CAD/CAM Software

Short for computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing, this software brings you better fitting crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays, and bridges. CAD/CAM technology comes out of industrial engineering and manufacturing and into the dental office to provide faster, superior products and services in oral health. Using computers to design oral appliances increases accuracy, efficiency, appearance, and function.

CAD/CAM dental services start with 3D images. The computer takes the images and creates a model of whatever restorative appliance you need. Research shows that dental restorations made with CAD/CAM technology are stronger and less likely to break. This is great news if you’re already dealing with oral health issues and you just want everything to look natural and work well.

Same-Day Milling

Thanks to CAD/CAM technology, you can now get many dental restorations placed in just one visit to the dental office. This is good news for busy people! All crowns, veneers, and onlays need to actually be created and shaped out of porcelain or composite. After using digital images to get a picture of your mouth, the information will be sent to a machine that can automatically create a natural-looking restoration on the spot.

The machine can usually make these in about 20 minutes. The milling machine may also glaze or stain the porcelain to best match your natural teeth. Like clay pottery, the porcelain or composite then needs to be fired. All of this should take anywhere from one to two hours. You can walk into the dentist toothless and walk out with a full, vibrant smile the same day.

Guided Surgery

Surgical guides are 3D computer images that your dentist may use to improve the accuracy and safety of having dental implants placed. Not everyone is a good candidate for implants, but if your dentist believes you are, they may also use a surgical guide during your procedure.

A surgical guide uses digital images to give us a realistic picture of your jawbones, gums, nerves, and more. A computer will help your Lebanon dentist plan the whole procedure so that each step and measurement is more accurate. With all of this important information, dentists can work faster so you’re in the chair less (as much as we love to see you).

Cone Beam Imaging

When your doctor or dentist needs to see beyond the naked eye, they can use one of many different x-ray and imaging technologies. Cone-beam images are 3D scans that use cone-shaped laser beams to get a complete scan of your entire mouth. Cone-beams use more radiation than a standard dental x-ray, but far less than a standard medical CT scan. Cone-beam images especially help with placement and installation of dental implants.

Electronic Booking & Billing

Gone are the days of endless stacks of paper you need to keep track of and store. Gone are the days of being on hold with a receptionist. Many dental offices now make use of email and online programs to communicate with patients both for billing and making new appointments.

Now, everything you need to know about your oral care can be kept in one place to easily see and understand. Nothing can replace the friendly and professional environment of a good dental office, but digital communication helps ensure that you, your dentist, and the insurance providers are all on the same page. So when you walk in for your appointment, things should flow seamlessly and with no surprises.

Finding a Digital Dentist

An everyday visit to the dentist looks a lot different today than it has in decades past. The services you need may require any or all of the above technology to provide quality care and healthy outcomes.

At Advanced Dental, we are always learning more about how to use technology to better serve you. If you’re looking for a professional oral care provider, Lebanon dentists, Dr. Cox and Dr. Smith are taking new patients. Make an appointment today to learn more about what we can do for you and your smile!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

The post Dentistry in the Digital Age appeared first on Advanced Dental.

How old is too old for braces? It’s an interesting question—and the answer may surprise you! Advanced Dental in Lebanon would like to share some information with readers today regarding patient age as it relates to orthodontic treatment.

Spoiler Alert!

Patient age alone is not a deal breaker when it comes to successful orthodontic treatment outcomes, so what’s the determining factor? Simply put— the health of gums and bone. For example, if a patient has uncontrolled periodontal (gum) disease, the moving of teeth within the bone caused by orthodontic appliances can aggravate gum disease symptoms. Other medical conditions or medications can also interfere with orthodontic treatment. Some of these include:

• Severe heart valve disease
• Bleeding disorders
• Severe and uncontrolled diabetes
• Leukemia

Some medications used to treat arthritis and osteoporosis make moving teeth more difficult, so your dentist or orthodontist needs full disclosure of all medications you take before you begin any treatment. Smoking cigarettes and certain other medications can dry out the mouth, increase your risk of tooth decay and make orthodontic treatment less comfortable. Be sure to give Dr. Cox and Dr. Smith all your medical information—including medications you are taking—up front before starting treatment.

