According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Americans (including children) who visit the dentist each year is steadily increasing. There are many reasons some people put off seeing a dentist, but the main ones include fear of discomfort or feelings of vulnerability.  

That is why choosing the right family dentist is so important and central to overall health. This article covers the main factors to consider when doing so. Keep reading for tips that will help you choose a family dentist to meet your and your family’s unique dental health needs. 

Experience and Qualifications

One of the first things to look for a family dentist is their knowledge and experience. Start with an essential educational background and look for licensure by the state, which all reputable dentists should make available. You also might look at certifications or membership in prominent dental associations. 

A Reputation That Evokes Trust

Finding a good dentist can be tough, but it is worth the effort. Identifying one you can trust means you are getting a long-term relationship that guarantees quality care for you and your family for the long haul. 

Trust is a quality that cannot be easily gauged without first-hand experience. However, there are some tools that can point you in the right direction. One is online reviews. 

Seek out independent reviews. See what current patients are saying about their experience with the dentist’s office. It will give you an idea of the type of staff they employ and the philosophy of patient care they embrace. 

Bedside Manner

Something that may be more important in a family dentist than, say, a surgeon or other medical professional, is that they have good interpersonal skills. You want someone who is willing to explain complex medical procedures and treatments in terms that you and your family members can understand. 

This also means that they are a good listener and will be willing to answer any questions you have about treatment. You want a dentist who is gentle, compassionate, and, in general, has a patient-centered approach to their practice. 

Latest Technology and Techniques

Technology is always changing, and that goes for dentistry as well. In addition to teeth cleaning equipment, a dentist’s office uses a range of technologies on a daily basis. These include: 

• Digital X-rays
• Intraoral cameras
• Lasers
• CAD/CAM fabrication equipment

These devices are used for everything from imaging and cleaning to manufacturing dental implants.

If you are not a dental expert, it may be difficult to assess whether a practice is up-to-speed on techniques and equipment. Looking at the dentist’s website or asking for an office tour can give you some sense.

You do not have to be familiar with dental jargon to get an idea of whether a dentist embraces continued learning. A good dentist will always be striving to further advance their skills, knowledge, and techniques, and stay on top of technological advances and how those might improve treatment for their patients. 

A Range of Services

Like all areas of medicine, dental treatment is often not about finding the perfect procedure or treatment, but weighing all the available options. A dentist’s office that has staff with a broad skill set can go a long way toward giving you options.  

For instance, for misaligned or missing, there are myriad techniques available. These include: 

• Implants
• Bridges
• Removable dentures
• Veneers
• Crowns
• Dental Bonding

If you have a missing tooth, implants are the most stable, long-term option, but they are more invasive. Bridges are a simple, easy way to replace a tooth, but they offer less support than implants. A good dentist will be comfortable with all types of major procedures and can guide you based on your unique circumstances and health goals, to ensure delivery of comprehensive dental care. 

Specialized Services

There are other benefits of family dentistry. Another thing to look for is whether they have experience treating specific conditions and particular patients.

For instance, there are many good doctors out there who are great at treating adults but lack experience in treating children. In a family dentist, you want both. 

A good family doctor is someone who’s comfortable treating everyone in your family, including adults and children. They’ll have staff who have experience in pediatric dentistry. This is important because each patient’s needs are unique, and you want a dental office that can meet every member of your family where they are. 

Location and Availability of Emergency Appointments

Another set of characteristics to look for in a family dentist is their proximity to where you live and work, and whether they offer emergency care. Most dental experts recommend teeth cleanings at least twice a year. Often, special treatments require much more frequent visits to the dental office.

This may not be a deal breaker, but consider a family dentist who is relatively close to you. Also, ask what their policies are for emergency services. In the event that you or your family member needs to be seen on a weekend or other off-hours, having a dentist available could help you avoid going to the emergency room. 

Insurance and Affordability

Most established dental practices take major health insurance plans. If you have a more obscure carrier, multiple insurance policies, or lack insurance altogether, simply ask the dentist’s office what your options are for covering costs. A good dentist’s office will be upfront with you and offer any kind of information that can help you anticipate out-of-pocket costs in the future. 

