Author: harmonydentaltx_admin

The placement of porcelain veneers can enhance your smile. They are used to address numerous aesthetic imperfections. Below is an overview of porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers cosmetically alter your dental appearance and provide you with an appealing smile. They improve your natural teeth and seal the gaps or chips resulting from injuries.

Veneer correct your stained or chipped teeth, and it would be best if you consider them for your dental flaws. The veneers are durable and ideal for your teeth. Ensure you visit your dentist for porcelain veneers near you.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are tiny prosthetic devices that resemble your natural teeth. They are applicable in the restoration of your smile and are made of porcelain or resin material that’s friendly to your oral tissues.

Porcelain veneers are ideal in the virtual improvement of your smile. The material is cemented to enhance alignment and brightening your teeth. Your natural tooth is fully restored, and the fractures are covered in the preservation of your dental.

What Makes You an Ideal Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

You can use porcelain veneers for many structural teeth issues, including:

• Minor misalignment
• Cracks or chips
• Stained teeth
• Gaps between your teeth

To ensure that porcelain veneers are successful in addressing your dental issues, you must meet the following conditions:

• A portion is removed before the dental placement of the veneers; therefore, a healthy enamel is required.
• Good overall periodontal healthy
• Willing to follow good oral hygiene practice after the placement of veneers by your dental practitioner

Your specialist will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for porcelain veneers. During the appointment, an evaluation of your dental history and your enamel condition will be done.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Once you visit your cosmetic dentist for Porcelain Veneers in Pearland, TX, diagnosis is performed via X-rays, to identify signs of decay or gum diseases. Your specialist determines whether porcelain veneers suit you. Impressions of your teeth are molded, and you select the best custom-made mold to suit your dental needs.

Dental cleaning is done to remove plaque between your teeth before the placement procedure. The porcelain material is cemented on your teeth and hardened by ultraviolet radiation. In your last appointment, veneers are placed.

The procedure is minimally-invasive, but local anesthesia can be used during the removal of your enamel’s portion. Porcelain veneers near you can be an ideal option for correcting various cosmetic conditions.

Significance of Porcelain Veneers

Veneers improve the appearance of your smile. They are stain-resistant and ensure your teeth are whitened and prevented from discoloration. They fix cracks, gaps between your teeth and chips. They replace your damaged enamel and prevent it from highly acidic drinks. Porcelain veneers treat the following cosmetic issues:

• Misshapen teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Severely discolored teeth that require whitening
• Gaps between your teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth

Discolored teeth are attributed to root canal treatment, stains from drugs, or excessive fluoride. Veneers can serve you for long and ensure you retain your confident smile.

Taking Care of Your Porcelain Veneers

Once porcelain veneers are cemented on your teeth, they may wear off due to various factors. Rough spots of cemented material may wear out after the placement procedure, and your cosmetic dentist needs to smooth them out.

You need to take various precautions while having veneers to ensure they serve you for long. The right measures add to the longevity of your veneers, and they include:

• Put on a mouthguard while engaging in sports.
• Avoid chewing hard objects that may cause damage to porcelain material.
• Use dental splints to separate your teeth if you clench your teeth, in protecting veneers.
• Avoid opening condiment packages using your porcelain teeth.

Placement of Porcelain Veneers in Pearland, TX

We use porcelain veneers at Harmony Dental to restore your cosmetic imperfections, and revamp your smile’s aesthetic value. We use them to seal the gaps between your natural teeth, stains, chips, and minor misalignment.

Our practitioners mold the veneers to match the shape of your affected teeth and retain the adjacent teeth’ natural appearance. We recommend you follow outlined guidelines on maintaining porcelain veneers to ensure they serve you for a long duration.

At Pearland, TX, our specialists strive to utilize an ideal custom-made veneer to provide you with a quality outlook of your teeth. Please schedule an appointment with our dental specialists, for the placement of Porcelain Veneers in 77581

When people are embarrassed by their crowded or crooked teeth, their first option is getting braces. However, because the number of children and adults needing teeth straightening escalates daily, there is an alternative to braces-Invisalign.

What is Invisalign

This is a transparent set of plastic aligners fitted inside your mouth to align teeth into their proper position. After they have been fixed, the aligners should be monitored and replaced after the first couple of months. Because of their clear nature and consequent invisibility, many people prefer them over traditional braces.

As is with all treatment options, there are advantages and setbacks associated with the use of Invisalign in Pearland. Before getting Invisalign aligners fitted near you, make sure you talk to your orthodontist and understand each one of them.

The Pros of Invisible Aligners

Let us have a look at the advantages of Invisalign use in Pasadena over traditional metallic braces.

