Did you know that more than half (57%) of Americans cover their mouths when they smile because they’re insecure about their teeth? If this sounds like you, take heart. Even if you’ve spent a lifetime lamenting how your grin looks, it’s never too late to enhance and improve it. When you know how to improve your smile from the inside out, you can start putting those steps into practice! 

Today, we’re sharing 10 tips to help you proudly display your pearly whites, both off and on camera. 

1. Start Flossing

If you want an attractive smile, flossing is one step you can’t afford to skip. Yet, a disheartening 32% of adults say they never do it!

Flossing not only removes plaque from between your teeth. It also keeps it from forming underneath your gumline. These are two places where your toothbrush can’t easily reach. 

Plaque and tartar can build up over time and develop into periodontal disease. To floss correctly, wrap the piece snugly around your finger and gently glide it between and around each tooth two to three times.

2. Try Teeth Whitening

Are you concerned about stained teeth? There are many reasons your smile might not be as bright as you’d like. These can include dietary choices, lifestyle habits, and even general older age. 

Thankfully, there are teeth whitening services that can help. This is a type of cosmetic dentistry that brightens your teeth back to their natural white appearance. The procedure is quick, painless, and delivers impressive results. 

In our office, we offer traditional whitening services and an innovative procedure called KoR Whitening that enhances your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. This one procedure often lightens smiles up to 16 shades or more! 

3. Don’t Skip Dental Appointments

There’s a reason why your dentist recommends coming in for a regular checkup at least twice a year. A routine cleaning every six months is essential to maintaining your oral health. 

Without thorough cleaning, your teeth and gums can become irritated, swollen, and damaged. Your teeth can also become discolored. Not only are these conditions unsightly, but they can also lead to more serious health issues such as stroke, diabetes, and sleep apnea. 

At each appointment, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They’ll also screen you for health concerns, such as oral cancer. 

4. Ask About Veneers

Are you self-conscious about your smile because your teeth are cracked, damaged, or otherwise misshapen? If so, be sure to ask your dentist about veneers. These are a great way to conceal a variety of imperfections, including: 

• Discolored teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Worn-down teeth
• Misshapen or uneven teeth
• Gaps in teeth

Veneers are thin pieces of different kinds of porcelain fitted over each tooth. They adhere tightly, so the final result looks and functions just like normal — but better. 

5. Stop Smoking

There’s no way around it. If you want a vibrant smile, it’s time to kick your smoking habit to the curb.

In addition to all of the ways they can damage your overall health, cigarettes can also stain your teeth. This includes superficial, surface-level stains as well as deeper discoloration that seeps into your enamel. In addition, smoking can also damage your gums, causing them to recede and leaving large pockets around your teeth. 

6. Look Into Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be tempted to hide your smile. Whether the loss was due to tooth decay, injury, gum disease, or any other ailment, the good news is that there are treatments that can help, such as dental implants. 

These are synthetic structures placed in the area where your tooth once was, centered on the root. As they fuse with your jawbone, they create a foundation upon which your dentist will place a dental crown or permanent bridge. Dental implants can drastically improve your quality of life, making it easier to speak, chew, and live in confidence. 

7. Upgrade Your Toothbrush

Are you still cleaning your teeth with the same toothbrush you had last year? If so, it’s time to toss it. When you do, go ahead and upgrade, too.

Electric toothbrushes can help you remove more plaque and keep your gums healthy. While they may cost more than their manual counterparts, they’re a worthy investment. While the bodies are designed to last for years, you can easily swap out the heads when it’s time for a refresh (after three months or so). 

8. Drink Lots of Water

It might sound silly, but drinking a significant amount of water throughout the day is a great way to keep your smile looking fresh! Not only does it do wonders for your overall health, but it also helps gently wash away bacteria from your teeth so they can stay clean and look their best. 

9. Fine-Tune Your Brushing Technique 

You already know that you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. However, are you sure you’re brushing the right way? It’s easy to get off-track, especially if you’re in a hurry. 

To achieve optimal results, tilt the bristles of your brush at a 45-degree angle. Then, brush with a gentle amount of pressure, pressing just enough to make your gum tissue slightly lighter. Instead of sweeping motions, make small strokes instead, focusing on just a few teeth at a time. 

10. Follow Treatment Recommendations

We get it. No one loves coming in to get a cavity filled! Yet, it’s important to heed your dentist’s advice when it comes to these necessary dental treatments. A small amount of tooth decay can quickly transform from a small cavity into a large, painful abscess. 

