bruxism

Bruxism: Protecting Your Teeth from Nighttime Grinding

Are you grinding your teeth at night? This condition, known as bruxism, is more than just a nuisance; it can lead to serious dental issues. But fear not, there are ways to protect your teeth and get a better night’s sleep.

bruxismBruxism often goes unnoticed, as it usually occurs during sleep. Stress and anxiety are common triggers, but misaligned teeth or sleep disorders can also play a role. The symptoms can vary, from soreness and headaches to worn-down teeth.  You might notice your teeth are becoming worn unevenly, or you might experience pain in your jaw, neck, or face. In some cases, it can lead to TMJ, a condition that causes pain and restricted movement in the jaw.

One of the most effective ways to combat bruxism is with a mouthguard. Your dentist can create a custom-fitted guard that you wear at night. This acts as a barrier between your teeth, preventing grinding and protecting them from damage.

Stress reduction is another key component of managing bruxism. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and regular exercise can help reduce stress levels and, in turn, lessen teeth grinding.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of bruxism, don’t wait to seek help. A visit to McCracken Family Dentistry can set you on the path to relief and ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong.  Schedule your appointment today!

Fluoride

Fluoride Treatments: An Important Shield for Your Teeth

Fluoride treatments play a crucial role in oral health by strengthening tooth enamel.  Likewise, they makes teeth more resistant to decay.  Fluoride is a natural mineral found in various sources, including drinking water, certain foods, and dental products.  Accordingly, when you shop for toothpaste and mouthwash, be sure to look for ADA approved brands containing fluoride.

FluorideThe primary benefit of fluoride is its ability to remineralize tooth enamel, repairing minor tooth decay before it becomes a cavity.  This process not only protects teeth from future decay but can also reverse early signs of tooth decay.  For children, fluoride is particularly important as it strengthens developing teeth.  It provides a solid foundation for a lifetime of oral health.

In addition to topical fluoride found in dental products, systemic fluoride supplements and fluoridated water contribute to enamel strength.  Community water fluoridation is a widely endorsed public health practice.  It reduces cavities in both children and adults by about 25%.

Despite its benefits, it’s important to use fluoride appropriately.  Excessive intake during tooth development can lead to dental fluorosis.  Therefore, it’s essential to follow dental recommendations regarding fluoride use, especially for children.

In summary, fluoride is a valuable ally in the fight against tooth decay.  It offers protection and strengthening for teeth at any age. By incorporating fluoride into your oral care routine and taking advantage of community resources like fluoridated water, you can help ensure a healthy, resilient smile.  During our patients’ routine dental visits for exams and professional cleanings, we offer in-office fluoride treatments to keep teeth strong and healthy.

Healthy smile

Cosmetic Dentistry: Contouring and Reshaping Teeth

It would be nice if everyone had a smile they liked. But factors like genetics, injuries, and oral care can all affect how one’s smile looks. Sometimes, getting the smile you want can take more than one procedure. But there are instances where achieving the smile you have always wanted can be as simple as having just a single- or perhaps a couple- of your teeth reshaped.  That’s where cosmetic dentistry plays a key role in rebuilding your smile.

Teeth reshaping is a cosmetic procedure to remove small portions of tooth enamel. The process reshapes cracked, chipped, or crooked teeth. Your dentist has specialized tools designed to enhance your tooth’s shape. It is an in-office procedure and is nearly -if not totally- painless.

Who Can Have Dental Contouring?

Healthy smileTooth or gum reshaping works for any patient, regardless of age. However, it is more common for teens or adults as they no longer have baby teeth. Teeth reshaping is most used for the following situations:

  • Small cracks or chips in teeth
  • When there are pits or bulges in tooth enamel
  • When a tooth is especially long or more pointed
  • To correct an uneven smile
  • For very minor tooth misalignment
  • Correcting overgrown gums which hide healthy teeth

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry- Contouring and Reshaping Teeth

  1. Tooth reshaping is permanent– It is a one-time procedure with no follow-up. It won’t revert to what things once were. However, it does require you to be vigilant in caring for your teeth to prevent enamel loss.
  2. No pain – While there are some dental procedures that one may associate with being painful, tooth reshaping is a painless process. You don’t need pain medication or localized anesthesia at any point before, during, or after. As such, you can resume normal eating and drinking following your appointment.
  3. Prevent gum disease – Contouring changes the overhangs and anatomy of the teeth. In doing this, the spaces where plaque buildup can occur are fewer. With a lower risk of plaque buildup, gum disease is less likely.
  4. Avoid braces – It is not a solution to every tooth alignment problem. But, sometimes, using tooth contouring can override the need for braces.
  5. Cost-effective – Of cosmetic dental practices, tooth reshaping is one of the most affordable.
  6. Long-lasting – While the longevity of teeth reshaping is affected by how well you take care of your teeth and how much enamel your dentist may need to remove, contouring can last for years.