1. Comfort

If you have used Invisalign after using braces, you will agree that the former is way more physically comfortable. This can be attributed to the absence of wires or brackets. The worry over painful nicks and cuts in your mouth is therefore eliminated. Invisalign aligners are smooth and do not irritate the mouth. They resemble a mouthguard and are characterized by the absence of sharp edges.

2. Aesthetics

You are already aware of the transparent nature of these aligners. This works to the advantage of the user because they will have a more attractive appearance. Besides, it will be hard for people to notice them. Resultantly, you don’t have to be overlyconscious of your smile.

3. Convenience

Most people find the aligners more suitable as compared to metal braces. No one wants to have visible metal strings in their mouth, and people will do anything to avoid that. For this reason, aligners are more convenient,not mentioning their abundance.

4. Temporary

Their temporal nature makes it easy to remove while brushing, flossing, or eating. This is not possible in the case of braces. Not only do the aligners help straighten your teeth, but they also allow you to eat anything you want to while practicing optimal oral hygiene, thus lowering risks of suffering from gum disease. Unlike when using traditional races, there is no worrying about stuck food particles.

5. Low maintenance

Minimal maintenance is required when caring for your aligners. Even though they may become dull over time, freshening them is possible. You can do this by scrubbing them using a toothbrush that has been dipped in a mixture of water and bleach. This will help alleviate the stains.

The Cons

Using Invisalign may seem like pure bliss, but there are some disadvantages associated with it. Here are some of them:

Expensive

Invisible aligners are costly, and some dental insurance companiesdo not cover them. These aligners may prove challenging to acquire if you are operating on a tight budget. However, they make up for this by being highly durable.

Attachments

This is another hitch associated with Invisalign. A lot of attachments are needed to accompany the aligners. Usually, the accessories are enamel ridges sticking to the teeth in the same way brackets on standard braces do.

They play the role of clicking into the Invisalign to ensure a proper fit and more effective alignment. Also, they accentuate the Invisalign, making it look like you have actual braces on.

Long hours of Wearing

The minimum number of hours you should wear the aligners is 22 hours. This can be quite tedious and uncomfortable, especially if you are a first-timer. Typically, you can only remove them while brushing, flossing, or eating. If you aren’t doing any of these, they stay on. You will, however, get used to wearing them with time. And of course, the few times you get to remove them will be better than braces, which stay on always.

How to Take Care of Your Invisible Aligners?

Without proper care and maintenance, the aligners can develop an odor, discolor,or build up bacteria and plaque deposits that can erode your teeth enamel. Thankfully, there are simple do’s and don’ts when using these aligners:

Do’s

• Every time you take them out, thoroughly rinse them to eliminate food particles, saliva, and bacteria.
• Soak the aligners regularly in the cleaning crystals that are offered.
• To prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque beneath the aligners, proper care for your teeth is vital.

Don’t’

• Consume foods or drinks that can stain the aligners and leave a bad smell
• Use toothpaste on the aligners as it can damage them

The problems you are experiencing within your jaw and facial muscles can be linked to TMJ disorders. What are TMJ disorders? What are the symptoms? Find out

To understand TMJ disorders, it is important to know what the temporomandibular joint is. This is a hinge connecting the jaw to your skull’s temporal bones. The bones are positioned at the front of each of your ears. The TMJ is responsible for the upward, downward, and sideways movement of the jaw, thus it controls speech, chewing and yawning.

Having understood the concept, it is easy to decipher that TMJ disorders originate from general issues that may affect this joint or surrounding area. It is important to note that TMJ refers to the joint itself while TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders) is the name used to refer to the disorders associated with the joint.

Causes of TMJ Disorders

This disorder does not ambush you. It could be hereditary and you might actually have it soon after birth. One of the pointers is mouth breathing which may be resultant of a misaligned jaw.

It is yet to be established what really causes these disorders. Dentists, however, believe that any problems around the joint may cause symptoms. For instance, injuring the joint, jaw, or neck and head muscles during a fight is a possible cause for TMJ disorders. Here are some of the other causes.

• Clenching or grinding of teeth which exerts an enormous amount of pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
• Any movement of the disc sandwiched between the ball and socket sections of the joint.
• Arthritis occurring at the joint
• Stress can cause tightening of the jaw and facial muscles or even teeth clenching.
• Misaligned bite between the lower and upper jaws
• Uneven biting surfaces resulting from lost or severely worn out teeth.

Symptoms of TMD

You may experience some discomfort and severe pain.t this may occur temporarily or last over a span of many years. TMD may eat on one side of your face or both of them. Studies indicate that compared to their male counterparts, women make up the most number of victims. Additionally, the disorder is commonly found in individuals aged 20 to 40.

