Family Dentistry

Kids Who Like Dental Visits?

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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

 

The Dangers Of Oral Infections

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental Implants, Family Dentistry

oral infection exam Orem

It happens to most people at least once in their life. Your teeth become sensitive to cold drinks. A tooth develops a dull ache. A sore on the gums doesn’t heal up. An injured tooth darkens. A pain develops in your lower sinus area. Your dentist in Provo can help.

It is definitely not a situation where the “ignore it and it will go away” mentality is wise. If the pain is the result of a detrimental infection, there are grave consequences of postponing treatment. Oral bacterial infections can destroy teeth, gums and jawbone and even lead to life-threatening sepsis. In fact, prior to the 19th century, tooth decay-related infection was a leading cause of death.

An oral infection doesn’t always cause pain. Bad breath, fever, swelling in the gums, glands or jaw, or a strange taste in the mouth can indicate the presence of an infection.

If an infection is caught and treated early, there may be no additional problems. However, usually the infection is the result of a dental issue that needs to be treated. If the infection is caused by tooth decay, the decay will have to be removed and the tooth filled. If the decay has penetrated to the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be required.

The infection may be the result of a pocket of undrained pus called an abscess. Pus is a by-product of the immune system’s efforts to fight infection and consists of dead white blood cells.

Mouth sores have various causes including an infection or virus. White patches in the mouth can indicate thrush (an oral yeast infection). All of these conditions can be treated – but you need to see your dentist.

If you have any signs of oral infection, or haven’t had a dental exam in the past year, call us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We provide family dentistry, and services like dental implants. 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

 

15 Things You Didn’t Know About Teeth

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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

 

6 Ways To Improve Your Smile

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental Implants, Dream smile, Family Dentistry

dental payment plans Utah County

Who would say no to a prettier smile? At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we think the answer is no one. With all of the cosmetic dentistry procedures available, most of our dental patients can get the smile they want.

Here is a quick look at some of the most popular treatments.

1. Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure and it is used to lighten discolored teeth. This quick and easy treatment is usually done in the dentist office, and the results can be surprisingly dramatic.

2. Bonding is a popular treatment that uses a dental composite that resembles enamel. This material is applied to the surface of the teeth, sculpted into the desired shape, and then hardened and polished.

3. Tooth reshaping is a simple way to improve the appearance of teeth. It involves removing part of the enamel and can be used to fix small chips or to change the length or position of teeth.

4. Veneers are custom-made porcelain coverings that are very thin. They are bonded to the teeth and can be used to close gaps or cover discolored teeth.

5. For most Provo, American Fork, and Utah County patients, dental implants are the best way to fix a missing tooth.

6. And finally, there is your dream smile. This is a combination of the available treatments to get Utah County dental patients the smiles they want.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we want our patients to have the best oral health possible, and to look their best, too. We provide cosmetic and family dentistry. 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

 

Trust Dr. Hammond For Accurate Dental Info

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Provo family dentistry

Dental patients are more informed than ever before and it’s not surprising that much of their knowledge about general dentistry, and specialized procedures like root canals, is gleaned from online sources. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we believe that troactive self-education can be beneficial for you and your family, especially if it helps with living a healthy lifestyle.

That said, we caution our friends and neighbors in the Orem area, not to take online dental information at face value. Misconceptions about dentistry began  long before the Internet changed everything, but the web has accelerated matters.

Some of the most prevalent dental myths are focused on the safety of x-rays, the risk of root canals, the facts about fluoride, and the effectiveness of alternative practices such as oil pulling.

In worst-case scenarios, patients delay or avoid necessary dental treatment because of something they encounter online. We encourage our patients to discuss all areas of concern with us.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we are devoted to keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for life. Our motives are straightforward and transparent. You can’t always determine who operates and funds online dental sites, so be careful out there. Schedule an appointment with us today, and bring your questions.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Missing Pieces In The Mouth?

