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Tooth Whitening: In-Office Or At Home?

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affordable teeth whitening Provo

If you are planning to whiten your teeth, the vital first step is to settle upon a whitening method. It may seem like there are a multitude of options, but it’s important to remember that they all employ a peroxide-based whitening solution. The difference lies in the strength of the bleaching solution and method of delivery. In-office whitening procedures generally use a solution with a relatively higher concentration of peroxide. In other words, it is stronger.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY and in-office teeth whitening.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Advantages
Generally less pricey
Doesn’t require a trip to your dentist in Provo
May cause less tooth sensitive and pain
At-Home Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
Takes longer to achieve desired level of lightening
Whitening appliances don’t protect gum tissue
Solution must be applied many times over a period of weeks

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Advantages
Pros
Same day results
Administered by a dental professional
Gum tissue is protected
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
More expensive

Did you know that in order to maintain the brightness achieved from an in-office teeth whitening treatment, a patient must follow up with at-home touch-ups? Therefore, a combination of in-office and DIY methods is often the most effective solution.

A note about non-professional teeth bleaching kiosks:
A few years ago during the height of the tooth-whitening craze, teeth whitening kiosks starting popping up in Orem area malls. Though some have closed their doors, a few remain in business. Dr. Hammond urges patients to avoid these establishments. There is little regulatory oversight and customers have no guarantee of the safety of their services or the qualifications of their employees. As always, it is essential to only trust your smile to cosmetic dentistry professionals.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry advises patients to meet with with their Provo dentist before starting any tooth bleaching regimen. An oral examination will help your dentist know if tooth whitening will deliver the results you are seeking. This is especially vital when you have tetracycline stains or multiple 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

Top 6 Ways To Destroy A Beautiful Smile

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porcelain veneers cost Orem

6. Be a Builder Not a Wrecker
Bacteria is constantly trying to build an empire in your mouth, give it what it wants: juice, soda, chewy candy for the small crevices and hard to reach surfaces!

5. Let Acid Rock It!
Energy drinks, diet soda, red wine, coffee, tea. Great at staining and wearing away surfaces. The perfect magnet for acid loving bacteria. So avoid gums with Xylitol and Recaldent and shoot for foods and beverages containing citric acid and the super duper sourest of candies.

4. Enjoy an Overcast Day Every Day
Lighting up and remaining in a tobacco fog is an efficient way to achieve the vibrant yellow hue we’re all looking for in tooth apparel.

3. Toss out Toothbrush and Floss
Avoid brushing after every single meal with a soft, gentle bristled toothbrush and fend off the urge to floss twice a day. This is critical if you want the bacteria to take over and result in gum disease and tooth decay.

2. Use Your Teeth as Tools
Hammer, wrench, screwdriver, scissors, bottle-opener. Use your imagination. Who needs a toolbox when you’ve got 32 solid options?

1. Cancel Regular Check-Ups
It is more difficult to ruin your smile if you have regular check-ups with your favorite Provo dentist. Best to avoid them altogether if your goal is pure chaos and painful destruction.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and walked away with a renewed desire to take care of those enamel-covered marvels that serve you faithfully day in and day out.

I know many people throughout Utah County and American Fork have difficult struggles with oral health and lack smile satisfaction. That’s why I’m here. I am Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. If you are experiencing dental problems, schedule a consultation today. I look forward to creating a plan to restore your oral health and the beauty of your smile.

To find out the price of braces, the price of veneers, the cost of teeth whitening, or the cost of a dental crown, call my practice 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

Not All Smile Makeovers Are Created Equal

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Lehi cosmetic smile makeover

Hello Provo! Welcome to the Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental blog. Let’s talk about cosmetic dental smile makeovers. Some Provo patients wonder if  the term is synonymous with general cosmetic dentistry.

Are the placement of four veneers considered a smile makeover? Well, yes and no. If your smile is attractive and healthy except for some chips in your upper front teeth, cosmetic veneers may remedy the few cosmetic problems and result in a dazzling smile.

Generally, however, a complete cosmetic dental smile makeover combines several carefully-chosen cosmetic dentistry procedures performed at the same time for a complete smile renewal. In other words, the sum is greater than the parts.

For example, one treatment plan could include restoration of dental crowns, veneers for teeth that are misshapen but otherwise healthy, tooth-colored filling replacement for old amalgam fillings, and teeth whitening for the crowning touch.