Let us have a look at some of the other symptoms.

• Tenderness or pain in the neck, shoulders, face, ears, and the area around the TMJ whenever you speak, chew, or widely open your mouth.
• ‘Lock’ or stuck ‘jaws’ when you open or close your mouth
• Grating, popping, or clicking sounds whenever you move your jaws. You may or may not experience pain.
• Face tiredness
• Difficulties in chewing or an uncalled for an uncomfortable bite
• Swelling on the affected part of the face

Be on the lookout for other indicators such as toothaches, neck aches. Headaches, pain in the upper shoulder, tinnitus, and hearing problems.

TMD Diagnosis

It is difficult for your dentist to establish if you have TMD just by judging from your symptoms as conditions like gum disease and tooth decay have the same symptoms. A physical exam is necessary for a reasonable diagnosis.

The dentist will check for pain or tenderness in your jaw and ask if you hear any sounds when moving them. He or she will also see to it that your jaw is fully functional and does not lock. Furthermore, testing your bite and inspecting your jaw muscles is necessary for a proper diagnosis. Lastly, X-rays of your full face may need to be taken so the doctor can view your TMJ, teeth, and jaws to see if there are any further issues. An MRI or CT scan may also need to be done.

Home Remedies for TMD

To relieve your TMD symptoms, your doctor may recommend these remedies:

• Cold or moist heat packs: Apply a cold compress on the affected side of the face and the temple for at least ten minutes. If your dentist approves, do some jaw stretches and then put a warm washcloth over the area for at least five minutes.
• Consume soft foods: This is an effort to help you chew less. Add mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, fish, yogurt, vegetables, and fruits to your diet. Make sure to cut the foods into tiny pieces. Avoid hard and chewy foods.
• Avoid extreme movements of your jaw: Do not yawn or chew unnecessarily. Do not yell or sing at all costs.
• Avoid the ‘hand under the chin’ posture: This reduces facial and neck pain.
• Ask your dentist about relaxation techniques that can help relax the jaw

Dangers of Untreated TMD

• Additional Medical Conditions: because most people that suffer from TMD tend to self-medicate to alleviate pain, they are likely to develop other medical conditions. The self-medication may cause addictions. For instance, left untreated, TMD sufferers may resort to drug abuse and alcoholism. It is worth mentioning that TMJ symptoms are high contributors to insomnia and sleep disturbance.Another notable condition that may result from TMJ symptoms is depression which has a negative influence on relationships, job performance, and general life quality. Also, malnutrition and sleeping disorders may result from untreated TMD. Why is this so? To evade the problem, some people may tend to eat only liquids or soft foods or nothing at all. It shouldn’t reach this point because there is a non-surgical treatment that is safe and can permanently cure the disorder.
• Poor Dental Health: The longer you dodge TMJ therapy in Pearland, the more your dental health problems pile. The characteristic clenching and grinding of teeth in TMD patients can result in teeth fracturing and wearing down of the enamel. Because TMD patients tend to use one side of their jaw more than the other, swelling and asymmetrical muscle growth may occur on this site giving the individual an uneven appearance.

At Harmony Dental, we understand your pain. Our team of professionals offers TMJ therapy in Pearland in a convenient environment. Do you want TMJ therapy near you, call us and book an appointment? Our team can’t wait to see you.

Have you ever wondered why tap water is fluoridated? For over 70 years, Americans have been drinking fluoridated water to reduce tooth decay. Even though this was a brilliant way of reducing tooth decay, many Americans still battle with tooth decay.

Through this initiative, there has been a 25% reduction in tooth decay in the American population. Still, this is not enough.

For this reason, you need regular dental exams and cleanings. A noteworthy part of these examinations is the fluoride treatment in Pearland. Typically, you will receive a fluoride treatment at the end of your dental examination.

Understanding Fluoride Treatment

When you eat food, at times, food debris gets stuck in deep pits, fissures, and hard to reach places in your mouth.

Then bacteria start collecting around your teeth and gums, forming a clear coating known as plaque.
The bacteria produce acid, which starts corroding your enamel. This is how you get tooth decay.

Fluoride is the most effective agent known to man that can help prevent tooth caries (decay). Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that aids in building strong teeth and preventing tooth decay. It is also capable of reversing early signs of tooth decay in children.

Fluoride is particularly more helpful if you are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay. This is where fluoride treatment near Pearland comes in handy. Professional treatments done by our dentist will contain high fluoride concentration as compared to the fluoride in food or tap water.