Find a Family Dentist Near You

Now that you understand some fundamental traits to look for in a family dentist, you can move forward with confidence. Finding a dentist who can treat your entire family will ensure quality, comprehensive dental care for years to come. 

Justice Dental provides the highest quality family dental services in Lexington, Kentucky. We ask prospective clients to expect an extensive first visit so that we can fully understand your unique dental health goals and put together a thorough, personalized treatment plan. Reach out to us today to schedule dental care for families.

According to a recent survey, over half of American adults, about 52%, feel self-conscious about their smile. At Justice Dental in Lexington, KY, we understand the impact a confident and bright smile can have on your self-esteem. Our specialized teeth whitening services offer effective solutions to help you achieve a radiant smile.

In this blog post, we’ll share some practical tips and advice to enhance your smile’s brightness. From professional treatments to daily habits, these tips will help you achieve and maintain a dazzling smile. We’ll highlight how you can make the most of your smile with these simple and effective strategies.

Benefits of White Teeth

A bright, white smile offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, white teeth boost your confidence, making you feel more comfortable and self-assured in social and professional settings. This newfound confidence can lead to improved interactions and opportunities.

Additionally, white teeth are often associated with good health and personal care, which can positively impact how others perceive you. White teeth also contribute to a more youthful appearance, helping you look and feel younger.

Moving beyond aesthetics, maintaining white teeth can encourage better oral hygiene practices, as you’ll be more motivated to keep your smile looking its best. Essentially, achieving a whiter smile can enhance your self-esteem, social interactions, and overall sense of well-being.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs At-Home Kits

When it comes to teeth whitening, you have two main options: professional treatments or at-home kits. Each has its own advantages and can be tailored to fit different needs and preferences.

Professional Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is performed in our office and is known for delivering quick and dramatic results. At Justice Dental, our in-office treatments can lighten your teeth up to eight shades in just one session.

The process involves applying a high-concentration whitening gel to your teeth, which is activated by a special light or heat. This method provides immediate results, often noticeable on the same day, and is ideal for those seeking a fast and effective solution.

Additionally, professional whitening is supervised by our skilled team, ensuring the procedure is safe and customized to your unique dental needs. This approach is particularly beneficial for those with severe stains or those who desire a more significant color change.

At-Home Kits

At-home teeth whitening kits offer the convenience of whitening your teeth in your own home. These kits typically include lower-concentration whitening gels or strips and custom trays that you use over a period of days or weeks.

While the results are not as immediate as professional treatments, they can still be effective for gradually brightening your smile.

Our at-home kits are a good option for individuals who prefer a more flexible schedule or want to maintain their whitening results between professional treatments. They are also more cost-effective compared to in-office procedures. However, the results may vary depending on the severity of the stains and the consistency of use.

Teeth Whitening vs Bleaching

It’s important to highlight that teeth whitening and bleaching are two distinct approaches to enhancing the brightness of your smile. Whitening typically refers to the process of removing surface stains caused by foods and beverages like:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine

This method restores your teeth to their natural whiteness by addressing external discoloration. At Justice Dental, our whitening procedures are designed to target these stains, brightening your teeth effectively and safely.

On the other hand, bleaching involves a more intensive process that lightens the internal color of the teeth. This technique is used to address deeper, intrinsic stains that cannot be removed through regular whitening. Bleaching products contain higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the tooth enamel to lighten the dentin, the inner layer of the tooth.

This method is ideal for more severe discoloration and can provide a more dramatic change in tooth color. Both whitening and bleaching can lead to a brighter smile, but the choice between them depends on the type and extent of staining.

Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages

Now, to maintain a bright smile, it’s essential to be mindful of foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. Common culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored berries. These items contain pigments and acids that can gradually darken your teeth over time.

