Family Dentistry

Limit Sugar For Healthier Provo Kids

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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

 

Keeping Dental Patients Comfortable

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Family Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Keeping Dental Patients Comfortable in Provo

To state the obvious, nobody enjoys pain. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we know this, and have made patient comfort our first priority. This sometimes means sedation dentistry.

In conjunction with creating a calm environment, we have various medications that can lessen and even eliminate pain associated with different dental procedures to give you a more enjoyable experience.

Some of the most common pain-relieving medications used in dentistry are topical anesthetics. These are swabbed directly onto mouth tissue and numb the surface layers. Topical anesthetics can curtail the pain of mouth sores, or they can be applied to prepare the mouth for an injection.

Local anesthetics are injected into mouth tissue (usually the gums) to block the nerve sensations to individual areas of the mouth. Dentists frequently numb the mouth in this way before filling cavities, treating gum disease, or doing cosmetic dentistry procedures.

More involved dental procedures may call for oral conscious sedation, a form of sedation dentistry that involves taking a sedative before your procedure. If you undergo oral conscious sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we want our patients to be informed about their dental care, and comfortable throughout any procedure. We offer 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 3542

Don’t Put Off Your Dental Exam

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, Teeth cleaning

comprehensive dental deep cleanings Provo

No matter what age you are, as long as you have teeth, dental exams are an important part of keeping your smile healthy and beautiful! We urge all our patients to see Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, their dentist in Provo, every six months.

We have an excellent office and caring team of professionals to make your exams something you’ll look forward to.

Knowledge is Power
Dental exams are often put off because they can be seen as unnecessary. But exams are truly one of the best practices for preventative care. At each check up, our experienced and well trained hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth.

Once they are polished sparkling clean, your teeth will receive a comprehensive analysis. They will be inspected for cavities, gum recession, excessive wear, or other risks. Catching these types of threats early is indispensable so you can be certain that they don’t turn into larger issues.

Innovative Dental Technology
Technology is moving swiftly, so it’s vital to find a dental office that has the latest instruments to ensure your check up is detailed and comprehensive. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we have state-of-the-art technology that is used for your exams. If a problem is detected, an appropriate, individualized treatment plan will be designed.

Peace of Mind
After your entire mouth has been examined, we will detail what is necessary moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will make sure that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful! At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, your dentist in Provo, we provide family and cosmetic dentistry.

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 7260

Porcelain Veneers: 7 Fast Fixes

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

Provo Affordable Dentistry

In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we are focusing on porcelain veneers, which are used extensively in cosmetic dentistry.

Dental veneers (also called laminates) are custom made to permanently cover the front part of one or more teeth. Wafer-thin, super-strong veneers can fix a host of tooth problems including:

1. Chips
2. Cracks
3. Stains
4. Teeth that are misshapen
5. Teeth that are too short
6. Teeth that are misaligned
7. Gaps between teeth

The first step in the veneer process is to make a model of your teeth. Then, a skilled technician will use the model to fabricate the laminates. In some veneer procedures, a small amount of the enamel from the face of the tooth has to be removed. Today’s veneer process leaves most of your healthy tooth structure.

Call us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, and a member of our caring staff can answer any questions you have about veneers. We can also tell you about other cosmetic dental procedures that have a dramatic impact.

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 4635

Dental Miracles Seen And Unseen

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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

Dental Breakthroughs On The Horizon

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Invisalign Invisible Braces, Porcelain Veneers

dental breakthroughs Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we use the latest proven dental technology to bring our patients general and cosmetic dentistry. In addition, we’re up to date on the latest dental research that drives the industry forward.

As we look a short distance down the road, we see some intriguing dental technologies being evaluated and tested:

Fill and Heal: Bioactive Glass
A new type of filling created from bioactive glass has been shown to prolong the life of fillings, by inhibiting secondary decay and replacing lost minerals.

“Bioactive glass, which is a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used in some types of bone healing for decades,” said Jamie Kruzic, professor of advanced structural and biomaterials at the Oregon State University College of Engineering. “Our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings.”

Stem Cells
Stem cell regenerative medicine is poised to provide a host of exciting breakthroughs in dentistry.

A research team from the University of Nottingham and Harvard University is applying stem cell technology to dentistry with the development of stem-cell based biomaterials that regenerate tooth dentin. The goal is to use them in fillings and root canals to save and regenerate tooth structure. The research is in its early stages, but this technology could one day help preserve millions of smiles for men and women worldwide.

3D Printing
3D printing is already being used in some dental offices to manufacture aligners, retainers, drilling guides for implant placement, and extremely accurate models for restorations. As the printers become faster and less pricey, you will be seeing them in more Utah  dental offices.

Technology has its place, but experience, proficiency, and a warm and attentive chairside manner are just as essential. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry provides dental implants, Invisalign clear braces, porcelain veneers, and general dentistry,

Note: The image with this blog post is a Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing machine used for the production of dental 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

 

The Benefits of Fluoride, From Your Dentist in Provo

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dream smile, Family Dentistry, Fluoride, General Dentistry, Smile Makeover

Provo lowest price teeth bleachingFluoride is a mineral, plain and simple. But it has many benefits for the teeth of children and adults alike, and the dentists at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo want  it to be part of your oral health routine.

Fluoride is contained in different foods as well as in water. Many  adjust the fluoride content of their municipal water. Fluoride is also added to dental products. This makes it possible for you to apply fluoride to your teeth when you brush your teeth or use mouth rinses.

Fluoride helps to rebuild weakened tooth enamel, and thus can reverse early signs of tooth decay. The fluoride you take in from toothpaste, water, and other sources becomes a part of your saliva. Consequently it is constantly bathing your teeth, and helping to rebuild the enamel.