I am Dr. Chris Hammond. I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry in Provo, Utah since 1967. Performing successful cosmetic dental smile makeovers makes my profession extremely fulfilling. Patients who plan to receive a smile makeover should take their time choosing a dentist to perform it. I invite you to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your needs and wishes. During the consultation, I can tell you about my extensive experience and show you before and after pictures of satisfied patients.

When I design a custom smile makeover, I study several elements in addition to the teeth. After all, the teeth are just one component of the patient’s face. The gumline, lips, mouth, facial shape, facial structure, coloring, and patient’s age affect the scope of the design. This comprehensive approach to a smile makeover achieves amazing results and sets our practice apart.

If you are interested in learning more about smile makeovers, call us today 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

Beating Horrible Halitosis

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Categories: Dental Health

Provo lowest price teeth bleaching

“My neighbor’s bad breath is scaring me.”

I’m Chris Hammond with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. In business since 1967. My specialty is cosmetic dentistry. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we perform family dentistry and dental implants regularly. As a favor to Provo, Utah I’d like to take a few minutes to share with you some insight about bad breath and give your neighbors some places to start in improving or removing the offending odor.

Brushing just the teeth may not remove food particles between the teeth and up in the gums. Bacteria can grow and stink from hidden floss-only locations. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Also, the food your neighbors are eating can affect the air they’re releasing. Onions, garlic and coffee are likely to show up on the breath no matter how much time is logged brushing.

Illness, infection, and allergies can all cause salivation issues which in turn upset the control of bacteria in the mouth. Diabetes, kidney failure, radiation therapy, liver malfunction, dry mouth or even postnasal drip can cause an odor.

Finally, dentures or a removable appliance may also carry bacteria that needs to be cleaned and freshened up on a regular basis. Bacteria balance in the mouth is ever changing.

1. Brush and floss the teeth as well as brush the tongue, gums and sides of mouth.
2. Enjoy onions and garlic a little less.
3. Stay on top of health issues.
4. Keep dentures clean.

This last one is for you:

Again, I’m Dr. Chris Hammond. Located at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200 Provo, Utah. We offer mini implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, dental crowns, and Invisalign just to name a few of our extraordinary dental services.

Aesthetic & General Dentistry

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

Let Your Smile Show Who You Really Are

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

smile makeover

Let’s talk about the power of a smile.

A smile communicates your emotions more precisely than words can ever do. The absence of a smile also sends a clear message. But what if you want to smile but the issues with your teeth prevent you? This is a frustrating condition for many people both young and old.

You may have a warm and engaging personality, but no one can notice that personality without a smile. If you are usually too embarrassed about your teeth to smile, this post is for you.

Do you ever examine how your close-lipped facial expressions impact other people’s perceptions of you? Do you think it’s possible that your demeanor causes people to get the wrong impression? Perhaps they think you are shy, distant, timid, or unhappy. These adjectives are probably completely off-base – but without a smile, it’s hard to tell. Especially when people meet you for the first time.

Do you think your unattractive smile has affected your career? How about your personal relationships? If you are dissatisfied with the way your teeth look, you have probably considered cosmetic dentistry.

This begs the question: “What has prevented you from seeking a smile transformation?” Is it the cost? Fear that it’s going to be painful? Doubts about whether it will really work? Worry that you will have to take work off for several appointments? Maybe you are just too embarrassed to let anyone look in your mouth.

If you are still reading this post, I suspect you are on the fence regarding this life-changing renewal. You can’t make a wise choice unless you have the important facts, and I want to provide them to you.

Knowledge is power. I invite you to come in for a free, informational smile makeover consultation. I want to speak with you about all the concerns I mentioned previously and any others you may have. When I perform a smile transformation for someone who has been embarrased to smile for years, it changes that person’s life. Because of revolutionary procedures, instruments, lab processes, and materials, it’s a great time to be a cosmetic dentist and an even better time to get a smile makeover at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

The key to a smile makeover that transcends what is technically adequate to the type of sensational smile that is greater than the sum of its parts is the expertise of the dentist. To reach the level of perfection that you deserve, a consummate smile makeover dentist must have the capacity to use all these things in combination with rare artistic skill.