Reducing your intake of these staining substances or consuming them in moderation can help preserve your whitening results. When you do enjoy these foods and drinks, you should consider using a straw for beverages to minimize contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Additionally, incorporating crunchy fruits and vegetables into your diet can help naturally clean your teeth and reduce the buildup of stains.

Use Whitening Toothpaste

Finally, incorporating whitening toothpaste into your daily oral hygiene habits can significantly help in maintaining a brighter smile. These toothpastes contain mild abrasives and chemical agents designed to remove surface stains and prevent new ones from forming. They work by polishing the teeth and breaking down stain particles, making your smile appear whiter over time.

While whitening toothpaste alone may not provide the dramatic results of professional treatments, it effectively complements our in-office whitening or at-home kits. Regular use helps to maintain the brightness achieved from other whitening methods and can contribute to overall oral hygiene.

For best results, it’s best to choose a toothpaste that has been approved by dental professionals and fits your specific needs. Consistent use, along with regular brushing and flossing, will keep your teeth looking their best and enhance the longevity of your whitening results.

Dental Care Tips for Whiter Teeth

The bottom line is that achieving and maintaining a bright, white smile is within your reach with the right approach and care. At Justice Dental in Lexington, KY, we offer expert teeth whitening treatments tailored to meet your needs.

Whether you choose our professional in-office procedures or convenient at-home kits, we’re here to help you achieve a radiant smile that boosts your confidence.

Don’t wait to transform your smile-schedule an appointment with us today to explore the best teeth whitening options for you. Contact us now to book your consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more dazzling smile. 

Have you ever considered the hidden battles your teeth face every day? While brushing and flossing tackle the visible threats, dental sealants for adults act as the unsung heroes safeguarding your molars; the teeth most vulnerable to decay.

These protective shields not only block out cavities but also enhance your overall dental health by offering a first line of defense where it’s most needed. If preserving your smile with minimal effort appeals to you, understanding how dental sealants can fortify your dental defense is crucial.

This guide will unveil how a simple, quick application can offer long-term protection, potentially transforming your oral care routine and ensuring your teeth stay healthy and intact for years to come. Continue reading to explore the benefits and straightforward process of getting dental sealants for adults.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay often starts. These sealants are made from plastic or other dental materials. They work by creating a barrier that shields the enamel from plaque and acids.

Adult Dental Sealant Benefits

One of the primary benefits is the protection against cavities and tooth decay. By covering the grooves and pits in molars, sealants prevent food particles and bacteria from settling in these areas which reduces the likelihood of decay.

Moreover, sealants contribute to long-term teeth protection. According to the American Dental Association, dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%.

This protection translates to significant cost savings on dental care in the long run. Fewer cavities mean fewer fillings, crowns, and other dental procedures, which can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, maintaining the health of your molars helps preserve their function by ensuring you can chew comfortably and efficiently.

Another important benefit is the ease of maintenance. Once applied, dental sealants require no special care beyond regular dental hygiene practices. They are a set-and-forget solution that continuously works to protect your teeth without additional effort.

Dental Sealants Procedure

The procedure for applying dental sealants is straightforward and is designed to be quick and painless. This makes it suitable for adults and children alike.

The first step involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth to remove any food particles or plaque that could interfere with the bonding of the sealant. This ensures that the surface of each tooth is pristine.

After the teeth are clean, a conditioning gel is applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This gel slightly roughens the enamel, a critical step that enhances the adherence of the sealant. The gel is left on for a few seconds and then rinsed off, followed by drying the tooth completely to prepare it for the sealant application.

The dental sealant is then meticulously painted onto the dry enamel, filling the natural grooves and depressions in the tooth’s surface. These are areas prone to decay because they can trap food particles and are harder to clean effectively with regular brushing.

Once the sealant is in place, a special curing light is used to harden it. This light triggers a rapid polymerization of the sealant material, bonding it firmly to the tooth within seconds.

The hardened sealant forms a durable, protective shield over the enamel to prevent bacteria and food particles from accessing the crevices of the teeth. This barrier significantly reduces the risk of cavities by blocking the entry points for decay.

