Smile Makeover

Smiling with confidence makes you feel great. A beautiful smile is also an important social and professional asset. Yet there are many people who avoid showing their teeth in public or in photographs because they don't like what they see. If that describes you, then why not start the process of getting the smile of your dreams?

A smile makeover goes beyond simply responding to dental problems as they arise. It's a comprehensive smile-rejuvenation plan that's uniquely suited to your own facial features and aesthetic preferences. The results can be quite dramatic — both in terms of how you will look and how you will feel. These are the major steps involved:

Take a look. The makeover process is all about giving you the smile of your dreams. So take a good look at your smile and note what you like and don't like about it. Some questions you can ask yourself are:

• Are your teeth as white as you'd like them to be?
• Are any teeth chipped, cracked or worn?
• Does your smile have a gummy appearance?
• Do your teeth seem too large or small?
• Do you like the alignment and spacing of your teeth
• Are you self-conscious about crookedness or gaps?

Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder… and that's you! Some people want their smile to look “perfect” — and to them, that means completely straight, uniformly white teeth. Others like a slightly more natural look, and are not displeased by slight gaps or shade variations. There are lots of decisions to make, but don't worry — dentists are skilled at helping you sort it all out!

Share your thoughts. Communication is an extremely important part of the smile makeover process. At the first makeover consultation, it helps if you describe what you would like to change in as much detail as possible. Bring along pictures of smiles you like, or of how your own smile used to look. Dr. Clark will have some thoughts to share with you as well because he is trained to look at smiles in terms of facial balance. In other words, he will look not only at how the elements of a smile (teeth, lips, and gums) relate to each other but also how they blend in with the face as a whole.

Make a plan. An important part of planning a smile makeover is a comprehensive dental exam. Cosmetic dentistry offers an amazing array of lifelike tooth restorations and treatments; but first, any conditions in your mouth that may jeopardize a good result must be taken care of. If your teeth are discolored, for example, the reason must be determined. You may have an underlying dental disease that needs to be treated before whitening your teeth; otherwise, the whitening may not last. Likewise, if you often drink red wine or other beverages that stain, you might do better with porcelain veneers than bleaching treatments.

Try it out. A smile makeover is an investment that is meant to last. That's why many of the procedures performed are irreversible. So if you are contemplating some changes, it's a great idea to try them out before you fully commit to them. There are many ways to preview the results: computer imaging, 3-D models, and even placing temporary restorations on your teeth so you can see what the final results will look and feel like in your own mouth. This also allows a fine-tuning of the makeover plan.

A “trial smile” is a great way to eliminate unknowns in the makeover process. But when it's all done, there's still one thing you may not be prepared for: how great it feels to flash your new smile to the world!

Call us today to set up your smile makeover consultation!

Creating Good Hygiene Habits at Home

As humans, we like having a clean mouth. Long ago people would chew tree twigs to spread the fibers, which acted like bristles to clean their teeth. 

In fact, the ancient Greeks used pumice, talc, alabaster, coral powder, or iron rust as toothpaste. Thankfully today, we have many more effective choices that yield fantastic results and fresh mouths.

Here are some simple guidelines you can implement in your home:

1. Start oral hygiene habits early. It's never too early to make brushing and flossing a part of their morning and nightly routines. 
2. Set a good example. Brushing with your children can allow them to see proper techniques, and allow you to know if they are "cutting corners". 
3. Turn toothbrushing into a game. Having charts and fun incentives to encourage proper brushing and flossing can increase children's desires. 
4. Tell a story. There are really fun dental apps that you can download that have stories or songs set to the optimal brushing time. This helps them learn the proper length of a brushing session.
5. Choose the right tools. Letting your children be part of the oral hygiene process makes a huge difference in their willingness to brush and floss. Make a big deal out of their ability to choose their new toothbrush and toothpaste.
6. Flossers are a great way to help children learn how to floss themselves. Flossing is a critical step in preventing cavities.

Dr. Clark Serenades His Patients

If you've been with Dr. Clark for any amount of time, you know he loves to hum, whistle, or sing a great melody. 

Enjoy this little serenade, "In My Deep Purple Shirt, I can fix Them When They Hurt". 

If you haven't scheduled your semi-annual cleaning, please do so. Prevention is always better than the cure. 

 

March 2022 Newsletter

Hello to all of our wonderful patients. In case you missed our March Newsletter, we are posting it here for your convenience. 

