Everything You Need to Know About Dental Sealants from a Family Dentist in Apex

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What is a dental sealant?  

A sealant is a tooth-colored resin material that is placed on chewing surfaces of teeth to help them stay cavity-free.

crack

Why do teeth need sealants?

Molar and premolar teeth often have very deep pits and fissures.  While bacteria can easily enters these groves, toothbrush bristles are often too large and therefore ineffective.  As a result, these areas become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to multiply which can lead to dental decay. A sealant does just what its name suggests…it seals off the grooves so that bacteria can’t enter.  After a sealant is placed these areas can no longer harbor bacteria and your tooth brushing once again becomes effective.

tooth-groove

What teeth need sealants? 

Any teeth that have deep groves or pits can benefit from sealants.  These are most often found on molar and premolar (teeth right in front of the molars) permanent teeth, but varies from one individual to another.  One person might benefit from sealants on all molars and premolars (16 teeth), while another may only need their molars (8 teeth) sealed.

Once a tooth has a dental filling in it, it no longer benefits from a sealant.

People often think that only children benefit from sealants.  That is because sealants are typically placed on a child’s molars when they first erupt.  The reality is that any teeth with deep pits and fissures (that do not already have fillings) can benefit from sealants because they  will help prevent future cavities.

How is a sealant applied?

No tooth structure is removed in order to place a sealant.  Instead it is kind of like painting your fingernails: resin material is only added, nothing is taken away.  The tooth is thoroughly cleaned with a pumice and etch.  The tooth is then washed thoroughly. Finally, the sealant material is applied and then cured with a light in order to harden it.

before-after-sealantHow long do sealants lasts?

Sealants typically last two to five years.  Although, it is not uncommon to see sealants in adults that were placed in childhood and are still intact.

Avoiding sticky, chewy, and hard foods can potentially prolong the life of a sealant.

If a sealant is no longer fully intact then it is no longer effective and should be replaced by your dentist.  If it has been less than two years since the sealant was placed, ask if your Apex family dentist offers a warranty for sealants.

Our Apex Dentist Explains The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

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Everyday we see patients that have missing teeth. Sometimes they are teeth that have been recently extracted.  Other times they have been missing for years.  The reasons for why the teeth are missing vary.  But the answers about why to replace them are usually the same.  So we wanted to share these answers with you!

In the US, about 70% of the population is missing one or more teeth.  Tooth loss can lead to reduced self confidence because of gaps in a person’s smile.  Unfortunately, effects on physical appearance are not the only result.

 

Teeth are lost or missing for several reasons such as trauma, decay, periodontal disease, or even genetics.  It is important to replace missing teeth because when a tooth is missing there is no contact with the opposing arch.  This can cause opposing teeth to gradually extrude which leads to other problem, such as fractures, mobility, tooth loss, shifting in surrounding teeth, and gum problems.

There is more than one option available to patients for replacing missing teeth.  Like most choices, each option has pros and cons.  The 3 most common options are replacing the missing teeth with implants, crowns and bridges or dentures. Sometimes a combination of two of these options can be used, such as a denture that is supported by implants, or a bridge that is supported by implants.  We will cover more about what the pros and cons of each of these treatments are in upcoming blog posts.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, so whenever possible try to avoid loosing the tooth in the first place.  The financial cost of saving a tooth with a crown or even a crown and a root canal is substantially less than the cost of an implant and crown or a bridge.  Not to mention that by saving one tooth, you are also helping keep the surrounding ones healthy as well.

The loss of a tooth is not always preventable, such as in the case of trauma or when a tooth is congenitally missing.  But no matter the cause, it is important to understand the effects of missing teeth so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent further problems. Your Apex dentist can answer questions you have about what treatment best fits your needs and your smile.  And check back here when we explain more about each treatment in the upcoming weeks!

Our Dentist in Apex Shares FAQs Regarding Dental Sealants

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What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin coatings that are made out of plastic. They are placed over the teeth in order to prevent them from decaying. They help keep the food particles and germs out of the grooves of the teeth. Sealants are considered preventative dentistry.

Are Sealants 100 Percent Effective?

Some studies have shown that sealants can be 100 percent effective. The tooth will be protected as long as the sealant remains in place.

Can you see Sealants?

Sealants are clear and white. That is why they can only be seen up close.

How Long do the Sealants Last?

