Why Dental Bonding Is More Convenient for Younger Patients

In our office, we provide dental bonding as a solution or a variety of problems that can occur with the teeth.  As a local family dentist office, we are committed to helping your family to remain in the best possible oral health.  In order to achieve this goal, we would prefer to clean and examine your teeth at least twice a year.  This way we can remove plaque and tartar, treat oral health problems, and help your teeth to remain healthy.  This is critical because healthy teeth are strong teeth, and if your teeth are infected, it will be that much easier for them to become chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

If, however, you do damage a tooth, we have several ways to restore it including bonding.  It is incredibly common for both children and adults to damage their teeth.  Many adults do so while playing sports or even in a car wreck.  Children can also damage their teeth while playing sports or, most commonly, when playing with their friends on the playground.  Their simple and innocent behavior often leads to damage due to how aggressively they tend to move around.

When a child's tooth becomes damaged, we must determine whether or not it should be saved.  If it is a baby tooth and likely to fall out in short order, we may not want to do a major restorative procedure.  However, if we anticipate them keeping their tooth for a while or if it is a permanent tooth (as is the case with adult damage), then it is important to save it.  We have several methods of doing so including dental veneers and dental crowns.  In young patients, however, dental bonding is often the easiest and least invasive method of doing so.

Whether your child damages a tooth or you do, it is important to know your options for restoring it.  The reason that dental bonding is so popular is that it doesn't require any preparation and the process can be completed a single sitting.  If, for example, your tooth becomes chipped, a tooth colored material can be shaped around your tooth to restore the chipped area.  It is pliable enough to be moved and shaped until your tooth looks perfect.  Once done, it is hardened with a special light in order to form a hard chewing surface. Your once damaged tooth will then be restored and look natural since the material will be matched in shade to your existing tooth.

The process of dental bonding is more convenient than dental veneers simply because the enamel on your tooth can remain intact.  Therefore, no preparation is required.  Simultaneously, a veneer is created in the dental lab after an impression is taken of your teeth. This makes it a two-step process for restoring a tooth. While the results are beautiful and natural looking, getting a veneer requires more commitment on behalf of the patient than it does to undergo a bonding procedure.  For this reason, we find that bonding is a viable solution for busy adults and younger patients.

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A Restorative Dentist Can Save Your Damaged Tooth

As  a restorative dentist, we specialize in saving teeth that may otherwise need to be pulled.  It is incredibly common to damage a tooth, sometimes doing the most basic of activities.  Driving a car and getting into a wreck, playing basketball and colliding with an elbow, running into something at work, etc.; all of these things can lead to tooth damage.  From small chips to large cracks, a damaged tooth can be incredibly uncomfortable.  Not only can it lead to toothaches but a damaged tooth can make it difficult to eat or speak clearly.  It can also cause you to hold your jaw in an unnatural position, creating tension headaches or discomfort in your face and neck.

If you find yourself in the situation where your tooth is damaged, we encourage you to call our dental office right away.  We can restore and save your tooth, preventing you from experiencing unnecessary discomfort.  Correcting the problem quickly is also important for ensuring that your tooth does not become infected from bacteria entering through the cracked portion of the tooth.  If it does, you could end up needing to have more than one procedure in order to first remove the infection and secondly restore the tooth.

As a restorative dentist, we are equally committed to restoring the function and form of your tooth. For example, it is not just the way that your tooth looks that matters.  How it functions is equally important, if not more so.  You need your teeth to be healthy and fully functioning so that you can eat and speak clearly.  Otherwise, it can be difficult to enunciate and enjoy your favorite foods.  Simultaneously, if you actually lose your tooth or have it pulled, the function of your jawbone can become compromised.  Your natural teeth, after all, are essential for preserving your bone density.  Once a tooth falls out, you can lose up to 25 percent of your bone's density within one year.  If enough of your teeth fall out, it can even change your facial appearance.  With that in mind, if your tooth becomes damaged, consider the consequences and visit us for a restoration quickly.

