We get a lot of questions at our McAllen orthodontic practice, A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, from patients asking if they can get braces, even though they have missing teeth. The answer is a resounding YES! How Braces Can Help With Missing Teeth There are several situations where orthodontics can help with missing teeth. For example, children can have malocclusions that can disrupt their jaw growth or delay eruption of their adult teeth. In a case like this, early orthodontic treatment can … [Read more...]
How Dental Braces Have Progressed
We’ve come a long way and have made several high tech advancements in the area of orthodontic braces. There was a time that just the mention of braces would make both the parents and the child shudder. Parents knew their child was going to have to endure pain and discomfort. and the child knew he was going to be faced with ridicule for his “metal mouth.” But those days are long gone. By understanding how braces have changed over the years, you as a parent can rest easy knowing that your child … [Read more...]
Are Dental Sealants Necessary For Adults?
Dental sealants are often useful in children, especially those who still have trouble with maintaining proper dental hygiene routines or have a high-sugar diet. However, it is only a misconception that dental sealants are only necessary during childhood. In fact, age may have no impact at all on a patient’s need for a dental sealant. Sealants may be a necessary option for many adults who are considered high-risk for cavities or tooth decay. A dental sealant aims to cover indentions and … [Read more...]
Notch in Tooth Near Gum Line
Whether it’s discovered by a dentist or stumbled upon while brushing or flossing, many people notice a small notch, or dent, in their tooth near the gum line. This notch wears a number of different masks depending on the situation. For some people, the notch is large and causes sensitivity and pain. Some people find that the notch causes consistent pain or seems to have a cavity. For others, the notch goes easily unnoticed and is small enough not to pose cosmetic concerns. However, the severity … [Read more...]
Dental Plaque Defeated by Red Wine?
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that produce acid, stripping away the covering of the teeth and promoting gum disease and tooth loss. Dentists struggle with gum disease and it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. I asked a San Antonio dentist one time that if I had to choose between brushing and flossing- which would he recommend? He commented that such a choice is going to be bad for my teeth either way, but in his estimation flossing was more important. Gum disease is a … [Read more...]
Dental Health 101: Ten Tips for Parents of Kids with Smiles
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month - a time for parents to focus on healthful habits and practices to ensure that their children enjoy a lifetime of beautiful smiles and healthy well-being. “Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases, and can cause problems that continue into later life,” says veteran a San Antonio cosmetic dentist. “The dental health of a child should be a top priority for parents, starting even before a baby is born.” Ten tips for … [Read more...]