Achieving a healthy beautiful smile is a team effort. For successful treatment, you must partner with your orthodontist and take an active interest in the process. The orthodontist provides the expertise and the techniques to straighten the teeth and align the jaws. As the patient, your job is to cooperate by carefully following the orthodontist’s instructions so that the teeth and jaws move as desired and on schedule.
Children should start visiting the dentist by the first birthday, and continue with regular visits at least every six months. Orthodontic evaluations should begin no later than age 7. If a problem is detected, the orthodontist can determine the best time to begin treatment.
Traditional braces employ a system of bands, brackets, and wires to gently guide the teeth into position. For Invisalign, 3-D computer imaging technology is used to create a series of custom-made aligners for your treatment. Each clear, removable aligner is worn for about two weeks and then replaced. Gradually, the teeth are guided into their final position.
Traditional orthodontics and Invisalign are two fantastic options for aligning the teeth. Crowding and spacing can be corrected using either option, according to your individual needs and lifestyle. Orthodontic treatment can be very beneficial for adults. Less visible, more comfortable braces and aligners make treatment more appealing, and healthy teeth, bones, and gums will typically respond best to treatment.
If you are ready to show the world who you really are, choose an orthodontist who is uniquely qualified to address your concerns. Ask about using orthodontics in Fort Worth to begin moving toward the smile you’ve always wanted.
Comments Off
Providing great dental care for your child begins during pregnancy. Good dental hygiene during pregnancy is important to the health of your unborn child. According to research, the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease can be passed from mother to child. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing twice each day is recommended throughout the pregnancy.
Once your new baby arrives, use a clean cloth to wipe her gums after meals. This removes plaque and protects erupting teeth. After the teeth appear, you may begin using a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water daily. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle (milk, juice, flavored water, or sugary drinks), as this can promote tooth decay or cavities. Be sure to schedule your baby’s first dental office visit when the first tooth appears, but no later than the age 1.
Introducing good dental habits at an early age is fundamental. Children under the age of 2 can learn to brush using a soft toothbrush and training toothpaste (non-fluoridated toothpaste). Learning to spit and not swallow should be practiced before switching to fluoride toothpaste. Once spitting is mastered, it’s time to introduce a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush.
Helping your child brush twice each day is a great way to evaluate their efforts. Most children are unable to brush well until they are at least 7 years old. Making brushing fun can help to maintain your child’s attention for the recommended full two minutes. Colorful toothpastes, toothbrushes, and timers can help to keep your little one brushing.
A proper diet is also a part of good oral hygiene. Feeding kids healthy fruits and vegetables instead of sugary snacks sets the stage for healthy development and fewer cavities. Each time your child enjoys a sugary snack or drink, her teeth are attacked by bacterial acids for up to 40 minutes. This is the beginning of the decay (cavity) process.
Start protecting your child’s dental health during pregnancy. Introduce good dental habits early. And plan a visit to our Fort Worth dental office to help protect that priceless smile.
Comments Off
Strong, beautiful teeth can truly change your outlook on life. A dazzling smile may change the way that others see you, but more importantly, it changes the way that you see yourself. Your smile should be a reflection of your personality. Unfortunately, when you are unhappy with the shape, shade, or position of your teeth, it shows in your smile.
Today, you have choices. You can choose porcelain veneers to create the smile that you desire. You can choose to share your true personality with the world. You can choose to give your smile a second chance.
Veneers are thin layers of porcelain placed on the teeth by a cosmetic dentist. They are polished and glazed to ensure a comfortably smooth and natural feel. Once bonded into place, the veneers are natural-looking and extremely durable. When carefully prepared and perfectly bonded, porcelain ensures an extremely long life for your teeth.
Typically, your cosmetic dentist can assist you in obtaining the greatest benefit from your porcelain veneers. The shape and size of the veneer may be dependent on your gender, ethnicity, and the shape of your face. The shade of your new veneer is also influenced by similar factors.
There are numerous benefits and uses for veneers:
- Correct malpositioned teeth (teeth that are out of alignment )
- Whiten discolored teeth (internal staining can be disguised)
- Conceal old bonding and fillings (filling material may have become worn or stained)
- Close spaces between the teeth
- Generally stronger than composite bonding materials
- Veneers resist stain and discoloration
- Custom shade match to your natural teeth
- High success rate (maximum strength and stability, even with normal eating and drinking)
- Long lifespan (expect to enjoy your veneers for many years)
With today’s available technology, you no longer have to feel uncomfortable with a smile that includes chipped, worn, or discolored teeth. With veneers, imperfections can be corrected, and strength and beauty can be restored. For veneers in Fort Worth, schedule an appointment to discuss a high-quality solution to your cosmetic concerns.
Comments Off
