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The Role of Technology in Invisalign: How 3D Scanning Improves Results

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 19:33:13 GMT

For many working adults in Hollywood, FL, achieving a straighter, more confident smile without the hassle of traditional braces is a top priority. Invisalign has emerged as one of the most trusted solutions, offering clear aligners that blend seamlessly into daily life. But what makes Invisalign truly advanced isn’t just the nearly invisible trays; it’s the technology behind the treatment, particularly 3D scanning and digital imaging.

In this article, we’ll explore how these technologies revolutionize Invisalign treatment, ensuring precision, comfort, and faster results for adults who want professional orthodontic care that fits their lifestyle.

What Is Invisalign and Why Do Adults Choose It?

Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires, Invisalign relies on custom-made, clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into place. For busy adults balancing careers, family, and social lives, Invisalign offers key advantages:

Discreet design – aligners are virtually invisible.
Removability – no restrictions on food or drink.
Comfort – smooth trays reduce irritation.
Convenience – fewer dental visits compared to braces.

If you’re still comparing your options, check out our guide on Braces vs. Invisalign: Which Is Better? to understand the differences.

While these benefits make Invisalign appealing, the true magic lies in how advanced digital technology creates a personalized treatment plan.

The Evolution of Orthodontics and Technology

Traditional orthodontics often required messy impressions, guesswork, and frequent adjustments. Today, technology ensures accuracy from the very beginning. Invisalign treatment now integrates tools like:

3D scanning (iTero scanners)
Digital imaging and simulations
AI-powered treatment planning
Precision manufacturing with 3D printing

Learn more about the Invisalign process here .

How 3D Scanning Works for Invisalign

One of the most transformative technologies in Invisalign treatment is the 3D intraoral scanner. Instead of biting into gooey impression material, your dentist uses a handheld scanner to capture thousands of digital images per second.

Benefits of 3D scanning include:

Accuracy: Digital impressions are more precise than traditional molds, eliminating errors.
Comfort: No messy trays or discomfort.
Speed: Scans are completed in minutes.
Visualization: Patients can immediately see a 3D model of their teeth.

This digital model becomes the foundation for creating custom Invisalign aligners designed specifically for your smile. You can also explore the 7 Best Benefits of Invisalign to see why technology makes a difference.

Precision and Customization with Digital Imaging

Once the scan is complete, advanced software maps out your treatment journey. Every movement of every tooth is digitally planned, ensuring that aligners are tailored with precision.

Why this matters for working adults in Hollywood, FL:

Predictable outcomes: You’ll see a virtual preview of your new smile before treatment begins.
Fewer refinements: Accuracy means fewer adjustments later.
Time efficiency: With less trial and error, treatment often moves faster.

Not sure if Invisalign is right for you? Read more about who is a good candidate for Invisalign .

Enhancing the Patient Experience

Technology doesn’t just improve accuracy; it transforms the entire patient experience. Here’s how:

Confidence from day one: Seeing a digital roadmap motivates patients to stay committed.
Convenience: Digital files are stored for easy updates or replacements if aligners are lost.
Better communication: Dentists can explain treatment more clearly using visuals.

For busy professionals, this streamlined process means less time in the dental chair and more confidence in the results. Discover why Invisalign for adults is such a popular choice for working professionals.

The Role of AI in Invisalign Treatment

In addition to 3D scanning, Invisalign also uses artificial intelligence to predict and plan tooth movement. AI-driven simulations ensure that each aligner applies the perfect amount of pressure to achieve results efficiently.

Smarter planning: AI helps dentists anticipate tooth movement more accurately.
Faster outcomes: AI reduces the chance of delays by optimizing aligner progression.
Consistent monitoring: Digital progress tracking ensures that patients stay on course.

This is a game-changer for adults who want minimal disruption to their professional and personal lives.

Comparing Invisalign to Traditional Braces

If you’re weighing your options, here are some key comparisons:

Aesthetics: Invisalign aligners are clear and discreet, while braces are highly visible.
Comfort: Aligners are smooth, reducing irritation, while braces can cause sore spots.
Flexibility: Invisalign is removable, making it easier to eat and maintain oral hygiene.
Technology-driven: Invisalign leverages 3D scans and AI, while braces rely on manual adjustments.

Real-Life Patient Experiences with Invisalign

Hearing from other adults who have completed Invisalign treatment can be inspiring and reassuring. At Smile On Us Dental, many of our Hollywood, FL, patients share the same story: they wanted a discreet way to straighten their teeth without disrupting their professional image.

Case Example 1: A local attorney needed a treatment option that wouldn’t interfere with client meetings. Invisalign aligners provided a seamless solution, and 14 months later, she achieved the confident smile she had always wanted.
Case Example 2: A small business owner in Hollywood, FL, chose Invisalign because of its flexibility. Being able to remove aligners during networking events helped him stay confident while still progressing toward his dream smile.
Case Example 3: A healthcare worker valued the hygiene benefits of Invisalign. Since the aligners are removable, she maintained excellent oral health during her 12-month treatment.

Stories like these prove why Invisalign remains the go-to choice for adults balancing busy personal and professional lives.

Why Working Adults in Hollywood, FL Trust Invisalign

Hollywood, FL, is home to many professionals who value confidence and convenience. Invisalign, powered by 3D technology, offers the perfect balance:

Professional image: Maintain a polished look without braces.
Flexibility: Aligners fit into a busy lifestyle.
Trusted local expertise: Dentists in Hollywood, FL, use cutting-edge tools to deliver optimal care.

To learn more about our practice and services, visit our Smile On Us Dental homepage .

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Technology

1. How is 3D scanning different from traditional impressions?

3D scanning uses digital images to create a precise model of your teeth, eliminating the mess and discomfort of traditional molds.

2. Does digital imaging really make Invisalign more effective?

Yes. Digital imaging ensures every aligner is customized, improving accuracy and reducing the need for refinements.

3. Can I see what my smile will look like before starting Invisalign?

Absolutely. Your dentist will show you a digital simulation of your results before treatment begins.

4. Is Invisalign faster than braces for adults?

Treatment time depends on your case, but Invisalign’s precision often leads to shorter treatment periods compared to traditional braces.

5. Why should I choose a local Hollywood, FL dentist for Invisalign?

Working with a trusted local provider ensures personalized care, convenient visits, and access to the latest technology.

6. How much does Invisalign cost in Hollywood, FL?

Costs vary depending on complexity, but many patients find Invisalign comparable to braces. Schedule a consultation for a personalized estimate.

7. Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?

Some insurance plans provide partial coverage for orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign. Our team can help verify your benefits.

8. How often do I need to visit the dentist during my Invisalign treatment?

Most patients visit every 6–8 weeks for progress checks, which is fewer visits than traditional braces require.

9. What happens if I lose an aligner?

Because digital scans are stored, replacements can be made quickly without starting over.

10. Can Invisalign fix all orthodontic issues?

Invisalign can correct many cases, including crowding, spacing, and mild bite problems. For severe cases, your dentist may recommend a combination of treatments.

11. Is Invisalign treatment painful?

While you may feel slight pressure when switching to a new set of aligners, most patients report far less discomfort compared to traditional braces.

12. How long do I need to wear Invisalign aligners each day?

For best results, aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink (except water), and brush.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Best Smile

If you’re a working adult in Hollywood, FL, and you are ready to transform your smile, Invisalign with advanced 3D scanning is the modern solution you’ve been waiting for. Don’t settle for outdated methods. Experience the comfort, precision, and confidence that cutting-edge technology provides.

Call today to schedule your Invisalign consultation in Hollywood, FL.

Top Cosmetic Dentistry Trends to Enhance Your Smile

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:44:42 GMT

Explore the top cosmetic dentistry trends to enhance your smile. Discover innovations and techniques that will transform your dental aesthetics today!

Dental patients are increasingly seeking cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance, with Persistence Market Research reporting that the number of patients wanting this treatment may be as high as 86% . If you are one of them and wish to update your smile using cutting-edge techniques and the latest dental trends, there are solutions available for you. However, what are they, and how can you learn about them?

Below, we provide information on how various latest cosmetic dentistry trends can work together to deliver a seamless transformation, and why the professionals at Smile On Us Dental can offer you predictable and natural outcomes to be proud of. So, keep reading to discover how each trend can help boost your confidence and enhance your dental beauty today.

Advanced 3D Imaging and Digital Scans

Dentistry has advanced significantly over the past decade, to the extent that more than 60% of dental practices in developed areas of the world have begun to adopt digital methods for gathering dental impressions, according to Grand View Research. It goes a long way toward demonstrating the popularity of this method for scanning and presenting dental records, which enables fast and effective dental work through innovative smile solutions.

The precise 3D models that this technology captures can eliminate the need for uncomfortable impression-gathering material and the need for multiple retakes if the physical process does not go as intended. Instead, the dentist can take a single 3D shape and use it for:

Diagnoses
Veneer-shaping
Crown planning
Teeth whitening planning
Patient prediction and informing

The entire process is significantly faster, utilizing a small handheld scanner that can capture thousands of images per second without causing discomfort or requiring the use of X-ray machines.

Many dentists can also incorporate chairside screens into the review process. Due to this, you can see both what the dentist intends to do and how it will look after the process, allowing you to make better decisions. The increased accuracy cosmetic dentists receive from this can also significantly reduce the number of delays and repeat visits necessary to achieve perfection.

Porcelain Veneers and Smile Enhancement

Veneers have been popular for decades . However, recent developments in dentistry have made them easier to install and maintain. They are also much more likely to be accurate than ever before, allowing you to achieve a near-perfect replica of your teeth, albeit a healthier one.

Over time, this has led North America to become the region in the world most likely to use dental veneers in recent years.

Veneers are thin, ceramic shells that a dentist bonds to the fronts of your teeth. While these act as a "shield" against harm, they are more often used in dental aesthetics improvements when a patient suffers from:

Chips
Teeth stains
Gaps
Misalignments

A dentist will source these from a lab, requesting that they be custom-fabricated in a shape that perfectly matches a perfect set of teeth for you. The goal is to offer a durable set of teeth that maintains a natural appearance through semi-transparency and a color that matches your original tooth color.

They can resist many other stains, such as coffee, tea, or wine, better than the original. So, you can even partake of these luxuries more often than ever before with veneers .

Laser Gum Therapy to Heal and Shape Gums

Using minimally invasive lasers, dentists can target and remove gum tissue affected by noticeable diseases, such as gingivitis, or even simply recontour the gum lines for cosmetic reasons , without the need for scalpels or similar surgical procedures. As such, the process is less likely to cause issues such as:

Bleeding
Swelling
Discomfort
Anxiety

Studies, such as those by Alok et al. (2024), have even noted that patients who have received laser-assisted gum therapy experience healthier gums than those who have undertaken other options, such as traditional cleaning methods.

The process not only completes the removal process, but the targeted laser energy also sterilizes the area around any pockets of bacteria and seals blood vessels to help the gums heal. As such, many patients who underwent this procedure could return to regular use of their teeth within only a few days.

Titanium Implants and Full Set Replacements

While the use of titanium posts to replace missing roots and support lifelike crowns has been around for a long time, more recent developments are now leading to more extensive implant treatments. Instead of replacing teeth one at a time, patients are seeking out treatments such as All-on-4, a process that allows for four strategically placed implants to anchor a fixed bridge or full dental arch.

Instead of the extended time required for individual implants, an All-on-4 can be installed on the same day as the implants are placed in the mouth. This benefit is due to the system not needing the implants to undergo complete osseointegration, which is the process by which the bone fuses and bonds with the implant. As a dentist installs each pair of All-on-4® implants at a different angle, you can expect them to hold, even with the arch in place.

The four implant locations are also superior to a single implant per tooth due to their ability to distribute bite forces evenly.

You can return to normal eating, even with tough foods like hard apples or steaks, without as much healing beforehand.

Complete Smile Makeovers in Florida

Instead of a single process, with numerous options available, several dentists now undertake multiple dental cosmetic surgery methods in quick succession to provide patients with the best results. Those at Smile On Us Dental can discuss a personalized strategy with you, whether that means:

Teeth whitening
Digital scans
Invisalign aligners
Implants
Veneers

Whichever option works best for you, we will ensure that it suits your aesthetic. Through this, we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams .

Transform Your Smile With the Latest Cosmetic Dentistry Trends

Smile On Us Dental's staff are experts in staying up-to-date on cosmetic dentistry trends and can foster a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, helping to alleviate any anxiety you might have. We utilize the latest dental technology and modern cosmetic techniques to ensure your smile is perfect.

Get in touch today and discover how our cosmetic dental treatments can cater to your individual needs, leaving you with a smile you'll want to show off every day.

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Transform Your Smile

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:29:47 GMT

Improving your smile has become easier as more of the best cosmetic dentistry practices and technologies advance. Take the first steps towards a new smile here.

What's the first thing anyone notices about you? It's probably not your height or hair, but your smile.

A bright, confident smile can be life-changing, and cosmetic dentistry offers numerous options to help you achieve it.

Whether you're dealing with chipped teeth, discoloration, or misalignment, today's cosmetic dental procedures can improve your smile, enhance your appearance, and boost your self-esteem.

In this article, we'll explore how the best cosmetic dentistry professionals in Hollywood, FL work, the different procedures available, and how cosmetic dentistry can truly transform your smile - and your life.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. While traditional dentistry emphasizes oral hygiene and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral disease, cosmetic dentistry primarily aims to enhance the visual appeal of your smile.

Many cosmetic procedures also offer restorative benefits, improving function as well as aesthetics. If it's a smile makeover using dental veneers you are looking for, then visiting a cosmetic dentist is the way to go.

Why Consider Cosmetic Dentistry?

Never heard of a cosmetic dentist? Here are a few reasons people seek cosmetic dental treatments:

Boost in Confidence: A beautiful smile can improve self-image and confidence in both personal and professional settings.
Correction of Imperfections: Chips, gaps, discoloration, and uneven teeth can all be corrected.
Long-lasting Results: Many cosmetic treatments last for years, making them a worthwhile investment.
Better Oral Health: Procedures like porcelain veneers or crowns can reinforce weak teeth, aiding in overall dental health.

People nowadays are seeking perfection not only in their homes, bodies, and minds, but also in their smile, and you can find that at a cosmetic dentist.

Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

What can you get done at a cosmetic dentistry office? Let's take a look at some of the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry treatments:

1. Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a quick and effective way to brighten your smile. Unlike over-the-counter solutions, dentists use stronger bleaching agents that yield faster and longer-lasting results.

It's ideal for removing stains caused by:

Coffee
Tea
Smoking
Aging

You don't ever need to be disappointed by an over-the-counter teeth whitening solution again.

2. Dental Veneers

Veneers are ultra-thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They're custom-designed to improve the:

Color
Shape
Size
Length of teeth

This makes them a great option for covering chips, cracks, and deep discoloration.

Having a hard time understanding which veneer to use? Here's our guide on choosing dental veneers .

3. Dental Bonding

Bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to repair minor flaws like chips, cracks, and gaps. It's an affordable and quick procedure that can usually be completed in a single visit.

4. Invisalign and Clear Aligners

If you want straighter teeth but dislike the look and feel of traditional braces, Invisalign offers a discreet and effective alternative. These clear aligners gradually move your teeth into alignment without metal brackets or wires.

5. Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. A titanium post is surgically implanted into the jawbone, serving as a root for a replacement tooth. Implants offer a natural look and feel while also preserving bone structure.

6. Gum Contouring

Also known as gum reshaping, this procedure is used to correct a " gummy smile " or uneven gum line. By sculpting the gum tissue, dentists can improve the overall symmetry and appearance of your smile.

7. Smile Makeovers

A comprehensive smile makeover combines multiple cosmetic procedures for a complete transformation. Your dentist will evaluate your facial structure, teeth, and gums to create a custom treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Benefits Beyond Aesthetics

While the visual improvements are often the main motivation, cosmetic dentistry offers more than just a pretty smile. Some of the lesser-known benefits include:

Improved Bite and Function: Correcting alignment can lead to better chewing and digestion.
Easier Maintenance: Straighter, even teeth are easier to clean and less likely to trap food particles and bacteria.

Prevention of Future Issues: Restorative aspects of cosmetic treatments can prevent decay, gum disease , or further damage.

What to Expect During Treatment

Each cosmetic dental procedure starts with a consultation, where your dentist will:

Examine your teeth and gums
Take X-rays or digital scans
Discuss your goals and concerns
Recommend treatment options

Many procedures are minimally invasive and require little to no downtime. For more involved treatments, like implants or veneers, multiple appointments may be necessary.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for You?

You may be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry if:

You're in good overall and oral health
You have cosmetic concerns like staining, gaps, or misalignment
You're willing to maintain proper dental hygiene post-treatment

Your dentist will consider your dental history, current condition, and lifestyle before recommending the best options for you.

Cost and Insurance Considerations

Cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening are typically not covered by dental insurance unless they have a restorative component. Speak to your insurance provider first before seeking out a cosmetic dentist.

Many dental offices also offer flexible financing plans or membership discounts to help make treatment more affordable. This allows you to achieve the smile makeover you deserve.

Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist

Finding the right cosmetic dentistry professional is crucial. Here's what to look for:

Credentials: Check if they're members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).
Experience: Ask how many procedures they've performed and look at before-and-after photos.
Technology: Dentists using digital imaging and laser tools often offer more precise and comfortable treatments.
Patient Reviews: Read online reviews or ask for referrals to gauge patient satisfaction.

The Best Cosmetic Dentistry Near You

The best cosmetic dentistry professional has the power to dramatically enhance not only how you look, but also how you feel. At Smile On Us Dental , we try to make every visit of yours as enjoyable as possible.

We love to introduce our special kind of dental care to new patients and have several offers for you. Come visit our office today.

We are waiting to make your smile better than ever.

Invisalign for Adults: Why It's Never Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:47:33 GMT

Discover how Invisalign for adults can help you achieve the perfect smile at any age. Start your journey to a stunning transformation today!

Have you been considering straightening your teeth but think it's too late? Well, think again. People of all ages worldwide are turning to their dentists for Invisalign clear aligners to help them achieve their dream smile.

According to Straits Research, adults represent the most extensive section of the global clear aligners market, which is expected to reach US $32.78 billion by 2032.

Invisalign for adults offers a practical, convenient, and discreet way of straightening your teeth without using traditional braces.

Let's learn more about how Invisalign is the perfect solution to improve your smile as an adult.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners used in orthodontic treatments. Each clear plastic aligner is custom-made for every patient and is meant to move the teeth to their proper position.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information reported that Invisalign is a viable alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment in correcting crooked teeth.

These adult braces options are invisible, making them perfect for adults looking to achieve straight teeth. Invisalign clear aligners are much less noticeable than the wires and brackets of traditional braces.

Invisalign Benefits for Adults

Invisalign for adults comes with various benefits. Below are some of the advantages of clear aligners:

Improved Oral Health

Straight teeth make cleaning easy, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities. In addition, clear aligners are removable , which allows you to continue with your usual dental routine. Brushing and flossing can be done generally without having to use special equipment.

Further, cleaning the inside of the Invisalign and its container is advisable to prevent bacteria from building up.

Enhanced Appearance

Your teeth play an essential role in boosting your self-esteem. One of the first things people notice when they look at you is your smile.

With Invisalign, you feel more confident in professional and social settings without worrying about traditional braces showing. No one will know that you're straightening your teeth, which will protect you from being teased or bullied by other adults.

Increased Comfort

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are more comfortable , as they have no wires or brackets that can irritate your gums and cheeks. Invisalign has a flexible and smooth plastic that perfectly fits your teeth.

Additionally, clear aligners are removable, allowing you to enjoy your favorite meals and drinks without restrictions. You don't have to worry about food getting stuck in the bracket or snapping a wire while eating, as is the case with traditional braces.

Fix Dental Issues

Many dental problems come with crooked teeth. These include the following:

Tooth sensitivity
Gum inflammation
Chipped teeth
Bad breath

Crowded or widely spaced teeth may make chewing difficult, leading to biting problems. The good news is that clear aligners can fix a dental underbite or overbite.

An abnormal bite can result in various issues, such as gum infections and irregular tooth erosion. An improper bite can also cause speech difficulties, jaw aches, and chewing problems.

Invisalign for adults corrects your bite and lowers your risk of tooth loss, gum disease, and cavities.

Convenience

With traditional braces, you must go for adjustments every three to four weeks. However, clear aligners can easily be switched without needing a dentist. You only need follow-up checkups every six to eight weeks, making Invisalign convenient for busy adults .

Moreover, clear aligners provide a shorter treatment period compared to traditional braces. Depending on the complexity of your dental issue, it can take 12 to 18 months to complete your Invisalign treatment.

This time can fly by, especially since you hardly notice you're wearing anything on your teeth. Wear aligners as advised by your dentist to shorten your treatment period.

Non-Invasive Scanning

Invisalign treatment involves state-of-the-art technology that doesn't require invasive measures to align your teeth.

Dentists use 3D scanning technology to thoroughly scan your teeth without impressions or x-rays. These 3D scans are then translated to 3D prints, which dental experts use to develop individual clear aligners.

Treatment Process for Invisalign for Adults

The procedure for Invisalign treatment is relatively straightforward. It involves the following steps:

Initial Consultation

The Invisalign treatment for adults starts with an initial consultation. The dentist will begin by evaluating your teeth to plan your treatment goals accordingly. A dental provider near you determines if clear aligners are your correct treatment option.

They will then conduct a digital scan to create custom clear aligners.

Treatment Plan

Once the dentist has determined your treatment goals, they proceed to outline the movement of your teeth and the approximate treatment duration. You'll then view a virtual presentation of the personalized treatment plan and what your teeth will look like.

Fabrication of Clear Aligners

Using advanced technology, your dentist fabricates custom clear aligners that fit each of your teeth. Invisalign trays are essential in the orthodontic treatment process. These trays apply the pressure required to gradually move your teeth to the proper position.

Wearing Aligners

You're expected to wear clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily and only remove them when flossing, brushing, eating, and drinking. According to the directions given by your dentist, you'll change to a new set of Invisalign every one to two weeks.

Dental Visits

Regular dental visits are crucial to ensure your treatment is going as planned and to make any necessary adjustments.

Ensure you adhere to all regular checkups to enjoy a beautiful, straight smile at the end of your treatment.

Maintenance and Retention

It's recommended that you wear a retainer, as advised by your dentist, to maintain your results. The success of your Invisalign treatment depends on various factors. These include:

Your compliance
Duration of treatment
The dental problem

Achieve the Perfect Smile with Invisalign for Adults

It's never too late for adults to seek straight-smile solutions. With Invisalign for adults, you can get straight teeth and the smile of your dreams without compromising comfort and convenience. Clear aligners help to boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and improve your oral health.

At Smile On Us Dental, we're dedicated to helping our patients realize their ideal smile through Invisalign treatments. Our experienced head dentist, Dr Ilya Freyberg, takes pride in creating stunning smiles through the latest advancements in orthodontic technology.

Check our website today for more information on achieving a rejuvenated, straighter smile.

How Invisalign Can Fix Common Orthodontic Issues

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 20:52:46 GMT

What can Invisalign fix? Learn how it corrects overbites, underbites, gaps, and crowded teeth. Find out if it's your best option here.

You're scrolling through old photos and come across a candid picture from a family gathering. Everyone's grinning ear to ear, but you can't help but notice how you've mastered the "closed-mouth smile."

Sound familiar? If you've been hiding your smile due to misaligned teeth, you're not alone - but here's the good news: modern orthodontics has a nearly invisible solution.

Invisalign isn't just about aesthetics; it's a revolutionary way to fix a variety of dental misalignment issues without the hassle of traditional braces.

Read on to find out, what can Invisalign fix?

Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth are a common dental misalignment where there isn't enough space in a person's jaw for all the teeth to fit properly. This lack of space causes teeth to overlap, twist, or become misaligned, leading to both aesthetic concerns and potential oral health problems .

When teeth are crowded, it can be tricky to brush and floss effectively, raising the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other important dental issues.

Invisalign is a highly effective crowded teeth solution, even when compared to traditional braces . The clear aligners are custom-designed to gently and gradually move teeth into a more aligned position, creating the necessary space for a healthier, more attractive smile.

Gapped Teeth

Gapped teeth, or diastema, refer to spaces that form between two or more teeth. These gaps can happen anywhere in the mouth but are most often seen between the two upper front teeth.

