What are Dental Crowns: Types, Procedure and Aftercare

There are many procedures included in general dentistry. Several procedures come under this category, from dentures to dental crowns and fillings. This blog specifically focuses on dental crowns, their types and their aftercare. Simply put, dental crowns are caps placed on top of damaged teeth to protect, cover and restore the shape of your teeth.

Before we dive deeper into the types and aftercare, let’s first understand what dental crowns are.

What are Dental Crowns?

Your teeth can get damaged over time if not taken properly care of. This can happen for many reasons, including injuries, tooth decay or any specific cause over time. Your teeth can lose their shape or size or both simultaneously. Here is when dental crowns come to the rescue. They are tooth-shaped caps placed over your tooth that restore the tooth’s shape, strength, size and appearance. It is cemented into the place on your tooth and covers the visible part of the tooth. 

How are Dental Crowns Made? 

Different types of dental crowns are made of different materials. Usually, a thin layer of metal is formed surrounding a tooth’s and porcelain’s mold, or ceramic is built over it that creates the remaining dental crown.

Why do you Need a Dental Crown? 

Crowns protect, cover and restore the shape of your teeth when the problem remains unsolved by fillings. So whether your tooth has been decayed, chipped or disfigured, a dental crown can set it right. This is why your tooth will need a crown.

What does a Crown do for a Tooth? 

A dental crown is a protective layer over an existing tooth. It helps you in the following ways:

  • Improves the way a decayed or broken tooth looks
  • Makes a decayed or broken tooth stronger and long-lasting
  • Gives your tooth a good shape

A dental crown solves one or all of the above-mentioned issues.

What are the Types of Dental Crowns? 

There are several types of crowns. We’ve enlisted them below.

Stainless Steel Crowns:

These are used on permanent teeth as a temporary measure. It protects the tooth or filling, while a permanent crown is prepared from other materials. This crown covers the entire tooth and prevents it from decaying further. Also, these crowns take fewer dental visits and are more cost-effective.

Porcelain-based Crowns:

These types of crowns will be easily color matched to your teeth. This is not the case with metallic crowns. The crown’s porcelain portion is more likely to get chipped or broken off than ceramic. However, porcelain looks almost like normal teeth, which is not the case with ceramic.

Metallic Crowns:

Metals used in crowns consist of alloys with a high content of platinum or gold or cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium alloys. These types of crowns can withstand biting and chewing forces so they last long. Also, metallic dental crowns rarely break or chip off.

All-resin Dental Crowns:

These types of dental crowns are less expensive as compared to other types. However, they wear down pretty quickly and are more prone to breaking or chipping off.

Temporary and Permanent Dental Crowns:

Temporary dental crowns can be made in the clinic, while most permanent crowns are made in a laboratory.

Dental Crown Procedure 

Dental crowns require you to visit your dentist at least twice. In the first visit, your doctor will prepare the tooth that requires a crown by taking an impression and then send it to the dental laboratory. 

Crowns typically require that you visit your dentist at least twice. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth that needs a crown and take an impression to send to the dental laboratory. You’ll receive a temporary crown. Then you’ll return for a second visit to get your permanent crown installed.

Dental Crown Aftercare

Dental crown aftercare is no rocket science. You just need to follow the following points to maintain the crown’s health.

  • Avoid stick or hard foods
  • Use warm saltwater rinse
  • Avoid eating or drinking right after getting a dental crown
  • Local anaesthetic will still have its effect so wait till it wears off before consuming food.

Following these simple dental crown aftercare steps will help you take proper care of dental crowns.

How to Take Care of a Crown?

You don’t need specific care for a dental crown. Regular oral hygiene including cleaning them regularly is more than enough to keep them clean and long lasting. 

How Long do Dental Crowns Last? 

Depending on the materials used in dental crowns, the duration it lasts will vary. However, on average, dental crowns last between five to fifteen years. However, the life span also depends on how well you follow hygiene practices and the amount of wear and tear the crown gets exposed to. 