How Does Fluoride Work

Each day your tooth’s enamel might lose some minerals through a process known as demineralization. What typically happens is the acid produced by bacteria, and sugar destroys your enamel.
Fluoride’s main job is to remineralize (redepositing lost minerals) to your tooth’s enamel. Fluoride attains this goal in two ways:

• Topical Fluoride

Your teeth get strengthened after they have erupted by seeping into the enamel (the outer surface of the tooth), thus making your teeth resistant to decay. It achieves this by enhancing the uptake of minerals such as phosphate and calcium.

During the remineralization process, fluoride will be incorporated into the enamel, increasing its resistance to acid. You will get topical fluoride from dental products like toothpaste, gels, and mouthwashes.

• Systemic Fluoride

Erupted teeth plus those which are developing under the gums get nourished and strengthened through systemic fluoride treatment. You get this type of fluoride in low concentration forms such as tap water or a supplement in gel or drop form.

When it is introduced in the mouth, it exists in oral reservoirs like saliva as opposed to topical fluoride. This will disrupt bacterial activity.

How Much Fluoride Is Appropriate for You?

For best results, you need to visit our dentist for fluoride treatment after every three, six, or twelve months, depending on your situation. Our dentist will prescribe certain gels that you can regularly use if you are at a higher risk of getting caries.

Who Needs Fluoride Treatment?

Infants and children from the age of six months to 16 years must use fluoride regularly. During this period, the permanent teeth are being formed, and they must have the proper foundation.

Other than that, some conditions will increase the risk of you getting tooth decay, and fluoride treatment will be beneficial to you.

You could be at risk of getting caries if:

• You have an eating disorder.
• You have a poor diet.
• You have poor oral hygiene.
• Your enamel is weak
• You are suffering from dry mouth conditions.
• You consume excess alcohol.
• You have existing restorations like fillings and bridges.
• You have gum disease.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment has the following benefits:

• When incorporated in the tooth structure during the developing stages, it strengthens the enamel aiding the teeth to be less vulnerable to cavities for life.
• It helps your body properly utilize phosphate and calcium since it aids in their uptake, thus repairing the weak enamel.
• It can reverse the effects of cavities when detected early.

Any Side Effects?

Like most things in life, you cannot take too much fluoride without getting undesired results. Too much fluoride may harm your child’s developing teeth and bones. Too much fluoride can cause:

• Pitting and staining on teeth
• Mature teeth to have specks
• Dense bones that are weak
• Complications with bone homeostasis

Remember that getting fluoride treatment near you alone will not prevent tooth decay. You have to eat the right foods and maintain proper oral hygiene. For examinations, fluoride treatment in Pearland, or any other treatment, contact us at Harmony Dental to book an appointment.

Bone grafting sounds like a complicated procedure. In dentistry, it is a procedure that you may need even if you do not know. Here are some of the reasons that may send you to the dentist seat for the procedure

In Dentistry, bone grafting comes in handy. The procedure can restore your look to the perfect look that you desire even after having significant physical damage on your teeth.  It is a minor surgical procedure, which can be performed within the dentist’s office, and you get your teeth corrected.  In addition to benefiting your looks, bone grafting also improves your health.

The process involves having an incursion made on the gum so that the bone that lies under the gum can be accessed for a firm attachment of the bone. The grafting material is then added once the bone can be accessed to allow the two to connect in a way that the teeth can be functional.

There are various forms of grafting materials. Synthetics substances can be used for the purposes of grafting. The forms may also vary from granules, powder, putty, or even gel.  However, a collagen membrane is usually used to cover the graft so that there can be the optimum repair of the bone. The membrane functions as a scaffold where the body can build a new bone to complete the process.

In most cases, you will have your grafts made from bone minerals that allow your body to be able to deposit new bone cells. You may get the grafting material from your body or from a human donor.  However, the material should be treated in the laboratory so that it becomes sterile and safe for you.

Uses of bone grafts in dentistry

While knowing the procedure and the process of grafting is important. One should also know situations when bone grafting would be necessary. The following are the situations when a dentist would recommend bone grafting to correct a particular situation.

For the purposes of saving teeth

Dental diseases have the potential to result in tooth loss. Often, when teeth become loose out of the diseases they get lost. However, the teeth can be saved if the bone that holds the teeth is salvaged. This requires the regeneration of the teeth.  Grafting can improve bone support and restore the teeth within its positions. The procedure enables the teeth to have a firm anchor that holds it within its place.

Tooth extraction procedures

Grafting materials fits perfectly in place when a tooth has been extracted awaiting implants. For this purpose, bone grafts can be used temporarily to save face and ensure that the aesthetic value of the face is maintained by having a perfect fitting for the teeth in place. In this case, the bone grafting offers a perfect solution because it can take up the place as the implants are awaited. In the event you desire not to have the implants, then the bone graft can hold the place.