We have a new financing option that might allow you to get the dental work done that you want to this year. We'd love to give your more information about this flexible finance plan. 

We love patient referrals. We have a New Patient Special running right now and would you to share this information with your friends and family. 

Are Your Teeth Sensitive?

The American Dental Association has a great Fact or Fiction quiz to educate you about tooth sensitivity issues. This little quiz takes just a few minutes but might help you understand a little bit more about this pesky condition that plagues so many. 

To take this quiz click here. 

If you are one of the millions of other people that suffer from tooth sensitivity we can help. Call to schedule your appointment today and Dr. Clark will let you know which solutions will help you find the relief you desire. 

How Can You Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

 

The American Dental Association gives the following tips on how to prevent tooth sensitivity:

Good oral hygiene is your best defense against most oral health problems, including tooth sensitivity. Poor daily dental hygiene allows bacteria to collect around and between the teeth. If these bacteria (plaque) are  not removed, they can harden into calculus (tartar), which can build up and cause your gums to recede around the teeth. This is called “gingival” or “gum” disease or “recession.” Gum recession exposes the

roots of your teeth, which, in turn, leaves your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity. Other situations that may increase your risk of gum recession include tobacco use, oral piercings (which can irritate the gums), use of some medications or even changes in female hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause.

Brushing your teeth harshly, using too much pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush also may cause your gums to recede, exposing the tooth’s root. The American Dental Association recommends you follow a good oral hygiene routine.

·         Brush your teeth gently twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily.

·        Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth and can irritate your gums.

·        Clean between your teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner daily. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline.

·         Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations.

We are only a phone call away. If it has been too long since you've been able to eat or drink hot or cold items without pain let us help you find a solution today. 

PC: https://www.healthline.com/health/all-my-teeth-hurt-suddenly

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

 In an article by the ADA, American Dental Association they describe tooth sensitivity in the following way: 

Tooth sensitivity can have a number of causes. Some of the more common culprits are caries (tooth decay), cracked or fractured teeth, trauma, tooth grinding or clenching, worn fillings or tooth enamel, and gingivae (gums) that have pulled away from the tooth roots as a result of gum disease or vigorous brushing. In healthy teeth, enamel protects the crowns, the part of the tooth that you see above the gumline. The roots of healthy teeth are coated with a thin protective layer called “cementum.”

Under the enamel and the cementum is a more porous layer of tooth called “dentin.” The dentin layer contains microscopic tubules or canals that connect with the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is in the center of the tooth and contains the tooth’s nerve and blood supply. When irritants such as foods or liquids come into contact with the exposed dentinal tubules, or when excessive pressure is applied against a cracked tooth, a pain response can be triggered.

This month we will be sharing different information and ideas on how to combat this all-too-common condition. If you have questions or concerns about tooth sensitivity please call us as soon as possible. Relief is available!

Oral Healthcare is Not Puzzling!

 

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Take a few minutes to sit down with your children to fill in the blanks of this crossword puzzle. Joining together to create a fun memory will also provide a great teaching moment for your kids. 

Oral healthcare habits are critical to their present and future health. Teaching good habits now will help them take ownership over their own health. 

Printable Sources: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month

Hello 2021 - January's eNewsletter from Dr. Clark & Team

Just in case you missed our newsletter in the email, we've posted it here for your review. Believe it or not, 2021 is underway and admittedly, it has been a rough start. But that doesn't have to foreshadow the end. 

We hope that as you begin your new year you will find the confidence to make the changes you need to make, and also give yourself the grace during the change and growth seasons in your life.

We look forward to seeing you this year during your semi-annual dental cleanings. Remember these appointments are critical for your self-care. Your mouth is a window into your overall health and when you ignore the warning signs your mouth gives you it always ends poorly. 

One Day at a Time - One Good Choice at a Time

We thought this was a great blog post with overall tips to improve your dental health.

