Preventive Care.

Night Guards.

Bruxism is characterized by teeth grinding and is typically accompanied by the clenching of the jaw. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to other health problems, damage to the teeth and gums, and TMJ disorders. It often leads to tooth wear, sensitivity, notching, and fractures. It can have numerous causes, including stress, bite problems, medical conditions, or certain medications. It is commonly linked to disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring. Most people with bruxism are not aware of the condition. Many times, a partner or parent will notice the problem before the patient is aware of it. Treatment includes nightguards, bite adjustments, or a specialist referral for additional testing/treatment. Nightguards are an easy way to prevent wear and damage that bruxism causes over time. They are custom-fitted and can be worn on the top or bottom arch. Nightguards are calibrated to disclude your teeth and encourage your clenching muscles to relax while you sleep. They are also often indicated after restorative work to better protect bonding, veneers, and crowns from chipping or fracture.

Fluoride.

Fluoride is a safe and effective agent to prevent enamel breakdown and tooth decay. A fluoride treatment in the office takes only a few minutes. After the treatment, it is recommended that the patient refrain from eating, drinking, or rinsing the mouth for 30 minutes to allow the teeth to better absorb the fluoride.

Sealants.

Sealants provide extra protection against cavities. They are flowable resins that are placed and light-cured in the deep grooves on the biting surface of your teeth. This achieves a more cleansable surface that results in less plaque and bacteria accumulation. They are often recommended in children and teenagers when their permanent teeth erupt, but they can be applied to adults’ teeth as well for added protection.

iTero Intraoral Scanner.

With the introduction of the iTero intraoral scanner, we are pleased to offer an alternative to those sometimes cumbersome and uncomfortable dental impressions The iTero scanner digitally captures the structure of the teeth and gums using the latest optical technology. A small hand-held wand is used in the mouth to capture the digital representation of your teeth. The software creates a 3D model of your teeth in minutes that can be used to produce more accurate restorations; including crowns, veneers, implants, and Invisalign aligners. It is also used as an invaluable diagnostic tool to detect cracks, cavities, and tooth wear.

Exams & Cleanings.

Regular exams and cleanings are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your exam, we will conduct an oral cancer screening, take and review digital x-rays, inspect your gums to check periodontal health, as well as conduct a detailed intra-oral examination of your teeth. In the absence of active periodontal disease, a maintenance cleaning is recommended on either a three, four, or six month basis. At these visits, your teeth will be thoroughly and gently cleaned, polished, and rinsed to remove any plaque or tartar build up. If your teeth are prone to more sensitivity during cleanings, let our team know. We can make adjustments to make your cleanings a more comfortable experience.