Dental health

Why Improve Your Smile?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

oral health Fort Collins

Causes and consequences of poor dental health and how you can brush up on your own

Most of us struggle with at least one area of our dental care. It could be that flossing is the one dreaded task, or maybe you haven’t been wearing the night guard recommended often enough. All of us should check with our dentists from time to time and make sure we’re on track with the best dental care plan unique to our situation. It’s best to never let the untreated cavity become a dental emergency.

How poor dental health can arise

Teeth Grinding

Grinding our teeth can happen when we’re sleeping at night, completely unaware of the toll it’s taking on our mouths. Even during the day, we might do this unknowingly, since stress at work or school can result in grinding. This bad habit will slowly wear away our fillings and eventually remove the hard enamel which protects the soft layer of dentin beneath. If you’ve recently observed a chipped tooth, or your jaw aches in the morning, you might be grinding your teeth at night.

Improper Care

It can be difficult to create the best oral hygiene regimen and your dentist might even urge more frequent brushing due to incorrect or inadequate self-care in the past. Not brushing often enough can lead to bad breath, swollen gums and even gum disease in the long run. Most individuals still feel that brushing and flossing are the main tools for success when it comes to protecting their teeth.

Poor Diet

Regularly eating foods high in sugar exposes our teeth to its deteriorating impact. The longer we spend chewing on candy, the longer our teeth spend fighting its harmful acidic content. If you’ve noticed an increase in cavities or nasty breath, you might be eating too many sweets, putting your teeth at risk. It would be smart to consider more fresh fruits and vegetables for their natural teeth-cleaning ability or go for more calcium enriched foods to shield and strengthen your teeth.

Benefits of improving your dental health

Increased Confidence

By upgrading your smile, you will improve your self-esteem and encourage a full and bright smile. If you suffer from chipped or cracked teeth, you might hide your smile while speaking and laughing in front of others. By having certain flaws in our teeth corrected, we no longer fear speaking to others and become more engaged in conversation. If we don’t feel this confidence in ourselves it can be discouraging to spark up a conversation with someone new, since our smile could be the first thing they notice.

Improved Health

Misaligned teeth are not only a cosmetic issue but can lead to a plethora of dilemmas down the road. When our teeth don’t align appropriately, it causes unneeded wear and tear that can lead to toothaches, cavities, cracked teeth, and periodontal issues. If your smile has some imperfections, it might be wise to consider braces or some other aligner for better support.

Save Money

If you’ve ever refused a night guard at the dentist or put off much-needed braces, it might be costing you. Cigna Health estimates that every dollar spent on maintaining dental health saves you anywhere from $8 to $50 restoring it. Improving your smile not only helps you look and feel better but puts money in your pocket better spent on other needs.

 

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 8542

 

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth

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Categories: Dental health, Extraction

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth, North Laramie

Today’s post from us here at The Fort Collins Dentist discusses the often misunderstood subject of wisdom teeth.

The Third Molars

Wisdom teeth are sometimes called the third molars because they are even farther back in the mouth than the two sets of regular molars we all have. These four teeth usually erupt when a person is eighteen or nineteen.

Many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed to prevent misplacement in the mouth.

Wisdom Can Cause Oral Problems

If a wisdom tooth doesn’t fully erupt, it may cause an opening in the gums that can attract bacteria and become infected. Partially-erupted wisdom teeth can also make it difficult to practice proper oral hygiene.

Some wisdom teeth are so misplaced that they can actually cause problems with the jaw bone or alter the patient’s bite. These conditions can cause severe pain.

If you are wondering if your wisdom teeth need to be removed, we can help. We can assess the condition and placement of your wisdom teeth and discuss a treatment plan.

If you have a teenager heading off to college, make sure his/her wisdom teeth are taken care of before they move out of state. You might not be able to find a dental provider in your network and extraction will be more expensive.

We are a Full-Service Dental Practice

In addition to wisdom teeth extraction, we provide comprehensive preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. We accept most dental insurance. But don’t let a lack of dental insurance keep you from having regular dental exams and cleanings. We at The Fort Collins Dentist have a variety of payment options. We serve patients from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

You Can’t Afford Cheap Dental Work

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Oral Health

Fort Collins teeth whitening

Have you ever gotten a deal on a used car that turned out to be a lemon? After a couple years of continual repairs, you realized that it ended up costing as much as a new auto would have. And after spending all that money, you still have a a lemon.