Dental implants

The dental implant procedure involves having an optimal tooth replacement whereby a small titanium post is attached to the jawbone. A dental crown that is very realistic and looks exactly like a real tooth is attached to close the gap offering a permanent replacement to the missing tooth. However, for the function and purpose of the implant to a good bone density volume is needed. Bone grafting provides what is necessary to enhance the level of bone density and restore the functioning of the implants as perfect teeth.

If you have any of these situations within your teeth then what you need is Cosmetic dentistry near Pearland. Cosmetic dentistry near Pearland can restore your dental structure through Bone Grafting in Pearland. With the Bone Grafting in Pearland, you get to enjoy having your tooth back despite any damages that may have occurred to you.  You can get autogenous graft near you by simply searching for autogenous graft near you online and you will get the right professional for the procedure and have your perfect smile and the full function of your teeth.

When you have lost your teeth all is not lost. You can have your tooth restored and your smile improved despite any physical damages. All you need to do is contact a good dentist who offers professional services and the best care that you can get. With the bond grafting procedure, you get an almost perfect restoration of your teeth.

Thinking about your child’s teeth or your own and wondering whether orthodontic treatment may be needed at some point is a natural phenomenon for everyone. Orthodontic treatment can be important for oral healthcare for you and your child. If you are not aware of the importance of orthodontic treatment you have reached the right page because we have all the information you need about treatments provided by orthodontists.

Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Needed?

Orthodontic treatment is needed to create healthy and functional bites that are part of the tooth’s alignment and jaw position. When the jaws and teeth line up properly they can function as intended by nature. It can promote good oral health and general physical health. An added bonus is an attractive smile that the orthodontic treatment will bring. If your teeth or that of your child’s do not line up properly you should be researching for an orthodontist near me to get the treatment needed as soon as possible.

How Will the Treatment Help?

Orthodontic therapy will help you and your child bite and chew well while adding to clear speech. Your teeth tend to look nice when they function properly. A pleasant side-effect of orthodontic treatment is an attractive smile that can have emotional benefits. Your self-confidence and self-esteem may improve because the orthodontic treatment will bring your teeth, lips, and face into proportion. You will also be kept away from tooth decay, injury, and gum disease.

Isn’t Orthodontic Treatment Just Cosmetic?

As an adult, you may consider orthodontic treatment as cosmetic if you need to have Invisalign in Pearland. However, there is more to this treatment than meets the eye. You will have an improved appearance from the treatment but when the teeth and jaws are in alignment the biting, chewing, and speech functions also improve.

That attractive smile you or your child achieve from orthodontic treatment is just an outward sign of good oral health that can be the steppingstone for your overall being. Orthodontic treatment can play a larger role than you may have realized.

How Do Orthodontic Problems Develop?

Some orthodontic problems are acquired during childhood by sucking the thumb or fingers but most are inherited. You may have developed the orthodontic problems because of breathing with the mouth, dental problems, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, accidents, poor nutrition, or early or late loss of baby teeth. At times inherited problems can become complicated by the acquired ones. Thankfully orthodontists can generally teeth such conditions successfully.

What Is the Right Age for Orthodontic Treatment?

No age can be considered right for orthodontic treatment. Children should ideally have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven but adults can visit orthodontists at any age to correct problems with their teeth. You must, however, remember that some patients may only require tooth movement but others may benefit from help with guiding the growth of their jaws to reshape the bone. In such cases, the orthodontist may even refer you to a specialist performing dental bone graft in Pearland if required. You must rely on the advice provided by your orthodontist on the best time to treat your child or to receive treatment if you have any of the problems discussed.

Is Your Dentist Offering Orthodontic Treatment?

Many dentists are offering orthodontic treatments besides other procedures but it is advised that you see a second opinion from an orthodontist who can be considered as a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of orthodontic issues. Dentists are provided some education regarding orthodontics in dental school but it is minimal. Orthodontists attend a residency program to receive specialized education in proper and safe tooth movement, the guidance of the dental jaw and facial development, and spend extra years to make the grade as an orthodontic specialist. Orthodontists focus on the practice of the movement of teeth into a proper position and generally do not offer the services provided by a general dentist.

If you have a concern with your teeth or that of your child’s should be visiting a certified orthodontist with the realization that something is not right. Orthodontists regularly offer free checkups without any obligations and therefore it should be an opportunity you shouldn’t be missing.

Orthodontic treatment is an ideal way of getting the perfect smile. If you get a good dentist, you can be sure your smile will improve drastically within a few days. There are several orthodontic appliances and any can be used to improve your smile. You just need to talk to your dentist and he will advise you accordingly on which option is the best for you.

