Month: September 2018

Restore Your Natural Smile with Dental Implants

Posted on by cara

dental implants Adult tooth loss, or endentulism, is a serious condition that can cause far more problems than simply a loss of confidence. Approximately 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth while over 36 million Americans are completely endentulous. And those numbers are only expected to grow. Left untreated, toothlessness can lead to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even oral cancer. While many diseases can be easily treated, there’s only a 50% survival rate past five years of diagnosis once oral cancer sets in. Loss of teeth is also almost always a major sign of advanced gum disease, a serious condition that affects over 50% of American adults. Fortunately, your Johns Creek dentist can restore your smile with dental implants. But what are the benefits of going that route in your tooth loss treatment?

Dental Implants Improve Bone and Facial Structure
Natural teeth act as anchors to the face. They literally grow out of the mandible, or lower jawbone. The rest of the face forms around the teeth and bone structure. So when even a single tooth dislodges, the mandible weakens, and the face follows. Concave or sunken cheeks and deep wrinkles around the lips, eyes, and forehead may be age-related. But when premature aging is an issue, it’s often due to tooth loss. Dental implants replace natural teeth from the root to the cap. So they re-anchor the jawline and the face conforms once more around them. Wrinkles and premature aging almost instantly fade away.

Dental Implants Improve the Abilities to Eat and Breathe
The symptoms of gum disease can come on quickly and lead to serious consequences such as sudden tooth weakness and loss. Each missing tooth further compromises the strength of the jawline. As the jawline weakens and the facial features fall inward, sinuses tend to sink. Once that occurs, breathing, vision, and hearing are often affected. The weakened jawline and loss of teeth also make eating a real challenge. Finding yourself suddenly unable to eat your favorite food because of pain and lack of chew strength can make an important part of life lose its luster. Dentures can help, but they’re removable in most cases and can easily slip. Dental implants provide a permanent replacement option to your natural teeth, so life can continue without issue.

Dental Implants Look and Feel Natural
Dental implants consist of two parts: an orthodontic anchor and a porcelain or composite prothetic. The anchor is drilled directly into the jawbone to act just as the missing tooth once did. The prosthetic is then applied to resemble and perform like the original tooth. Chewing, breathing, and smiling quickly become organic once more. And since they’re customized to each patient’s personal needs, they always look and feel completely natural once the procedure is completed and the mouth is fully healed.

Dental Implants Are Strong and Durable
Dental implants are carefully designed, constructed, and fitted to each patient’s needs to ensure years worth of durable functionality and enjoyment. Meant to function just like real teeth, implants are strong enough to handle all of life’s needs including eating, socializing, and even playing sports without concerns of slipping or breakage. Some studies report dental implants of having up to a 98% success rate. And when taken care of correctly, implants can last 25 years or longer. When you’re ready to restore your natural smile permanently, contact your Johns Creek dentist to see if dental implants are right for you.

 

Fall is the Best Time for a Dental Check Up

Posted on by cara

dental check-up Summer’s an exciting time for kids and parents alike, but it often feels too short… at least on the kid end. By the time the nights start cooling and the weeks of freedom head toward fall, parents tend to scramble to get everything ready for the new school year. The warmer months are popular times for preventive dentistry appointments, yet as over 50 million kids prepare to head back to school, summer appointments fill quickly. It’s easy to push those dental appointments to the end of the to-do list, assuming you’ll get to them eventually. Of course, waiting too long can lead to all sorts of extra unnecessary issues. The truth is, fall really is one of the best times to get a jump on your household dental check-ups. But why is that the case?

A Better Smile Leads to Success
Research proves time and time again the mental powers behind a good smile. From decreasing depression to being an addictive quality in others, the act of smiling alone can be a life changer. Kids are especially pressured at the beginning of a new school year to fit in and stay uplifted in order to succeed. And their smile or lack thereof plays a big role in the final outcome. New schools, classes, friends, and social opportunities all create a sense of welcoming or foreboding to the typical adolescent. The more confident they are, the more they’ll smile… and vice versa. And it’s not just kids. A healthy smile increases trust and sets a great first impression between adults which can translate to better social, romantic and professional opportunities and success.

