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If grandparents, parents, or siblings all seem to have had dental problems, you may be more likely to identify with their condition. However, for many patients the cycle of dental problems can be broken by following basic guidelines. Brush daily with fluoridated toothpaste. This sounds simple enough, but it is not enough to just give this task a quick minute. Brushing twice daily for the full two minutes each time is healthy for teeth and gums. For patients susceptible to gum disease, an electronic tooth brush is recommended. Flossing every day is as critical to dental health as brushing, if not more so. Flossing removes the food debris your tooth brush did not reach. In addition to helping keep plaque under control, gum tissue is stimulated by the flossing action. Dental floss comes in many types and styles. Flavored, thick, thin, floss picks … whatever type you choose, daily use will help to keep teeth and gums healthy. Seeing the dentist every six months has multiple advantages. Dental plaque that has built up since your previous visit is removed. Your dental provider can identify if you have problem areas by probing your gum tissue for depths of recession. Depending on the pocket depths, you may be advised to undergo a deeper cleaning. If this occurs you may wish to return more frequently to have teeth cleaned. An anti-bacterial rinse may be advantageous for use. Regular dental visits not only allow for consistent plaque removal, but teeth are polished to look their best. And regular dental exams allow for the discovery of oral problems before they have a chance to escalate into major costly and time consuming treatment. Of course, some genetics may not be avoidable. Narrow jaws and large teeth can present problems that brushing and flossing cannot prevent. Crooked teeth present for more problems allowing for areas that are difficult to keep clean. Family dentistry has many more options available today than ever before to help you to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Avoid tobacco use and limit sugary indulgences like soda, snacks, and treats. Drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest. If it’s time to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan at 214-343-1818.
Patients who want to upgrade their smile in a way that is uniquely suited to them should consider porcelain veneers for this task. These thin, tooth-shaped shells are bonded atop your natural teeth, and they can conceal a wide variety of dental flaws, such as chips, cracks or stains. Most importantly, the veneers are custom-crafted, so your cosmetic dentist can tailor the devices to your unique specifications. This process helps to ensure that the veneers will blend in with your biological teeth as much as possible to give your smile an overall natural appearance, even with the prosthetics. The porcelain shares many optical qualities with tooth enamel, which helps these devices to achieve their lifelike appearance. Patients have significant input into the design process, as well. You should feel comfortable telling your cosmetic dentist about your desired outcomes for the shade and shape of your porcelain veneers. The process of getting veneers is a two-step one. At the initial consultation, your provider will collect information needed to influence the design of your veneers. The dentist will visually examine your teeth and may take pictures or dental impressions to provide additional data for the desired appearance of the veneers. Depending on the thickness of the veneer, the dentist may need to prep the tooth and remove a thin layer of enamel from it to make room for the veneer. When the veneers are ready, the patient can then have them bonded to the teeth. If additional changes are desired, the dentist can make adjustments before the veneers are permanently placed. However, it’s important for the patient to be satisfied with the veneers before they are bonded because after that point, no further changes can be made. Porcelain veneers are versatile devices for patients who want to enhance the aesthetics of their smiles in a highly individualized manner. Schedule a consultation at our office to learn more about this treatment and how it can be beneficial in your specific case.