Good dental care in Bel Air, MD , involves quitting bad habits that damage your teeth. Speak to your dentist and watch this video to learn why even smokeless tobacco can compromise your oral health.

If you smoke cigarettes, your dentist has probably already advised you that quitting now will substantially decrease your risk for oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. However, a dental clinic also regularly cautions patients that chewing tobacco places you at just as high of a risk for developing oral cancer as do cigarettes and cigars. Dentists have also linked chewing tobacco to bad breath, tooth discoloration, cavities, and a decreased sense of taste and smell.

After you visit your dentist in Bel Air, MD for Invisalign it is important to follow his or her instructions so you get the best results possible. Invisalign has helped millions of teens and adults achieve the smiles of their dreams. With Invisalign, you and your dentist can correct almost any alignment issues, including gapped, overlapping, overcrowded, and widely spaced teeth. Continue reading to learn about Invisalign care, including proper brushing, simple cleaning, and essential check-ups.

Proper Brushing

The best way to take care of your teeth when you wear Invisalign is by brushing and flossing regularly. As your dentist will tell you, maintaining superior oral health is key to the success of your Invisalign treatment. Simply remove your clear plastic aligners and brush and floss as you normally would. Good dental care mandates brushing teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss before bed with an ADA-approved dental floss.

Simple Cleaning

Dental care for your Invisalign aligners is simple. You can brush and rinse your clear plastic aligners in lukewarm water. You can also invest in an Invisalign professional cleaning kit for the best possible results. The Invisalign cleaning system uses special cleaning crystals to ensure that all plaque is eliminated from your aligners. If this sticky bacterial film is allowed to accumulate, it can cause gum disease and tooth decay. With the cleaning system, you simply soak aligners for fifteen minutes before popping them back in.

Essential Check-Ups

Invisalign care also involves visiting your dentists for regular check-ups. Only dentists have the professional tools necessary to completely eliminate plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Before your teeth have been straightened with Invisalign, it can be difficult to reach spots where teeth overlap using just your toothbrush. Your dentist will ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene and that your Invisalign treatment is progressing properly. You should schedule teeth cleanings twice per year and also make sure to visit your dentist every two weeks to pick up a new set of aligners.

Modern cosmetic dentistry in Bel Air, MD , offers many solutions to help patients achieve the smiles of their dreams. A dentist who practices cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a patient’s mouth, teeth, and smile. These treatments are generally considered elective and are customized depending on an individual’s preferences, needs, and goals. Continue reading to learn more about new cosmetic dentistry trends, including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental implants.

When you visit your dentist in Bel Air, MD for BriteSmile treatment, you can expect the very latest in teeth whitening technology. BriteSmile is an efficient, affordable, and painless procedure.

BriteSmile teeth whitening is known specifically for its effectiveness and gentleness. This teeth whitening procedure is performed by dentists in dental clinics. BriteSmile is recommended for patients of all ages, excluding children. When you visit your dentist for a BriteSmile treatment, you can expect to dramatically improve the appearance of dull, discolored, yellow, or darkened teeth. After just a single one-hour visit, you will have a brighter, whiter smile. BriteSmile teeth whitening uses a combination of special bleaching gel and a cool, blue light to whiten your teeth. First, your dentist will apply the BriteSmile gel to your teeth. Next, your dentist will apply the BriteSmile light for 20 minutes. You can sit, relax, and watch TV or listen to music the entire time. After one or two more 20-minute applications, you will have noticeably whiter teeth. Before you leave the dental office, your dentist may advise you to avoid certain foods and beverages for a short time to avoid staining your teeth.

Are you deciding between dentures and dental implants near Bel Air, MD ? You are not alone. Dentists report that almost 70% of American adults between 35 and 44 have at least one missing tooth, and the numbers only increase with age. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry now offers many different options for restoring your smile, including dental implants and dentures. Continue reading to learn more.

Bone Health
The first step in deciding between dental implants and dentures involves asking your dentist to evaluate your jaw bone. When you schedule a consultation with your dental clinic, your dentist will determine whether you have enough healthy bone to support dental implants. When you lose teeth, the bone beneath naturally deteriorates, because it has no tooth to support. However, for dental implants to successfully adhere to the jaw, there must be sufficient healthy bone to support them.

Permanent Solution
Dental implants are ideal for individuals who want a permanent solution to missing teeth. Because they fuse directly with the jawbone, dental implants last a lifetime. Additionally, the bridge or dental crowns function just like normal teeth. However, some patients prefer the efficiency and ease of dentures. Dentures do not require surgery and can often be created in a single day, so you can leave your dentist with a full set of teeth. Additionally, dentures can be easily removed and require little at-home care.

Cosmetic Appearance
When you decide between dentures and dental implants, you may also want to consider how much importance you place on your smile’s cosmetic appearance. Both dentures and dental implants are much more natural looking today than ever before. However, dental implants and crowns offer an aesthetic advantage over dentures, because they look just like natural teeth. If having a full set of beautiful teeth is important to you, be sure to consider dental implants.

A dental bridge is just what it sounds like, as it bridges the gap between two teeth. If you are missing a tooth, dentists in Bel Air will likely recommend a fixed bridge. The bridge itself is composed of a prosthetic tooth that rests in the gap and is attached to two crowns that sit on top of the adjoining teeth. In many cases, the surrounding teeth are modified so that the dental crown will securely fit on top of the existing tooth. Dentists may recommend a bridge over a dental implant since it is a quicker form of treatment to replace a missing tooth.

