dentist in Provo

Overlapping Teeth Can Be Corrected for a Beautiful Smile in Provo

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentistry

how to fix overlapping teeth Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we provide advanced cosmetic dentistry. That means we correct all types of smile shortcomings.

Overlapping teeth are fairly common. And while many individuals don’t mind a slight overlap, others feel self-conscious and would like it corrected.

What causes teeth to overlap?

Genetics or thumbsucking as a toddler can bring about overlapping teeth. Of course, some kids have teeth that just came in that way.

The mouth may be too small to fit all the teeth properly. Or having upper and lower jaws that don’t fit together can be a factor. In addition, an injury can knock the upper and lower jaw out of alignment. In some cases, missing teeth or extra teeth (such as wisdom teeth) can lead to an overlap.

Unfortunately, overlapping teeth can cause oral dilemmas.

When does it become important to correct overlapping teeth?

  • Overlapping teeth cause a lisp,
  • make chewing or speaking difficult,
  • result in jaw pain,
  • trigger tooth grinding or clenching,
  • and cause the person to bite their inner cheeks.

Certainly, there are benefits to fixing overlapping teeth in addition to cosmetic reasons.

How can you fix overlapping teeth? There are several methods for correcting overlapping teeth. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Discuss them with your dentist or orthodontist.

Are traditional braces the only way to fix overlapping teeth?

There are a few different types of braces available for correcting overlapping teeth:

How long does it take to fix overlapping teeth?

The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the overlap and other factors. However, in most cases, it can take at least one year to fix overlapping teeth, depending on the treatment.

Are overlapping teeth causing you oral issues?

If overlapping teeth cause complications such as tooth or jaw pain, difficulty speaking clearly, or damaging oral habits, it is wise to consider correcting them. Correcting overlapping teeth can help eliminate bad habits like tooth grinding, clenching the teeth, and biting the cheeks.

Another thing to keep in mind is that teeth continue to shift with age. Therefore, if you fix an overlap as a child or teen, you will likely need a retainer to maintain the teeth’s position.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Straightening Smiles at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentistry

Straightening Smiles and Crooked Teeth at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Crooked teeth are known in the world of dentistry as “malocclusion.” Malocclusion can impact the aesthetics of your smile and may affect your overall oral health and enjoyment.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Orem area, we understand the significance of addressing crooked teeth to ensure our patient’s smiles are healthy, confident, and functional.

Understanding Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth can result from various factors, including genetics, inadequate jaw space, early childhood habits (such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use), or trauma to the mouth. Regardless of the cause, crooked teeth can lead to several oral health issues including:

Difficulty Cleaning: Misaligned teeth can create tight spaces and crevices that are challenging to clean effectively, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Even floss can be hard to get between crooked teeth, and sometimes this can cause pain that reduces motivation to floss.

Uneven Wear: Crooked teeth may experience uneven wear due to improper biting and chewing patterns, leading to premature wear and tear on tooth enamel and potential jaw joint problems.

Impaired Function: Malocclusion can affect bite alignment, causing difficulties with biting, chewing, and speaking properly. This can lead to discomfort, TMJ disorders, and even digestive issues.

Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we can help you assess your options for a range of treatments to address crooked teeth and achieve straighter, healthier smiles.

For example:

Orthodontic Treatment: Traditional braces or clear aligner therapy can gradually shift misaligned teeth into proper alignment, correcting bite issues and improving overall oral health and aesthetics.

Dental Appliances: In some cases, dental appliances such as retainers or space maintainers may be used to guide teeth into proper alignment, particularly in children whose jaws are still developing.

Cosmetic Dentistry: For mild cases of crooked teeth, cosmetic dental treatments such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be recommended to enhance the appearance of your smile and create the illusion of straighter teeth.

Regardless of which one is best for you, we can help you with a starting assessment and recommendations.

Benefits of Straightening Crooked Teeth

Straightening crooked teeth offers numerous benefits beyond aesthetics, including:

Improved Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Enhanced Functionality: Straight teeth promote proper bite alignment, improving chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and overall oral function.