The same is true of deficient dental work. We at The Fort Collins Dentist will never sell you a lemon.

You have probably received shiny postcard ads that proclaim amazing deals on cosmetic dentistry: porcelain veneers, crowns, white fillings, and dental implants. The prices may be attractive, but be certain you do plenty of research before committing. We aren’t trying to imply that all dental practices that publicize low procedure prices in their ads furnish deficient work—we are just cautioning patients not to decide on a cosmetic dentist based on price alone. Unlike a car, you can’t sell your smile and buy a new one.

We will use porcelain veneers as an example. What can go amiss if you receive substandard porcelain veneers?

The dentist may be inexperienced and make mistakes: improper placement, substandard color matching, bite complications.
The materials may be deficient: unnatural color, prone to breaking, veneers pop off.
The lab techs that create the restorations may turn out poor quality work: unnatural color, poor fit.

During your consultation, you will learn about The Fort Collins Dentist’s years of experience, techniques, specialty training, and the number of procedures performed.  You will learn about the best materials for the restorations and receive specifics about the dental lab we use. We serve patients from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud and provide a variety of services such as crowns and other restorations. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental health, General dentistry, Restorative dentistry

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

Too many people wait too long to get a new toothbrush, and this can contribute to poor dental health. At The Fort Collins Dentist we recommend a new toothbrush about every three months.

How often you replace your toothbrush depends, of course, on how often you use it. We recommend, strongly, that you brush at least twice a day. If you’re brushing twice a day, picking up a new toothbrush at the store every three months is recommended.

Keep It Fresh

A toothbrush can become familiar, like a comfy pair of shoes. Sometimes the idea of tossing out the old one and replacing it isn’t very appealing. But after three months, the bristles are getting bent and frayed. There is probably some dried toothpaste foam starting to build up, too. So toss that old brush, and get a fresh one!

What kind of brush should you be using? There are so many choices. The most important thing is to choose a brush with soft bristles. They are gentle on the gums, but still effective in brushing away plaque.

To recap: for good dental health, replace your toothbrush every three months. Patients from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud come to The Fort Collins Dentist for general dentistry and restorations. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

4 Oral Ailments To Discuss With Your Dentist

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease, Oral Health

Bad Breath Treatment North Laramie

This article is about some of the most common conditions that should be discussed with us, at The Fort Collins Dentist.

There is a solution for each one of these issues.

Tooth Decay. This is easily the most common dental problem. Tooth decay (cavities) occurs when plaque combines with the sugars and/or starches in food to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. We can always do a drill-and-fill, but prevention via regular brushing and flossing is best.

Dry Mouth. Also known as xerostomia, this lack of saliva is very bothersome and can predispose you to a host of dilemmas such as decay and gum disease. It’s a common side effect of prescription medications, so make sure to bring a list of current prescriptions with you to your appointment.

Jaw Issues. If you suffer from jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with us immediately. These symptoms can be signs of a condition called temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.

Teeth Grinding. Known as bruxism, this can damage teeth surfaces. If you’ve been stressed out and find that you’ve been grinding your teeth, discuss it with us. An oral appliance can make all the difference.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, the dental health of our patients is always our top priority. Patients from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud come to our office for restorative dentistry, general dentistry, and much more. Please call to schedule your next cleaning and checkup with us today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 4795

Are All Carbs Created Equal?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

Diet Changes For Healthier Teeth In Fort Collins

Most people know that the sugar in candy, cookies, juices and sodas can harm your teeth, but some people don’t realize that all carbohydrates can cause cavities. As we will describe in this post from The Fort Collins Dentist, a handful of pretzels or a piece of pumpernickel bread can have the same effect on your teeth as a fudge brownie.

All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are converted into plaque, which can then cause cavities and gum disease. Carbs are naturally sticky and adhere to your teeth. Eating carbs with meals is healthier than eating them as snacks because more saliva is generated at mealtime. Saliva helps prevent food particles from sticking to teeth.

Another  way people can improve their oral health is to get plenty of calcium: 800mg a day for men and 1,000mg for women under 50. Calcium helps strengthen your jaw and secure your teeth firmly in the jaw bone.

