Tooth decay does not stop progressing until it is treated. It may start out as tiny white spots on the enamel of your tooth. If noticed by your dentist, a thorough cleaning may treat and reverse the decay. If not, the decay will continue to progress until it erodes through the enamel of the tooth creating a cavity. A small, early cavity may not cause you any pain, and may go unnoticed if not for regular visits to your dentist. If it is noticed, your dentist may treat and stop the cavity with a filling. If the decay continues to progress, it may reach the inner pulp of the tooth requiring root canal treatment to stop it. (more…)
A Filling To The Rescue
Despite our best efforts to maintain our oral health, cavities can still happen. Tooth decay can be caused for reasons other than sugary snacks and a lax in oral hygiene. Teeth grinding can cause tiny fractures in the teeth that can leave sneaky spots for bacteria to attack the enamel. Misaligned teeth can create nooks and crannies that make it hard for brushing and flossing to be effective. Even genetics can cause one person to be more susceptible to tooth decay than another. No matter the cause, when a cavity happens, it is very important for it to be treated. A filling is usually the first course of action. (more…)
Is Invisalign Right For Me?
Malocclusion is the misalignment of teeth in your mouth. This can lead to a dysfunction in your bite, higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease, headaches, and more. Typically, traditional orthodontic treatment relies upon metal braces to realign the bite and the teeth, but Invisalign® is a more discreet option. Invisalign® is a system with clear, BPA-free, custom-made aligners that gently reposition your teeth. Adults with misalignment issues in their smile tend to opt for Invisalign® because they are less noticeable and less impactful on their lifestyle than traditional metal-bracket braces. (more…)
Am I A Candidate For Veneers?
Everyone should be able to smile confidently without fear of flaws. A common misconception about porcelain veneers are that they leave everyone with the same cookie-cutter smile. Porcelain veneers can be customized to give you an upgrade to your smile, while also leaving you a smile that feels natural to you. Several cosmetic issues can be addressed by veneers. In fact, several different cosmetic issues can be addressed all at one time by veneers. If you have multiple problems with your smile or if you have multiple teeth that have flaws or issues, porcelain veneers may be perfect for you. (more…)
When Should You Get Dental Bonding?
If your smile makes you insecure because you have damaged, chipped, or cracked teeth, dental bonding may be the right cosmetic dentistry option for you. Dental bonding is when a composite resin is applied directly to a tooth and shaped to the desired appearance. The composite resin is color-matched to the other teeth to make it look as natural as possible. The resin material is biocompatible and is the same material used in dental fillings. Bonding can be a more affordable and time-saving solution when compared to other cosmetic options. It is a good solution when only one or a few teeth have cosmetic issues to be solved. (more…)
Get That Bright White Smile
Dull, discolored, yellow teeth can make us feel insecure and self-conscious. It seems insignificant, but a whiter smile can do a number on our confidence. When you feel more secure with your smile, you may find yourself smiling more. The more you smile, the better you may feel. Whitening your teeth with special toothpastes, home remedies, or over-the-counter treatments may get you that brighter smile you are looking for. But if you find yourself battling with stains that you cannot remove yourself, your dentist can help you achieve that dream white smile. (more…)
Choosing Cosmetic Dentistry
Your eyes may be the window to your soul, but that makes your smile the welcome mat. Your teeth should make you want to smile confidently. If you get embarrassed and try to hide your teeth when you laugh or smile, you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry. There are options that can range from simply removing some stains to a complete smile overhaul. Chips and cracks can be repaired. Deep stains can be removed or covered. Cosmetic dentistry does not mean giving you a smile that looks like everyone elses; it means giving you a smile that is perfect for you. How do you know how to choose the cosmetic treatment right for you and your smile? (more…)
Tips To Deal With Dental Anxiety
You are not alone if you get nervous at just the thought of making a dentist appointment. Many Americans get anxious and scared of dental visits. There is even the term, dentophobia, for the fear of the dentist. This fear and anxiety can cause people to skip visits to their dentist, which keeps them from receiving important preventative care. Therefore, dental anxiety can actually increase the risk of developing dental complications. The longer someone waits to go to the dentist, the longer a problem has to worsen. Maintaining your regular visits to the dentist can prevent problems from happening in the first place. So, what are some ways to manage your dental anxiety? (more…)
Do You Grind Your Teeth?
Do you wake up with a headache, sore jaw, or achy teeth? Do you notice yourself absent-mindingly clenching your jaw during the day? You might be grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, mostly occurs while you are sleeping. Bruxism can cause damage to your teeth and increased risk for tooth decay. It can cause frequent headaches. Bruxism can also increase your risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which affects your jaw and it’s alignment. TMJ can lead to jaw popping, pain, and lockjaw. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, your dentist can talk to you about treatment options. Early treatment can prevent tooth damage and other complications. (more…)
How Do You Protect Little Smiles From Decay?
Just like teen and adults, children, even toddlers, are susceptible to cavities. Without treatment, these cavities can eventually threaten the stability of their smiles, even leading to premature tooth loss (which can lead to misalignment later in life). How do you protect little smiles from decay?