Whew! That’s a lot of words. And, as mentioned at the beginning of this post, we know that words cannot convey what a notable smile can. Let me show you pictures of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry smile makeover patients, including our porcelain veneer patients. Then you will understand. (After all, a picture is worth – how many words?)

I invite you to call me, Drs. Chris Hammond, today at 801-374-0070.

 

3 Reliable Steps To Find The Best Provo, Utah Dentist

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Categories: Family Dentistry

Provo affordable family dentist

Looking for the best dentist in Provo? You can click around on the computer or watch for postcard ads in your mailbox. Even then, the outcome is shaky at best. Finding the best dentist in Provo truly hinges on what you are looking for. Are you looking for consistent, professional evaluation? Are you looking for an honest, straightforward diagnosis and treatment proposal? Are you looking for cost-effective dental care without a background agenda?

Don’t let the myriad of dentists throughout Utah overwhelm you. Today Dr. Chris Hammond offers 3 reliable steps for finding a dentist who will expertly serve your family’s dental needs in comfort and style.

Step 1
Pick up the phone: 801-374-0070. Contact our caring staff at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry for your best appointment of the year, a dental checkup with Dr. Chris Hammond. Our office offers competitive pricing to go with professional, educated experience. The needs of our patients run the gamut. From mini implants to porcelain veneers, from sedation dentistry to dental crowns. Providing quality services can make your Invisalign experience quick and uncomplicated.

Step 2
Make the appointment. Researching general and cosmetic dental practices starts with a consultation. An evaluation of what your teeth need, what your smile could use and what your budget can afford are all key pieces of the puzzle. Located here at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 in Provo, Utah, we are equipped and proud to handle cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, dental implants and everything in between.

Step 3
Meet the good doctor. Dr. Hammond has a friendly and comfortable chair side manner, explains concisely and fully the procedures and possibilities, and performs superb dental work day in and day out. Expect to see the renewal you want. Expect to speak with a professional. Expect distinctive, talented service.

Call 801-374-0070 today! Talk to us about these services:

Cosmetic dentistry
Dental implants
Sedation dentistry
Laser dentistry

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

Think You Know How To Brush? Think Again.

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Categories: Dental Health

Provo tooth brushing tips

You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to auto pilot morning and night and get it done. But are you doing it right?

Actually, many people are making tooth brushing mistakes. You may need to tweak your routine to better benefit your oral health and protect your smile from tooth decay and gum disease.

Here are vital tooth brushing tips:

1. Take your time.
It’s understandable. You want to get it over with and go to bed. Proper teeth cleaning takes time and careful attention. Time yourself the next time you brush – you might be surprised at how swiftly you finish. The process should take at least take two to three minutes. It can also be beneficial to take a different route around your mouth every few days. By altering your system, you approach areas from a different, and possibly, better angle.

2. Don’t forget to floss.
No matter how agile you can be with your brush, it’s challenging to remove the plaque from all those narrow gaps between your teeth. That is where bacteria can easily increase and start the decay process.

3. Use the right toothbrush.
It is ironic that some people impair their enamel or gums because they brush too forcefully with a hard brush. Drs. Hammond advises patients to only use a soft brush. If you’ve had gum grafts, you may want to use an extra soft brush.

4. Don’t keep your tooth brush near the toilet.
This is repulsive to think about, but each time the toilet is flushed, bacteria is sent far into the air – even if you close the lid. Keep your toothbrush in a clean place and permit it to air dry.

5. Use fluoride toothpaste.
This may seem like a no-brainer but you may be surprised that some oral care products don’t contain fluoride. And you may think it’s only for children. Not true. Your enamel is consistently under assault from acidic foods and drinks and fluoride helps it remineralize.

Call 801-374-0070 today! Talk to us about these services:

Cosmetic dentistry
Dental implants
Sedation dentistry
Laser dentistry

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

Crown Or Veneer?

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Categories: Dental Crowns

cosmetic dentistry Provo

I am Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.  Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers multiple cosmetic dental procedures for creating stunning smiles. Two of the most popular procedures are dental crowns and porcelain veneers. Many patients don’t understand the difference between the two. Generally, a crown strengthens a compromised tooth while a veneer is used mainly for cosmetic improvements.