Boosted Confidence: A straight, attractive smile can enhance self-esteem and confidence, positively impacting personal and professional relationships.

Crooked teeth can impact oral health, function, and self-confidence, but with modern dental treatments and techniques, achieving a straighter smile is more accessible than ever.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in the Orem area, our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans to address crooked teeth and help our patients achieve the healthy, beautiful smiles they deserve.

If you or a loved one are concerned about crooked teeth, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Not Your Mother’s Jewelry: 5 Reasons Tongue Piercings Are Dangerous

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

lip piercings Provo

Let’s get right to it; while tongue, cheek, and lip piercings are “so in” right now, here are five reasons from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo to keep piercings where they belong—in your ears:

  1. Excessive drooling—YIKES!
  2. Chipped teeth
  3. Infection
  4. Hypersensitivity to metal
  5. Nerve damage

Drooling

Lip and tongue piercings may make you look cool and edgy. They may express your personality and creativity. But they can cause frequent drooling. That may not be the look you’re going for.

Broken Teeth

Another vital reason to keep piercings away from your mouth, lips, and tongue, is because having any metal in your mouth can chip your teeth. This can happen while eating, drinking, or sleeping. Or even while playing with said piercing.

Do you already have a tooth that’s compromised? Repair these cracks early before more damage ensues.

Small chips in a tooth can be filled, or crowned. But often patients with piercings come in with more serious dilemmas. These may require a root canal or tooth extraction.

Infection

Beware of infection. When it comes to oral piercings, you have to watch the pierced area. Your mouth is a bacterial zoo, so to speak. Upon piercing anything in your mouth, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream. Neglecting appropriate brushing habits can lead to infection. As well as touching the piercing with dirty hands.

Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reaction to Metal

Many people love body jewelry. But too much of a good thing (like metal) can be bad. Having metal piercings can lead to hypersensitivity to any metal in your mouth, such as silverware. This is problematic for most men and women. (Stock up on plastic utensils!)

There is also the risk of an allergic reaction at the piercing site. If you know of a sensitivity to certain metals, you can get your piercing in a metal you aren’t allergic to. But you are still in jeopardy of the other risks discussed here.

Nerve Damage

Finally, there’s the risk of irreversible nerve damage. If the previous dangers don’t turn you off, this one should. Experiencing a numb tongue is usually temporary. But in extreme cases, like if you can’t stop playing with the piercing, it can become permanent.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Tooth Whitening: In-Office Or At Home?

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affordable teeth whitening Provo

If you are planning to whiten your teeth, the vital first step is to settle upon a whitening method. It may seem like there are a multitude of options, but it’s important to remember that they all employ a peroxide-based whitening solution. The difference lies in the strength of the bleaching solution and method of delivery. In-office whitening procedures generally use a solution with a relatively higher concentration of peroxide. In other words, it is stronger.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY and in-office teeth whitening.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Advantages
Generally less pricey
Doesn’t require a trip to your dentist in Provo
May cause less tooth sensitive and pain
At-Home Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
Takes longer to achieve desired level of lightening
Whitening appliances don’t protect gum tissue
Solution must be applied many times over a period of weeks

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Advantages
Pros
Same day results
Administered by a dental professional
Gum tissue is protected
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
More expensive

Did you know that in order to maintain the brightness achieved from an in-office teeth whitening treatment, a patient must follow up with at-home touch-ups? Therefore, a combination of in-office and DIY methods is often the most effective solution.

A note about non-professional teeth bleaching kiosks:
A few years ago during the height of the tooth-whitening craze, teeth whitening kiosks starting popping up in Orem area malls. Though some have closed their doors, a few remain in business. Dr. Hammond urges patients to avoid these establishments. There is little regulatory oversight and customers have no guarantee of the safety of their services or the qualifications of their employees. As always, it is essential to only trust your smile to cosmetic dentistry professionals.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry advises patients to meet with with their Provo dentist before starting any tooth bleaching regimen. An oral examination will help your dentist know if tooth whitening will deliver the results you are seeking. This is especially vital when you have tetracycline stains or multiple restorations.

