Reasoning Behind Early Orthodontic Treatment

Since the eruption of permanent teeth begins around the age of six or seven, this developmental period is the perfect time to receive an orthodontic check-up. Although treatment is usually not needed at this time, this screening allows the orthodontist to detect subtle problems with the emerging teeth and jaw growth. An early orthodontic intervention takes advantage of the fact that the child’s jaw is still growing and the bones are fairly flexible during this state of development. If problems are found by the orthodontist, they are much easier to correct when they are detected early.

A timely orthodontic screening and intervention greatly reduces the need for extensive treatment at a later age. It is also possible to help permanent teeth erupt into a better position within the mouth, increasing the chances that teeth will grow straight and in an optimal alignment.

Benefits of an Early Orthodontic Intervention

The effectiveness of treatment and the prevention of serious issues later in life are the primary benefits of an early orthodontic intervention. Jaw surgery or the removal of permanent teeth can be avoided due to the early detection and treatment of potential problems. Issues with jaw growth or bite can also be corrected during this time in addition to treating overcrowding

When it comes to teeth whitening and bleaching, we know you have options. But which works best, and what’s a better value?

At-Home Teeth Whitening and Bleaching

Whitening toothpastes are designed to remove surface stains from teeth and contain mild abrasives to gradually whiten teeth. They do not contain bleach and typically contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lighten teeth by about one shade. Whitening strips and trays are typically coated with a bleaching agent that is peroxide based and must consistently be applied to the teeth to achieve the desired teeth whitening effect. Results are usually visible within a few days when at-home whitening products are used.

Professional Whitening and Bleaching

Since whitening treatments performed by a dentist contain bleaching agents in a much greater percentage, noticeable results can be seen after only one treatment. With an in-office whitening treatment, the bleaching agent is applied directly to your teeth and is activated by either a heat source, light or a laser. Most treatments take less than an hour to complete and several treatments may be needed to produce dramatic results.

The fact that the entire bleaching process is supervised by a professional is the primary benefit of an in-office treatment. This increases the safety of the procedure and significantly reduces the risk of unpleasant side effects, such as burned or bleached gums and increased tooth sensitivity. A further benefit can be found when considering the mouthpiece trays that are used in professional treatments. Unlike at-home whitening, a dentist is able to design a tray that is custom fit for the unique shape of your mouth and teeth.

Whichever you choose, teeth whitening and bleaching can help you achieve a brilliant smile! Call us today to get the whiter smile you desire!

What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are frequently referred to as composite fillings and are designed to mimic the natural appearance and color of teeth. They are composed of a composite mixture containing plastic and silica or zircon and blend seamlessly into tooth enamel. Since they are made of tooth-colored materials and are not visible when you talk, smile or eat, they are an ideal solution for anyone looking to enhance their cosmetic appearance.

How are Tooth-Colored Fillings Different From Silver Fillings?

Silver-colored fillings, or amalgams, are composed of about 50 percent mercury, in addition to copper, tin, silver and zinc. These types of fillings are highly noticeable and do not match the natural color of teeth. Since silver fillings are non-bonded, they do not stick to the teeth. Often, this requires the removal of healthy parts of your tooth to accommodate the large space needed to place a silver filling. This can potentially weaken the tooth over time and make it more susceptible to the filling falling out or the tooth breaking.

Since tooth-colored fillings are bonded directly to the tooth, the tooth’s structure is actually stronger with a tooth-colored filling in comparison to a silver filling. This can be attributed to less removal of the healthy part of the tooth and the fact that composite materials are able to bond to teeth adhesively. The tooth is also less likely to fracture over time when a tooth-colored filling is used

The term temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) refers to conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and facial muscles that control jaw movement. The TMJ is the joint that connects the mandible, or lower jaw, to the skull. They are located in front of each ear and are flexible joints that are responsible for jaw movements such as chewing, speaking and yawning. To learn more about TMJ/TMD including symptoms, causes and potential treatments, read on:

Symptoms of TMJ / TMD

The symptoms associated with TMD will vary for each individual and they may be temporary or long-lasting. Pain or tenderness felt in the jaw, face and around the ears are the primary symptoms of TMD. TMD sufferers often hear a popping or clicking sound when closing or opening their mouth. Frequent headaches are a further symptom of TMD, which can be moderate-to-severe and are often accompanied by neck and shoulder pain. TMD can also cause facial swelling, limited jaw movement, jaws that lock when open or closed and difficulty chewing.

Causes of TMJ / TMD

It is not entirely clear what causes TMJ disorders and many possible causes are attributed to the development of TMD. Frequent teeth grinding and clenching is one potential cause of TMD. Arthritis and dislocation of the TMJ are also potential causes, in addition to a misaligned bite and an injury to the TMJ and jaw.

Treatments of TMJ / TMD

TMD treatments range from conservative approaches to injections and surgical interventions, although most conservative treatments are effective. Only a dentist will be able to design a treatment plan for TMD after determining the cause of the disorder. Night guards and splints that fit over the teeth to prevent teeth grinding are a popular treatment for TMD. It may also be helpful to avoid extreme jaw movements and minimize chewing and yawning. Correcting a bite problem can also be effective, in addition to jaw exercises and bite therapy.

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is typically used by many as a chewing gum and low-calorie sweetener to improve dental health. It is found in fibrous fruits and vegetables and is manufactured by the human body in small amounts. Research has discovered that Xylitol has numerous health benefits for the body, including preventing tooth decay and reducing the risk of developing cavities.