Having a smile you are happy with makes a big difference in your confidence. So, if looking in the mirror brings a frown, perhaps a chat with our dental team is on the agenda. If you want to learn more about teeth reshaping and contouring, please don’t hesitate to ask.  Cosmetic dentistry may be the answer for you.  We can assess your teeth and determine the best option(s) for getting you the smile you have always wanted. Reach out to McCracken Family Dentistry and talk to us today.

TMJ Disorders

Dental Care to Correct TMJ Disorders

Seeking dental care for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders is crucial, as these conditions can lead to chronic pain, discomfort, and other dental issues if left untreated. In fact, TMJ disorders affect the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, leading to symptoms like jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking or locking of the jaw.  Therefore, here’s an overview of the approach and options in seeking dental care for TMJ correction:

TMJ DisordersDiagnosis:

The first step in treating TMJ disorders is a thorough diagnosis.  Accordingly, A dentist or a TMJ specialist will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination of your jaw, and may use X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess the condition of the joint and surrounding structures.

Non-Invasive Treatments:

In many cases, TMJ disorders are managed with non-invasive treatments. This includes:

Physical Therapy:

Exercises to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles.

Oral Appliances:

Night guards or splints are used to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching.  These are common causes of TMJ disorders.

Medications:

Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants help manage pain and inflammation.

Stress Reduction:

Since stress can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or counseling may be recommended to reduce tension in the jaw.

Dietary Modifications:

A soft diet can alleviate stress on the TMJ. Avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy foods can help during flare-ups.

Lifestyle Changes:

Good posture, avoiding excessive jaw movements (like gum chewing), and proper teeth alignment while sleeping can aid in reducing TMJ symptoms.

Dental Corrections:

Misalignment of teeth can contribute to TMJ disorders. Orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners may be necessary to correct bite issues.

TMJ DisordersAdvanced Treatments:

In severe cases, more advanced treatments are required, such as:

Corticosteroid Injections:

In many cases, steroid injections help with joint inflammation.

Arthrocentesis:

A minimally invasive procedure to remove debris and inflammatory byproducts from the joint.

Surgery:

As a last resort, surgical options like arthroscopy or open-joint surgery may be considered.

Regular Follow-Ups:

Regular follow-ups with the dental care provider are important to monitor the progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Seeking dental care for TMJ disorders involves a comprehensive approach that may include a combination of diagnostic procedures, non-invasive therapies, lifestyle changes, and potentially more advanced treatments. It’s important to consult with a dentist or a TMJ specialist to receive a tailored treatment plan that addresses the specific needs and symptoms of the individual.  If you suffer from TMJ, McCracken Family Dentistry can help.  Schedule your appointment today!

 

Digital Dental Scan

The Advantages of Digital Dental Scans

The advent of digital scans in the dental industry has marked a significant leap forward in dental care, offering numerous advantages over traditional impression methods. These technological advancements have not only improved the precision and efficiency of dental procedures but also greatly enhanced patient experience and satisfaction.

Digital Dental Scan1. Superior Accuracy and Detail:

Digital scans provide incredibly detailed and accurate impressions of a patient’s teeth and gums. This precision is crucial for crafting dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and implants with a perfect fit. The high-resolution images allow dentists to make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, reducing the chances of errors and adjustments.

2. Enhanced Patient Comfort:

Traditional impression techniques often involved biting down on a tray filled with an unpleasant, sometimes gag-inducing material. Digital scanning eliminates this discomfort. The process is non-invasive and much quicker, making it ideal for patients, particularly those with a strong gag reflex or anxiety about dental procedures.