 

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Don’t Let Poor Oral Health Take You Out Of The Game

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Categories: Dental Health

Utah County cosmetic dental and tooth implants

It’s hard to win a gold medal if you have a toothache. A recent study cited in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explored how poor oral health affects athletic performance at the elite level.

“More than 40% of athletes were bothered by their oral health with 28% reporting an impact on quality of life and 18% on training and performance.”1

The dental troubles experienced by Olympians and professional athletes are not any different than those found in the general population: tooth decay, dental erosion, periodontal disease, and inflammation around partially erupted wisdom teeth. It’s vital to note that these troubles are largely preventable.

Athletes are also at risk for mouth injuries suffered while competing or training.  Tooth trauma can prevent injured athletes from competing in the short term and cause ongoing complications down the road.

Whether you are an Olympic runner or a busy working mom who seems to be running all the time, dental health affects your overall health and quality of life. Don’t let your performance suffer because of poor oral health.

If it has been a while since you have had a dental exam, we invite you to schedule a check-up and cleaning by calling Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is located at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 in Provo, Utah. We provide general and cosmetic dental procedures including dental implants and porcelain veneers. You can read more about our services at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/patient-services/.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070

1Ashley, Di Iorio, Cole, Tanday, Needleman, “Oral health of elite athletes and association with performance: a systematic review,” British Journal of Sports Medicine, November 11, 2014, http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2014/11/11/bjsports-2014-093617.full?g=w_bjsm_open_tab, accessed on December 19, 2014

Can I Objectively Evaluate My Smile?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

esthetic smile design Utah County

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

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?

There are many problems that are generally considered to detract from brilliant 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.

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

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 seventy year-old 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 unprecedented cosmetic dentistry.

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 principals that are used in cosmetic dental smile makeovers. These include size, shape, alignment, proportion, color, and translucency. Furthermore, cosmetic dentists also consider the characteristics of the gums, lips, and facial features.

When you have a cosmetic dental consultation, you will be able to see how the critical elements work together to create a natural-looking, unforgettable smile. Bottom line? If you want to change your smile, you can! Schedule a consultation today by calling 801-374-0070.

What’s on Your Mind, Provo?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

porcelain veneers price Orem

Have you ever wondered:

How much will it cost me to get cosmetic dentistry?
Is there a practice near Orem that focuses on cosmetic dentistry?
Will my dental practice have caring professionals?

You are in luck. We can answer all three of those with very useful answers:

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry has answers about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, dental implants, dental restorations and so much more. We can discuss the cost of root canals, Invisalign braces or teeth whitening; we are here to answer your questions.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry practices cosmetic dentistry and is located right here in Provo at 3575 N 100 E.

Dr. Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry understand that people in the Utah County and American Fork areas are looking for good, caring, talented places to provide porcelain veneers, Invisalign, dental crowns and other such services. That’s why Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry brings exceptional skills to the table and says “Come in for a consultation today.”

We enjoy answering your questions about family dentistry, and hope you’ll be our next satisfied patient.

Contact us by phone at: 801-374-0070

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/

Why Do Provo Dentists Like Potatoes?

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Categories: Dental Health

Provo teeth bleaching best price

The reason dentists like potatoes is because they are so “filling,” ba-dum ching!

Lame joke, I know. But seriously, the wiser our patients in Lehi and Utah County are about what they eat, the easier it will be to care for their dear old teeth.

https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

It doesn’t have to be potatoes, but the mouth does request that we take a good look at what can be damaging and upsetting it.

The Sugar Problem
Sugars get converted by bacteria in the mouth to acids. It is the acids that begin to attack the enamel on the teeth and get the decay process started for Lehi people of all ages. Fruits have high water content which can dilute the effects of the sugars they contain and get the saliva flowing so they aren’t really no-nos. It’s the chocolate bars, hard candies, cookies, cakes and pies.

