Whether you just completed your dental crown procedure, or are wondering what to expect before committing to the procedure, it’s important to have a complete understanding of what’s needed from you for proper dental crown aftercare. Crowns are meant to look and function like your natural teeth, so they also require the same oral hygiene routine and regular dentist appointments. If you have chosen to move forward with a dental crown that matches your smile, that material can still stain and chip the same way all of your other teeth do.

If you neglect your crown, it may not be as high-functioning or long lasting as it is meant to be. The average crown tends to last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, but you can extend the longevity of your new dental crown with proper care and attention. Below we have put together our top 5 tips to help you extend the lifespan of your crown through good dental crown aftercare:

If you experience any pain or discomfort after your dental crown procedure, please call our front desk immediately at 704-927-5499. Our team at Belvedere Family Dentistry is always here to help and to ensure your oral health remains in tip-top shape.

Looking for a new dentist can be overwhelming and can leave you feeling unsure of how to even begin your search. Deciding what makes a dentist a good fit for you can be challenging. However, there are a few things you could take into consideration in order to find the best dentist for you before scheduling your new patient exam.

First, choosing a dentist convenient to home or work with hours that are suitable for your schedule is very important. This way scheduling appointments is less of a hassle for you. Learning how emergencies are handled at different practices you are researching is also beneficial when choosing the right dentist for you. The next step would be to search for highly recommended dentists with many years of experience. Ask around to learn if your friends or family have had great experiences with their dentist. After 8 years in Charlotte, Belvedere Family Dentistry has cared for thousands of satisfied customers that can share their testimonials about our services. Check out some of these awesome 5-Star reviews on Google!

Another important thing to consider is the cost that could be associated with the dental services you need to maintain good oral health, like dental X-Rays or deep cleaning procedures. If you have dental insurance our front office can let you know if we are in-network with your plan. At Belvedere Family Dentistry we want to make receiving dental care as easy as possible. We accept most major insurance plans including Humana PPO, UnitedHealth Care PPO, MetLife PPO, Delta Dental PPO/Premier, Connection Dental, Assurant, Cigna PPO, BCBS of NC, and Guardian. We will also help you file your claim and help you understand what coverage is available to you and your family.

Lastly, feeling comfortable at the dentist is very important. It is essential that you are able to comfortably explain symptoms or concerns you may be having with your oral health. After 12 years of experience, Dr. Bansch has made it a priority to have his patients feeling comfortable and at ease while visiting us on Rozzelles Ferry Road. 

We’d love for the opportunity to show you how Belvedere Family Dentistry can help you with all of your dental needs and end your search for a new dentist. If you have any questions or are interested in joining our dental family give us a call at 704-927-5499.

X-rays help us uncover oral health issues that are not possible to detect through a visual exam alone. In order to get the entire picture of your oral health history, and to be able to provide the most effective dental care possible, all new patients at Belvedere Family Dentistry must have their new patient x-rays taken at their first appointment. In an effort to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during your x-ray screening, we have outlined what to expect during this process. 

Once you have completed your new patient forms, checked in for your appointment, and your first exam has begun, your dental hygienist will take you back for your x-rays. Your hygienist will begin by covering you with a lead apron, as a safety precaution. Next, a small, plastic, wing-shaped apparatus will be placed into you mouth. This process is referred to as a bite-wing x-ray because you bite down on the apparatus to hold it in place while the x-ray is being taken. Your dental hygienist will adjust the apparatus to capture multiple angles of your teeth, taking special care to capture the upper and lower molars. This type of new patient x-rays are commonly used during your first dental exam because they help your dentist to identify decay between your back teeth.

If you are concerned about radiation exposure from x-rays, know that our patients safety and overall health is our top priority. At Belvedere Family Dentistry, our machines emit virtually no radiation. Surprisingly, one round of dental x-rays is comparable to one day in the sun! Plus, the x-ray process is also completely pain free.

We will use these x-rays to help determine any underlying health issues that may otherwise go undetected. These health problems could include damage to jawbones, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors, or underlying decay. It is important to catch these issues early so they can be treated before they worsen with time! 

X-rays will need to be updated every year or two. Depending on the severity of your mouth’s condition, x-rays could be required more often. Getting your new patient x-rays with us at Belvedere Family Dental is an easy and efficient process. If you have any more questions call us today at (704) 927- 5499.

