The appearance of crooked teeth can sometimes be significant, but for some people, it’s barely noticeable. Because of this, many people may not consider their tooth misalignment something serious to worry about, or something that could substantially impact their long-term oral health. However, tooth misalignment can become a serious problem when it’s ignored, which is why many patients benefit greatly from the use of more discreet and comfortable Invisalign® clear aligners. The biggest difference between Invisalign® and traditional braces is their more discreet appearance, though other benefits include the more convenient and comfortable way in which they enhance your orthodontic treatment. (more…)
Gum Disease Compounds Over Time
When you think about your own oral health, you probably focus on your teeth. These are the centerpieces of your smile. Great looking teeth are important when it comes to your confidence and your overall oral health, but you can’t forget about your gums. Common gum disease is known as “gingivitis,” but this is actually only the first stage in a progressive oral health condition. If you develop gingivitis, you need to treat it quickly before it compounds. Eventually, inflamed gums can lead to complex oral health conditions like tooth loss and the deterioration of your jawbone. (more…)
How Dental Crowns Preserve Teeth
While your teeth are incredibly tough and durable, they’re not immune to wear. The hard outer layer of your tooth is called the “enamel.” This enamel is a mineral structure designed to prevent physical and biological wear. However, if you don’t clean your teeth regularly, bacteria can start to build and break down that enamel. This is how a cavity forms. If you don’t treat a cavity in time, the infection can spread deeper inside your teeth. Eventually, the damage will become so severe that a filling can’t protect your tooth. In these cases, a dental crown may be able to preserve your tooth instead. (more…)
The Major Benefits of Children’s Dentistry
Many first-time parents often wonder at what point they should begin focusing on their child’s oral health. Your child’s teeth need attention and care from the moment they first erupt. Now, caring for that first tiny tooth may be pretty simple compared to trying to brush a full set of teeth twice a day, but it’s important that you give that tooth the attention it needs. As your child grows, they will learn to care for their own teeth. The habits you establish with them early on can impact the way they view oral health throughout their lifetime. That’s why it’s also important to find a good dentist for your child as well. Here are the major benefits of children’s dentistry. (more…)
Dealing With Dental Anxiety Effectively
Dental anxiety is a very real issue for many patients. If you’re someone who doesn’t have any problems scheduling and attending dentist appointments on a regular basis, that’s great! For some though, visiting the dentist is an obstacle. Dental anxiety often stems from a bad childhood experience with the dentist. The wrong care provider and the wrong care environment can cause trips to the dentist to feel uncomfortable and overwhelming. If you’re trying to deal with your dental anxiety, dental sedation may provide an effective method. (more…)
Reinvigorate Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry
Confidence in your smile is an underrated trait, but it can have a real impact on your day-to-day life. If you feel embarrassed by the appearance of your teeth, you may hide them in social settings and be less likely to smile. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. By making small adjustments to the surfaces of individual teeth, the alignment of your teeth collectively, and the shade of your teeth, your dentist can improve and reinvigorate your smile. Here are some of the most common cosmetic procedures that can give you confidence in your smile. (more…)
Conditions that Might Lead to Tooth Extraction
The need for tooth extraction isn’t as common as the need for other forms of dental treatments, such as fillings and crowns. The difference is that the goal of other restorative treatments is to help you preserve your healthy, natural tooth by repairing any damage to its structure. By contrast, extracting a tooth means removing the tooth structure entirely, which is why it’s only recommended when other restorative options won’t suffice to save your tooth. Today, we take a look at a few conditions that may fit this profile, and why tooth extraction could be the only way to resolve them for the good of the rest of your oral health. (more…)
What Does Periodontal Cleaning Mean?
The most common form of preventive dental care is routine dental checkup and cleaning appointments. That’s because everyone needs regular checkups and cleanings, even if their teeth and gums are currently in optimal health. There are also more involved preventive dental treatments designed to help you avoid some of the more serious consequences of oral health concerns. For example, if you develop an early stage of gum disease, then periodontal cleaning could be important to addressing it and preventing the potentially serious consequences of gum disease from threatening your oral health. (more…)
The Underlying Importance of Implanted Replacement Teeth
Dental implants aren’t a secret in the world of dental health care, or to people who’ve lost teeth and need to replace them. However, the particular ways in which dental implants benefit your oral health and rebuild your bite’s function aren’t widely known, nor is the importance of replacing the roots of your lost teeth to your long-term oral health. Today, we examine why dental implants are an important part of restoring many patients’ smiles, and why they may be the best option for addressing your tooth loss, as well. (more…)
When Your Tooth Hurts and You Don’t Know Why
When a toothache strikes, your first response my not always be to call your dentist and schedule a visit to find out why. In fact, many people try a variety of home remedies to relieve their sensitive teeth before they consider seeking dental treatment for it, especially if the sensitivity is still minor. However, if you don’t know why your tooth hurts, then trying to alleviate the pain is almost sure to fail. Today, we examine reasons why your tooth might hurt before you realize why, and how seeking treatment as soon as possible could save your tooth from more serious trouble. (more…)
