Sometimes there are those stories that just change the whole outlook of your day.  This is one of them.  A California teen who is in need of major oral surgery due to a rare genetic condition is getting her wish due to the generous donations of her classmates and neighbors.  To read more about this heart-warming story, check it out .

Age affects all parts of our bodies, even our teeth and gums. You and can work together to minimize problems that develop with age. Regular oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help keep your gums and teeth healthy as you grow older.

Changes to Oral Health Due to Aging

Even though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it still suffers from wear and tear over time. Chewing and biting place enormous pressures on the teeth and can cause cracks, chipping, and other damage. In addition, some foods that we eat on a regular basis can wear the enamel down. This is particularly true of carbonated beverages, acidic candies, and citrus fruits and juices. Erosion and damage to the enamel make your teeth more vulnerable to decay. It can also lead to sensitivity as dentin is exposed.

Other health issues as you age can have a detrimental effect on your oral health. Some medications or medical treatments can cause dry mouth, which increases your vulnerability to cavities and gum disease.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy as You Age

Tooth loss is not an inevitable consequence of aging. If you take good care of your teeth and visit your dentist regularly, you can keep your natural teeth for the rest of your life. Some actions to take to maintain your dental health include:

• Brush and floss regularly
• See your family dentist on a regular basis
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Avoid foods that can cause damage to the enamel

If arthritis or other issues make it difficult for you to maneuver a toothbrush or dental floss, ask your dentist about special tools to make it easier for you to care for your teeth. If you have experienced a change in medication and notice symptoms of dry mouth, be sure to talk to your doctor and dentist about this as well. By maintaining good oral care habits and attending to other aspects of your physical health, you can also help ensure your teeth will remain healthy as you grow older.

Call the office of our experienced and caring dentists at our office to schedule your bi-yearly appointment today.

If you’ve had dental work in the past and are unhappy with the way it looks, a cosmetic dentist can help. From teeth that have been discolored by metal fillings to cracked or otherwise damaged teeth, cosmetic procedures can restore your smile to its original look.

Problems with Your Dental Work

Even if you’ve had restorations or other work done by an excellent dentist, problems can develop over time. Even worse is when you end up having dental work done that is poorly executed and detracts from your overall appearance. However, even in this case, cosmetic treatments can help you look your best again. [pullquote]If you’ve had dental work in the past and are unhappy with the way it looks, a cosmetic dentist can help.[/pullquote]

Some problems that can develop after dental restorations include:

• Large fillings that eventually lead to cracks in teeth
• Discoloration or perceived discoloration from metal fillings
• Metal crowns that detract from your overall appearance

All these issues can be corrected by a cosmetic dentist, often with a relatively simple procedure. A consultation can help you determine what approach will work best for you.

Cosmetic Procedures to Improve Your Look

Some common procedures that can help repair unsightly dental work include:

• Veneers
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Porcelain crowns

If your front teeth have suffered surface damage, cracks, or chipping, veneers are an excellent choice to restore your smile. Treatment with veneers is relatively non-invasive and can provide a dramatic result.

If you have metal fillings or crowns, you can have them replaced with tooth-colored substitutes. Your dentist can help determine if tooth-colored crowns are a good option for you. They don’t stand up to chewing pressure as well as metal crowns, but you can also have metal crowns that are covered in porcelain which will hold up better and still give you a natural look.

If you have had dental work in the past and are unhappy with the way it looks now, please contact the office of the doctor Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist. We’ll help you decide on the best options for revitalizing your smile.

If you have missing teeth but also require orthodontic work to correct misalignment, you and your dentist will have to decide whether dental implants should be placed before or after your braces. The decision depends upon the goals of your orthodontic work and which teeth must be realigned.

Dental Implants After Braces

Placing implants after orthodontic work is completed is the most common options. There are several reasons for this. First and most importantly, dental implants are stationary once they are placed in the jawbone. Unlike natural teeth, they will not move in response to orthodontic treatment. So if the teeth around where the implant would be need to be shifted, it’s better to have the implant set into place after all the surrounding teeth are in the correct position.

In some cases, orthodontic work must be done to make room for the implants. In this case, it will also be necessary to complete the orthodontic work before the implant surgery is performed. Once your braces are removed, you’ll have plenty of room for your implant and can enjoy a perfect smile again.

Dental Implants Before Braces

There are some circumstances in which it’s better to have your dental implants placed before you get your braces. Your orthodontist will work with your implant dentist to determine which is the better option for your personal situation.

Implants can be placed before braces if the teeth that will be realigned are not near the teeth that will be replaced. For example, if you will have braces only on your front teeth but are missing a molar, the molar can be replaced with an implant before the orthodontic treatment begins. Also, sometimes the orthodontist will use an implant as part of the orthodontic work. Because the implant will not move, it can be used to anchor your braces and help provide better results.

If you have missing teeth and need braces, please contact our office at our office for a consultation. We’ll help you determine whether your implants should come before or after your orthodontic work.