The sealants can potentially last for several years. In some cases, sealants can last over 10 years.

Are Sealants Expensive?

Sealants are affordable. Because they can prevent tooth decay, they can also help you save money on dental care. Your general dentist will discuss the cost of sealants.

Will my Teeth Look Different?

One may feel the sealants on their teeth. However, because the sealants are thin, they do not cause discomfort.

Who Needs Sealants?

The best candidates for sealants are children because their permanent teeth have just come in. However, older patients may also benefit from getting sealants. If your general dentist believes that you are at a higher risk for getting tooth decay, then you may need to get sealants.

Will I Still Need Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments are still needed. It helps strengthen your enamel and provides additional protection from tooth decay.

Why do I Need Sealants?

Decay can cause permanent damage to your teeth. Sealants help you save time and money by protecting your teeth. It is also important to remember that a filling is not an easy fix for a cavity. A tooth gets weaker every time that it is drilled.

If you are interested in getting sealants, then you will need to contact our dentist office.

The Need to Know Detail About Cosmetic Dentistry

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What is a cosmetic dentist?

A cosmetic dentist is one who improves the appearance of a smile. There are a number of ways to do this, ranging from simple bleaching to minor surgery. Many cosmetic dentistry techniques can certainly be performed at a local dentist office. The amount of time, discomfort, and expense involved depends upon the procedure.

Cosmetic surgery can be broken down into two types. The first type improves upon the natural appearance of the smile by changing the color or shape of the teeth. The second type improves the overall appearance of the smile by improving tooth and bite health. This may or may not affect the color or shape of the teeth.

Examples of the first type of cosmetic dentistry include:

  • whitening
  • bonding
  • veneers
  • crowns

Whitening

Teeth whitening is the simplest and least expensive of all the cosmetic procedures. It offers no oral health benefits. Whitening can be done at home, but a professional visit offers more rapid and uniform results. The whitening application has to be repeated in order to maintain a whiter smile. The frequency of this procedure depends on the patient’s tooth care habits and lifestyle.

Bonding

Dental bonding involves the application of a resin to teeth to fill gaps, cracks, and pits and give the smile a more uniform appearance. Bonding has the added benefit of preventing wear of teeth and exposing their roots. Bonding resin generally has to be reapplied every several years.

Veneers

Dental veneers are custom made plastic or porcelain shells that can change a tooth’s shape or color. This type of cosmetic dentistry generally requires a couple of visits. Depending on the material used and the habits of the patient, veneers can last anywhere from one to several decades.

Crowns

Dental crowns are used for everything from altering the color or shape of a tooth to protecting a broken one to connecting dental work. Materials used in making crowns range from porcelain to metal. Crown work generally takes several visits and is among the most expensive of cosmetic dental procedures.

Cosmetic surgery that improves bite health includes:

  • braces
  • bridges
  • implants

Using wiring and brackets, braces are used to reposition and realign teeth. They may remain on teeth anywhere from several months to several years. Bridges are artificial teeth. They are affixed to prepared teeth and are worn with a crown or crowns. Only a dentist can remove a bridge. Implants are also artificial teeth, but they can be affixed to dentures and removed. Both of these procedures are not inexpensive and require more than one visit to the dentist. But if bridges and implants are cared for properly, they can last a long time.

Other cosmetic dentistry procedures include correcting uneven gum lines and abnormally sized teeth, and fixing indentations to the jawbone. Because of all the options afforded with cosmetic surgery, individuals are advised to contact their local dentist office for information and help in perfecting and protecting their smile.

Is the Teeth Whitening Process Safe for Me and My Family?

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One question that you may have for your cosmetic dentist in Apex is whether or not teeth whitening is safe for you and your family members. You may be wondering if the components that the dentist uses for teeth whitening solutions are harmful. It is normal for a person to be concerned about a procedure that involves chemicals. However, you can rest assured that you will be able to undergo the whitening process and still have your health intact.

Why You May Want teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a very common procedure in the dental world. Millions of people have their teeth whitened, including celebrities. The procedure has a multitude of benefits to it such as the ability to boost self-confidence and encourage smiles of joy. The reason for teeth whitening varies, but one of the most common reasons is to eliminate tea, coffee and nicotine stains. The chemicals that the dentist uses for a teeth whitening procedure vary depending on the patient’s desire. The practitioner covers the options during the consultation.