The purpose of the fixed bridge is to prevent any issues with your remaining teeth and gums following the loss of a tooth. When a tooth is missing, teeth can drift towards the gap. This can create alignment issues. Additionally, when a tooth is missing, the bone can begin to deteriorate where the tooth once was. A dentist can place a bridge to help keep your bone and jaw structure in tact.

Teenagers and adults have many options for getting a straighter smile. While braces in Bel Air are a common choice, more and more patients are asking their dentists about Invisalign. Invisalign offers a number of benefits that traditional braces cannot match. This article will highlight just some of the reasons you should pick Invisalign to achieve your

perfect smile.

The Aligner Trays Can Be Removed
Unlike traditional braces, which do not come off for the entire duration of treatment, Invisalign aligner trays do not need to be worn 24 hours each day. Since you can remove the trays at mealtimes, it means that Invisalign has no food restrictions. You do not have to make any modifications to your diet or worry about food getting stuck in between wires and brackets. Instead, trays can simply be removed and put back once mealtime is over. This also means that your dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing can continue normally throughout your orthodontic treatment, leaving you less susceptible to gum disease.

They Are Virtually Invisible
Many adults are hesitant to seek orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth, as they are worried about their appearance. Since Invisalign aligner trays are made from a clear plastic, and are custom made to fit directly over your teeth, they are virtually invisible. In fact, most people will not even know you are wearing Invisalign—unless you tell them.

It is Effective
Invisalign works by utilizing a series of custom made aligner trays. These trays are made to match the treatment plan predetermined by your orthodontist to map out all movement of your teeth. The trays are swapped out every couple of weeks, meaning you can see the changes to the alignment of your teeth throughout treatment. In most cases, treatment with Invisalign accomplishes desired results in less time than traditional braces.

It is More Comfortable
One of the biggest complaints about traditional braces is that they can be uncomfortable, and at times even painful. Invisalign is comfortable to wear, and most of the time, you won’t even notice the aligner trays are there!

Have you ever wanted to improve the way your teeth look? If so, one of the options to consider is to get crowns near Bel Air . Crowns are made of porcelain and are used as a cap on a tooth to fix a number of dental issues, from cosmetic to restorative. Dental crowns are used to alter the shape, size, and color of a tooth. They are custom made to fit your smile. A dentist will recommend crowns if you are looking to alter the appearance of your tooth, or as a way to cover up a filling.

When you get a dental crown, the first step is to create the molding so that your crown is custom made to fit your needs. While the crown is being made, a temporary crown will be used. It usually takes about two weeks for your crown to be completed. A second appointment with your dentist will entail removing the temporary crown and placing the custom fit crown. Your dentist will schedule follow up visits periodically to check in on your crown.

After losing a tooth, or multiple teeth, you may want to consider dental implants near Bel Air . Dental implants are used in place of a missing tooth, as an artificial root for a new crown or bridge to fill in any gaps in your smile. An implant is surgically placed by a dentist and attaches to the existing bone. For more information about the procedure, continue reading this article.

Considering Surgery
If you have a missing tooth, you may be wondering if you are a candidate for surgery. Dental implant recipients are generally in good overall health. Since dental implants are most successful when they are able to easily integrate with the jawbone, it is best when recipients have healthy gum tissue, free of periodontal disease.

Placing the Implant
The dental implant procedure actually consists of multiple surgeries. The first surgery is the procedure to insert the implant into the gum. A dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the bone and correctly place the implant in the gum. At this time, the implant will begin to fuse together with the bone as the incision heals. This keeps the implant in place.

Placing the Abutment
Once healing is complete, usually after about six months, the dentist will make another incision to expose the implant. The dentist will inspect the implant to ensure proper healing and placement. At this time, the abutment will be attached to the top of the implant. This is the piece that will connect the implant to the crown or bridge. The second component of the procedure takes less time, and healing time is quicker as well. In some cases, a dentist or oral surgeon may opt to place the implant and abutment at the same time.

Caring for a Dental Implant
Once the gums have healed and the implant is in place, a crown or bridge will be placed. This completes the dental implant procedure. To care for a dental implant is no different than caring for the rest of your teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings will keep your dental implant healthy.

Have you always wanted a whiter and brighter smile? Dentists in Bel Air agree that a whiter smile gives an immediate impression of youth, happiness, and health. Teeth whitening is now one of the most popular and cost-effective procedures in cosmetic dentistry. There are many options for teeth whitening, so you should always consult with your dentist about the best teeth whitening procedure to brighten your smile. Read on to learn more about the many valuable benefits of teeth whitening.

Younger Appearance
Everyone is born with baby teeth that are almost purely white. Unfortunately, as these teeth are replaced by permanent adult teeth, most people experience gradual discoloration. After many years of drinking coffee and wine, smoking, and simply aging, the teeth can become darker, yellower, or stained. Additionally, internal tooth discoloration may occur after exposure to high levels of fluoride. A whiter smile has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to look immediately younger, as the teeth regain the pure white color of youth.

Improved Career Options
Many people visit their dentist for teeth whitening for a cost-effective way to increase their productivity at work. Whether you work in sales and spend your day selling your wares to potential investors or spend most of your time at a desk in an office, almost all careers involve interacting with customers and clients. Teeth whitening can measurably boost your self-esteem, making it easier to do everything from working with a team of co-workers to asking your supervisor for a raise.

Increased Sociability
If you are like most people who have experienced teeth darkening or aging, you may smile with a closed mouth or shield your teeth with your hand when laughing or talking. But you should never let your insecurities about your smile put a damper on your social life. Whether you are single and looking for someone new or simply venturing out for drinks with friends, you deserve to feel proud of the way you look. A bright, white smile makes you automatically appealing to others and enables you to feel confident in any kind of social situation.