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 Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor 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 Loveland

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 Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor 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

A Beautiful Smile is Timeless

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, General dentistry, Smile design

Your Smile Doesn’t Have to Show Your Age in Fort CollinsAt The Fort Collins Dentist we know that every stage of life has its pros and cons. For example, in our golden years, we may enjoy traveling, more free time and grandchildren. However, most  retirees do not welcome wrinkles, limited mobility or dental problems.

Fortunately, your smile can be healthy and pleasing throughout your life. With cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can have a youthful smile at any age.

Regain Your Youthful Smile

Even if your teeth are showing visible signs of wear, we can help. Do you have any of the following concerns?

  • Enamel loss
  • Staining
  • Chips
  • Missing teeth
  • Broken dental work
  • Gum recession
  • Old amalgam fillings

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we serve you with a full array of dental services including dental implants sleep apnea, and cosmetic dentistry.

Could Your Smile Benefit From Adult Braces?

Would you like to straighten your teeth? Modern braces can correct all types of tooth alignment dilemmas. Overbite? Gap between your two front teeth? Crowded teeth?

Now, individuals of any age can have an extraordinary smile that looks as young as they feel. Let’s discuss some orthodontic options.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear aligners instead of metal or ceramic brackets. With Invisalign aligners, you switch aligners every couple of weeks as your teeth gently shift into place.

How can straightening teeth improve your life?

We all know that a an attractive smile improves one’s appearance. Everyone wants to look better. However, the benefits aren’t purely aesthetic.

  • Straight teeth can prohibit decay
  • If teeth are aligned properly, you are less likely to snore
  • Decreases the risk of periodontitis (advanced gum disease),
  • Straightening teeth can help you eat a healthier diet

Regardless of your age, it is not too late to enhance your smile–even if you have some missing teeth. Braces combined with tooth implants can transform a smile.

If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you will be interested to learn about the latest cosmetic dentistry treatments. Many procedures can be completed in one visit with us at The Fort Collins Dentist. We serve patients in Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor seeking all kinds of services, including cosmetic dentistry, TMJ/TMD, and implants. Contact us for 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

 

ArticleID 8685

Let’s Talk About Your Smile

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Dental veneers, Teeth Whitening

Let’s Talk About Your Smile

How do you like your smile? At The Fort Collins Dentist, we know it’s easy to be your own worst critic. But we also know lots of people don’t care for one aspect or another of their smile. We can improve any smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Maybe you have a tooth that’s been chipped since middle school, or a gap between your front teeth that’s been there since forever. Or maybe your smile has grown dull and yellow over the years.

Popular Procedures

There are cosmetic dentistry procedures that can address just about any smile issue you might have.

  • Porcelain veneers – Thin shells of medical-grade porcelain are designed to fit over the front side of your teeth. They’ll hide chips, cracks, gaps, and other flaws. They’re custom-made to your teeth, look totally natural, and leave you with a great new smile.
  • Bonding – Bonding is another way to correct any flaws in your teeth. A special material is bonded to a tooth, and shaped to create a strong structure that looks fabulous.
  • Crowns – Dental crowns are fitted over teeth that are discolored or in need of restoring due to damage or decay. They are long-lasting and strong.
  • Whitening – Teeth whitening is an easy, popular procedure that lightens the color of your teeth. The same whitening agents found in whitening toothpastes, but at much higher concentrations, bleach out years of stains and other discolorations and give you a dazzling smile.
  • Dental implants – Dental implants replace missing teeth. A titanium post is inserted into the jaw and fuses with the bone. An artificial tooth goes on top. Implants look and function like natural teeth.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, our cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile into something special. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to our practice for extractions, TMJ treatment, and crowns . Call to 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

 

ArticleID 691

It Doesn’t Take Long To Beautify Your Smile

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Categories: Clear Braces, Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Dental veneers, General dentistry

Windsor cosmetic smile makeover

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we can improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry. Possibilities include restoring cracked or discolored teeth, straightening them, or even replacing those that are missing.

We all want to have the best possible smiles, but cosmetic dentistry is more than just appearance. Straight teeth are easier to care for, and make for a healthier smile. That may explain why clear braces are so popular. They can straighten your teeth, and are almost undetectable as you wear them.

Also in demand are porcelain veneers. They can transform your appearance and are minimally invasive. A thin layer of tooth enamel is removed before veneers are permanently attached to your teeth. After that, you’ve got a mega-watt smile.

Dental implants are, in many ways, one of the most significant advances in the history of dentistry. Titanium posts inserted in the jaw can support one or more replacement teeth that look and function like the real thing.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, cosmetic dentistry can restore your smile. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to us for complete general 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 3967

Has Your Smile Lost Its Luster?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental veneers, Teeth Whitening

Has Your Smile Lost Its Luster?

