Baker Family Dental

Conditions that Can Be Treated with Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are used to correct a variety of functional and aesthetic dental issues. Receiving veneers is a minimally-invasive procedure that requires two visits to your dentist to complete. Veneers are an excellent, long-lasting solution that can brighten and restore your teeth for improved confidence and dental health.

Bruxism
Bruxism, or tooth grinding, can wear down the enamel of your teeth over time. This causes your teeth to look shorter and ages the appearance of your face. Veneers can be used to increase the length of your teeth for a fuller, younger-looking smile. It’s important to wear a mouthguard if you receive veneers to prevent wearing of the porcelain over time.

Discoloration
Veneers can correct the appearance of one or more discolored teeth. Not all teeth respond well to bleaching, and in some cases veneers are a better choice address certain types of discoloration. Additionally, injury to a tooth can result in discoloration that affects the look of your entire smile. A veneer can be the ideal choice to correct discoloration of a single tooth.

Chips
Small chips or cracks in your teeth can detract from the overall look of your smile. You may feel embarrassed and reluctant to smile, speak, or eat around others. Rather than receiving a crown, veneers can correct these teeth by covering the front of the tooth to hide any damage.

Misalignments
In cases of minor tooth misalignment, veneers are a popular alternative to orthodontic treatment. Veneers can provide straighter-looking teeth at a fraction of the cost and with significantly less treatment time than braces. This treatment option can be particularly attractive to adults who don’t wish to wear braces.

At Baker Family Dental, we provide a wide range of dentistry services including veneers, implants, dentures, orthodontics, and more. Contact our Gilbert dental office today by calling (480) 719-3044 to become our newest patient! If you’d like to learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can enhance your smile and your life, check out the articles on our blog. 

Are You a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are prostheses which use crowns to span the gap left by a missing tooth. A bridge fills this space to restore chewing function as well as aesthetics to your smile.

This video explains the process of receiving a dental bridge. Bridges require two healthy teeth adjacent to the gap to provide structural stability. These teeth are fitted with crowns that hold the fake tooth in place. A dental bridge is a great option if you have had a tooth extracted to restore both form and function in the area.

If you have questions about bridges and other tooth replacement options, contact Baker Family Dental in Gilbert by calling (480) 719-3044. We provide a variety of services including family dentistry and orthodontics to improve your smile. Visit our website to learn more about getting and maintaining a dental bridge. 

What to Expect at Your First Appointment with a New Dentist

Regular dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. During your first visit with a new dentist, it’s important to provide thorough information about your medical and dental history. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions or inquire about ways to touch up your technique to achieve even better dental health.

Full Examination
During an initial dental exam, your dentist will check the complete health of your mouth. This includes an oral cancer screening and a check for signs of issues with your jaw joints, such as TMJ. Your dentist will also examine your gums and each tooth, looking for signs of past restoration and current decay. If you have experienced any dental sensitivity or pain, it’s important to let your dentist know so he can check for possible causes during this exam.

X-Rays
In many cases, an initial dental visit will include a full set of X-rays. X-rays allow your dentist to see the position and health of your tooth roots, screen for abnormal growths or cysts, and identify small or hidden areas of tooth decay. Dental X-rays provide only minimal radiation exposure and are extremely safe. If you have questions or concerns about receiving X-rays, speak with your dentist.

Dental Cleaning
After your exam, your dentist or a hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth. This process eliminates hardened tartar that cannot be removed with regular brushing at home. Tartar is responsible for issues such as cavities and gum disease, so it’s important to receive a professional dental cleaning every six months. Your teeth will also be polished to remove surface stains. A fluoride treatment may be provided if necessary.

If you’d like to schedule a new patient visit at Baker Family Dental, call us today at (480) 719-3044. Our first priority is providing top-quality care to each patient in a comfortable environment. You can learn more about our family dentists and our practice by clicking through the information on our website. 

Avoid Common Dental Problems With Help From These Resources

The health of your teeth and gums affects their appearance as well as their function. If you’d like to learn more about maintaining a sparkling smile, visit these informative web resources:

• A healthy diet is just as important as brushing and flossing to keep your teeth and gums healthy. ColgateProfessional.com outlines the importance of mouth-healthy eating and gives tips for adding healthy foods to your routine.
• Could you be at risk for developing periodontal disease? The University of Maryland Medical Center explores common risk factors for this dental condition.
• Flossing is a key step in the prevention of gum disease. Take a look at this article on WebMD.com to learn more about this important finding.
• Are you looking for a list of braces-approved foods that your teen will love? Livestrong.com lists some easy-to-eat foods for people with braces.
• Canker sores can develop in the mouth as a result of irritation from braces. Check out this page on SimpleStepsDental.com to learn more.

At Baker Family Dental, we are dedicated to ensuring every member of your family has a smile that will last a lifetime. You can find more information about our dental services in Mesa by clicking through our website. Schedule your appointment today and take advantage of our expertise in orthodontics and family dentistry by calling (480) 719-3044. 

Helping Your Teen Adjust to Orthodontic Treatment

Getting braces is a big step toward better dental health and a more beautiful smile, but it can also require a big lifestyle change for your teen. As a parent, you can help your child adjust to their new diet and routine to make the transition easier. Talk to your family dentist if you have additional questions about your teen’s orthodontic treatment, and follow the steps below to help them adjust:

Issue Brushing Reminders
It’s important for your teen to floss and brush after every meal to remove food particles from their teeth and braces. This promotes good dental health during orthodontic treatment for teeth that look their best once the braces come off. You can help by issuing gentle reminders after each family meal to make sure your teen follows this routine. Consider packing an encouraging note with their school lunch or suggesting that they set up reminders on his smartphone or computer during the day.

Adjust Your Meal Plans
After orthodontic appointments, your teen’s mouth may be sore. During these times, serve soft foods such as mashed potatoes, pasta, and soup. Your child can eat fresh fruits and veggies if they are cut into bite-sized pieces, steamed, or baked for easier chewing. Keep plenty of braces-friendly foods and snacks on hand, such as yogurt, smoothies, and applesauce.

Have the Right Tools on Hand
Ask your dentist what kind of supplies your child will need and keep them on hand. Make sure your child has a floss threader and interdental brush to clean effectively between their teeth. Create a travel kit they can carry to school or work. Braces can sometimes cause irritation of the mouth, so invest in orthodontic wax to place over offending brackets or wires for comfort.

Baker Family Dental provides orthodontic treatment including Invisalign to patients in Mesa and Gilbert. Call us today at (480) 719-3044 to find out how orthodontic treatment can benefit your teen. You can click through our website for more information about our range of dental services, including emergency and cosmetic dentistry.