The Kids Can’t Play without the OK
Team sports and activity-based extra-curricular options are rites of passage for many kids. But they can be dangerous without proper safety equipment. Moreover, active or rough play can damage not only expensive orthodontic materials but also existing teeth and sensitive mouth tissue during treatment. The last thing anyone wants is to lose their teeth or extend their dental treatment for months or years due to trying to cut corners or shave a few bucks on the cost of upfront athletic equipment. Therefore, most dentists strongly suggest at least wearing a mouth guard while playing sports. In fact, many school athletic programs nowadays require preventive dentistry check-ups and proof of mouth protection prior to letting the kids play.

It’s Treat Season
The end of summer doesn’t mean festivals are over… not by a long shot. Tons of festivals occur in fall and sweet, sticky treats are often a major part of the fun. Unfortunately, those sweet baked goods, sugary sodas, and sticky confections can wreak havoc on dental health and existing orthodontic procedures like braces, bridges, and fillings. On top of that, over 75% of U.S. homes pass out or otherwise participate in Halloween candy hauls. And over 70% of parents share in their kids’ goody bags. Preventive dentistry in the form of cleanings, full exams, and general check-ups are essential to maintaining proper dental health for a lifetime. Call your Manhattan dentist when you’re ready to prioritize your family’s smiles.

How to Ease Your Dental Fear

Posted on by cara

dental anxiety Every American needs to prioritize their oral health, and regular dental visits are an essential part of that plan. But studies show less than 65% of Americans actually go to the dentist. There are several reasons for that, but dental anxiety and fear are among the most common. Many people assume they have an actual phobia, but anxiety and general fear are quite different from a paralyzing dental phobia. In fact, approximately 60% of people avoid the dentist due to anxiety and dental fear while only 5-10% suffer from true dental phobias. Nonetheless, dental worries and fear of any kind are very real for the sufferer. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to ease your dental fear and experience no stress dentistry.  

Speak Up and Communicate
The only way to release anxiety is to get it off your chest. And the only way your dentist can know your fears is if you’re upfront and honest about them. Often times the fear is completely unnecessary and all concerns can be avoided with the right forethought and planning. Express your fears and concerns to your dentist to see what can be done to adapt the treatment to your specific needs. Successful treatment includes making sure trust and communication are there at all times. So speak up to help kick your fears to the curb.

Get Some Personal Reviews
Good businesses reflect their success with happy customers. And those closest to you will always be the most trustworthy sources of business information. So check with your friends and loved ones prior to your appointment. Ask about their experience with the dentist. Dive into whether they’ve heard any specific pros or cons and pay close attention to the answers. Glowing reviews from people you trust can go a long way to alleviate anxiety.

Use Distraction Techniques
If the concept of the exam still makes you nervous after talking to the dentist, a little distraction may help. Load a playlist to your phone or mobile device and bring headphones to the exam. Music can block out all sorts of things from the sounds of drills to chatter. Stream a show or borrow some magazines or other reading material right from the lobby. Using a fidget spinner or stress ball can also help physically release and reduce stress through cognitive distraction.

Engage in Deep Meditation or Mindfulness
Just playing the waiting game can be stressful on its own. If your early or your appointment is pushed even just a few minutes, time can seem to slow to a crawl. Instead of letting anxiety take over, breath in deeply through your nose, hold the air for a few counts, and release it through your mouth. Repeat five times and check on your anxiety. If it’s still present, repeat. If further relaxation is required, close your eyes and perform a mental body scan. Focus on each body part and mentally coerce each muscle group to relax, beginning with your head and ending with your toes. Don’t forget tension areas like your forehead, eyes, jaw, neck, shoulders, back, and feet. Give us a call when you’re ready to ease into stress-free Holistic Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale. 

