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


Are Your Teeth white?

Are Your Teeth green?

…probably not. But tooth color is probably something you have been concerned about.

One of our primary concerns at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is ensuring that our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. But beyond just the health aspect, I also strive to help our patients achieve beautiful smiles that they can be proud of.

One important aspect of this is the color of your teeth.

To start, it’s important to understand that tooth color can vary from person to person. While you certainly don’t have pure tan teeth, you do have a color that is in a known range. Some people naturally have whiter teeth, while others may have teeth that are more yellow or grayish in color.

Additionally, factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle habits (such as smoking or consuming dark-colored beverages like coffee or red wine) can also affect the color of a person’s teeth.

As a dentist, I’m trained to evaluate the color of my patients’ teeth and recommend appropriate treatments to help improve their appearance. For example, one common treatment option is teeth whitening. This involves using a special bleaching agent to lighten the color of the teeth, making them appear whiter and brighter.

However, it’s important to note that not all teeth are suitable candidates for whitening. For example, teeth that are severely discolored or have undergone certain dental procedures (such as root canals) may not respond well to whitening treatments. In these cases, alternative treatment options may need to be considered, such as dental veneers or crowns.

Another important consideration when it comes to tooth color is maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing and flossing can help remove surface stains and prevent new ones from forming. Additionally, visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups can help identify and address any underlying dental issues that may be contributing to discoloration.

Overall, we believe that helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles is a crucial part of our job here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. While tooth color is just one aspect of this, it’s an important one that can have a significant impact on your overall confidence and self-esteem.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604


A Beautiful Smile is Timeless

Your Smile Doesn’t Have to Show Your Age in Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT we know that every stage of life has its pros and cons. For example, in our golden years, we may enjoy traveling, more free time and grandchildren. However, most  retirees do not welcome wrinkles, limited mobility or dental problems.

Fortunately, your smile can be healthy and pleasing throughout your life. With cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can have a youthful smile at any age.

Regain Your Youthful Smile

Even if your teeth are showing visible signs of wear, we can help. Do you have any of the following concerns?

  • Enamel loss
  • Staining
  • Chips
  • Missing teeth
  • Broken dental work
  • Gum recession
  • Old amalgam fillings

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we serve you with a full array of dental services including dental implants sleep apnea, and cosmetic dentistry.

Could Your Smile Benefit From Adult Braces?

Would you like to straighten your teeth? Modern braces can correct all types of tooth alignment dilemmas. Overbite? Gap between your two front teeth? Crowded teeth?

Now, individuals of any age can have an extraordinary smile that looks as young as they feel. Let’s discuss some orthodontic options.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear aligners instead of metal or ceramic brackets. With Invisalign aligners, you switch aligners every couple of weeks as your teeth gently shift into place.

How can straightening teeth improve your life?

We all know that a an attractive smile improves one’s appearance. Everyone wants to look better. However, the benefits aren’t purely aesthetic.

  • Straight teeth can prohibit decay
  • If teeth are aligned properly, you are less likely to snore
  • Decreases the risk of periodontitis (advanced gum disease),
  • Straightening teeth can help you eat a healthier diet

Regardless of your age, it is not too late to enhance your smile–even if you have some missing teeth. Braces combined with tooth implants can transform a smile.

If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you will be interested to learn about the latest cosmetic dentistry treatments. Many procedures can be completed in one visit with us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT. We serve patients in American Fork and Lehi seeking all kinds of services, including restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us for 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


Does Your Smile Make a Great First Impression?

top smile makeover dentist Provo

Did you know that your smile is one of the most important parts of your first impression? We at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT want to make your first impression stunning.

In a Match.com survey, over 5,000 single men and women were asked what they found most attractive in a potential dating partner. 60% of men and 71% of women said straight, white teeth and an attractive smile was the most important feature.

Research by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), found that a healthy, beautiful smile makes you appear more intelligent, successful, friendly and interesting.

Research reveals that many people believe when meeting someone for the first time, an attractive smile makes a deeper impression than the first thing a person says.

Hopefully, we’ve successfully made the case that most individuals place great importance on the quality of a person’s smile.

Have you ever wondered how a more attractive smile could improve your life?

Our smile makeover patients  have discovered the power of a beautiful smile firsthand. Not surprisingly, they not only appreciate their attractive smile for themselves, they feel more confident in their personal and professional circles.

It starts with a consultation where I work with each patient to create a custom treatment plan.

What would you like to change about your smile?

  • Tooth stains?
  • Crooked teeth?
  • Chipped teeth?
  • Missing teeth?
  • Gum recession?

There are cosmetic dental procedures that can correct each of these issues and more!

If not now, when?

There has never been a better time to improve your smile. It’s an investment in yourself that will pay off every day.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we can make sure that you have you confidence. We can give you the “it” factor. We serve patients from American Fork and Lehi and and also perform restorative dentistry and general 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

 

 

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2023 Is The Year To Replace Missing Teeth

If you or someone you care about lost a tooth this year, but haven’t yet dealt with the issue, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT suggests a consultation with our dental implant team immediately.

Why the rush? Though your missing tooth might not be an aesthetic issue now – maybe it’s far enough back that the gap is not visible, or perhaps you don’t mind a sort of rugged look – it could very well become one in the future.