Who Should Consider Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are beneficial for both children and adults. Adults who have deep grooves or pits in their molars can greatly benefit from sealants. These grooves can be difficult to clean thoroughly, even with diligent brushing and flossing.

Sealants are also an excellent preventive measure for adults who have had previous dental work, such as fillings or crowns, in their molars. By protecting the remaining natural tooth structure, sealants can help extend the life of these dental restorations.

Additionally, adults who consume a high-sugar diet or have a history of dental problems should consider sealants to prevent further issues.

The earlier the sealants are applied, the better. However, even adults who have never had sealants before can benefit from their protective properties. Consulting with your dentist can help determine if dental sealants are a good option for your specific needs.

Longevity and Maintenance of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are designed to last several years before needing reapplication. On average, they can protect your teeth for up to 10 years with proper care. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of the sealants and ensure they remain intact.

Maintaining sealants is simple. Continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly. Your dentist will check the sealants during routine exams and reapply them if necessary.

This easy maintenance helps prolong the effectiveness of the sealants and ensures long-term teeth protection.

Insurance and Cost Considerations

The cost of dental sealants can vary, but they are generally affordable and cost-effective. Many dental insurance plans cover sealants, especially for children and adolescents. However, some plans also offer coverage for adults.

It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.

Even if your insurance does not cover sealants, the investment is worth considering. The cost of dental sealants is typically lower than the cost of treating cavities and other dental issues that can arise without this preventive measure.

By preventing decay and avoiding more extensive dental procedures, sealants can save you money in the long run.

Protect Your Smile with Dental Sealants for Adults

Dental sealants for adults offer a proactive solution to prevent dental decay and maintain oral hygiene. By forming a barrier against cavity-causing bacteria, these sealants are an essential part of oral care.

At Justice Dental, we specialize in applying high-quality sealants that promise durability and comfort. Our state-of-the-art technologies and expert care make us the trusted choice in Lexington, KY.

Don’t wait to protect your teeth. Schedule your appointment with Justice Dental today and take a significant step towards a healthier, more confident smile.

You’re missing a tooth and wonder about your options. You could:

• Ignore it and hope a new tooth grows
• Live without the tooth
• Wait months for a dental implant
• Get a dental bridge

As you probably already know, a new tooth won’t grow in its place, and living without it isn’t a great choice. While dental implants are good options, they take time. Therefore, you might turn to a bridge.

If so, you’ll want to learn about the dental bridge procedure before going through it. This procedure is commonly used to replace missing teeth. Here is a breakdown of what to expect with a dental bridge procedure.

The Basic Components of a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a device dentists use to replace missing teeth. They consist of several parts and require two or more visits to complete. People opt for them not just for a perfect smile, but also for oral health reasons.

The first component of a dental bridge is the pontics. These are the artificial teeth that will “bridge” the gap. They fill in the missing teeth.

The next component is dental crowns. Dental crowns are artificial teeth that cover your natural teeth. They help support the pontics on the bridge.

Finally, a bridge requires abutments. These are parts holding the bridge together and providing the support it needs.

There are several types of bridges, but your dentist will determine the right type for your situation. A bridge can hold one artificial tooth or multiple teeth, depending on the situation. 

The Beneficial Reasons to Replace a Missing Tooth

Your oral health matters, as it affects your looks, your ability to eat and speak, and your general health. As a result, every tooth matters.

Losing a permanent tooth can affect the way you look and feel about yourself. You might smile less often or smile with your lips locked together. A gap in your mouth can make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed.

Each tooth also plays a role in how you speak. Your tongue relies on your tooth to enunciate sounds, and if one is missing, you might experience trouble speaking clearly.

You also use your teeth for chewing. Without them, chewing and eating the foods you enjoy might be difficult.

A missing tooth also has deeper consequences. Using your teeth stimulates the jawbone below or above the teeth. This process keeps the jawbone dense and strong.

When a tooth is absent, the jawbone suffers. Without a tooth there to stimulate the bone, it gradually wears away. This can cause several issues, including affecting the shape of your face.

