Seeing children smile is one of the nicest benefits of being a child’s parent or caretaker. Hearing them laugh is priceless. With care provided early in life by a children’s dentist, your child can get off to the healthiest possible start through good dental hygiene. This gives them the best chance to have healthier teeth and a white smile.

Going to the local dentist office will not seem so challenging to children when they’re introduced to taking good care of their teeth and seeing a dentist from an early age. Your children’s dentist will probably recommend seeing your child for the first time as early as age one. You can begin at home by softly brushing your child’s teeth using gauze as soon as their first baby teeth come in. This gets them used to the concept of dental hygiene.

Pediatric Dentists Are Experts At Making Children Feel Comfortable

Pediatric dentists usually have their offices decorated in a child friendly way to make kids feel comfortable. Many offices have special child size furniture and brightly colored, child inspired decor. Children’s dentists are also specially trained in:

Your local dentist office will strive to give kids and parents an experience that makes everyone feel comfortable. When kids and their parents are relaxed, the experience is positive.

Services Your Pediatric Dentist Will Provide To Children

Some of the services pediatric dentists specialize in are:

  1. Teaching kids the importance of good dental hygiene to prevent cavities, infections and other problems
  2. Dental x-rays if needed
  3. Fluoride treatments to prevent future cavities
  4. Flossing teeth and giving teeth a thorough cleaning
  5. Finding and filling cavities
  6. Placing sealants on molars and hard to reach teeth to protect them from cavities

Seeing The Dentist Becomes A Welcome Experience

When children’s first experiences of seeing a dentist are positive and affirming, they have the best chances for healthy, white teeth and beautiful smiles for life. If you’re interested in giving your kids a great start in dental care, feel free to call us to make an appointment. The gift of good dental health is priceless.

Many times for whatever reason we aren’t satisfied with our current smile. Maybe it’s due to permanent teeth discoloration, or perhaps even missing teeth. It could even be due to spacing issues that impact your confidence when smiling.

Dental veneers are one option to consider. A good cosmetic dentist will be your first step in determining if these are right for you. Veneers are basically custom made wafer thin material that fit over your existing dental work to cover imperfections in your smile.

When consulting with your cosmetic dentist they will help to answer any questions you have about the process as well as make treatment recommendations for you. They will be the key to achieving that smile you’ve always wanted.

In general veneers are usually made of porcelain to deliver the best in durability as well as cosmetic appearance. The process for fitting involves adhering the porcelain shell directly to the teeth that are going to be improved. However, before the fitting is able to be completed a comprehensive oral exam must be done first. Before any alterations can take place your oral health is of top priority. This will include checking for signs of tooth decay, overall gum health, and previous dental history. By completing this step you can be sure that any dental work you invest in will last for a lifetime!

Veneers are able to provide many benefits:

There are however some things to consider with veneers, such as:

When considering dental veneers it is extremely important to consult a knowledgeable cosmetic dentist. They will ultimately be able to walk you through the process in the most detail. They will have years of expertise and training regarding the appropriate way to match your existing tooth shade, fitting, and maintaining your new confident smile. Click here to schedule an appointment with our friendly staff to see if dental veneers are right for you!

A smile is your crowning glory. Dental crowns restore teeth to their original shape and size. They will improve the tooth’s appearance and make it stronger. When a tooth has a large filling, the crown is often used to ensure the filling stays in place. This is true of teeth that have a tiny bit of the original tooth left. When teeth are badly discolored or misshapen, a crown is an excellent option that an experienced dentist can give to their patient.

The crown is a cover that goes over the tooth. It improves your ability to chew and makes your smile brighter. Crowns are cemented into place, and they fully encase the visible area of the tooth just above the gum’s line. They can protect a tooth that is weak from decay. They also are used to help teeth that need to be held together from damage. They are often the first choice for supporting a larger filling or to hold a dental bridge in place. This is one of the foremost types of restorative dentistry.

What Types of Crowns Are Available?