When that happens, you’ll need more than just a filling. Instead, you’ll likely require a root canal and crown. By taking a proactive approach and treating these issues early, you can keep your teeth structurally intact and lower the price of your treatments. 

We Know How to Improve Your Smile

Everyone deserves to feel bold and beautiful when they smile. If you’re currently hiding yours, let us help! Our team at Justice Dental knows how to improve your smile, and we’d love to help you put these tips into practice.

At our two Lexington locations, we provide a variety of dental treatments and services, including general, cosmetic, and surgical procedures. To learn more and schedule a visit, contact us today!

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, about 15% of Americans with missing teeth get dentures each year. If you’ve lost any of your teeth over time, you may want to consider joining them. The best Lexington dentist will be able to help you with getting dentures. But you will need to spend some time learning about the different types of dentures before picking out the ones that’ll be the right option for you. It’ll help you embrace the many benefits of dentures from the start.

So, what are the different types of dentures, and how exactly should you go about choosing dentures? We’ve created a guide that’ll help you pick the right ones out.

Discover how to choose dentures through the best Lexington dentist below.

Begin by Finding the Best Lexington Dentist

If you know you might need to go through the process of getting dentures soon, you may be tempted to jump online to start learning about the different types of dentures right away. But you’ll be making a mistake if you take this approach to buying dentures.

Prior to doing any research on dentures, you should search for the best Lexington dentist. They’ll be able to guide you down the right path as you seek to choose the dentures that’ll prove to be a perfect fit for you.

There is certainly no shortage of options in the U.S. today, as there are more than 200,000 dentists throughout the country at the moment. This includes quite a few options in the Lexington area.

Your job will be to find one that has a wealth of experience, especially when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and dentures in particular. A dentist like this will be able to speak with you at length about getting dentures and can even offer up advice on which ones to choose.

Check Out the Different Types of Dentures

Once you have the best Lexington dentist in your corner, you can start to educate yourself on the different types of dentures that are out there. You may be surprised to see how many of them there are.

Some of the types of dentures that’ll be available to you will include:

• Traditional complete dentures
• Partial dentures
• Implant-supported dentures
• Snap-in dentures
• Custom dentures

In some cases, it’ll be relatively obvious which type of dentures you need. If, for example, you’re missing just about all your teeth, traditional complete dentures might be the only real option for you.

But there will also be other instances in which you might be able to choose from any number of types of dentures. This will be when you’ll need to put some real thought into it and select the best option of the bunch.

Consider the Right Factors When Choosing Dentures

There will be a handful of different factors you’ll need to consider when you’re choosing dentures. The current condition of your teeth will be one of the top factors, but it’ll be far from the only factor you’ll need to keep in mind.

Here are several other factors that should be considered when you’re comparing the different types of dentures and trying to choose one over all the rest:

• Your specific comfort level when it comes to wearing dentures
• Your budget for buying dentures
• The dental requirements you’ll need to meet to wear certain types of dentures

Each of these factors will play a big part in which dentures will be the right ones for you. Make sure you take each of them into account as you set out to decide which dentures you’d like to buy.

See How to Care for the Various Kinds of Dentures

From the second that you start wearing dentures, you’re going to need to get yourself into the habit of maintaining them. If you fail to clean your dentures in the right way, it’ll lead to you having to replace them much sooner than expected.

Ideally, you’ll want to choose dentures that will be very easy to care for at all times. At the very least, you should make it a point to see what the maintenance associated with each type of denture is like. It’ll let you know what you’ll be in for if you decide to go with one kind of denture over the others.

Talk to Your Trusted Dentist About Dentures

If you’ve never had dentures before, you’ll likely have a million and one questions about them. You’ll wonder what will keep them in place, what they’ll be made out of, and so much more.

It’s one more reason why it’s worth taking your time when you’re trying to track down the best Lexington dentist. You’ll be able to run any and all questions you have about dentures by this dentist to make yourself feel more comfortable about getting them.

In a perfect world, you’ll also be able to continue to see this dentist as you move forward so that they can help you take great care of your dentures. You’ll appreciate having the best Lexington dentist around on your side since they’ll be ready to help you at every turn.

Contact Us to Get Help With Getting Dentures

Do you believe you could benefit from getting dentures? Then Justice Dental will be the best Lexington dentist for you.

We invite you to visit either of our Lexington offices to get more information on buying dentures. We can walk you through the different types of dentures and let you know which ones might be the best choice for you based on everything from the condition of your teeth to your personal budget. We even offer financing options for those who would like to take advantage of them.