What are the Benefits of Adult Braces?

Malocclusion—which doesn’t only apply to crooked teeth, but a bad bite—affects approximately 75% of adults.  About 1 in 5 orthodontic patients are adults over the age of 21. That’s a lot of grown-up braces!

• Orthodontia can correct the bite. A bad bite can be genetic, result from overcrowded teeth, or develop when lost teeth leave gaps in the gums behind. The remaining teeth slip into these empty spaces simply because they remain empty. Adult braces can correct the bite and move teeth where they should be for a healthy bite.
• Straight teeth are easier to clean. Brushing and flossing are much easier to do effectively when teeth are evenly aligned in the mouth, so your risk for tooth decay and gum disease decreases significantly.
• Enjoying food by chewing and swallowing comfortably is one of life’s simpler pleasures. A person whose bite isn’t functional is likely to become discouraged when faced with this problem—multiple times per day, every day.
• Orthodontia—or more accurately, the results of orthodontia—can cause a big spike in self-assurance. People who like their smiles may find it difficult to stop smiling! Personal appearance, self-esteem, and confidence can skyrocket once teeth are straighter. Straightening your smile can actually be life changing!

What Are the Drawbacks of Adult Orthodontia?

Because adult bones are no longer growing, some structural changes in the jaw and mouth cannot be accomplished without surgery. Treatment times may take longer in older patients due to fighting gum disease or bone loss.

Hey, Get Off My Lawn!

Braces are not just for children and teens anymore. Regardless of your age, if your teeth bother you enough to want to correct your malocclusion—you should do it! Crooked and misaligned teeth can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, premature and excessive tooth wear, headaches, and jaw joint issues like TMJ. These are dental problems no one of any age wants!

Technology has grown by leaps and bounds since most of us were kids. Today’s braces are not necessarily the metal and wire contraptions catching every camera flash or trapping food at the worst possible times. While certain dental situations call for more traditional braces, they are smaller and less invasive than ever. Different orthodontic options have evolved over time that look more discreet, often require shorter treatment times, and can be easier to care for.

Different Types of Braces

Clear Aligners

Invisalign® and ClearCorrect® are two popular orthodontic treatments that use clear, custom-fitted aligners to straighten teeth. The aligners are removable, easy to clean, and do not require additional dietary restrictions. They are also nearly invisible due to their clear construction of medical-grade plastic. Millions of people have successfully used these systems to achieve more beautiful smiles—and treatment times average only about a year!

Colorless or Tooth-Colored Braces

Six Month Smiles® is one example of a system using tooth-colored or clear brackets and wires for a short-term orthodontic treatment that improves the alignment of visible teeth. Because the focus is on only the front teeth that show when you smile, the treatment time is much shorter (average treatment times of six months, hence the name) and they’re much less noticeable than traditional braces.

If you are an adult considering straightening your teeth, contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment today!

Sources

http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/22,HD57

https://sherwoodparkdental.ca/dental-myths-101-too-old-for-braces-not/

The post Am I Too Old for Braces? appeared first on Advanced Dental.

A missing tooth or teeth can also cause jaw pain and bite misalignment. Without a full set of teeth, your other teeth tend to move into the empty space, causing unnatural alignment in your bite and jaw—which can be very uncomfortable and can lead to bigger headaches and TMJ/TMD problems.

Dr. Cox and Dr. Smith share how each tooth plays an important role in your health and everyday life, and how dental bridges can restore your smile and the function of your teeth.

Types of Bridges

Depending on your needs, there are three common kinds of bridges that your dentist may recommend. The difference between each type of bridge is how they are installed and secured.

The core of every bridge is the false tooth or teeth that replace those missing. Today these are usually made of quality porcelain and perform daily functions just as well as your natural teeth would-whether you are eating, speaking, or flashing a smile!