Has your smile lost its luster? Are your teeth discolored? If flashing a pearly white smile is important to you, cosmetic dentistry from The Fort Collins Dentist can help.

Whether your teeth have been stained by years of sipping dark-colored drinks, or smoking has left them brown and dull, we can restore the whiteness and give new life to your smile.

Maybe you have injured a tooth, causing it to turn gray. We offer several solutions to restore the color to a tooth. When you come in for a consultation we will determine which cosmetic dental procedure is optimal for your teeth.

Two of the most popular procedures we offer are dental veneers and teeth whitening.

  • Dental veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic. They are permanently attached to the front of your teeth. People love them because they mask flaws like cracks and chips, and gaps between teeth.
  • Teeth whitening can transform discolored teeth, removing years of stains or yellowing. We offer in-office whitening and a take-home kit. Both of them surpass any over-the-counter product you’ll find at the store.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we restore smiles with cosmetic dentistry every day. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor trust us with their smiles, and also come to our office 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 3537

2023 Is The Year To Replace Missing Teeth

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

Tooth decorations and the numbers 2023 on a tableIf you or someone you care about lost a tooth this year, but haven’t yet dealt with the issue, The Fort Collins Dentist suggests a consultation with our dental implant team immediately.

Why the rush? Though your missing tooth might not be an aesthetic issue now – maybe it’s far enough back that the gap is not visible, or perhaps you don’t mind a sort of rugged look – it could very well become one in the future.

When we lose a tooth, the root and jaw bone eventually atrophy. This causes neighboring teeth to begin to shift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment and pain. Worse, it causes your facial features to take on a “sunken” look; especially round the cheeks.

Dental implants are the best way to avoid this, as they protect and stimulate the remaining teeth, keeping them in place and bolstering their strength. The good news is that dental implants and their associated restorations mimic natural enamel perfectly, so nobody will be able to tell that you’ve achieved your New Year’s resolution early this coming year!

If you’ve been dreaming of a more complete smile for years, 2023 is the time to do it and The Fort Collins Dentist can help! We offer implants and complete restorative dentistry. We serve satisfied patients in Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor. 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

These Holidays, Gift Yourself A New Smile!

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Dental veneers, Teeth Whitening

Woman in a santa hat pointing at her straight white smileWe know the holidays can be a time to re-prioritize and think a bit on what’s important to you. While many are busy buying expensive gifts or gym memberships, The Fort Collins Dentist wants you to think of yourself first. Specifically, your smile.

After all, your smile is a window into well-being, and when it looks best, you not only feel best, but people treat you like you do.

So, in essence, when you look into cosmetic dentistry options like teeth whitening, dental veneers, or dental implants, you’re not only thinking of your appearance, but your whole quality of life. You deserve a social life that you’re a confident player in. You also deserve a pain-free smile that you’re proud to show off to your friends.

All this is achievable with our cosmetic options. The Fort Collins Dentist wants you to face this new year with a new smile. What’s more, with all those delicious – but sticky – holiday meals around the corner, it’s the best time to look into our general and family dentistry and prepare your enamel for what’s to come. We serve satisfied patients in Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor. 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

Teeth Whitening: Do It Right

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Fort Collins dentist teeth whitening

It’s not a news flash to say that we’d all like to have a beautiful smile, and the whitest teeth possible. At The Fort Collins Dentist, teeth whitening is one of the procedures we are asked about the most often.

The reality, of course, is that the color of teeth can vary greatly from one person to the next. In fact, many people have teeth that are yellowish or gray, or otherwise dull and off-color. And that probably accounts for the popularity of whitening toothpastes.

There’s a wide range of these toothpastes in any grocery store, along with whitening strips and similar products. They contain abrasives that polish the teeth, and help to dissolve stains.

Types of Stains

There are two kinds of stains on teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic.

  • Extrinsic Stains: Extrinsic stains are surface stains. We’re all vulnerable to them, because they’re the type of teeth stains that come from things like coffee, cola, and other beverages. Tobacco is also a major staining agent, whether it’s smoked or chewed.
  • Intrinsic Stains: These are stains that are within the enamel of the tooth itself. They are often caused by antibiotics such as tetracycline.

What To Do?

Whitening products from the store can be effective. But they do not have the whitening power of professional teeth whitening. One of the major drawbacks of whitening toothpaste is that the results don’t usually last. They also don’t whiten teeth more than a shade or so, and some patients report sensitivity after using them.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, our teeth whitening can whiten your teeth up to eight shades, leaving you with a brilliant white smile. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to our office for whitening and other cosmetic dentistry services. 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 6535

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 Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor 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