When you visit our dental office, we can ensure that you remain entirely comfortable and relaxed while your dental work is being completed.  This leaves no reason to skip the dentist since a restored tooth will be far more comfortable than a damaged one. Simultaneously, we have various ways to correct the tooth.  We can use procedures like bonding, dental veneers, and dental crowns to restore a tooth that has been chipped or cracked.  These can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on what is being done.  If you are getting something like a veneer that does take two appointments, we can give you a temporary one to wear immediately so that you aren't uncomfortable.  Since our recommendation will be based on the extent of the damage, we will provide our exact recommendation based on your dental exam.  As a restorative dentist, we will ensure that your tooth functions and looks perfect.

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The Truth About Acid Reflux and Your Teeth From our Dental Office

In our dental office, we help patients that suffer from acid reflux disease and are dealing with tooth erosion as a result.  Reflux-induced erosion is a common problem that can impact both children and adults.  As acid travels up through the esophagus, it enters the mouth and can start to attack the teeth.  The acid will start to wear away the teeth one layer at a time until they become thin and brittle.

According to a report by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project between twenty and thirty percent of U.S. adults, experience the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD on a weekly basis.  A full sixty percent of the population has these symptoms at least yearly.  This manifests as a burning sensation in the chest and throat as acid works its way backwards and up the esophagus. This proves problematic for many people, making it difficult to eat and sleep along with interfering with their concentration at work. Acid reflux also creates health problems in the stomach, esophagus and throat in addition to impacting the teeth.

In our dental office, we want to know if our patients have acid reflux so that we can help to prevent erosion in addition to treating it.  By keeping teeth healthy and clean, they will remain stronger.  For example, people that have cavities or gum disease will naturally be more susceptible to getting cavities and suffering other dental health issues. While cleaning teeth, we can remove bacteria from the teeth and gum lines so that they can remain healthy and cavity free.  We can also provide a fluoride treatment for teeth that need strengthening and are at risk for erosion. These preventative steps aid in keeping the mouth healthy.

If the erosion does occur, it will first attack the enamel and cause it to wear away.  As it does, the dentin underneath will become exposed which leads to sensitive teeth.  When food touches the dentin it is simultaneously touching the nerve endings inside of it.  This can lead to the pain signal being transferred to the brain, leading to an increase in sensitivity that many patients complain of.  In this early stage, we can help by completing a bonding procedure to seal the dentin.  This works well in the beginning stages but as erosion becomes more advanced; the teeth will become weak, thin and brittle.  At this point, the best way to protect the teeth is to place a crown around them.  A crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth and prevents anything from touching it.  This procedure allows us to save a tooth that may have otherwise been pulled due to erosion.

In our dental office, we also recommend that patients take medication to control their acid reflux.  By seeing your doctor, you can get a prescription that will help you to feel better and to protect your teeth.  If an attack does occur, you should avoid brushing your teeth for an hour, but be sure to rinse your mouth in order to neutralize some of the acid.

Why You Should See an Invisalign Dentist

An experienced Invisalign dentist can transform your smile into something straight and beautiful, without anyone knowing you are having a dental procedure completed. The best thing about this process is that your teeth can be straightened using a clear device that is unnoticeable and inconspicuous. This is ideal for busy professionals, teens, or those concerned over how metal braces could impact their appearance.

In order to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, schedule a dental exam and consultation. Our team of professionals will evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine if Invisalign will accomplish the goals that you have for your smile and your dental health. Patients that have a misaligned jaw may still need traditional metal braces in order to correct it.

The Process

An Invisalign dentist will create a treatment plan that takes you from where your teeth are today to completely straight and gorgeous, using clear aligners.  An aligner looks like a clear retainer. It completely surrounds your teeth, and patients are typically provided one for both the upper and lower teeth. To start, a mold will be taken of your mouth.  In the lab, aligners will be produced for your entire treatment plan. Each aligner takes your teeth one step closer to being straight.