Dental implants are the longest-lasting, most natural-looking option for tooth replacement. They usually require a number of steps to set into place. After they’ve healed, they are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants feature a root that is embedded directly into the jawbone. Because the root is made of titanium, the bone will naturally bond with it. This bond allows the implant to stimulate the jawbone to grow so you will not experience bone loss as many denture wearers do. This portion of the implant is not visible once it is placed in your mouth, but it looks like a titanium screw. [pullquote]After dental implants have healed, they are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. [/pullquote]

The root portion of the implant is fitted with an abutment which protrudes above the surface of the gum. Your permanent prosthetic tooth is affixed to this abutment. When the full implant has been placed, you have a complete new tooth, from root to tip, that will last for many years, keep your jaw healthy, and preserve your perfect smile.

Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement

When your implant dentist has completed your implant surgery, your new teeth will look completely natural. Your prosthetic teeth are custom-made to match your natural teeth in both shape and color. You’ll be able to look forward to a beautiful smile for many years.

In some cases, you’ll go through a healing period after the root portion of the implant is placed. This is to be sure your jawbone bonds properly to the implant. After this healing is complete, you’ll receive your final prosthetic teeth. If you need to wait for your implants to heal until your permanent replacement teeth are put into place, talk to your implant dentist about temporary teeth to cover the abutments. This might be particularly important to you if you’re having front teeth replaced or if you deal with the public regularly or if your appearance is important to your job. To find out more about implants, the procedure, and what you’ll look like with your new teeth, please contact the doctor Family Dentistry for a consultation.

One of the most common reasons for going to the dentist is to have a cavity treated. Almost everyone will have at least one cavity in their lifetime. We know that regular brushing and flossing can reduce their frequency, but in what way do these activities help? How do cavities afflict our teeth in the first place?

Bacteria, Plaque, and Tartar

Your mouth is a natural habitat for bacteria, as is the rest of your digestive system. The majority of these bacteria help us digest our food, but some can cause illness. If the balance of bacteria in your mouth becomes too high, problems can develop with your teeth and gums.

Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and food particles that are left behind after you eat and drink. The waste products produced by these bacteria are highly acidic. If too much of these acidic substances build up, they become a white, sticky substance called plaque. As plaque builds up, it hardens into a tartar, which is even more difficult to remove from the tooth surfaces. As plaque and tartar develop on your teeth, the acid can eat through your tooth enamel, causing cavities. It can also lead to inflammation in the gums ranging from gingivitis to serious gum disease.

Cavity Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent cavities, then, is to remove plaque before it builds up into tartar. Regular brushing and flossing removes a high percentage of the plaque as well as the food particles and beverage residue that feed the bacteria in your mouth. The second line of defense is to visit your dentist on a regular basis for additional cleaning. Your dentist can also monitor any cavities that might be developing. This is accomplished through regular examinations as well as X-rays.

If you do have a cavity, it’s best if it’s found early, while it’s still small. Your dentist can remove the decayed part of the tooth and restore your tooth with a metal amalgam filling or a tooth-colored filling. Taking the best possible care of your teeth is the best way to avoid tooth decay.

If you suspect you might have a cavity, call our office at our office to reserve your appointment today.

Invisalign is a popular option for orthodontic work, especially among adults, because it is virtually invisible. If you’re concerned about the way your teeth will look during your treatment—for example, if you work extensively with the public or appear on television as part of your job—this can be a perfect solution. You will be able to achieve properly aligned teeth without having to worry about metal braces and bands that can detract from your appearance. [pullquote]If you wear the trays just during the day, or just at night, your teeth will not move the way they’re intended to, and you will not receive the results you wish from your treatment. [/pullquote]

Wearing Invisalign Trays

Invisalign works by using clear plastic trays over your teeth. These trays are custom-made and shaped so that they move your teeth a small amount over time. Each tray is designed to be worn for about two weeks, after which you will move on to the next ray, which will shift your teeth a bit more. When you reach the last tray in the series, your teeth should be in optimum position.

For the best possible results, you should wear your Invisalign trays for at least twenty-two hours every day. This means you will have to wear them during both daytime and nighttime hours. If you wear the trays just during the day, or just at night, your teeth will not move the way they’re intended to, and you will not receive the results you wish from your treatment. Your cosmetic dentist will provide explicit instructions regarding how long you should wear your trays and how to take care of them.

Caring for Invisalign Trays

Like traditional metal braces, Invisalign trays require some special care. For example, you should rinse the trays out with cool water after every meal, and while you’re wearing the trays, you should not drink any beverages other than water. Hot beverages can warp the trays, and so should be avoided. Be sure to follow the guidelines of your cosmetic dentist regarding how long to wear your trays each day. You should also continue to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist at the doctor Family Dentistry on a regular basis to ensure your teeth remain healthy during your orthodontic treatment.

Many people think of dental health as a separate topic from overall health. However, your overall health, including the health of your bones, can affect your dental health. Conversely, your oral health can affect your overall health. This is one of many reasons it is important to take good care of your teeth and see your dentist regularly.