At The Fort Collins Dentist we want all our patients to enjoy clean teeth and healthy smiles. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. People from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud also come to us for cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

ArticleID 3451

Top 10 Reasons To Visit A Dentist

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

You smile deserves regular attention. If you haven’t had a dental exam in a while, give us a call at The Fort Collins Dentist. Consider these important reasons for having regular cleanings and checkups:

  • Check Up: It’s time, and this is the best way to prevent dental problems.
  • Clean Up: Our dental hygienist is ready to give you a super clean smile.
  • Brush Up: If it has been a while since your last dental visit, it’s probably time to come in for a refresher course on appropriate dental hygiene.
  • Avoid Pain: If you have dental pain and have been putting off a trip to the dentist, come in now, because we specialize in†relieving dental pain.
  • Fillings: We can find and fill all your dental cavities in almost no time at all. This will help you skip more painful dilemmas down the road, and helps some of those sensitivities to hot and cold.
  • Prevent Gum Disease: We’ll evaluate the health of your gums and make any suggestions to help you improve.
  • A Whiter Smile: We can help. We have teeth whitening options available that will upgrade your smile and make your teeth whiter.
  • Tooth Replacement: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with a dental implant.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Considering making improvements to your smile? We have the procedures to do it.
  • Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than a healthy smile.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we can maintain your dental health and improve your smile! People from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud come to us for general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

Relax in Comfort and Style at The Fort Collins Dentist

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

South Berthoudf cosmetic dental and tooth implants

On this blog post from The Fort Collins Dentist, we want to talk about an often-overlooked feature in practices: the modern dental chair. Did you know that dental chairs don’t come from your local furniture store?

Dental chairs were designed especially for the comfort of patient and dental provider alike. At our practice, we take advantage of advanced ergonomics and top-of-the-line comfort technology to bring you an experience like no other. You’ll be amazed with the recent innovations in seat technology.

Our chairs offer fully adjustable seats and are lined with comfortable, sturdy materials that mold to your weight and shape. It really feels like you’re floating! The cushioned seats allow us to treat our patients easily, while also ensuring your comfort.

The last place you want to feel discomfort is at a dental visit. It can already be stressful to deal with a dental problem; a bumpy, uncomfortable seat is like adding fuel to that fire.

In addition to a comfortable seat, The Fort Collins Dentist boasts a professional dental team that is trained in direct patient communication and is ready to answer any questions you might have. Whether you need general dentistry for dental maintenance, cosmetic dentistry for aesthetic problems, or dental implants for tooth replacement, take a seat! Your dental assistant will see you shortly. Patients from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud visit us every day. Contact us today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

ArticleID 5524

Healthy Living Starts With A Smile

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

general dentistry Fort Collins

What comes to mind when you think of healthy living? A dinner plate with a grilled chicken breast and a tossed salad? A cholesterol test that shows your arteries are looking good? If you pictured a white, healthy smile free of cavities, The Fort Collins Dentist salutes you.

Essential Dental Health

Brushing your teeth every day is essential to good dental health. We recommend brushing twice a day, and with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s the best way to keep plaque from building up on your teeth.

Plaque is a sticky film that is formed by bacteria and sugars, and coats the surface of your teeth. It’s a constant process; the stuff is always forming. That’s why you should brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. It’s important to remove it because plaque is what causes cavities.

Two Minute Warning

Try to brush for two minutes! Some people find that challenging. You can use a timer to help, or listen to some music to take your mind off the brushing. That way the time will fly by, and you may even go beyond that two minute minimum.

We strongly recommend flossing, too. Before or after you brush? The jury is out on that one. We think before is better, but the most important thing is that you do it.

Healthy living really does start with your smile! At The Fort Collins Dentist, we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. People from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

ArticleID 7321

Say Goodbye To Old Amalgam Fillings

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

white fillings North Laramie

Can you remember what your teeth looked like before you had your first cavity? If you are like most of us, you got some cavities fairly young, and the ubiquitous silver fillings that were once standard. At The Fort Collins Dentist there is a better option.

Composite fillings can be made to match the color of your teeth, so even though a cavity has been filled, they’ll blend in seamlessly. They are made of a composite resin material that is strong when bonded to the tooth.

Another benefit is that they may, in the long run, be better for your health. While standard metal fillings are still considered safe by the American Dental Association, some people don’t want them because they contain small amounts of mercury.

At The Fort Collins Dentist white fillings are standard. People from North Laramie, Cheyenne, Greeley, and South Berthoud come to us for complete general dentistry, and all their dental health needs. Contact us today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

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