Oct 19, 2023 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 3
Why not do something for yourself that might be able to turn your whole outlook on life around? If you are a person embarrassed by your smile because of how it looks, then consider a smile makeover through your cosmetic dentist.
Cosmetic dentists listen to what you have to say about your smile – your dislikes and your goals – and offer advice on how to help you achieve the new look you desire. Efforts are concentrated on improving the appearance of your smile, which then gives the added bonus of better self-esteem and improved oral condition.
Common reasons patients seek smile makeovers include tooth chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration, misalignment, and more. You and your dentist can work together to decide which procedures or treatments most suit your goals, lifestyle, and wallet.
Here are some smile makeover techniques available through qualified and experienced cosmetic dentists:
- Bonding is a very simple and cost-effective way to repair chips, gaps, and stains. A composite resin material is applied to the area and then molded and polished to blend with your smile.
- Teeth whitening is quick and painless, and can produce a major smile improvement. Professional methods at a cosmetic dental office provide the most dramatic results using high concentration bleaching agents and laser lights.
- Dental veneers are thin porcelain covers securely bonded to the fronts of teeth to hide all kinds of imperfections. They give a brand new smile of your choice.
- Crowns go on top of a broken or otherwise damaged tooth. Once the original tooth is prepared to a specific size, a crown is placed over it and then securely bonded in place. Crowns are often made of porcelain for a natural appearance and durable lifetime.
- Dental implants are the newest way to replace missing teeth. A titanium rod is surgically placed into the jaw bone to simulate a new tooth root, and a crown is usually placed on top to provide a fully functional and attractive new tooth.
These are just a few of the treatments that can create the smile of your dreams. Schedule a consultation to see how your smile makeover can be achieved.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Bingham Farms dental office to schedule your consultation!
Oct 12, 2023 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 3
Seeing your dentist twice a year is an important part of keeping your oral health in good condition. While this activity may not top the list of fun things to do, a dental visit doesn’t have to make you miserable either. With a little planning, you can ensure that your dental visit is a positive experience.
• Find the right dentist.
Selecting a dentist that you feel comfortable with will go a long way towards creating a good dental visit. At Brown, Reynolds & Snow, we understand that finding doctors with broad knowledge and expertise in all areas of dentistry will provide you with that extra incentive and confidence in seeking the smile you have always desired.
• Provide all the facts
Your dentist can do a better job meeting your needs if you are up front about any concerns you have or any problems you have been experiencing.
• Take care of your mouth
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, you are setting yourself up to fail. Good home care can prevent problems like gum disease and tooth decay from developing, which will save you extra time in the dental chair.
• Schedule routine exams
When you don’t see a dentist for years, your mouth won’t be in the best condition. Visiting the dentist twice a year ensures that you get professional cleanings and it allows the doctor to watch for signs of trouble.
• Try to relax
Deep breathing exercises or mediation may calm your nerves. If you feel especially anxious about your dental visits, talk with the dentist about your fears, and see what options the practice has available to make you more comfortable.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Bingham Farms dental office.
Sep 21, 2023 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 3
For years, we have heard that sugar is bad for our teeth. As research has grown, scientists now understand which kinds of sugars hurt your teeth and which foods help keep your mouth healthy. A balanced diet can help keep your smile looking and feeling great.
Certain foods produce changes in your mouth that can increase the risk of tooth decay. For instance, bacteria in the mouth transform sugar and starches into bacteria that attack the teeth and weaken the enamel. As well, foods like candy, cakes, pastries, and dried fruits can stick to teeth and create a haven for bacteria.
Making healthy choices can help promote a healthy mouth. Cheeses, protein, meats, nuts, and milk can protect tooth enamel by contributing calcium and phosphorus, which will remineralize teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots are also good choices because they contain lots of water, which encourages saliva production.
When choosing a beverage, water, milk, and teeth are the best options for your oral health. Try to cut back on soft drinks and other beverages that contain sugar. Products that contain sugar substitutes like Equal or Splenda aren’t digested the same way as true sugar so they don’t cause over production of bacteria. In fact, chewing sugar free gum can actually improve saliva production and help protect your teeth.
Children and teens should work especially hard to eat a balanced diet. Poor eating habits can not only but their teeth at risk, but it can create other problems at well. A good diet influences brain development, learning capabilities, and normal growth patterns.
Schedule a dental cleaning appointment today at our Bingham Farms dentists office.
Sep 14, 2023 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 3
Getting older impacts your whole life. Your body changes, including your mouth. Dental care is important for maintaining overall well being. Many seniors struggle with tooth loss and other dental health issues, like dry mouth or gum disease. Keep your teeth and gums healthy by remembering these helpful hints. Those individuals caring for aging parents or relatives can also benefit from the following tips:
• Make home care a priority. If you have trouble remembering to brush and floss, try posting little reminders in your bathroom near the sink. Caregivers can encourage this process as well.
