How to Kick a Tooth Grinding Habit

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

how to kick a tooth grinding habit Fort Collins

Plenty of individuals all over the world suffer from the habit of grinding their teeth. Some men and women grind their teeth because they are stressed, some people grind their teeth as a coping mechanism, and some individuals grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it.

Don’t Ignore Teeth Grinding

Grinding of the teeth, clenching of the jaw, or gnashing of the teeth is known as bruxism. Bruxism can occur consciously or unconsciously both during the day and at night. No matter when or why you grind your teeth, it can be harmful to both your oral health and overall physical health.

Let’s talk about it.

Possible Causes of  Teeth Grinding

Some reasons individuals might grind their teeth are:

  • Caffeine consumption
  • Sleep apnea
  • Acid reflux
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Hyperactivity
  • Certain medications

Tooth Grinding Can Cause Serious Dental Problems

The consequences of tooth grinding can include:

  • Tooth pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Loss of tooth enamel or worn-down teeth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Earaches
  • Broken braces or retainers due to excessive tooth grinding, often at nighttime

Sometimes it is difficult to know if you are grinding your teeth during the night. The main giveaways are if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. One of the most prevalent and effective ways to quit nighttime teeth grinding is to wear a mouthguard while you sleep.

While there are a variety of reasons for tooth grinding, they can all lead to the same dangerous consequences if left untreated. It’s to seek guidance from a dentist or orthodontist. You might have a dental impairment that can cause or complicate your grinding.

How Do You Treat Tooth Grinding?

Some teeth grinders can successfully overcome this condition on their own. Most people, however, need professional help from a doctor or dentist.

Ways to treat tooth grinding include:

  • Use a custom mouthguard, especially for nighttime tooth grinders
  • Ask your dentist about a habit appliance (especially for children)
  • Avoid caffeine in both food and drinks
  • Learn to manage your stress, depression, anxiety, or hyperactivity
  • Seek counseling

If you are unable to kick the habit of tooth grinding, it is a good idea to consult a professional. doctor Lesko at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is available for consultations about tooth grinding.

 

 

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 8442

5 Tips For Treating Mouth Sores

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, General dentistry

Prevent Mouth Sores Timnath

Hi. I’m Doctor Allison Lesko. When my patients get mouth sores, I guide them to evaluate what they’re eating and make some changes. By following these tips, you too can avoid the discomfort of eating and help to increase the speed of healing.

1. Eat soft or pureed foods. Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat baby food—plenty of adult dishes fit the bill:

cream soups
yogurt
hot cereal
mashed potatoes
puddings

2. Keep your meals bland for a while. I know it’s boring, but watch out for overly spicy, tart, salty or acidic foods while you have a mouth sore.

3. Also, keep it cool. Only eat dishes served at room temperature or chilled.

4. Use a straw so that whatever you are drinking can avoid the mouth sore altogether.

5. Try to moisten dry foods. You can add sauces, dressings, and gravies to your meals.

I hope that these suggestions will help you the next time you suffer from a mouth sore. If you are looking for a dentist in the Loveland area, consider my practice, The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry. We have been serving Fort Collins since 2016.

 

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 4628

Been A While Since You Had Your Teeth Cleaned?

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Fort Collins Tooth Whitening Welcome to the dental practice of Allison Lesko, DDS.

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we provide comprehensive full-service dentistry for patients in Fort Collins and surrounding communities. Our compassionate team of skilled hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative staff help Doctor Lesko exceed our patients’ expectations. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we understand the value of a healthy and beautiful smile.

We are devoted to providing each patient with personalized care in our state-of-the-art dental practice.

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is located at 2001 S Shields St Bldg L in Fort Collins. For more information about our team, see https://www.thefortcollins.dentist/.

If you were blessed with an attractive smile, we can help you keep it that way with professional deep cleanings and thorough examinations. We set the standard for preventative family dentistry.

If you were not blessed with an attractive smile, let’s address how we can improve it. Modern cosmetic dentistry provides a remedy for virtually every aesthetic issue.

If it has been a while since you received a professional dental cleaning, call 970-221-5115 today to schedule a cleaning with one of our skilled hygienists. Your teeth will feel amazingly clean, silky, and smooth after the chalky plaque and calculus is removed.

Whether you need an examination or a complex full mouth reconstruction, at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry we’ll get you smiling again!

 

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 1467

Can I Objectively Evaluate My Smile?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Restorative dentistry, Smile design

esthetic smile design Timnath

It is no secret that a beautiful, pleasing, healthy smile can be your most admired physical attribute. After all, people notice your smile first thing. How do you know if your smile is detracting from your appearance?

Do you love your smile?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; if you look at your smile in the mirror and believe it is unattractive, it doesn’t really matter what anybody else thinks. But what if you are not sure?