The treatment typically starts as early as seven but it does not mean if you pass the age you can’t be helped. Orthodontic treatment can be done at any age. Just talk to a dentist now and have him examine you.

When is the Best Time to Start Orthodontic Treatment?

There isn’t an exact time when the treatment should begin. However, it is always advisable to have your child see an orthodontist between seven and nine. An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone further training in helping people align and straighten their teeth.

Seeing one as early as possible ensures that the specialist intercepts any dental problem as early as possible. Before the child loses all her/his baby teeth. If your child needs clear braces, your dentist will recommend Invisalign®. The braces will be used to fix the issue causing misalignment.

The earlier an issue is tackled the better. Some problems worsen with age and can be difficult to treat if you take so long. The more difficult the problem is, the more expensive it gets. Having it done early saves you money and ensures that it is a success.

Early Treatment

Experts recommend that children should have their first appointment at the age of seven. The first appointment is all about evaluation since it is too early for the child to start using braces. This treatment is known as phase I. This phase provides timely detection of serious problems. It also helps ensure that the treatment is as effective as possible.

Teen Treatment

Full orthodontic treatment starts during the teenage. Especially between 12 and 16. This treatment is called phase II. Having this treatment helps your kid’s permanent teeth be well-positioned. The appearance of the teeth improves and as well as the smile.

Having your teenage daughter or son have this treatment will ensure she has a smile that can improve his/her confidence. She will be more comfortable with his/her smile which will help him/her blend in well in school which can ultimately lead to improved performance.

Adult Treatment

If you have did not receive treatment while you were young and you are thinking of having it now, you are not late. Anyone can be treated and orthodontic treatment can drastically improve your smile. Invisalign is the best option for you as no one will have to know you are undergoing any treatment.

The braces are clear and comfortable. They are removable meaning you are not limited to what to eat. You can remove the braces and eat your favorite foods before putting them back. Just ensure that they remain in your mouth at least 22 hours a day.

The braces can last for a long time if given proper care. Taking care of them is super easy. It is more of the same as taking care of your natural teeth.

Ensure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Floss them daily as well. Avoid smoking and eating foods that stain. The whole point of going for the clear braces is because they are discreet. Smoking and eating staining foods exposes them which is what we are trying to avoid. Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least once every six months for a checkup.

Do You Need Any Orthodontic Help?

If you are looking for help, Harmony Dental is the place to be. We are a clinic that values family so you can come with all your family for a checkup. We have been dentistry for a long time and you can count on our experience.

We use the most advanced technology. Our procedures are painless and they are conducted professionally. Our services are patient-tailored and we are yours to command. Your happiness is our happiness. Our charges are also very considerate. Contact us today for any questions or for more information. We are happy to help!

The American Dental Association, as well as the CDC, have recommended trace amounts of fluoride be included in water after observing that people that had access to fluoridated water were less likely to develop cavities. At the same time, a recommendation has been made that people obtain professional fluoride treatments every quarterly.

If the governing authorities have included trace amounts of fluoride in water why are these regulatory bodies compelling people also to obtain professional fluoride treatments from dentists? Are they attempting to provide additional business to dentists? Let us look at how professional fluoride treatments can help people in their battle against tooth decay.

The most effective agent available to prevent tooth decay is fluoride. It is a natural mineral that is present in different amounts in almost all types of foods and water. The benefits of fluoride have been understood for over five decades and are supported by the health and professional organizations mentioned above.

How Can Fluoride Treatments Help People?

Fluoride functions in two ways:

Topical fluoride can strengthen the teeth after they have erupted by penetrating into the outer surface of the tooth which is the enamel to make the teeth resistant to decay. We can gain topical fluoride from dental products containing fluorides like toothpaste, mouth rinses, and gels. Dentists and dental hygienists are often recommending that children have a professional application of fluoride every six months during their dental checkups.

Systemic fluoride can strengthen the teeth that have erupted as well as the ones developing under the gums. Systemic fluoride will be available to us from foods and water supplies of the community. Your dentist or physician can also prescribe fluoride drops that are available in the form of a gel. It is common to observe fluoride drops being recommended for infants with tablets being more suited for children until they reach their teen years.

The fluoride received by people from foods and community water supplies is not sufficient to prevent tooth decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist may suggest the use of home or professional fluoride treatments for the following reasons:

• Exposed and sensitive root surfaces.
• Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Fair to poor oral hygiene habits.
• Sugar and carbohydrate intake frequently.
• Lack of exposure to fluoride.
• Medical treatments, medications or conditions preventing an adequate flow of saliva.
• A history of dental decay.