Reach out to us now to schedule a consultation with the best Lexington dentist.

The market for dentistry services in the United States is worth more than $172 billion every single year! Throughout the country, there are almost 200,000 independent dental offices. It is difficult to think of many industries that do as much to decrease suffering and improve health as modern dentistry. At the same time, some people end up spending more on dental services than necessary because they do not invest in preventive dentistry.

However, the advantages of preventive dentistry go well beyond saving money. Read on to learn all about preventive dentistry and some of the biggest benefits it can provide!

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Some people do not visit the dentist until they become aware of a specific problem with their oral health. However, this is the exact opposite approach of preventive dentistry. Preventive dentistry is a type of dentistry that focuses on keeping dental problems from ever occurring in the first place.

One of the most important aspects of preventive dentistry is maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home. After all, no matter how skilled your dentist is, they cannot keep your teeth clean between visits.

However, even great cleaning at home is not enough to ensure that your oral health stays in top condition. It is important to combine good oral hygiene habits at home with regular dental visits. That way, you can enjoy easy dental visits with few oral health problems that need resolving. 

Avoid Oral Health Problems With Preventive Dental Care

Keep in mind that it is impossible to undo damage to your teeth. Modern dentistry is effective at filling in cavities and preventing any further damage from occurring. However, this will not actually restore your teeth to their original pristine condition.

The damage done to your teeth is often permanent. That is why investing in preventive dentistry is so valuable. 

Save Money With Preventive Dental Health Practices

Another big advantage of investing in preventive Dentistry is that you can save money. If all your dentist needs to do during visits is examine your teeth before declaring that you are good to go, you will not accrue many extra dental expenses.

On the other hand, if your dentist discovers serious problems with your oral health, it will cost you more and more money to resolve these problems. This goes double because problems that start out small can quickly develop into bigger issues.

For example, if you develop a health problem with your gums, that can lead to a greater likelihood of developing cavities. Spending a few minutes each day on oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly can save you thousands of dollars over the years!

Improve Overall Health by Visiting a Local Dentist

Many people do not appreciate how interconnected the body is. They think of visiting the dentist as only good for their oral health. However, health problems with your mouth can cause health problems around the body.

For example, many studies have found that poor oral health can lead to heart disease. Scientists have also discovered a link between oral health and diabetes and even strokes.

Improve Your Appearance With Quality Dental Services

Scheduling regular visits to your dentist can help you keep your smile as beautiful as possible. If you develop cavities, your dentist can always help you fill them in. However, the more cavities you develop, the more fillings will affect the appearance of your teeth.

It is also worth keeping in mind that dentists can help you manage the early signs of discoloration or staining. Visiting the dentist for preventive services can help you catch these problems before they develop to an irreversible degree.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Many people find it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene habits. However, your dentist can encourage and remind you to keep up with your oral health routines. They have a lot of experience helping people who struggle to maintain their brushing and flossing habits.

Whatever is keeping you from maintaining consistent oral hygiene practices, they can probably help you come up with a solution.

Dentists are also familiar with all of the latest tools for keeping our mouths clean. Your dentist can help you find whichever tools are the most convenient for your situation as well as the most effective.

On top of that, you may not always realize when you are neglecting a certain aspect of your oral health. People who do not study dentistry do not always recognize the early signs of oral health problems. Your dentist can help you identify issues that you may not yet have noticed.

On the other hand, if you wait a long time before seeing the dentist, problems might develop for a long time before you find out about them. By the time your dentist discovers these issues for you, it may be too late to prevent serious oral health problems from happening in the first place. In the long run, it is better for your health and your wallet to visit the dentist regularly.

Understand the Importance of Preventive Dentistry

We hope that learning about some of the most important reasons to invest in preventive dentistry has been helpful for you. The more you know about preventive dentistry, the easier it will be to understand why waiting around for oral health problems to show up is a much worse strategy. You will enjoy improved oral health and comfort by keeping oral health problems from ever occurring in the first place.

To learn more about how to find the best dental care for you, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!

Did you know that 90% of adults over the age of 20 have at least one cavity? It’s obviously not uncommon to get cavities, even if you are taking care of your teeth. It seems to just be a fact of life. We all know that brushing our teeth is essential for good oral hygiene, but do we know how to brush correctly? Many of us make common teeth brushing mistakes when it comes to brushing our teeth, which can lead to poor dental health and even cavities.

