Wondering about the latest in dentistry?

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We’re working very hard to make sure your visits are convenient, comfortable and gentle. To that end, we investigate all the latest technologies and techniques.

Click on the desired topic to learn more:

• LUMINEERS
• Periodontal Disease
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Bridges and Crowns
• Did you know?

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LUMINEERS:Get a healthy, natural, permanently white smile in just two easy dentist visits.

Teeth veneers made of porcelain are growing in popularity with people that want to improve their image with a new smile.  There are what you would call traditional dental veneers that are commonly placed over prepared teeth.  Veneers are used for many esthetic reasons and can fix a number of different problems. In most cases with traditional veneers your natural teeth have to be prepared for the veneer to fit properly and look natural.  This makes the cosmetic dentistry treatment with traditional veneers an irreversible procedure, meaning you cannot restore lost tooth structure, once its gone its gone.  The positive is you can have a nice new smile that can improve your confidence and self esteem. 

There is however an option for you called Lumineers by Cerinate.  Lumineers are a branded veneer option developed by Den-Mat Corp and can only be produced through their own Cerinate Smile Design Studio and it is a proprietary process.  It is important that if you want Lumineers that the veneers are made through this smile design studio otherwise you are not receiving Lumineers.

 

Benefits to LUMINEERS
• there is generally no removal of tooth structure, shaving or grinding down your teeth
• the result is permanent whitening as opposed to 1 hour whitening solutions that require touch ups to keep your teeth white.
• no need for needles and dental shots
• with lumineers like most veneer cases you can complete treatment in about 2 - 3 visits.

 

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Something to Smile About

Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth care and gum care. Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, which is a culprit for the deterioration of your overall oral health. Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible for approximately 70% of all adult tooth loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease oftentimes are unnoticeable, people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.

Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal disease is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up, tobacco use, certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable measures like systematic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Research proves up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.

Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which forms on the tooth surface, or plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins breaking down the natural fibers which hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar, which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing. Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss, gum recession and tooth loss.

Symptoms and signs include:
• Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
• Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
• Loose or separating teeth
• Puss between the gum and tooth
• Persistent bad breath
• Bite changes
• Change in the fit of partial dentures

If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, please make an appointment promptly! Together, we can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain your wonderful, dazzling smile: gums and all. Now that’s something to smile about!

 

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From Dull to Dazzling: Enhancing Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

Oftentimes the dental profession is labeled strictly for more intense cleaning and hygiene purposes. However, a dentist is actually an artist who can make your smile sensational. Most dentists now practice and perform cosmetic techniques, not just the run-of-the-mill routine cleanings. Cosmetic dentistry seeks to create a more aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile.

Although you may be meticulous about your dental care routine, your teeth still might not look their very best. Drinking coffee, tea or wine will take a toll on your teeth, causing them to look dull and stained. Aging or the use of some medications can also result in a discolored smile. One easy, safe way to revive your smile from these factors is through whitening.

Plenty of adults are looking towards dentistry to heighten the appearance and function of their teeth. Cracked, chipped or unevenly spaced teeth are easily resolved by procedures like bonding or veneers. Severely damaged teeth can be repaired with crowns, while bridges and implants are natural-looking options used to revitalize your smile. These methods will not only give you a more beautiful smile, but will also rejuvenate your mouth’s functionality.

If you are not satisfied with your smile and want to take it a level up from dull to dazzling, speak with us about the many smile enhancing preferences available to you.

 

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“Bridging” the Gaps and Wearing a “Crown”: Total Oral Health Renovation

Face it, we are rough on our teeth. Sometimes we neglect them, take them for granted or simply just abuse them. Between physical activities like sports or chewing hard substances like ice, our teeth can get knocked out, broken, cracked and worn down. Forgetting routine dental appointments and ignoring proper cleaning tactics can result in periodontal disease, tooth decay and ultimately tooth loss.

When teeth are missing, your mouth must compensate for the lack of chewing power in that area in order to function normally. So, the chewing force may shift to another part of the mouth, which can cause unwanted spaces and changes in your smile.

So, how do we mend our mouth’s broken ties? By simple dental procedures. Smiles can be renovated to look pristine using a combination of crowns and bridges to support or replace lost teeth. A crown snugly covers the complete visible surface of your affected tooth to add strength, durability and tooth stability, while restoring your tooth to its natural shape and size. Crowns can be made of precious metal, porcelain pressed to metal and all-porcelain. A bridge, also known as a pontic, is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill the gaps left by the original missing tooth. The new tooth is then anchored to the two porcelain crowns, renewing your once damaged smile.

The moral of the story is to be nice to your teeth: be diligent with your oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Your teeth are hard workers and they deserve to be pampered. But, if the damage is already done, see us immediately. We can decide on the best treatment to restore your smile. Your teeth will thank you for it.

 

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Did you know?

According to a study by the Gallop Organization and Consumer Reports, dentists are among the top five most trusted professionals.

What do powdered fruit, talc, honey, dried flowers, mice and lizard livers have in common? They have all been ingredients in ancient toothpaste and powder. Yum.

Attention Chocolate Lovers…Many dentists agree raisins can cause more tooth decay than chocolate. Sticky foods such as raisins and dried fruits can stay on the teeth longer and develop more decay.

According to a study at the University of Connecticut, too much toothpaste early in life is responsible for more than 70% of fluorosis cases (staining or mottling of tooth enamel that develops when children swallow fluoridated toothpaste). Although this problem is only cosmetic, it is recommended children under six only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and be reminded to spit it out after brushing.