 

 

Mind the Gap with Porcelain Veneers

Posted on by cara

porcelain veneers Most people long for the perfect smile, but beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Take gaps for instance. You may have seen them everywhere during childhood and there’s a reason for that. According to research, up to 97% of American children develop a front tooth gap, officially known as a diastema, by the time they reach 6 years old. By the time adulthood hits, however, most gaps close naturally or are permanently closed via cosmetic dentistry or orthodontic procedures. Therefore, the adult diastema total narrows to about 20%. People generally fall into one of two camps regarding gapped teeth: they either accept it or hate it. As such diastemas trend based highly on celebrity tolerance. However, in other areas of the world, a tooth gap may be a beauty or status symbol, signify wealth or luck, or even sexual allure. Americans are usually more focused on the aesthetic appeal or lack thereof. And if you don’t like your gap, your biomimetic dentist in Moorestown can offer a few simple but effective solutions to give you the smile of your dreams.

Dental Bonding and Contouring
If the gap in question isn’t too wide, bonding can be the easiest and most affordable solution to close it. In bonding, a composite resin is applied and contoured usually between the front teeth to conceal the gap. Once it’s shaped and colored to match the surrounding teeth, it’s cured to ensure strength and durability. Composite materials used for bonding are strong but they’re also porous and can stain easily. So certain foods, beverages, and vices can cause permanent discoloration that may lead to replacement bonding. Nonetheless, it’s a good affordable solution that won’t cost a small fortune and multiple treatment visits. 

Invisalign Treatment
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, almost 5 million kids wear braces on their teeth at any given moment. Not everyone has that opportunity, however, and by the time they can repair their orthodontic work many adults don’t want to deal with traditional metal braces. The metal appearance can also be professional and social distractions or deterrents. Fortunately, Invisalign can eliminate those concerns. The clear aligners are custom-made to fit right over existing teeth. As the treatment progresses, the aligners pull the teeth together for a more uniform appearance. This option is often just as effective as traditional braces but offers far more freedom as the aligners are clear and removable for eating and cleaning purposes.

Porcelain Veneers
Looking for that perfect celebrity smile? Porcelain veneers can be a quick, easy and effective way to achieve it. These porcelain shells are customized to match the contour, shape, and shading of the surrounding teeth. Usually completed in two or three visits, molds are made, temporaries are fitted, and then the permanent shells are affixed for a seamless and stunning smile makeover solution. Porcelain veneers are not reversible since a small amount of enamel usually needs to be removed during the treatment. However, when taken care of correctly, they can provide decades worth of confidence. Contact your biomimetic dentist in Moorestown when you’re ready to fix that gap once and for all.

4 Things Parents Need to Know About Invisalign Teen       

Posted on by cara

Few people are lucky enough to be born with perfect teeth. But even fewer continue that luck once the baby teeth fall out. Over one-third of Americans admit to being unhappy with their smiles, and those feelings often begin during adolescence. Braces are rites of passage for many kids and the suggested age for that treatment is usually between 10 and 14. It’s hard to pinpoint how many kids undergo orthodontic treatment, but the American Association of Orthodontists reports at least 4 million Americans are wearing braces at any given time. Braces aren’t right for everyone and they’re certainly not the only option for orthodontic correction. Invisalign teen can be a great solution as an invisible way to get straighter teeth. But what are some things parents need to know about Invisalign teen?

Invisalign Teen Invisalign Offers More Freedom than Other Orthodontic Options
The Invisalign treatment includes aligners that are removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning purposes. Orthodontic work can be expensive and become damaged if mistreated or taken care of incorrectly. Kids with braces are restricted from enjoying certain foods and even playing sports and instruments in some cases. Protective mouth guards can’t be used with braces. However, Invisalign allows the patient to eat whatever they like in moderation and even play sports and engage in band or music lessons with certain simple adjustments.