Bridges use the teeth on either side to secure your artificial tooth or teeth in place. Sometimes they involve a crown or two over these neighboring teeth and sometimes not. These neighboring teeth – called abutment teeth – are very important. The type of bridge you get will depend on how many abutment teeth are used in your bridge.

• A traditional bridge is supported by two neighboring teeth, each covered in a crown. Your false tooth is suspended in place between the two crowns. Traditional bridges are the most common type.
• Cantilever bridges are not as common but can be used when your missing tooth only has one abutment tooth nearby. Like a traditional bridge, the cantilever bridge uses a crown on the abutment tooth, bonded to the false tooth to keep it in place.
• A Maryland bridge has no crowns on the neighboring teeth. This bridge uses metal wings on the side of the false tooth and bonds those wings directly to neighboring teeth for support.

Bridges vs. Dentures vs. Implants

When looking into tooth replacement options, you may wonder what the differences are between bridges, dentures, and implants. Bridges and implants are “fixed” dental restorations, which means they cannot be removed. Dentures are generally removable.

Dental bridges are also usually cheaper than implants and they can look completely natural. Bridges are a good option if the teeth next to your gap would need a crown regardless, or if the gap has been there for quite some time.  Not every patient is a good candidate for implants, which require a very healthy jawbone and gums to install false tooth roots.

Getting A Bridge

To prepare your mouth for a bridge, the doctor will clean and shape any abutment tooth or teeth in the area your bridge will be placed. The abutment teeth are essential to the permanent fit and function of the bridge. Once you have a bridge, it needs to be cleaned and cared for just like your other teeth: brush twice a day, floss once a day, and come to see us twice a year.  If you’re ready to restore and improve your smile, contact us at Advanced Dental to make an appointment today!

Sources

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/bridges-and-crowns/article/dental-bridges-and-oral-health?thumbparam=bridges-and-crowns/468776761

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-bridges

The post Dental Bridges 101 appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Teeth are important players in your life! They’re not only the first responders for your digestive tract, but they can make a great first impression – so you deserve a beautiful, fully-functioning set. If your teeth need a real makeover, a crown might be just the thing you need.

A crown is a custom-made shell that fits perfectly over your natural tooth. Crowns look and act exactly like your original tooth – but better. Crowns restore broken and badly decayed or discolored teeth. Crowns also top off dental implants and build dental bridges.

Dr. Cox, Lebanon dentist at Advanced Dental shares what you need to know about getting a crown.

If You Need A Crown

Getting a crown usually requires two trips to the dentist. On the first trip, the dentist makes a plan to suit your specific needs and prepares the tooth. You will also get impressions of the tooth so that a crown can be made to fit perfectly over the natural tooth. On the second trip, your crown is installed and cemented on. A crown is a permanent or “fixed” dental piece. This makes it very stable and durable.

In some cases, a crown can be designed, fabricated and placed in a single appointment with the help of advanced same-day technology.

Crowns can be made of a variety of materials and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Talk with your dentist when choosing between crowns made of porcelain, resin, or metal.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Crowns are a superior restorative dentistry treatment in both form and function. Because they are individually made, your Lebanon dentist can give unique attention to each tooth to make sure it looks and acts just like a natural tooth.

• Form: Crowns look completely natural and are made of materials that match your teeth, they do not stain, and they fill in your smile for a beautiful set of pearly whites!
• Function: Crowns stay perfectly locked in place, they protect your tooth underneath from damage and decay, and they are comfortable, fitting totally naturally in your mouth. They can last a decade or longer if cared for properly.

Getting & Maintaining a Crown

You can (and should) care for a crown the same way you do all of your other teeth. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist regularly. You should also try to be gentle with your teeth to preserve your crown and prevent you from needing another one down the road. This means not grinding your teeth or using them to open packaging and bottles.

It might take a while to get used to the feel of your newly crowned tooth, but after a little time, it will feel completely comfortable and natural, even much better than it did before!