If left unaddressed for too long, you may need a full-mouth reconstruction if you want to fix your teeth. These procedures, performed by an oral surgeon, can be intense.

It’s better to replace a missing tooth immediately after it’s lost. You might lose a tooth due to trauma, decay, or another reason, but there are always options for replacing teeth.

One additional purpose of teeth is to hold the others in place. Once a tooth is gone, the other teeth may shift out of place. Unfortunately, this can be detrimental to anyone who has had braces at some point. 

How the Dental Bridge Procedure Works

The dental bridge process requires multiple steps and begins with an evaluation. You must meet with a dentist to determine whether this option is feasible. If so, your dentist will explain the process and how to proceed.

First Visit

The dentist may use the first appointment to prepare your teeth for the bridge and create a plan. This visit generally requires four steps. 

First, the dentist will offer local anesthesia to numb the area. This is the same anesthesia dentists use for repairing tooth decay and extracting teeth. 

Next, the dentist will work on the teeth next to the gap. They call these the abutment teeth, as the dentist uses them to hold the bridge in place.

Dentists prepare this by removing the outer portions to make room for the crowns. This step is essential for the crowns to have room to fit over these teeth.

After doing this, the dentist will begin making impressions. This step is crucial for the dental bridge process. They will use these impressions to create the crowns for the abutment teeth and the artificial tooth they’ll hold.

Finally, the dentist will place a temporary bridge with crowns in your mouth. This device protects the teeth while waiting for the permanent crown and prevents the teeth from changing while you wait. 

Second Visit

The second visit takes less time in most cases but can vary. It generally occurs within a few weeks after the first appointment. During this visit, the dentist removes the temporary bridge and installs the permanent one.

If it fits properly, the dentist will bond it in place. If it doesn’t fit properly, the dentist will make any necessary changes before cementing it in place. 

Once cemented, the bridge should stay in place and function like your normal teeth. 

Aftercare for a Dental Bridge

After getting a dental bridge, while your teeth may look perfect, you’ll need to care for your bridge. You can do this in several ways.

First, care for the bridge like you do for your other teeth. This requires brushing, flossing, and visiting a dentist for routine cleanings. 

Secondly, watch what you eat. While a bridge is durable and can last long, eating sticky or hard foods might dislodge it. Avoid eating sticky things for this reason.

Replace Your Missing Tooth With a Dental Bridge

The dental bridge procedure provides a solution for your missing tooth. Dental bridges are durable and look natural. They last long and provide a fully-functioning replacement tooth to fill the gap.

Are you looking for quality dental services in Lexington, KY? Look no further.

Justice Dental offers high-quality dental services from a team of caring dentists. We provide customized services with an emphasis on improving appearance and oral hygiene. 

Contact us to learn more about dental bridges and other restorative dental services!

Quick question: what’s the hardest substance in the human body? Most people guess bones, but the truth is that your tooth enamel takes the prize. At a 5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, tooth enamel is about as hard as steel! That’s why it can be so confusing to see your enamel slowly wearing away. When your pearly whites start turning yellow or brown instead, you may be wondering how this dense substance is disappearing.

Worn-down teeth can happen for several reasons, and they can quickly become a source of sensitivity and discomfort if you aren’t careful. If you suspect premature tooth wear, here are a few things to keep in mind.

What Causes of Worn-Down Teeth?

Worn-down teeth, or “teeth substance loss” (TSL), can happen for several reasons. Depending on the cause, you may lose enamel on the top and/or sides of your teeth.

Tooth Grinding

Tooth grinding is one of the most common causes of TSL. This happens when you grind your teeth against each other. Over time, the chewing surfaces of your teeth begin to wear down.

Teeth grinding can be a side effect of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Other conditions or chronic diseases may increase your risk of grinding.

Sometimes, patients aren’t aware that they’re grinding their teeth. It can happen as an unconscious reaction to stress, for example, or at night while you’re asleep.