Are There Really Benefits of MouthWash?

Lots of our patients have questions surrounding mouthwash and the real benefits or disadvantages of using it regularly. Here’s our truth: mouthwash makes your breath smell good, but it could never take the place of regular brushing and flossing. We’ve put together all the facts for you to decide whether you want to continue rinsing with your mouthwash.

A lot of brands will claim that their mouthwash cures all kinds of dental issues, and many may actually aid some of your oral hygiene problems, but by themselves they cannot keep your oral health on its A game.

The Benefits of Using Mouthwash

The benefit you receive from using mouthwash depends on the mouthwash’s active ingredient. Some brands include low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, which can help whiten your teeth with minimal bleaching so your gums will not be harmed. A mouthwash based with alcohol is helpful and very effective in killing germs, helping to fight against plaque build up. One downside to an alcohol base can be abnormal dry mouth. Lastly, fluoride based mouthwash brands can prevent cavities during a full minute rinse (as the label instructs for best effects.)

What Will Happen If You Quit Using Mouthwash?

The most beneficial and important steps you can take to maintain good oral health are thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth daily as well as attending your regular professional cleanings with us at Belvedere Family Dentistry. Outside of those methods, mouthwash is really important on a case by case basis. If you are prone to cavities or periodontal disease, mouthwash could be a good option for you. Call us today at 704-927-5499 to talk to one of our dental professionals about the best cleaning regimen for your individual oral health! If you would prefer an in person evaluation, please take just one minute to use our easy online appointment scheduler to book your next visit HERE!

Imagine it’s still winter … you’re standing at the door, ready to brave the cold. You’re layered-up with three shirts and a sweatshirt, your heavy winter coat, and two layers of socks underneath your waterproof winter boots. Then you’ve got those awesome jeans with the flannel on the inside, your comfy hat, scarf, and gloves. You’re set! But wait. As you step toward the door, you suddenly realize you have an itch … and it’s deep down … buried beneath all those layers. And, try as you may, every attempt to reach that bugger-of-an-itch fails. Defeated, you realize the only relief you’re ever gonna’ get is to remove each one of those layers. Where are we going with this?!

The Tongue

We’re going inside your mouth, of course, to your tongue – this is a dental article, after all! Because whether you know it or not, like you in the wintertime, your tongue is also “all covered up” – buried beneath layers of bacteria, fungi, and food residue that can inhibit your ability to taste, let alone cause your tongue to appear various shades of yellow, white, or green! Remove the bacteria, though, and your food will once again directly interact with those taste buds, and return to its natural hue. So how does one do that? With a tongue scraper, of course!

WHAT is a tongue scraper?

A tongue scraper is a U-shaped device designed to “scrape” the top layer of scum from your tongue. They have been in use since ancient times, and have been made of everything from wood to whalebone. Nowadays, they are made of more hygienic material, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs and colors.

WHY use a tongue scraper?

The residue on your tongue includes things like the cavity-inducing Streptococcus mutans bacterium, fungi, rotting food (that’s not good), and what’s referred to as “volatile sulfur compounds.” In other words, sulfur – that “rotting egg smell.” Talk about ew! So, as you can see, there are several reasons why you’d want to get rid of this gunk in your mouth. Let’s tackle them one by one:

HOW does one use a tongue scraper?

In general, make sure to rinse your tongue scraper before and after use. Apply the tongue scraper to the back of your tongue and drag it forward. Then, rinse and repeat. Make sure to get the sides of your tongue as well, not just the center! Make sure not to press too hard or you can cause yourself to bleed. And, if you’re wondering if you should scrape your tongue while recovering from a dental procedure, that’s a good question … ask your dentist for the best advice particular to your situation. Still not sure how this thing really works? The next time you’re in ask Dr. Bansch for a quick tutorial!

WHERE do I buy one?

Tongue scrapers are relatively inexpensive, and can be found at any local drugstore. It doesn’t matter the material, color, or brand – just find the one you like and get scraping!

It’s National Heart Health Month! Did you know that oral health can be directly linked to heart health? Delta Dental has recently provided evidence that gum disease in both moderate and advanced stages puts you at a greater risk for developing heart disease than you be with healthy gums. Regular oral screenings can also help point doctors to a variety of other diseases that may start with warning signs in your mouth.