Common dental problems that influence your smile

There are many dilemmas that are generally considered to detract from beautiful smiles. Missing teeth is a biggie. People who are missing teeth in the back of the mouth may mistakenly believe that the gap doesn’t show. They are usually wrong. When smiling, talking, laughing, or eating, a missing tooth definitely shows–even if the missing tooth is the very last molar.

Are your teeth yellowish or gray?

Yellow or gray teeth diminish the appeal of a smile–even one that is perfectly healthy and aligned–and crooked teeth are often considered unattractive.

You can embrace your unique smile characteristics…or not

There are a few unique smile characteristics that some people proudly show off and others wish to change. For instance, a gap between the two front teeth can become your trademark. True Blood star Anna Paquin, actor Woody Harrelson, and singer Seal have retained their spaces. Perhaps the most famous gap-toothed smile belongs to model Lauren Hutton who has proudly flashed it throughout her fifty-year career. Other celebrities such as Zac Efron, Tom Cruise, and Keith Urban weren’t happy with gaps so they transformed their smiles with innovative cosmetic dentistry.

We know how to create stunning smiles

If you want an objective aesthetic evaluation of your smile, how can you do this? You can’t see your smile from every angle when you look in the mirror. If you want an expert opinion on the attractiveness of your smile, talk to a cosmetic dentist. There are a surprising number of design principles that are used in smile makeovers. These include size, shape, alignment, proportion, color, and translucency. Moreover, cosmetic dentists also consider the characteristics of the gums, lips, and facial features.

Your dream smile starts with a consultation at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry

When you have a cosmetic dental consultation, you will be able to see how the vital elements work together to create a natural-looking, standout smile. Bottom line? If you want to change your smile, you can! Schedule a consultation today by calling 970-221-5115.

 

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 6717

Peace Begins With A Smile

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Sedation Dentistry

Timnath cosmetic dental veneers

Mother Theresa once said “Peace begins with a smile.” Perhaps that peace should start with the person who is smiling. How do you feel about your smile? Are you at peace with it? Are you proud to flash a wide, happy grin? Do you believe it is beautiful? Does it express your best self? Let’s talk about your smile.

Bright eyes and bright smiles are best served clear and clean. Regular check ups with your local dental provider can prevent runaway decay and costly corrections. Stay at peace with your smile by scheduling regular dental visits to avoid any future oral problems.

Rest assured that there are ways to redo what nature has given you or cosmetically remedy problems that have affected your once-pleasant smile. Talk to a cosmetic dentist to learn how you can achieve a smile you can be at peace with. For information about veneers, bridges, dental implants, Invisalign braces, visit https://www.thefortcollins.dentist/.

I’m Doctor Allison Lesko with The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry located in Fort Collins at 2001 S Shields St Bldg L. Just like Mother Teresa said, I believe peace can begin with a smile. If you are not content with the appearance or condition of your teeth, gums, or bite, call 970-221-5115 to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation.

I have years of experience providing my Fort Collins area patients with cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers, and total mouth reconstruction. I repair bite issues, seal children’s molars, remove decay, contour gums, mend cracks, bridge gaps, and reconstruct after tooth injury.

We are your local, experienced dental practice and provide quality service and products. We are enthusiastic about creating the best dental experience possible. If dental visits make you feel the exact opposite of peaceful, let’s talk about oral conscious sedation. With a little help, you can get through your treatment with minimal anxiety and be at peace with your smile for years to come.

We’ve been providing services such as cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants since 2016 to Fort Collins and nearby communities such as Windsor, Timnath, and Wellington. Even patients from Loveland have found value in traveling to see us. Our compassionate, competent staff can schedule and discuss any of our top services such as cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, dental implants, sedation dentistry, and sleep apnea.

none- DDS

 

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 6857

What are Implant-Stabilized Dentures?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

Fort Collins dentures secured with implants

What are dentures secured by implants?

Dentures secured by implants are permanent dentures held in place with permanent metal screws or posts. The metal posts are also called tooth implants or dental implants. Dental implants can be used in many different ways. In this post, we describe one application for tooth implants; the sturdy base for securing a denture to either the upper or lower arch.

How are the posts inserted?

The implants are first surgically anchored into the jaw bone.

The patient is then given time to heal with the posts in place. In the months after implantation, the post meshes with the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration.

Once healed, the tooth implant patient returns for a final fitment of his/her new permanent dentures.

Who is a well-suited candidate for dentures secured by implants?

When considering whether to get implant-secured dentures, traditional dentures, or some other restoration option, the number of teeth missing will be a determining factor. If you have experienced severe tooth loss but still have good bone then you may be an appropriate candidate.

For individuals with one or two missing teeth, an implant for each missing tooth may be a better option. Each post would have an abutment (connecting piece) and crown attached.