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, the blog helped you understand all the dental crowns you need to know. If you’ve been looking for dental crowns for you or your loved one, feel free to contact Allwyn Dental. We have a team of expert doctors who will not only help you with the treatment but also patiently guide you through selecting the right one. Good luck!

What is a Fractured Tooth: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

A fractured tooth may cause serious complications or diseases if the symptoms are overlooked or not treated in time. The causes of a broken tooth root can be many, but so are the treatment options. However, it is advisable to go through the causes, symptoms, and treatment options so that you are aware of a fractured tooth as and when you have a fractured tooth.

In this blog, we’ll go through everything related to the fractured tooth root. What is a broken tooth, its symptoms, and its treatment options? So, let’s get to it without any further ado.

What is a Fractured Tooth?

Unlike a loose tooth, a fractured tooth root has a portion broken off in some part or another. While this may seem like a cracked or split tooth, it differs from both. A crack in the tooth or a split tooth leaves the tooth intact but is no longer in an unbroken piece.

A fractured tooth is a tooth that has a crack or break in it. Fractured teeth can range in severity from a small chip to a large crack that extends down to the root of the tooth.

There are several types of fractures that can occur in a tooth:

  • Craze lines: These are very fine, hairline fractures that do not go all the way through the tooth. They are usually not visible to the naked eye and do not usually cause any pain or discomfort.
  • Fractured cusps:These are fractures that occur on the top of the tooth, also known as the cusp. They may not cause any symptoms unless the fracture extends deep into the tooth.
  • Fractured incisal edge: This type of fracture occurs on the front part of the tooth and may cause sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
  • Fractured root: This is a serious type of fracture that occurs at the root of the tooth and can lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly.

Fractured Tooth Root Symptoms

Not every fractured tooth root will generate symptoms. However, if you experience one or several of the symptoms listed below, it is wise to consult a dentist.

Symptoms of fractured tooth

  • Pain when chewing or biting
  • Pain especially when you release the bite
  • Over sensitivity to cold, heat or sweetness
  • Pain that comes and goes but is not continuous

While these are some speculated symptoms of the fractured tooth root, if you spot one or multiple of these, contact a dentist. If gone overlooked for a prolonged period, this tooth can cause issues with other teeth and may cause gum problems too.

In the case of a fractured tooth, it may not be possible to tighten the loose tooth. The best action will depend on the severity of the fracture and the overall health of the tooth.

What Does a Cracked Tooth Feel Like?

A cracked tooth is different from a fractured tooth. When you have a cracked tooth, you may chew unevenly. Biting down on hard foods like hard candies, ice, and nuts and loss of tooth structure because of wear or large fillings. Teeth will be brittle following a root canal.

What Causes a Fractured Tooth?

There are several reasons for a fractured tooth root or even a cracked tooth. Some of the reasons are mentioned below:

  • Tooth grinding
  • Age
  • Trauma
  • Other factors

These are a few causes of a fractured tooth. Mostly it occurs when you meet with an accident or because of the ageing factor. You may not have any symptoms of a fractured tooth root or you may even notice sensitivity, pain and swelling on your face. Your dentist has various methods to treat a fracture based on the crack’s location and severity.

Treatment for a Fractured Tooth

The treatment for a fractured tooth will depend on the severity of the fracture and the overall health of the tooth. There are several treatment options for a fractured tooth.

fractured tooth treatment

  • If the crack has extended into the pulp, the tooth can be treated with a root canal procedure
  • A crown to protect the crack from spreading further.
  • If the crack has extended below the gum line, it’s no longer treatable and the tooth cannot be saved and will need to be extracted.

Does a Cracked Tooth Need to be Pulled?

In most cases, yes. The cracked tooth needs to be pulled to prevent the infection from developing in the crack. However, if the crack is small and doesn’t go down to the tooth’s root, a filling may be required to fix the problem. Whether or not your teeth need to be pulled depends on the damage done to the cracked tooth.

How Long Does It Take to Fix a Cracked Tooth? 

