Clear braces

Take 5: Straight Talk About Braces

Posted on
Categories: Beautiful smile, Braces, Clear braces, Cosmetic Dentistry

invisible braces ProvoHello, I’m Dr. Chris Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. I support healthy oral hygiene and regular, consistent check-ups. Hygiene for braces is a bit different.

Here are five important concerns to keep in mind with braces:

1. Be Careful What You Eat
Sweets and extra food stuck in hard-to-notice spaces may lead to plaque and yellowing around the appliances in your mouth. Avoid sweets, juices, sodas, anything that will stain your teeth. Also, sticky things like gum and caramel can break the equipment in your mouth.

2. Consider a Mouthguard
Sports are the center of life for many Provo families. We’re an active community. I love that. A quality mouthguard provides important protection for both your teeth and braces.

3. Take Time for Gum Health
Maintaining healthy gums requires deliberate brushing and flossing. In the past, two minutes of quality brushing was acceptable. Braces are trickier to clean. What’s another minute to make sure every nook and cranny is taken care of?

4. Check the Mirrors
Humans are exceptional at noticing flaws. Check your smile often in a mirror to keep your braces free of obvious food particles.

5. Smile with Confidence
At first, people will notice the change in your smile. But if you’re relaxed about your new braces, soon your friends will simply look past them without even noticing.

Thanks for visiting my blog today, hope it helps.

I’ve been treating patients in Orem, American Fork, Lehi, and beyond since 1967. You name it – dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry—we do it.

Meet with me today and we can go over the possibilities and uncomplicated options to meet your needs. Can’t wait to see you!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Suspect A Bite Problem?

Posted on
Categories: Clear braces, Cosmetic Dentistry

malocclusion examination Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we know that a common dental problem tends to go undiagnosed for years. This is because people chalk it up to genetics and don’t even realize it’s a problem. The problem we’re talking about is, of course, malocclusion. 

Literally meaning “bad bite,” it is a term coined by Edward Angle, a pioneer in modern orthodontics. Malocclusion is fairly common in the population as a whole but often, the misalignment is so slight that it causes no issues. Sometimes, however, it can cause symptoms like headaches, neck pain, and tooth pain.

When you combine multiple teeth on two arches and a jaw joint with a considerable range of motion, it is easy to see how these elements can fail to align properly. In fact, it is a wonder that they work correctly for most people – allowing them to talk, eat, and breathe without giving it a second thought.

There are many causes of malocclusion – some originating with the teeth and some originating with the jaw. Misshapen teeth, extracted teeth, impacted teeth, crowded teeth, and widely spaced teeth can influence the bite. Injury to the jaw can also cause malocclusion as well as improperly fitting restorations and other dental appliances.

Children with a normal bite can develop bite dilemmas with prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking, or bottle drinking. In rarer cases, oral tumors can move a bite out of alignment.

The treatment for malocclusion depends on the cause. Invisalign® clear braces can move teeth into alignment to fix bite issues. Overcrowding often requires extraction of one or more teeth. Misshapen teeth that affect the bite can often be corrected with crowns or dental bonding.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we are ready to discuss your options and design a dental plan to deal with your malocclusion. Don’t hesitate. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to us for cosmetic and general dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

ArticleID 6975

Nearly Invisible Teeth Straightening

Posted on
Categories: Clear braces, Invisalign Invisible Braces

Clear Braces - Nearly Invisible Teeth Straightening for Provo AdultsAre you considering orthodontia to straighten your teeth? There are several varieties of braces on the market today, such as Invisalign clear braces, available from Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo.

The current menu of orthodontic treatments requires a whole new glossary.

Clear Braces and Lingual Braces

Clear braces look a lot like an athlete’s mouth guard. Over many months, the patient wears a series of different clear braces that gradually bring their bite into proper alignment. People love them not only because they’re almost undetectable. They also come out at meal time and when you brush your teeth.

Lingual braces are sometimes described as ‘braces behind the teeth.’ They can be just as effective at realigning adult teeth as the traditional ‘metal and wires’ kind but are almost completely hidden. Many adults and teens who straighten their teeth choose this type of orthodontia.

Traditional and Clear Retainers

Once a patient has completed treatment, retainers must be worn regularly to keep the beautiful straight teeth in their corrected position. There are several types of retainers available. The time-tested Hawley retainer consists of a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and keeps them from shifting. The metal wire is attached to a molded acrylic form that fits snugly in the upper mouth (palate) or lower mouth.

Clear retainers are newer on the orthodontic scene. They cover the teeth like a see-through glove and do not need metal bows or clasps. Some orthodontic patients prefer clear retainers.