How to Improve Your Overall Dental Health

Based on that new research, here are a few dental health tips you might not have heard before:

1. Get a new angle on things. When brushing your teeth, the position of the bristles matters. The head should be at a 45-degree angle near the gum line, and again when you go to clean the inside surfaces of your teeth.
2. Give your tongue some attention. Plaque and bacteria can gather on, around, and under your tongue too. Clean the surface of your tongue daily, either with your toothbrush or with a tongue cleaner. This will also help prevent bad breath!
3. Seal off trouble. Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the back teeth that can help prevent decay and cavities (caries). Sealants are an especially good idea for kids, who often have trouble reaching their back teeth while brushing.
4. Suit up those teeth. Sports are good for our bodies, but they also provide opportunities for bangs, bumps, and crashes. In fact, most school teams now require children to wear mouth guards to safeguard teeth, especially for rougher sports. So it’s not a bad idea to have one yourself, for any sort of recreational activities. This is true even if it’s not a team sport – skateboarding, rock climbing, or even just hitting a ball against a wall can all present a threat to your teeth.
5. Make fluoride earn its keep. You should already be using a toothpaste with fluoride. But you might not be receiving its benefits if you rinse with mouthwash right after you brush. Mouthwash can rinse away fluoride before it has a chance to work, so wait 15 minutes or let the fluoride get to work on your enamel.
6. Chew your way to better dental health. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating or drinking can help protect your teeth and gums, especially after eating sugary foods. Better yet, finish your meal with a cube of cheese. This can help reduce the effect of acids from food on your teeth.
7. Get more sun. Specifically, get more Vitamin D – which you can get from supplements or exposure to the sun. Both Vitamin D and calcium help keep teeth and gums strong.
8. Practice the basics. Even if you follow these healthy tips, they will do little if you are not already practicing the basics, brushing, and flossing twice daily. You also want to avoid bad habits that can cause damage to your teeth over time.
9. See a dentist when everything is fine. Most people don’t bother with a dentist appointment until something goes wrong: A tooth falls out, a sudden pain makes it hard to chew, or an injury causes a chip or crack. But most problems can be prevented if their underlying cause is found early. A regular check-up more than pays for itself by preventing costly dental procedures down the road.

Source: https://happytoothnc.com/dental-health/

Timing is Everything!

 

If You Indulge, Do It During Mealtime

Don’t worry, we don’t expect you or your child to never eat sweets or starches. There is a better time to eat them than at snack time, however, and that is during meals! That’s because it’s not just important what you eat, but when you eat. At mealtime, there is an increased amount of saliva in the mouth that can help wash away those starches or sugary treats, counteract acid-producing bacteria and remineralize teeth.

Watch Out For Added Sugars

Almost all foods have some type of sugar in them. Naturally occurring sugars–like those found in milk and vegetables–are less worrisome, since these choices are healthy overall. What you want to keep an eye out for when choosing snacks are added sugars.

According to the American Dental Association, added sugar consumption should be limited to less than 10 percent of total energy intake, ideally less than five percent. To put things in perspective, one can of soda is equivalent to three times the daily recommended sugar intake of a child!

Choose Beverages Wisely

On that note, we’d like to advise parents to choose their children’s beverages wisely. Soda and juice may be your child’s preferred drinks, but milk and water are much healthier choices. Good sources of calcium, like milk, aid in building strong teeth and bones and water helps to wash away food particles that may be clinging to teeth, thus protecting against decay.

Source: https://hanoverdentistry.com/2016/08/23/snacking-tips-to-keep-your-childs-smile-health/#:~:text=Stay%20away%20from%20starchy%2C%20sticky,%2C%20nuts%2C%20yogurt%20and%20cheese.

Photo Source: https://www.drjennifercohen.com/calm-happy-mealtime-solution/

Great Snacking Options

 

GOOD NUTRITION IS ESSENTIAL for a child’s healthy growth and development. It’s also important for their dental health! A good diet can help your child build strong, healthy teeth, while poor eating habits puts your child at a higher risk of tooth decay.

You may understand how important nutritious meals are, but one thing some parents struggle with is snack time. Here are our best tips on how to make sure your child’s snack time is tooth-friendly!

Not All Snacks Are Created Equal

Stay away from starchy, sticky or sugary foods during snack time, like dried fruit, crackers, chips and cookies. These types of snacks can stick to the teeth for long periods of time, potentially causing cavities. For snack time it’s best to opt for fruits, vegetables, nuts, yogurt and cheese.

Source: https://hanoverdentistry.com/2016/08/23/snacking-tips-to-keep-your-childs-smile-health/#:~:text=Stay%20away%20from%20starchy%2C%20sticky,%2C%20nuts%2C%20yogurt%20and%20cheese.

Good Nutrition & Dental Health

 

This is a great informational video reminder of why smart snacking will benefit your child not only now but in the future. Included in the video are a couple of great ideas to help your child attain the best oral health care that they can.