Tamara S. Osina, D.D.S. is a Richmond based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We are a cosmetic dentist that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers and more.
I attended Texas A&M University, College Station where I earned a degree in Biomedical Science. After college, I returned to Houston to attend the University of Texas Dental Branch to become a dentist. I received my D.D.S. in 2002. In 2004 I moved home to Richmond to be closer to my family and to serve the people of the community where I was raised.
With so many advances in techniques and technology there is absolutely no reason that dentistry has to be painful or scary. I am a committed dentist and stay current on the latest advances in dentistry through post-graduate continuing education. I believe that a dental education is never completed, there is always something new to learn. I have completed curriculum at LVI-Las Vegas Institute, participate in several Implant continuums that keep me on the cutting edge, and attend many other post graduate courses every year. I have served on the Council which organizes the annual dental convention bringing continuing education to all dentists in the Houston area. I continue to look for courses that will benefit our patients and to allow me to grow as a doctor.
I believe strongly in volunteerism and community service. For 8 years I traveled to Corinto, Honduras in Central America on a medical mission trip to provide dental treatment to those who dont normally see a dentist. Now that I have a family, I focus my efforts on a more local level. I have served on the Council for the Greater Houston Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, and Fort Bend Junior Service League. I am a life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as well as the Fort Bend County Fair Association where I have also served as a Fair Board Director. Fort Bend, especially the children of Fort bend are my heart. In 2015, I was the founding chair for the Lunches of Love-Taste of Fort Bend. I am also a committee member for several fundraisers such as the Childrens Discovery Center and the American Cancer Society.
Clear orthodontic aligners have been growing in popularity for many years. One of the most recognizable brands is Invisalign. Invisalign is a form of orthodontics that uses clear tray aligners to straighten the teeth instead of the traditional mouthful of metal wires and brackets.
Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. The aligners are constructed of a solid piece of plastic strong enough to shift the teeth and move them into the correct position. Every one or two weeks, the patient receives a new tray with an updated aligner. Each tray will feel slightly different as it shifts and moves the teeth.
The idea of using removable aligners to adjust the teeth is not a new concept. The idea was first introduced in the 1940s. Additional improvements were made through the decades, though the technology did not improve until the 1990s. The creators of Invisalign developed their mass-market system in 1999.
Once the aligners have been made, our staff will make sure they fit well, answer any questions, and go over the treatment plan. Patients will be expected to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get results. Regular checkups with Tamara S. Osina, D.D.S. will make sure treatment stays on track. Our staff will determine how often new aligners are needed.
After the desired results have been achieved, the patient may be expected to wear a retainer to maintain those results. This will prevent teeth from gradually shifting back to their initial position. Our doctor will provide specific instructions on how often a retainer will need to be worn.
Invisalign is not without its pros and cons. Thanks to the fact that they are next-to-invisible, both teens and adults can avoid the discomfort and self-consciousness of traditional metal braces. Many patients also appreciate that they can take Invisalign aligners out to eat, brush and floss, or for social situations.
However, since they are removable, they are more likely to be lost or broken. Patients also need to be careful about what they drink when their aligners are in. Anything but water should be avoided. Liquids can seep into the plastic and stay there until the aligner is removed. This can lead to staining of the aligner and even tooth decay.
It is essential to use and care for Invisalign aligners appropriately to have a good orthodontic outcome. For Invisalign to work, the aligners have to be worn for the recommended number of hours a day. Patients should try to limit the number of times they remove the aligners since it will not take long to exceed the time they can be left off.
Patients should always rinse the aligners when they are removed. Bacteria and plaque can easily attach to them, which can cause an unpleasant odor and sticky feeling on the teeth. Aligners should be cleaned with a clear and unscented antibacterial soap. If patients use toothpaste to clean the aligners, they should make sure that it is not a brand with whitening agents, as these can wear away the plastic.
Proper oral hygiene is essential at any time, but it is a bit easier when using Invisalign versus traditional braces. Food and plaque can get trapped in conventional braces' metal brackets and can be tough to brush. Since Invisalign aligners can be removed, it is simple to brush and floss and replace the aligners when finished.
Only a dentist can reasonably predict the length of the Invisalign treatment time. The severity of the condition, how well the patient adheres to the treatment plan, and age are all factors. On average, it takes less than two years to see results. The treatment time for teens is typically a little shorter than adults.
Following all the recommended guidelines will ensure patients do not extend the treatment time. Patients need to switch trays on schedule and talk to our staff if there are any concerns. If the aligners are not worn for the recommended time, the teeth may start to shift back to their original positions.
A. Invisalign is an orthodontic technique that uses clear, plastic aligners to straighten the teeth. The aligners are created from a custom mold of the patients mouth, and new aligner trays are provided at specific intervals as part of the treatment process. Tamara S. Osina, D.D.S. will develop the treatment plan and monitor the process.
A. Since Invisalign aligners are clear, patients can avoid the unsightly look of a mouth filled with metal brackets and wires. They are also more comfortable to wear and allow the patient fewer restrictions on foods they can eat. Since they are removable, it is easier to brush and floss your teeth.
A. Treatment, on average, takes less than two years but can vary depending on the patients specific concerns. Aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day to see results. If a patient does not wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time, treatment results will take longer.
A. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisaligns clear aligners do not rub and poke at the soft tissues of the mouth. Patients can expect to feel some sensitivity for a day or two when a new set of aligners are put in. This means the teeth are shifting and the aligners are working. Any discomfort should go away quickly.
A. Aligners should be cleaned with a clear and unscented antibacterial soap or toothpaste. If using toothpaste, make sure it is not a brand with whitening agents, which can wear away the plastic. Always brush and floss after meals before putting the aligners back in the mouth. This helps keep food particles from getting stuck, which can lead to bacteria growth and bad breath.
A. If you eat with the aligners in place, make sure to avoid hard foods like raw carrots and sticky foods like gum. Hard and sticky candies should also be avoided. You will also want to avoid drinking anything other than water when the aligners are in place. Coffee and tea can stain the aligners, while soda has acidic properties that can break down the plastic.
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Many people have questions about cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic dentists, but they don't always know where to find answers. This article will answer some of the most common questions that cosmetic dentists get asked, so you can feel more confident in your decision to pursue cosmetic dental care.Cosmetic Dentistry includes any treatment which improves the
Your family dentist reiterates the importance of regular cleanings for a reason. For optimal oral health, daily oral care, and regular visits to the dental office are crucial. You may think you do an excellent job of cleaning your teeth at home, but it is hardly ever enough as regular toothbrushes cannot reach certain parts
Dental bonding has a variety of uses in cosmetic dentistry, and it is one of the more affordable ways to improve the appearance of a person's teeth. These treatments involve applying a putty-like composite directly to teeth being restored. These composites are color-matched with the person's real teeth so repairs made blend in.Also known as