Your dentist can sometimes fit a crown in a day; however, it may often take multiple appointments. Tooth extraction treatment is another way to fix a cracked tooth. Your dentist may replace the tooth with a dental implant which can take months. Veneers are another way to restore a cracked tooth. However, it usually takes up to three to four weeks to create veneer before the dentist can fit it into your tooth.

Can a Fractured Tooth Root Heal Itself?

The straightforward answer is No. A cracked tooth or a fractured tooth root won’t heal on its own. Unlike your bones which have a lot of blood vessels, tooth enamel doesn’t have any blood supply and so it won’t be able to repair itself when damaged. You also can’t simply wait for the crack to heal on its own. So, ensure to reach out to a dentist when you have a fractured tooth root.

What Happens If Your Tooth Cracks in Half?

When only a tiny piece of your tooth breaks off, your dental professional may be able to protect the remaining tooth through filling or crown. If the fracture is severe, endodontic surgery may be required to remove the fractured part to protect the pulp and the tooth. Depending on the severity of the fractured tooth root, your dentist may choose a treatment.

Who to See for a Cracked Tooth?

When you notice a cracked tooth, immediately seek your dentist. Even if you suspect a fractured tooth, you should seek a dentist immediately to prevent further damage. If you need a specialist, your general dentist will let you know who to seek after conducting some examinations.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the blog helped you understand everything you need about a fractured tooth root and cracked tooth. Feel free to contact us if you have a broken tooth or want to know about the treatment options. At Allwyn Dental, Our team of expert dentists will not only help you figure out an effective treatment plan but also help you with finding an affordable treatment plan.

How to Tighten a Loose Tooth

Losing teeth may be one of the most painful experiences for some, while regular for many. However, it is certainly not something anybody wishes to go through, especially in adulthood. However, if you find yourself with a loose tooth due to either getting a mouth injury or any other reason, read on. In this blog, we have focused on tightening a loose tooth, stabilizing and removing it, reaching out to your dentist, and everything surrounding the subject.

So, let’s get to it without any further ado.

What to Do With a Loose Tooth?

When you spot a loose tooth, you have two options:

  1. Go for home remedies to stabilize it
  2. Consult a dentist

Depending on the cause of the loose tooth, the treatment will differ. In some cases, you may be able to tighten a loose tooth. While in certain cases, it would be advisable to remove the loose tooth. So, it is wise to consult a dentist in case of a loose tooth.

How to Prevent a Tooth From Falling Out?

We have always heard the phrase, “Prevention is better than cure.” Without a doubt, this is true. So, there is a few preventive tips and signs for your tooth from falling out.

  • Ensure you practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice regularly and flossing daily.
  • Go for dental check-ups and professional cleaning at least twice a year. Doing so will help your dentist catch probable gum disease early on. Also, be aware of the reasons why you should never ignore your dental health.
  • Quit smoking or consuming tobacco products, as it severely deters your dental health and may contribute to gum disease.
  • If you are into playing sports, ensure you wear a mouthguard to prevent any mouth injury.
  • A prolonged dry mouth can also cause gum disease or a loose tooth, so keep yourself hydrated.

Can a Dentist Fix a Loose Tooth?

If you plan to reach out to a dentist, they may follow the following methods to strengthen a loose tooth.

Can a dentist fix a loose tooth?

  • They may perform a synthetic or natural bone replacement surgery to help regenerate new bone and gum tissue.
  • They may perform a guided-tissue regeneration that helps you adopt the use of barrier membranes that encourage tissue regeneration destroyed by gum disease.

Can a Loose Tooth go Back to Normal?

As strange as it may sound, but the answer to this question is Yes. However, it entirely depends on the reason the tooth is loose. If it is loose due to a gum disease, it may your tooth tighten back up with proper dental hygiene and gum disease treatment.

Can a Loose Tooth be Saved?

To answer simply – Yes. Because you have a loose tooth does not mean you will lose the tooth.  With the help of a good dentist, you can easily save a loose tooth with dental implants.

How Can I Tighten My Loose Teeth Fast?