But don’t worry. Keep reading and learn from these 7 tooth brushing mistakes so you can develop a healthy oral hygiene routine and keep your smile looking its best.

7 Teeth Brushing Mistakes Everyone Makes

Now, let’s jump in and explore these 7 common teeth-brushing mistakes. They include:

1. Brushing too Hard

Brushing your teeth too hard can have very serious consequences for dental health over an extended period. An important aspect to remember with brushing your teeth is that gentle motions are far more effective than harder, vigorous ones. Circular, light strokes are much better for plaque removal than aggressive scrubbing.

Doing this will ensure your pearly whites stay in tip-top condition. Take some time when you brush and make sure you’re doing it correctly: be mindful of the pressure being applied, use gentle movements and take good care of your smile!

2. Not Brushing Long Enough

Many people often find themselves in a rush to finish their brushing routine, leaving some teeth surfaces uncleaned. Unfortunately, this could have long-lasting detrimental effects on your oral health. To ensure you are adequately cleaning your entire mouth, you should take your time when brushing and always know that two minutes of activity is sufficient!

Two minutes spent brushing allows enough time to focus on the top, bottom, and sides of each tooth while also focusing on the front and back surfaces. A great way to make sure you’re not missing any areas is to divide your mouth into four quadrants and spend thirty seconds on each quadrant of your mouth.

Doing so will leave you feeling confident that you did a thorough job of preventing plaque and decay!

3. Not Replacing Your Toothbrush Regularly

Regularly changing your toothbrush is an extremely important part of your oral hygiene routine. Over time, the bristles on your brush become frayed and deformed, meaning that brushing is not only less effective but may even cause damage to your teeth and gums.

Additionally, bacteria can build up on the brush and be reintroduced into your mouth every time you use it – not something any of us want! For best results, dental professionals recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. That way, you always have a clean brush and can make sure your oral health remains at its peak!

4. Not Cleaning Your Toothbrush Thoroughly

Taking good care of your toothbrush is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. You must rinse your toothbrush with hot water after each use, as this will help get rid of any food particles or germs that may be lingering on the bristles.

On top of that, don’t forget to clean your toothbrush handle regularly too; it may come in contact with bacteria from surfaces like your sink or bathroom counter, so make sure to give it a quick wash now and then. Taking these simple steps will help keep your toothbrush in the best condition, ensuring you get a thorough brushing every time you use it!

5. Brushing Immediately After Eating or Drinking

Eating and drinking can provide energy and enjoyment to our day, but it’s essential to remember that both of these activities can affect the health of our teeth. Some foods and drinks are high in acid content, which increases the acidity in the mouth, making enamel brittle and easily erodible.

To protect your teeth from damage, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth. While this may be a difficult thing to remember when you want to get rid of any leftover flavors quickly, doing so will help ensure that you keep your teeth healthy for years to come.

6. Not Flossing Regularly

Staying on top of oral hygiene doesn’t just mean brushing – flossing is also a crucial part of making sure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Flossing helps to remove trapped food particles and plaque that can build up between teeth and areas that may be difficult for a toothbrush to reach.

Though it may be easy to forget this part of oral health care, it’s important not to skip flossing, especially if you know have braces or other dental work. To make flossing easier, try using an interdental brush or selecting flossing flavors you enjoy; and if necessary, break up the task into smaller chunks by flossing while brushing each day. Remember: healthy teeth are worth the effort!

7. Not Using Fluoride Toothpaste

Choosing not to use fluoride toothpaste can have far-reaching consequences on the health and well-being of your oral hygiene. When it comes to protection against tooth decay, fluoride makes all the difference. Studies have shown that this chemical helps strengthen enamel and shield teeth against dangerous bacteria and food particles that can accumulate on teeth over time.

To ensure that you are using one of the most reliable forms of toothpaste, check for products that show a seal from the American Dental Association. This stamp acts as an assurance that a dentist has looked over this product and given it their full endorsement. By being mindful of these things, you’ll ensure better breath and an overall healthier smile for years to come.

Find a Dentist in Lexington, KY

With this teeth brushing guide, hopefully, you have a better idea of how to brush your teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. By following these tips, you’ll be on the right track to improving your dental routine.

Another thing you can do is invest in professional teeth cleaning. You can contact us at Justice Dental to set up an appointment. Your smile will thank you!

How do you feel about your teeth?

It’s okay if you’re not satisfied with your smile. That’s what we’re here for. Offering you a new smile is one of the best things we can do as your cosmetic dentist in Lexington KY.

