| 4 Ways to Improve Your Smile! |
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If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, there's something you can do about it. There are a variety of great treatments available to help get the smile that you've always wanted: from fixing gaps to removing stains, and they don't have to cost an arm and a leg! Here are three of them:
Teeth Whitening
Over time, most of us experience stains and discoloration to our teeth. Smoking, some medications, and dietary behaviors are contributory. Fortunately, teeth whitening allows you to improve the appearance of your smile conveniently at home. Teeth whitening is one of the most affordable options, is minimally invasive, and can significantly improve the youthfulness of your smile. Effective whitening usually takes consecutive, overnight application for several weeks.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Bonding is a fairly simple way to improve the appearance of your teeth if there are gaps between them. Bonding can also be used for chips, breaks, stains, and cracks. Tooth-colored bonding material is used to fill in imperfections. It is then shaped to match the original tooth and to blend well with the neighboring teeth. With proper care, bondings can last for several years. Bear in mind that bonding material cannot be "whitened" with tooth whitening products. So whiten first, and then bonding, crowns, or veneers can be shade-matched to your brighter smile.
Veneers
Veneers are another way to correct gaps, chips, permanent stains, and some slight crookedness. Veneers can do this because they are thin custom porcelain shells that cover up the front of your teeth. They're stronger than bonding. some teeth are too extensively restored or damaged to restore with veneers. In those cases, crowns are appropriate.
Have more questions? Interested in treatment? Call us and let's talk more about your specific desires. We're happy to help! |
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| Got Benefits? |
Did you know that each year millions of Americans pay for dental care but don't get it done? Many who are paying for dental insurance don't realize that their benefit plan provides assistance up to a certain dollar amount annually. As a result, some people do not schedule the dental treatment they need even though they have insurance dollars to help!
Consider these 4 points to save big money before the end of this year by using your dental benefits:
1. Yearly Maximum
This is the most money that the dental insurance plan will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by plan but averages around $1,000 per year, per person. The yearly max typically renews every year (on January 1 if your plan is on a calendar year). If you have unused benefits, these will not roll-over.
2. Deductible
Your deductible is the amount of money that you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company will pay for any services. This fee varies by plan but averages around $50 per year. Your deductible starts again when your plan rolls-over.
3. Premiums
If you are paying your dental insurance premiums every month, you should be using your benefits. Even if you don't need any dental treatment, get regular checkups to help prevent and detect any early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, or other dental problems. After all, you've already paid for it, so why not use it!
4. Dental Problems Can Worsen
By delaying dental treatment, the problem becomes more extensive and expensive to treat later. What may be a simple cavity now could quickly turn into a root canal.
Often we phase treatment between the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014. With careful planning, we can help you get the dental care you need while maximizing your healthcare dollars. Beat the 'year-end rush' by calling us today to schedule! |
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| How to Avoid Teeth Stains
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During the autumn months, parties, bonfires, and holiday celebrations may take up a lot of your time, and depending on what you’re eating and drinking, they can also take a toll on your teeth. Follow these simple tips for keeping your smile pearly white!
Be Wary of Tooth Stainers
Certain foods are worse than others when it comes to staining the teeth, so be careful when eating blueberries, tomato sauce, beets, and other tooth-staining culprits.
Use a Straw
When drinking your favorite soft drink and watching the big game, consider using a straw. This provides for less direct contact with enamel and less staining.
Whiten
If you notice your smile starting to dull or yellow, you now know what you can do about it! There are and inexpensive options you can use to brighten your smile! |
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| Have a Safe Halloween! |
Halloween is a favorite time of year for kids. The fun of costumes, decorations, pumpkin patches, and parties is offset by the large amount of sugary treats many children consume. This holiday season, follow the guidelines below for healthy smiles.
• Choose chocolates over hard candy - The longer a piece of candy sits in your child's mouth, the more opportunity there is for the acids to break down their teeth and cause decay. Chocolate is softer and kinder to your child's teeth.
• Avoid gummy, sticky candies - Sticky candy stays on the surface of the teeth long after your child is done eating it. The longer the candy sits there, the more risk your child is at for tooth decay.
• Replace sugary bubblegum with sugar-free or xylitol gum - Sugarless gum helps to promote saliva production which helps to wash away the bacteria in your child's mouth. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that inhibits the bacteria that cause cavities and is the best substitute for sugary gums.
• Enjoy Halloween candy with a meal - If your child consumes candy after eating a big meal, the sugar and bacteria is more likely to be washed away rather than sitting and causing decay.
• Teach generosity: choose some, give the rest away! |
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