3. Speed and Efficiency:

Digital scans are fast and the data is available immediately, reducing the time patients spend in the dental chair. This efficiency extends to the laboratory as well, where restorations can be fabricated more quickly due to the instant availability of digital impressions. This expedited process means patients can receive their dental restorations faster.

4. Improved Communication and Visualization:

Digital scans can be displayed on a computer screen, allowing dentists to effectively discuss and illustrate dental issues and treatments with patients. This visual aid helps in educating patients about their oral health and involving them in the treatment process.

5. Streamlined Workflow:

Digital scans facilitate a more efficient workflow between dental practices and laboratories. Electronic transfer of scans eliminates the need for physical molds, reducing the risk of errors during transportation and streamlining the overall process.

6. Customization in Treatments:

In orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, digital scans allow for precise planning and customization. Orthodontic treatments like clear aligners are designed with a level of precision that ensures a better fit and more effective treatment outcomes.

7. Environmental Benefits:

By eliminating the need for traditional impression materials, digital scanning is a more environmentally friendly option. It reduces waste and the ecological footprint of dental practices.

8. Integration with Advanced Technologies:

Digital scans can be integrated with other cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and CAD/CAM systems. This integration allows for the rapid prototyping and manufacturing of dental restorations and aligners, further improving the efficiency and effectiveness of dental treatments.

Digital dental scans represent a significant technological advancement in dentistry. They offer enhanced accuracy, patient comfort, efficiency, and an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. The ability to integrate with other digital technologies opens up new possibilities for advanced, customized dental care, making treatments more effective and patient-friendly.  When you need diagnostic dentistry, count on McCracken Family Dentistry to take care of your family.

Whitening

Teeth Whitening Options

Not everyone has a natural “Hollywood smile” where every tooth is pearly white and perfectly aligned.  Consequently, people try to achieve their best smile via cosmetic dentistry options, some over-the-counter and some provided professionally.  Today, a stroll down the dental health aisle or a search on Amazon reveals an abundance of OTC teeth whitening products.  But are they as effective as they may claim to be on the consumer packaging?  Let’s explore your options for a whiter smile.

Teeth Whitening Options You May Have Considered

WhiteningTeeth Whitening with UV or LED Blue Light

Light-curing treatments include an LED light with peroxide.  Many of these kits promise to brighten your teeth within 30 minutes.  The kits come with the LED light, a whitening gel, and (depending on the kit) the trays or a tooth-whitening pen.  Repeat the LED whitening process daily for 10 days to be fully effective (per the product instructions).

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips often use a non-toxic, peroxide-free formula safe for tooth enamel.  They do not contain preservatives, additives, or other unwanted elements, and typically show results within 14 days when applied per the instructions.

Whitening Toothpaste

The over-the-counter toothpaste approach is available at numerous retail locations and is rather affordable, making it a favorite approach.  Used daily, it can be effective, especially to correct mild staining.

Whitening Pens

Containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, these pens are fast-drying and will break down the surface stains and brighten teeth. They require consistent use to be effective.

In-Office Whitening Procedure

Your dentist applies bleaching gel to your teeth, then lets it set 15-30 minutes.  The bleach is then removed, and more gel is applied.  Some approaches require focusing an LED or UV light on the teeth.  Depending on how much of a change you want, it may be necessary to have subsequent visits.

Deep Bleaching

Bleaching typically requires a minimum of 3 dentist visits of approximately 15 -minutes each.  The dentist creates highly detailed dental impressions with custom trays.  These bleaching trays are loaded with a gel and pressed onto the teeth.  You are sent home with these trays with instructions on how to use them.  After 2 weeks, you return to the office for additional bleaching.

Reasons to Get Teeth Whitened by Your Dentist

1. Get results quickly.

2. Protect your teeth, without fear of damage by an OTC product or home remedy.

3. Get the results you want, with even whitening. In fact, your Advanced Dental Partners dentist can customize the level of whitening to match your other teeth.

4. If your teeth are prone to sensitivity, then the whitening process can sometimes be painful.  But having your teeth professionally whitened, your dentist can adjust how much of the active ingredients are used and will also have a gel that can be used to relieve sensitivity.

If you are interested in a whiter smile, be sure to talk to one of the dentists at McCracken Family Dentistry.  We would love to help you love your smile!