You can do so by cutting down on acidic drinks. You can even mix equal amounts of fruit Amla and clean water in a cup and stir properly. Rinse orally as often as you’d like to build the gum strength. You can even use coconut oil to massage your gums. This will also help you build gum strength and may tighten the loose teeth fast.

How Do You Stable a Loose Tooth?

One of the best treatments to stabilize a loose tooth is tooth splinting. In this process, the tooth will be bonded to the teeth around it in order for it to be stable. Whether the tooth is loose due to gum disease or any other reason, tooth splinting will help in stabilizing it.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the blog helped you understand how to prevent and tighten a loose tooth. If you have any further queries regarding a loose teeth in adults or about strengthening a loose tooth, feel free to contact us. Our team of dentists at Allwyn Dental would be happy to help you.

Signs Your Tooth Are Falling Out, Causes of Tooth Loss, and How to Fix a Loose Tooth

Several reasons can cause a loose tooth. Sometimes, a loose tooth caused by a specific incident may not be preventable. However, that is not always the case. For instance, if you fall flat on your face and experience a loose tooth, you may not be able to do something to prevent it. But you can reduce the chances of a loose tooth by taking more care of your dental hygiene.

For example, wearing mouthguards when playing a sport can reduce the risk of a loose tooth. You can even practice good oral hygiene and prevent tooth loss and several gum diseases—habits like brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing your teeth every day. Let us look at a few signs your tooth may be falling out.

Signs Your Tooth Are Falling Out

The signs your tooth may fall out are not always so subtle. Some apparent signs tell you your teeth are falling out or you may have a loose tooth.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums are, more often than not, a surefire sign your teeth may be falling out. Seeing your gums bleeding every day when brushing your teeth may be a sign of developing Periodontitis. It can cause tooth loss as it is an infection of the gums.

Sharp pain in teeth

If you experience sharp pain or sensitivity in your teeth when you eat or drink something, chances are high that you may have a fall or lose teeth. If you notice this, ensure to make an appointment with your dentist and get it checked.

Bad breath

If you notice that you cannot get rid of bad breath, you may be experiencing gum disease. Bad breath tells you that something may be wrong, and you may experience tooth loss. So, get yourself checked if you find this happening.

Shifting or loose teeth

This one’s an obvious one. If you realize your teeth are shifting positions or notice gaps, you may lose teeth. It is wise to consider visiting a dentist to get to the crux of what’s lying underneath. 

Causes of Tooth Loss 

While tooth loss causes may differ, some common causes may lead to tooth loss. Once you are aware of the causes, you can take a step toward mitigating them. So, let’s have a look at some causes of losing a tooth.

Causes of Tooth Loss

  • Gum disease, like periodontal disease, can cause tooth loss which may account for 70 percent of missing teeth
  • Cavities in teeth
  • Physical injury
  • Other reasons like diseases and risk factors

The above-mentioned are some of the few reasons for tooth loss, however, as stated, there could be several others. The right decision to make if you notice any or all of the above is to reach out to your dentist. Lost a tooth is often a consequence of a disease or an injury that remains untreated for a long time. So, it is best to not wait it out and get the required help which may prevent further tooth damage or even tooth loss.

Loose Tooth Treatment 

It can be alarming to realize that you or your loved one may lose teeth. It could indefinitely take you by shock and may send chills down your spine. Fret not! Some treatment options will help you with loose teeth.

Loose Tooth Treatment

  • Consider scaling and root planning to help you reverse gum disease.
  • Surgery may help remove inflamed gum tissue
  • Bone grafts can help you rebuild bones lost to a gum disease
  • Soft tissue grafts, also known as gum grafts, can help in preventing further tooth and gum loss
  • Dental appliances like bite splints

Any of these treatments will help you with a loose tooth. However, it is always best to contact your nearby dentist to know more about your condition. After all, it is not wise to self-diagnose and live in assumptions.

Now that we know about the causes and treatment options, let us take a look at how to fix a loose tooth.