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dream smile, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

cost of dental crowns Orem

A 500-piece Eiffel Tower puzzle is still easy to recognize with 32 pieces missing.
A 50-piece puppy puzzle will probably still give warm fuzzies without 3 or 4 pieces in place. But take it from the team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo: a 32-piece dental puzzle is just not complete without ALL of the pieces. Cosmetic dentistry could be a remedy.

Let us fill in those missing pieces. There has never been a better time to look into cosmetic dentistry. Modern cosmetic dental procedures, state-of-the-art materials, and the skill of dentists such as Dr. Chris Hammond, combine to create truly unforgettable smiles.

Cosmetic dentistry calls on the tools of modern dentistry to enhance your smile by creating positive changes to your teeth. It is a marriage of form and function that can produce dramatic results in your appearance and boost your self-confidence.

Your dream smile could be the next puzzle to be put back together beautifully, no matter your dental disarray. Ask us about cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo 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

 

Five Facts About Enamel Erosion

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental Implants, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

enamel erosion treatment Provo

Our teeth work hard and are constantly under attack. It’s no wonder that nature encases them with an armor of enamel—the hardest substance in the body. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, your dentist in Provo, we remind you that enamel erosion may be widespread, but it is also largely preventable.

Enamel’s chief enemies are acidic foods and beverages. Other factors that can weaken enamel or wear it away are various medications, teeth grinding, acid reflux, gastrointestinal ailments, chewing ice or other hard substances, and eating disorders.

Here are five quick facts about enamel erosion:

  • Enamel is unlike many other tissues in the body. Once it is worn away, it can’t be regenerated.
  • According to the National Institute of Health, 41% of young people already have enamel erosion.
  • Brushing teeth too forcefully can damage enamel.
  • Diet sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks are just as harmful as sugared sodas.
  • Dry mouth can weaken enamel because it results in less saliva, which helps keep enamel healthy and strong.

If you  already have enamel erosion, there are several dental procedures that can protect the teeth that have been harmed. Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo to schedule an examination. Our services include cosmetic and family 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

 

Less Is More In Dentistry

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental Implants, Family Dentistry

Provo affordable family dentist

There are momentous new developments in Utah dentistry: stronger, natural-looking materials; improved techniques; more effective diagnostic methods; and more precise instruments. Combine these with the experience and expertise of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo and you’re left with less of what used to make people dread going to the dentist.

Less Pain
Improved painkillers, lasers, and state-of-the art techniques take the pain out of dental procedures.

Less Inconvenience
Laser dentistry, which employs powerful beams of light, has significantly reduced the time required to complete dental treatment.

Less Time Needed To Heal
Laser dentistry helps curb recovery times for procedures such as dental implants, root canals, smile redesigns, and other types of oral surgery.

Less Risk
The overall success rate of many dental procedures, including dental implants, has increased.

Less Loss of Healthy Tooth Structure
Dental procedures such as decay removal, inlays, porcelain veneers, and crown restoration can be performed with less loss of healthy tooth structure.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide a wide range of services, from dental implants to porcelain veneers. To those coping with dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry. 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

 

When Wayward Teeth Take A Crooked Path

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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

 

Developing Good Dental Habits

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Developing Good Dental Habits In Utah County

Benjamin Franklin once said that it’s easier to prevent bad habits than to break them. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we couldn’t agree more! For parents, teaching your children good oral hygiene techniques early  will start them on a lifetime of good dental health.

If you wait too long to teach your child how to brush and floss, or if you don’t make sure they are doing it enough, you’re setting yourself up for a lot of work down the road.

It’s very hard to convince an older child that they should be spending two or three times longer brushing their teeth each morning and night. But, if they’ve done it for as long as they can remember, then their habits should be sufficient to avoid excessive dental decay or the need for children’s cosmetic dentistry in Provo.

If you are looking for quality dental care in the Provo area, give us a call at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We provide family and cosmetic 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