Bonding and Contouring Your Way to a Better Smile

Dental Bonding Woman SmilingChips and cracks in teeth can cause a person to be self-conscious. Jagged edges or visible wear can also create insecurities. Gaps between teeth, or a disproportional tooth can also be sources of embarrassment for many people. But you don’t have to settle when it comes to flaws in your smile. Cosmetic dentistry offers a number of ways to enhance the natural beauty of your smile, and dental bonding and contouring are two great examples. Through these simple and affordable procedures, we can drastically improve the look of your smile, and leave you feeling more confident than ever before. (more…)

Could Bruxism Be Affecting You?

Could Bruxism Be Affecting YouBruxism is another name for chronic tooth grinding. Since this condition often happens during sleep, people with bruxism may not be aware of the habit unless a dentist notices signs of stress and wear on the teeth. Bruxism is also a contributing factor to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and may be discovered as TMJ disorders are explored. During a preventative checkup, if we notice signs that bruxism is affecting you, there are solutions we can offer. (more…)

Keeping Gum Disease In Check

Keeping Gum Disease in CheckWhen people think “healthy smile” they often think of strong teeth. Your gums are an equally vital part of a healthy smile. They are the tissues that support the teeth, and keep them secure in the jaw. They are the type of support system that some people take for granted until there is a problem. Keeping gum disease in check will help your teeth, and it may prevent trouble elsewhere in your body as well. (more…)

Are Invisalign® Clear Braces Right for You?

Are Invisalign Clear Braces Right For YouInvisalign® invisible braces are a series of custom fitted aligners worn in a prescribed order for precise amount of time. Each tray gently eases your teeth into a new position, stepping from one aligner to the next, so that by the end of the last aligner you are enjoying a new smile. All the aligners are created from BPA-free, non-irritating plastics. If Invisalign® is right for you, our office will fit you with customer made aligners to gently move your teeth into the new positions, with a minimum of disruption to your schedule or your lifestyle. (more…)

Thoughts on Professional Tooth Whitening

ThoughtsProfessionalToothWhiteningWhen a smile starts to dim, some people may try to revive it with whitening strips from the drug store, or non-prescription gels and rinses. These methods usually contain low doses of ingredients that lighten stains, or polish the teeth, or both, to give a whiter appearance. Not everyone is satisfied with these over-the-counter results, and we are happy to discuss a range of teeth whitening options. These are some factors that help determine if professional tooth whitening is the best option for you: (more…)

Quiz: What is Sedation Dentistry?

elmcreeknitrousoxideDo you feel anxious about seeing the dentist? If so, you may be one of the estimate 8-10% of the population who have dental anxiety. Avoiding even minor dental care as a result of anxiety can increase the risk of poor oral health. With sedation dentistry, we can help you remain calm and relaxed throughout a procedure. What is sedation dentistry?

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FAQs: What is Sleep Apnea?

elmcreeksleepapbeaEstimates reveal that over ten million people in the United States suffer from a serious sleep disorder. What is sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea (also known as OSA) can cause difficulty breathing during sleep and cause the patient to wake up multiple times a night, even if they have no memory of this. Fortunately, there are treatment options to help you finally obtain a good night’s rest.

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Eating Better for Dental Health

healthy foods good for oral healthEverything that you eat will be absorbed by your body, and used as efficiently as possible. Eating foods that are unhealthy, or lacking in nutrients, can have a negative impact on your health in several ways. A balance of certain minerals and nutrients should be ingested every day to prevent oral diseases, and improve your dental health. You should do your best to avoid “unhealthy” foods and snacks that are full of sugar because they are more likely to cause tooth decay. (more…)

A Quiz on Tooth-Colored Fillings

tooth colored fillingsCavities are the most commonly diagnosed dental ailment today, and are quite simple to repair in most cases. Years ago, metal (or amalgam) fillings were the gold standard when restoring a tooth affected by tooth decay; but with modern advancements, many dentists now prefer tooth-colored fillings for their unique bonding properties, natural aesthetics, and amazing strength. There are several differences between the two types of fillings, and both kinds are still used today. Test your knowledge with our simple quiz.  (more…)