If you’re looking for a simple solution that promises great results, veneers are a great option. With their durability and gorgeous appearance, your teeth will be in the best shape of their life.

We’ve put together a guide on the benefits of dental veneers here. Continue reading to see how veneers add to your smile and to your life.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are porcelain shells made to fit directly over your original teeth in order to hide cracks, discoloration, gaps, or uneven tooth structure.

Veneers do not mimic dentures in the way that they’re permanent and meant to fix to your natural teeth.

Veneers are custom-made by your dentist to match your existing teeth perfectly, allowing you to have a natural, white smile. These porcelain or composite caps slide over your teeth to improve their appearance effortlessly.

Dental veneers are permanently fixed to your teeth in a worry-free, easy procedure that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.

Veneers: Benefits and Side Effects

Some benefits of veneers are that they’re a quick fix, they improve your tooth structure, and they’ll make you want to take care of your teeth even more. 

Side effects that you might have include slight tooth sensitivity, you won’t be able to replace your veneers, and that you’ll have to avoid certain foods or drinks. 

However, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to veneers–let’s look at some great benefits veneers have to offer.

Veneers Are an Instant Fix

The best thing about dental veneers is that they’re usually a 2-step procedure. 

Your dentist will usually schedule several appointments with you to start your process of getting veneers. You will start by getting an imprint of your teeth and molding the veneers, and the next visit will be to put your veneers on.

The great thing about this is that your veneers will be fixed onto your teeth in no time–rather than some other cosmetic dental problems that take months or even years to fix.

They’re Just Like Natural Teeth

Veneers are great in the way that they look and function just like your natural teeth do. 

You’ll treat your veneers the same way as your normal teeth by brushing and flossing as much as usual. Avoiding dark drinks and food as well as difficult things to chew will help keep your veneers looking and functioning as they should.

Porcelain veneers are extremely durable and beneficial. Even with the aftercare for these new teeth, you can be confident that your veneers aren’t going anywhere.

Veneers Hide Imperfections

If you’re struggling with chipped teeth, gaps, or discolorations in your smile, veneers might be a great way to help you gain back your confidence. 

Veneers cover your original teeth with a coating of natural-looking porcelain to match your neighboring teeth, allowing you to hide discolored or chipped teeth.

If you want to get just one veneer or several, choosing veneers for confidence purposes is perfectly normal.

They Improve Your Tooth Structure

Gaps in your teeth can cause some inconsistencies within your tooth structure, especially for those teeth fronting your smile.

Getting dental veneers to fill those gaps will improve the way your teeth look by giving you a constant pearly-white strip. This will also help with chewing food by reducing gaps in your mouth. This results in an easier way of life and less stress on you.

Dental Veneers Boost Your Confidence

A perfect smile is a perfect way to boost your confidence. 

Veneers help boost appearances by molding to your natural smile, enhancing your teeth in a subtle way. Not only do dental veneers match your teeth, but they also whiten them naturally.

While veneers are whiter than natural teeth, the color match that your dentist does ensures that your full smile will look even whiter than before. 

When fitting veneers, you’ll be able to approve your new smile. You may decide that you want the perfect smile, but remember that everyone’s smile is perfect in its own way. Veneers only help that!

You’ll Take Better Care of Your Teeth

It’s common for those with veneers to take even better care of their teeth than before. 

Like natural enamel, veneers are susceptible to discoloration or chips. However, people with veneers take more care of their new teeth because of the desire to keep their smile looking as great as ever. You can say yes to beautiful teeth and better oral hygiene.

What Does a Procedure Look Like?

The great thing about putting veneers on your teeth is that the procedure is a simple, minimally invasive operation. Your dentist will fit your veneers, shave the front surface of the treated teeth down, and put your new teeth on with a special concreting agent.

You’ll need little to no anesthesia for this procedure and you’ll be able to walk away with a brand-new smile.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Veneers function just like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss exactly the same that you would normally. Because these mimic your natural teeth, you can expect to see them last about 10 to 20 years.

Keeping your veneers safe from excessive stains caused by dark foods and drinks will also help them last longer in terms of their appearance. 

Getting Veneers at Your Cosmetic Dentist in Lexington KY

Veneers offer a plethora of benefits for those who get them–so if you’re considering it, you should go ahead and get a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Lexington KY.

Getting fit for your new teeth will change your smile and your life. All it takes is a step in the right direction.

If this article helped you learn more about veneers and the benefits they offer, take a look at our Veneer Dental Resources.