A dental crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth. A veneer is an ultra-thin layer for the front of a tooth. Veneers are made with several layers of extremely strong ceramic laminate. Crowns can be made of all porcelain (ceramic), porcelain fused to metal, or gold. Both crowns and veneers are affixed to the tooth with special adhesive. Crowns and veneers are durable and can last many years if properly cared for, though they are not stronger than natural enamel.

Both of these procedures improve the tooth aesthetically, but dental crowns are usually a better solution for a tooth that has been compromised by decay, damage, or a root canal. Veneers can fix the shape of a tooth, correct a minor crack, cover stains, or straighten the appearance of teeth that are slightly misaligned.

The success of a crown or veneer procedure depends on adept professionals at the lab and in the dentist’s office. Your cosmetic dentist must prep the tooth, create a precision mold, and submit an accurate order to the lab.

The role of the Provo dental lab technician is equally vital.  Highly skilled lab technicians fabricate custom dental crowns and veneers to the specifications of the cosmetic dentist. They must have the competence to meet the precise standards needed for successful restorations.

Consider the myriad characteristics of a restoration: the exact shape, the perfect size, the precise color, and the proper placement in the mouth. This is a case of all or nothing – each variable must be right on the mark or it must be redone.

The team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry and the fantastic staff at our dental lab work together to provide the highest quality dental restorations for our valued patients.

Call 801-374-0070 today! Talk to us about these services:

Cosmetic dentistry
Dental implants
Sedation dentistry
Laser dentistry

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

How Oral Inflammation Affects Your Health

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Categories: Dental Health

inflamed gums Provo

Swollen and painful gums are symptoms of periodontal disease, an inflammatory gum disease. Swelling occurs from an auto-immune response of the body reacting to an infection. Infections are noticeable through pain, redness, and warmth. If the infection is left untreated, it can affect the bone near the teeth. The body’s immune system wants to rid the bone of the detrimental material the bacteria is creating. Over time, bone loss will occur.

Inflammation in the gums also is associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of fatty deposits inside of the body’s arteries. Inflammation coincides with an increase of the blood protein CRP (C-reactive protein), produced by the liver. The more inflammation there is, the more the liver produces CRP. The more CRP present, the more likely cardiovascular disease is present, along with related issues. CRP production is also related to arthritis, auto-immune disorders, and intestinal issues.

Scientists are currently looking into the relationship between periodontal inflammation and CRP level and the effects outside of the oral cavity. Links have already been discovered between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

If inflammation is left untreated, gums can develop pockets that provide the perfect breeding ground for infection. The longer the infection persists, the more likely bone loss will occur, eventually causing tooth loss.

It is essential to practice preventive dental care daily at home and have regular visits to the dentist. Dental appointments should include an exam, cleaning, and full mouth x-rays, along with the critical knowledge and instruction on how to properly care for teeth and gums at home. It is also very important to see your dentist promptly if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive or you notice any other changes.

Call 801-374-0070 today! Talk to us about these services:

Cosmetic dentistry
Dental implants
Sedation dentistry
Laser dentistry

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Get The Royal Treatment At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: You Deserve It!

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

Orem dental crowns

In need of a crown? At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we can provide the exceptional experience you deserve with the dental care required. Get discolored teeth brightened and chipped teeth fixed. Receive one vital procedure or full smile makeovers. Your wish is our command.

Dr. Chris Hammond has been serving noble lords and ladies with the royal treatment since 1967. We crown patients with beautiful restorations and empower them with the confidence of a regal smile fit for a king.

Call us at: 801-374-0070. We are located in Provo and also serve Lehi, Utah County, and American Fork.

Many people believe that cosmetic dentistry refers to procedures designed solely to improve the looks of your smile as opposed to procedures such as fillings that correct a structural problem. However, there is much overlap. For example, the use of white fillings takes care of the cavities and makes your smile more beautiful. Other procedures used in cosmetic and general dentistry are veneers, inlays/onlays, braces, teeth whitening, soft-tissue grafts, crown lengthening, tooth implants, and dental bonding.

We want you to experience the transformation that comes from cosmetic dental care handled by a true artist. Whether you need veneers, crowns, or whitening, we have an imperial seat ready for you to dictate from.

Let us fulfill your every whim:

We look forward to making your acquaintance, your highness.

Aesthetic & General Dentistry -Dr. Chris Hammond

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604