How to Get the Fluoride Treatments Needed from a Professional?

Fluoride treatments are offered by most dentists in a simple procedure with just lasts for about 30 minutes. The dentist offering fluoride treatment in Pearland, TX, will apply the fluoride to the teeth and advise the patient not to have any foods or beverages for about half-an-hour. The application will be in the form of a varnish, gel, or mouth rinse. You will be free to walk away after the procedure that would have been conducted in a simple manner without the need for any anesthesia or invasive treatments.

Despite obtaining the fluoride treatment at Pearland, TX, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene habits because fluoride cannot prevent tooth decay from developing. It is just a preventive measure that should be undertaken with the knowledge that maintaining proper oral hygiene is a requirement that cannot be overlooked.

How Often Do You Need Fluoride Treatments?

The ADA and CDC have recommended professional fluoride treatments every quarterly but discussing with your dentist is suggested about the duration at which you will require fluoride treatments.

A visit to the dentist for a fluoride treatment in Pearland, TX, should not be a financial burden on you. The treatments are offered for around $ 30 for adults but if your children need the treatments they are covered by dental insurance. Discussing with the dentist beforehand about the costs involved will set your mind at peace.

The earlier children are exposed to fluoride the better it will be for them to prevent cavities from developing in their mouths. Research conducted has revealed that children that receive fluoride treatments are 43 percent less likely to develop cavities than the children that haven’t. A dental hygienist at fluoride treatment at Pearland, TX, will confirm the research and may even provide you information about how adults that benefited from fluoridated water displayed lower chances of developing cavities.

Fluoride is present in food, water, and is also available as professional treatments. Food and water are not capable of determining the quantity of fluoride you need while the dentist is. It is perhaps the reason why professional fluoride treatments are recommended along with exams and checkups every six months to keep your teeth and smile in proper condition.

Dental decay is a common occurrence among many people. It happens when the enamel of the tooth and dentin are softened by an acid attack when sugary foods are had. With time the acid creates a cavity in the tooth leading to the condition popularly known as tooth decay or dental caries. The cause of tooth decay is the acids released by plaque that gradually dissolve the enamel and dentin of the tooth. Tooth decay damages the teeth causing it need fillings or to be extracted. It can happen to adults as well as children causing them to make frequent visits to the dentist’s office for a remedy. If people are affected by tooth decay they should try to understand how to work on it and schedule an appointment with the dentist immediately to get rid of the problem by Christmas. The effort will make it possible for people to welcome Christmas with a healthy smile rather than show off the tooth decay.

Why Does Tooth Decay Occur?

The decay occurs when the sugars in foods and beverages interact with the bacteria in the plaque to form acids. When people regularly have these foods containing sugar’s their teeth are attacked by the acids to begin dissolving the enamel. The duration of the attacks can last for about an hour after having the food. The natural salts in the saliva make it possible for the enamel to re-remineralize and harden again. Some types of carbohydrates and drinks also react with the plaque to form acids. These are the hidden sugars and are known as fermentable carbohydrates in processed food. People wishing to avoid tooth decay must make an attempt to stop having sugary and acidic drinks between meals as it can increase the risks of the decay creeping in. Their teeth are constantly exposed to attacks and do not have the time to recover.

What Are The Symptoms Of Tooth Decay?

Initially, people will not observe any signs or symptoms of tooth decay. If they avoid regular dental visits for cleanings and exams they will be preventing their dental team and unfortunately to spot the decay in its early stages. An early examination of your mouth and teeth will make it possible for your dental team to spot any cavities and treat them in the early stages.

What Happens When A Cavity Develops?

Your Tooth will become sensitive to sweet drinks and foods and even hot foods after the cavity has reached the dentin of your teeth. As the decay gets closer to the dental pulp you will begin to suffer from toothaches. The toothache may only last for a few seconds if it is brought on by hot or sweet foods. The pain will increase as the decay reaches the dental pulp and make it necessary for you to rely on painkillers for relief. At this stage, it is important for you to schedule an appointment with your dental team immediately because your tooth is dying and if untreated can develop an abscess.

What Happens When This Problem Is Neglected?

A toothache is an indicator that you should visit your dental team right away because you are being warned that something is wrong in your mouth. Neglecting the problem is only attempting to make it worse leading to an extraction becoming necessary on a tooth that would otherwise have been saved.

What Areas Of the Teeth Are Most Likely To Decay?

The biting surfaces of the teeth and the spaces between the teeth are most prone to tooth decay. These are areas were food particles, debris, and plaque can remain stuck. However, it must be understood that any part of the tooth is prone to tooth decay if left untreated.

What Treatment Is Offered For Tooth Decay?