Examples of Teeth Whitening Solutions
Your dentist can offer you at least two types of solutions. The at-home treatment is the less expensive solution. This solution includes a tray that the lab makes for you. You wear the tray over your teeth for a certain amount of time each night, and the peroxide mixture bleaches the teeth. The in-office treatment is a longer lasting procedure, but it also costs way more money than the other procedure costs. The dentist is likely to use a chemical that contains varies elements for the in-office procedure. The bleaching products that the dentist uses for either method most likely has the ADA seal of approval, which means that they are safe for you to use. Many of these concoctions contain only 10 percent carbon peroxide. Perhaps the harshest reaction you may have to the bleaching agents is tooth sensitivity or mouth irritation.

Feel free to schedule an appointment with our dentist and have a consultation about the teeth whitening procedures that interest you. Our office has been serving local residents for many years. We would love to help to meet your needs. Call on the phone or complete an online request.

Restore Your Dental Health with Bridges

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Bad teeth are not wanted by anyone. Poor dental health leads to a poor smile and poor self-esteem. It is not all about looks when you have trouble speaking and eating, too. No matter how bad your teeth are, get the missing ones fixed with the use of dental bridges. Bridgework is a major form of restorative dentistry that you should know about.

The Purpose of Bridges

First, know the main purpose of getting dental bridges in the first place. The bridges are prostheses that replace the large spaces caused by missing teeth. There are several reasons why people use this procedure:

  • Serious accidents that affect the teeth
    • Falls
    • Drug use
    • Poor hygiene
    • Medications

Some people knock out their teeth in car wrecks or serious falls. Other people just have bad eating habits that cause them to get tooth infections and lose their natural parts.

Drug use is another reason why people lose their teeth. Some drugs are worse than others at rotting out the teeth completely. Certain medications are not good for dental hygiene.

The false teeth are attached to metal bridges that are attached to your natural teeth. As a result, your own teeth become fuller, so your smile looks straighter and more attractive. The bridge procedure allows you to reshape your teeth and have an even line across.

The Procedure

You cannot complete a dental bridge procedure in a single day. You have to visit the dentist multiple times for checkups. It is a serious operation, so you need anesthesia within the mouth. After you come out of anesthesia, you should be able to continue your days as usual.

The Importance of Professionalism

Restorative dentistry is an important field similar to plastic surgery. Bridgework should only be practiced by an experienced dentist.

A good dentist has to analyze your teeth and the inside of your mouth and then find the best fitting prosthesis. In the end, if you work with a qualified professional, you get comfortable bridges that are attractive and long lasting.

Everyone has dental problems here and there, but some people get involved in accidents that require the use of bridges. You cannot use any kind of dentist to install your bridges. You need an experienced dentist to initiate the process and provide the most desirable results. You are encouraged to contact a qualified dental specialist at our office today.

How to Choose the Right Dentist for your Child

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If you live in the Apex area and are looking for a general dentist office for your child’s dental care, you need to do some research. Choosing the right dentist for a child can seem like a daunting task. When choosing a dentist for your child, the safety and comfort of your child are top priorities.

It is important to make your child’s comfort the first consideration when deciding on a general dentist office. You need to look for a dentist that can provide reliable dental care for your child, from the child’s first visit through his or her adult years. A good family dentist in Apex will do everything possible to ensure your child’s maximum comfort during a dental visit. Using interactive play, advanced dental technology, and applying sedation dentistry whenever appropriate, a good dentist will work to make sure the child is relaxed during treatment. So, look for a child-friendly who has experience treating children and taking care of their oral health.

Children deserve attention and proper care during their development years. The right dentist understands how to work with children, and the dentist will provide various educational methods that incorporate play, to keep children well informed about their dental and oral care. A good family dentist in Apex will also involve parents when appropriate and provide them with the tools they need to continue helping their child develop excellent oral hygiene skills for optimal health.

Always check the qualification and background of the family dentist in Apex you are considering. It may be a good idea to have your personal dentist take care of your child’s oral care if you’re confident about the dentist. Otherwise, you may need to find someone else. You can also get recommendations from your relatives or friends. Let them know that you need a general dentist office for your child so they can recommend a dentist who specializes on child’s oral health. There are also Internet resources you can use to find qualified dentists in your town or city. Be sure to verify their background and certifications to find out about their credibility as dentists.

