There have recently been important advancements in dentistry that are helping patients achieve better health. These advancements are focused on putting patients’ comfort first and making treatment for serious problems to be far less burdensome than they once were. Addressing a dental problem that’s been bothering you may be easier than you think. Here’s an overview of how you can take advantage of new practices to address a dental problem and promote optimal oral health.
You Don’t Have to Be Afraid!
If you’re afraid of the dentist, you’re alone. A lot of people tend to feel extremely anxious about trips to the dentist. If someone has had a bad experience at the dentist in the past, especially when they were younger, they may carry some lingering fear. This can be true even when people like their current dentist and they know that he or she does good work; it can still be kind of a scary experience.
Sometimes people feel such dread towards going to the dentist that they put off or skip visits, causing serious problems or oral discomfort to develop over time. If you feel afraid about going to the dentist, you should take advantage of sedation dentistry that can help spare you from unnecessary stress and anxiety.
When you’re looking for a dental provider, look for one who is experienced in providing sedation dentistry. When you’re looking in a particular geographic area for a sedation therapy dentist, try to identify a practice that has been operating in the same location a long time rather than one that has just opened. For example, when you’re looking for a Baton Rouge dentist, choose an office that has a longstanding history of serving patients in that area and has established positive feedback online.
Night Guards Can Save Your Teeth
Sometimes the worst damage that we do to our teeth doesn’t happen as a result of improper oral care; it happens while we’re asleep. Nighttime grinding can cause severe TMJ pain as well broken fillings and other dental work. Especially severe grinding known as bruxism can even cause broken teeth.
Over time, grinding can cause your teeth to come out of alignment, even if they’ve already been orthodontically corrected in the past. The first sign of this occurs when a bottom front tooth moves forward after continuous intense jaw pressure. After time, both teeth on either side of it will shift behind it and inwards towards it. Eventually, this chain reaction can change your whole smile, and it can make it especially difficult to clean between your teeth.
Individuals who have severe or acute jaw tension may also find themselves grinding or clenching throughout the day and need to wear a night guard continuously. In these cases, it’s especially important to have a comfortable and custom fit guard.
There are some other techniques to stop grinding and clenching in addition to wearing a night guard. For example, one way to stop daytime grinding is to try to hold your tongue slightly forward to avoid closing the back of your jaw completely shut.
Invisalign is the Most Comfortable Way to Straighten Your Teeth
One of the best new trends in the dentist industry is corrective aligners. If your teeth are crooked or uneven, there’s finally a much more comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign is a treatment that consists of specially molded mouth pieces that move your teeth into alignment.
Using an Invisalign treatment is far less burdensome because you can remove the aligners, and it puts a lot less strain on your mouth than cementing metal brackets to all your teeth. Moreover, the alignment process may be faster than traditional aligners. The amount of time that you need to wear the aligners will depend on whether you wear them continuously or just at night.
If you’re experiencing a dental problem, don’t put off getting the help you need. Advancements in dentistry have made it easier for you to keep your smile with minimal discomfort.
6 Advancements in Modern Dentistry
Dentistry has come a long way in recent years, and there are more procedures available for every need than ever before. Patients no longer have to fear going to the dentist, as comfort and compassionate service have come to the forefront of dentistry. Many people may have put off dental services due to uncertainty, but by knowing what procedures are available, an informed decision can be made. Learn about six new trends in dentistry that make patient care better than ever before.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants have gained popularity in recent years as a restorative method due to their longevity and stability. Patients who are missing a single tooth or many teeth can often benefit from this treatment. A dentist can attach natural-looking crowns to implants to replace missing teeth, or the implants can be used to support a denture. Those with a history of gum disease may need additional procedures such as bone grafting to make these restorations possible. For most patients, though, the procedure is easy and effective.
Teeth Whitening Procedures
While teeth-bleaching options have been around for many years, some patients may shy away from these treatments due to undesirable side effects experienced in the past. However, whitening procedures are more advanced now than ever, and there are some systems that cause much less sensitivity than those of the past. Many types of whitening are more effective than they used to be, so patients can go longer between treatments. There are many options for take-home whitening as well as in-office treatments.
Clear Aligner Orthodontics
Gone are the days that all children had to wear unsightly metal braces. Braces used in traditional orthodontics are much more discreet than in the past, and some patients can even use clear brackets instead of metal ones. Clear aligners have also come onto the dental scene in recent years, and this option is an attractive one for many patients. These aligners are simply clear retainers that make controlled movements of the teeth. Many times, others cannot even tell that patients are wearing them.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Patients typically visit the dentist more often than they visit a physician, so dentists have become screeners for certain conditions in recent years. Dentists can now look for signs of sleep apnea and offer patient treatment options for this. They can offer tips for reducing the side effects of sleep apnea and even make oral appliances to help. They can also refer patients to a sleep specialist when needed. Some of these patients may not have even realized that they had this condition.
Sedation Procedures
Dental visits can be an anxiety-producing event for many people, so sedation dentistry has become more common in recent years. Dentists who are certified in this service can offer it to patients as a way to make dental treatment less scary. Patients may be more likely to seek needed treatment if they know they can be sedated, and sometimes, more treatment can be completed during this type of appointment.
Advanced Denture Treatment
Patients who need dentures have more options than ever before for natural-looking restorations. Implants can be used to anchor dentures so that they are more secure when eating and talking. Patients can choose the shade, size and shape of denture teeth, and the fit is customized to the patient's gums.
Dentistry is constantly improving, and dentists who provide quality, compassionate care keep this industry moving forward. Patients no longer have to dread dental appointments, and with the plethora of services available, all dental needs can be met. Quality dentistry is a valuable service, and committing to dental health throughout life is essential. For patients looking for a new dentist or considering moving forward with treatment, do not wait any longer. Now is the time to have treatment completed and oral health restored. The value of a healthy smile cannot be overstated.