Essential for Young Teeth

Fluoride is especially vital for kids. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, both the primary and the permanent teeth come in. Fluoride exposure is extremely useful for creating a foundation for lifelong oral health.

Adults can get a boost of fluoride during routine dental cleanings at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Helping our patients maintain good oral health is vital for us, and so is helping them achieve their dream smiles through cosmetic dentistry.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry has been serving the Provo area since 1967. We also provide family dentistry, and special services such as wisdom teeth extractions. We offer sedation dentistry to our patients 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

 

5 Reasons To Schedule A Dental Cleaning Today

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, Teeth cleaning

professional dental cleaning Orem

Having your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist is always a good idea, but the benefits go beyond that great clean feeling you have afterward. At Hammond General and Aesthetic Dentistry in Provo, we’ve got five excellent reasons.

1. Protect Your Gums

It’s not only cavities that can damage a tooth until it is beyond saving. Gum disease that leads to bone loss is just as detrimental. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque that creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots. This leads to periodontitis, gum recession, and eventual bone loss. A professional cleaning eliminates the plaque before it can cause the gums to loosen.

2. Prevent Cavities

Even if you brush and floss your teeth morning and night, plaque can build up. We have many patients who are vigilant brushers, but are surprised when our hygienist discovers plaque on their teeth.

3. Check for Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation relates this grave news: oral cancer claims one life approximately every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year. We screen you at each visit.1

4. Oral Health and Overall Health Go Hand in Hand

Your mouth is not a separate entity from the rest of the body, but many individuals treat it that way. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’ve often wondered about this persistent disconnect. Did you know there is compelling evidence to suggest that the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes increases with poor oral health?

5. It May Be Free

Many Utah dental insurance plans cover biannual dental cleanings. Even if you don’t have dental insurance, cleanings are one of the most competitively priced ways to maintain prime oral health.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide our patients with a wide range of services, including cosmetic and family dentistry. Schedule a professional dental cleaning with us; you’ll be glad you did.

1http://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Helping Teeth Survive Adolescence

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Categories: Family Dentistry

adolescent dental health Provo

As young people progress toward complete independence, some make questionable choices when it comes to health.

You may know teens who skip meals and others that eat ramen noodles for lunch and dinner. Some kids spend more hours on Instagram than sleeping. Braces can hinder proper brushing. Eating disorders such as bulimia can quickly erode enamel and damage a smile.

Dental troubles manifesting in the adolescent years can affect teeth for life. Let’s look at some important dental issues for adolescents.

Wisdom Teeth
The third molars usually come in between late adolescence and the mid-twenties. Common wisdom teeth troubles include bite misalignment, cavities, gum disease, and damage to the nearby teeth. It is vital to monitor wisdom teeth and follow the guidance of your dentist.

Eating Disorders
If you notice that your child is abnormally preoccupied with body image and weight loss, you should be on the lookout for signs of bulimia and anorexia. These serious disorders should not be ignored. Seek treatment immediately if you discover that your teen is binging and purging or intentionally restricting food.

Oral Health and Orthodontia
Braces can make proper brushing difficult. Toothbrushes and flossing devices that squirt water can help adolescents with braces clean their teeth and gums.

Sugar-Heavy Diet
If you visit any high school during lunch hour, you will see that sugar-laden soda, juice, and energy drinks are becoming a beverage staple. (Perhaps we adults are setting a bad example.) While juice is definitely the healthiest choice of the three, heavy juice consumption can hurt enamel just as effectively as a can of Coke. Water is the best drink for teeth as well as calcium-rich milk, which leads us to our next section.

Inadequate Calcium Intake
Some youth who drank milk daily as kids curtail their consumption when they start eating meals away from home. This is unfortunate because calcium is just as essential for youth as it is for younger children. For strong teeth and bones, encourage your teen to enjoy low-fat dairy products daily.

Sports Injuries
Athletics benefit youth in a number of ways but, unfortunately, also pose a threat to teeth. Make sure your teen wears a protective custom mouthguard when participating in any activity where a mouth injury can occur.

We encourage parents to be vigilant about twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings for their teens. Many oral issues develop unnoticed. To schedule an intensive examination and cleaning, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 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

Has Your Child Visited A Dentist?

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Categories: Family Dentistry

Provo Kid

Today’s Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry blog is for new parents. We know that your child’s health and safety is your top priority. That’s why you baby-proof your home, serve healthy foods, and buckle them tightly in their car seat before you pull out of your driveway.

I’m Dr. Chris Hammond. I want to remind parents that oral health is an intrinsic component of overall health. Teeth and gum condition can affect speech development, nutrition, and self-confidence. From birth, there are important things parents can do to promote healthy teeth – even before your son’s or daughter’s first tooth erupts.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we maintain a kid-friendly environment so our youngest patients look forward to dental check-ups and never develop the fear of dentists that was more common in generations past. I love working with you and your child to ensure a healthy smile for life and I can assure you that my caring staff will help your child have a positive experience.

We recommend bringing your child in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth erupts. During the visit, we can discuss pediatric dental issues such as fluoride treatments, brushing and flossing techniques, orthodontia, and dental sealants. Dental sealants are composed of a plastic material that is applied to children’s teeth. The sealants bond to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, mainly in the pits and fissures and protects the enamel against acids and plaque.

Provo children’s dentists also advise Utah parents about pacifier use, thumb-sucking and other habits that can affect your child’s tooth development and oral health. Remember to call us immediately at 801-374-0070 if your child (or any member of your family) experiences a tooth injury.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604