Acidic Food Coupling
Oranges, tomatoes, lemons and the like should be eaten as part of a meal to minimize the acidic effects. Utah County folks are wise to eat a variety of healthy foods such as cheeses, chicken, other meats, nuts and milk. The calcium and phosphorus will support tooth remineralization.

Timing of Meals
The more often you eat the more often your teeth are subject to the decay process. This can be tempered by choosing healthy snacks. And keep in mind, the later at night you eat the more likely you are to not only eat unhealthy foods, but to skip oral hygiene altogether.

I hope this blog helps with keeping you on the path to a healthy mouth and gives you something to think about if you’re interested in oral health or a smile makeover in Orem or Provo, Utah.

I’m Dr. Hammond DDS at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. If cosmetic dentistry, including the cost of veneers, the cost of implants, teeth whitening and the like interest you, call 801-374-0070 to set up a consultation. We can discuss anything from cosmetic dentistry to dental implants. Our caring staff is ready to make you comfortable.

We can offer our friends from Utah County mini implants or porcelain veneers if they want it. We can schedule patients from Lehi for sedation dentistry or dental crowns right here in our office. Provo customers are always welcome to check into Invisalign. Don’t hesitate to make the call.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
http://www.sedationdentistsprovo.com/

Express Your Personality With A Smile Makeover

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

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What makes up a perfect smile? White teeth? Straight teeth? Teeth with pleasing proportions relative to one another? A stunning smile is more than the sum of its parts. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we believe that your perfect smile also contains another element – your unique personality.

What is a smile makeover? Is is a combination of procedures that remedy any problems with your existing smile. First off, we look at the health of your teeth. If you have cavities, we take care of those first. Oral health is paramount.

Then, Dr. Hammond become cosmetic dental artists, using all the cutting-edge treatments available. Modern cosmetic dentistry offers a multitude of tooth restoration treatments. On the least invasive end we have dental bonding and inlays/onlays. These can often be completed in just one visit. Porcelain veneers can remedy small imperfections such as chips. A veneer can also correct the shape of a tooth that is misaligned.

If you have teeth that are not structurally sound, you may need a dental crown. The crowns we provide at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo blend perfectly with your existing teeth. No “chiclet” effect where the crown sticks out like a sore thumb.

What if you have a tooth that is completely missing? Ask us about dental implants. This permanent tooth restoration is actually anchored into the jawbone, offering strength, natural function, and protection from bone recession. With a tooth implant, there is no need to damage the two adjacent teeth as is necessary for a dental bridge.

There are a variety of dental braces available for our Provo patients who need orthodontic treatment. Ask us about invisible braces, lingual braces and fast braces.

Perhaps your greatest need is to repair prior dental work performed elsewhere. We can remove old silver fillings and replace with natural tooth colored fillings and replace broken dental crowns.

The crowning touch? Tooth whitening.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

“Have Your Dessert, Provo”

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Categories: Dental Health

Have Your Dessert Provo

Your Provo dentist knows that it’s too much to ask that you never indulge in sugary treats, but they will tell you that eating sweets at certain times is better for your teeth than others. For instance, when you eat a full meal, your saliva production increases. This helps to rinse food particles from your mouth as well as neutralize the acids that cause plaque.

This is great news for dessert lovers in the Orem, Utah County, and Provo areas because it means that sweets consumed after meals have a lower risk to your teeth because your mouth is already in optimum cleansing mode.

Provo dentists agree that sweets after meals are preferable to sweets eaten between meals as snacks.

Also remember that what sweets you eat can be as important as when you eat them. Provo dentists are constantly reminding their dental patients that sticky candies stay on your teeth for a long time, even when your saliva is flowing. And hard candies that you suck on for an extended time give bacteria a perfect environment to create enamel-weakening acids.

We are Dr. Hammond, and we are a team of dentists in Provo. Our practice is called Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry and is located at 3575 N 100 E in Provo.

Our caring staff is here to help you have the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible. We provide general and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as tooth whitening, veneers, short term braces, inlays and onlays.

We are currently accepting new patients, call today to book an appointment!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/