Apex Family Dentist Explains the Oral Health Issues Seniors Face

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Despite the fact that oral health is an important part of an older person’s well-being, it is often overlooked. Our family dentist in Apex knows that arthritis and neurological conditions can make it difficult for people to brush and floss their teeth. Below are some of the most common dental issues for seniors:

Cavities

Children are not the only ones who develop tooth decay. This condition is very common in people who are over the age of 65. It is estimated that 92 percent of people who are over the age of 65 have cavities. A person’s chance of developing cavities increases as he or she gets older because many people do not get annual dental exams.

This is why many cavities go untreated. It is important for older people to see a family dentist in Apex, so that cavities can be treated within a timely manner. Regular dental exams can also help prevent other dental issues for seniors.

Eating Problems

Cavities, poor-fitting dentures, missing teeth and gum disease can make it difficult for seniors to eat. Many seniors are forced to adjust their diet because of this problem.

Dry Mouth

The medical term for dry mouth is xerostomia. It is estimated that one out of five seniors suffer from dry mouth. Many seniors are on a several types of medications to treat chronic conditions. Muscle relaxers, antidepressants, blood pressure medications and antihistamines can cause dry mouth. Dentists recommend drinking plenty of fluids in order to combat dry mouth. You should also inform your dentist if you suspect that your medications are causing dry mouth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a condition where the gums are infected and inflamed. It can occur at any age, but it has a tendency to worsen as a person gets older. Many people do not have any pain during their early stages. However, people who have advanced gum disease may experience pain while they are chewing. They may also have sore gums.

Gum disease is typically brought on by poor oral hygiene. If plaque is not removed, then it will harden and form tartar. A professional cleaning is required to remove tartar. Periodontitis and gingivitis are the two forms of gum disease. Gingivitis causes the gums to bleed, swell and become red. Periodontitis causes the gums to separate from the teeth. Annual dental exams, flossing and brushing can prevent gum disease.

If you’re unsure how long it has been since visiting your local dentist office or you may have some dental or tooth pain, please get in touch with our Apex family dentist today for an appointment.

 

Our Apex Dentist Explains the Cons of Online Tooth Alignment Services

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In today’s day and age, you can order almost anything online, from makeup samples and razors to eyeglasses and dog treats. And while retailers haven’t yet discovered a way to ship a dental cleaning right to your door, it is possible to straighten your teeth remotely with brands like SmileDirectClub. But is the convenience and low cost of online aligners worth the risks? Our Apex dentist weighs in below.

What is SmileDirectClub?

SmileDirectClub was introduced in 2014 as an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment options. Essentially, it is a mail-order system that ships clear aligners directly to patients each month, allowing them to straighten their teeth without in-person visits with a dentist or orthodontist. The brand’s dentists conduct progress checks remotely, by examining “selfie” photos. These “shortcuts” make the entire process cost much less, merely a fraction of traditional straightening methods like braces or Invisalign.

Disadvantages of Online Tooth Aligners

Despite the benefits, many dental and orthodontic professionals are warning against mail-order orthodontic systems as more and more patients come in with poor results from spending months in the aligners. Below are some things to know before you fill out the application for one of these services.

  • Communication is infrequent and impersonal.Remote tele-dentistry assigns you a dentist or orthodontist who checks on your progress every 90 days through your customer account. You are placing your trust entirely in the company to vet your dentist for their skill and experience.
  • Lack of hands-on approach means details can be overlooked. The reason these services can be priced so cheaply is because the dentist is doing less work. But that is really not a good thing when it comes to your teeth. Details like your teeth’s surface texture, your bite pressure, and even your breath can indicate to your dentist that something is wrong—it is much more complex than simply looking at a photo.
  • Errors can occur in the initial impression.If you can’t come to a “Smile Direct Shop” and get a 3D scan in person, you will have to take an impression of your teeth on your own. At a dentist’s office, only a licensed, experienced professional performs this task, resulting in more accurate impressions. If you make a mistake with your impressions, your aligners will not accurately straighten your teeth.
  • They don’t have your records.Smile Direct doesn’t know your dental history, while your dentist knows your medical history and takes that into account while planning your treatment.

Bottom Line: For the Best Results, Visit Our Apex Dentist Today!