How Xylitol Works

When sugar is consumed, it is broken down and metabolized by bacteria within the mouth. As the sugar ferments, cavity-causing bacteria produce acid that dissolve and erode tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. Since Xylitol is non-fermentable, bacteria inside the mouth cannot convert it to an acid. This creates an environment that is far less acidic. In this way, Xylitol prevents tooth decay and cavities by inhibiting bacteria and reducing the formation of plaque. In addition to the antimicrobial properties of Xylitol, it can also strengthen tooth enamel and stimulate saliva flow.

How to Use Xylitol

For maximum effectiveness against tooth decay, Xylitol should be consumed consistently each day and not used on an occasional basis. It is recommended that Xylitol is used after every meal and snack, especially after consuming beverages and snacks high in sugar. Six to eight grams is the recommended amount of Xylitol that should be ingested or chewed each day for the prevention of cavities.

Products Containing Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural ingredient that is found in numerous types of products, most commonly mints and chewing gum. You can find products containing Xylitol in most health food stores and many online sites, where you can purchase products such as mouth rinse, toothpaste and candy. Many companies are also offering Xylitol as a sugar substitute. When looking at products that contain Xylitol, it is essential that it is listed as the first ingredient. Doing so ensures that you will receive maximum protection against tooth decay.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers, which are commonly referred to as porcelain veneers, are an option in cosmetic dentistry that is aimed at correcting tooth discoloration, uneven spacing, shape irregularities and worn enamel. Plastic or porcelain veneers are placed over the existing teeth, instantly improving your smile. They are a more affordable option in comparison to crowns and are very strong and durable.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most frequently performed procedures in cosmetic dentistry. Over time, tooth enamel becomes discolored as a result of aging, smoking and certain foods and beverages. While teeth whitening kits can be performed at home or in the dentist’s office, a more dramatic change can be obtained by having a trained dentist perform the whitening procedure. To maintain a white smile, follow-up whitening is generally needed once a year.

Composite Bonding

If a tooth becomes broken, decayed, discolored or chipped, composite bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can restore tooth structure. With dental bonding, flaws are immediately covered with a composite material that is similar in appearance to enamel and dentin. This material is then sculpted and shaped to fit the tooth, for a smile that is healthy and bright.

Smile Makeover

A smile makeover typically involves more than one cosmetic dentistry procedure, including teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers and dental implants. This procedure can improve tooth discoloration, missing teeth, chipped teeth and issues with alignment or spacing. In most cases, a smile makeover is done for purely cosmetic reasons, and may be for you if you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth.

After the dental hygienist cleans, shines and flosses your teeth, the dentist will look at them. Together they will count your teeth and make a note of any potential problems that may be creeping up. This gives the dentist a head’s up on what to watch for so he can plan an intervention should the problem become complicated. He may want to do x-rays at that point or just keep a close eye on the problem. If the dentist suspects a cavity, he can keep on eye on that as well. If he finds a cavity or other problem with the teeth and/or gums, he can advise you to schedule an office visit to take care of the problem.

The dentist does more than just clean teeth though. He is able to provide further dental care needs, such as root canals, sealants, teeth whitening, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and more.

See your dentist regularly and bring out the very best smile you can have!

When you have a PerioLase treatment, there is no cutting and no suturing as your dentist uses the laser to clear away infected gum tissue between your teeth and gums. Since the PerioLase can remove infected gum tissue in just minutes, many treatments are complete in just a couple of two hour sessions and a couple of follow-up visits.

If you are concerned about safety, rest assured that this is proven technology. The PerioLase® is, in fact, the world’s most widely used dental laser platform. The Periolase is also the only laser that has been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of gum disease.

You may think that it sounds too expensive for your budget, but you may be in for a pleasant surprise. According to recent studies, laser periodontal therapy can cost up to 20 percent less than traditional gum surgery.

This is just one more example of our determination to make sure our Fort Smith Dental patients benefit from the absolute latest in proven dental technology. With the help of PerioLase, your gum problems can quickly be remedied and the tissue can form healthy bonds around the tooth, making the tissue tight again.

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Since they use a very gentle cleansing motion, the Sonicare tooth brush is an excellent choice for patients who have sensitive teeth. But, even though it is gentle, it is still effective enough to make your teeth whiter as well as eliminate plaque. In fact, Sonicare’s technological innovation gives you superior plaque removing, since it cleanses in ways that a manual tooth brush really can’t.

By starting to make use of a Sonicare brush regularly, you should expect to see noticeable improvements in the overall health of your gums after just a couple weeks. This toothbrush is really very effective but it must be used on a regular basis. You may be delighted to find that it also can significantly reduce tobacco, coffee and tea stains and bring you whiter teeth in just a few weeks.

Sonicare’s system uses a patented sonic technology so the brush can be gentle, yet still very effective in cleaning teeth and gums. The very high velocity of the brushes bristles use both high frequency and high amplitude bristle motions that you simply cannot come close to duplicating with a manual brush. The Sonicare also has a slender angled neck that makes it easy to get to previously hard to reach areas.

So by using a Sonicare you are making a solid investment in the health of your teeth and gums. The expense of the brush and replacement heads over the years should be easily offset by your not having to have expensive dental procedures. The Sonicare brush is also a perfect technique for people who have veneers or bonding to maintain the attractiveness of their improved teeth.

The Sonicare has long been the highest recommended sonic brush manufacturer by dental professionals around the world. And, as if all of this were not enough, Sonicare offers you a complete 60 days to send it back if you don’t like it. You really should investigare making this investment in your oral health.