There are many different materials that are used to make crowns. Most experienced dentists prefer the porcelain style. There is also stainless steel, gold, resin, or all ceramic. There are two types of porcelain crowns that are utilized in the dental field. First, the porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are made to match adjacent teeth. This is not possible with the metallic crowns. Conversely, wearing down of the contrasting teeth happens more often with this crown type than with those of a metal or resin base. The porcelain-fused crowns are the most natural looking. However, occasionally the metal core of the porcelain can show at the top of the gums as a discolored spot. Porcelain is great for front or back teeth.

The all-porcelain crown provides an excellent natural match, and it is perfect for those who have allergies to metal. Though they are not as strong as the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, they are an excellent choice for front teeth.

The Crown Installation Process

Preparing to have a crown installed usually takes two trips to the dental office. First, the area is prepared and the tooth is made ready. On the second visit, the crown is installed. During the first visit, x-rays are taken and the roots of the tooth checked. The surrounding bone is also examined to see if there are any issues. If the tooth’s decay is extensive, a root canal may need to be performed first.

The experienced dentist numbs the gum line and files down the chewing surface. If a cavity needs to be filled, this will be taken care of first. The dentist will use putty to make an impression of the tooth, and the crown will be made with your bite in mind. Impressions are sent to a lab, and the crown will be manufactured. It often takes a couple weeks to get the piece back to the office. A temporary crown is made to cover and protect the structure while the permanent one is being made. Once the crown is received, it will be installed using cement.

What Problems Could Develop With a Dental Crown?

There are not many problems with crowns. However, when they are first installed, the tooth will be sensitive when the anesthesia wears off. This is especially true of teeth that still have some nerve left in them. If there is a pain when you bite down, the crown has been placed too high on the tooth and needs to be fixed. Rarely the crown can chip or come loose. A broken or loose crown needs to be fixed immediately. It allows bacteria to seep into the gum lines, and it can cause decay to the remainder of the tooth. They are pretty straightforward, which is why it is one of the foremost types of restorative dentistry available.

When your teeth are broken, damaged, decayed, loose or simply not there anymore, restorative dentistry is what you need. An experienced dentist can return your whole mouth and smile to good health and attractive appearance whether you have one bad tooth or many. If you think you have a tooth that is hopeless, read on to find out how saving it might be easier than you think.

Consultation

The first step is to visit an experienced dentist for a consultation and exam. The dentist can then determine what work needs to be done.If you desire cosmetic improvements as well, you can ask for them to be included. You should remember that healthy teeth and attractive teeth go together, and fixing oral health issues usually results in your teeth looking better.

Restorative treatments

Restorative dentistry can include any dental treatments that repair, rebuild or replace teeth. Here are some of the procedures that could be included in a restorative plan.

• Fillings
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Dentures
• Implants

Dental materials used
Cavities can be filled with traditional metal amalgam fillings or tooth-colored fillings. Also called white fillings, these fillings are made of resin materials that are the same materials used for dental crowns and cosmetic bonding. Dental crowns can be cosmetic, but they are also used to fully restore badly damaged or broken teeth.

Porcelain is the most realistic-looking material available for dental work, and is used for cosmetic veneers and sometimes for dentures. Though it costs more, porcelain is resistant to staining and reflects light beautifully. Composite resins are durable and have the advantage of lower cost and repairability should breakage occur.

Dental implants are full crowns or artificial teeth that are supported by metal posts that are implanted into your jaw. The posts are made of titanium, which is one of the strongest and most durable metals in existence.

Teeth straightening
Straightening your teeth with orthodontics can be a cross between a cosmetic and a health procedure. Crooked teeth or a bad bite can cause problems with your teeth like excessive wearing down of enamel when the teeth come in contact with each other. Gaps between teeth that are crooked can also cause oral hygiene problems. Straighter teeth are generally healthier teeth, and today there are many more options than ever before for getting your teeth straightened.