Invisalign Needs to Be Worn Most of the Day
Braces are a permanent solution during the time they’re worn, but Invisalign can be removed. That doesn’t mean there aren’t rules to getting the most out of the treatment. Invisalign teen aligners have to be worn at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Invisalign Teen aligners have little blue dots on the molar impressions to indicate they’re being worn correctly. As the treatment time advances, the dots fade similar to toothbrush stripes. That way, the users, parents, and your Red Bank dentist can track compliance and progress.

Invisalign Can Be Just as Effective as Braces, But There Are Limits
Invisalign is a completely customized treatment plan. And when the specific patient rules are followed to a tee, Invisalign can be just as effective as braces. Most common issues are easily treated by both options, but Invisalign does have some limits. Invisalign is not a good fit for people with existing bridgework. And those with serious malocclusion such as back bite issues, tooth lengthening needs, or twisted or rotated canines and incisors require more intense cosmetic dentistry or orthodontic options. Still, Invisalign teen can help repair most issues without worry as long as the treatment is followed correctly.

Invisalign Can Greatly Improve Your Teen’s Confidence
According to research, almost a third of teens are seriously self-conscious about the condition of their teeth. But confidence issues extend to other areas of their body in approximately 96% of those cases. Traditional braces tend to have a negative impact on peer pressure-related confidence issues. But that’s not an issue with Invisalign. The clear aligners are the invisible way to get straighter teeth which means teens can laugh, smile, and even engage in social activities and pictures without feeling the need to shy away. Your Red Bank dentist can help determine if Invisalign Teen is right solution for your kids.

Does Your Social Media Profile Need a Smile Makeover?  

Posted on by cara

Pretty Smiling GirlThere are hundreds of active social media sites on the internet, but Facebook is still the grandfather with over 2 billion active users. Considering that’s almost one-quarter of the planet’s human population, that’s a pretty significant turnout. Like it or hate it, social media is here to stay, and even with multiple site accounts, almost 40% of the world’s population is social media-driven. Younger users tend to be the majority, but there are still over 60 million business pages on Facebook alone. That translates to a lot of potential connections or even customers possibly picking apart every picture listed on your page. The right cosmetic dentistry procedures can help make everything shine, but how do you know if your social media profile really needs a smile makeover?

 Your Teeth Are Significantly Or Severely Stained
Life is messy and food, beverages, and vices stain more than your clothes or upholstery. They stain your teeth as well. Over the course of time, even certain produce like dark berries can darken your enamel by several shades. Store-bought whitening aids like whitening pastes, rinses, and even dental strips rarely come near delivering the promises on the packages. Moreover, they can be abrasive enough to cause damage or set the stains in further. In-office professional teeth whitening can be fully customized to fit each patient’s needs to remove several shades. It can even be completed over your lunch break, split into several appointments, or packaged to apply at home. The results can thereby be as subtle or shocking as your online social media presence requires it to be.

 Your Teeth Are Obviously Crooked
A number of factors can affect the positioning of one’s teeth, and they’re often hard if not impossible to control on your own. First impressions are everything, and the human brain recognizes someone with straight teeth to be more attractive than someone with obviously crooked teeth. Social media is a quick-paced connection that often relies on first impressions and instant decisions to build followers. But straight teeth are far more than aesthetic. They also offer less places for decay to hide, so there’s less risk for cavities and gum disease. Your Midtown Manhattan dentist can provide solutions to clean, straighten, and adjust teeth to make them ready for their close up. And that effort can result in better first impressions which translate to extra connections and customers.

Your Teeth are Misshapen
Stains and alignment are common cosmetic dentistry concerns, yet misshaped teeth are often overlooked or ignored. Straight teeth can still be unattractive if they’re not shaped correctly. Uneven or worn down teeth can be a result of several issues including cracks, chips, decay, injury, and bruxism. No amount of straightening can repair those issues. However, other cosmetic dentistry procedures can. Bonding, contouring, caps, bridges, and porcelain veneers are some of the most common solutions. Your Midtown Manhattan dentist can help you decide which procedures fit your needs to ensure your social media profile’s picture perfect.