If the decay is not serious the dental team will remove it and repair the tooth a filling. The dental team may also use sealants to provide additional protection to the tooth. If if they observe nerve damage the dentist may recommend conducting a root canal to remove the nerve before repairing the tooth with a filling or crown. The dentist will recommend extracting the tooth if it is badly decayed and cannot be repaired.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay Altogether?

The best way to prevent tooth decay altogether is to adopt the following habits:

• Brush your teeth thoroughly before bedtime in the night and at least another time during the day with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing the inner and outer biting surfaces is also a requirement which you shouldn’t be forgetting. Using an interdental brush and dental floss also helps to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth where they come into contact with your gums. These are areas a regular toothbrush will not be able to reach.
• Visit your dental team at least twice a year or as often as recommended. Limit your consumption of acidic foods and sugary drinks because it helps you to prevent some attacks on your teeth by the acids.
• Make chewing sugar-free gum a habit for about 20 minutes after a meal because it can encourage the production of saliva in your mouth which can wash away any acids that have already formed.
• Your dental team dental can educate you about the areas you need to care about most when cleaning your teeth. They will also display how you should be brushing correctly and cleaning between your teeth with interdental brushes and floss.

If you are prepared to follow the advice provided stringently you can confidently welcome Christmas having said goodbye to tooth decay well before it arrives.

Are you concerned about how you can avoid dental problems as well as expensive bills of the dentist for any treatment you may need? If you have heard of the adage “prevention is better than a cure” you will be attempting to incorporate the same into your lifestyle. You will not be required to acquire any special education for this purpose. A little effort on your part will significantly make it possible for you to prevent dental problems before they occur. It should be your approach to dental health especially if you want to avoid the exorbitant charges that you would be required to pay for dental treatments.

Rather than allow dental problems to occur you should prefer to prevent them altogether by adopting all the suggestions made in this discussion. They will not just help you to care for your teeth but at the same time will ensure your wallet remains in your pocket even when you visit the dentist’s office for a dental exam.

What are the suggestions we recommend for you?

Brushing Twice Daily For A Couple Minutes At a Time

Spending just two minutes to brush your teeth twice a day is sufficient to keep your teeth healthy. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth and tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush along with a fluoride toothpaste to clean the food and bacteria from your mouth. Brushing is also beneficial for washing out bacteria that nibble away at your teeth to cause cavities.

Brushing in the Morning Prevents Bad Breath

The temperature of your mouth is 98.6°F. It is filled with food particles and bacteria apart from being warm and wet. These are breeding grounds for deposits of plaque. Plaque can calcify and harden on your teeth to form calculus or Tartar that can irritate your gums causing the gum disease periodontitis as well as emanate a foul smell from your mouth. Therefore do not forget the morning brush because it can help you to get rid of the plaque that has accumulated overnight.

Over Brushing Your Teeth Should Be Avoided

If you are accustomed to brushing more than two times a day exceeding the two minutes suggested you are wearing down the enamel that protects your teeth. When the enamel wears off it exposes the dentin which has tiny holes leading to nerve endings. You could suffer from tooth pain of different types when these nerve endings are triggered. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that around 20% of all Americans experience pain and sensitivity in their teeth.

Brushing Does Not Mean Waging War with Your Teeth

It is suggested that you brush twice a day for two minutes at a time but there is no reason for you to brush your teeth like you are waging a war against them. Applying too much pressure is not beneficial because you are hurting the enamel which has the strength to protect your teeth against anything you put in your mouth. The enamel in children and teenagers is softer than adults leaving them susceptible to the problem of cavities and erosion from foods and beverages.

Flossing Should Be An Everyday Habit

Do not like the way the dentist scrapes away at your teeth during the dental cleaning procedure? You can easily overcome this problem by flossing your teeth every day. Flossing can loosen particles in your teeth missed by your toothbrush. It can also remove plaque and inhibit the buildup of tartar. You will not find it difficult to brush away the plaque but removing the tartar will need a visit to the dentist’s office and the expenditure you are fearing.

When Is the Best Time To Brush and Floss?

This is similar to asking which came first the chicken or the egg. It doesn’t matter as long as you do not miss out on these tasks every single day.

Avoid Any Soda Or Carbonated Drinks

Soft drinks of all types are not beneficial because they contain sugar that can harm your teeth. The soda has acid which attacks the teeth allowing it to chip away at the enamel not just to create a breeding ground for cavities but also to leave stains on the teeth. Therefore it is recommended that soft drinks of all types be limited when attempting to take care of your teeth.

Begin using the suggestions provided in this discussion right away for preventing dental problems as well as problems with your financial health.