How to fix a loose tooth?

Yes, medical treatments are the best option to fix a loose tooth. However, there are certain home remedies that you can try as well.

How to Fix a Loose Tooth

Eat nutritious diet

Consume a calcium-rich diet that will help you better your overall health, including your teeth.

Do salt water gargles

Saltwater acts like a disinfectant. It will help you remove the hidden bacteria from the mouth and also help strengthen a loose tooth. 

Hydrogen peroxide

Similar to salt water gargles, it also helps remove bacteria surrounding the loosened teeth and prevents cavities or plaque from spreading.

Use turmeric and black pepper

This mixture is also effective in treating a loose tooth. Add an equal amount of both ingredients and massage it on the affected area. This will help with a loose tooth or even prevent one from occurring.

How Allwyn Dental Can Help with Tooth Falling Out? 

So, if you have been experiencing your tooth falling out recently and need help, contact Allwyn Dental. We have several general dentistry services for any tooth-related issue. Plus, our team of expert dentists will guide you in choosing the right treatment depending on your case and budget.

Benefits of Braces Beyond Straight Teeth

Orthodontic braces fix issues with alignment of jaw and teeth spacing which results in enhanced appearance. This makes dental braces a valuable investment as the time, money, and effort involved will result in a lifetime of improved appearance, better oral health, and a winning smile. Straight teeth and a pretty smile is great, but dental braces also offer a slew of medical benefits that might surprise you.

Medical Benefits of Dental Braces

Improved confidence and self-esteem that come from a flawlessly beautiful smile and enhanced appearance are two great reasons to consider dental braces, but the benefits of braces go beyond just aesthetics. Dentists in Rockport, TX say that braces ensure tooth alignment and a perfect bite which results in many positive side-effects. Let’s get down to some long-term health benefits of dental braces which ensure a healthier, happier smile for years to come.

Reduced risk of cavities and gum disease

Teeth crowding is a serious dental problem that could lead to oral health concerns like cavities and further gum disease. Overlapping and crowding make your teeth vulnerable to bacteria and plaque which could result in cavities. The increased risk of tooth decay can also have a negative effect on gums. Misaligned placement of teeth can stress the gums, making them more susceptible to gum disease.

Correcting teeth crowding and misalignment through dental braces could help minimize the risk for tooth decay and gum problems.

Happy and Healthy Smile

The tiny teeny crevices created by crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can hide debris which leads to decay and tooth discoloration. Properly aligned and straight teeth are easy to clean and maintain which can yield a happy and healthy smile.

Improved chewing ability

Severe teeth alignment issues can make biting and chewing difficult, leading to an improper and inefficient breakdown of food. Correcting teeth with braces can improve your chewing ability which could also ensure optimal food digestion.

Alleviation of speech impediment

People with misaligned teeth may experience speech problems like a lisp. Speech impairments, although not a health issue, could be socially problematic. Dental braces correct the misalignment and hence helps alleviate speech issues.

Prevent jawbone erosion

Just as misaligned teeth affect teeth and gums, it also affects jawbone that holds your teeth in place. Teeth roots are embedded in the jawbone. If the bacteria penetrate the tooth or gums and make their way to the bone, it can start to wear down. Since misalignment puts extra pressure on teeth and gums, it can create spaces from where the bacteria percolates, reaching the jawbone.

Also, a healthy jawbone requires proper stimulation that reaches through proper chewing pressure to maintain proper density and form. Bone loss can occur without this stimulation. Tooth misalignment can inhibit pressure stimulation at times when chewing teeth are not contacting properly. Lack of healthy contact for a longer time could also result in bone erosion.

Braces could help prevent erosion by ensuring every part of the jawbone is exercised properly and that there are no spaces in the mouth that could hide/percolate bacteria and plaque.

Braces can establish a strong oral foundation that could result in a lifetime of improved dental health while helping you look your best. Touch base with us if you are looking for an exceptional dental clinic for cosmetic or general dentistry in Rockport, TX.