If you’re interested in a crown, Advanced Dental would love to take care of you. Contact us today for an appointment, and you’ll be on your way to a new smile in no time!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Sources

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/bridges-and-crowns/article/what-are-dental-crowns-and-tooth-bridges

The post Dental Crowns 101 appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Let’s be honest. If you are like most people in Lebanon, you’ve probably put off going to the dentist at one time or another. Some of us have even avoided seeing a dentist for years at a time. Research shows one in three Americans avoids going to the dentist regularly. As the time spent away from Dr. Cox’s chair adds up, so does the cost of potential dental work.

You start to feel and even see that your teeth are not in good shape. Plaque and tartar buildup, toothaches, sensitivity to hot and cold, bleeding gums, deep, dark stains, perhaps even loose, clearly decaying teeth. Either way, by the time you get to this point you are probably wondering – is it too late to see the dentist? Here’s what Dr. Cox has to say when it comes to oral health:

It is never too late to seek dental care!

No matter how old you are, what condition your teeth are in, or how long you’ve been avoiding a trip to your local Lebanon dentist, there is something we can do to help. Even if you are missing all your teeth, we can still help restore your oral health, smile, and quality of life. Going to the dentist- even when there is nothing wrong- is the key to three important parts of your oral health:

• Diagnosis and early treatment of any issues – Dr. Cox can detect tooth decay, gum disease, even signs of oral cancer before they become serious. Preventative care is truly the best medicine when it comes to your smile. That’s why most insurance carriers cover the bulk of costs for X-rays, bi-annual cleanings, and checkups.
• Keeping dental care costs down — one of the main reasons people avoid the dentist is for fear of the cost. The longer you wait, the more expensive it gets, and the more time you will have to spend in Dr. Cox’s chair.
• Maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile! At Advanced Dental we put your oral health needs first, so we really mean it when we say don’t hesitate to ask us any questions! We offer everything from simple fillings to full mouth rehabilitation services and we’ll work with the needs of you and your family to give you the healthy, radiant smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

The post Is it Ever Too Late for Dental Work? appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Nightguards for Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a very common condition. Everyone grinds their teeth at some point, but some Lebanon folks do it so much (especially during the night) that it causes severe damage to their teeth, headaches, jaw aches, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) issues and more. The problem is that most bruxism sufferers don’t know that they are actually clenching and grinding their teeth. The best treatment for bruxism is wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth from the most harmful grinding and clenching, which happens during sleep. The bruxism guards we offer at Advanced Dental are custom-fitted to your mouth and extremely effective at protecting your teeth from damage and getting rid of bruxism symptoms.

Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Oral appliances are also a great way to get relief from sleep apnea. Lebanon adults who frequently snore, wake up with a very sore or dry throat, feel fatigued during the day, and have to urinate many times during the night may be suffering from this disorder. Sleep apnea interferes with air flow, causing you to stop breathing as many as 400 times per night, and can have potentially life-threatening side effects.

In addition to CPAP machines, oral appliances are recognized by the FDA as an effective treatment method for sleep apnea. By slightly shifting your bite, sleep apnea appliances allow for increased airflow and normal breathing. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Cox will fit you with a custom-molded oral appliance to help you get your restful sleep back.

We care about making sure that everyone in Lebanon enjoys quality sleep and can show it with a beautiful smile. For more information on nightguards or oral appliances, or to schedule a consultation, contact Advanced Dental today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Sources

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/mouth-guards

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/news/20060203/mouth-guard-endorsed-for-sleep-apnea

The post How Dental Nightguards Can Help You appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Did you know that our ancestors actually had naturally larger jaws? This meant they had more room in their mouth for all of their teeth to fit comfortably. But over time, due to genetic changes, human mouths are smaller than ever before. One out of every five people will have a problem with how their teeth fit and line up in their mouth! Invisalign® is one great option for the modern human who wants straighter teeth, without unsightly metal brackets and wires.

If for any reason you aren’t fully comfortable with your smile, Dr. Cox in Lebanon wants you to know your options. Read more below about orthodontics and Invisalign.