Find out more
If you have teeth that need repair or replacement, or if you would like to discuss your oral health and find out about your options, call us now to set up an appointment. No matter how bad you think your teeth are, you can have a beautiful and healthy smile with restorative dentistry.

Kids’ teeth play an important part in their physical and social well-being. Although they’ll lose their baby teeth while in elementary school and possibly wisdom teeth as teens, they can also experience other dental issues that may be painful or affect their self-esteem. A children’s dentist is skilled at working with children to help keep their teeth healthy and teach effective dental hygiene. Here are a few reasons why your kids should visit a local dentist’s office twice a year for checkups.

Check Dental Development

Before starting school, young children should have their first dental checkup to ensure their teeth are coming in normally without any significant problems. A children’s dentist often uses this opportunity to establish the child’s dental record, possibly using x-rays, and to identify any serious problems that may require special attention, like a tooth embedded in the upper palate or certain gum disorders.

Familiarize Kids with Dental Care

Kids who have a positive first visit at the local dentist’s office will begin to feel comfortable with dental checkups. They can be taught dental hygiene strategies for brushing and flossing their teeth, and they will learn how important it is to take care of their teeth every day. The dentist or dental hygienist typically makes the visit fun by offering small token gifts or displaying a positive attitude and fun personality. This lays the groundwork for a life-long habit of good dental care.

Coordinate Special Services If Needed

Children who have dental problems like missing permanent teeth, twisted or tipped teeth, or who are literally tongue-tied can be referred to specialists who can handle these and other problems. Addressing serious issues while children are still young may head off more serious problems later. For example, many orthodontists prefer to remove wisdom teeth before a patient reaches adulthood.

Establishing a regular dental checkup for kids lets them see their teeth are valuable. It teaches them to respect dentists as well as learn to care for their teeth for the rest of their lives. Call a local dentist who specializes in patients who are children to schedule an appointment soon.

Teeth whitening is a process that many people obtain from their dentist. Tooth whitening is a procedure by which a cosmetic dentist uses technology to remove stains from the enamel on a person’s teeth. An interested person may want to obtain tooth whitening services for a number of reasons. The following are three common reasons that people see a specialist for assistance with teeth whitening:

Before a First Date

The first date is a crucial time for getting a teeth whitening procedure done. First impressions mean everything, so you will want to ensure that you look your best when you approach your date. You can get a whitening job from your dentist to ensure that your date will remember your white teeth even if he doesn’t remember anything else about you. Smiles are very attractive to both men and women. You can be an absolute hit just because you had a beautiful smile to show someone. A cosmetic dentist will be delighted to help you obtain the treatment that can improve your experience.

Before a Job Interview

You may want to get your teeth whitened before a job interview. Your prospective employer will be interested in your teeth, as well. He or she will be paying close attention to your clothing, your hygiene and your demeanor. Prospective employers always look at the hair to make sure it isn’t unkempt and the teeth to make sure they are not badly stained or have food particles in between them. Prospective employers will never tell a candidate that he or she didn’t get hired because of a cosmetic aspect, but it does occur. Your best defenses is to get preventative dentistry whitening before your go to the big event. Preventative dentistry stops mishaps and embarrassing rejections from occurring.

Before Important Pictures

Another perfect time for whitening the teeth is right before you take important pictures. Driver licenses photos, passport photos and school photos are important photos that you will want to take in the best shape you can possibly get in. Therefore, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist as quickly as possible.

Scheduling an appointment with a whitening specialists is easy as pie. All you need to do is call or stop by the website and complete a quick short-form request. Someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, you are probably going to consume more foods that contain carbohydrates such as sugar and flour. The food particles from cookies, candy and cake will stick to your dental enamel, leading to a build-up of plaque. Scheduling an appointment at your local dentist office for a teeth cleaning after the Thanksgiving holiday is a great way to prevent cavities. There are also other excellent ways to protect your teeth throughout the Thanksgiving holiday to avoid developing dental decay.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hygiene Tip One: Consume a Nutritious Diet