Bone Health and Dental Health

Problems with the health of your bones can lead to problems with the health of your teeth. This is particularly true for women, who are at greater risk for osteoporosis, or weakening of the bone tissue. Osteoporosis causes the bones to become thinner and more brittle, increasing the risk of breaks. This systemic problem occurs in approximately half of women over fifty years old, and in about one-quarter of men over fifty years old.

As the bone tissue becomes weaker, the tissue of the jawbone can also deteriorate. The teeth need healthy bone tissue in the jaws to properly anchor the tooth roots. People suffering from osteoporosis are likely to have fewer teeth than those who have healthy bones due to this deterioration of the bone tissue. Osteoporosis can also affect your ability to have dental implants placed. In addition, if you are taking certain medication for osteoporosis, it can greatly increase your chance of an unsuccessful implant procedure.

Keeping Your Teeth and Bones Healthy

If you attend to the health of your bones and teeth throughout your life, you are less likely to have problems related to osteoporosis. This includes eating a healthy diet that includes sufficient calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals and vitamins that support bone health. These vitamins and minerals also help support your dental health. You should also be sure to visit your dentist regularly so that any problems that might be developing can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

If you do discover you are suffering from osteoporosis, be sure to follow treatment guidelines provided by your doctor to keep your bones healthy and strong as long as possible. You should also be sure to let your dentist know you are being treated, in case your treatment could affect your candidacy for dental implants if you happen to lose a tooth.

Call our office to reserve an appointment with our experienced dentists today.

Sugary candies, gums, and sticky treats are among the major culprits for causing tooth decay. In order to reduce the occurrence of tooth decay, your family dentist will probably suggest that you avoid sugary treats. However, some sugar-free candies can actually help protect your teeth from decay.

Why Sugary Treats Cause Decay

Sugary treats introduce high levels of sugar into the mouth. The bacteria that naturally live in your mouth consume sugars, and then create an acidic waste product that collects on the tooth surfaces. This acidic product is known as plaque. If it remains on your teeth for a period of time, it hardens into tartar, which is difficult to remove. [pullquote]…Some sugar-free candies can actually help protect your teeth from decay.[/pullquote]

Both plaque and tartar are highly acidic. The acid in these substances can eat through the surfaces of the teeth, creating cavities. Brushing your teeth helps remove the food fragments and sugary residue that remain behind as well as plaque that is left behind by hungry bacteria. Reducing the amount of sugar you eat deprives the bacteria of their food and reduces the amount of waste they produce, which becomes plaque and tartar.

How Sugar-Free Treats Can Help

Sugar-free treats can help reduce the likelihood of tooth decay. As with any treats, they should be used in moderation, because they lack nutritional value. However, moderate use of some sugar-free foods can actually help keep your teeth healthier.

One of the natural side effects of eating hard candy or chewing gum is saliva production. Chewing sugar-free gum can increase your saliva production, which helps wash away sugars and food particles that might otherwise collect on your teeth. Xilitol, a popular artificial sweetener, also can reduce the acid levels in your mouth, which also helps protect your teeth from decay.

Sugar-free treats can also help if you suffer from dry mouth. This condition causes a lowered saliva production, so chewing gum or sucking on hard candies can stimulate additional saliva flow. Using sugar-free treats to treat this condition can help alleviate your dry mouth as well as helping fight tooth decay. If you have questions about what sugar-free treats are best for you, ask your family dentist at the doctor Family Dentistry at your next appointment.

If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, a smile makeover can give you just the right look to boost your self confidence. You and your cosmetic dentist can decide what the best combination of procedures will be for you. Veneers are one of many options you can choose to perfect your smile.

How a Smile Makeover Works

With a smile makeover, your cosmetic dentist will talk to you about what you’d like to see changed about your smile. After this consultation, you’ll decide what procedures will give you the results you want. A variety of procedures can be combined to ensure you’ll be happy with the way your smile looks. Some of the options for smile makeovers include:

• Teeth whitening
• Veneers
• Invisalign
• Dental implants

These can be used on their own or in combination. For example, if you have discolored teeth that are also misaligned, your makeover could include teeth whitening as well as long-term treatment with Invisalign. Damage to the front surfaces of your teeth can be treated with veneers, and if you have missing teeth, dental implants can fill the missing places in your smile.

Consulting with Your Dentist

Your consultation with your cosmetic dentist will address all your concerns about your teeth. You’ll discuss all the treatment options as well as what your teeth are likely to look like when your treatment is complete. This could include digital images of your teeth, before and after pictures of other patients, and molds made from your teeth, depending upon how your dentist approaches your treatment. You’ll decide what procedure or combination of procedures are most likely to work for you, and you might also discuss how you’ll schedule your dental work. During your consultation, be sure to ask any questions you might have. Don’t forget to ask about recovery if you are having dental implants placed, and about the length of treatment if you will be using Invisalign.

Call our dental office at 303-73-1222 to determine which course of treatment is right for your smile.