How Does Your Oral Health Connect to Your Heart?

Every system in your body is connected. Just like consuming food through your mouth makes its way to your stomach, any bacteria or germs that start off in your mouth can fairly easily be spread throughout the rest of your body through your blood stream.Mayo Clinic and theAmerican Heart Association have been able to show that this bacteria can actually attach itself to any already damaged areas when it gets to your heart. The attached bacteria can then lead to further inflammation, which has been linked to clogged arteries and even strokes.

Are You At Risk?

People who suffer from chronic gum diseases like gingivitis or advanced periodontitis are at the highest risk for developing heart disease as a direct cause of poor oral health and dental hygiene. It is important to know that plaque buildup from skipping just one brushing or flossing session a week can easily add up to create issues with your gums.

How To Prevent Heart and Oral Diseases

Keeping up with your regular cleanings and examinations here at Belvedere Family Dentistry & Orthodontics is extremely important in protecting yourself against harmful bacteria and diseases. Call our front desk today at 704-927-5499 to schedule your next appointment with us! If you have any concerns surrounding your oral health, and gum diseases especially, be sure to talk to one of our dentist and explain all of your symptoms.

Read this article by Tracey Sandilands, published for Colgate, to learn more about how your heart and mouth are related and what you should do to prevent disease from growing.

Seeing some red in the sink after brushing or flossing may raise an eyebrow or two. It may seem like your gums are bleeding for no reason. But before you venture down the rabbit hole of what-ifs, consider these common causes of bleeding gums.

Common Causes of Bleeding Gums

When It’s Time for a Visit

If you do make these suggested changes to your oral health routine but the bleeding doesn’t improve within 10 days, it’s best to come in to Belvedere Family Dentistry for a visit. Give us a call today at 704-927-5499 or schedule your next appointment online now!

This question has been one of the most frequently asked and debated upon questions. Should you just brush your teeth twice a day? Should you brush your teeth after every meal? Exactly, how often should you brush your teeth per day? Today, we're going to explore what the answer to that question is.

To start, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day. Yep, just twice a day. But there's more. Between brushing your teeth twice a day, you should also be flossing and rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash. You only need to do that once per day. To top off your oral care, you should also chew sugar-free gum throughout the day, between your meals, in order to decrease the amount of build-up on your teeth. These are great ways to prevent cavities and other gum diseases as a basic daily oral care routine.

In terms of visiting your dentist, you should come in for a dental cleaning at least twice a year. This is assuming that you are coming in for your annual check-ups, x-rays, cleanings, and other preventative care. If there are pains, aches, or other concerns that you have, of course, come in more often.

This is how often we recommend that you brush your teeth and come in for your dental care.

But of course, what if you forget to brush your teeth. You don't need to brush your teeth at the same time every day, although that's what we recommend. If you forgot to brush your teeth, simply brush it when you remember. There's nothing wrong with brushing your teeth at a different hour of the day. Don't let forgetting to brush your teeth become a habit because your teeth and gums will both suffer, as a result.

Make sure that brushing your teeth becomes a part of your daily grooming habit. When you use the bathroom in the morning, take a quick detour to brush your teeth. Make it a part of your routine so it becomes easier to remember.

Other things that you can also do in order to maintain great oral hygiene is to carry mini toothbrushes in your purse. These can be the type to substitute brushing your teeth when you are out and about just in case you need to brush your teeth and forgot in the morning. Carrying sugar-free gum is also another great way to keep your teeth nice and clean.

So how often should you brush your teeth?

The short answer? Do it twice a day, along with flossing and mouthwashing. You should also chew sugar-free gum, throughout the day, in order to maintain your pearly whites. It's not a big deal if you forget to brush your teeth, just do it as soon as you can remember.

You should also visit your dentist at least twice a year for preventative maintenance and cleanings. If you need other tips or strategies to keep your oral hygeine at its best, feel free to contact us.

Science and technology have made lives considerably easier as well as hassle-free. They have provided benefits to mankind in every single way and in every single field. In the field of healthcare and medicine, technology has been immensely beneficial, one such gain offered is the electric toothbrush, which has changed the way of oral cleaning and maintaining proper oral hygiene.

As the name implies, an electric toothbrush uses electricity in order to allow for the motion of the bristles to and fro or rotational manner in order to clean the teeth and gums of debris and germs. The motions of the bristles are brought about using an electric motor or piezoelectric crystals.