Continue to consume a nutritious diet despite having access to more sugary treats such as whipped cream and pumpkin pie. Fill your plate with fresh vegetables or cubes of calcium-rich cheese instead of eating a plateful of fudge or cookies. To avoid damaging your tooth enamel and gum tissue, limit the number of special treats you eat throughout the Thanksgiving holidays.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hygiene Tip Two: Buy an Oral Irrigator to Keep Teeth Cleaner

This is the time of year when many stores have oral irrigators at low prices, so buy yourself one of these machines to remove food debris from your mouth. General dentists recommend dental water jets to blast way the particles that collect along the bottoms of your teeth. The pulsating water from an oral irrigator is able to reach places that dental floss and toothbrushes miss to get rid of bacteria.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hygiene Tip Three: Drink a Lot of Water

Remaining hydrated during the busy Thanksgiving season can prevent dry-mouth conditions that help bacteria to proliferate. You might think that soft drinks, coffee or tea are hydrating, but these beverages contain caffeine that leads to dehydration. Bring along bottles of water in your vehicle and carryall bag in order to keep your mouth hydrated in any situation. You can also swish water through your mouth to dislodge food particles.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hygiene Tip Four: Protect Your Teeth from Accidental Damage

Make sure to protect your teeth from chips by cutting up meat carefully to avoid biting into a bone. Look carefully at treats such as pies and fudge that contain nuts to avoid biting into a hard walnut or pecan shell. Contact a general dentist immediately if any injuries occur to a tooth to have a repair that prevents infection and discomfort.

Sitting around the table with family and friends while eating a plate of delicious, traditional Thanksgiving food is something the we look forward to all year long. Unfortunately, some of those foods are extremely harmful to your teeth. Swap out a few of the worst Thanksgiving foods and your teeth will be thankful.

Turkey Bones

If you enjoy eating the turkey leg, be aware of scraping your teeth against the bone. The hard bone can chip and break teeth, making a trip to the general dentist necessary. Never attempt to bite the meat off of the bone with your back molars, as this can cause fillings or crowns to become loose. Instead of eating meat off of the bone, try cutting it off first and then eating it with a fork.

Pecan Pie

This tempting dessert has 31 grams of sugar per slice, not including the amount of sugar in the whipped cream or ice cream that is often served alongside it. Sugar is used by plaque as energy; when too much sugar is eaten, tooth decay and cavities may result. In addition to the high sugar content, the pecans themselves pose a risk to teeth as they can become wedged in-between teeth and require help for removal from your local dentist office. Try eating a slice of pumpkin pie instead and skip the creamy sides.

Dried Fruits

Apricots, prunes and raisins often appear in a nut-and-fruit tray served as a Thanksgiving appetizer. Though many people believe that dried fruits are a healthier option, their concentrated sugar content makes teeth susceptible to decay. Chewy or sticky foods, such as dried fruits, also stay on the teeth longer and are more difficult to remove without proper teeth cleaning. Look for fresh fruits, vegetables or soft cheeses to snack on instead while waiting for the big meal.

Alcohol

Many people enjoy a glass of wine with their Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately, the high acid content in alcohol erodes the teeth over time. Alcohol also dehydrates the mouth, removing saliva that works to wash and protect the teeth. Additionally, red wine also harms the teeth because the dark tint may stain your pearly whites over time. Always drink a glass of water after drinking alcohol in order to rinse your mouth and decrease your risk of dehydration.

Contact your general dentist at your local dentist office today. The friendly and professional dentists and staff are experts in teeth cleaning after indulging during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Restorative dentistry provides patients with some of the most advanced procedures in modern dentistry. The primary objective is to improve the quality of life for those patients who have missed, damaged, decayed or broken teeth. Many restorative treatments are necessary because teeth have been damaged because of disease, accidents, or just by years of neglect. An experienced dentist can diagnose severe dental problems and devise a comprehensive plan for treatment of the entire mouth. This treatment plan may require full-mouth restoration or involve cosmetic procedures such as porcelain crowns or fixed dental bridges. A thorough dental examination and medical and dental evaluation by an experienced dentist can provide available treatment options.