At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo, we provide clear braces from Invisalign. We also offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services that upgrade your smile. Make an appointment with us today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 1269

Kids Who Like Dental Visits?

Posted on
Categories: Clear braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental Implants, Family Dentistry, Invisalign Invisible Braces, Porcelain Veneers

friendly children

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we are proud of the fact that the majority of our young patients like visiting our office for their checkups, cleanings, and treatments. We believe that establishing a relationship with an experienced, friendly dentist is a vital responsibility for parents.

The Oral Health-Physical Health Connection

Optimal physical health for children is impossible without the oral health component. Though this fact seems obvious, dental caries in children is a national epidemic, and, for the most part, is preventable. Regular checkups are just as critical as well child exams and immunizations.

The health of your child’s teeth and gums influences their speech development, eating habits, academic success, mental health, and social relationships. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we love working with you and your child to establish habits that ensure a healthy smile for life.

The Good News

Today’s children are far less fearful of the dentist than their grandparents’ generation. Part of the reason is that today’s dental tools have advanced significantly and rarely cause any pain. If you are old enough to remember the whining dental drills of fifty years ago, you probably have a greater appreciation for the technological discoveries that make dental treatment far more pleasant than in years past.

But advanced tools are not the only reason that our youngest patients look forward to dental visits. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, there is a friendly atmosphere that puts patients of all ages at ease. If you are looking for a top dentist for your child, rest assured that our caring team will make your child feel comfortable during their dental visit.

When Should A Child Have Their First Dental Checkup?

We counsel parents to bring their toddler in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth erupts. During the initial visit, we can review dental treatments such as sealants, fluoride treatments, brushing and flossing techniques, and orthodontics.

Bring Your Questions

We also give moms and dads guidance about thumb-sucking, pacifiers, and other habits that affect dental health.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we specialize in porcelain veneers and clear braces from Invisalign. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

15 Things You Didn’t Know About Teeth

Posted on
Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Clear braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Sedation Dentistry

suprising tooth facts Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo, we are committed to the the dental health of each and every one of our patients. We also share as much information as possible. With that in mind, here are some things about teeth that you may not have known.

  • Children’s teeth are soft until about age 10.
  • A tooth with a crown can get a cavity.
  • Your gum tissue is as vital as your teeth.
  • Some prescription drugs can increase your risk of dental caries.
  • Some home faucet water filters remove fluoride.
  • 19 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 19 have untreated tooth decay.
  • Heartburn can be bad for teeth.
  • Allergies can cause tooth grinding.
  • Dried fruit is just as bad for teeth as sticky candy.
  • Tooth enamel cannot repair itself though dentin and cementum (the substance that surrounds the tooth root) are capable of partial regeneration.
  • A Harvard-led team recently used low-powered lasers to activate stem cells and stimulate the growth of teeth in rats and human dental tissue in a lab.
  • There are about 300 types of bacteria in your mouth.
  • Chewing sugarless gum after meals can help remove food particles on your teeth. You still need to brush, but if you can’t brush immediately after meals, sugarless gum can help keep your teeth clean.
  • Cavities often don’t cause pain until they have reached the root and nerve of the tooth. Visit your dentist regularly to prevent cavities or at least to detect them when they are small.
  • Bone recession can cause tooth loss even if no decay is present.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide a wide range of services. That includes dental implants, clear braces from Invisalign, and porcelain veneers. For those patients coping with dental anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry. Make an appointment with us today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Posted on
Categories: Braces, Clear braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, General Dentistry, Invisalign Invisible Braces

Lehi tooth implants cost

Looking into how much dental implants cost and getting a straight answer can be frustrating. But there is a reason for that.

It can be confusing to research the cost of getting a dental implant and finding nothing solid. Let us take a moment to explain why most dental sites don’t publish the cost.

1. The Math Might Come Out Higher Than Expected
The number of teeth being replaced may be more than the number of implants needed to cover that section of the mouth. Tooth implant dentists want to offer accurate pricing rather than scare you away with higher estimates. It takes a simple consultation to review dental history, assess needs and establish a treatment plan. This could mean a more efficient surgery with fewer implants.

2. There Might Be Something Better For Your Mouth
Dental implants are the state of the art in tooth replacement, much better than a bridge or denture. But sometimes the technique won’t be what you thought it was going to be, or maybe you aren’t a good candidate for the treatment.