Gingivitis: Symptoms, Preventive Measures, and Treatment

Gingivitis is a gum infection at an early stage that causes redness, irritation, and swelling on the gingiva. Gingiva is a part of your gum around the base of the teeth. Gingivitis typically occurs due to bacterial infection. It is considered a mild form of gum disease. Hence, it becomes very important to treat it promptly so it does not lead to severe gum disease.

According to periodontists in Rockport, TX, almost three in four adults have some form of gum disease. Poor oral hygiene leads to the formation of plaque on the teeth which causes gum inflammation which is referred to as Gingivitis condition.

Plaque formation on your teeth

Plaque is a sticky, transparent film composed of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth when the bacteria from sugars and starches in your food interacts with the bacteria generally found in your mouth. You need to remove plaque daily to prevent plaque formation.

Plaque turns into tartar

Plaque that develops and stays on your teeth hardens under your gumline and turns into tartar. Tartar creates a protective shield for bacteria, making removal of plaque more difficult. It also causes irritation along the gumline. You will have to seek professional help for cleaning tartar from your teeth.

Gum inflammation

If plaque and tartar stay on your teeth for a longer period, they irritate the Gingiva causing gum inflammation. In this condition, your gums swell and bleed easily. If not treated on time, Gingivitis could lead to advanced gum disease and eventual tooth loss.

How to Deal Effectively?

Dentists in Rockport suggest that good oral care habits such as twice-a-day brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental health checkups help prevent or reverse the Gingivitis condition.

Healthy food habits and good health practices also play an important role in keeping your dental health in good shape. Eat protein-rich food and more fruits and vegetables. Practice moderation when it comes to sugar intake and caffeine consumption. Avoid smoking.

Regular dental visits which include seeing a dentist every 6 months eliminates serious dental health risks as it helps diagnose the condition at an early stage. During your regular appointments, your dentist will probe and examine your gums and will look for calculus deposits on your teeth and under the gumline.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Healthy gums are pale pink and firmly fitted around the teeth. In Gingivitis, bacteria attack your gums showing certain signs and symptoms:

  • Inflamed or puffy gums
  • Dark or dusky red gums
  • Gums bleeding easily when your brush or floss
  • Receding gums
  • Tender gums that can be painful
  • Bad breath (Halitosis)

Treatment for Gingivitis

Gingivitis, in an early stage, can be reversed by regular dental visits and proper at-home dental care. In advanced cases, you may require deep cleaning called teeth scaling and root planing where the teeth are cleaned above and below the gumline to remove the hardened plaque and tartar. In severe cases that have developed into serious periodontitis, you may require surgery. So, the sooner you seek professional help, the better your chances of preventing the progression or reversing the damage.

Popular Cosmetic Dental Procedures and Its Benefits

Cosmetic dentistry is a very significant dental branch that focuses on enhancing…

Cosmetic dentistry is a very significant dental branch that focuses on enhancing one’s smile and improving the overall aesthetic appearance. Not just this, it offers a lot of oral health benefits like improving the health of teeth, gums, and bite. It restores your oral health back in a good shape and also acts as preventive care treatment for problems that occur due to gaps in teeth, poor bite, and misaligned teeth. Moreover, it enhances one’s self-esteem and makes an individual feel better. Let’s dive in and discuss some popular cosmetic dental procedures and understand their benefits.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dental procedure that brightens your smile. This procedure includes scaling your teeth first to get rid of stains on your teeth and then the dentist will use a safe bleach to whiten your teeth. This procedure corrects all the teeth stains caused by smoking, wine, coffee, and other coloured or high-sugar food and beverages. You shall brush and floss regularly to maintain a bright and beautiful smile thereafter.

Veneers

Veneers are thin shell-like structure carefully shaped and customised by taking your teeth’s impression. The veneer shell is attached to the front of your teeth which enhances the appearance of your teeth. If you have chipped teeth, teeth gaps, or discoloured teeth, veneers help ensure your teeth look just fine. It is attached to your teeth to give you a natural-looking appearance.

Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth caps that have the same colour and shape as your tooth. It is attached to any particular tooth when it is infected or cracked to restore the look and function of it. When you consult a dentist in Rockport for the dental crown procedure, the dentist will first examine the enamel of the tooth to ensure that it supports the crown and then only would begin the teeth crowning process. A dental crown will provide your tooth with a natural-like shape, strength, and appearance. It is also helpful in preserving your natural tooth that is damaged or infected and relieves you from pain and further dental woes.

Braces

Dental braces is the most popular treatment of cosmetic dentistry in Rockport, TX. Braces basically corrects your misaligned tooth. It restores your smile and corrects the appearance of your teeth. Braces could be invisible brackets or metal brackets. It works by applying pressure to the teeth so that it shifts into alignment. Dental braces corrects crooked teeth if any and fixes your bite while bringing your teeth into perfect alignment.

Cosmetic dentistry is for every individual and as we have seen its benefits go beyond just improving the aesthetics. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentistry consultation, feel free to get in touch with our team.

Serious Signs That Indicates You May Need Braces

Everyone desires to be able to smile freely and confidently without any hesitation. Simple dental issues could result in hesitation and declined self-esteem in individuals which keeps them from effective communication and socializing. Some symptoms like crowded or misaligned teeth are obvious signs of orthodontic problems while some signs are inconspicuous too. Orthodontic braces help correct underlying orthodontic issues and alleviate pain and suffering. Staying on top of your oral health is important and hence we have put together some signs that will help you decide whether you need braces or not.

 Why don’t we dive right in and find out what are those warning bells advised by orthodontists in Rockport that indicates that you may need braces?

 Difficulty in biting

When you eat your meals, you may find it difficult or painful to bite. Especially, when you are eating hard-to-chew food items like candy or apple, you may face problems when you bite. You may also notice that at times you are biting the side of your tongue or teeth while eating. This happens usually due to misaligned teeth which results in disordered eating.

 Inconsistent gaps between teeth

When you have excessive gaps in between your teeth, it is a straightforward sign that you need orthodontic braces. Having too much space in between your teeth puts you at the risk of jaw misalignment, tooth decay, and eating difficulties and disorders. Food may often get trapped in the gaps causing irritation in gums and further pain. Braces can fix these gaps and prevent dental woes that occur with the presence of excessive teeth gaps.

 Crowded or misaligned teeth

When you have crowded or crooked teeth also referred to as malocclusion, you will definitely need braces to align your teeth and fix your bite. Flossing regularly helps you understand if braces are on the horizon for you or not. While flossing, if you are having a hard time flossing in between certain teeth, you are likely to have crowded teeth that need to be aligned properly. If ignored, malocclusion can lead to impacted teeth which you may probably have to pull later or it might lead you to a surgery.

 Protruding teeth

Protruding teeth that go beyond your lips is a clear indication that you need orthodontic braces to put it back in proper alignment. Protruding teeth could affect the aesthetic of your smile which often is tough on the self-esteem of a person. It also puts you at the risk of dental injury as the protruding teeth can be easily knocked off during any accidental slip or fall.

 Jaw Pain or Jaw Clicking

If you are experiencing pain in the jaw bone or jaw clicking, it might be probably due to misaligned teeth. Even though your pain is occasional, it is important to bring it up to your dentist. Before jaw pain leads to any serious dental condition, you need to get it addressed by a dentist near you. Jaw pain can significantly be reduced by straightening your teeth and fixing your bite. Seek proper advice from a professional and ensure that your dental health stays in good shape.

If studying the above signs have triggered you, you shall pay a visit to your dentist and get your dental issues inspected by a professional. Make sure you talk to your dentist regarding all the problems you are facing and together you could reach a decision on whether or not you need braces. An investment for your smile and for sound dental health is always worth it.