At home, you will switch out the aligner every couple of weeks. This will keep your teeth moving in the right direction, without requiring constant visits to the orthodontist. Since this is done on your own time, scheduling follow up appointments becomes much easier.

The aligner is supposed to be worn for around 22 hours a day.  This leaves time to enjoy a special dinner out, brush your teeth, and eat your favorite caramel apple. One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you have the freedom to take the aligner out, instead of being stuck with braces regardless of the occasion. In addition, your teeth will look straighter throughout the process, helping your appearance to improve immediately.

While you are straightening your teeth, it is important to practice good oral health care at home.  Brush your teeth twice a day, use floss, and an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria. You can also brush your aligner with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Visit your Invisalign dentist for regular teeth cleanings to remove any additional bacteria that may form in your mouth. This will help to prevent cavities and gum disease while keeping your teeth healthy for the procedure.  Since the aligner is replaced every couple of weeks there is less risk of it carrying infection causing bacteria, as well.

An Invisalign dentist can do wonders for your smile and help you to look positively radiant.  As your teeth continue to straighten, you will notice changes and improvements to your appearance.  We also recommend that patients have their teeth whitened as part of their big reveal. We offer professional teeth whitening services that can whiten your smile by up to eight shades. Once the process is complete, you will be delighted with your bright, straight smile.

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Cosmetic Dentist Procedures That Will Make You Smile

If you have teeth you are unhappy with, modern cosmetic dentists make it easier than ever before to attain the smile you have always wanted. If you need a self-confidence boost, want a more attractive smile, or are concerned about health risks due to crowded teeth, we can help. We provide a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures with the ability to improve your teeth. Learn more about the services we offer and how we can give you your best smile.

Teeth Whitening:

We offer in-office and at-home whitening solutions that range in effectiveness and simplicity. We have options that can suit any budget while still providing you with whiter teeth by eliminating stains and discoloration. A simple teeth whitening cosmetic dentists can provide you with surprising results.

Dental Bonding:

If you have chipped or cracked teeth or a single discolored tooth, we can provide you with dental bonding, which covers injured teeth and imperfections with a malleable solution that is permanently hardened after being placed in the correct area. This option will quickly and easily fix small dental imperfections.

Dental Contouring:

Dental contouring can be employed to align and reshape crooked or misshapen teeth. We will gently buff areas of each tooth to create a more attractively shaped structure.
White Fillings: If you have metallic fillings and would like a tooth-colored update, we can remove your dated fillings and replace them with a more attractive option. Our white fillings will blend in with your tooth color perfectly and look natural when you smile.
Dental Veneers: Our veneers are thin, porcelain shells bonded to the fronts of your teeth. They effectively cover discolored, misshapen, and oddly spaced teeth and also improve the look of jagged or chipped teeth edges. Veneers are customized for your individual needs and attractively cover dental flaws, improving your appearance drastically.

Dental Implants:

If you have missing teeth, you should consider receiving our dental implants instead of getting traditional dentures. Dental implants last forever, look and feel more natural, and are created to match surrounding teeth. Our implants are planted into your jawbone for a permanent foundation.
Dental Bridges: If you don't want a removable dental replacement, but prefer to avoid the cost and procedure of dental implants, dental bridges are an excellent option. A fabricated tooth is held in a gap by two crowns placed over abutment teeth. This is a more permanent option than dentures and provides a natural looking replacement.

These are only a few of our most common cosmetic dentists can improve the appearance and health of your teeth. Most of our treatments are minimally invasive and do not cause discomfort during or after the process. We use appropriate anesthetics as needed to offer you the most comfortable visit possible. You will be pleased with your improved smile and quick results. Our quality materials, products, and procedures provide long-lasting and beautiful teeth resilient to staining and wear.

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Learn About Professional Teeth Whitening Brands

If you want information on professional teeth whitening brands, we encourage you to call and schedule an appointment. Things are changing all the time with companies releasing new and improved products. Visiting our office allows us to provide you with the latest updates. Still, there are a few things you should know about whitening your teeth before you do so.