Gapped teeth may result from an imbalance in the size of the teeth and jawbone, missing teeth, or habits such as thumb sucking . While gaps in teeth can be a charming aesthetic trait for some, they often pose challenges to oral health by leaving gums exposed and increasing the risk of gum disease and food debris buildup.

Invisalign aligners are an excellent choice for closing gaps in teeth. Because Invisalign is clear and removable, it provides a discreet and convenient way to address gapped teeth without interfering with daily life.

Just make sure you understand the Invisalign process before you sign yourself up. You don't want to get in over your head.

Overbite

One of the top Invisalign treatment benefits is how it can help with overbites correction. While a slight overbite is normal, a deep or severe overbite can lead to a variety of issues, including:

Uneven tooth wear
Jaw discomfort
Speech difficulties
Increased risk of damage to the front teeth

Over time, an untreated overbite can also contribute to temporomandibular joint problems, causing chronic pain and difficulty in chewing.

Crossbite

A crossbite is a dental misalignment where some of your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when your jaw is closed rather than outside as it should.

Crossbites can involve just one tooth or a few teeth and may occur at the front or back of the mouth. If they're not treated, crossbites can lead to uneven wear on the teeth, receding gums, jaw pain, and even temporomandibular joint problems.

Invisalign offers an effective and non-invasive solution for correcting crossbites.

Talk to your dentist to find out if you're a good candidate for Invisalign .

Open Bite

An open bite is a type of dental misalignment where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. This condition often leaves a noticeable gap between the rows of teeth, which can make biting and chewing difficult.

Open bites can occur due to genetic factors, prolonged pacifier use , or tongue-thrusting habits. Beyond functional issues, an open bite can also affect speech and cause self-consciousness about one's smile.

Through consistent use of custom-designed Invisalign trays, patients can get a better-working and better-looking bite. The discreet nature of Invisalign makes it a preferred choice for many adults and teens seeking to correct an open bite without the visibility of traditional braces.

If that sounds appealing, start searching for Invisalign providers in your area.

Relapsed Teeth

Relapsed teeth refer to teeth that have shifted out of alignment after previous orthodontic treatment, often due to inconsistent use of retainers. This common issue can undo the results of braces or other corrective measures, leading to crowding, spacing, or bite problems.

Relapsed teeth not only affect the aesthetics of your smile but can also contribute to difficulty in keeping up proper oral hygiene , increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Enhancing Overall Confidence

One of the most transformative benefits of Invisalign is its ability to enhance overall confidence by improving the appearance of your smile.

Misaligned teeth, gaps, and bite issues can often lead to hesitation in social or professional settings. By addressing these concerns, Invisalign empowers individuals to feel more comfortable and confident in their interactions .

Invisalign's convenience and comfort contribute to a positive treatment experience, making it easier for individuals to stay committed to their dental goals. The result is not just a straighter smile but also a renewed sense of confidence that can enhance both personal and professional relationships.

Combining Invisalign with Other Treatments

Many patients benefit from using Invisalign in conjunction with procedures like teeth whitening, bonding, or restorative work to address both alignment issues and cosmetic or functional concerns.

For instance, Invisalign can be paired with teeth whitening treatments to deliver a straighter, brighter smile simultaneously. If a patient requires dental bonding or veneers to correct chipped or uneven teeth, Invisalign can first align the teeth to create an ideal foundation for these enhancements .

In cases where restorative treatments like crowns or implants are necessary, Invisalign may be used beforehand to align surrounding teeth and ensure proper spacing for a successful outcome.

Orthodontists and dentists often develop customized treatment plans that integrate Invisalign with other procedures, ensuring that patients achieve both optimal alignment and overall oral health.

What Can Invisalign Fix? Now You Know

What can Invisalign fix? A lot! If you're struggling with any of these issues, it might be time to jump in.

Are you looking for a Hollywood, FL, dentist? Smile on Us is led by Dr. Ilya Freyberg, who has spent over 15 years in private practice helping Floridians like you get your best smile.

Check out our website today.

How to Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery: Tips for a Smooth Experience

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:52:45 GMT

Learn how to prepare for screw-in teeth surgery with our expert tips. Ready for your procedure? Start your journey to a confident smile today!

According to Precedence Research, the American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that five million dental implants get placed in the U.S. annually.

Dental implants, also called "screw-in teeth," are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a permanent, long-term replacement option for lost or missing teeth. They also function and look much like natural pearly whites.

So, if you need to replace one, multiple, or all of your teeth, dental implants can be your best, longest-lasting option.

However, getting them requires more preparation since it involves a surgical process.

Don't worry; the Smile On Us dental team is here to share pre-surgery dental tips and a post-oral surgery checklist to help you better prepare for dental implantation.

Confirm Eligibility for Screw-In Teeth

The first step to dental implant preparation is to schedule an oral examination to determine whether you're a good candidate for the procedure. During the examination, your teeth and gums will undergo a comprehensive check-up from your dentist in Hollywood, FL .

Here's what your implant dentist will look for (and what you can expect) during the initial dental implant consultation.

Jawbone Density and Health

Dental implants require a solid, stable base, which a healthy jawbone should provide. If there isn't enough healthy jawbone, you may have to undergo a bone graft before your dentist can proceed with the rest of the dental implant surgery steps. A bone graft will improve the health and density of your jawbone.

Jawbone density and health will also influence the type of dental implant best suited to your case. For example, with enough healthy bone, you will likely get endosteal tooth implant surgery . Otherwise, your dentist may use subperiosteal, zygomatic, or mini implants, some of the other common types of dental implants.

Existing Oral Health Conditions

If you have existing gum disease and tooth decay, your dentist must treat them first. According to the U.S. CDC, these are the two oral conditions (in addition to severe tooth loss) that most affect people's overall health and quality of life .

Dental health problems can also impact your eligibility for dental implants. For example, tooth decay can lead to gum infection, while infected and diseased gums may be unable to support implants. However, once your dentist has treated them, they can start planning your dental implant treatment.

Improve and Maintain Optimal Oral Hygiene

Brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing once daily is crucial to optimal oral hygiene, whether your teeth are in top shape or you're about to get dental implants or bridges . Such practices help control plaque and tartar, some of the primary causes of oral conditions like tooth decay and gum disease. Since these oral health woes can affect your eligibility for implant surgery and overall health and quality of life, avoiding them should be a top priority.

Quit Smoking

As SmokeFree.gov explains, smoking harms nearly all organs in the body. Smoking even just one cigarette a day can already negatively impact the body's wound-healing ability. It can also worsen tooth and gum pain.

If you smoke, please do your best to quit. It can help you prepare better for implant surgery and minimize the risks of post-procedure complications. Most importantly, it will be good for your overall health and well-being.

Avoid Alcohol

According to a Medical News Today article, alcohol consumption right before surgery can lead to severe complications . It can increase bleeding and interfere with anesthesia. It can also increase one's risk for post-operative complications.

The same article notes that researchers recommend alcohol abstinence two to four weeks before surgery to minimize the risk of surgical complications. It's also best to avoid alcohol for five to six weeks after the procedure.

So, as part of your implant preparation and dental recovery plan, please abstain from drinking alcohol. Doing so can help you heal optimally. It can also help prevent dangerous complications, which could affect dental implants' longevity and success rate.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep (between 7 and 9 hours for adults) is vital to good health. However, it's even more crucial before surgeries.

Research published on Thieme suggests poor sleep can increase pain sensitivity. The researchers also noted that sleep disturbances can significantly impact post-surgery recovery.

So, get at least 7 to 9 hours of ZZZs as much as possible, especially the night before your implant surgery. Avoid caffeine, do something that relaxes you (e.g., a long, warm bath), and turn off blue screens one to two hours before sleeping.

Must-Dos On the Day of the Surgery

Your implant dentist will give you instructions for the big day, so please follow them all. For instance, they may ask you to fast for a few hours before surgery.

Arrange for a family member or a close friend to drive you home on the day of the surgery. You may feel woozy from the anesthesia, making it risky for you to drive.

Wear something comfortable, such as light and loose clothing, on the big day.

Post-Dental Implant Surgery Care Tips

Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions after your implant surgery. Again, please follow these instructions "to a T."

Here's a checklist of tips to help with your recovery:

Take the medications prescribed by your dentist as instructed
Use an ice pack or cold compress to help minimize pain and swelling
Avoid sucking from a straw, as this could keep the blood from clotting
Avoid consuming anything hot for the next 24 hours following the surgery
Eat soft or mashed foods, smoothies, cold soups, and yogurts

Your dentist may also instruct you to resume brushing and rinsing your mouth 24 hours after the surgery. You can use a warm saltwater solution to help keep your mouth clean.

Prepare for Your Implants Starting Today

Preparing for a dental implant or screw-in teeth surgery may seem like a long, tedious process, but it's worth it. Remember: Once you have the implants, you can regain your dazzling smile and eat and speak better.

If you're ready to enjoy the benefits of dental implants, Dr. Ilya Freyberg and his compassionate team at Smile On Us are happy to be of service! Dr. Freyberg has been helping patients improve and maintain optimal oral health for over twenty years.

Schedule your visit with us today so we can get started on your smile makeover!

How Dental Implants Can Preserve Jawbone Health

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:11:43 GMT

Discover how the best dental implants can preserve jawbone health effectively. Read more to get started on your journey to a healthier smile today!

You recently had a tooth extracted due to significant damage or decay. You lost a tooth in an accident and now you're not sure what your options are.

Dental implants are one of the most common tooth restoration tools used by dentists today. According to Cleveland Clinic, dentists across the nation place over three million dental implants each year.

Why not cap a decaying tooth or leave a gap where your tooth used to be? The best dental implants don't just provide a cosmetic solution. They can also provide significant jawbone protection.

Read on to learn how dental implants protect jawbone health and more in this guide to the benefits of dental implants.

The Connection Between Tooth Loss and Jawbone Deterioration

Colgate provides a great overview of a process called bone remodeling. Bone remodeling is the natural cycle by which your jaw removes old bone material (resorption) and adds new bone material (ossification). Patients with jawbone deterioration are typically facing faster rates of resorption than ossification.

In other words, if your jawbone starts to break down old material faster than it creates new material, you're going to notice bone density loss . There are several reasons why this can occur, and one of them is tooth loss. In turn, you might start to experience symptoms like:

Difficulty chewing
Changes in your bite pattern
Faster aging around the mouth
Shifting or loosening teeth

While you're not likely to notice bone loss or related symptoms right away after losing one or more teeth, leaving the area untreated will have an impact over time.

How Dental Implants Provide Jawbone Protection

In order to maintain an even ratio of resorption to ossification, your jawbone needs stimuli. Under normal circumstances, your tooth root acts as that source of stimuli, signaling the need for bone regrowth at a steady pace.

When you get dental implants , your dentist surgically places a titanium post in your jawbone. This acts as an artificial tooth root, holding the natural-looking crown in place.

The presence of the titanium post can provide that much-needed stimulation to the jawbone, keeping the ratio of bone loss and creation balanced . However, dental implants alone can't reverse severe bone density loss in the jaw. We urge patients to talk to their dentist right away about damaged or missing teeth to enhance the effectiveness of dental implants in protecting the jawbone.

The Best Dental Implants for Your Needs

There are several different types of dental implants your dentist may recommend. What are the best dental implants for jawbone protection? Let's take a closer look at the role different implants can play in protecting your jawbone.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant and the best implants for jawbone preservation. These are the implants that your dentist surgically places in the jawbone.

Endosteal implants are best for patients who already have good jawbone health because they require sufficient bone density to fuse to the bone .

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are far less common, with dentists placing the implant on or above the jawbone but below the gums. Because they do not require osseointegration (the fusion of implant and bone), they aren't going to have the same impact on jawbone health.

Dentists may recommend subperiosteal implants for patients with serious jawbone density loss. However, dental bridges are an alternative (and less invasive) option.

All-on-X Implants

For patients missing a significant number of teeth, dentists may recommend all-on-4 or all-on-6 implants. All-on-X implants are endosteal implants that hold in place a full or partial arch of crowns. They eliminate the need to place an implant for every missing tooth.

Because they're endosteal implants, all-on-X implants can provide some jawbone protection while reducing the amount of stress on the jaw during surgery.

Additional Benefits of Dental Implants

Jawbone protection isn't the only benefit of getting dental implants. Here are some of the other reasons why so many patients and their dentists choose dental implants, from restoring natural functions to improving confidence.

Restoring Natural Functions

When you have damaged or missing teeth, you may start to notice changes in your speech patterns and ability to chew. For some, this can become an extremely disruptive problem.

Dental implants can restore your natural oral functions for 25 years or longer . They're considered more reliable than alternatives like dentures, which don't always offer the best stability.

Preventing Orthodontic Problems

Losing even a single tooth can have a ripple effect on the placement and orientation of your remaining teeth. For example, your teeth may start to shift into that empty space.

Getting a dental implant after losing a tooth is a great way to keep your teeth in their proper alignment and reduce the need for braces or aligners later in life.

Protecting Gum Health

Once your implants are healed and you have your permanent crowns in place, you'll take care of your artificial teeth the same way you take care of your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can keep your implants clean and strong.

By resuming your normal oral care routine, you'll be able to maintain great oral health. Plus, dental implants will eliminate large gaps that would otherwise trap food and bacteria, leading to infections and gum disease.

Improving Confidence

Everyone deserves to have a smile they aren't afraid to share with the world. However, damage, decay, and missing teeth can cause some people to start hiding their smiles or feeling less confident.

Dental implants look and feel natural, restoring your smile to its original beauty. You may need dental implants for medical reasons, but they can also have a cosmetic effect.

Need Dental Implants in Hollywood, FL? Call Smile On Us

Don't let tooth loss lead to jawbone deterioration. The best dental implants can preserve your jawbone density and protect your overall oral health.

Looking for a dentist in Hollywood, FL who can take care of everything from cleanings to specialized surgery? With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Freyberg is prepared to provide dental care for the whole family. Learn more about Smile on Us and schedule your first appointment today.

The Impact of Missing Teeth on Oral Health and How Bridges and Implants Can Help

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 13:53:49 GMT

Unveil the effects of dental implants and bridges on missing teeth and oral health. Learn more and improve your smile with expert insights today.

178 million Americans are walking around right now with at least one tooth missing . It's not just a gap in their smiles, but a gap in their confidence and quality of life. This staggering number represents millions of individuals facing daily challenges; from struggling to enjoy meals to hesitating to laugh out loud in social settings.

At the heart of this widespread issue, dental implants and bridges stand as pivotal solutions, crafted to bridge these gaps and restore more than just teeth. This article will explore how these advanced dental solutions not only return the functionality of missing teeth but also reinstate the personal comfort and confidence that everyone deserves.

Read on to understand the transformative impact dental implants and bridges can have on your life, one smile at a time.

The Impact of Missing Teeth on Oral Health

Missing teeth are more than a cosmetic concern. They can lead to serious oral health issues.

When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth begin to shift into the empty space. This shifting can lead to misalignment, which makes it harder to clean your teeth properly. Poor oral hygiene due to misalignment can result in gum disease and tooth decay.

In addition to alignment issues, missing teeth can cause bone loss in the jaw. The roots of your teeth stimulate the jawbone and keep it healthy. When a tooth is missing, the bone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation.

Over time, this can lead to changes in your facial structure, making you look older than you are. Research shows that bone loss can begin as soon as six months after losing a tooth . This rapid deterioration underscores the importance of timely intervention with missing teeth solutions.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are a common solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth anchored to the surrounding natural teeth .

Bridges can be made from various materials, including:

Porcelain
Gold
Alloys
A combination of these

They are custom-made to fit your mouth and match the color of your natural teeth . This makes them a discreet option for tooth replacement.

One of the primary benefits of dental bridges is their ability to restore your smile and functionality quickly. Unlike dental implants, which require surgery and a longer healing period, bridges can often be completed in a few dental visits. This makes them a more convenient option for many patients.

Additionally, dental bridges do not require bone grafting. This is sometimes necessary for implants if there is significant bone loss.

However, there are dental bridges pros and cons to consider. While bridges are less invasive and quicker to install, they rely on the strength of the surrounding teeth. If these teeth are not healthy or strong enough, they may not provide adequate support which can lead to potential complications.

Furthermore, bridges do not prevent bone loss in the same way that dental implants do, as they do not stimulate the jawbone.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth . They involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial root.

Over time, the bone fuses with the post in a process called osseointegration which creates a strong and stable foundation for the artificial tooth. This process mimics the natural function of tooth roots and helps to maintain the health of the jawbone.

One of the key benefits of dental implants is their permanence. Once the implant has fused with the bone, it can last a lifetime with proper care . This makes it a cost-effective solution in the long run, despite the higher initial cost compared to other options.

Additionally, implants do not rely on surrounding teeth for support, which preserves the health of your remaining natural teeth.

Another significant benefit of dental implants is their ability to prevent bone loss. By stimulating the jawbone, implants help maintain bone density and facial structure. This not only improves oral health but also enhances facial aesthetics, making you look younger.

The ability to restore full chewing function is another advantage. Unlike dentures, which can slip and make eating difficult, implants allow you to eat all types of food without worry.

However, dental implants also come with some considerations. The process requires surgery, which may not be suitable for everyone .

Patients need to have sufficient bone density to support the implant, and if they don't, bone grafting may be necessary. Additionally, the healing process can take several months, requiring patience and commitment.

Dental Implants and Bridges: Choosing the Right Solution

Deciding between dental bridges and implants depends on various factors, including your oral health, budget, and personal preferences. It's important to consult with a dental professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Oral health treatments for missing teeth should be tailored to individual needs. If you have healthy surrounding teeth and want a quicker solution, dental bridges might be the right choice . They can restore your smile and function in a relatively short time.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a long-term solution that preserves your bone health and provides the closest experience to natural teeth, dental implants might be the better option.

Bridges offer a less invasive and quicker solution, but they may not provide the same long-term benefits as implants. They rely on the health of surrounding teeth and do not prevent bone loss. Implants, while requiring surgery and a longer healing period, offer a permanent solution that maintains jawbone health and facial structure .

Take the Step Towards a Complete Smile

Missing teeth do more than create unsightly gaps. They trigger a cascade of dental and health issues that can affect your facial structure, speech, and nutrition. Dental implants and bridges stand out as the most effective solutions for these problems by offering not only cosmetic enhancement but also functional restoration.

At Smile on Us, we leverage the latest technology and decades of expertise to ensure that each solution is tailored specifically to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Opt for a practice that prioritizes your smile and overall health. Contact us today to discuss your options and start your journey to a fuller, healthier smile.

Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants: Which Is the Right Choice for You?

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:45:24 GMT

Learn the differences between dental bridges vs implants. Find out which option suits you best. Explore the pros and cons now and make an informed choice.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to bite into an apple without hesitation or smile in a photo without second thoughts? The quest for the perfect smile often leads to the pivotal choice between dental bridges vs. implants, two leading dental restoration options.

Each presents a unique pathway to restoring not only your smile but also your confidence. Whether you're contending with gaps left by missing teeth or looking for a long-term solution to dental woes, understanding these options is crucial.

This article lays out the pros, cons, and transformative potential of both treatments to guide you toward a decision that could dramatically enhance your quality of life.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth that are anchored by crowns on the adjacent teeth . There are several types of dental bridges, including:

Traditional bridges
Cantilever bridges
Maryland bonded bridges
Implant-supported bridges

The procedure for getting a dental bridge typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the abutment teeth by removing a portion of enamel to make room for the crowns .

Impressions of the teeth are then made to create a model for the bridge, pontic, and crowns. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being made.

The second visit involves removing the temporary bridge and placing the new permanent bridge . The dentist will check the fit and make necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and proper bite alignment.

The common materials used in dental bridges include:

Porcelain
Ceramic
Gold alloys
Base metal alloys

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth . The process of dental implants involves surgically placing titanium posts into the jawbone. These posts act as roots for the artificial teeth.

Over time, the bone grows around the titanium, securing it firmly in place.

The dental implant procedure consists of several steps . The initial consultation involves assessing the patient's oral health and determining if they are a suitable candidate for implants.

The dentist will examine the jawbone to ensure it is thick enough to support the implant. If the bone is not sufficient, a bone graft may be required.

The next step is the implant surgery , where the titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone. This is followed by a healing period, usually several months that allows the bone to fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration.

Once the implant has integrated with the bone, an abutment is placed on the post. This serves as a connector between the implant and the artificial tooth. The final step involves attaching the custom-made crown to the abutment.

Common materials used in dental implants include titanium and zirconia. Titanium is the most widely used due to its durability and compatibility with bone. Zirconia is an alternative for those with metal allergies.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges offer several benefits as a dental restoration option . One significant advantage is that the procedure is less invasive compared to implants. The process does not involve surgery which makes it suitable for patients who may not be good candidates for surgical procedures.

Additionally, getting a dental bridge is generally quicker and often completed within a few weeks.

Another benefit of dental bridges is that they can restore functionality by allowing patients to chew and speak more effectively. Bridges can also help maintain the shape of the face by preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position. This helps in preserving the patient's natural facial structure.

However, there are also drawbacks to consider. One downside is that dental bridges can potentially damage adjacent teeth. The process of preparing abutment teeth requires the removal of healthy tooth structure, which can weaken these teeth over time.

Furthermore, bridges have a shorter lifespan compared to implants, often needing replacement every 10 to 15 years.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Dental implants are often regarded as one of the best dental treatments available for tooth replacement. One of the most significant advantages is their durability . Implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care.

They also provide a stable and secure foundation for artificial teeth, allowing for a natural look and feel. Patients can eat, speak, and smile with confidence, knowing their implants are firmly in place.

Another benefit is that implants help prevent bone loss. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation.

Implants mimic the natural tooth root by stimulating the bone and preventing further loss. This helps maintain the facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance that often accompanies tooth loss.

Despite their many benefits, dental implants also have drawbacks. The most notable is the cost, which is generally higher than other dental restoration options.

Additionally, the implant procedure is more invasive, involving surgery and a longer recovery period. This may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with certain health conditions or insufficient bone structure .

Implant Versus Bridge: Factors to Consider

When deciding between a dental bridge and a dental implant, several factors come into play. Oral health is a primary consideration.

Patients with healthy gums and sufficient bone density may be better candidates for implants, while those with compromised oral health might opt for bridges. Budget is another important factor, as implants generally have a higher upfront cost compared to bridges.

Personal preferences also play a role. Some patients may prefer the permanence and durability of implants, while others may choose bridges for their quicker and less invasive procedure.

Dental Bridges vs. Implants: Make Your Decision with Confidence

Navigating the choice between dental bridges vs. implants can significantly impact your daily life and dental health. Dental bridges offer a swift and efficient solution for missing teeth, while implants provide a durable, lifelong option that preserves your jawbone and facial structure.

At Smile on Us, we prioritize your comfort and confidence by providing tailored consultations to help you make the best dental care choices. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Ilya Freyberg, is dedicated to ensuring that every patient leaves with a smile that mirrors their inner vitality. Contact us today and schedule your personalized dental consultation.

A Complete Guide on What to Expect From Your Dental Crown Procedure

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:00:11 GMT

Dental crowns have a big impact on your smile. We answer the preparation questions you need to know such as "How long does a crown take, and is it painful?"

If you're self-conscious about your smile, you're far from alone. Research suggests that over half of all U.S. adults feel uncomfortable about the look of their smile. Many respondents even admitted to hiding their teeth when grinning or laughing!

That's why dental crowns can be such small but powerful tools. Hiding damaged teeth behind a crown is a great way to restore both your smile and your self-confidence in one fell swoop.

If you're considering this procedure, you likely have questions. How long does a crown take, and what should you expect from the process?

Here at Smile On Us , we field questions like this all the time, and we're happy to answer them! Read on for a quick look at the basics of this procedure.

How Long Does a Crown Take?

The timeline for your dental crown can vary. Your dentist may recommend a multi-day procedure or a same-day procedure.

Multi-Day Procedure

With a multi-day procedure, it takes two or more appointments to get a dental crown.

During the first appointment, your dentist will examine and prepare your tooth for the crown. During the second appointment, your dentist will place the crown over your tooth.

From start to finish, the process may take a few weeks, as your dentist will have to wait for your custom crown to come back from a dental laboratory.

Same-Day Procedure

With a same-day procedure, your dentist will create the crown themselves. You may have to wait a few hours for the crown to be finished, so they may ask you to leave the office and return for a later appointment.