Figuring out how to stop grinding teeth can help you prevent future enamel loss.

Enamel Erosion

Dental erosion happens when a substance, often a highly acidic one, wears down your enamel.

This is common with certain foods, drinks, and medications. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or suffer from bulimia, your stomach acid may also cause erosion. If you have a health condition or take medications that reduce your saliva, you may be at greater risk of enamel erosion.

Often, patients don’t notice their enamel is beginning to erode. Sensitivity and pain are uncommon until the erosion grows severe.

Tooth Abrasion

Abrasion happens through friction. When an object slides or rubs against the surface of your tooth over and over, the enamel may begin to wear down.

Dental abrasion is common if you use a toothbrush with firm bristles, brush too hard, or use an abrasive toothpaste. Certain habits like chewing toothpicks and pens or holding hairpins between the teeth can also cause abrasion.

How Do You Spot Worn-Down Teeth?

If your enamel has begun to wear away, it might be hard to spot. In the early stages, you won’t see a difference in your smile at all.

Over time, however, the signs will grow more obvious.

When tooth wear affects the chewing surfaces of your teeth, you might notice that these surfaces look yellow or dull. Depending on how much of your enamel has been stripped away, you might have more sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

If there’s severe enamel loss, your teeth may begin to look shorter and shorter over time. The peaks of your teeth (also called “cusps”) may wear down, making your teeth look flatter.

When tooth wear affects the sides of your teeth, you might notice yellower or darker teeth when you smile. If the cause is abrasion, you may even see indentations in your teeth.

When erosion is the cause of your TSL, you’ll likely see damage all over your teeth, though it will be most obvious on their inner sides. Uniform discoloration is more common in these cases.

In the worst-case scenario, you might notice chipped edges or even fractures. This may happen as your enamel wears down severely, weakening the tooth. It’s also more common if you’re grinding your teeth (and thus putting excess force on them).

Can You Reverse Enamel Loss?

Eroded or damaged tooth enamel does not grow back. Because it isn’t a living tissue, your body will never make more of it on its own.

This is why it’s so crucial to catch TSL as early as possible.

Addressing the common causes above and getting preventative treatment can help you avoid nasty side effects like discomfort, sensitivity, and pain. Keeping your enamel healthy can also protect your teeth against future damage and decay.

Most toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other products that claim to address enamel loss will not regrow your enamel, though studies suggest that better treatments may be on the horizon.

Instead, most products help re-mineralize your teeth. By pushing calcium, phosphates, and fluoride into the tooth, they help the surface harden again, strengthening your existing enamel and lowering your risk of future TSL.

Treatment for Worn-Down Teeth

If you can’t regrow your enamel, what can you do? Don’t stress! There are plenty of ways your dentist can help with TSL.

Resin Bonding

When you’re dealing with mild enamel loss, your dentist may recommend resin bonding. With this procedure, they’ll apply a tooth-colored material to your teeth.

This protects the tooth and covers any discoloration or wear. Your dentist can also use resin to reshape the tooth if it has lost volume, chipped, or become malformed.

Porcelain Veneers

When you’re dealing with moderate to severe enamel loss that affects the front of your teeth, your dentist will likely recommend dental veneers, though implants are also an option. Veneers are hard tooth-colored shells that can cover, lengthen, and protect your teeth.

Porcelain Crowns

When your moderate to severe enamel loss has stripped away the chewing surfaces of your teeth, crowns are your best friends. These tooth-colored caps cover the tops of your teeth. They’re great for hiding discoloration and damage, lengthening the teeth, and restoring your smile.

Treat Your Enamel Loss Early

Here’s the bottom line: the best way to treat worn-down teeth is to stop them from getting damaged in the first place! If you’ve noticed signs of TSL, it’s crucial to reach out to a dental expert early. Fast treatment can protect the enamel you have left for a healthier, happier smile.

That’s where we come in! At Justice Dental, our experienced cosmetic dentists are here to help you restore and protect damaged teeth, no matter the issue. Contact us for an appointment at one of our Lexington dental clinics.