The Process

When you whiten your teeth, you can do so using an at-home whitening kit or with laser whitening. We recommend using the at-home kit. Regardless of how you whiten your teeth, the solution will typically contain some level of peroxide. The type of peroxide in the solution and its chemical makeup, in general, will influence how effective it is for whitening teeth. Most products you buy in the store will only remove the surface stains on your teeth. While they will make your teeth look better, they will not turn yellow teeth bright white. On the other hand, a professional-grade whitening solution penetrates the enamel and begins the process of oxidization. This is where the molecules inside your teeth begin to reflect less light and appear colorless. Your smile will look bright white as a result, and your teeth will no longer be yellow. This is the type of solution we use in our office.

The Application

When comparing professional teeth whitening brands, you should also consider how the solution is applied to the teeth. Some whitening kits have you brush on the solution using a pen, but the results from this are not significant because the solution will not remain on your teeth long enough. Whitening strips are a better option, but they can still slip out of place, and many people find them to be inconvenient. We recommend you use a kit that uses whitening trays. This way, a solution is placed in the trays for you to then secure around your teeth and wear for thirty minutes or so. The only challenge with this option is that if you buy a kit from the store, the trays will not be designed for your teeth, but for anyone who buys the products. This creates a risk of leakage or the trays slipping out of place. For this reason, we suggest you use professional teeth whitening brands sold by our office. We will begin by having you come in for an appointment, where we make an impression of your teeth. Using that impression, we will then create customized trays designed to fit you perfectly. As a result, the whitening solution will remain in place, not leak out, and the process will be entirely comfortable. Simultaneously, since the solution is professional-grade, you will see the best possible results.

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How Dental Veneers Restore Damaged Teeth

Esthetically dental veneers can fix damaged and stained teeth, providing you with a perfect solution that gives you back a beautiful white smile. Dental veneers are so close to the original teeth that once you have had them placed, you will forget which teeth have been augmented using the porcelain veneers. They look, feel, and act exactly like your original teeth. To do this the thin strips of porcelain, which the dental veneers consist of, have to take on some of the qualities of the naturally occurring enamel. They look exactly the same and are shade matched so that they are a match for the surrounding teeth. They also have the same hardiness. Enamel is the bodies hardest substance to withstand the rigors of chewing and biting, in a normal dietary routine. The veneers are also extremely hard to perform these same functions. On the flip side, both veneers and enamel, can be damaged if you engage in activities that put the teeth at risk for breaking, chipping, or cracking.

For damaged teeth, dental veneers provide protection, augmenting the teeth so that the damage cannot spread further. When a tooth has been cracked, broken, or chipped, there is always the potential that the damage could continue to spread as pressure is put on the tooth. This pressure comes in the form of regular activities like biting and cannot be avoided. Using a dental veneer we can repair the damage, and the veneer will provide strength to the tooth that in turn prevents the damage from spreading. Similarly when a tooth is damaged there is always the potential that bacteria could make its way past the protective barrier of the enamel and into the inner part of the tooth, spreading an infection. The dental veneers prevent this from happening by effectively sealing the tooth in much the same way as the original enamel did.

Properly taken care of dental veneers can have a long lifespan. There are not definite answers as to just how long, based on the fact that the mouth changes and each individual has a unique set of circumstances. What we do know is that veneers typically will last between seven and thirty years and that how a person maintains their mouth has a lot to do with the longevity of them. Unforeseen occurrences like accidents can cause damage, as can gum diseases and other dental emergencies. However, as long as you maintain a good oral health routine, chances are that they will last well into old age.

Some of our patients wonder how, or if, they will need to alter their routine after having a veneer replacement. The simple answer to this question is no. Veneers require no extra maintenance than your natural teeth, which includes brushing twice per day, flossing regularly, and scheduling professional cleanings with us at least twice in the year. Other than this the only thing we suggest is to avoid the overuse of products that might stain your natural teeth. Since the dental veneer doesn't stain, you do not want to overly stain the teeth around it and make things look uneven.

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