3. Supply Costs and Lab Costs Change
A ballpark number might be possible to post on the internet but the changing cost of supplies and lab fees make it impossible to guarantee an accurate price for full mouth dental implants. Dentists who offer implants can accurately calculate dental implant surgery rates based on current prices when you come in for a consultation.

Please make an appointment to quickly and accurately get these answers. Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo for more specifics. We also provide Invisalign clear braces, and sedation dentistry for those coping with dental anxiety.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

When Wayward Teeth Take A Crooked Path

Posted on
Categories: Clear braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, Invisalign Invisible Braces

Provo orthodontics

Malocclusion is dental-speak for crooked teeth. In many cases, crooked teeth can be straightened with clear braces that are so subtle, some call them invisible.

When you look at all the different ways numerous 3-dimensional objects can be positioned, it is not surprising that malocclusion manifests itself in multiple forms. The number of configurations may surprise you:

  • When teeth slant forward, it is called upper protrusion, but you may have heard this impairment described, unkindly, as “buck teeth.”
  • An overbite takes place when the upper front teeth come down too far over the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. An underbite is the reverse condition—the upper front teeth close farther back than the lower front teeth. An open bite refers to a bite in which the upper don’t overlap the lower teeth. This can be present on the whole bite or just one side.
  • Tooth rotation is one of the most prevalent kinds of malocclusion. Rotated teeth appear as if they are twisting out of place. Tooth rotation can create the illusion of uneven coloring because of the way light reflects off the face of teeth.
  • When the upper and lower palate are offset to the point where the upper teeth close onto the wrong side of the lower teeth, it is termed a cross bite.
  • In some rare cases – called transposition – teeth erupt in spots where other teeth should be. For example, a canine (pointed tooth) comes in where an incisor (front biting tooth) should be. Can you imagine trying to chew if your teeth have been playing musical chairs?

If you or your child has crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, we invite you to schedule a thorough examination promptly. You may be a candidate for clear braces from Invisalign, available from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We also provide family dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Limit Sugar For Healthier Provo Kids

Posted on
Categories: Clear braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Family Dentist Provo

Every health-conscious Provo parent knows that sugar is the number one cause of cavities for Utah kids – and as your Provo dentist knows, plenty of adults snack on sweet stuff, too.

Because of cavity risks, low nutritional value, and high calorie content, many parents want to limit the sugar in their children’s diets. Obviously, there is a lot of sugar in bubble gum, lollipops, and gummy candy. But there is also sugar lurking in what we often think of as healthy snacks.

Here are some popular kid’s snacks with significant amounts of sugar:

  • yogurt covered raisins
  • fruit snacks including the roll-up and syrup-filled varieties
  • rice cakes
  • many brands of yogurt including the hand-held type
  • juice drinks
  • flavored milk
  • fruit smoothies
  • cereal bars

Controlling sugar intake in your child’s diet is essential for healthy teeth. When choosing lunchbox or after-school snacks at the supermarket, be sure to read the labels. Sugar content varies among brands.

Sugar is only one diet component that impacts kids’ oral health. If your son’s or daughter’s diet is lacking key vitamins and minerals, the tissues in their mouth may have trouble fighting infection. These infections can lead to gum disease.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide high-quality family dentistry. For anyone looking to improve their bite, we have Invisalign clear braces. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Dental Miracles Seen And Unseen

Posted on
Categories: Clear braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

white fillings Provo

Quality dental care and cosmetic dental procedures can be extremely visible. Think porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and teeth whitening. But let’s highlight some purposefully unseen procedures that can contribute to a healthy, remarkable smile. In this message from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we will review three revolutionary cosmetic dental treatments: white fillings, invisible braces, and dental implants.

White Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings, white fillings, or invisible fillings are customized to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color. These are out of strong composite resins and porcelains. If you would like to get rid of the silver amalgam fillings in your teeth, white fillings are the . You can’t go back and get rid of those cavities, but you can make the silver disappear.

Invisible Braces
Orthodontia has become less visible with the availability of clear braces. Custom clear braces, sometimes called invisible braces, are worn over the teeth like an athlete’s mouth guard. They are effective and convenient. Though they are not always the best tooth-straightening option, they have helped many individuals align their teeth for a considerable improvement in their smile.

Dental Implants
Sure, the crown of a dental implant is clearly visible. But the important part—the component that makes them so much stronger than a dental bridge—is anchored into your jawbone. A titanium post secures your restoration to offer the look, feel, and strength of a natural tooth. If you are missing one or more teeth, consider dental implants.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we are devoted to creating appealing smiles for our valued dental patients. We provide a full menu of family and cosmetic dentistry. Make an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 6610