Malocclusion

When your mouth is closed, your top teeth should rest comfortably on top and a little to the front of your bottom teeth. This resting position is called your bite. If your teeth don’t come down at a good angle, it might be because you have an improper bite. An improper bite, called malocclusion, is sometimes just cosmetic, but it can cause pain and difficulty eating or speaking, as well as problems with the jaw joint (TMJ).

A bad bite can look like:

• Overbite: when your top teeth are too far in front of your bottom teeth
• Underbite: when your bottom teeth are in front of your top teeth
• Crossbite: when your top or bottom teeth fell left or right of center

If your teeth are out of place, it can affect many aspects of your life. You might have head and neck pain, trouble eating or speaking, or feel shy about your appearance. Crooked teeth also increase your chance of developing tooth decay and gum disease because it’s harder to clear debris even with regular brushing and flossing.

Orthodontics

There are many ways to move your teeth and bite to into a better position. All orthodontic treatment requires careful planning, time, and may cause a bit of soreness. You are moving real bones, after all.

Orthodontic treatments involve some kind of metal or plastic in your mouth that will apply just the right kind of pressure to shift your teeth over time. This is called an appliance and it can either be removable or cemented in your mouth.

Common orthodontic appliances include:

• Metal braces on the front of your teeth
• Lingual braces placed behind your teeth
• Invisalign clear aligners
• Retainers
• Expanders

Invisalign® vs. Conventional Braces

The Invisalign treatment is able to achieve the same results as conventional metal braces but without the ugly metal braces! Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to apply pressure and gently shift teeth into their desired location.

• Invisalign uses plastic aligner trays instead of metal brackets.
• The aligners are removable, so even though you need to wear them for most of the day (20-22 hours) you can actually take them out for eating, cleaning, and for special occasions. Regular braces are permanently cemented in place.
• You will get new Invisalign aligners approximately every two weeks. Each set will be slightly different to slowly move your teeth into a better position.
• Removing Invisalign aligners makes oral care, like brushing your teeth, easier than if you have metal braces for better oral and periodontal health.
• Invisalign may work best on simpler cases but it can often work faster than braces.

Getting Invisalign®

It’s never too early (or too late) to achieve optimal oral health. Having a proper bite and a confident smile can improve nearly every aspect of your daily life. Your Lebanon dentist can give you a professional consultation and even create a flexible payment plan to help you get the orthodontic treatment you deserve.

If you have questions about Invisalign or any other orthodontic options, contact Advanced Dental today! We’d love to give you something to smile about.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Sources

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/malocclusion-and-orthodontics-topic-overview#1

https://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/adult-orthodontics

The post It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s…Invisalign®! appeared first on Advanced Dental.

CEREC machines use CAD/CAM technology–computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing. They allow your Lebanon dentist to make and install a dental crown–and other restorations–all in the same visit. This is very good news if you have a chipped tooth or very bad cavity that needs to be treated immediately.

So what exactly is CEREC? How does it work? And more importantly, what does it do for you? Dr. Cox from Advanced Dental explains more below.

Benefits to Patients

The main benefits of CEREC same day dentistry include:

• Faster service with fewer appointments
• Fewer injections for numbing the area
• No messy impressions with digital technology
• No temporary crown or waiting period
• Accurate, detailed, biocompatible molds

Using a CEREC machine allows your dentist to do all of the dental restoration work in the same office, on the same day. As much as we like you and enjoy spending time with you, we know you have other places to be. Your teeth have important work to do all day long and it’s hard to be without any of them if they are cracked or severely decayed. We want to see your smile returned to full health and beauty as soon as you need it – today!

Anyone who has played the game Telephone knows what it means for something to be “lost in translation.” Sometimes this happens when dental offices need crowns to be made in an off-site laboratory where they send impressions. By keeping the whole process in-house, CEREC technology increases your chance of getting the perfect crown the very first time.

