Why You Should Fix Your Child’s Crooked Teeth

boy in a yellow shirt smiling on a bike

Provo parents want what’s best for their children, but some can’t always provide everything their children need when the family budget is tight. If your child has crooked teeth and you are on the fence about braces, we encourage you to read this post.

1. A beautiful smile with straight teeth boosts your child’s self-esteem.

Young children with crooked teeth may not notice that anything is wrong, but eventually, they will realize that their teeth don’t look right. Straight teeth make the whole face more pleasing and attractive. If your child is self-conscious about an unsightly smile, he or she will be reluctant to smile. A serious demeanor could affect the way he or she is treated by peers.

2. Crooked teeth can impact the bite.

If you suspect that your child’s bite is not aligned, we invite you to make an appointment with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Dr. Chris Hammond can evaluate your child’s bite and make recommendations to see a specialist if required.

3. Crooked teeth can affect normal speech development.

4. Correcting a child’s teeth with orthodontia is faster and easier when the jaw is young and flexible.

5. Crooked teeth can curtail your child’s power to eat a healthy diet.

Misaligned teeth can make chewing and eating difficult. Children need a variety of foods but may miss out on critical nutrients if they can’t chew raw vegetables or meat, for example. If your child only eats soft foods, his/her jaw may not develop normal size and strength.

6. Misaligned teeth can damage the gums and underlying bone.

7. If crooked teeth cause malocclusion (bad bite), troubles with TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) can result.

TMD is a harmful condition affecting the jaw joint.

8. It’s easier to clean teeth when they are straight and uncrowded.

When uneven teeth begin to crowd together, it becomes problematic to make vital daily cleanings effective. And, when your teeth aren’t cleaned properly, issues with plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease generally result.

9. If the child’s crooked teeth are not repaired while they are young, the problems may compound and become worse with age.

Severely crooked teeth frequently impact energy and quality of life. For example, chewing problems can lead to ulcers, and gum disease increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

10. There are many new types of braces.

Ceramic, self-ligating, and lingual (invisible) braces are some of the new orthodontia options. In some circumstances, invisible braces can be just as effective at straightening teeth as the conventional type.

To find out if your child needs braces, schedule a consultation at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry by calling 801-374-0070.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604


Are All Clear Aligners in Provo, UT Alike?

Invisalign Provo

If you are researching orthodontics, you have probably heard about clear aligners. They offer several advantages over traditional metal braces. The most popular advantage is the fact that they are nearly invisible.

Millions of men and women have aligned their teeth with aligners in the past twenty years since they were developed.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, UT, we’re here to help with your research. Note that your orthodontist may not offer all types of clear aligners. This post is for informational purposes only.

Invisalign

Invisalign pioneered clear aligner orthodontics. Established in 1997, Invisalign has shaped more than 6 million smiles throughout the world.

Invisalign (as with the other types) uses virtual modeling software to create custom aligners formed specifically for your teeth.

First, you’ll start with a consultation where an orthodontist will examine your teeth. They will work with you to determine which Invisalign treatment plan will work best for your teeth, lifestyle, and dental goals. Then, they will set you up with aligners that are custom-made for you.

It’s vital to note that you will never be left on your own to figure out what step is next. Your orthodontist will be with you every step of the way. Finally, you just live your life, while sticking to the guidelines set out for you by your doctor.

ClearCorrect

This is how the company describes their product: Clear. Simple. Friendly. Made of polyurethane, these aligners can straighten your smile discreetly and effortlessly.

ClearCorrect is run by a team of highly trained professionals. They have added many innovations to the diagnostic and treatment process. Many orthodontists believe it’s the most convenient system for both patients and doctors.

Over 10,000 doctors use ClearCorrect. Many ClearCorrect providers offer flexible payment plans.

SmileDirectClub (And Other At-Home Systems)

Though we don’t prescribe this system, let’s talk about the “mail-order orthodontics” products. We are including an explanation of SmileDirectClub and other at-home systems so you’ll be aware of their potential potential dangers and limitations.

SmileDirectClub provides custom clear aligners without regular office visits. They advertise an average cost savings of 60% of orthodontist-administered Invisalign and similar systems. They report that the average length of treatment is 6 months.

All aligner systems necessitate a 3D image of your teeth. With Invisalign and ClearCorrect, your doctor creates the scan in their office.

With SmileDirect, you can visit one of their “SmileShops” for a scan. There are SmileShops in every U.S. state but you may have to make a long trip. They also offer you the option of taking your own impression using their at-home kit.

Your treatment is supposedly supervised by a dentist or orthodontist—but you don’t visit them in person. Your dentist doesn’t take X-rays or examine your progress.

Because of this, we don’t recommend these types of systems. Your smile is too important to use a DIY approach. Your teeth could end up worse than before! The problems could be costly to correct. In a worst-case setting, you could experience permanent damage.

The American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists have published warnings against at-home orthodontics.

Schedule a consultation at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry to determine which system is best for 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


Take 5: Straight Talk About Braces

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?

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

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Nearly Invisible Teeth Straightening

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?

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

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?

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

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

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