Most dentists agree that online alignment services such as SmileDirectClub are simply not worth the risk. Although getting Invisalign or braces at a local dentist office may cost more and take longer, they are that way because you are receiving accurate, thorough, personalized care. Your dentist can take your entire dental history into account; take accurate impressions; track your progress, and alter the course of your treatment if deemed necessary. There are a lot of smart ways to save money in this day and age, but in our opinion, mail-order dental work is not one of them! To schedule an appointment with our Apex dentist office, please click here.

Our Apex Dentist Explains How Hollywood Invented Veneers

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Dental veneers are thin porcelain “shields” placed over the teeth to correct discoloration, chips, and other surface imperfections that don’t require a full restoration. Although today’s veneers help people from all walks of life achieve a straighter, more attractive smile, they were originally designed for Hollywood starlets, in an era where beautiful smiles were hard to come by. Learn more about veneers’ unusual history in today’s Apex cosmetic dentist blog.

Industrialization and Tooth Decay  

In the silent movie era, all a star really needed to make it big was facial beauty–vocal quality and line delivery were unnecessary. Unfortunately, in the 1910s and 1920s, the Western world was at a bit of a low point in terms of oral health. This is primarily because during these decades, refined sugar leapt from being an expensive delicacy to being an affordable household staple. And instead of living off on an agricultural diet of vegetables, meats, and dairy products, the new industrial workforce gravitated to starchy items that could be quickly shoved in a pocket or eaten in-between shifts (i.e. cookies, biscuits, and sandwiches).

Our oral health habits, unfortunately, were slow to catch up to this new carb-laden, sugary diet. The concept of regular, twice-daily tooth brushing and flossing would not really take hold until the World War II era. It’s estimated that two to three times as many people lost their teeth during this era as do today–possibly why no costume of a 1920s hobo is complete without a few blacked-out teeth.

Without the need for on-screen talking, most actors could get away with having less-than-glamorous-smiles. But things changed with the advent of the “Talkies” in 1928. Many silent movie stars that had formally shone bright could no longer pass the muster, and a new solution was needed.

The Invention of Movie Cosmetics – and Veneers

Enter Maksymilian Faktorowicz, a Polish businessman, beautician, and entrepreneur. You may recognize the shortened version of his name, Max Factor, which is now a major international cosmetic brand. But in 1909, Mr. Factor had just moved to Los Angeles to provide wigs and makeup to film industry stars. Greasepaint, which had been used in the theatre for centuries, was too thick and harshly-colored for the new film medium, so Factor began experimenting with various compounds in an effort to develop a suitable substitute. By 1914, he had perfected the first cosmetic cream specifically created for motion-pictures. Unlike theatrical cosmetics, it would not crack or cake as actors moved about the set. Factor’s “flexible greasepaint” made him an overnight sensation, and a much-sought-after authority on movie cosmetics. He personally applied his products to the likes of Jean Harlow, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Clara Bow, and Mae West.

Factor had become the industry’s go-to hair and makeup expert, so naturally, producers needing to fix the teeth problem came to him, too. Factor then asked dentist Charles L. Pincus to correct what his makeup couldn’t. Pincus created thin, prosthetic dental “fronts” that could be temporarily adhered to the teeth using denture powder. These first porcelain veneers were very fragile, and were lucky to last for a single movie shoot (by contrast, modern porcelain used in dental restorations can lasts for 10 or even 25 years, depending on care and maintenance).

A Long Journey to Success

After that, it took many cosmetic dentists many years to move those early, brittle veneers to the ones we use today. Pincus himself moved from using porcelain to acrylic, and a porcelain-acrylic composite, in 1938, but the veneers were still temporary. In the 1950s, Dr. Michael Bunocore pioneered a way to permanently bond veneers to the teeth, called “etching,” in which the dentist applied a type of acid to the teeth to open up the pores of the enamel, creating a greater surface area for dental cement to cling to.

Then, in 1982, R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia developed a process that allowed veneers to become a practical cosmetic solution for patients. After nearly 40 years of continual refinement, veneers now offer a safe and reliable cosmetic solution for damaged, worn, or discolored teeth.

Need A Cosmetic Dentist in Apex?

At Hansen Dentistry, we use medical-grade porcelain to achieve incredible, natural-looking results. With proper care and maintenance, the modern dental veneers we make can last for several decades. If you would like to learn more about whether or not you qualify for this procedure, please click here to schedule an appointment!