Simple Ways to Prevent Cavities

Anyone who has teeth is at the risk of developing cavities. Hence, prevention…

Anyone who has teeth is at the risk of developing cavities. Hence, prevention and understanding of the risk factors is the way to get rid of it. There are a myriad of risk factors that could lead to cavities such as frequent snacking/sipping, the location of the certain tooth, poor brushing habits, dry mouth, eating disorders, bacteria growth in one’s mouth etc. Cavities are one of the most dental problems but overlooking it could lead to bigger dental health issues. When you ignore cavities, they would get deeper and larger, causing severe infection and eventually tooth loss.

If you find the symptoms of cavities, you must immediately visit a dentist in Rockport, TX to prevent further spread.

Symptoms of Cavities

The symptoms and signs of cavities vary depending on the severity and the location. In the beginning, you might not see any signs but as the decay gets deeper/larger, you might see the below signs –

  • Toothache
  • Black, brown, or white stains on the teeth surface
  • Tooth sensitivity when you consume something sweet, cold, or hot
  • Pain when you bite
  • Visible pits or holes

Simple Preventive Measures for Cavities

Maintaining good oral health and hygiene could help prevent cavities and decay. As experts in general dentistry in Rockport, here are a few tips to prevent cavities.

  • Brush with a flouride toothpaste

We advise our patients to brush at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. It is recommended to brush after every meal. Also, clean your teeth properly using a piece of floss or an interdental cleaner.

  • Pay regular visits to your dentist

Ignoring your dental health could trouble you in ways you have never expected. We have emphasised this in our previous blogs also. Many times patients overlook their oral health which could invite potential health risks. It is always good to never miss your regular visit to your dentist. We recommend to at least visit your dentist twice a year. So, if there are any underlying issues, your dentist could guide you well with that and you could prevent the growth before it is late.

  • Drinking tap water

Drinking bottled water daily would make you miss out on the fluoride benefits. Hence, we recommend you drink tap water which would aid in reducing tooth decay.

  • Maintain healthy food habits

Avoid consuming food that is likely to get stuck in the pits and grooves of your teeth, or simply brush right after eating any such food items to prevent it from straying stuck for a longer period. Also, avoid eating sugary foods and candies in abundance. Make sure you eat food that is healthy like fresh vegetables and fruits, unsweetened tea/coffee, and sugar-free gums which increases the saliva flow and wash away already stuck food particles.

We hope the above ways were helpful. For more information, feel free to get in touch with our team.

Can Dental Braces be fitted with Dental Crowns?

Every patient has the same question to ask, weather is it fine to have braces if …

Every patient has the same question to ask, whether it is good to have braces if you have dental crowns or not. It is a myth that you cannot have braces if you already have dental crowns or fillings. However, a dentist in Rockport TX suggests that, even if you have crowns or veneers, it is entirely possible to fix the braces in your teeth.

There are generally three possible options for orthodontic treatments.

  • Braces that can be removable
  • Fixed braces in the front of your teeth
  • Fixed braces at the back of your teeth

What is the best type of orthodontic treatment for dental crowns?

As mentioned above, there are removable dental braces such as Invisalign that can be placed on a crown. Ideally, fixed dental braces on a crown should be avoided until necessary. However, Invisalign is not as precise as a fixed brace, therefore, the dentist in Rockport recommends a fixed dental brace. Orthodontic treatment helps the crown from getting damaged.

Will a patient need filling or a new crown after the braces have been fitted?

Consult an expert for your dental braces, at Rockport TX who can check if you need a filling or not. If the restoration is sound and healthy, then these changes are not required nor, any replacement is needed. If patients feel that before getting the orthodontic treatment, they want to replace the crown, then, particularly a dentist would check and replace or change if needed. Only if the dental crowns are not healthy, they need to be changed to avoid any damage while fitting the braces.

Whitening of the teeth is done after the treatment is completed. It is advisable to visit the dentist frequently for checkups so that the natural teeth do not get affected. Generally, the natural teeth are whitened first and then the crown. Diagnostic wax-ups are essential when you replace or change the existing crowns and veneers so that you could achieve a natural and beautiful smile.

To get more details on dental crowns in Rockport TX kindly visit our dental clinic or book an appointment in prior.