Total Time Spend

No matter which option your dental clinic offers, you can expect to sit in the dentist's chair for around two to three hours in total. Both appointments will take anywhere from 60-90 minutes. If your oral needs are complex or you're getting crowns on multiple teeth, this timeline may be a little longer.

What Happens During the Prep Appointment?

Let's dig deeper into the steps for the initial appointment. The goal of this appointment is to check your dental needs and prepare your tooth for the crown. Here's what you can expect.

Initial Consultation

During this appointment, your dentist will talk to you about your aesthetic goals. They'll also explain your treatment options, go over your preferences for anesthesia and sedation, and lay out the next steps before they do any work on your teeth.

You'll also have the chance to choose from several different crown materials, including ceramic, zirconia, and porcelain crowns . Your dentist may have recommendations based on the tooth's location and your oral health, but they will also want your input.

Tooth Exam and Preparation

To begin the procedure, your dentist will do a thorough exam of your tooth and the soft tissue around it. They'll look at its structural integrity and check for signs of decay. To do this, they may need to take X-rays or other imaging.

Next, they'll prepare your tooth for the crown. This involves numbing the area around the tooth before removing some of its enamel. They may use a laser, a high-speed handpiece, or other specialized tools to file down the surface of your tooth.

The result is a smaller, thinner tooth. By shaving down some of the tooth's outer layer, your dentist creates space for the crown.

Tooth Impression

Next, it's time for an impression of your trimmed tooth. Your dentist may use dental putty or a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system. This helps them generate a 3-D model, which is essential for creating your custom crown.

Temporary Crown Placement

If you're getting a multi-day procedure done, you will wait two to four weeks after your tooth preparation appointment. This allows enough time for the fabrication of your custom crown.

In the meantime, your dentist will create a temporary crown for you to wear before you leave the initial appointment. This helps protect your trimmed tooth and keeps you comfortable.

However, because the adhesive is easy to remove, you'll need to be careful with this short-term crown. Be gentle when eating and brushing, as forceful movements may dislodge it.

What Happens During the Crown Placement?

The crown placement procedure is often shorter than the first procedure. You can expect the following steps:

Checking the Fit

Once your new crown has come in from the lab or your dentist has finished creating it, it's time to place it on your tooth.

Your dentist will clean and prep your trimmed tooth. They'll then check the fit of the crown to ensure your comfort.

Cementing the Crown

When they're sure of a proper fit, they'll cement the crown in place. After the use of a special light to help it set, dental cement creates a strong, permanent bond.

Fine-Tuning the Surface

After the cement has hardened, your dentist may file away any excess cement. They'll polish the crown to smooth the surface, preventing any rough surfaces from irritating your mouth or gums.

Your dentist will also check your bite. They may file down a bit of the crown's upper surface, especially any incisal edges, to ensure proper alignment. Once this is done, your tooth replacement is complete!

Care Instructions

Last, your dentist will offer care instructions for your crown. Often, you'll need to follow the same oral hygiene recommendations as you do for your other teeth. This includes regular brushing and flossing.

Your dentist may also recommend avoiding certain types of foods. Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods may damage your crown.

Enhance Your Smile Today

Now that you've stopped asking yourself questions like "How long does a crown take?" it's time to benefit from this simple procedure! Permanent dental crowns are great ways to protect your oral health and enhance your smile, so ask your dentist if they're right for you.

If you're ready to take the next step toward a beautiful, long-lasting smile, get in touch with our experienced team. At Smile On Us, we're proud to be the trusted source of porcelain crowns throughout the Hollywood area. To schedule your consultation, call us today at (954) 923-7348.

What to Know Before Getting Invisalign in Hollywood, FL

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:14:54 GMT

Are you wondering if Invisalign is right for your dental needs? Find out what you need to know before getting Invisalign in Hollywood, FL.

Take a look at your smile in a mirror. Are there gaps between your teeth? Perhaps your smile isn't as straight as it once was.

If you don't have straight teeth, your risk of issues like tooth decay and g um disease could increase. Talk to your dentist about Invisalign in Hollywood, FL. Treatment can bring your jaws and teeth into alignment, protecting your oral health in the process.

Not sure if Invisalign is right for you? Read on to learn everything you need to know before treatment!

Consider Orthodontic Treatment Options

Invisalign treatment can improve crowding and spacing issues to produce straight teeth. However, Invisalign is ideal for mild and moderate issues, including:

Crowded teeth
Overbites
Underbites
Crossbites
Gaps between teeth
Open bites

To determine if you're an ideal candidate for treatment, schedule an appointment with your Hollywood, FL dentist . They can assess your smile to determine if Invisalign is right for you.

During your consultation appointment, your dentist will create a 3D image of your jaw and mouth. They can use these scans to show you how your smile will appear after treatment.

If the results don't suit your needs, talk to your dentist about other orthodontic treatment options. They may recommend traditional metal braces if you have more severe orthodontic issues.

You'll Need Attachments

When you're ready to begin Invisalign treatment, your dentist will add attachments to your teeth. The attachments will give you more leverage. They're glued to your teeth for the duration of your treatment.

Your attachments can get stained, especially if you consume a lot of red wine, coffee, or tea. Try drinking these beverages using a straw (when you're not wearing your aligners).

Your attachments and aligners may cause you to develop a lisp when you first begin treatment. It should disappear within a month. Keep wearing your aligners to adapt sooner.

Remain Vigilant

Pay attention to your orthodontist's instructions when you first receive your Invisalign aligners. You'll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Otherwise, your teeth may not move into the desired alignment.

If you don't wear your aligners throughout the day, your orthodontic issues may get worse. You could delay your treatment plan.

With traditional metal braces, your orthodontic work will remain in place 24 hours a day. One of the benefits of Invisalign treatment is you can remove your aligners. You should remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

After brushing and flossing your teeth, you should put their aligners back on immediately. Some patients struggle to remain disciplined and vigilant about their Invisalign aligners.

Invisalign treatment isn't ideal for younger patients who may forget to put their aligners on. Treatment requires a commitment. If you don't wear your aligners, you won't see results.

Discomfort is Normal

You may experience some discomfort when you first begin treatment. Your Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit around your teeth. They'll apply pressure to your teeth to bring your smile into alignment.

The pain associated with treatment is minimal. Treatment doesn't require shots or drilling.

Discomfort can last a few days. You can reduce any discomfort you experience by:

Applying a cold compress
Taking over-the-counter medication
Rinsing your mouth with saltwater
Using Orajel
Avoiding hard foods
Drinking cold water
Sucking (not biting!) on ice cubes

You'll grow more accustomed to your aligners over time. Try to remain patient as you and your teeth adjust to this new norm.

Try to stay on schedule. Don't rush to put in new Invisalign aligners too soon.

When it's time to switch to a new pair of Invisalign aligners, do so right before bedtime. Inserting your new aligners before bed will allow you to get accustomed to their new position while you sleep. You could experience less pain during the day.

Avoid taking your aligners out too often. Wearing your aligners longer can minimize how much pain you experience.

If you take the aligners out for too long, they'll fit more snugly than before. Your teeth will need time to readjust.

Dietary Adjustments

One of the benefits of Invisalign is retaining the ability to eat anything you want. With traditional treatment options, you'll need to avoid sticky or crunchy foods. These foods can get stuck on your braces and affect your oral health.

However, you shouldn't eat while wearing your aligners.

You shouldn't eat or drink anything besides water while wearing your aligners. Hot foods and beverages can warp or damage the plastic.

Chewing with your aligners in can cause them to break.

If you damage your aligners, it could delay your treatment plan while you wait for a replacement. Always remove your aligners before meals.

If you're experiencing discomfort, remove hard foods from your diet. Consume soft foods while your teeth adjust to treatment.

Care for Your Invisalign Aligners

Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you'll switch between different pairs of Invisalign aligners. Each pair will bring your teeth closer into alignment.

You'll likely switch pairs every two weeks. Orthodontic work with Invisalign usually involves 64.1 pairs of aligners .

Talk to your Hollywood, FL dentist for tips on keeping your aligners clean. You should wash and brush your aligners daily to remove bacteria and plaque.

Don't use soap or mouthwash when cleaning your aligners. These products can cause discoloration, making your aligners less discrete. You could also damage the trays.

Use Invisalign cleaning crystals. Soak your aligners while you eat to avoid delays.

Retaining Results

After completing your Invisalign treatment, you'll wear aligners to retain your beautiful new smile. You should wear your retainers for three months, then to bed.

Retainers are a lifelong commitment. You may need to wear them periodically for the rest of your life.

Seek Invisalign in Hollywood, FL

Invisalign treatment can produce straight teeth and a stunning smile. Consider getting Invisalign in Hollywood, FL. Otherwise, talk to your dentist about other orthodontic treatment options to improve your smile and oral health.

Our team at Smile on Us has over 15 years of experience in specialized dentistry. We can help you achieve a smile you're proud of. Contact us today and mention our Invisalign special!

7 Best Benefits of Invisalign

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:11:32 GMT

Increase your confidence by straightening your teeth this year. This article explains the seven best benefits of Invisalign.

Are your dealing with crooked teeth? Are you looking to straighten them? Don't want anyone to notice that you're doing so?

If so, you should consider using Invisalign. These are clear retainer-style braces that are essentially invisible when set on the teeth. They offer a number of benefits that you won't get with traditional braces.

We're going to discuss Invisalign in detail below, helping you see just what Invisalign brings to the table. Let's get into it!

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a tooth straightening process in which clear, plastic aligners are used to gradually shift the teeth from one position to the next. These aligners are an alternative to traditional braces which consist of a series of metal wires and brackets.

Those undergoing Invisalign treatment first have compressions of their teeth taken. These compressions are then used to devise a straightening plan.

To facilitate this plan, several sets of plastic aligners are created, each of which builds on the progress of the previous set. By the time the patient is done wearing the final set, their teeth will be straight, and they can move on to wearing a retainer at night.

Throughout the process , the patient will be visiting their dentist or orthodontist. This is done to ensure that the straightening plan is on the right track. If something goes awry, the dentist can alter the plan to facilitate better progress.

There are several benefits of Invisalign, including the following:

1. They Work

Let's get this out of the way first: Invisalign braces work. While they're not suitable for all straightening jobs, they are suitable for most. If you do have extremely crooked teeth, you can first use traditional braces and then supplement them with Invisalign braces.

Invisalign braces work by slowly adjusting the positions of each tooth. Once the positions have been altered to the full extent of one aligner, a new aligner is used to alter them even more.

In the same way that tightening traditional braces facilitates tooth movement, using a new Invisalign aligner facilitates tooth movement as well. By the end of your time with Invisalign, you will have a straight set of teeth.

2. They're Hard to Notice

Traditional braces stick out like a sore thumb. It's impossible not to notice them when an orthodontic patient opens their mouth. While some are fine with this and choose to lean into the look, others would rather avoid it.

Fortunately, with Invisalign, they can. Invisalign braces are transparent in appearance and so are very difficult to see when set on the teeth. When wearing Invisalign, you'll more or less maintain your typical look.

3. They Can Be Taken Out

Another benefit of Invisalign is that they can be taken out. This is particularly beneficial when it comes to brushing and flossing.

While traditional braces don't eliminate one's ability to brush and floss, they do make the acts more difficult. Plus, there's always a risk of food particles getting trapped underneath the braces. When this occurs, the risk of plaque buildup increases substantially, and can therefore lead to severe tooth decay.

Invisalign aligners enable you to care for your teeth as you did before you started the tooth straightening process. You can simply take the aligners off, brush, floss, and then put the aligners back on.

Note that you can also eat with the aligners off. Therefore, there's no risk of food particles getting trapped underneath them.

Now, this doesn't mean you should take the aligners off for long stretches of time. You need to be wearing them nearly constantly, in fact. However, taking them off 5 times a day for 10 minutes at a time won't slow down your progress.

4. They Typically Work Faster

While there's no set time limit for treatment with Invisalign, by and large, Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 24 months. The more crooked your teeth, the longer treatment will be.

Traditional braces, on the other hand, tend to take between 2 and 4 years to provide proper straightening.

So, in other words, Invisalign braces work much faster. You'll not only have a perfect smile quicker than you would otherwise but you'll also get to shirk the annoyance of wearing orthodontics quicker than you would otherwise.

5. They're More Comfortable

Both Invisalign aligners and traditional braces take some getting used to when first inserted into the mouth. They're both bound to have an effect on the way you talk, for instance, at least temporarily.

However, overall, Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional braces. In fact, once you've gotten used to Invisalign aligners, you'll probably forget that they're even there.

The same isn't generally true of traditional braces. Traditional braces consist of a series of metal wires. Oftentimes, after being adjusted, these wires will poke into the gums and mouth tissue, resulting in sores and pain.

Yes, they can be adjusted to combat such problems. In many cases, however, the problem can't be combatted until the damage is done.

There's also the fact that traditional braces jut out more than Invisalign. As such, you'll always feel them pressing up against the inside of your mouth.

6. They're Easy to Take Care Of

Worried about the maintenance required for Invisalign aligners? Don't be. Invisalign is extremely easy to take care of and will cost you almost no additional money in upkeep.

To clean Invisalign aligners, you first run them under lukewarm water. Then, you brush them with a standard toothbrush, removing any buildup that may be present.

If any buildup remains, simply soak the aligners in a specialized aligner cleaning solution. This will ensure that the aligners completely clean.

Rinse the aligners off once more and then put them back in your mouth. It's that simple.

Interested in Getting Invisalign?

What do you think? Is Invisalign right for you? Looking to get Invisalign aligners in the Hollywood, Florida area?

If so, and if you're looking for a dentist in Hollywood FL, we here at Smile On Us Dental are the ones to see. We've provided Invisalign to many Hollywood area patients. Our experienced and friendly team looks forward to helping you.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:11:35 GMT

If you're looking for a great teeth straightening option, Invisalign is a good bet. Learn who would best qualify for Invisalign in this guide.

Have you gotten into the habit of covering up your mouth when you smile or laugh because you feel insecure about your teeth? You may be surprised to hear that this is a lot more common than you might think.

One recent survey revealed that more than 50% of Americans admit to doing this. It suggests that the majority of people in this country are self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth.

If you fall into this category, you might be able to benefit from Invisalign. A dentist in Hollywood, FL can put you through the teeth straightening process through the use of Invisalign.

But before you take this approach to straightening your teeth, you'll need to figure out whether or not you would be a good candidate for the Invisalign treatment. Not everyone will be a fantastic fit for Invisalign.

So, who should get Invisalign? Here are the signs that'll indicate you should consider taking advantage of this cosmetic dentistry option.

You Have All Your Permanent Teeth

If Invisalign is such a wonderful option for teeth straightening, you might wonder why most teenagers get metal braces vs. Invisalign . There is a very simple reason for this.

Many teenagers are still in the process of getting all their permanent teeth. They're also still in the process of having these teeth come in and shift around a little bit. It's why the majority of teenagers aren't good candidates for Invisalign.

To get Invisalign, you'll need to have all your permanent teeth already. It'll put a dentist in Hollywood, FL in a much better position to treat you with Invisalign clear aligners as opposed to metal braces.

You Take Excellent Care of Your Teeth

Do you brush your teeth for two minutes at a time twice each day ? Do you also floss your teeth on a daily basis?

If you just answered "yes" to both of these questions, you might be a good candidate for Invisalign. It'll prove to a dentist in Hollywood, FL that you have what it takes to go through Invisalign treatment.

You're going to have to work extra hard to keep your teeth and gums clean when you have Invisalign clear aligners . If you don't, it could lead to damage being done to your teeth and gums over time.

You'll also need to take care of your Invisalign clear aligners each day. And a dentist in Hollywood, FL might not think that you're going to be up for the challenge if you're not someone who is already working to take good care of your teeth and gums.

You Don't Have Any Major Dental Issues

Before agreeing to help you take advantage of the many benefits of Invisalign, a dentist in Hollywood, FL is going to want to evaluate your teeth and gums to see what kind of condition they're in. If you have major dental issues that need to be dealt with accordingly, it could delay or even prevent your ability to get Invisalign clear aligners.

It won't be worth having a dentist in Hollywood, FL put Invisalign clear aligners on your teeth if you need to have extensive work done to them. At the very least, you'll need to have major dental issues treated prior to going through the Invisalign treatment.

You're Ready for the Responsibility Associated With Invisalign

There is a big responsibility associated with metal braces. You'll need to work to get them clean after almost every meal. You'll also need to watch what you eat and drink when you have them on your teeth.

But you could make the argument that you'll have an even greater responsibility when you get Invisalign clear aligners. Since you'll be able to take them out when you eat, you'll need to work on cleaning them every time you remove them and then go to put them back in your mouth. This alone can be a huge responsibility.

You'll also have the responsibility of making sure that you don't remove your Invisalign clear aligners too often throughout the day. In most cases, a dentist in Hollywood, FL will ask you to wear your Invisalign clear aligners for up to 22 hours per day. If you aren't ready to do this, it could mean you're not a good candidate for Invisalign.

You Have a Strong Desire to Straighten Your Teeth

At the end of the day, the best candidates for Invisalign will be those people who have a strong desire to get straighter teeth. If you've been unhappy with the way your teeth look for years or maybe even decades, Invisalign could be the option that you've been waiting for.

You'll love the fact that you'll be able to wear Invisalign clear aligners without those around you noticing. Even if you have a job that forces you to stand up in front of people all the time, you won't mind doing it when you have Invisalign clear aligners since they'll be invisible to most people.

But the thing you'll love most about Invisalign clear aligners is that they'll work as long as you keep them in and let them do their job. You just need to have the desire and, to some degree, the patience to let them work their magic. If you're prepared to use Invisalign clear aligners to their full potential, you would be a terrific candidate for Invisalign.

Contact Us to Discover More About Invisalign

Do you feel as though you would be a good candidate for Invisalign? Smile On Us Dental would love to help you get the straighter teeth you've always wanted by setting you up with our dental services .

We can provide you with a great dentist in Hollywood, FL who can walk you through the Invisalign treatment process. It'll give you a good overview of how Invisalign might be able to help you start taking more pride in the appearance of your teeth.

Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.

The Main Kinds of Dental Implants Surgery

Tue, 30 May 2023 13:05:53 GMT

Porcelain veneers are exploding in popularity, and with good reason! See why now with our informative guide, and see how a dentist in Hollywood FL can help now.

120 million people in the US are missing one or more teeth. For some, an injury or illness causes tooth loss. Other people lose teeth due to decay and gum disease, which can result from poor oral hygiene.

The good news is that dental implants can restore missing teeth. Dental implants are made of a metal post or screw and a tooth-like crown. They are as strong as and nearly identical to your natural teeth.

When it comes to implants, you have options. There are multiple types you can get depending on factors like the health of your jawbone and how well you adhere to your dentist's aftercare instructions.

Below, we discuss the most common types of dental implants, so keep reading to find the best option for you.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant . As long as your jawbone is relatively healthy, endosteal implants should work for you.

You will have to get a metal screw-like post surgically placed into your jawbone. After a brief recovery period, the post will fuse with the jawbone as if it is a real tooth root.

The final step is to screw on the crown. A crown is a tooth-like cap that may be made of metal or tooth-colored material such as porcelain or ceramic.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are best for people who do not have enough healthy jawbone tissue for an endosteal implant.

This type also requires a metal screw implant. The difference is that the post attaches to a metal support frame. Your implant dentist will surgically place the implant into the gum line rather than the jawbone.

Once the gums heal around the frame, the dentist adds a crown. You can get the same types of crown materials for endosteal and subperiosteal implants.

There are other ways to get an implant if you do not want this type. Your dentist can restore tissue to your jawbone using bone augmentation, sinus lifting, or ridge expansion. Another option is to get a zygomatic implant.

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants also work well for people with poor jawbone health. Like subperiosteal implants, the dentist places the post somewhere other than the jawbone.

In this case, the post goes into the cheekbone. The medical name for the cheekbone is the zygomatic bone, which is where this implant gets its name.

One downside to this type of implant is that it only works for upper teeth. People who need lower teeth implants will have to choose an alternative.

Immediate Load Implants

Immediate load implants are not really a type of implant. Instead, this type of dental service refers to a surgical method. Your dentist will surgically place the post and immediately attach the crown without waiting for recovery.

This type of dental implant surgery is not for everyone. People with poor physical, oral, or jawbone health and tobacco users are not good candidates for immediate loading.

Compare this to the traditional way implant surgery is done. You would have to wait for the jawbone to heal around the post before getting the crown.

Mini Implants

Mini dental implants are another suitable option for people who don't have enough jawbone tissue to support an endosteal implant.

Similar to subperiosteal implants, the dentist surgically attaches the post to the gum surface. Then, the crown screws onto the post. The entire mini implant measures less than 3mm in diameter.

The benefits of mini implants include that they are less invasive and take less time to heal. The only downside is that they are not as durable as regular implants.

All-on-4 Implants

2.2% of adults aged 20 to 64 are edentate, meaning they are missing all their teeth. If you are missing all your teeth or an entire row of upper or lower teeth, All-on-4 implants may be for you.

This type of implant requires enough healthy jawbone tissue to place four implants. Your dentist will place two implants in the back of your mouth and two in the front. Dentures replace the remaining missing teeth.

All-on-4 implants have a ton of benefits over traditional dentures. They are more durable. Plus, they are permanent, so you never have to worry about dentures slipping and sliding around again.

Single-Tooth Implants

The majority of people who receive implants are only missing one tooth. If that sounds like you, you will only need a single-tooth implant.

You can get any type of implant to replace a single tooth.

Multi-Tooth Implants

Other people may need to replace multiple teeth at once. In this case, multi-tooth implants are ideal.

Your dentist installs all the posts and screws on all the crowns during one dental implant procedure (or two if you choose traditional loading).

The only downside to multi-tooth implants is that the procedure is more intense, and healing takes longer.

Full-Mouth Implants

Full-mouth implants aim to replace all your teeth. For example, getting All-on-4 implants for your top and bottom rows of teeth is a type of full-mouth implant.

Getting individual implants for your whole mouth can be quite expensive, especially without insurance. That's why most dentists recommend All-on-4 implants with permanent dentures.

Searching for 'Dental Implants Near Me'?

Dental implants can replace decaying or lost teeth. The most common type of implant is an endosteal implant. But subperiosteal, zygomatic, and other kinds of dental implants are better for people with compromised jawbone health.

Are you searching for the best implant dentist in Hollywood, FL? Smile On Us has over 200 5-star reviews from our patients. Contact Smile On Us Dental to schedule your dental implant appointment today!

Why More People Are Choosing Porcelain Veneers

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 17:49:09 GMT

Porcelain veneers are exploding in popularity, and with good reason! See why now with our informative guide, and see how a dentist in Hollywood FL can help now.

The global cosmetic dentistry market reached $29.6 billion in 2021 and could reach $89 billion by 2030. More people are concerned with the appearance of their smiles! Much of the industry's growth is due to the interest in dental crowns, bridges, implants, and veneers.

Why are more people choosing porcelain veneers over other cosmetic dentistry options? Read on to find out! After reading this guide, you can schedule an appointment with your dentist in Hollywood, FL to determine if you're an ideal candidate for treatment.

Discover the benefits of veneers today!

Porcelain Over Composite

Veneers are custom-made, teeth-colored shells that are placed atop an existing tooth. They're usually designed for aesthetic purposes. Before undergoing this procedure, talk to your dentist in Hollywood, FL about porcelain versus composite veneers.

Porcelain veneers are the more durable of the two. While veneers are designed to be thin, porcelain is still a strong material. Durability can ensure a longer lifespan for your veneers.

Porcelain veneers are also more natural-looking. You'll want your veneers to blend in with your existing teeth. Otherwise, your smile might look strange.

People might have an easier time recognizing you received treatment, too.

Porcelain is also more resistant to staining than composite veneers. Its translucent properties ensure the veneers handle light similarly to the way your enamel does.

Composite, however, is cheaper than porcelain. The process of installing veneers made of porcelain is usually more involved. It tends to require more resources, too.

Your dentist will first need to remove some of the top layer of the tooth before they can cement the veneer into place. You might need to wear temporary veneers before your porcelain ones are fabricated in a lab. You'll need to schedule at least two appointments to have them placed.

Composite veneers, on the other hand, can be placed with a single dental visit. Only a slight reduction of your existing tooth is necessary.

With either option, your dentist will use cement and a curing light to ensure the veneer is placed properly.

Either way, veneers can transform your smile and life.

Revitalize Your Smile

One of the top reasons people choose veneers is to improve the appearance of their smiles. For example, perhaps your teeth look dull, yellow, or discolored. Veneers can help erase the appearance of stains and discoloration.

They can also improve the physical structure of your teeth. As an all-inclusive solution, veneers are ideal if you want to attain a stunning, healthy smile.

Remember, porcelain is also resistant to staining. Once your veneers are in place, you won't have to worry about coffee, tea, or red wine causing stains.

You also won't have to pay for routine teeth whitening treatments. While teeth whitening can improve the appearance of your smile, you'll need regular appointments. The costs can stack up over time if you're a constant coffee drinker.

With your veneers in place, you won't have to worry!

In fact, your veneers can also revitalize your smile by repairing small gaps or crooked teeth.

It's normal to feel self-conscious about a gap in your smile. However, these gaps make it easier for food particles and bacteria to hide away. Your risk of gum disease or tooth decay could increase as a result.

Veneers can help fix these imperfections!

Make sure to schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist in Hollywood, FL. They can review your veneer options to make sure you're an ideal candidate for treatment.

An Alternative to Braces

Veneers also offer an alternative treatment option to braces.

Many people don't enjoy fixing orthodontic problems with traditional metal braces. They're not discreet and can become uncomfortable. If you're looking for an alternative treatment option, talk to your dentist.

They might determine that veneers can remedy some of the problems you're experiencing.

Boost Your Self-Esteem

Improving the appearance of your smile with veneers can benefit your self-esteem, too.

Remember, it's normal to feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile. If you hide your smile in social settings, it could make social interactions awkward, though. Improving the appearance of your smile with veneers can benefit your self-esteem.

You might feel more inclined to take risks at work or in social settings as a result.

In fact, imperfections with your teeth can have a ripple effect. If you lack self-confidence, you might not feel comfortable expressing yourself. You might struggle to take a romantic risk or grab opportunities you've longed for.

You might experience unnecessary stress, which can become detrimental to your oral and overall health. For example, you might start grinding your teeth.

If you're unhappy with the current appearance of your smile, it's time to schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist! They can also recommend other dental services that can further benefit your smile and oral health. With their help, you can maintain a beautiful smile and healthy self-esteem!

Long-Term Benefits

Porcelain veneers last about 15 years before they need to be replaced. If you're searching for a long-term dental solution, consider veneers. You can experience the benefits of veneers long-term, minimizing stress, staining, and other issues.

Make sure to talk to your dentist to determine the best way to ensure the longevity of your new veneers.

Fast and Simple Procedure

The treatment process for veneers is fast and easy. While the process usually requires two sessions, remember: the results can last for years. You'll only need two appointments to experience these benefits long-term.

Otherwise, you'll need recurring dental appointments to fix some of the problems you're experiencing.

Easy Maintenance

Veneers are also popular because they're easy to maintain. Make sure to keep up with your oral health care routine. Brush and floss daily to keep bacteria and food particles at bay.

Consider switching to low-abrasive toothpaste, too!

Porcelain Veneers: Talk to Your Dentist in Hollywood, FL

Want to experience the benefits of porcelain veneers firsthand? Schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist in Hollywood, FL. They'll determine if you're an ideal candidate for treatment before reviewing your veneer options.

With their help, you can improve the appearance of your smile for years to come.

Ready to schedule your appointment? We can't wait to see you!

The Complete Guide to Choosing Dental Veneers: Everything to Know

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 15:30:59 GMT

Finding the right veneers for your teeth requires knowing your options. This guide explains everything to know when choosing dental veneers.

According to research, the market size for dental veneers is valued at over 1.5 billion . Our smile is one of the first things people notice about us and significantly impacts our self-confidence and the way we communicate.

We are not always born with the perfect set of teeth, but dental veneers make it possible to create the smile we have always desired. Learn more about the top choice for a dentist in Hollywood FL and how they can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored overlays made of porcelain or composite materials. They are customized to cover and adhere permanently to the front surfaces of your teeth. They improve the appearance of your smile by correcting damaged, uneven, or discolored teeth.

Veneers are one of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry and are available in different types, depending on your needs. These dental restorations are an effective way to achieve a symmetrical smile and work well for those who do not have serious or extensive oral health issues.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

Not everyone is satisfied with the look of their smile, and other teeth-straightening treatments are not always an option. Dental veneers provide a solution to acquiring a better smile. They can alter the appearance of your teeth and smile by improving:

shape and size
gaps and spaces
teeth alignment
tooth sensitivity
discoloration and staining

Dental veneers are made of high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the test of time. As a result, they are a highly durable and long lasting alternative to a more confident smile.

Types of Dental Veneers

The biggest advantage of dental veneers is the ability to customize the appearance of your new teeth, from shape to color. Learn more about the different types of veneers and which one is best for you:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are designed to complement and fit your dental structure. Before putting the implant in, your dentist will remove some enamel and grind down your natural teeth. This roughens the surface of your teeth, which helps the veneers stay firmly in place. Afterward, a mold of your teeth is made and sent to a lab, where the porcelain veneers will be made.

Your dentist may put in temporary veneers using acrylic plastic until the permanent veneers return from the lab. Once the veneers are ready, your dentist will cement them in place over freshly cleaned and prepared teeth. No downtime is required.

Porcelain material is highly durable and more resistant to damage and discoloration compared to composite veneers. They are custom-made to fit correctly over the teeth and create a natural appearance. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for 15-20 years or longer.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers can treat moderate cosmetic issues. Your dentist will start by shaving a thin layer of enamel from your teeth, then etch the surface of each tooth to help with adhesion. Afterward, your prepared teeth are layered with a thin coating of composite resin (the same substance used for fillings and dental bonding) that is the same color as the surrounding teeth.

Additional composite layers may be required to attain the desired look. Your dentist will finish by curing the composite veneer with a special light. This procedure is typically completed in a single appointment on the same day with no downtime needed.

Because composite veneers are made of resin, they do not create any permanent changes to the underlying teeth and can be removed or altered in the future. However, they are not as durable or resilient as porcelain veneers and are more prone to staining. This veneer alternative is advised for patients who are unsure about committing to dental veneers for the long term.

No-prep Veneers

No-prep veneers are less invasive and take less time to apply. Although some enamel removal is required, it is considerably less than traditional veneers. No-prep veneers include porcelain alternatives like Vivaneers and Lumineers. The process typically does not require local anesthesia, temporary veneers, or recovery time.

Dental Veneer Budget

Most insurance plans do not cover dental veneers because they are considered cosmetic procedures. Composite veneers cost between $400-$2000 per tooth and last between 5-7 years. Porcelain veneers cost between $900-$2500 per tooth and last between 15-20 years.

The cost of your veneers is determined by factors such as the number of teeth you want to change, and how much you are financially willing to invest in your smile. Talking to your dentist is always recommended before making any commitments.

By scheduling a dental veneer appointment, you can decide which type of veneer is best for you, if payment plans are available, and which dental services are the most cost-effective.

What to Consider

Although there are many benefits of dental veneers, it is essential to properly educate yourself before investing in any personal and financial commitment. It is advised to consider looking into the following:

service costs, online reviews, and level of dental experience
financial commitment of dental veneers
responsibilities of proper veneer maintenance
knowing what you want to ensure a beautiful, natural-looking smile

Depending on which veneer option you choose, some are more flexible or more permanent than others. Rest assured, the outcome will be an improved smile that you can be proud of.

Trusted Dental Care

The ideal dental experience should make you feel at home, from the minute you arrive until the moment you depart. It also involves having confidence that your needs are being attended to by a professional who is knowledgeable and passionate about their craft.

There is no need to look further than the leading dentist in Hollywood FL. Their individualized care, cutting-edge techniques, and unrivaled dental services inspire patient confidence while also exceeding your needs. Through delivering dental care you can trust, you are sure to have plenty to smile about!

A Happy Smile

There can never be too many reasons to smile, and why not include the assurance of having the smile you've always desired as one of them?

Our goal is to provide the ultimate guide to choosing the ideal dental veneers for you. Contact us to take the first step toward improving dental health and attaining the beautiful smile you deserve.

What are the Benefits of Pediatric Dental Care?

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 20:05:20 GMT

If you want your child to maintain dental health at an early age, the right dentist in Hollywood, FL can help. Here are the benefits of pediatric dental care.

Globally, an estimated 520 million children suffer from poor oral health.

With a range of risk factors that speed up oral diseases such as poor diet, consumption of sugar-rich foods, and lack of plaque removal. Your child may develop dental caries, severe pain, infections, and sometimes even tooth loss.

As a parent, early oral health detection can aid to protect your child from serious health issues and promote a healthy self-image. Thus, its your responsibility to get your kids to follow good oral hygiene. Don't forget to schedule visiting a pediatric dentist in Hollywood FL.

Here are more benefits of visiting a certified pediatric dental care specialist.

Calmer, Happier Kids

A recent study found that about two-thirds (67.8%) of children have some sort of dentophobia. These fears are brought about by feeling pain after certain procedures and bad experiences with previous dentists. Fortunately, a trained pediatric dentist handles tantrums and ensure your kid is comfortable.

Equipped with various calming techniques, their goal is to calm down anxious baby and reduce their fear. Also, they're keen and watchful to notice your child's pain and can help comfort them. This creates a calmer experience, ending their phobia in future visits.

Early Detection of Poor Oral Health

A pediatric dentist is an expert in working with children's teeth and jaws which a regular dentist may not be accustomed to. They provide a comprehensive oral health assessment for preventative and restorative dentistry. You also get nutritional and diet recommendations for your toddler.

A dentist for kids can recognize tooth deformity at an early stage and perform a baby root canal if damaged. What's more, they can refer you to a professional orthodontist for pre- and mid-orthodontic exams to help your child get a healthier smile.

Prevention-Based Dental Approach

Improving and maintaining good dental health can be daunting, especially for younger children. A pediatric practitioner will tutor your child on proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Also, they practice therapy-based techniques to check your child's oral health habits and wellness of the gum and mouth tissues. Even better, they discourage young children from sugary snacks and biting hard items that chip off their teeth.

Preventative dental care will minimize the risk of tooth decay, preserve tooth enamel, as well as fight gum diseases. Having a pediatric dentist is certainly your best bet to healthy and functional teeth.

Understands Children's Dental Anatomy

Your child's jaw and teeth move and change shape as they grow. Because of this rapid growth, engaging a reputable pediatric dentist ensures that your child has the best oral care. They are knowledgeable about the stages that your teeth go through until adulthood.

The focus of a pediatric dentist is to provide oral care to kids across all age segments. This ensures a healthy smile throughout their entire lifespan.

Provides Tooth Restoration and Intervention

Accidents are inevitable, especially for young children. It's not uncommon for some to damage their teeth during activities. Also, a dental cavity can creep in if not taken care of and may need repair or treatment.

A reputable pediatric dentist can restore their smile using a minimally invasive treatment such as composite fillings. These composite filling materials are more durable and easier to maintain compared to other traditional tooth-filling materials. This dental filling is ideal for patients of all ages.

Teeth Strengthening

Treatment with braces can begin as early as 12 years. Many teens wear braces to correct and improve their teeth alignment before they reach adulthood. Your pediatric dentist can identify if your child needs orthodontic care, fissure sealant, maxillary expansion, or space maintainers from an early age.

However, our professional pediatric dentist may also recommend Invisalign over metal braces. They are hardly visible, easy to clean, more comfortable, require few office visits, and offer more satisfactory results. Invisalign is especially beneficial to older teenagers who want something effective and trendy.

Repair of Dental Injuries

More than 2.2 million children get treated for fall-related injuries. The majority of these accidents lead to damaged teeth. Your pediatric dentist can assess the damage sustained and put in place the right treatment plan for your child's cracked tooth.

Often, if the primary teeth are severely affected, they can be extracted to avoid decay and teeth-related diseases. A pediatric dental caregiver can restore the gaps using porcelain crowns and dental implants .

Dental implants fix a variety of common dental issues including missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, they are indistinguishable from your natural teeth, boosting your confidence.

Safe Teeth Whitening for Kids

A range of factors can contribute to tooth discoloration. Smoking, sugary foods and drinks, and poor oral habits can contribute to a dull smile. But, visiting a pediatric dental care expert can revive your child's smile with a single teeth whitening treatment.

Luckily, thanks to the latest non-invasive dental technology, patients can achieve a brighter smile. Not only does it enhance appearances but also treats teeth ailments. Our treatments are 100% safe for kids.

Looking for a Qualified Pediatric Dentist in Hollywood FL?

We know you want the best for your kids. And when it comes to pediatric dental care, Smile On Us doesn't go wrong. We take exceptional pride in our latest dental technology and treatments that are effective and safe for the whole family.

Our experienced pediatric dentist in Hollywood FL will offer high-quality and affordable dental treatments. Let us give your child the confidence to face the world. We are open 7 days a week and offer a wide range of teeth treatments to cure your ailments.

What are you waiting for? Book an appointment today or contact us at (954) 923-7348 to get started. We serve Fort Lauderdale FL, Hollywood FL, North Miami Beach FL, and surrounding areas.

The Best Ways To Prevent and Treat Gum Disease

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 18:08:52 GMT

Almost half of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. There are steps you can take, both at home and at your dentist's office, to prevent and treat it.

Over 40% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. Risk increases with age, as over 70% of adults ages 65 and up have periodontal disease. Gum disease could cause your gums to pull away from your teeth.

Without treatment, your teeth could become loose or even fall out.

Here are a few tips you can use to prevent and treat periodontal disease before visiting your dentist in Hollywood, FL . With these tips, you can protect your smile before bacteria gets the chance to spread.

Read on to learn more.

Prevention

In order to prevent periodontal disease, it helps to understand what causes the condition in the first place.

When we fail to thoroughly brush and floss our teeth, bacteria and food particles linger until plaque forms. Plaque is a sticky, clear substance that can cling onto or in between teeth. Eventually, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus).

Tartar can spread below the gum line over time, making it more difficult to clean away. You'll need to visit your dentist in Hollywood, FL for a cleaning to remove the tartar.

Otherwise, the periodontal disease process will continue to develop over time.

Gingivitis is the initial state of gum disease, while the more serious infection is called periodontitis. When left unchecked, gingivitis will cause your gums to separate from your teeth. Your teeth could become loose and unstable.

Warning signs of gingivitis include:

Sensitivity
Red, swollen, or tender gums
A change in how teeth fit together
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Pain when chewing
Pus between gums and teeth
Foul-smelling breath (that doesn't go away after brushing)
Gums that pull away from your teeth

If these symptoms sound familiar, look for dentists in Hollywood, FL right away.

Some factors can increase your risk of gingivitis, including genetics, stress, diabetes, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. Certain medications, fillings that have become defective, and hormonal changes can increase your risk, too.

Here are a few tips from the best dentist Hollywood, FL has to offer to prevent gingivitis in the first place.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Above all else, make sure to practice good oral hygiene.

Remember, food particles cause plaque, which leads to tartar development, which can cause gingivitis. Thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent plaque from building up in the first place. Otherwise, plaque and tartar will begin to irritate your gums.

Don't forget to scrub your tongue, which can carry bacteria.

Consider switching to a battery-powered or electric toothbrush, too. Otherwise, switch your toothbrush or brush head every three to four months. You can also use toothpaste that contains fluoride to reduce your risk of gingivitis.

Make an effort to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Talk to your dentist in 33020 for other tips to improve your oral hygiene routine.

Adjust Your Diet

Consuming a balanced diet can improve your oral and overall health.

First, try to minimize your intake of sugary foods and beverages. Otherwise, sugar can increase your risk of tooth decay and plaque.

Bacteria in plaque also feed on sugar and carbs before releasing acids that can damage gums and teeth.

Try to add more vitamin C to your diet, too. Vitamin C deficiency can increase your risk of gum disease. You can find vitamin C in strawberries, kiwis, and oranges.

Vitamin C could keep your gums from swelling and bleeding.

Stay Hydrated

Don't forget to stay hydrated throughout the day. Saliva is one of the body's best, natural defenses against plaque formation. Your water produces saliva after meals to help wash away plaque and food particles.

Drinking more water can help wash away food particles as well.

Limit Alcohol and Tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco can hurt your overall health and enable bacteria to flourish.

Alcohol also dehydrates your mouth, allowing bacteria to harm your teeth and gum. Some beverages are also acidic, which could erode your protective enamel.

Smoking can increase your risk of gum disease. It also weakens the immune system, making it more difficult for your body to protect itself from infection.

Schedule Routine Cleanings

Schedule a professional tooth cleaning with the best dentist Hollywood, FL has to offer to improve your oral health. A routine cleaning can help prevent gum disease by cleaning plaque away.

Your dentist can also spot signs of gum disease before it can progress into periodontitis.

Don't forget to ask dentists in Florida for additional tips you can use to minimize your risk.

Treatment

If you've already developed gingivitis, visit your dentist in Hollywood, FL right away. Here are a few treatment options they might recommend.

Cleanings

Some professional cleaning techniques can clear away plaque and tartar before gingivitis can further damage your teeth and gums.

For example, teeth scaling helps by removing tartar from above and below your gum line. Root planing, on the other hand, can smooth any rough spots. It also removes plaque and tartar from the root surface.

Otherwise, your dentist might use laser techniques to remove tartar more efficiently.

Medications

Your dentist might also recommend medications to treat your gum disease. These could include antibiotics and disinfectants like:

Time-release antiseptic chips
Oral antibiotics
Doxycycline
Antibiotic microspheres
Antiseptic mouthwash

Make sure to discuss the pros and cons of each medication with your dentist to determine which best suits your needs.

Surgery

If your gingivitis is severe enough, your dentist might recommend surgery before it can further damage gums or bone tissue.

Flap surgery involves lifting your gums back to remove plaque and tartar from deeper pockets.

Bone and tissue grafts could help prevent additional gum and bone loss while regenerating lost jaw bone. Otherwise, dental crown lengthening can help if you have excess gum tissue.

Visit Your Dentist in Hollywood, FL for Gum Disease Treatment Today

If you're recognizing signs of gum disease, visit your dentist in Hollywood, FL right away. They can help develop a treatment plan before gingivitis develops further. With their help, you can protect your smile from further harm.

In the meantime, make sure to use these prevention tips to keep your smile looking its best.

Need to schedule your appointment? We're here to help.

Dental Cleanings: What Are the Benefits?

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 17:13:56 GMT

Routine dental cleanings are essential for long lasting oral health. Our experts explain what makes dental cleanings so important here.

Dentists recommend dental cleanings every six months. Yet, only 63% of adults visited a dentist last year.

A dental cleaning is much deeper than the cleanings you perform at home through brushing and flossing. As a result, getting regular cleanings can help you prevent problems.

If you want healthy teeth, you should visit an appointment. If you think you don't need one, you might want to think twice.

Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of visiting a dentist in Hollywood, FL , for a dental cleaning.

Improves Tooth Color

Routine dental cleanings involve multiple steps, but all the steps help your teeth become cleaner. As a result, you'll notice an improvement in your tooth color, which is one of the top benefits of dental cleanings.

Teeth tend to lose their white color over time , and this happens for several reasons. First, the things you eat can discolor your teeth.

Secondly, plaque develops on your teeth from the things you eat.

When plaque remains on the teeth for too long, it hardens, creating a substance called tartar. A dentist removes tartar buildup during routine cleanings. They also remove the plaque.

They do this in two primary ways. First, they might scrape it off. Secondly, they might use high-pressured water to remove it.

Your teeth will look whiter after removing the plaque and tartar.

Reduces the Risk of Cavities

As you probably know, plaque on your teeth causes cavities. Therefore, to reduce your risk of cavities, you must eliminate the plaque.

Fortunately, a dentist in Hollywood, FL, removes the plaque during your cleanings, leaving you with a lower chance of developing cavities.

Cavities eat away at teeth, but they're not easy to spot when they initially form. However, a dentist can spot them by examining your teeth and taking x-rays.

Many dentists use digital x-rays to find cavities and other problems. Digital x-rays help dentists see the areas between your teeth, but that's not all. They also show the dentist your tooth roots and jawbone.

If you develop cavities on your teeth and don't detect them immediately, they will spread. For example, a small cavity can turn into a large cavity. A cavity can also work into your tooth roots, causing an infection.

Protects You From Gingivitis

Additionally, plaque on your teeth can get inside your gum pockets. The gum pockets are the areas where your teeth meet your gums. These pockets should be small. However, the areas widen as plaque enters.

If plaque enters these areas, you can develop gingivitis: the first stage of gum disease. Gum disease is a progressive disease, which means it worsens when left untreated.

Dentists stress the importance of dental cleanings for many reasons, but one of the top reasons is to prevent gingivitis. Gingivitis causes gum recession, bad breath, and other consequences.

While a dentist can treat it, it's much easier to aim for prevention rather than dealing with treating it.

Fresher Breath

The next reason you need dental cleanings is to have fresher breath. Many people don't realize when they have bad breath, yet studies reveal that approximately 50% of adults suffer from bad breath.

As plaque develops on your teeth, you might struggle to keep fresh breath. The reason is that plaque stinks. Plaque forms from food particles that remain on your teeth, and this causes smelly breath.

Therefore, you might have fresher breath if you keep the plaque away. Daily brushing and flossing help to remove the plaque, but you might not remove all of it through these habits.

A dentist can remove it all each time they perform cleanings. If you don't have a dentist, you might wonder how to choose a dentist. You can search your area to find one with a good reputation and convenient hours.

Detects Problems

The next thing to consider is that routine dental cleanings help you learn more about your oral health. You'll discover how well you care for your teeth and steps you can take to improve your oral health.

Additionally, you'll learn if you have any existing problems to address. The best part about routine cleanings is that they can help you detect problems when they first begin.

Early detection is vital for your oral health, as it helps protect your teeth. Early detection also helps you prevent serious issues with your teeth and gums and helps you save money.

If you can detect problems immediately, you'll pay fewer costs for the required treatment and avoid complex dental procedures.

Improved General Health

The final reason to get routine cleanings is to improve your general health. Dentists have found correlations between oral health and general health. The main correlation is that people with healthy mouths are healthier overall.

Plaque leads to infections in your mouth. However, the infection doesn't stay in your mouth. Instead, it spreads through your bloodstream.

As a result, untreated oral problems can increase your risks for health issues, such as heart disease. You can learn more about the importance of oral hygiene by clicking here .

One final question you might have is, "how often should you get your teeth cleaned?" While most dentists recommend every six months, you might need more frequent cleanings.

Dental Cleanings Are Vital For Your Oral Health

After reading this guide, you might see why dental cleanings are vital. Of course, you can talk to your dentist to learn how often to get cleanings, but they'll likely recommend two each year.

Visiting a dentist in Hollywood , FL is your first step toward improved oral health.

Are you ready to have a healthier mouth? If so, contact Smile On Us Dental . We're located in Hollywood, FL, and offer family dentistry services.

What Are Dental Exams and X-Rays?

Mon, 23 May 2022 13:59:44 GMT

Are you interested in learning about dental exams and X-rays? Feel free to read about them here from your local dentist in Hollywood, FL.

Did you know that approximately 36% of adults in the US have dental anxiety? There are multiple causes for this anxiety. One of the most prevalent reasons is a fear that there will be an issue with the patient's teeth and they will need oral surgery to correct it.

Another reason why so many are afraid of going to the dentist is due to a lack of knowledge. When a patient doesn't understand the reason behind a procedure, it can cause anxiety. This anxiety even leads to some avoiding the dentist entirely.

Your local dentist in Hollywood FL wants to help you overcome this fear. Keep reading to learn more about what dental exams and X-rays are and why they are so important to your oral health.

Why Is Dental Health Important?

Many people believe that oral health is an optional part of being healthy and that you don't need to worry about your mouth. You might think your oral health is one part of your overall health and an optional part at that.

You would be surprised to learn that oral health is actually connected to overall health, and very important to wellbeing. When your mouth isn't healthy, it can impact the rest of your body and lead to disease.

When you don't regularly brush and floss your teeth, and avoid going to the dentist for a cleaning, you allow bacteria to build up in your mouth. While there is always bacteria in your mouth regardless of cleaning when you avoid oral healthcare it can lead to a large buildup of it. This buildup can cause serious problems.

Concerns From Lack of Oral Care

Some issues from neglect are bad breath and among the more serious gum disease and tooth decay. There are multiple steps to tooth deca y , but it's caused by bacteria in your mouth producing acid that destroys your tooth's enamel. The minerals get broken down until a cavity forms.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is caused by poor oral health. It is when your gums become puffy or swollen, bleed when you brush, and other concerning symptoms . When left untreated, this can lead to your teeth falling out entirely.

But, this isn't all that can happen when you neglect to take care of your teeth. Serious issues related to other systems of your body can occur. Some of the most frightening are endocarditis and cardiovascular disease. Both of these relate to bacteria from your mouth building up, causing infection, and traveling through your bloodstream to your heart.

While it might seem that your mouth and heart are unrelated, there can be deadly consequences to not taking care of your oral health. Studies have shown that untreated tooth infections can increase heart disease by almost 3 times. So what might seem like an inconvenience such as a dental exam can be life-saving for you or your loved one.

What a Dentist in Hollywood FL Can Do for You

Now that you understand the risk posed by putting off oral health, you can learn more about what a Florida dentist can do. By getting a dental exam by your dentist in Hollywood FL every six months, you can guarantee your teeth are healthy and clean.

When you go in for your semi-annual dental exam, your dentist will take a comprehensive look at your mouth. You will sit in a chair that lays back, and either the dentist or dental hygienist will use special tools to scrape and clean your teeth.

They clean your teeth by removing plaque and tartar that they find. If you're not sure, plaque is a sticky substance that can be found on your teeth. If that plaque is not treated, it will harden and turn into tartar.

Tartar is much more difficult to remove than plaque. This is the bacteria buildup that your dentist can clean to help avoid serious infection.

More often, if you are a child, you will be given a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that many dentists use to prevent tooth decay. It will remineralize weakened enamel and can even reverse early tooth decay.

The dentist might take x-rays of your mouth, which is in addition to your dental exam. This helps them get a more full picture of your oral health. X-rays help your dentist identify tooth decay, gum disease, and other potential issues.

X-rays are also beneficial for kids to see how their teeth are coming in and make sure they are coming in straight.

Some patients have concerns about the safety of x-rays since there is radiation exposure. But, the level of radiation patients are exposed to is very minimal. Dentists use the least amount of radiation possible to get a picture of your teeth and cover you with lead aprons to keep the exposure contained to your teeth.

Once the dentist has completed their exam and x-rays, they will discuss if there were any issues. If they see something of concern like a cavity, they will schedule another appointment for you to have that taken care of.

Visit Your Florida Dentist Today

The health of your mouth is just as important as the health of the rest of your body, and neglecting it can have serious consequences. In this article you have learned some of the consequences of not taking care of your oral health and the benefits of a dental exam.

While many people have a fear of going to the dentist, by learning about dental exams and x-rays you can go into an exam knowing what to expect.

By seeing a dentist in Hollywood FL, you can guarantee your teeth are clean and healthy. If you have been on the fence about a dental exam, schedule one today to experience a clean smile.

From regular dental visits to flossing every day, there are a few steps you can take to enjoy a pain-free, oral health journey.

Your dentist in Hollywood, FL will be able to provide you with a full picture of your overall oral health at your next visit. If you find yourself experiencing tooth or mouth pain, don't hesitate to schedule your next visit with Smile On Us Dental.

No need to search online for 'Dentist Hollywood, FL' to see what treatment options are available to you. To learn more about the services we offer, simply visit our homepage or contact us here to set up an appointment today!

The Importance of Oral Hygiene and Things You Can Do

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:45:08 GMT

Oral hygiene is extremely important if you want to live a pain-free life, but why? Learn all about the importance of oral hygiene in this guide.

We've all heard time and again from our dentist that we need to brush and floss every single day. While not everyone may heed that advice, there are plenty of good reasons why we should.

Good oral hygiene helps support overall physical health as well. Did you know that some studies attribute poor oral health to poor heart health? This doesn't mean you should be worried if you haven't been flossing.

Rather than having to comb through online searches like 'dentist in Hollywood, FL' or 'help with oral care' for help with oral hygiene, look no further. In this article, we'll go over why oral hygiene is important for living a pain-free life and some of the steps you can take to keep your oral hygiene on track.

Why Dental Health Is Important

Clean teeth and good dental habits will go a long way in keeping your mouth healthy for years to come. The prevention of oral diseases is of utmost importance as we get older. Poor dental hygiene can lead to dental problems like:

Periodontal disease
Bruxism
Cracked teeth
Cavities
Gingivitis

Some of these can lead to more severe health problems like TMJ discomfort , heart disease, and respiratory problems. So how do brushing and flossing help?

Brush It Off

Our mouths are host to millions of bacteria, both good and bad. Some good bacteria exist to inhibit the formation of plaque, freshen breath, and fight off harmful bacteria.

When it comes to the bad bacteria, if proper hygiene steps aren't taken, the bad bacteria tend to overcome the good. The build-up of bad bacteria is what leads to dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

Brushing for two minutes, twice per day helps remove plaque and keep harmful bacteria at bay. Keep in mind that brushing too vigorously can also harm your gums and enamel. Be thorough but be sure to brush in small, gentle circles.

Additional Steps

How else can you be sure to practice good dental hygiene? Additional steps include:

Use a mouthwash after brushing
Limit sugar intake
Replace your toothbrush every few months
Get regular dental cleanings
Avoid the use of tobacco

Don't Forget to Floss

The crucial step that so many tend to overlook...flossing. Flossing helps remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles that we're unable to reach with a toothbrush. Thorough and consistent flossing will get rid of that nasty plaque and bacteria, and leave those pearly whites shining.

Removing stuck food particles and plaque not only prevents tooth decay but helps prevent bad breath as well! You can breathe easier knowing that flossing will help reach those hard-to-clean places

Don't Forget to Visit Your Dentist

Regular visits with your dentist are of utmost importance when it comes to the overall health of your mouth. Regular cleanings are the main part of your visit. However, regular check-ups also include thorough evaluations by your dentist.

Your hygienist and dentist alike will be looking for signs of:

Gum disease
Cavities
Cancer
Shifting teeth

If you're feeling any pain or discomfort, be sure to note it with your dentist prior to arriving. They will be able to get to the root of what is causing said pain and administer a treatment plan accordingly.

Tooth Sensitivity

When tooth decay starts to set in, you want to get it taken care of as soon as possible. Postponing or skipping out on your regular dental visits can lead to a need for more serious work in the future. What happens if tooth pain or discomfort gets left unaddressed?

In general, you'll notice when a cavity begins to get worse. Your body will warn you there's an issue by alerting you with tooth sensitivity. The next time you go for an ice-cold glass of water, you might feel some pain when all you want is to feel refreshed. Over time, this pain will only worsen if not properly addressed and treated.

If the bacteria from a cavity is left too long, it can result in an abscess or even lead to an infection located in the nerve of the tooth. At this stage, a root canal may be suggested in lieu of full tooth extraction. However, you can avoid an extraction by visiting your dentist regularly. They will be able to treat the cavity before it becomes a serious issue.

Other Pain Points

When it comes to cavities, any sharp, temporary pains in the tooth typically result from worn-down enamel. Other causes of tooth or mouth pain might come from:

Exposed roots
Cracked tooth
Chipped tooth
Worn down fillings
Gum disease

Your dentist will be able to identify the source of your pain before suggesting a proper course of treatment. Treatment options range from mild fluoride application to more advanced treatments like laser gum therapy .

Ready to Visit Your Dentist in Hollywood, FL?

From regular dental visits to flossing every day, there are a few steps you can take to enjoy a pain-free, oral health journey.

How a Hollywood FL Dentist Can Help Treat TMJ

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 11:47:42 GMT

When pain caused by TMJ has debilitating effects on your mouth and head, explore how a Hollywood FL dentist can offer several treatment options.

Did you know that over 10 million people in the U.S. experience TMJ pain at any given time? If you’ve noticed a popping sound or your jaws hurt when opening your mouth, you may have TMJ pain.

Luckily, a Hollywood, FL dentist can help you manage the pain brought by this disorder.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a sliding hinge joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. It helps you chew, speak, make facial expressions and breathe properly. A TMJ disorder can cause inconvenience and pain when left untreated.

Your dentist will ask you about the TMJ symptoms and how long you had them. Often, the treatment of this disorder combines medication, therapies, and surgery.

Here's everything to expect from a dentist when seeking treatment for TMJ disorder:

Complete Oral Diagnosis

TMJ usually presents symptoms that are similar to many other conditions. Your dentist will inquire about your medical history and carry out a physical exam to diagnose this disorder.

Expect them to examine your jaw joints for tenderness and pain. They'll also listen for grating sounds, pops, and clicks when you're moving your jaw joints. The TMJ specialist dentist will look for any abnormalities in your facial muscles and test your bite in the exam.

A full-face X-ray may help the dentist view your teeth and jaw joints as part of the diagnosis. Other tests like computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI) may be needed too. A CT scan will show the bones attached to the joint, while an MRI will reveal the state of your TMJ disc.

Prescribe Medications

For temporary relief, your dentist may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. If the muscle and jaw discomfort persists, they'll prescribe more potent pain killers, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Most FDA-approved medications for conditions like seizures and depression can also treat the nerves causing the discomfort.

People react differently to TMJ medications due to their underlying medical conditions and genetics. Never expect the same results when taking medication that works for other people. Even more, there's little evidence showing how different subgroups of people respond to TMJ treatment.

You should thus stick to your physician's advice to improve your chances of recovering from TMJ. Your physician will monitor the side effects of the drugs and advise you on the dosage.

Recommend Dental Work

The dentist can use braces, bridges, and crowns to correct biting issues or balance the biting surfaces. They'll also use these fixtures to replace missing teeth and allow you to chew normally.

A dental crown can reduce TMJ pain if an improper bite causes the disorder. The TMJ dentist will place tooth crowns over the teeth to restore them to their normal size and shape. It will be easier for your jaws and teeth to come together when talking or eating.

Braces will adjust your teeth's position to fix the improper bite. Once your teeth meet correctly, your jaw joint won't be under any pressure, and the pain will subside. A dental bridge will create a healthy balance on your jaw by filling the gap left by a missing tooth.

Suggest Home Treatments

Besides medical interventions, there are home remedies that can relieve TMJ symptoms. Your dentist can advise you to apply cold packs or moist heat on the temple area to ease the pain.

They may also suggest soft foods like fish, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes to reduce pressure on the jaw. Other remedies like keeping chewing and yawning to a minimum can help too.

Avoid holding the phone between your ears/shoulders or resting your chin on the hand. You should practice good posture to ease facial and neck pain as instructed by the physician.

Supervise Advanced Treatments

Advanced therapies like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and trigger-point injections may help treat TMJ. With TENS therapy, a dentist in Hollywood FL will use low-level electrical currents to relax your facial muscles and jaw joints.

They may also inject anesthesia or pain medication to your facial muscles to ease the pain as part of the trigger point injections.

Low-level laser therapy may also treat the TMJ disorder. This procedure lowers inflammation and pan on your jaws and allows you to move your neck freely. Your dentist may also recommend radio wave therapy to boost blood flow to the jaw and ease the pain.

Book You for Surgery

If other TMJ treatments fail to work, the dentist Hollywood, FL will recommend surgery. Get a second opinion on surgery since the procedure is irreversible.

The two types of TMJ surgery include arthrocentesis and arthroscopy. The dentist will insert needles into the affected joint during arthrocentesis to remove damaged tissue or dislodge the joint. On the other hand, Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that helps realign the joint or remove inflamed tissues.

Your dentist may recommend open-joint surgery if you have a scarred joint or tumors in the joint. This surgical procedure may also be ideal if your jaw joint is worn out. The procedure helps repair, remove, replace or reposition parts in a jaw joint.

Set Up Follow-Up Arrangements

The dentist specializing in TMJ will ask whether you've been taking the prescribed medication during the follow-ups. They'll also advise you on other home remedies to ease the TMJ pain.

The dentist may instruct you to follow up with a pain-specialist physician or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. These follow-ups will depend on the kind of treatment sought for TMJ.

Each dental follow-up is painless and safe and poses zero risks to you. It can protect you from the complications and risks linked to unsuccessful dental procedures. Stick to the checkup to reduce your risk of developing severe oral health problems.

TMJ Dentist Near Me: Schedule an Appointment with a Hollywood, FL Dentist

As discussed in this guide, a Hollywood, FL dentist can recommend TMJ treatment to ease pain and discomfort. Without the treatment, you risk developing a more severe case of the disorder or tinnitus. Though TMJ isn't life-threatening, it can negatively affect your overall and dental health.

Count on Smile on Us for the most advanced TMJ treatment options. We rely on insights provided by our advanced dental equipment and our experience to give you an accurate treatment plan. Schedule a dental appointment with us to learn more about our services.

How To Care For Your Teeth During Holidays

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 13:28:53 GMT

Are you ready to keep your teeth healthy over the holidays? Read here for a guide on how to care for your teeth and how our dentist in Hollywood, FL can help.

During the holidays, delicious sweets and sugary beverages seem to be tempting us from around every corner. Choosing to stay healthy and fight the urge to enjoy the fruit cake at holiday parties may not be the easiest decision. The good news is your resistance will be rewarded with a beautiful white smile, good oral health, and money saved from dental bills.

Keeping up with your oral healthcare during the holidays may seem impossible with all the temptations surrounding you. Allow these tips from a dentist in Hollywood, FL to relieve some holiday stress and help you care for your teeth during this holiday season.

Read below to find out how to care for your teeth during the holidays.

Keep Up With Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

The holidays are filled with loads of sweet and savory foods. While you may be enjoying a lot more of these irresistible foods during this holiday season, don’t forget to keep up with your daily oral health routine. A good daily hygiene routine can help to stay away from emergency dental visits.

This time of year can get very busy with holiday shopping and preparing food for holiday parties. Make oral hygiene a priority. Simple things like brushing, proper flossing , and gargling twice a day will keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Say Yes to Healthy Foods and No to Acidic and Sugary Foods

It’s no secret that fruits and vegetables are the best foods for your overall health. Did you know that it’s also the best food for oral healthcare? Eating crunchy foods like carrots and apples will help to scrub off built-up plaque and keep your teeth white.

Prevent tooth stains before they happen by limiting foods and beverages that will stain your teeth. Limit the number of sugary sweets you eat this holiday season. Go for a crunchy fruit like a green apple if you crave something sweet. Be sure to wash it down with plenty of water to wash away any leftover bacteria that may have formed during your meal.

Avoid foods that are sticky, hard, chewy, and sugary. Holiday parties are filled with foods that can lead to interproximal cavities . These are cavities that are formed between two teeth when tooth enamel is weakened and bacteria cause decay. This is even more reason why keeping up with your daily routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing is extremely important especially this time of year.

Choose Drinks That Won’t Stain Your Teeth

Drinks like red wine, grape, or cranberry juice can easily stain your teeth. Try drinking clear or light-colored liquids to avoid staining your teeth. If you do drink beverages that will stain your teeth, be sure to rinse your mouth if not immediately after, then within 30 minutes of consumption.

Most wines are full of high acidic content that will eat away at your tooth enamel over time. Eating savory foods like cheese when drinking acidic beverages will help to cut the acid content and keep your teeth white.

Schedule an Appointment With Your Dentist in Hollywood FL

Schedule an appointment for dental care immediately after the holidays. Keeping up with your dentist appointments twice a year is extremely important. You may do a great job caring for your teeth all year but the holidays are notorious for irresistible treats and sweets. It’s easy to miss bacteria after completing your daily oral routine.

Make your appointment now for after the holidays. Your dentist can check for any lingering bacteria left behind.

Have a Teeth Cleaning Kit Available for When You Need It

The first rule of dental care is to brush and floss after every meal or snack you eat. Having a to-go teeth cleaning kit available will help aid in your overall oral healthcare.

Most holiday parties are filled with high acidic adult beverages that will eat away at your teeth enamel over time without proper oral healthcare. Be prepared by packing an oral care kit filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. Having a to-go teeth kit on hand at holiday parties will help to avoid any emergency dental work needed in the future.

Keep an emergency oral hygiene kit with you at all times. This will help you care for your teeth not only this holiday season but every day thereafter.

Be Careful With Your Teeth

Most people tend to view their teeth as a bone because they share the same color and both have calcium. But they both serve two different functions in the body. Yes, your teeth are strong but please don’t confuse them with strong bones as they both serve different functions and the only similarity is being the hardest substances in the body.

Teeth are meant for chewing and digesting food. With the help of your lips and tongue, they help to enunciate words clearly. Don’t use your teeth to open up wine bottles, presents, or food packages. They should never be used as a tool as they can weaken the tooth enamel with excessive use.

Making a habit of using your teeth to open anything will damage your teeth and thus lead to needing expensive cosmetic dental work. Care for your teeth by only using them to chew and digest your food.

Let a Dentist in Hollywood FL Help You Keep Up With Your Oral Healthcare

Learning to care for your teeth during any time of year starts with a trip to your local dentist in Hollywood FL. We can help educate you on how to properly care for your oral health.

We offer several services under general and preventative dentistry and cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Visit our website to check out all the services we offer. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Tooth Decay Stages: Everything You Need to Know

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 23:24:36 GMT

It is important to be able to recognize the signs and stages of tooth decay. Here is everything you need to know about the tooth decay stages.

Did you know that untreated tooth decay affects more than 26% of adults in the United States? While tooth decay can start off quite innocently, as the tooth decay stages progress, it can turn into a serious problem. In some cases, tooth decay can become so severe that it can result in the loss of teeth.

Everyone wants to have an attractive smile. However, to achieve an attractive smile, you need to commit to proper dental hygiene. Without brushing your teeth and regularly visiting the best dentist, Hollywood, FL, you can risk the health of your teeth.

So, what should you know about the tooth decay stages? In this article, we will explore the five main stages of tooth decay. You will discover how minor tooth decay can soon become a serious and even dangerous problem for not only your teeth but also your health in general.

To start off, let's take a closer look at how and why tooth decay happens in the first place.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Any dentist in Hollywood, FL, will tell you that brushing and flossing your teeth is important. But why might this be? Your mouth is full of bacteria, some of which are beneficial and some of which are harmful.

As you introduce food, especially sugary food, into your mouth, the harmful bacteria will eat up the food particles and secrete acid into your mouth, and also create plaque. This acid will break down your enamel (the substance that protects your teeth) over time. As plaque builds up over your teeth, it will break down your enamel in a similar way.

This leads to your enamel becoming weak and unable to protect your teeth as it should. Soon, cavities can form and tooth decay can set in. This results not only in unattractive teeth, but can also cause problems such as gum disease, bad breath, abscesses, and infections.

By regularly visiting a dentist around 33020 and brushing your teeth, you can avoid these problems. However, if you ignore dental hygiene, you may find yourself progressing through the stages of tooth decay. Let's take a look at the first stage.

1. Demineralization

If you ask the best dentist 33020 what the first stage of tooth decay is, your answer will be demineralization. As mentioned before, the harmful bacteria in your mouth can produce acid in reaction to the presence of food if you don't brush your teeth. This acid breaks down your enamel via demineralization.

Demineralization involves the bacteria leaching out the minerals in your enamel. As more and more of these minerals are lost, your enamel will grow weaker. The first sign of demineralization on your teeth is the appearance of small white dots.

2. Enamel Decay

Enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body. However, even it is not immune to continued tooth decay. During this stage, the white spots on your teeth will begin to change color.

More often than not, the spots will turn brown. This is a sure sign that your enamel is on its last leg. These spots will soon deepen and will likely turn into cavities.

You may not realize you have cavities right away if you are free of dental pain. Usually, the pain of cavities only appears once they are so deep in the tooth that they are affecting the dental nerves. These deep cavities will need to be filled by a dentist so they don't continue to cause damage.

3. Dentin Decay

If you don't get advice from a dentist in Hollywood, FL, you may not realize you have entered the second stage of tooth decay. This stage occurs when the decay moves past your enamel and starts working on dentin. Dentin is a tissue that exists beneath your enamel layer.

Because dentin is not as hard as enamel, once the decay reaches this layer, it can eat away at the dentin faster than the enamel. Dentin is connected to dental nerves as well. As such, you may develop tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold beverages or foods.

At this point, you may still save the quality of your teeth on your own if you start brushing and flossing. However, if you let the decay progress, it can get much worse.

4. Pulp Damage

If you reach this stage and are wondering, "should I make an appointment with a dentist around me ?" the answer is affirmative. The pulp is beneath the dentin layer and composes the innermost layer of teeth. Pulp is also what keeps your teeth alive.

This is because the pulp is full of blood vessels and nerves. This stage of pulp damage is when you might start to feel pain as a result of tooth decay. This is because as the pulp decays, the blood vessels in the area will become inflamed and swell up.

5. Abscess Development

This last stage of tooth development can get quite serious as it involves infection. On all accounts, you should stop wondering "should I go to a dental office near me?" and go to the dentist immediately.

As tooth decay eats away at your tooth pulp, bacteria in the area can cause an infection. This can lead to the development of an abscess which is a swollen pocket of pus. Abscesses are very painful and much more painful than cavities, usually affecting the jaw as a whole.

Abscess infections can become very serious, sometimes even fatal if they are not treated. This is because the infection can spread to the lymph nodes and blood.

Tooth Decay Stages

By the end of this article, you now know all about the five main tooth decay stages. You also know about the importance of dental hygiene and of regularly visiting a dentist to keep your teeth healthy.

To learn more, contact us here .

Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening in Hollywood FL

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 12:35:42 GMT

If you're thinking about getting teeth whitening in Hollywood FL, you'll no doubt have lots of questions. Here's everything you need to know.

Are you trying to whiten your teeth, but OTC whiteners aren't doing the trick? You're not alone!

Many people find whitening strips and whitening toothpaste dissatisfying. Professional teeth whitening works much better, and it gets to the root of the stains.

A teeth whitening procedure is the most effective and safest way to lighten your teeth. Teeth whitening in Hollywood, FL, with Smile On Us Dental is sure to leave you with a beautiful brighter smile.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this treatment.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is the act of bleaching your teeth. That may sound a little scary, but in the hands of a professional, it is perfectly safe.

Your teeth absorb a little bit of everything you eat. The color of wine, coffee, blueberries, and soda stains your teeth when they absorb into their pores. The only way to get rid of the stains is to whiten your teeth.

Teeth whitening works by using chemicals to weaken stains on your teeth. Even the deep ones. It is different from whitening toothpaste that scrubs off stains at the surface level.

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

There are two main options when you go in to get your teeth whitened.

The first is a hydrogen peroxide gel that is applied with a syringe. The hydrogen peroxide is very concentrated, so only dentists or hygienists can apply it.

The second uses a high-intensity light combined with the application of hydrogen peroxide. The light can be a UV, halogen, or LED bulb that is only used outside your mouth.

Most people agree that one option is not necessarily better than the other. They are both safe and have minimal long-term side effects on your teeth.

Teeth whitening in Hollywood, FL, with Smile On Us Dental is more effective compared to at-home whitening products. But, it will also be more expensive.

The Teeth Whitening Procedure

When you get your teeth professionally whitened, it's good to know what you can expect. The entire procedure should only take about an hour in total.

The first thing your dentist will do is use a shade chart to see what color your teeth are currently. Then you will discuss the color your teeth may be after whitening.

Next, they will scrape any leftover plaque off your teeth to create a smooth, polished surface for the hydrogen peroxide. Before applying it, though, the dentist will place a barrier on your gums to protect them.

The hydrogen peroxide is now placed onto each tooth and left there for at least an hour. If the teeth whitening treatment involves a high-intensity light, this is when it comes into play.

Your dentist may apply more coats of whitener to the teeth that need it. Once the time is up, the peroxide is rinsed off the teeth, and fluoride is applied.

After the whitening, your teeth will be more susceptible to staining. Your dentist should give you instructions on what to eat and drink for the following days.

Benefits of Whitening Your Teeth

Teeth whitening has many benefits right away. One of the most obvious benefits is the boost of self-esteem . When your teeth are brighter, you feel more inclined to smile and show them off.

You can feel good about your smile, great about your self-esteem, and you'll be in better health. Focusing on your mouth health can make you a healthier person overall.

Poor oral hygiene can be linked to organ failure, heart conditions, and several cognitive issues. When stains are removed from your teeth, your teeth are stronger and healthier.

Risks of Whitening Your Teeth

Teeth whitening in Hollywood, FL, with Smile On Us Dental is non-invasive, so it comes with very little risk. You may experience no side effects at all. If you do experience them, it should only be for a short period.

One prominent side effect is sensitivity during and after the teeth whitening procedure. Most often, this sensitivity subsides after a day or so.

During whitening, the teeth are dehydrated, which creates sensitivity. The dehydration makes it difficult for the teeth to insulate the nerves from the temperature change. Your dentist should give your fluoride to combat this.

Other side effects include gum discomfort, white spots on the gum line, or a sore throat. These symptoms are usually nothing to worry about. They should subside in a few days.

If you are worried about any problems that arise after your treatment, you should contact your dentist's office.

The Results

Your results can vary over a few days. Your teeth will immediately look whiter after the teeth whitening treatment due to dehydration. They may become darker a couple of days after the procedure.

Your teeth may never become as white as you want them to. Whitening can only lift the stains that have accumulated since your adult teeth grew in. The color of your teeth is determined by your genetics.

The results of your whitening procedure can last as long as three years. Yet, this heavily relies on the person. If you frequently enjoy products that stain your teeth , such as smoking, your results will not last as long.

Teeth Whitening in Hollywood, FL

Professional teeth whitening might be for you if you are struggling to see results with OTC teeth whiteners. Professional whitening goes deep into the stains to reveal teeth that are shades lighter.

When you decide to get teeth whitening in Hollywood, FL, with Smile On Us Dental you will not be disappointed. Smile On Us Dental has an experienced team of professionals prepared to give you your best smile.

7 Tips For Choosing the Best Dentist in Hollywood FL

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:44:36 GMT

A beautiful, healthy smile starts with the right dentist. We explain how to choose the best dentist in Hollywood FL here.

Are you new to the Hollywood, FL area and looking for a reputable dentist to take care of all your dental needs? Finding the right dentist in Hollywood, FL is crucial for proper dental hygiene for a few reasons. When you find a dentist you can trust, you'll feel more comfortable visiting the office and showing up to appointments.

You can also have some peace of mind knowing you've found an experienced dentist who'll provide excellent services. Although you know you must find the best dentist in Hollywood, FL, how can you ensure you do so? There are a few factors to consider when selecting a good dentist.

Know what these factors are so you can make an educated decision for yourself and your family. Not sure where to begin? Below, you'll find a list of several factors to keep in mind. Continue reading below to learn more.

1. Referrals, Reviews, and References

Before you make a large purchase or try a new product, what's one of the first things you do? You check the reviews and ask for referrals. If you wouldn't buy a new outfit online without reading reviews first, then why choose a new dentist without doing so either?

Always read reviews to get a better idea of what you can expect. You may be able to find reviews on the dentist's website and social media pages. You can also visit online review sites and search for the dentist's name or business.

Asking for referrals will help you as well. Speak with friends, family, and doctors and ask what dentist office they'd recommend. Then, contact the dentist and ask for references.

Contact each one to learn more about their personal experience with the dentist and if they'd recommend them.

2. Dentist's Credentials and Experience

After looking into referrals, reviews, and references, it's time to check out their credentials and experience. You should be able to learn more about the dentist's credentials and specific experience by visiting their website. Find an "About Me" section where you can learn more about the dentist.

Here, you may be able to find a list of their specialties and some other background information. Be sure to look for information regarding where they obtained their degrees and any dental associations they may be a member of. Then, ask the dentist to show you proof of any credentials and experience.

A reputable and trustworthy dentist will be able to do so with ease.

3. The Dental Services Offered

Now you need to learn about the dental services offered. Do you require specific dental services? Is there something you know you want to have done?

Have you been thinking about teeth whitening or veneers ? You need to know what kind of dental service you want to have done. Then, ensure the dentist is able to provide those services.

You should be able to find a list of services on their website. Otherwise, contact the dentist and ask for more information. Emergency services are important also.

Does the dentist provide emergency services to its patients? You want to find a dentist who can work you into the schedule in case of a dental emergency.

4. The Cost of Services and Insurance Accepted

What's the dentist's cost of services? Why is this so important? It's a good idea to find a dentist who accepts your insurance.

This will prevent the need to look into the costs of services. Contact your insurance company and ask for a list of dentists in the network. You can also contact the dentist and ask if they accept your insurance.

Have you found a dentist you like but they don't accept your insurance? This is when you'll want to consider the cost of services. Many dentists will work with you by providing payment plans and accepting credit cards.

Ask the dentist what type of financial services they offer if not covered by your insurance.

5. The Type of Dental Technology Used

What type of dental technology does the dentist use? The latest dental technology can provide patients with the best treatments available. Digital x-rays can detect dental problems below the surface of the gums.

The information digital x-rays provide is then used to come up with a treatment plan catered to your specific needs. This is something traditional x-rays are unable to provide. Speak with the dentist about the technology used in their office.

6. The Location and Hours

The location and hours of the office are also important. You want to find a convenient location to reduce stress in any way. Try to find an office near your home, school, job, or child's daycare.

Don't use the location and hours as your main reason to choose a dentist or not. Do keep it in mind, however. The office's hours should work around your own schedule to ensure you can make it to appointments on time.

7. Your List of Questions

Getting to know the dentist will help you feel more comfortable. Create a list of questions and then schedule an office tour. Ask the dentist or staff your questions while there.

Pay attention to how they answer you. You should feel comfortable, and your questions should be important to the dentist.

It's Time to Find a Dentist in Hollywood, FL

You've been searching for one for some time now. It's finally time to find a dentist in Hollywood, FL! Create a list with the help of this guide.

Make sure each dentist you consider meets all your requirements. The factors listed above will help guide you throughout the process.

At Smile On Us Dental, we aim to make every dental appointment an enjoyable one. We offer the latest dental technology and will help you maintain a schedule for healthy teeth and gums.

Top 5 Dentist Recommended Flossing Tips

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 17:14:10 GMT

Are you unsure about how to floss properly? Learn more about how to floss from these top 5 dentist-recommended flossing tips.

You search online for "dentist 33020". You finally find a dentist in Hollywood, FL. You're sitting in the chair getting your dental cleaning when your dentist asks, "How often do you floss?"

We all dread the moment when we have to confess we aren't flossing regularly.

But flossing isn't something you should be skipping. The CDC estimates that 47% of Americans over 30 have periodontal disease, which can be avoided with proper oral hygiene.

If you aren't sure whether you're doing the right thing when you're flossing, you've come to the right place. Read on to learn more about how you can make sure you're taking proper care of your teeth and gums.

Why Is Flossing Important?

It's not breaking news to most that flossing is important for your overall dental health. But flossing is more than just taking care of your teeth and gums. It is actually vital to maintaining your overall health.

Flossing regularly can help to prevent cavities , keep your breath fresh, and maintain a sparkling smile.

More importantly, regular flossing also helps to prevent periodontitis, which is also known as gum disease. When a build-up of bacteria in the gums causes periodontitis, teeth can loosen and even fall out.

In some cases, the bacteria from gum disease enter the bloodstream. It can lead to cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.

Luckily, periodontitis is largely preventable with proper dental hygiene, including regular flossing.

Before you search for a "dental office near me", head to the drugstore and buy some floss. Here are five dentist-recommended tips to make sure you're getting the full benefits from flossing.

1. Choose the Right Floss

Generally, using any floss that is available is better than not flossing. But, there are some tips that can help to make your flossing more effective and enjoyable.

One of the first decisions you will have to make is on waxed vs unwaxed floss. With waxed floss, the threads are less likely to break apart and will glide nicely between teeth. It can also help when you need to squeeze between teeth that are close together.

There are also many flavors of floss available on the market. Flavored floss can make flossing more enjoyable and leave your teeth feeling fresher. In this case, it's a good idea to opt for a flavored option.

For the most part, you will want to skip the floss picks. They aren't as effective as sliding along your teeth to get a thorough clean.

However, they can be great to keep in your car or bag when you need something on the go. Just make sure that you are also flossing with traditional floss once you get home.

Most experts recommend using 18 inches of floss each time. This is a long for you to tightly wrap the floss around your fingers and use a clean section for each tooth.

2. Form a C-Shape

Once you have 18 inches of floss ready to go, it's time to talk about the right flossing technique. Most dentists will advise you to form a C-shape with your floss.

The goal of forming a C-shape while you are flossing is to cover as much surface area of the tooth as possible.

Flossing is not just about removing any plaque or bacteria in between your teeth. It also removes plaque on all surfaces of the tooth.

Start by wrapping both ends of the floss around your middle fingers. Hold the floss taut between your thumb and forefingers.

Then, gently glide the floss between your teeth. Form a C-shape around both teeth that you are flossing between. Gently move the floss up and down to help to remove any build-up on the surface of the tooth. Repeat for the rest of your teeth.

3. Be Thorough

When flossing, be thorough but gentle. You will want to get between each and every tooth.

People often omit their back teeth since they are harder to reach, but doing so just means that you are leaving your back teeth and gums vulnerable.

A little bit of bleeding is normal, especially when you are haven't flossed in a while. After about 1-2 weeks of flossing regularly, you should notice that the bleeding stops. If the bleeding does not stop, you might be flossing too hard.

Generally, flossing should add about 60 seconds to your oral hygiene routine. If you find that you are spending less than 60 seconds, make sure that you are thoroughly flossing between each and every tooth.

4. Consistency Is Key

Flossing isn't just something you should do every once in a while or when you feel something between your teeth. You should be flossing at least once every single day.

In fact, flossing is even more important than brushing your teeth if you have to choose between the two. But of course, you should always aim to do both.

To help to remember to floss, keep your floss right next to your toothbrush and toothpaste. This will serve as a visual reminder to not skip flossing in your oral care routine.

Before you know it, flossing will be a regular part of your routine that you don't have to think about.

5. Don't Forget to See Your Dentist

Even if you are flossing once a day and brushing twice a day, you aren't optimizing your dental care unless you are making regular visits to the dentist.

Finding a trustworthy dentist near me is just as important as brushing and flossing. Take time when searching online for "dentist around me" to find the right dental office for you.

After finding the right dentist in 33020, make an appointment every six months for your cleaning. Some plaque build-up can only be removed by a professional.

Your dentist will also be able to spot early signs of gum disease and give you the guidance you need to take the best possible care of your mouth.

Find a Dentist in Hollywood, FL 33020 Today!

With regular flossing, a visit to the dentist is no longer something to dread. Put your health first and start flossing every day using the five tips in this guide.

Your search for the best dentist in Hollywood, FL, ends here. You can count on Smile On Us Dental to keep your teeth and gums healthy and give you the best smile of your life.

Request an appointment today and take the first step towards pearly whites.

General Dentistry Services in Hollywood, FL: A Complete Guide

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:51:07 GMT

What services do general dentists offer in Hollywood, FL? How do you know you have got the best general dentist? Here's a guide on general dentistry in 33020.

Are you due for a basic checkup? Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in your teeth or gums? If so, and if you're looking for the best dentist Hollywood, FL has to offer, look no further than Smile On Us Dental, the absolute best dentist in Hollywood, FL.

Our general dentistry services will ensure that your teeth are as healthy and aesthetically pleasing as possible. Curious as to what our services are? Then read on.

Here is everything there is to know about the best dentist 33020 has.

Crowns

Are you suffering from chipped or damaged teeth? If so, you might consider enhancing them with crowns. Crowns not only provide your teeth with an improved aesthetic but also aid in providing an even and comfortable bite.

If you're looking to have a crown inserted over one or more of your teeth, and if you're in Hollywood, Florida, or the surrounding area, you should head to Smile On Us Dental. Our dentists are well-versed in the placement of dental crowns and will have your teeth looking new in no time.

Fillings

Do you have a cavity? If so, you're going to need to have it filled. Fortunately, we here at Smile On Us Dental are well-versed in the tooth filling process and can return your tooth to a healthy state.

We provide ceramic fillings, composite fillings, amalgam fillings, and more. Come in and discuss what we can do for you.

Teeth Cleaning

It's advised that you have your teeth cleaned twice yearly every 6 months apart. This is important to prevent the buildup of plaque and to repel tooth and gum decay.

If you're looking for the best teeth cleaning Hollywood, FL has to offer, we're the people to see. Not only will we scrape off excess plaque, but we'll also polish your teeth with a high-powered brush, giving your teeth an attractive shine for months to come.

Invisalign

Are your teeth crooked? Are you interested in straightening them? If so, you might consider utilizing Invisalign in Hollywood, FL.

Invisalign braces are clear and removable. All the same, they do a terrific job of straightening teeth over time. As such, they provide all of the benefits of traditional braces plus the benefits of discretion and versatility.

Looking for the best Invisalign dentist Hollywood, FL can provide to you? Smile On Us Dental is the dentist you need.

Dental Implants

Maybe you've lost a tooth or two? Perhaps you need to have a tooth extracted? In either case, dental implants could benefit you.

A dental implant is a semi-permanent synthetic tooth that's mounted to the jawbone. It doesn't come out and behaves and looks just like authentic teeth. It's the best long-term solution for those with missing teeth.

If you need a dental implant in Hollywood, FL, we're the people to see. We'll take you through the whole dental implant process, ensuring that your new tooth is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally impressive.

TMJ Treatment

Do you experience regular pain in your teeth, mouth, or jaw? If so, you should know that there is treatment available. This treatment is not only capable of reducing your pain but of improving your mouth function as well.

If you need TMJ treatment in Hollywood, FL, give us a call here at Smile On Us Dental. Our dentists will assess your teeth and jaws fully, utilizing visual inspections, x-rays, and otherwise so that we can set up a treatment plan. Then, we'll put that plan into action, aiding you until your TMJ problems are a thing of the past.

Teeth Whitening

After years of aging and minor neglect, your teeth have taken on a yellow color. Unfortunately, your smile is nowhere near as bright or as white as you want it to be. Fortunately, there are teeth whitening services available to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Teeth whitening is just one of the cosmetic dental procedures that we provide here at Smile On Us Dental. So, if you're looking for the best cosmetic dentistry Hollywood, FL can provide to you, give us a call. We provide the premier Hollywood, FL cosmetic dentistry services.

Dental Bridges

Maybe you were hit in the face with a baseball? Perhaps you fell and suffered severe tooth damage? Perhaps several of your teeth are in a severe state of decay?

In any case, you need to replace a few of your teeth with synthetic teeth. This is where a dental bridge comes in handy.

A dental bridge is a synthetic set of consecutive teeth. It consists of 2 to 5 teeth and is inserted over decayed or damaged teeth.

If you need a dental bridge in Hollywood, FL, give our office a call. We'll assess your teeth, devise a bridge, and then place it for you once it's ready. Soon enough, you'll be walking around with a full mouth of healthy and aesthetically pleasing teeth.

Make Use of the Best General Dentistry Hollywood FL Has to Offer

If you're looking for the best general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry Hollywood, FL has to offer, we here at Smile On Us Dental have you covered. As the top dental office in Hollywood, FL, our service is nothing short of the very best.

We provide all of the services discussed above and will do everything in our power to make your teeth healthy and white. So, if you're searching Google for "dentist around me" or "dentist near me" or "dental office near me", make sure not to overlook us.

Our team looks forward to helping you while maintaining a calm and relaxing environment.

The Best Ways to Strengthen Tooth Enamel (and Why It Matters!)

Wed, 19 May 2021 11:37:45 GMT

Tooth enamel is essential for a healthy, beautiful smile. Learn about the best ways to strengthen tooth enamel in this guide.

Did you know that tooth enamel is the hardest part of your body? While tooth enamel is incredibly tough, it can erode over time. Unfortunately, once tooth enamel has eroded, it does not come back.

Tooth enamel is important for keeping your teeth healthy and beautiful. The good news is that it is possible to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.

Keep reading to learn more about tooth enamel and what you can do to keep your enamel strong and healthy.

Why Is Tooth Enamel Important?

Did you know that every time you take a bite, you risk damaging your teeth? Enamel is important because it helps protect the inner layer of your teeth, also known as dentin.

When food can reach the dentin, it creates tooth pain, sensitivity, and can lead to tooth decay. It is important to keep enamel strong because, without it, your teeth will eventually decay and have to be removed.

Even though enamel is the strongest part of the tooth, it can be damaged. Once enamel is gone, there is no way to get it back. That is why it is so important to strengthen your enamel.

How To Strengthen Tooth Enamel

There are plenty of different steps that you can take to strengthen your enamel. Having strong enamel helps protect your teeth. Here is what you can do to keep your enamel strong and healthy:

Know the Signs of Weakening Enamel

The first step to keeping your enamel healthy is understanding the signs of weak tooth enamel. If you can identify that your enamel is weak, you can work on preventing further damage in the future.

It is a good idea to talk to your dentist if you notice any of these signs of weak enamel. Here are some signs that you should watch out for:

Sensitivity

One of the first signs that your enamel is weak is if your teeth feel sensitive. Teeth sensitivity can happen when you eat foods that are cold, hot, or sugary. This happens because weak enamel exposes dentin which causes sensitivity.

Yellow Teeth

Because enamel is semi-transparent, the color of your teeth actually comes from your dentin. Dentin can be a yellow color, so if you notice that your teeth are looking yellow, it could be because the dentin is exposed.

Rough Teeth

Teeth with strong enamel should be smooth. If you notice that your teeth are getting rough around the edges, it could be because your enamel is breaking down.

Brush Your Teeth

One of the most important things you can do to protect your enamel and promote good oral health is to brush your teeth . Brushing your teeth helps to prevent bacteria that can cause tooth decay.

When you get a cavity, the bacteria is breaking through your enamel and causing decay within your tooth. If you brush your teeth, you can prevent cavities.

When brushing your teeth, be sure to use a soft toothbrush. Using a hard or medium toothbrush can wear down your enamel over time.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is a mineral that can help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride helps make the enamel stronger by making it more resistant to acids from food. Also, it can help stop tooth decay even after it begins.

When choosing a toothpaste, be sure to pick one that has fluoride to protect your enamel and have healthy teeth.

Keep a Healthy Diet

Another step that you can take to strengthen your enamel is to eat a healthy diet . Foods such as cheese, yogurt, salmon, and almonds are high in calcium. Calcium helps to keep your enamel strong and healthy.

In addition to eating calcium, you also should eat foods that contain vitamin D, such as milk, mushrooms, and orange juice. Just like calcium, vitamin D helps to strengthen tooth enamel.

Eat Less Sugar

Sugar is bad for your teeth because it creates bacteria that can cause tooth decay. By cutting out the amount of sugar that you eat, you can strengthen your enamel. Sugar is addicting, so the more you eat, the more you crave.

If you are going to consume sugar, try to brush your teeth immediately after to get rid of any bacteria on your teeth.

Choose Sugar-Free Gum

If you are someone that enjoys chewing gum, make sure that you are choosing a sugar-free one. Gum with sugar in it will coat your teeth in bacteria that weakens enamel. By chewing sugar-free gum, you can still enjoy gum without harming your teeth.

Drink Water

Another way to protect your enamel is to drink water regularly. Drinking water will help to wash away any bacteria that is left on your teeth. It also helps to get rid of any acid in your mouth.

Water contains small amounts of fluoride that may help to strengthen enamel. By choosing to drink water, you will be less likely to choose drinks that contain sugar. Drinks that contain sugar are highly responsible for speeding up tooth decay.

Are You Ready to Start Strengthening Your Tooth Enamel?

Enamel is critical to keeping teeth strong and healthy. Having strong enamel helps to prevent tooth decay, sensitivity, and tooth damage.

To strengthen tooth enamel, make sure you know the signs of weak enamel, brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste, eat healthy, limit sugar, and drink plenty of water.

Are you wondering what else you can do to strengthen your tooth enamel? If so, contact us today to set up an appointment for a cleaning and check-up on your teeth!

What to Consider When Choosing Cosmetic Dentists in Hollywood, FL

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:14:45 GMT

If you live in Hollywood, FL and need a cosmetic dentist, you should know your options. Here is what to consider when choosing cosmetic dentists.

Have you started hiding your smile in photos? Maybe you're concerned about the gaps between your teeth or discoloration. You don't have to keep hiding your smile from the world!

Instead, consider visiting a cosmetic dentist in Hollywood, FL. An experienced cosmetic dentist can improve the appearance of your smile. They'll get you grinning from ear to ear in no time!

There are over 29,000 cosmetic dentists in the US, along with 5,440 different practices in the country.

Not sure how to start choosing cosmetic dentists? Here are five tips that can help.

With these tips, you can narrow down your options before choosing a dentist you can trust.

Start your search for an experienced cosmetic dentist with these simple tips today!

1. Years of Experience

When choosing cosmetic dentists, it's important to find someone with experience you can count on. After all, people tend to learn from hands-on experience. Choosing a qualified, experienced dentist will give you peace of mind in their abilities.

You'll know the cosmetic dentist you've chosen has the knowledge and training necessary to help your situation.

Start by searching "cosmetic dentists near me" in Google to develop a list of options. While you're online, try to learn more about each dentist's professional history. For example, consider:

Where they went to school
Where they received their training
How long they've worked in dentistry
How long they've specialized in cosmetic dentistry
What services they offer
If they specialize in different services
If they belong to any professional organizations

Learn more about each dentist's cosmetic dental experience. For example, how long have they owned their practice? Try to find a business that's helped Hollywood, FL residents over the years.

An established practice has likely worked out the kinks in its daily operations. The practice has likely earned the respect of residents in the area, too. A new business, on the other hand, might experience a few issues.

Try to find a dentist who prioritizes continuing their education, too. These dentists remain up-to-date with the latest trends and procedures. They could offer you top-notch services as a result.

2. Their Services

Over half of the adults in America are insecure about their teeth. Not everyone has the same problems, though.

For example, many people are concerned about yellowing and discoloration. If you drink coffee or smoke, you might want to consider a teeth whitening procedure. If your teeth are crooked, however, you might want to consider orthodontic aligners.

Before choosing cosmetic dentists, consider the type of help you need. Then, you can choose a dentist who has the right cosmetic dental experience.

For example, you might want to ask a cosmetic dentist about services like :

Composite bonding
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain crowns
Tooth-colored fillings
Dental implants
Tooth whitening
Clear orthodontic aligners
Inlays and onlays
Tooth contouring and reshaping

Schedule a consultation appointment with at least three dentists on your list. Then, ask them what services they think you need. The services they offer could help you accomplish your goals.

Ask how much experience the dentist has with that procedure. Do they complete that procedure often? When was the last time they completed that procedure?

Make sure the dentist you choose has the cosmetic dental experience you need. Otherwise, choose someone else on your list. Choosing someone with relevant experience will give you peace of mind in their abilities.

3. Online Customer Reviews

As you review your options for dentists, consider each dentist's professional reputation. Look for a dentist other Hollywood, FL residents trust. You can learn more from their previous experiences.

Start by looking for online customer reviews. You can find reviews on the dentist's Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listings.

Try to read multiple reviews from each source.

Do people say the dentist is knowledgeable and professional? Make sure the dentist doesn't have any complaints filed against them. If the negative comments outweigh the good, scratch that dentist off your list.

You can also ask the dentist to provide references. Try to speak with patients who requested the same procedure you're interested in. Then, learn more about their experience.

You can ask:

Did you have any issues with this dentist?
Would you recommend this dentist to a friend?
Were you happy with the outcome of the procedure?
Was the dentist professional?
Was the dentist able to answer your questions?
Were they easy to understand?

Learning more from someone else's experience can give you peace of mind in your choice.

4. Cost and Insurance

Before choosing cosmetic dentists, consider your insurance network. Comparing dental fees can help you narrow down your options.

Consult your insurance company. If the dentist doesn't fall within your network, that's okay. Ask for a quote for their services instead.

Then, compare your options.

Don't choose the cheapest option right off the bat. Instead, consult your notes. Make sure you're choosing an experienced, qualified dentist.

Otherwise, they could do more harm than good.

5. Practice Location

Google "cosmetic dentist near me" and look at the map. Consider each dentist's location.

You won't want to drive 45 minutes for an appointment. Instead, choose a dentist who has a practice near your home or office. Make sure they're located in a safe place.

Remember, you might want to schedule a consultation appointment with a few options on your list. During your consultation, pay attention to the practice. Is the waiting room clean?

Consider the dentist's team as well. Are they polite and friendly? Were they able to answer your questions?

Choose a practice you're comfortable visiting. If you feel unsafe or unwelcome, scratch that location off your list.

Stunning Smiles: 5 Tips for Choosing Cosmetic Dentists in Hollywood, FL

Choosing cosmetic dentists in Hollywood, FL doesn't have to feel stressful. Instead, use these five tips to narrow down your options. With these tips, you can choose a dentist you can count on.

They'll help improve the state of your smile. Give your confidence a boost by finding a professional cosmetic dentist today.

Ready for your first appointment? We can't wait to see you.

Request an appointment today to get started.

8 Brushing Techniques That Will Keep Cavities Away

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 18:37:51 GMT

Look at that beautiful smile! Your teeth are radiant, and you want to keep them that way. With these brushing techniques, your teeth will look their best.

You might think because you've been brushing for years now (even decades) that you have nothing to improve in that regard. But as they say, even an old dog can learn new tricks.

Constant improvement is the name of the game, and even in brushing techniques, innovations are happening all the time.

Interested in learning some new brushing tips and getting into proper brushing habits ? Read on for 8 brushing techniques curated specially for you.

1. Start With the Basics - Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Have you been using the same toothbrush for a while now, not remembering to replace it after 3-4 months of continuous usage?

Or perhaps you use the same brand of toothpaste as your parents used, without putting much thought into it?

Start doing more research into your particular oral needs. Maybe your teeth need a softer brush than the one you are using right now. Perhaps, you have sensitive teeth and you need a toothpaste geared towards that.

Don't stick with the same old choices as your parents or as your older self. Because it worked in the past, doesn't mean that it will continue to work now. Your teeth and mouth are a changing environment.

2. Hold the Toothbrush Properly - Not How Your Parents Taught You

Maybe your parents were teeth-savvy and taught you how to hold a toothbrush properly, but most people aren't that lucky. You are not supposed to hold a toothbrush parallel to the teeth. Surprised??

In fact, you are supposed to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and gumline, so that you can get to the point where the teeth and gums meet.

3. Brush at the Gumline First

You might brush the white part of the teeth, forgetting that your teeth aren't only that white bit, but go much further and deeper into your mouth cavity, under your gums. Start with the gumlines first.

Use the 45-degree angle to brush directly at the gumline, so you can avoid receding gums, clean away plaque, and build stronger gums and teeth.

4. Then Roll Away From the Gumline

Once you have brushed your gumline all through the mouth once, then you can start working on your teeth. Brush in a manner where you roll away from the gumline so that the bristles sweep the surface of the tooth.

In this manner, you will be able to sweep away plaque and food residues away from the gums and teeth and rinse them away.

5. Don't Brush Too Hard - Use Gentle, Circulation Motions

Too many people are brushing way too hard using a toothpaste that's too harsh on their teeth. If you wish to avoid that, learn to brush in a gentle and circulation motion on your teeth and gum surface.

This way you will be able to avoid enamel wear, receding gums, and tooth sensitivity. If you think brushing harder will make your teeth whiter, think again.

6. Brush the Tongue and the Inside of Your Cheeks

Yes, you've cleaned your gums and teeth. Good job! But what about the rest of your mouth? Have you forgotten that your mouth consists of your tongue and cheeks as well? They are not safe from the ravages of the food you eat.

Get a tongue scraper if that works for you, or you can brush your tongue and the inside of your cheeks with your toothbrush after you finish brushing your teeth. Easy-peasy!

7. Work in a Clockwise Direction

You are thinking about a hundred other things while brushing your teeth in the morning - your to-do list, picking up the kids, chores, groceries, and more. Mindlessly brushing your teeth, you might forget a corner or two.

That's why it's best to brush systematically, so you can cover all your teeth, even if you aren't consciously thinking about it.

Start with your back teeth (molars), and then work in a clockwise direction around the mouth.

Work in sections, so that you divide your mouth into six different sections - lower back left, lower middle, lower back right, upper back right, upper middle, upper back left.

This way, no matter how distracted you are, you will never miss a tooth or a section. Make it an automatic way of brushing from now onwards.

8. Brush Behind the Teeth as Well (Lower and Upper)

Again, in your frenzy to clean the part of the tooth that shows, i.e., the front of the teeth, you might forget that you have to brush behind the teeth as well.

Not only behind the lower teeth, which you might have covered, but the upper back as well. Food residues can get stuck there for a long time, and if you forget to brush that part, you might end up with unseemly plaque.

Plaque is terrible not only because it looks unattractive. But also because gum disease has actually been linked to heart disease.

People with periodontal disease (gum disease) are 3 times more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, or other serious cardiovascular events. Yikes!

If you didn't know that proper brushing techniques have such serious consequences, now you know.

Brushing Techniques to Get You From Blah to Wow

You might have started taking care of your teeth, only because your parents forced you to, or because you wanted to look attractive to the opposite sex. But now things are different.

Now you must use proper brushing techniques because you want to take care of your health, not only gum-wise but in a complete sense.

Not only will you look great because you will have a set of strong, healthy, and clean teeth, but you will have taken care of your heart health as well.

Interested in setting up an appointment with Smile On Us Dental? Contact us today for a $50 new patient special (includes x-rays, cleaning, and exam).

How to Prevent Cavities: 7 Daily Habits for a Healthy Smile

Sat, 27 Feb 2021 21:11:25 GMT

Good oral health is essential for total health. We explain how to prevent cavities for a healthy smile with 6 daily dental habits.

Over 90% of people in the United States have had a cavity. And cavities are not just a childhood occurrence, as many adults don't even know they have cavities!

Cavities are detrimental to your oral health and need to be kept at bay. So what are tips for cavity prevention, and how can you maintain a healthy smile?

Keep reading to learn more about how to prevent cavities.

What are Cavities?

Dental bonding is a form of cosmetic treatment that allows the dentist to alter the look of a tooth with ease. The procedure features an artificial resin material that mimics the color of a real tooth. The dentist uses the material to add shape and volume to your tooth.

As the name implies, the material bonds with your natural teeth. Once it bonds, it fills the gaps, spaces, and other problematic areas. However, dental bonding works best if the damage is small or subtle.

Now, you may wonder what issues dental bonding resolves. Firstly, cosmetic dental bonding is perfect for your chipped or cracked teeth. These are instances when one of your teeth is shorter than the rest.

Another problem dental bonding addresses is teeth discoloration . This happens when the whiteness of your teeth changes into a yellowish or brownish color. Sometimes, the discoloration comes in the form of white or dark spots.

Another dental cosmetic issue that dental bonding can resolve is a misshapen tooth. The reasons for a misshapen tooth vary from environmental factors to genetic ones.

Additionally, the dentist can recommend dental bonding as an alternative to metallic or amalgam fillings. This option is for patients that have recessed gums with exposed tooth roots.

How Cavities Progress

Untreated cavities cause a variety of health problems, surprisingly in places other than your mouth. Here's what happens as cavities progress.

If left untreated, cavities cause

Infection
Permanent tooth decay or loss
Gum diseases
Brittle teeth
Nerve damage
Puss

In severe cases, cavities can be fatal because they allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which may cause several health issues.

How to Prevent Cavities

Preventing cavities is important to your oral health and overall health. But what are some of the best tips to ensure that cavities stay away?

Here are the best tips for preventing cavities.

1. Health Oral Routine

One of the best steps you can take to preventing cavities is establishing a healthy oral routine. This includes brushing twice a day (or after every meal) and flossing. Be sure to brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, making them less susceptible to cavities.

If you want extra protection, add a fluoride mouthwash once a day, preferably in the evening.

2. Regular Dental Visits

Catching cavities before they become problematic is another important step. This can be achieved by regular dental visits , cleanings, and check-ups.

At these dental visits, your dentist inspects your teeth for cavities and other oral issues. They remove all the plaque or tartar from your teeth, look for any problems, and fix cavities if you have any. While your oral routine at home is the part you play in keeping away cavities, your dentist's part is equally important.

3. Risk Level

Did you know that you might be at high-risk for cavities?

This is something your dentist can discuss with you based on your lifestyle, medical history, and more. Once you assess your risk, you and your dentist can work together to form a plan that will help you avoid cavities as best as possible.

4. Cut Out the Sweets

While those cookies, cakes, sugary coffees, and more can certainly pack on the pounds physically, they also do damage to the teeth. A sweet treat every once in a while won't hurt, but a steady diet of sugary foods does your teeth no favors.

This is because the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids, which harm and harden your teeth to form tartar. Tartar is dangerous to teeth, making it easier for cavities to form because brushing isn't effective.

Limiting sugary drinks like soda and others by sticking to water. The fluoride in the water is good for your teeth as well.

5. Ask Your Dentist About Sealants

Sealants are a protective coating applied to the back teeth where cavities are more likely to form. They act as a shield against tartar and cavities. Most children receive sealants now as a preventative since they're more prone to cavities, but adults may be able to get sealants as well.

Having sealants is a great way to protect yourself from frequent cavities, but you'll still need to see your dentist for regular check-ups.

6. Eat Healthy Foods

While avoiding sugary or sweeter foods is a given when preventing cavities, it's also important to fill your plate with teeth-strengthening foods.

Whole foods high in calcium and fresh fruits and vegetables help diminish some of the plaque build-ups on your teeth. They also have vitamins and minerals needed to maintain healthy bones.

7. Stop Smoking

Another unhealthy habit to kick is smoking. Smoking causes lung cancer, but it also increases the bacteria in your mouth. This, in turn, leads to cavities and other health problems.

If you have present cavities, the bacteria from smoking could enter the bloodstream if the cavity is large enough.

Treatments for Cavities

While cavities are the most common type of dental problem, the good news is that they're very treatable and reversible.

Your dentist will use a tool to extract the decay and then insert a filling into your tooth. This filling preserves the tooth , so it's not lost. Despite all the horror stories about drilling and cavities, dental technology is much more advanced to control pain and fear.

Preventing Cavities: You Can Do It!

When you wonder how to prevent cavities, all you need to do is remember these seven steps and integrate them into your life. By maintaining healthy habits and regular dental check-ups, you'll keep your teeth in great condition and avoid cavities.

Do you need to schedule a dental visit? Check out our new patient special! Contact us today to learn more about the quality dental care well offer.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 20:44:58 GMT

There are several benefits of dental bridges that you should be familiar with. You can find out more by checking out our guide here..

Problems with missing or damaged teeth can cause you to lose confidence in your smile. Not only this, but they can also prove to be problematic when chewing. Having missing or broken teeth can also cause you to get infections and increase the likelihood of tooth decay.

One of the ways that you can repair your missing or damaged teeth is by having dental bridges fitted.

But, what are some dental bridges advantages and why should you have them?

In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of getting dental bridges as well as what is involved in the procedure.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is used to quite literally bridge the gap between teeth. When you have a dental bridge it replaces a missing tooth with a new false tooth. This tooth is then bonded to the teeth on either side of the gap.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

Dental bridges work by having two crowns attached to your existing teeth. These are then bonded to a false tooth which is designed to fill a gap.

Usually, a dental bridge consists of a filler tooth attached to crowns on either side. Where there are missing teeth adjacent to one side of a missing tooth, a cantilever bridge may be used.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

In addition to helping you to regain your smile, dental bridges are designed to address several different oral health issues.

Here are some of the benefits of having a dental bridge fitted:

A dental bridge will restore the look of your smile by hiding any damage that has been done to your teeth
Dental bridges reduce the chances of infections caused by oral hygiene issues surrounding the gap between your teeth
A dental bridge will help to protect the integrity of any existing teeth
Dental bridges prevent your remaining teeth from moving out of line which could bring about serious problems such as periodontal disease
A dental bridge will restore your ability to properly chew and speak

Dental bridges provide a permanent solution to the problem of having teeth missing. Not only this, but the procedure is non-surgical meaning it is more straightforward than options such as dental implants.

How Is the Dental Bridge Procedure Performed?

The procedure for having dental bridges fitted can be carried out quite easily at your dentist’s office. There is no need for any complex surgery and the procedure is relatively straightforward.

The first step involved in having dental bridges is to prepare the supporting teeth. To do this, some of the enamel will be removed to make way for the dental bridge. Following this, impressions will be made of your teeth.

These impressions are made using a plaster mold of your gums and teeth. This will act as a model for your dental bridge. Having impressions made will mean that your bridge will fit into your mouth in an effective way.

Before your dental bridge is made up, the dentist will ensure that the color of your bridge matches your existing teeth.

Once the dental bridge has been made, the dentist will then adjust the bridge to ensure it fits well in your mouth before it is finally cemented into place.

Sometimes, the bridge may be temporarily fixed into position to see how it fits. This may be for a few weeks. Eventually, the bridge will be permanently fitted into the right position.

How Should You Take Care of Your Dental Bridges?

Once you have had your dental bridge fitted, it may take a few days for you to adjust to the changes in your mouth. There may be some soreness in your gums and you may experience a sensitivity to cold and hot drinks and food.

It may take you some time to get used to having a new tooth where there used to be a gap.

All of these things should pass within the first few days of having the dental bridges.

After you have had your bridge permanently fitted into position, you will not be able to remove them. To prevent gum disease and tooth decay you will need to make sure that you clean under the gap in your bridge using interdental brushes or dental floss.

Your dentist will be able to advise you about how to best take care of your dental bridges so that they last for many years to come.

What Are the Alternatives to Having Dental Bridges Fitted?

When it comes to getting missing teeth replaced it is vital that you explore all of your options before deciding on the best option for you. Before you elect to have any work carried out you should talk to your dentist so that you can learn about all of the options available.

Other options available may include:

Full or partial dentures which consist of removable plastic or metal frameworks with false teeth attached
Dental implants that consist of replacement teeth fixed in place to your jawbone using a titanium screw

Dental bridges provide a fixed and permanent solution to the problem of missing teeth. You won’t need to remove or insert your dental bridge as you would need to with dentures.

Unlike with dental implants, there is no need to have your replacement tooth screwed into place. The procedure is a less invasive option.

Make an appointment with your dentist to discuss the different options for replacing missing teeth.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges or you would like to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, Smile On Us Dental is here to help.

Our friendly and helpful dentist is here to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Get in touch today to make an appointment and we’ll put the smile back on your face.

Dental Veneers 101: Your Guide Through the Process

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 20:09:49 GMT

What is the dental veneers process and what are they? Check out this guide to get all of your questions answered before your procedure.

Scientists have agreed that smiling makes someone more attractive . We all want to be able to flash a beautiful, white, sparkling smile. So many people are trying their hardest to cover their smiles because they lack confidence in it.

Dental veneers are a ticket to that beautiful smile you've always dreamed of. By now you might be wondering what are dental veneers and what will you need to undergo to achieve this? Read on to find out all about them and the veneers process!

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are often referred to as dental porcelain laminates or porcelain veneers. Each veneer is custom-made to fit your smile in consideration of your wants and needs.

These thin pieces of tooth-colored materials cover the surface of the teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance by changing the shape, size, color, or length.

Veneers generally fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry. This is because the veneers makeover smiles with beautiful teeth. However, they can eliminate the need for further treatments boasting protective qualities.

Types of Veneers

There are two types of veneers that are available; porcelain and composite resin. Each comes with their advantages and disadvantages.

Porcelain

Porcelain veneers look so much like your natural teeth that it is hard to tell them apart. This is because of their light-reflection which mimics that of the human tooth.

Because of the quality of the porcelain veneers, these are the more expensive options. It's worth the money when you consider that they are durable and long-lasting. You can expect the lifespan of these to range anywhere between 10 and 20 years depending on several factors.

Porcelain does not stain easily. This means you will be rocking your movie-star-like smile without concern when sipping on your morning coffee.

Veneers are a great option because they require less removal of the natural tooth than a crown or cap. It's important to keep in mind that any veneer procedure, regardless of the type, is irreversible due to the permanent removal of your natural tooth.

Composite Resin

Composite resin is quite a bit more cost-effective. Therefore, you will notice a step down in what you will get out of them.

This type of veneer comes with a shorter lifespan of five to seven years. Due to the material used to make these, they are more likely to wear down at a faster rate. They are easier to repair than porcelain and will cost less to do so.

You won't get quite the same gleam as the porcelain but they will still help get that beautiful smile you desire. There is less tooth removal when compared to porcelain. Your dentist may be able to make and place them all in one visit.

What Can Veneers Fix?

As mentioned, dental veneers can change the size, length, color, and shape of your teeth. In addition, there are some protective qualities you may get out of them. Therefore, there are numerous concerns that veneers can address.

Here are a few of the concerns:

Crooked teeth
Misshapen teeth
Chipped or broken teeth
Stained teeth
From root canal treatment
Excessive fluoride exposure
Resin fillings
Stains from drugs
Different sized teeth
Worn-down teeth
Misaligned teeth
Gaps

There are additional uses for veneers that depend on your situation. It's best to consult your dentist on your candidacy. Veneers may be a viable option for some but not for others.

The Veneers Process

The process of getting veneers depends on your unique situation, your dentist, and the type of veneer. This describes the general process of each type we have discussed.

Porcelain

Porcelain veneers usually require two to three visits to your dentist. Multiple teeth can undergo treatment at the same time.

Consultation

The first step is to complete a consultation. This is generally completed in the first visit where you will talk through your plan, have an examination, discuss the risks, have impressions, and possibly get x-rays.

Preparation

The next step will include the preparation of the teeth. Your dentist will prepare your tooth by reshaping it. This includes removing some of your natural enamel. This is to make room for the porcelain veneer.

You and your dentist will decide to numb the areas where the work is being completed. An impression will be taken and sent off to the dental laboratory where they will custom-make your veneers.

Temporary veneers are available in the meantime. The process to make your veneers can take between two to four weeks.

Bonding

The final step is completed once your veneers come back into the dentist's office. Your dentist will examine the veneer to check size, quality, color, shape, and length. They may choose to do some more trimming to get the best fit.

After they check for quality, they will adhere them to the teeth. To prepare, your teeth will be cleaned, polished, and etched. A tooth needs to be etched to allow for the strongest possible bond.

A special cement is applied to the veneer and then it is placed onto the tooth. A certain light is then used to cure the cement and affix the veneer to the tooth. This activates the cement.

After they are applied, your dentist will remove any excess cement, check your bite, and make any needed adjustments. You may or may not need to come back for a follow-up appointment.

Composite Resin

Composite resin veneers are different because your dentist can accomplish the custom-made process in house. The material will be shaped to fit your teeth by them rather than a laboratory.

Therefore, you may need fewer appointments. The process is very similar in that you will need some of your natural teeth removed, you'll complete a consultation, and they will be bonded in a similar fashion.

Get Your Dream Smile

Dental veneers are a sure-fire way to get that dream smile you've always wanted. The confidence that comes from a beautiful smile is priceless. Be sure to talk to your dentist to see if you are eligible for the veneers process.

Smile on US Dentistry in Hollywood, Florida offers Dental Veneers Services! Contact us today to get started on your smile.

TMJ Disorders: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 12:03:08 GMT

A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder may be causing you pain. Learn more with this guide to the diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of TMJ disorders.

Did you know that as many as 12% of people suffer from TMJ disorder?

This condition of the jaw joint, which can be incredibly painful, is treatable and manageable, with a wide range of available treatments depending on the root cause. In this blog post, we'll go over what TMJ is, some of the signs and symptoms of it, and TMJ treatment.

Read on for valuable information that could help you make TMJ pain a distant memory.

What is TMJ?

You've probably heard the acronym TMJ thrown around in conversation and on the Internet, but do you know what it means or what it stands for?

You may have heard of people saying that "have TMJ," but this phrase is a bit like saying, "I have a temperature," when the individual means they have a fever in that everyone has TMJ. Not only that, but everyone has two of them.

TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorder refers to the issues that cause pain, swelling or "lockjaw" in the joint itself. Dentists are not always able to pinpoint the exact reason an individual has TMJ pain, but they're often able to relieve it with a combination of self-care and dental intervention.

As for TMJ disorder, there is no single definition as to what it is beyond issues with the TMJ joint. The symptoms and causes may be broad and very different from one person to the next.

Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder

There are many different symptoms of a TMJ disorder, and the symptoms can sometimes help a dentist find the root cause. Most people do not experience all of the symptoms of a TMJ disorder, and instead, experience a couple or a few.

Common symptoms of a TMJ disorder include:

Pain in chewing, especially harder foods
Jaw popping out of place when the mouth is opened too wide
Facial pain
Headaches, especially in the temples
Pain in the jaw
Pain in a TMJ joint; this can occur in one or both joints
Ache or pain in the ears
Clicking or popping noises when moving the jaw
In extreme cases: the joint locking and making it difficult or impossible to close the mouth

TMJ symptoms often worsen during stressful times in an individual's life.

Causes and Factors of Developing a TMJ Disorder

There are a variety of causes and factors that come into play with TMJ, and some people are more likely to develop it than others. For some people, there may even be a family history of TMJ disorder, but this is not paramount for a diagnosis, and one may develop TMJ irrespective of their family's dental history.

There are some causes and factors that are more likely for a person to develop TMJ disorder, though they are not exhaustive.

One of the most common causes of developing a TMJ disorder is bruxism or grinding and clenching of the teeth. Bruxism often gets worse at night when the person is not conscious of it, and many find their sleep partners can hear them grind their teeth at night. Additionally, people may unconsciously clench their teeth, either at night or during stressful situations. As you can imagine, bruxism can cause wear and tear on the temporomandibular joint.

Other causes of TMJ disorder include:

the joint being out of alignment due to an accident or being hit in the head
erosion or damage of the joint's cartilage due to arthritis
erosion of the joint's disk, which can move the joint out of place
connective tissue disorders or diseases that affect the temporomandibular joint

Diagnosing a TMJ Disorder

If you suspect you have a TMJ disorder that needs treatment, make an appointment with your dentist. Once there, they will observe your jaw and its alignment and movement by listening to it and feeling it as you open and close your mouth, pressing on the area to help figure out where it hurts to the most and identifying your jaw's range of motion. If you also have bruxism that has contributed to your TMJ issues, they may observe your teeth to take note of any possible erosion or damage.

Once a dentist suspects you have a TMJ disorder, they may order an X-ray, order an MRI to look at the soft tissue around the jaw and observe damage or order a CT scan to look at all of the bones that make up the jaw's joint.

In some cases, especially if the damage is severe, the dentist may perform or order an arthroscopy. This procedure, usually done under sedation, involves a tiny camera being placed within the joint to observe and assess the damage.

TMJ Treatment

There are many ways to treat TMJ disorders, and a dentist will go over their observations carefully before recommending one for you. As with most long-term issues, they will likely use a conservative approach before utilizing a more invasive approach.

Conservative treatments are typically not stand-alone, and you'll likely be told to do a few of them at a time.

Some of the most common conservative treatments include:

Icing the joint to reduce inflammation and help with pain
Using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
Prescription medication such as muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants, which often work to reduce pain
Treatment of bruxism, which often includes a mouth guard or splint to separate teeth at night and minimize damage, as well as stress reduction
Physical therapy including exercises and ultrasound treatments

Minimally Invasive Procedures

There are a variety of minimally invasive procedures that are often done on people who do not find relief from conservative treatment alone.

These include arthrocentesis and injections, like Botox. Botox helps relax the jaw muscles and can help reduce the strain. Arthrocentesis involves an injection that will then help pull out anything in the jaw, such as inflammatory byproducts, which build up over time in chronic inflammation.

Invasive Procedures

For more serious jaw issues, your dentist may refer you elsewhere for more invasive procedures that can help your jaw.

An arthroscopy is keyhole surgery in your jaw to help the oral surgeon not only see into the joint but to fix any issues surgically.

A modified condylotomy is surgery that is not on the TMJ itself, but the nearby mandible. Although this surgery is not directly on the joint, for some people, this helps clear up issues related to TMJ disorders.

Open-joint surgery involves complete repair or replacing of the joint.

Make an Appointment Today

Are you concerned about your jaw, or do you think you need treatment for a TMJ disorder? If so, contact us at Smile on Us Dental in Hollywood, FL. With years of experience in TMJ services, we're confident we can help treat your TMJ disorder effectively and for good.

Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening Services

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 20:08:58 GMT

Do you have yellow or stained teeth? Don't worry, the best teeth whitening can brighten your smile. Here's what to know about professional teeth whitening.

Yellow or stained teeth can take a serious hit on your self-confidence as well as your willingness to smile, and you're not alone. According to a study by OnePoll, seven in 10 people feel self-conscious about their teeth and smile.

This shows that tooth discoloration is an occurrence that many people struggle with. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available to you that are faster and more comfortable than do-it-yourself kits.

Are you struggling to find a good "dentist near me" after your Google search? Read on to learn all about the best teeth whitening services available to you along with what you can expect!

What Are Common Tooth Stains?

Tooth discoloration can come from a variety of sources, and not all of them from food, drink, and tobacco. It's important to consider the causes of your stains so that you can adjust your lifestyle and avoid excessive staining in the future.

Extrinsic Teeth Stains

Extrinsic teeth stains are on the surface of your teeth. This happens when particles from food or drink build up over time on the protein film of your teeth. Since the stains are located on the surface of your teeth, they respond well to regular dental cleaning and brushing twice a day with whitening toothpaste .

Intrinsic Teeth Stains

Intrinsic teeth stains are harder to remove than extrinsic stains because they've penetrated beneath the surface of the teeth. This can be from a prolonged build-up of particles or excessive use of fluoride. If you've noticed white stains on teeth, excessive fluoride can be a cause.

This can also be a cause of consuming too many sugary or acidic foods or drinks. Bacteria increases and the enamel of your teeth rapidly demineralize.

Age-Related Stains

You'll also notice that as you get older, your teeth may be becoming more yellow. This is because the enamel of our teeth wears down as we age. The combination of extrinsic and intrinsic stains along with the exposed core tissue of your teeth makes them far more susceptible to staining.

Professional vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening

Now that you know the causes of the stains on your teeth, you may be wondering if it's even possible to whiten your teeth. People often try to brush their teeth more or use whitening toothpaste or mouthwash when they notice their teeth getting yellow.

However, the results can be mixed . You may also experience pain or sensitivity if you use harsh teeth whitening products for a prolonged amount of time. At-home whitening kits typically take at least a month to show any real results. You do have the option of purchasing a tray and teeth whitening kit from your dentist, but it usually takes the same amount of time and can cost hundreds of dollars.

The traditional way of getting your teeth whitened at the dentist was having them soaked in a hydrogen peroxide solution. However, this took time and often necessitated multiple lengthy treatments to get the results you were looking for. Today, dentist offices use laser whitening treatments to cut down on time with better results.

What to Expect With Professional Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening utilizes both a laser and hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth. Kits that you purchase from stores remove surface stains, but they don't bleach your teeth the way a teeth whitening dentist can.

Before the dentist starts, they create a mold or tray for your teeth and equip you with safety eyewear and a cover to protect your gums from the hydrogen peroxide. They apply the 35 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide on your teeth. The paste is then heated up with the laser so that it works faster.

The procedure only lasts about 15 to 30 minutes per application, and after 10 days you'll go back into the office for the next treatment. Patients come back only two to four times to get the results they're looking for.

What is the Teeth Whitening Cost?

The main barrier to achieving the dazzling smile you desire is the teeth whitening cost. However, professional teeth whitening doesn't have to be expensive and it can actually save you money in the long run. Unfortunately, you need to remember that insurance companies consider teeth whitening to be a cosmetic procedure, so they'll rarely pay even a portion of the costs.

The average cost of teeth whitening is about $650. Many dental practices will also give you the option of financing so that you don't have to pay the entire amount upfront.

Regardless of whether you have a large or small budget, you can find the best fit through Smile On Us Dental for a wide range of cosmetic and restorative procedures.

Maintaining Your Smile

Once you have professional teeth whitening done, there are ways you can adjust your lifestyle so that they stay as white as possible for as long as possible. Here are a few of our top tips to maintain your shining smile:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Floss at least once a day before brushing your teeth
Use a whitening toothpaste at least once a week

You'll also want to avoid certain drinks and foods up to 48 hours after your treatment. Avoid tea, coffee, dark chocolate, acidic food, dark-colored sauces, and fruit juice.

The Best Teeth Whitening Services For a Dazzling Smile

From white stains on teeth to yellowing teeth due to age, feeling self-conscious about your smile can bother you even when you're not in company. However, you need to remember that many people suffer from the same feelings that you do. The best teeth whitening service is fast, easy, and will give you noticeably whiter teeth.

Teeth staining is also a temporary cosmetic issue that can be resolved quickly through professional whitening. Whiten your teeth for yourself and know that the people you surround yourself each day are paying more attention to your personality and brilliance.

Are you searching for a "dentist near me" for a dentist in Hollywood, FL but aren't finding dental practices that you can feel confident in? Request an appointment with us today!

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 20:14:09 GMT

Are dental implants permanent? How long do dental implants last? Is getting dental implants worth it? Read on to find out the truth here.

You might be wondering, "How long do dental implants last?" On average, they can last about 25 years or longer.

Dental implants are a tooth replacement, so they're essentially false teeth. However, they have the look and feel of real teeth, and many people cannot tell the difference. They are crafted and created to blend in with your surrounding teeth.

This procedure is not a one-stop to visit your dentist but may take months to complete. This procedure is classified as dental surgery.

There are many benefits of an implant. For one, they preserve your dental structure. When you lose a tooth or multiple teeth, this puts stress on the jawbone which causes it to weaken but implants help keep your jawbone strong, which in turn will allow all your teeth to stay healthy as well.

Not only do they improve the health of your teeth and jawbone, but cosmetically speaking, they boost your confidence so you can enjoy your life without feeling self-conscious.

Alternatives

For dental implants to be successful your jawbone must be in good condition and you should be free from any serious health conditions. Your dentist will discuss whether or not you're a good candidate during a consultation.

In some cases, it's more favorable to take another route to achieve a healthy smile. Other options may include:

Dentures
Bridges
Mini-implants
Dental crowns

Even if you don't qualify, there are many other viable ways to restore your smile for functionality and appearance.

Advantages

Dental implants are attractive for many reasons besides their longevity. Here are some advantages.

Because they look and work like your real teeth, there's no extra care involved. You can brush, floss, eat, and drink normally. They're comfortable and not at all cumbersome.

The structure of your jawbone will stay healthy and encourage bone growth. This leads to an overall healthier mouth and sustaining facial shape because the rest of the teeth are supported as well.

They have an astounding success rate of over 90% and they are permanent. There are no dental visits for removal or fittings, and they work seamlessly into your life.

Your confidence can take a nosedive when teeth are missing. This may lead to social anxiety and or even impact you professionally. Personal confidence and improved self-esteem in appearance happen when you work to improve your smile.

Anatomy

Dental implants are composed of three parts : the implant, the abutment, and the crown. Let's take a look at each part so you know what to expect.

First, there's the implant itself. The implant is made of titanium and resembles a screw. The implant is embedded into the jaw, where the missing-tooth gap is located, and over a few weeks or months, your jawbone fuses to the implant which keeps it in place. One of the first parts of the procedure is putting in the implant.

Next, is the abutment. The abutment acts as a hook between the implant and the false tooth. It's attached to the top of the implant, but away from the jawline.

Finally, the crown is the last piece of the dental implant. The crown is the false tooth that sits on top of the abutment and completes the dental implant. Crowns are composed of many different materials, but porcelain and ceramic are two of the main materials.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The life expectancy is around 25 years, but there are some stipulations that can affect their longevity.

Taking care of your implants is like taking care of your whole mouth. Daily dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups are critical to maintaining the health of your implant.

It's also important to keep foreign objects out of your mouth as well to avoid the possibility of breaking the crown or other teeth.

The implant itself has the longest lifespan because it sits below the gumline. The abutment and the crown are likely to decay if they're not well maintained. Some crowns may need to be replaced every 10-15 simply from normal wear and tear.

Make sure you find the best dentist for this surgery. You need a trained dentist who understands the complexity of dental procedures and jaw structure or has extensive experience with implants. This will go a long way in ensuring your success.

Overall, if you're living a healthy lifestyle by taking care of yourself, you can expect your dental implants to last many happy years.

Why Dental Implants Fail

Even with their longevity, there are times when they fail. There are a few reasons this happens.

The surgery is not performed by an experienced dentist. Take your time to do some research on the best and most reputable dentist.

Lack of dental hygiene plays a large role in keeping your implant healthy. Gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontal disease happen mainly because of inconsistent healthy oral habits like brushing, flossing, or eating healthy foods. When gum diseases occur, the gum tissue deteriorates, and teeth are lost.

Other health problems like certain cancers or diabetes may impact your success. Make sure to review your medical history with your dentist before making any commitments.

These are small possibilities, but the benefits of an implant greatly overpower the chance for failure.

Want to Learn More?

When you're thinking about how long dental implants last, you should feel encouraged and confident that you can have a smile that lasts a lifetime!

Are you looking for more information about dental implants? Our team at Smile On Us Dental here in Hollywood, FL is here to help! Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

What Is a Root Canal (And How to Know If You Do You Need One)

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 17:08:35 GMT

How do you know if you need a root canal? Are there telltale signs? Learn about possible root canal symptoms and more here.

Are you experiencing pain in a tooth? You may wonder if it is root canal pain.

If you're at all concerned about your dental health, you should see a dentist immediately. They will give you an oral examination, take x-rays, and perform other tests to see if your tooth needs a root canal.

Waiting too long to get a root canal can allow the infection to spread to other parts of your face and even your brain.

Read on to learn about root canals and the top root canal symptoms and signs.

What's a Root Canal?

A root canal ( conducto radicular ) is an endodontic treatment procedure that is performed to remove the decay from the inside of a tooth.

Don't be afraid, root canal procedure aren't the scary procedures they used to be. First of all. a root canal shouldn't hurt. You'll be given anesthetic right from the beginning so you won't feel a thing.

This isn't your parent's root canal. Technology in the endodontic field has come leaps and bounds over the years.

Your root canal will be performed by a dentist or an endodontist , which is a dentist that specializes in the inside of the tooth.

Why Should You Get A Root Canal?

If you let an inflamed or infected tooth sit for too long, you may get more than just root canal pain.

You may have to have the entire tooth extracted. That means an empty space in your mouth, or paying for an implant.

If you get a root canal to save your tooth, you can keep the bone around your tooth and you can get a simple crown instead of an expensive implant.

Telltale Root Canal Symptoms and Signs

Stay on top of your oral health and oral hygiene by knowing when tooth and mouth pain isn't normal.

Also, make sure to go to your regularly scheduled dentist appointment so that they can catch any potential issues or warning signs you need a root canal., early on.

1. Tooth Pain

There are certain pains that may suggest that you may need a root canal therapy.

One type is spontaneous pain. Spontaneous pain will hit you like a wave all at once. It isn't brought on by anything specific.

Another sort of pain is positional pain. Does your tooth hurt more when you lean down to pick something up? You may feel pressure on your face, too.

These could be indicative of root canal pain. Tylenol and other over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve symptoms.

For any kind of tooth pain, we'd recommend getting seen by your Hollywood, Florida dentist .

2. Sensitivity

It is perfectly normal to have your teeth be slightly sensitive when you sip your morning coffee or have iced water after a run. Where it becomes worrisome is when the sensitivity lingers after you have the beverage or food.

When you go to your regular dentist appointment, mention that you have a sensitivity to hot and cold and that it lingers long after you consume it. This isn't something they can see, so it is important for you to tell them about this root canal symptom.

3. Dark and Swollen Gums

Dark gums are a sign of decay. If the gum surrounding a tooth is decaying, it could mean that the tooth itself is infected.

Sometimes you can get swollen gums from brushing too hard or from flossing for the first time in a while, which is totally normal. If you have swollen gums without cause, this inflammation could be symbolic of needing further dental care.

Your gum health can tell you a lot about your tooth. Gum tenderness, darkening, and swollen gums can be indicative of needing a root canal.

4. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth discoloration is a significant sign that you may need a root canal.

If trauma occurred to your tooth, you may have nerve damage that has caused an inflammation or an infection.

On the other hand, your tooth could be so far decayed that it has cracked from the infection.

Either way, if you want to try to save the remainder of the tooth, talk to your dentist about possible root canal treatment.

5. Small Bumps

Small pimple-like bumps on your gums could be a sign of something known as a fistula. This means your tooth is likely infected.

Another type of bump that could is known as an abscess. You may be able to feel it near the root of your tooth, but your dentist can best view it by using an x-ray.

If you feel any bumps on your gums, call your dentist soon as you may need a root canal.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal dental procedure can help you keep your tooth.

First, the dentist or endodontist will remove the infected or inflamed dental pulp from inside the tooth.

They do this by drilling through the outer part of the teeth , the enamel, and the dentin layer which is right under the enamel.

They use tools to clean out the tooth pulp which contains blood vessels and nerves. Once the nerves are cleaned out and the pulp is removed, the tooth is considered dead.

Then the root canal is filled with permanent filling to seal the space.

When the root canal itself is done, your dentist will use a dental restoration method, like a crown, to protect the tooth. A Variety of Dental insurance is accepted!

Recovery

You will be numb for a few hours, but most patients find that they can resume normal activity the same day.

You may find that you have some oral discomfort following the procedure , which is completely normal. If you have intense pain right after the treatment, contact your General dentist immediately.

There is a small risk of infection, which would require another root canal. Make sure to revisit your dentist if any root canal symptoms linger way past the procedure.

Save Your Tooth

Do you have the above root canal symptoms and signs? Don't fret. Treatment in Hollywood, Florida is just a call away.

We can help determine if you need a root canal to save your tooth.

Don't put your oral health at risk, contact us today to schedule a dental appointment.

A Complete Guide to Dental Implants

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:13:00 GMT

Dental implants can be an excellent alternative to dentures. Find out everything you need to know about dental implants with this complete guide.

Are you embarrassed by missing teeth? Today, dental implants offer an effective method for replacing missing teeth. Their state-of-the-art design makes them hard to distinguish from your natural teeth.

In fact, implants are one of the greatest advances that have occurred in dentistry in the past 40 years . This long-term solution can give you back a confident smile.

Continue reading to learn all about dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants combine an artificial tooth root and a replacement tooth or crown. The shape of the titanium root mimics that of a normal root. The crown is often made of porcelain or acrylic.

The purpose of dental implants is to:

Take the place of one or more missing teeth
Recreate your smile
Correct a patient’s problem with chewing, speaking, and digestion
Correct problems with a patient’s bite
Resolve jaw pain caused by shifting teeth
Correct and improve facial tissues and appearance

Implants may also secure partial or full dentures for increased patient comfort.

Types of Dental Implants

There are three common types of dental implants.

Endosteal

The most often used style of implant is the endosteal. This type involves the placement of screws, cylinders, or blades into the jawbone. One or more artificial teeth are then attached to the part implanted in the bone.

Patients who have bridges or removable dentures may choose this permanent procedure.

Subperiosteal

For patients who can’t wear dentures or don’t have enough bone height, this implant offers a solution. A metal framework is surgically placed on top of the jawbone. Posts stick up through the gums to hold the crowns.

All-on-4s

The purpose of the all-on-4s procedure is to support bridges or dentures. Patients who have many missing teeth benefit from this procedure. Instead of using an implant for each tooth, the doctor puts four implants in the upper and four in the lower jawbone. These act as anchors. The dentures are then attached to these implants.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer many advantages over missing teeth, bridges, and dentures. Dentures or a bridge may only last about 10 years. The jawbone grows into the titanium dental implants making them permanent.

The implants look and act just like natural teeth. Due to the bond between the bone and the implant, you can chew with full power. This results in better nutrition, brushing, and flossing.

Missing teeth decreases the stimulation of the jawbone and results in bone loss. Dentures rub against the bony ridges and wear the bone away. Placing an implant in the empty spot triggers normal bone growth.

A gap caused by a missing tooth makes the adjacent teeth unstable. They start shifting and turning, which can change your bite and appearance.

Malocclusion or an abnormal bite can cause problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This often contributes to jaw pain and headaches.

Gaps can occur near the missing tooth and trap food and bacteria. If the bacteria aren’t removed, gum disease can develop. This can lead to further tooth loss, heart disease, and even fatal blood infections (sepsis).

Dental implants help prevent the premature appearance of aging. When a person has missing teeth and bone loss, the face begins to collapse. The distance between the tip of the nose and the chin decreases.

This leads to increased wrinkles around the mouth, thinner lips, and a pointed chin. All these changes create a more aged look.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Dental Implant?

First, you must have good general and oral health.

If the jawbone is too small, you may need a bone graft to support the implant. You won’t be a candidate if you have gum disease. The doctor must treat both issues before further work can proceed.

Once you're in good physical and oral health, preparation can begin for your implant.

Paying for Dental Implants

Dental implants can present an expensive endeavor. Depending on the dental plan, you may have partial or no treatment coverage. The following are several options for covering this expense.

Healthcare Installment Plan

Healthcare financing companies offer payment plans for dental procedures. Often, you can have the implant procedure done before paying for it. You pay small monthly payments over a set time.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

HELOCs can pay for quality-of-life improving health expenses. This loan is subject to the current interest rate. You must also have a mortgage or own a home.

Retirement Plan Loan

Another option involves borrowing money from a saving fund. This may include a 401K or 403B retirement account. You pay a low monthly payment over 5 years. The lender examines the amount of money in your fund instead of your credit score or income.

Flexible Spending Account for 2020

As of January 1, 2020, employees have the right to put up to $2,750 in their Flexible Spending Account (FSA). FSAs decrease the amount of income that's taxed. This money is only used for uninsured healthcare expenses.

Bank Loan

If you have a bank or credit union account, you may qualify for a personal loan. The financial organization will consider your credit score when making a loan decision. Talk with your banking organization to learn about interest rates and payment options.

Credit Card

If you have or can get a credit card, you may be able to use this to pay for the procedure. You will be subject to finance charges and credit limits.

Dental Insurance

Most dental insurance plans have a yearly maximum they will pay for procedures. Yet, this can offer payment for a large portion of your bill. Speak with your insurance representative to find out how much they will cover for dental implants.

The Dental Implants Procedure

Dentists and/or periodontists often perform dental implants. They will discuss the best options for your individual situations. A personal treatment plan is then created.

The following describes the implant procedure for an endosteal implant.

Remove the Damaged Tooth

If needed, the doctor removes the damaged tooth. They will clean the gum tissue as needed.

Bone Graft

When your jawbone is too small or soft, you may need a bone graft. The bone graft gives the implant a solid base. This decreases the chances of implant failure.

The doctor may use a natural bone graft from another part of your body. Another option involves a synthetic bone graft. This bone-substitute gives a support structure in which new bone can grow.

Having a bone graft may mean waiting several months for the dental implant. This allows time for the new bone to grow and become strong. If you only need a small bone graft, the doctor may do this when placing the implant.

Placement of the Implant

For this part of the procedure, you're given anesthesia. Then the doctor makes a small cut into your gum and drills holes into the bone. The implant is then placed deep into the bone.

Some doctors place a temporary crown. You may remove this crown for cleaning or sleeping if you wish. You then wait several months for the jawbone to grow and unite with the implant.

Placement of the Abutment

This step differs based on your situation and your doctor’s practice. If you are having an abutment, it's completed as an outpatient procedure. The abutment provides the base that your permanent crown will sit on.

The doctor reopens the gum and connects the abutment to the implant. The gum is then closed around the abutment. In some instances, the doctor places the abutment when the implant is first inserted.

Placement of the Artificial Tooth

After about 2 weeks, the gum is healed, and you will have impressions made of your mouth and teeth. These are used to create the crown. The final step involves the placement and cementing of the crown to the abutment.

After-Procedure Care

With each stage of the procedure, you may experience:

Gum and face swelling
Skin and gum bruising
Pain
Minor bleeding

Your doctor may give you pain medications and/or antibiotics. Be sure to take the antibiotics on time and finish the whole prescription. Raise your head and apply ice to help with other symptoms.

Call the doctor if you have more swelling or other problems that get worse in the days after surgery.

Follow-up instructions will tell you what kind of food to eat and whether you can use a straw. They will also give you instructions about taking care of the site. Many of the instruction includes good oral hygiene practices to prevent infection.

Are You Looking for a Dentist?

If you have missing teeth or dentures, you may wish to discuss dental implants with your dentist. Smile ON US Dental, located in Hollywood, FL, offers dental implant services.

We strive to make your dental visit as enjoyable as possible. In addition to dental implants, we offer complete restorative, cosmetic, and emergency care.

Our staff also takes pride in our pediatric program. We’re honored to be a part of a child’s introduction to a lifetime of oral health. Contact us today to ask questions and make an appointment.

What You Should Know About the Invisalign Process

Sat, 18 Jan 2020 19:43:39 GMT

Are you looking to learn more about the Invisalign process? We've got everything you need to know here.

There are 327.2 million people living in America, and roughly one-third of them hate their smile.

If you’re one of the millions of people struggling with crooked, gapping, overcrowding teeth, or just don’t love something about your smile, Invisalign can help.

It’s time to stop untagging yourself from Facebook photos, stop covering your mouth when you laugh, and start showing off those pearly whites.

Read on to learn how the Invisalign process can help you transform your smile, because, in the words of Tom Wilson , “a smile is happiness found right under your nose.”

What is Invisalign

Many people never get the smile of their dreams simply because they’re embarrassed to wear bulky, metal braces. Invisalign braces give the opportunity to straighten your smile without anyone noticing.

Through a series of clear retainers, Invisalign will slowly straighten your smile to perfection.

6 Easy Steps to Loving Your Smile

So, how does the Invisalign process work? We’ve broken down the entire process into 6 easy steps, so you can know the ins and outs before you take the plunge.

1. The consultation

The Invisalign process begins with your orthodontist.

The good news is that your initial consultation won’t involve any poking or prodding, so those with dental anxiety can rest easy. Your orthodontist will simply perform a quick examination on your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign braces.

Be sure to ask your orthodontist if they are certified and trained to work with Invisalign braces, as not all dentists will be. You’ll also want to bring your insurance card and any information about your dental history.

2. Personalized Treatment Plan

Once your orthodontist approves you for Invisalign you can get started on a personalized treatment plan.

You will work closely with your orthodontist, discussing your outcome expectations, how long the process will likely last, and how much it’s going to cost.

Your first step in the treatment plan will likely be a cleaning, just to make sure your teeth are in tiptop condition and to reduce any unnecessary risks.

3. Impression - Mold - Digitize

Next, it’s time to take impressions of your teeth. Your orthodontist can do this one of two ways:

The first way is through a traditional mold. Your orthodontist may use a clay-like substance to create a mold of your teeth, which is then sent to an Invisalign specialist.

The other option is to create a digital impression using x-rays and high definition photos.

Both options are widely practiced by orthodontists.

4. Revisions

Once your impressions reach the Invisalign specialist, they will use special software to create a step-by-step digital roadmap that aligns with your treatment plan. The Invisalign specialist will work closely with your orthodontist, sending information back-and-forth until the perfect plan is created.

Once the revisions are complete, the Invisalign specialist will 3-D print several Invisalign retainers that are customized just for you.

5. Fitting Your First Invisalign Retainer

Once your Invisalign retainers make it back to your orthodontist, you’ll need to go in for your first fitting.

Some people experience discomfort during their first fitting, as the retainer may put pressure on your teeth and gums. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers before your appointment if you’re concerned about having any discomfort.

6. Follow Up

Each Invisalign retainer will be used for about two weeks. After every two weeks, you will get a new retainer, slowly straightening your teeth a little more each time.

Since Invisalign isn’t a one and done process, you’ll need to have frequent follow-ups with your orthodontist. Depending on your treatment plan, you may need to follow up every 6 to 8 weeks.

FAQs About The Invisalign Process

Still have questions about the Invisalign process? Take a look at some of these frequently asked questions.

Will It Hurt?

The consultation and molding process are completely pain-free. Unfortunately, each time you step into a new Invisalign retainer you may feel some discomfort.

Since each retainer is working to straighten your teeth a little more each time, you may feel pressure or discomfort in new areas. The intensity and duration of the discomfort can vary from person to person.

Contact your orthodontist if over-the-counter painkillers aren’t controlling your discomfort, as you may need to adjust your treatment plan.

Do You Have to Sleep With Invisalign Retainers?

No, you don’t have to sleep with your retainers all night.

In order to reap the full benefit of each Invisalign retainer, you’ll need to wear them around 22 hours per day, leaving you plenty of time for beauty rest. Removing them before bed will ensure that you’re not losing sleep over any discomfort.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Invisalign braces often take less time than traditional braces. Common Invisalign treatments can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, however, this varies from person to person.

What About Brushing and Flossing?

A common problem with traditional braces is not being able to brush and floss thoroughly and easily. Invisalign takes away the struggle, as the retainers are specially made so that they are easily removable. You can simply take out your retainer when it’s time to brush.

Ready to Love Your Smile?

After years of debating whether you should go for braces and fix your teeth, it’s time to take the plunge.

The Invisalign process is the perfect option for those who don’t want to walk around with a mouthful of painful and ugly metal.

Contact an orthodontist today to schedule a consultation and take one step closer to having the smile you’ve always deserved.