People with three or four adjacent missing teeth may consider two implants affixed to a dental bridge. This configuration is similar to dentures secured by but the bridge covers less gum tissue at the location.

If you live in Timnath, Wellington, or Fort Collins (where The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry is located) call 970-221-5115 to set up a consultation.

 

 

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 8541

 

Smile Like You Mean It!

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Smile design

Hey Fort Collins Smile Like You Mean It!

Hello Fort Collins friends! Have you ever noticed someone who refuses to flash a genuine smile? Even in a family picture, they stay tight-lipped. Even if they’re laughing at the funniest joke ever, they cover their mouths. Maybe this person is you and maybe you need a smile makeover.

Don’t be embarrassed! Here at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we provide the most advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures for our Loveland area patients.

There are many reasons a dental patient could be shy about their smile, such as injury, tooth discoloration, or poor spacing.

You might even have missing teeth. Rest assured that there is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can help.

Wouldn’t it be marvelous to have the confident smile you’ve always wanted?

Many patients start with teeth whitening. Other procedures include dental implants, veneers, crowns, enamel shaping, bonding, and more! We can also refer you to an orthodontist if needed.

doctor Allison Lesko is passionate about helping individuals have healthy teeth and brilliant smiles.

If you would like to know more about smile redesigns, give us a call at 970-221-5115 and our compassionate staff can schedule an appointment.

Call today to get a smile you’ll never want to hide!

 

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 4384

 

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

 

Let’s Take Care Of Those Tooth Stains

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, General dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Fort Collins Teeth BleachingThe effectiveness of teeth bleaching depends partly on the types of stains.

Extrinsic tooth stains are the best to remove. These surface stains have not yet penetrated through the enamel into the dentin. Extrinsic stains are caused by dark-colored foods and beverages like blueberries, carrots, coffee, red wine, and cola. And nicotine is no better for your smile than it is for your lungs.

Unfortunately, even if you eliminate these common teeth stainers, your teeth will become discolored over time. Like gray hair, wrinkles, and memory lapses, a dull smile is an inevitable part of aging for some individuals.

Intrinsic tooth stains develop from the inside out. Tooth injury or tetracycline are the usual culprits. Intrinsic stains are harder to remove completely, but it is possible to lighten them with professional tooth whitening available at your cosmetic dental office.

If your teeth are darkened, whether from coffee, tetracycline, or excessive fluoride, call The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry at 970-221-5115. We have treated many patients with extreme tooth discoloration.

It is never too late or too early to beautify your smile.

Men and women can take years off their appearance by restoring the youthful white smile they once enjoyed. Teens and young adults with surface stains can prevent them from becoming intrinsic stains with tooth bleaching.

 

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 2991

 

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry Provides Quality, Compassionate Dental Care

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Sedation Dentistry

take out silver fillings Wellington

Hello, and welcome to our dental blog. My name is doctor Allison Lesko and I want to tell you about The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry.

Meet Our Compassionate Team of Dental Professionals

The first thing to know is that we work hard to keep our patients comfortable. Our team is compassionate and empathetic. For some individuals, the condition of their teeth is a sensitive subject.

We get it. If you have dental dilemmas–whether it’s decay, gum disease or discolored teeth–we want to treat these problems and get you back on track when it comes to a healthy smile.

Relieving Dental Anxiety is Our Specialty

As mentioned, we understand that some people are sensitive about the condition of their teeth so they are reluctant to seek care. Other people are hesitant to seek care because dental treatment is downright scary for them.

If you fear dental treatment, give us a try. We have helped hundreds of nervous patients get through their procedure successfully. Let’s talk about oral conscious sedation options.

We Honor Your Trust

We know you have many choices in Fort Collins-area dental practices. If you place your trust in us, we will do all we can to honor that trust. This includes making your wait time as short as possible and your visit as comfortable as possible. In addition, we will work with you to schedule appointments at your convenience. Furthermore, we are sure our skills and experience will ensure successful outcomes.

We Are a Full-Service General and Cosmetic Dental Practice

We offer general and cosmetic dentistry to patients in our Fort Collins office. We serve the greater Loveland area including Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor. Even if you live a bit further away, we promise you that it’s worth the trip.

Our most popular services are:

dental implants
sleep apnea
cosmetic dentistry
sedation dentistry
general dentistry

Interested in Upgrading Your Smile?

Along with healthy teeth, many of our Timnath and Wellington patients want to know more about popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. These include teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, gum contouring, and more!

A combination of cosmetic dental treatments can remedy every problem to achieve your sensational smile!

If you live in the Loveland area and would like to see what The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry has to offer, give us a call at 970-221-5115. We are currently accepting new dental patients!

 

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 8684