If you’re interested in holistic dentistry, CEREC can also help you get more a biocompatible crown. This means the dental piece will work as smoothly as possible within the whole system of your mouth and body.

CEREC Crown vs. Traditional Laboratory Crown

Almost any smile restoration you need can be completed or aided with the help of CEREC. So how does it work exactly? Let’s first look at the traditional way dental crowns get made.

Traditionally, to install a crown, the dentist will:

• Clean the tooth and prepare it for a crown
• Take impressions of the tooth using trays
• Pour liquid stone into the trays to create a unique tooth mold
• Send the mold to an off-site lab
• Fit you with a temporary crown to wear for the next few weeks
• A lab tech then creates the crown by using layers of dental porcelain on the mold
• The crown goes through a firing finishing process
• The crown is sent back to the dentist office for installation
• The temporary is removed, and the final crown is fitted

The whole process takes weeks and at least two separate visits for patients.

With CEREC, the dentist is able to take very accurate scans and photos of the tooth, and create and place the crown on the same day:

• Your tooth still gets cleaned and prepared
• Using a very light layer of reflective dust on your tooth, and a scanning wand picking up the reflections, the dentist gets a digital picture of your tooth and all its surfaces
• The scan creates a perfect 3D digital model
• The digital model helps the dentist be sure the tooth is properly prepared, as well as creates a mold for the crown
• The milling machine then carves the crown out of a block of ceramic in about five minutes
• The dentist can be sure the crown perfectly fits your tooth right there
• The crown is glazed and finished
• The crown is installed, restoring your tooth’s natural appearance and function the same day

What Can CEREC Do For You?

CEREC can create perfect models of your teeth for crowns, veneers, fillings, and bridges.

If you have any need for restorative dentistry in Lebanon, contact us to make an appointment today!

Sources

https://naturaldentistry.us/1790/what-is-cerec-and-why-does-it-matter/

http://www.deardoctor.com/articles/creating-in-office-dental-restorations-with-computers/

The post Same Day Dentistry – Too Good to Be True? appeared first on Advanced Dental.

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who floss, and those who don’t. Diligent flossers everywhere inspire those of us who live with them or know them. Flossing may not be an actual virtue but it’s certainly high on the list of qualities amongst people who “have it together.” Read more below about why flossing is so important and what alternatives you have if you don’t like traditional floss.

The Point of Flossing

After you eat, tiny pieces of food are left everywhere in your mouth. Even though your saliva does a good job of rinsing a lot of food debris away, some leftovers stay stuck on your teeth and gums and must be brushed and flossed to get rid of it.

You do have tons of natural bacteria in your mouth that help break down food build up, but the bacteria leave behind a sticky film on your teeth called plaque that needs to be removed.

Everyone (even young kids) should brush for two minutes, twice a day, and floss once a day to remove food build up and plaque from the places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.

If you don’t stay on top of it, food buildup and plaque can quickly turn into bigger problems that cause tooth decay, gum disease, and inflammation in your mouth.

Flossing Alternatives

The American Dental Association (ADA) says it doesn’t matter if you floss before or after brushing your teeth, or if you floss in the morning or at night. What’s most important is that you do it.

But what if traditional flossing is difficult for you, or you’re traveling, or if you have braces? Thankfully, you have some options that the ADA approves.

Here are some of the flossing alternatives and what they are good for:

• Interdental Brushes: Like tiny toothbrushes, specially designed to clean between your teeth, these brushes are a great alternative to flossing. Interdental brushes are usually easier to use than a thread of floss, are just as effective as floss, and are probably your best option if you have braces.
• Water Flossing: Approved by the ADA as a floss alternative, water flossing is just what it sounds like. Instead of a thread, water flossing uses a steady stream of water, aimed between the teeth, to clear away plaque. Water flossing uses a small, hand-held appliance that might be more physically comfortable for you.
• Dental Pick: Made of plastic or wood, these tiny sticks can help move plaque from your teeth and gums. If you use a wooden pick, the ADA recommends getting the pick wet first to soften it. Picks aren’t quite as effective as floss, and you risk moving bacteria around in your mouth unless you use a new pick for each tooth.
• Pre-Threaded Floss: For some people, the hardest part of flossing is actually reaching the floss into the mouth and effectively moving it between the teeth. Thankfully, a pre-threaded flosser is the simple answer to this problem. You can buy these in packets and use one with one hand. Use pre-threaded floss to more easily reach in your mouth and (like regular floss) throw it away after each use.
• Soft-Picks by GUM®: A favorite of the dental community, Soft-Picks are sort of an interdental brush/dental pick hybrid. Soft-Picks are small, disposable plastic picks with a soft tip and rubbery bristles that fit comfortably between teeth and do minimal damage to gum tissue.

A word about mouthwash: while it’s a great option for freshness and does help kill the bacteria that cause decay and gum disease in the rest of the mouth, mouthwash is not a good replacement for brushing or flossing. Mouthwash is best used in combination with these methods for optimum oral health.

Floss & Your Health

Your daily brushing and flossing is the foundation of good oral hygiene and health. Remember also to see your dentist for a professional cleaning twice per year. Some plaque and build up can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. Plus, proactive oral care goes a long way toward your overall health and seeing the dentist is just as important as seeing your doctor!

If you’re looking for a Lebanon dentist, Dr. Cox at Advanced Dental is always welcoming new patients. Come to see us for any and all of your dental health needs.

Sources

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/plaque-and-tartar/article/dental-pick-for-plaque-removal-1216

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/article/flossing-alternatives-1016

The post Hate Flossing? – 5 Flossing Alternatives appeared first on Advanced Dental.

The primary dentist in your life should be your family dentist. They are also known as a general dentist. Your family dentist is whom you will see most often for dental check-ups. But how exactly is family dentistry different from other kinds of dentistry? Dr. Cox in Lebanon shares more below about family dentistry.

Types of Dentistry

All dentists have an undergraduate degree and then go on to about four years of dental school. This earns them either a doctorate of dental medicine (DMD) or doctorate of dental surgery (DDS). To become more specialized, the dentist will need additional education and clinical experience.

• General Dentist: A family dentist is a general dentist. They treat patients of all ages and offer a broad range of services from fillings to screening for oral cancer.
• Endodontist: They focus on the soft, inner layers of the teeth. Tooth pain, infections, and root canals are their primary focus.
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon: Specialized in emergency dentistry, the anatomy of the mouth, and anesthesia in case you ever need oral surgery.
• Orthodontist: They improve your smile for both looks and function with teeth straightening techniques and orthodontics.
• Periodontist: Treats gum disease and promotes gum health. They sometimes perform surgery and can install dental implants.
• Oral Pathologist: Can diagnosis and treat any disease in the teeth, lips, cheeks and jaws.

Family Dentistry is Preventative Care

Seeing your dentist regularly is just as important as seeing your primary care doctor regularly. A family dentist will have an ongoing relationship with you and every member of your family to help keep you healthy and navigate any potential oral health concerns.

The benefits of seeing a family dentist are many! Here are just a few:

• Convenience: Family dentists have regular office hours and can treat your whole family in one day. Whether you do all of the appointments at once or each in a row, you only have to make one trip.
• Long-term Relationship: The better your dentist knows you and your health history the better they can serve you. Your relationship with your family dentist will only improve with time.
• Preventative Care & Comprehensive Treatment: Family dentists treat people of all ages and do everything from cleanings and cancer screenings to addressing sleep issues, preventing diseases, and consulting for orthodontics.
• Prevent Disease: Regular cleanings and check-ups with a family dentist help prevent any future problems by keeping gum disease and decay at bay.
• Community: Everyone can see the family dentist! From your kids to your sister and your mom to your mail carrier and babysitter. Family dentists are a part of everyday community life and wellness.

If you’re looking for a family dentist or preventive dental care in Lebanon, make an appointment with Advanced Dental today. Bring the whole family!

Sources

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-health-care-providers#2

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