If You Find Dentists and Dental Exams Scary, Fear No More

There are many reasons that you or your children may find the dentist office the scary place. Between billing, seeing a drill, and anticipating pain, going to the dentist and scheduling dental exams can be something very scary. However, having access to family dentistry that is affordable, keeps you and your family smiles healthy. This all begins with routine dental exams, and we believe that by understanding exactly what happened at these dental exams can help ease and calm your fears.

Basically, your local dental professional will perform a thorough inspection of your teeth and mouth. After the exam, we will discuss your dental health extensively. We may even touch on your risk of tooth decay and what kind of preventive measures we find to be the most helpful to you and your circumstances. Let’s take a look at a few more things that you can expect during your visit to the family dental clinic.

What to Expect During your Family Dental Clinic Exam

Aside from looking at your teeth and gums, your dentist will most likely look at and perform most or all of the following tasks:

  • Ask about your health problems and get a list of your current medications
  • Examine your mouth for any signs of oral cancer
  • Check your jaw for bite problems
  • Schedule a periodontal examination to check the extent of gum disease
  • Perform a variety of dental X-rays
  • Examine any prosthetic devices you have, such as dentures or bridges
  • Discuss your diet and lifestyle habits that could be affecting your oral health
  • Make dental impressions of your teeth
  • Refer you to a dental specialist if necessary
  • Discuss tooth replacement or any advanced dental procedures, if needed
  • Develop a comprehensive treatment plan for existing dental problems
  • Clean your teeth and remove stains
  • Counsel you about correct brushing and flossing techniques
  • Recommend a follow-up visit

These are just a few things that you can look forward to in the coming future at your dental exam.

Affordable Family Dentistry is the Way We Thank YOU!

By making Family Dentistry affordable, we show how important that your family’s health is. At Dr. Teeth in Katy, TX, we hope that you come and visit us in order to get your family’s health straight and your fears of the dentist he’s. If you would like to schedule a consultation appointment, we would be more than happy to do so if you contact us via phone or email. We can’t wait to meet you and your family!

Top 10 Benefits of Regular Dental Visits

Our dentists at Dr. Teeth Dental Care in Katy, Texas are always looking for new and easy ways to protect our patients’ smiles and keep them looking beautiful. No matter what innovations we continue to have, regular dental visits are still the best way to help keep teeth healthy and shining. Continue reading on to learn of the top ten benefits of regular dental visits.

1. Early Detection of Dental Problems. Our experienced dentists know exactly what to look for in regards to gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer. These issues are often not noticeable until it progresses too far.

2. Increasing Self-Esteem. Having a healthy and beautiful smile greatly increases an individual’s confidence by boosting their self-esteem.

3. Building a Good Relationship with Your Dentist. Frequent visits allow our dental team to get to know you and your smile better in order to lessen the anxieties of visiting the dentist.

4. Setting a Good Example for Your Kids. If you want to encourage your child to have good oral health habits, then it starts with you.

5. Help with Sleep Problems. Our dentists can refer you to a sleep specialist for additional help.

6. No Nasty Surprises. We are up-front and honest with you regarding treatment plans and further procedures.

7. Preventing Bad Breath. Poor oral health habits and trapped food can lead to bad breath.

8. Avoiding Teeth Loss. Thorough dental cleanings help to lower the risk of periodontitis that can lead to tooth loss.

9. Maintaining Overall Wellbeing. Bad dental hygiene can lead to severe health issues if not taken care of right away.

10. Financial Benefits. Our patients save hundreds by avoiding costly restorative treatments after it they are damaged.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Our dental team is always looking for ways to further protect our patients’ smiles. Dental sealants are commonly used to help fight against cavities by preventing them from the start. They are an easy procedure without any pain. Continue reading to learn more about dental sealants and how they can benefit your smile.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are made up of thin plastic film that is placed with the help of your dentist over each individual tooth. They are applied over the grooves and pits where bacteria can easily get caught in the back of the mouth that is hard to properly reach with a toothbrush. Dental sealants work as a barrier against tooth decay.

Who can benefit from dental sealants?

Dental sealants are commonly used for children with baby teeth and adolescents. However, adults can most definitely still benefit from dental sealants on their teeth. It is an effective way to avoid further costs and treatments in the future as they help to minimize the risk of fillings or decay later on.

How will I know if sealants are right for me?

Our dentist will provide an in-depth examination during your appointment that will help to determine if dental sealants are right for your smile. Your dentist may recommend sealants if you have a history of tooth decay. These appointments provide the perfect opportunity for individuals to ask our dental team any questions they have regarding treatment plans or issues they may be having.

For more information involving dental sealants and protecting your teeth, contact Dr. Teeth Dental Care in Katy. We are eager to help you protect your smile and feel more confident through the use of the many other cosmetic treatments we offer.

Who Needs Oral Cancer Screenings?

We often hear a lot about cancer and the lives it takes from us, but one cancer that rarely receives any attention is oral cancer. Did you know that oral cancer claims a life every single hour in the United States? That means today alone, 24 people will die due to oral cancer. Around 50% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer also only five years. Due to these startling statistics, the Oral Cancer Foundation conducted extensive research on how exactly to save the lives of patients with oral cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment was the best way for these patients to increase their rates of survival. Wondering what signs to look out for?

  • New bumps or lumps in/on your mouth.
  • Changes in the texture of your oral tissue.
  • Discolored tissue in the mouth.
  • Having a chronic sore throat or loss of voice.
  • Swollen lymph nodes.

What Are The Risk Factors of Oral Cancer?

Did you know that tobacco isn’t the only thing that can cause cancer? It’s actually one of the few things that can increase your risk. Other risk factors of oral cancer include:

  • HPV
  • Alcoholism
  • Genetics
  • Immune Disorders
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Sun Exposure

About Oral Cancer Screenings

During an oral cancer screening at your dentist in Katy, TX will use specialized tools, experience and knowledge to examine your entire oral health. Both a visual and physical examination is performed, allowing them to check for any changes or risk factors. In the event anything suspicious is found, we’d be happy to refer you to a specialist who can create a treatment plan for you.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Katy

When is the last time you had an oral cancer screening? Schedule yours with Dr. Teeth Dental Care in Katy, TX today.

Questions You Should Be Asking Your Orthodontist

Are you considering orthodontic treatment to achieve a more perfect smile? Before making any decisions regarding your orthodontic care, it is important to make sure you are asking your Katy orthodontist the right questions.

Is It Necessary to Get Orthodontic Treatment?

When it comes to orthodontic treatment it is important to make sure you establish expectations and goals, we recommend discussing your exact condition with your orthodontist, the treatment recommended and what kind of results you can expect to see. Certain patients may benefit more from orthodontic care than others.

What Are My Treatment Options?

It is also important to make sure you understand all of your orthodontic treatment options prior to making a decision. We recommend asking your orthodontist about all your available treatment options and the benefits of each. There are numerous types of orthodontic treatment ranging from traditional metal braces to clear braces.

What Exactly Are Invisalign Aligners?

If Invisalign is one of the orthodontic options you are looking into, it can be important to understand what exactly Invisalign treatment and the aligners are. Using clear braces and aligners can be quite different than typical orthodontic treatment and it is important to understand the differences between them.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

This should be a very important question for you, different orthodontic treatment options can vary widely on treatment times. FastBraces for instance can straighten teeth in as little as three months, where traditional braces can take up to 24+ months.

How Expensive is Orthodontic?

When it comes to orthodontic care and improving your smile, pricing can be an extremely important factor as well. Although Invisalign may be what you want, traditional braces can be an excellent option for those on a tighter budget. We recommend selecting the treatment that works best with all the factors you are looking into.

Visit Our Katy Orthodontist Today

Interested in orthodontic treatment in Katy, TX? Schedule your appointment with Dr. Teeth Dental Care today! We would be more than happy to examine your smile and oral health to determine which orthodontic treatment option might be best for improving the appearance, health and function of your smile.

TMJ Guards: Do I Need a Professional Fitting?

For the patients reading the following article that experience TMJ disorder, you are fully aware of the painful systems associated with said disorder. Headaches, jaw pain, teeth grinding, and clicking and jaw popping sounds are all problems that afflict someone with TMJ disorder. There is a solution on the market today that can help you with all of these symptoms, and we’re here to discuss it.

Mouth guards are exceptionable options in treating TMJ disorder. They are commonly made of a rigid acrylic material that fit over your teeth serving as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth. This can keep you from clenching your teeth, it can move the jaw into the right position, and help your jaw and facial muscles to relax. To successfully experience the benefits of a TMJ guard, it is best to consult your dentist.

How Do Neuromuscular Dentists Fit TMJ Guards?

A neuromuscular dentist will examine your teeth and take into consideration all of the systems in your body that allow you to chew, swallow, and speak. A complete history and examination of the root cause of your TMJ disorder is also in order to determine if a mouthguard will help alleviate any of your symptoms. It is also important that this professional choose what kind of guard is best for the symptoms you specifically feel and fits the device to your mouth by using a custom mold. Being that the design of the guard requires a perfect fit, a regular check-up by your dentist and any necessary adjustments and modifications are made to keep you feeling well.

If you would like to consult a local dentist as to whether you have TMJ or you’re interested in being referred turn neuromuscular dentist that can give you a TMJ guard that you need, feel free to contact us at Dr. Teeth Dental Care Katy, TX. We want our patients to feel and look their best, so give us a call or send us an email as soon as possible to be on your way to achieving optimal dental health.

Simplify Your Way to a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

We know your day to day life can be hectic. Throw in graduation season or the holiday season, and things can get even crazier. Work, family, chores, and self-care all take up time in your life. All too often self-care falls to the wayside. It is time to simplify your life and grab hold of a healthy, beautiful smile. We want to talk about ways you can simplify your life with a view to achieving a beautiful smile.

Regain Control of Your Oral Health

Our first priority is making sure that your mouth is healthy. That way you can get to a place of only needing cleanings twice a year and not anything else more serious like a root canal or a cavity filling. If you have let your mouth go uncared for the last year (or more) it is time to regain control over your oral health and go to the dentist.

We can fill cavities, scrape off plaque, and restore your mouth to full health. Once that is done, eating will be more comfortable, your teeth will be whiter, and you can have the confidence that your mouth is healthy.

Beautify Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

Oral health isn’t the only facet of a beautiful smile. While it helps a lot, sometimes cosmetic dentistry is needed to give you the smile you deserve. If you want to straighten your teeth, you have a lot of options. If you want to whiten your teeth, in-office cleaning is the most effective solution, especially over do-it-yourself options.

Dental veneers are also an amazing new tool that is being used all over the world to quickly give you a beautiful smile. Thin porcelain shells are placed over the top of your existing teeth to give them any shape and shade that you want! The best part is that they last for up to 10 years and allow you to eat and drink normally.

If you have any more questions about beautifying your smile, give us a call today!

How to Make Your Teeth Whiter (Without Destroying Your Enamel)

For many of us, the thought that healthy teeth are white teeth is very common in today’s society. There are many “truth” put on the internet that are intentionally written or made to be misleading. Conventional teeth whitening can be quick and dramatic, but is it safe? What is the long-term effect these treatments can have on our precious teeth?

How Can I Naturally Whiten My Teeth Safely?

While the quantity of patience amongst our peers seems to be diminishing, the want to have white teeth fast is so common. It is important to know, though, that we have to be willing to pay for it in the long run. There is good news though: there are plenty of guidelines you can follow to have a bite set of teeth that won’t destroy your enamel.

The Long-Term Game Plan to a Healthy White Smile

It is important to take note of where you start. In order to know the method of whitening you’re implanting works, it is imperative to know where your tooth color began. Be sure to give yourself two to three months before really taking note of any kind of progress. It is important to not continue to do anything that can dull the color of your teeth while you embark on this journey.

DIY Whitening Solutions vs. In-Office Whitening

The biggest take away from all of these do-it-yourself options is that they are much less dramatic and effective than in-office whitening. At your dentist’s office, you can expect to leave with your teeth a different shade by the end of your appointment. These whitening options are much subtler and will take some time to finally see results, but they are much easier on your tooth’s enamel.

How to Maximize Your Natural Whitening Effect

We admire you for wanting to save the enamel in your teeth, after all our biggest concern is that of your health, and less of the aesthetic nature of teeth whitening. If you need help choosing a strategy, feel free to give us a call at Dr. Teeth Dental Care in Katy, TX. We’re more than happy to help you with any dental needs.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

Our dentist offers a wide range of dental services including tooth extractions for patients who may need it. Tooth extractions remove the entire tooth from the gum in your mouth. While it is a form of dental surgery, tooth extractions are commonly done by our dentists. Often times our patients tremble when they hear they may need a tooth extraction, but understanding the reasons why it is needed may ease the anxiety. Read on to learn about a few reasons for tooth extraction.

  • Damage from decay or trauma. If a tooth is severely damaged, then simple dental restorations such as a dental crown or filling may not fully treat the problem. Removing the entire tooth may eliminate further procedures and costs down the road. Our dentists also recommend placing a bridge, dental implant, or partial denture to avoid shifting teeth in place of your removed tooth.
  • Orthodontics treatment. Your orthodontist may suggest a tooth extraction before beginning orthodontic treatment. This helps to prevent overcrowding in your mouth. Another more extreme option is to totally realign your jaw in place of simply extracting a tooth.
  • Wisdom teeth cause problems. Wisdom teeth are your last set of teeth to emerge. They usually come in during your late teen years and an extra set of adult molars. Some individual’s wisdom teeth will cause them problems that can lead to infections or abscesses. Our dentists like to keep a close eye on wisdom teeth so as to eliminate any issues through tooth extraction before they even arise.
  • Timely development in kids. Our dentists may even recommend tooth extractions in primary teeth, often known as baby teeth. Tooth extractions for baby teeth may be needed to ensure the permanent teeth erupt in the right position and not too late.

Are you Brushing & Flossing the Right Way?

One of the most vital ways to ensure a healthy smile is with proper brushing and flossing. A healthy smile starts from home. Our dentists at Dr. Teeth Dental Care also recommend regular dental cleanings and exams at least twice a year for a fresh smile. However, how do we know if we are brushing and flossing the right way? Read on to learn the proper techniques for brushing and flossing your pearly whites.

What are the basics of brushing?

It is normal for us to keep the same dental routine our parents taught us at an early age. It may be a good idea to evaluate our dental hygiene habits and see if we are doing the most for our smile. Below are a few good tips for healthy brushing.

  • Use small circular motions or small back and forth motions. This helps to break up plaque on your teeth and gums.
  • Avoid aggressive brushing that can damage the tissues in your mouth. Using a soft bristle brush works best.
  • Keep a pattern while brushing to avoid missing spots in your mouth. Focus on each individual tooth and patches of gum.

What are the flossing fundamentals?

Keeping up a good flossing routine will help to improve your dental health. It may take a while for flossing daily to become a habit, but the benefits will be clearly seen. Below are a few flossing fundamentals.

  • Cover the floss on both sides of your tooth.
  • Use gentle motions to move the floss around your teeth.
  • Get the floss below your gum line.
  • Use a floss that will easily slide between your gaps.

Keeping up a healthy dental routine will save you on money and time spent on procedures in the future.

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