The first electric toothbrush was invented in Switzerland by Dr. Philip Guy Woog, who marketed the product as “Broxodent”. The toothbrush had a plug that connected to the mains power supply in order to function and was intended for patients with limited motor skills and for those who have had dental surgery or braces. The first wireless toothbrush was produced by General Electric in the 1960s, with the power of the device coming from rechargeable batteries. As time passed and regulations became stricter on electric toothbrushes using mains voltage for being unsafe, battery-operated toothbrushes gained credence and nowadays every modern electric toothbrush runs on battery power due to the portability and the ease of use provided by batteries.

Electric toothbrushes can be classified on the basis of their motion or on the basis of their speed. Electric toothbrushes are either vibration-based or rotation based depending upon the type of motion they employ to clean the teeth. A vibrating toothbrush is to be used in a similar manner as a regular toothbrush, while a rotation toothbrush involves the user moving the brush slowly from teeth to teeth to let it perform its cleaning action.

On the basis of speed, electric toothbrushes can be classified as standard power, sonic or ultrasonic toothbrushes. Standard toothbrushes operate below 20 Hz, while sonic toothbrushes operate between the ranges of 20 to 20,000 Hz. Ultrasonic toothbrushes operate beyond 20,000 Hz. These different toothbrushes have different cleaning speeds to ensure that the teeth and the gums are effectively cleaned.

Modern electric toothbrushes also contain a variety of other features, which include a timer that reminds the user if they spend too much time brushing their teeth. They may also have LED lights or LCD screens to display battery levels as well as other important information. Electric toothbrushes also have pressure sensors that detect if the user is applying too much force while cleaning their teeth and send out a warning in the form of a buzzing sound. They also have switches and buttons to increase or decrease the intensity of the motion or speed at which the toothbrush cleans the teeth.

A variety of options are available in the market today, which makes it difficult to decide on the correct electric toothbrush according to our needs. The dental professionals at Belvedere Family Dentistry can help you with your dental queries as well as your dental ailments with their knowledgeable yet caring staff.

We all have heard about the root canal procedure done by dentists to get rid of dental problems and to ensure healthier teeth. We will have a look at how the root canal treatment is done in detail as well as the things you need to keep in mind while going for a root canal treatment for your dental ailment.

Root canal treatment is generally done by a root canal specialist, called an endodontist, who works in conjunction with your dentist. The treatment involves several steps, which are discussed in detail below.

The first step of the treatment procedure involves the dentist performing a series of X-Rays on the region where the root canal is needed to be done. These x-rays help the dentist to know the extent of the damage as well as help him deduce the correct way to move forward in order to perform the treatment. The second step involves the administration of a local anaesthetic that numbs the specific region of the mouth where the procedure is to be performed to ensure minimal or negligible pain to the patient.

The next step involves the dentist putting a mat like a thing on the affected region, to ensure that the teeth remain dry during the process. This mat is usually made of waterproof material like rubber or plastic. This mat also prevents the patient from swallowing undesirable substances which are used during the treatment process. The dentist would then remove the crown in order to gain access to the soft pulp to remove the infected tissues. If he or she finds any abscesses during the procedure they would be drained to provide long-lasting relief.

Post the clean-up, the dentist would enlarge the canal so that it can be easily filled. To do so, the dentist would use an assortment of files that would make the region easier to be filled in as well as would give it a proper shape. This part of the process is long-winded and it may take more than a single session to pass through this stage of the treatment process. The dentist would apply for some medicine in the region between treatment sessions to ensure that the pathogens do not come back to attack the affected region. Antibiotics may also be provided to ward off any allergies or fever that may arise due to the process.

The last part of the treatment involves the sealing of the root canal to prevent further infection as well as the placement of a crown to prevent breakage or other damage. In some cases, the dentist may also suggest a treatment for the discolouration that may occur due to a root canal.

Post the root canal treatment process, it becomes extremely important to practise proper oral hygiene to ensure that the teeth survive longer. Generally, teeth that go through the root canal process, survive a minimum of 8 years if proper care is taken.

Belvedere Family Dentistry specializes in the root canal treatment process as well as other dental procedures to help you get relief from your dental ailments. Their team is helpful yet professional and ensures that their patients have happier and healthier smiles.

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.

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