• Choose a soft toothbrush. If the bristles are too hard, you can irritate gums and damage tissue.
• When you have dentures, clean them daily and use the special cleaners designed for this purpose, not just toothpaste.
• See the dentist twice a year. These appointments allow the doctor to check your teeth and gums for any problems. Depending on the state of your oral health, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits.
• Tell the dentist about any medications you are taking and any side effects that could affect your dental health. For example, some people experience dry mouth with certain medicines.
• Contact your dentist right away if you notice any unusual symptoms in your mouth. Letting issues like gum disease or tooth decay go can cause bigger problems in the long run.
• Maintain a healthy diet. What you eat influences your whole body health, including your teeth and gums.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Bingham Farms dental office.
Sep 7, 2023 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 3
Everyone knows you need to brush and floss your teeth if you want a white smile and fresh breath. It’s easy, as well, to see the link between a vibrant smile and self-esteem. Often, though, people don’t realize that your oral health affects your overall wellbeing. Developing good oral care habits not only keeps your mouth in tip-top shape, but it also protects your total body health.
On a daily basis, we are constantly exposed to bacteria. These microscopic organisms can be found on common surfaces and in the air. Usually, our skin serves as a good barrier, and our bodies fight off bacterial infections. However, our mouths are a different story.
The inside of our mouths contain millions of bacteria, which contribute to the development of plaque, a sticky, colorless substance that forms on teeth. If you don’t take good care of your teeth and gums, excessive plaque can develop, which can lead to gum inflammation and even periodontal disease. Another term for gum disease, periodontal disease can not only cause serious damage to your dental wellness, but also your overall health.
When your gums are healthy, the bacteria in your mouth stay put. Gum disease can give bacteria an entry way into your blood stream, allowing these germs to wreak havoc on your whole system. Current research has linked periodontal disease to serious health concerns such as osteoporosis, heart disease, risk of stroke, and diabetes complications. In addition, women who develop gum disease during pregnancy have an increased risk for premature birth or low-birth weight babies.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Bingham Farms dental office.
Aug 31, 2023 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 3
Everyone knows that what you eat matters for your health. Your diet impacts your heart, weight, and other areas, including your oral health. Eating a balanced diet will keep your teeth and gums strong, which protects your smile.
These tips will help you make your diet count:
• Choose foods high in calcium. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese offer you great sources of calcium, a mineral that helps your teeth and bones in good shape. Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach also provide calcium.
• Limit sugar intake. Though a cookie or the occasional piece of chocolate won’t hurt your smile, eating too many sweets can contribute to cavities. It also important to watch your carbohydrates, like breads, pastas, and potatoes, because these foods may also increase the chance of tooth decay.
• Say no to sodas. Carbonated beverages contain phosphorous and carbonation, acidic substances that can cause enamel erosion. Because sports drinks have a high sugar content, you should limit those as well.
• Go for fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, and celery are good options because they are high in nutrients and won’t stick to your teeth.
• Cut back on snacks. When you eat between meals, the food stays on your teeth and can boost your risk for cavities.
• Drink plenty of water. Not only does water have fluoride to strengthen your teeth, but it also helps wash away food and plaque from your teeth.
• Chew sugarless gum. Studies have proven that chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production. Saliva naturally reduces plaque build up and rinses away food particles that encourage the development of tooth decay.
Everyone knows that what you eat matters for your health. Your diet impacts your heart, weight, and other areas, including your oral health. Eating a balanced diet will keep your teeth and gums strong, which protects your smile.
These tips will help you make your diet count:
• Choose foods high in calcium. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese offer you great sources of calcium, a mineral that helps your teeth and bones in good shape. Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach also provide calcium.
• Limit sugar intake. Though a cookie or the occasional piece of chocolate won’t hurt your smile, eating too many sweets can contribute to cavities. It also important to watch your carbohydrates, like breads, pastas, and potatoes, because these foods may also increase the chance of tooth decay.
• Say no to sodas. Carbonated beverages contain phosphorous and carbonation, acidic substances that can cause enamel erosion. Because sports drinks have a high sugar content, you should limit those as well.
• Go for fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, and celery are good options because they are high in nutrients and won’t stick to your teeth.
• Cut back on snacks. When you eat between meals, the food stays on your teeth and can boost your risk for cavities.
• Drink plenty of water. Not only does water have fluoride to strengthen your teeth, but it also helps wash away food and plaque from your teeth.
• Chew sugarless gum. Studies have proven that chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production. Saliva naturally reduces plaque build up and rinses away food particles that encourage the development of tooth decay.
At Brown, Reynolds & Snow Dentistry we care about your smile and your oral health. Richmond, VA Cosmetic Dentist
Do you live in Bingham Farms or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