Dental Bridges
The type of dental bridge required depends on the proper foundation surrounding the missing tooth or teeth. If the foundation is weak, a bridge may be attached using dental implants as an anchor for support. Although most bridges are permanently attached to the teeth nearest the missing tooth, some are removable. These are sometimes referred to as partial dentures.

Dental Implants
Restorative dentistry provides patients with several options for giving them a realistic way to regain optimal dental health. Missing and damaged teeth can have severe detrimental effects for the patient. Modern dental treatments can be customized to fit the unique needs of everyone thus ensuring that they receive the ultimate results. Patients can enjoy an improvement in both functionality and appearance with dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants
1. Provide more stability than dentures.
2. Implants look and function more naturally.
3. Are designed to function like a natural tooth root.
4. Do not need to be replaced and can last a lifetime.
5. Are easier to clean and care for. Hygiene becomes less complicated.
6. Are more durable and stronger than natural teeth.

Severe dental problems cause pain and discomfort that could possibly be eliminated with restorative dental care. Good oral health is an important aspect of living a healthy life with self-confidence. Healthy teeth and a bright smile can be accomplished again with a restorative procedure. It can literally be life changing. Contact an experienced dentist to discuss the benefits of restorative treatments. Everyone can experience optimal dental health. The latest advances in modern dentistry can make a difference. Call for a personal consultation today.

Do you loathe going to the dentist? Goodness knows you’re not alone! There are countless people out there who are neglecting a crucial part of their dental health. A trip to your local dentist office is unlikely to be brilliantly fun, but it’s absolutely necessary from time to time. Here’s why.

Dental Exams Are Impossible To Fail

In recent years, some parts of the medical community have come clean about over-emphasizing how important they are. General practitioners no longer recommend physical exams every year the way they used to. Even obstetricians are cutting back on the amount of high-intensity care they recommend for mothers. Your friendly general dentist is different, though. When he or she says you need to come in every six months, you must obey.

A general dental check-up is of course designed to root out any signs of serious problems with your teeth. Beyond looking for new problems, though, dental exams perform a number of essential maintenance tasks you simply cannot handle on your own. Getting rid of plaque and tartar build-up is something you have to do regularly, and you’ll need a dentist’s help to do it.

Your Local Dentist Office Needs To Be Convenient

One important factor to look for when it comes to your routine dental needs is convenience. While traveling a long distance makes sense if you have a very specific dental issue to take care of, for general maintenance and check-ups convenience trumps all other factors.

Keep in mind that in this case convenience is about more than just proximity! A truly convenient dentist is one that makes you feel comfortable and puts you at ease. (The more relaxed you are during an ordinary dental inspection, the smoother everything will go!) There’s a financial component, too — a dentist office that’s fully covered by your health insurance is a lot more convenient than one that makes you pay out of pocket.

A Good General Dentist Can Draw On Other Professionals

Besides taking care of the regular maintenance and cleaning work that your teeth need, your local dentist is also your prime point of contact for every issue relating to dental health and hygiene. If you find yourself in need of some of those specialized services, there’s no one better to recommend an expert than a dentist who’s already thoroughly familiar with your teeth.

While you might not be able to solve all of your problems at your regular dentist’s office, the odds are very good that you can learn about all of them and plot an effective course of treatment there. Whether you have a specific dental issue or just need to get back into the habit of regular check-ups, talk to your local dentist today!

Uptown Charlotte Dentistry & Orthodontics

Specializing in Invisalign, Composite Bonding, Veneers and Crowns.

We do our best to make it easy for you to get the beautiful smile you deserve! Our office accepts nearly all major insurance plans. Even though dental insurance is a private arrangement between you and your company, we will file your claim, handle all the paperwork, and help you get maximum insurance benefits.

Follow us

Stay Informed

Don't Miss Out On Dental Tips or 
Special Discounts.

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram