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Dental fillings have been around for a very long time. They are a wonderful dental health aid that is meant to not only restore the tooth structure that is lost from decay but also to protect your sensitive tooth from infection later on. They are wonderfully useful, but most people misunderstand fillings. Maybe they don’t like the way they look inside of a mouth, or maybe they don’t understand fully what their use is. No matter the case, we want to share with you 5 different reasons why you may need (or want) a dental filling.

Cavities of all Sizes and Shapes Require Prompt Dental Fillings

No matter how small a cavity is or where it is located, the fact of the matter is that it has caused decay in your tooth enamel. The hole that is left by a cavity must be protected by a filling. This gives your tooth the extra defense it needs to hold bacteria at bay from colonizing the same spot again

Even Small, Non-Cavity Holes Can Benefit from a Filling

Sometimes, natural, very small holes form in your mouth. These holes, however not caused by a cavity, still leave an easy spot for food to accumulate. This means that bacteria also can accumulate there and could easily cause a cavity to form if they are not filled.

A Fractured Tooth May Require a Filling

Many times, a fractured tooth can be saved with the help of a filling. Your full tooth functionality can be repaired by use of a composite tooth filling. The filling material is used to restore the structure of the tooth that had been compromised by the fracture. The filling can even be colored to fit your natural tooth color!

If you think that you could benefit from a tooth filling, or you have been experiencing any pain in your teeth, we encourage you to stop by our dental office today!

Invisalign treatments are becoming more and more popular among our patients at Dr. Teeth Dental Care. It’s no surprise due to their comfort and affordability. They are the perfect way to boost your confidence and finally achieve the perfect set of teeth. Are you interested in Invisalign treatment in Katy Near you? Read on to learn more surprising benefits of Invisalign.

What You Should Know About Invisalign

Invisalign uses a variety of customized clear, plastic trays to straighten and align your teeth properly. The aligners are worn throughout the day, only being taken out for eating and cleaning your teeth and the aligners. Every couple of weeks you will trade out your aligners for new ones until you have the perfect smile. So, how does Invisalign differ from traditional braces?

• To begin, Invisalign makes eating more comfortable and enjoyable. Invisalign trays are used and are removable for your convenience. Typical braces make you avoid certain foods such as substances that get stuck in your teeth. As long as you keep a good brushing and flossing routine, you are allowed to eat anything guilty free!
• Invisalign won’t draw attention to your orthodontic treatment. The best aspect of Invisalign is the clear aligners. You won’t need to feel self-conscience over your treatment.
• Invisalign doesn’t involve painful wires or brackets. Patients with traditional braces often complain of the constant discomfort that follows them. Each time patients get them tightened, further pain is inflicted. Invisalign is an affordable and comfortable alternative.

Speak with your dentist at Dr. Teeth Dental Care to see if Invisalign treatment works for your tooth. You deserve to feel confident with your smile. Invisalign is the best way to achieve the smile you have always dreamed of having. Set up an appointment with us today!

Are you looking to improve your smile? Have you tried all the DIY’s trying to get the perfect pearly whites? You are probably one of the thousands who hide their smile from the world. Many people try popular over-the-counter whitening kits and find they just don’t do the trick. Whitening toothpaste never seems to work. Believe us—we have tried it all. It may be time for you to try the commonly used treatment known as professional teeth whitening. Dr. Teeth Dental Care in Katy, TX provides affordable and effective treatments. Read on to see why professional teeth whitening makes sense for you!

Why Professional Teeth Whitening?

It’s time to improve your confidence with teeth that are whiter! No more hiding your smile behind your hand, now it’s time to show off your new pearly whites. Affordable cosmetic dental treatments are an easy and affordable way to boost your confidence. You can also take years off your appearance with teeth that are whiter. It is common for our teeth to yellow as we get older, but it surely isn’t necessary. Professional teeth whitening will make you feel like a whole new person!

Professional teeth whitening provides excellent and lasting results at Dr. Teeth Dental Care. Read our many testimonies and learn first-hand why we provide the top and highest quality of treatments. We want your confidence to grow when you visit us. Call us today to schedule an exam to see if professional teeth whitening in Katy, TX treatment works for you!

Periodontal gum disease is an extremely common condition in America, in fact, over 64,000,000 American adults suffer from some form of periodontal disease ranging from gingivitis to severe gum disease. Did you know that once periodontitis has advanced past gingivitis, it is also not reversible? Notice your gums are swollen, irritated or bleeding? We’d recommend contacting Dr. Teeth Dental Care in Katy today!

Treating Gingivitis in Katy

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontitis is the only stage which can be reversed through professional dental treatments. We recommend a deep cleaning, where any plaque or bacteria build up from above and below the gum line can be thoroughly removed. Following your deep cleaning, we recommend routine dental exams and cleanings along with a proper at-home dental care routine.

Treating Mild Periodontal Disease

Once periodontal disease has advanced past gingivitis, it is known as “periodontitis.” At this stage, pockets in the gums begin to form. For mild periodontal disease we recommend scaling and root planing, which will allow us to remove any tartar buildup and smoothen the tooth roots so that the gums can re-attach and heal properly. Antibiotic treatment may also be recommended along with more frequent professional dental examinations and cleanings.

Treating Moderate Periodontal Gum Disease

When gum disease becomes more moderate, the gum pockets begin to deepen, gums will recede, and tooth root often becomes exposed. Along with scaling and root planing treatment, we may recommend antibiotic treatment which is placed directly into the gum pockets. Following treatment, frequent routine periodontal maintenance will be recommended so that your condition does not progress further and can be properly monitored.

Treating Severe Gum Disease

When periodontal diseases become severe, surgery is often required in addition to other periodontal treatments to repair the gums properly. At this stage in periodontitis, teeth are often extremely loose, and some may not be savable. In this event, partials, bridges, dentures and even dental implants may be recommended to prevent further dental complications.

There are many smaller issues that can occur with the teeth that a lot of people choose to ignore. These can include tiny chips and cracks that may not necessitate a more invasive fix like veneers. Luckily, dental bonding is a smart way to restore many dental problems.

Dental bonding works by using a dental resin that is made to match the exact hue of your teeth. After being applied to the area that needs to be repaired, the dentist can smooth it out, use a high powered light to harden it, and finally buff it to bring out a natural-looking shine.

Here are just a few of the most common issues that dental bonding can fix:

Chipped Teeth

That small chip on your front tooth? Dental bonding can make it completely disappear.

Cracked/Fractured Teeth

Not only can dental bonding repair the crack in the tooth, but the resin can actually strengthen the tooth to help it avoid cracking and breaking further.

Discolored Tooth

While teeth whitening is the go-to method for fixing a tooth that is not as white as you would like, dental bonding can also whiten teeth. This is particularly helpful if you have one tooth that is a slightly darker shade than the others.

Misshapen Teeth

Teeth are not all made even, so there is a chance that one tooth can be a different size than the others, so dental bonding can be used to reshape the surface of the tooth to better match the others and create a more even and symmetrical smile.

Small Gaps

Many people with gaps in their teeth resort to braces to move the teeth into a better position, but dental bonding can instead be used to fill in these small gaps so they are not noticeable. If it is just the gap that you are worried about but the rest of your teeth are straight, bonding can be a more effective and affordable option.

We’ve all heard how bad biting our nails can be, from the germs on our fingers to the risk of ingrown nails. But, did you know the impact nail biting can have on your oral health? Nail biting can result in damaged teeth, gaps, overbites and even periodontal diseases.

Malocclusion

When biting nails, the front teeth often grind together, causing them to gradually shift over time. This shifting of your teeth can create a gap between teeth, resulting in malocclusion (a bad bite).

Tooth Damage

Our nails are quite hard; when biting nails, there is an increased risk of tooth damage such as chips, cracks and even fractures. Over time teeth may also become worn and uneven from grinding while nails are being bitten.

Root Resorption

When we bite our nails, the unneeded pressure is also applied to the teeth and jaw bone. This pressure can result in the resorption of our tooth roots, weakening our teeth and increasing the risk of tooth loss.

Periodontal Diseases

Our fingers (and fingernails) are constantly touching things throughout the day, picking up germs along the way. When biting nails, these germs and bacteria can be introduced into the mouth and gums, increasing the risk of developing gingivitis and other gum diseases.

Bruxism

The unconscious habit of nail-biting may also increase the risk of unconscious teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism). Bruxism can lead to even more dental complications along with uncomfortable symptoms such as migraines.

Breaking the Nail Biting Habit

Want to break your nail biting habit and protect your teeth? Here are some common strategies for deterring nail biting:

• Keep nails trimmed.
• Use nail biting polish.
• Manicure nails, increasing motivation to keep them nice.
• Replace nail-biting with a more healthy habit.
• Reduce stress.
• Avoid nail-biting triggers.

Dr. Teeth Dental Care is Here For You

At our Katy dental office, we are dedicated to your oral health. If you feel as though your nail biting habit has affected your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to schedule an appointment and evaluate your teeth, gums and overall oral health.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the term for dental procedures that are done with a patient under sedation. Many people of many different ages use sedation dentistry for a variety of reasons.

1. Reduces anxiety during dental visits.

Unfortunately, 9% – 20% of Americans avoid visiting the dentist due to anxiety and fear. Some have had a bad dental experience in the past and can’t get over it while others simply do not go because of fear. This can affect children and adults of all ages. Sedation dentistry reduces the anxiety during a dental visit and helps to reduce the fear.

2. Decreases any pain or discomfort you might feel.

People have different levels of pain tolerance, and some can actually feel discomfort during routine checkups. Sedation dentistry helps those that experience discomfort easily and assists with everyone during procedures that could ordinarily be painful.

3. Helps you overcome certain sensitivities.

Many people have specific sensitivities that make it very hard for the dentist to take proper care of their patients. For example, someone with a strong gag reflex will have a difficult time keeping their mouth open during the dental visit, but sedation dentistry can help relax the muscles. Even those with extremely sensitive gums, teeth or even a ticklish tongue can all benefit from sedation dentistry.

4. Assists during long procedures.

While some procedures require multiple visits, using sedation dentistry can mean that your dentist can complete the procedure with fewer visits. Lengthy procedures can make many people nervous, but being sedated will help you relax and make time fly by much quicker. Those with ADHD or that get fidgety sitting for long periods of time can also benefit.

Sedation dentistry has many uses and can help a great deal of people overcome dental fears. Contact our sedation dentists for more information about how we can help you!

Contrary to popular belief, at least ten facial muscles work to create a smile. It only takes the effort of about six to frown. Therefore, the adage, “it takes more muscles to frown than to smile,” is not based on fact. Since it requires more energy to turn that frown upside down, that new version should be, “a smile burns more calories than a frown.” This is only one of several health benefits that come with the welcoming expression.

Let Those Smiles Shine!

Besides boosting your aesthetic appeal, smiling offers health benefits in four specific ways:

• Reduces Pain: When you lift that smile your body releases feel-good endorphins. These hormones serve as natural pain relievers. The most interesting part is that is the expression that releases endorphins, not the attitude or emotion behind it. Therefore, even an insincere grin will achieve the same positive chemical response. So, anytime you feel pain, are injured, or sick, give your face a workout and let those smiles shine!
• Relieves Stress: Those same hormones that alleviate pain also help reduce stress symptoms. A 2012 study demonstrated that participants with the most jovial smiles recovered faster from completing a stressful task. This stems back to how our brains react to a big smile. People don’t only smile to express happiness; we do so to help us feel better. Fake it until you make it.
• Boosts Your Immune System: Smiles relief tension and stress which results in a positive impact on overall health. Happy facial expressions lead to more resistance to health threats. You can lower your likelihood of developing cancer.
• Increases Longevity: The upturned look naturally lightens and lifts, making you appear younger and more pleasant. It can also increase longevity by up to seven years if you take every opportunity to smile.

The average adult will form a smile about 20 times each day, while happy youngsters will let those smiles shine 400 times or more, on the same day. Consider all the health benefits that grown-ups could accrue if we continued to smile we did as kids. Unfortunately, some patients are embarrassed by their teeth and avoid showing them off. At Dr. Teeth Dental Care, we can help you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile that you will want to display happily.

As you age, some changes happen over time to all parts of your body, including your teeth. Your oral health can become more difficult to monitor over time, because of this, dental exams become more of a priority. There are at least three reasons why you should take dental exams more seriously with age.

Reasons Dental Exams Are Important as You Age

The first reason is, as a person ages, the nerves in your teeth shrink. This causes the teeth to become less sensitive. A reduction in sensitivity to pain can make it harder for you to naturally detect the pain that a cavity or other dental problems may be causing. Because of this, it is more likely for a person increased in age to ignore a dental issue for longer; this can allow for tooth decay to develop longer and become more advanced and cause real problems for your oral health.

So how can dental exams help you? Routine dental exams can utilize tools such as dental x-rays and a professional dental team to reveal and treat tooth decay before it reaches an advanced stage that seriously threatens your oral health.

The second reason is, as you age, your teeth become slowly weaker. This causes them to be susceptible to diseases and dental problems that they might not have been previously; this allows for diseases to develop more quickly and cause even worse problems.

And lastly, detecting issues early is important because these issues become worse as you age. How can early detection of diseases help? Early detection is the only way to prevent problems such as gum loss and complete tooth loss, as well as heart problems caused by poor oral health. The best thing you can do to protect your teeth, your smile, and your health, is a regular oral exam. It’s important to find, and treat anything before the problem becomes advanced.

When it comes to picking out dental products for your at home dental routine, it can be quite confusing. There are often dozens of different kinds of toothbrushes with different shapes, styles, and bristles. We see different flavors of toothpaste with different functions (whitening, strengthening, and even sensitivity reducing) and even the same for mouthwash. So what should you know when purchasing dental products?

Selecting a Toothbrush

When it comes to selecting a toothbrush, there is one important thing to keep in mind. Unless your dentist tells you otherwise, you should always use a soft-bristled brush. For shape and size, it should be able to reach all the teeth in your mouth and be comfortable to use.

Electronic toothbrushes can be a great option for those who have difficulty brushing and can clean your teeth better, especially if you have crowded teeth with hard to reach crevices.

Selecting a Toothpaste

When it comes to selecting toothpaste, be sure to select a flavor you enjoy. The toothpaste you use should always contain fluoride unless your dentist has stated otherwise. Fluoride can help strengthen your enamel and protect teeth from decay. Depending upon your ultimate dental goals, there are various types of toothpaste for sensitivity and even teeth whitening.

Selecting a Mouthwash

When it comes to selecting mouthwash, be sure to purchase a therapeutic mouthwash which can help aid in preventing oral health issues. These often contain fluoride or other ingredients which can help prevent decay and even gum disease. Certain “cosmetic” mouthwash products are only meant to freshen breath and often contain sugars, making them useless for optimal oral health.

Selecting a Dental Floss

When it comes to selecting dental floss, it pretty much comes down to preference and comfortability. For those with bigger gaps, thicker floss is recommended. For those with little spacing between teeth, thinner, waxed floss is recommended. If you have problems reaching certain areas of your mouth, dental picks can be a great option. However, regardless of your preference, it is important to floss daily.