When we lose a tooth, the root and jaw bone eventually atrophy. This causes neighboring teeth to begin to shift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment and pain. Worse, it causes your facial features to take on a “sunken” look; especially round the cheeks.

Dental implants are the best way to avoid this, as they protect and stimulate the remaining teeth, keeping them in place and bolstering their strength. The good news is that dental implants and their associated restorations mimic natural enamel perfectly, so nobody will be able to tell that you’ve achieved your New Year’s resolution early this coming year!

If you’ve been dreaming of a more complete smile for years, 2023 is the time to do it and Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT can help! We offer implants and complete cosmetic dentistry. We serve satisfied patients from American Fork and Lehi. 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


Cosmetic Dental Masterpieces

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT are a versatile cosmetic dentistry treatment that can improve a range of flaws on any smile, and leave you with a dental masterpiece!

Veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are attached to the front of your teeth. They are custom-fitted for each tooth. Once they are in place, your smile will be as near to perfect as possible!

Benefits of Veneers

  • Cover Chips and Cracks In Teeth: Chips and cracks can diminish any smile. Veneers can cover them with a completely natural appearance.
  • Cover Gaps: If there are little gaps between any of your front teeth, veneers are in ideal solution.
  • Restore Worn Enamel: Tooth enamel can wear away, and, unfortunately, will not replace itself. Once a veneer is bonded to the tooth, it becomes a new protective layer.
  • Enjoy Increased Confidence: Nothing beats a perfect smile to boost your self-esteem. As a bonus, veneers are low-maintenance and stain-resistant. You’ll still need to brush and floss, though!

Porcelain veneers from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT can give you a fabulous new smile. We’ve placed them on people from American Fork and Lehi, who also come to us for complete cosmetic 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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Your Smile Can Be Brighter and Lighter

Provo teeth whitening

No one can miss a fabulous smile, and a really good one is a valuable asset professionally and socially. If you’d like yours to be brighter and lighter, cosmetic dentistry from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT can deliver!

With our professional-grade teeth whitening services, we can dramatically brighten your smile in a single office visit. Imagine: You walk into our office for your scheduled appointment, with teeth that have grown dull and yellow over the years. When you leave, you’re flashing a brilliant new smile.

We have GLO in-office whitening, which can brighten and lighten your smile in a single office visit. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, teeth whitening is just one of our cosmetic dentistry services. We’ve brightened smiles of people all over American Fork and Lehi. 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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Tooth Whitening For A Whiter Smile

Orem low cost teeth whiteningTeeth whitening is one of the easiest cosmetic dentistry procedures we have at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT. There are a lot of whitening options out there. How do you find what works for you?

The dental care aisle at the grocery store is filled with whitening products. Rest assured, no strips, gels, or toothpastes can match the results you’ll get from professional whitening.

We offer in-office GLO teeth whitening that can revitalize your smile in one visit. Imagine, walking into our offices with a yellowing smile and leaving with a bright, white one! Well, you don’t have to imagine. It’s possible!

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, teeth whitening is just one of the cosmetic dentistry procedures we use to improve smiles every day. People from all over American Fork and Lehi are thrilled with their new smiles! 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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What is the Recovery Time for a Dental Implant?

dental implant recovery time Provo

If you read our previous post on the life-changing possibilities of dental implants, you might be wondering if there’s any downside whatsoever to these restorations. You are not alone! When a patient at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT decides to go ahead with a dental implant, one of the first things they want to know is how long and arduous the recovery time will be.

Our answer? Recovery is difficult to predict, because every case is different. There are various factors that go into the process, but not all of them apply to each case.

Some of the issues include:

  • Failing Teeth: In addition to the lost tooth the dental implant replaces, patients sometimes have unhealthy teeth that need to be removed before the implant goes ahead. That extends the entire process.
  • Potential Bone Grafting: If there has been significant bone recession, we’ll need to boost the patient’s bone mass. This is usually done with a graft, which promotes new bone growth.
  • Rate of Osseointegration: This is a big phrase that means, quite simply, the process by which the implant post fuses with the bone and the speed at which it happens. We usually allow for about two months, but sometimes it’s faster and sometimes takes longer. Once the post has fused, it is strong enough to support a replacement tooth.

These are the main variables. It may sound like a lot, and sometimes it is. But it’s worth it! A new dental implant looks and functions like a natural tooth, restoring not only your smile, but your ability to bite and chew.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, dental implants can replace a single tooth, or support a full dental arch. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to our office for other cosmetic dentistry options. 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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Dental Implants Are Truly Life-Changing

tooth implants Orem

Patients who are thinking about a dental implant from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT often ask how long they last. An implant is a significant investment, after all. Do they really last a lifetime, like people say? The answer is yes, but an explanation is in order.

A dental implant is not a replacement tooth, but the titanium post that is inserted into the jaw. Titanium is well-suited for implants, and cases of rejection by the body are rare. A big factor in how long the implant lasts comes down to how well you take care of it.

Dental implants are life-changing! They can restore your full bite force, help you regain your confidence, and add healthy scaffolding for the rest of your healthy teeth.

Even better, with regular checkups and proper care at home, they can last a lifetime! When you get your implant, we will have specific instructions for daily care. For most patients, we recommend brushing and flossing twice a day.

Dental implants like those from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT have become the tooth replacement solution of choice. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to our office for other cosmetic dentistry options. If you are interested in learning more, check out our post next week on the recovery time for dental implants. 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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