride myself in being able to do this so much so that I have had many patients state they begin to feel sleepy during treatment with no sedation!

Dentistry is not easy; it can be very difficult and stressful at times for both the patient and the dentist. However, when you see how you can truly change someones life by giving them back something they lost, it can be very rewarding.

Continuing education is by far the most important thing to do to stay up to date on different procedures in the field of dentistry. I actively seek out and take continuing education courses that will broaden and advance my knowledge and skills.

As a member of theAcademy of General Dentistry, I attend the annual national meetings and frequently take online courses in all areas of general dentistry. Through theTexas A&M College of Dentistryin Dallas (formally known as Baylor College of Dentistry), I have taken both introductory and advance dental implant courses. Recently, I became a member of the Academy of GP Orthodontics, where I am taking a two-year course in comprehensiveorthodonticsfor the general practitioner in Austin, TX.

I have lived in El Paso all my life, born and raised. My wife and I love pets and have two Shih-Tzus and a cat. When Im not in the office, I enjoy the outdoors, especially camping, hiking, and boating. I also love to travel and get to know new places, meet different people, and experience different cultures.

Dr. Iven Gonzalezand theteam of compassionate dental professionalsatSun City Dental can help you and your family achieve beautiful smiles and excellent oral health. Dr. Gonzalez is a member of local and national professional organizations, including:

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment or spacing of the teeth, and related irregularities in the face and the jaw. A number of special treatments, including braces and other oral appliances, are used to correct these problems.

There are two good reasons: aesthetics and function. Having an attractive smile not only changes the way people see you it enhances your own self-image as well. Orthodontic treatment also allows your teeth to function better and makes it easier to keep them clean, which can improve your overall health.

You're never too old to begin orthodontic treatment but if you start at an earlier age, your problems may be easier to treat. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child who may need orthodontic treatment should come in for a first visit around age 7.

Teeth that are protruding, crowded together or erupting out of position are clear indications that treatment is needed (View Examples). Less obvious signs are mouth breathing, frequent biting of the cheek or palate, speech difficulties, and thumb sucking that goes past 3-4 years of age. If teeth don't meet properly when the mouth closes, or if jaws make sounds or shift as they move, this may also indicate an orthodontic problem.

Having braces put on is generally painless. Some people experience minor aches and pains in the first couple of days or so, as they adjust to wearing their appliances; periodic adjustments may sometimes cause soreness as well, though it typically lasts only a short time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate any discomfort, but are usually unnecessary.

It's different for each person, but generally the active stage of treatment (that is, wearing braces or other appliances) may take from 6-30 months. After that, a retainer is worn for at least several months more.

If your teeth are severely crowded (because your mouth is too small to properly accommodate all of them) or if you have impacted teeth (teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line by other teeth) then extraction may be necessary. In the case of younger patients, early treatment may make extraction unnecessary.

Yes you should pass up the types of foods that could damage or become trapped in your braces. Some of these include raw vegetables, hard candy, caramel, taffy and ice cubes (fortunately, ice cream is OK). You will receive a list of foods to avoid.

In a word: Yes. Of course, whether you wear braces or not, we recommend you wear a mouthguard when playing most sports. Musicians are generally able to play their instruments just as they did before, but they may need a short adjustment period after getting braces.

You do in fact, it's more important than ever! Keeping teeth free of plaque (and potentially, decay) can be challenging when you're wearing braces. Your dentist can help you avoid these problems with frequent cleanings and exams.

Almost always, the answer is yes: If you don't wear a retainer, your teeth can rapidly shift out of position and then all the effort put into your treatment is lost! Your retainer helps you maintain that good-looking smile for a lifetime.

Orthodontic care is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Yet its cost hasn't increased as fast as many other consumer prices, and many financing options are available that make orthodontic care affordable. Weighed against the true cost of living with problem teeth, however, orthodontic treatment can be a wise investment indeed.

The Magic of Orthodontics Proper alignment of the teeth is basic to Smile Design. Their position dictates how they work together and affects the way you look and smile. Only orthodontic treatment can move teeth into the right position. Simply put, when things look right, they probably are right. Learn the basics of smile analysis and design and whether the magic of orthodontics will work for you... Read Article

Orthodontics for the Older Adult Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so there's no such thing as too old for braces. In fact, nowadays about one out of every five orthodontic patients is an adult. Yet this figure represents only a small portion of adults who could actually benefit from orthodontic treatment... Read Article