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

If My Gums Bleed, Should I Stop Flossing?

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Categories: Dental Health

bleeding gums Provo

This is a critical question occasionally asked by family dentistry patients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. The answer, however, is “No!” Bleeding is probably a sign that you need to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly – not leave them alone. It is impossible to clean effectively between teeth without using floss or an interdental brush.

If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times you use floss. The bleeding may be due to detrimental gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding frequently stops within a week or two.

Gingivitis (gum disease) and the more advanced periodontal disease is extremely common in Utah and around the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of American adults aged 30 and over have periodontal disease. https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm

If you don’t make flossing a habit, and your gums become sore, swollen, and tender, it could cause gum disease. The good news is that, unlike tooth decay, gum disease can be reversed with improved oral hygiene.

It is essential to correctly use dental floss to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth:

  1. +Cut a length of floss about 18 inches long.
  2. +Securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
  3. +Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with.
  4. +Thread the floss between two teeth.
  5. +Hold the floss tightly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s important to scrape up and out of the pocket.
  6. +Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface – especially those that your brush can’t reach. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to provide a clean section for every tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new one.

Some general dentistry patients find it easier to start on one end on the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side. Then repeat for the bottom row. Whatever operation you choose, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the last molars.

What if you continue flossing for a few weeks and still experience bleeding? Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 to schedule a consultation. Chris Hammond, DDS, will carry out an intensive examination to determine the cause of the bleeding.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our goal is to help patients preserve healthy teeth and gums. Our dental hygienists not only complete the most thorough dental cleanings, they also educate patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you have a child who needs extra help learning how to brush and floss correctly, schedule an appointment with our Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry child-friendly team.

Some patients have perfectly healthy teeth and gums but are not satisfied with their smile due to cosmetic issues. If you want to explore cosmetic dentistry possibilities for improving your smile, communicate with us today at 801-374-0070.

We offer technologically-advanced cosmetic dental services including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, inlays/onlays, and tooth-colored filling replacement. Ask us about oral sedation options if you need help relaxing during dental treatment. You can count on us to maintain the highest standard of safety and sterility at Hammond Aesthetic & General 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

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

Preventing Gum Disease At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

Preventing Gum Disease at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar or dental calculus.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we perform the most thorough dental cleanings possible. Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages.

Our goal is to help our Orem dental patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.

To schedule a deep cleaning, call 801-374-0070. We are located at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 in Provo. In addition to providing comprehensive dental cleanings, we create mega-watt smiles for cosmetic dentistry patients in the Utah County and American Fork area. See www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com for more information about our state-of-the-art dental practice.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Is Your Smile In A World Of Hurt?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

full mouth reconstruction Orem

Do you have extreme tooth damage, bone loss, or few or no teeth still intact? This post is for people whose mouths are in a world of hurt.

First of all, we feel for you. We understand how severe dental issues impact you every day of your life.

Whatever the cause of the condition – chemotherapy, recreational drug use, eating disorder, extreme mouth injury, disability, inadequate oral hygiene, or simply poor overall health – there is hope.

Full mouth reconstruction can restore your previously healthy, beautiful smile or give you the remarkable smile you never had. Patients who undergo full mouth reconstruction regain their confidence to smile, eat, and speak normally. How would that affect your life?

Replacing missing teeth and adding bone through grafting restores underlying facial structure, improving or preventing that “sunk-in” look that develops when teeth are gone and the jawbone recedes.

Full mouth reconstruction (sometimes called full mouth restoration) is a term which refers to a combination of dental procedures that restore a smile for people with numerous damaged or missing teeth. Treatment may include any combination of the following procedures: crowns, inlays/onlays, dental bonding, white filling replacement, tooth implants, porcelain veneers, implant-anchored dentures, gum contouring, soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, and tooth whitening.

Dental implants are usually the best tooth replacement for patients with missing teeth. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. If there is not enough bone to anchor an implant, bone grafting may be executed to augment existing bone. The post integrates with the bone to provide a secure foundation for the abutment and beautiful crown. Dental implants are indistinguishable from previous teeth in both form and function.

If you currently have dentures, speak with us about implant-anchored full or partial dentures. Significant improvements can be made even if you only get two or three tooth implants.

Crowns (sometimes called caps) are used when there is enough viable tooth structure that the tooth doesn’t need to be extracted. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured. A crown can fix a bite misalignment and is usually needed after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers a full menu of cosmetic dental services including total mouth reconstruction. Cosmetic dentistry may be more cost-effective than you think. Talk to us about financing or a multi-procedure treatment schedule that allows you to pay as you go. Restoring a healthy smile may be the best investment you ever make.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Ignoring It Won’t Make It Go Away

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Categories: Sedation Dentistry

Ignoring It Won't Make It Go Away

Are you suffering with a toothache, but ignoring the pain? Have you started chewing on one side of your mouth to avoid your sensitive teeth? Have you stopped drinking hot and cold beverages to alleviate the discomfort? Dental pain is like an unpaid speeding ticket, ignoring it won’t make it go away.

Many adults and children dread seeking relief from a dentist because they fear the treatment will hurt worse than the pain they are experiencing. Waiting too long to care for your teeth can cause serious health problems – and not just in your mouth.

My name is Chris Hammond and I have been dedicated to calming the distressed feelings of my Provo patients since 1967. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we help you relax and ease any discomfort you may have. We create a comfortable dental experience for all of our patients.

If you have dental anxiety, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers several solutions including sedation dentistry. We can also use anti-anxiety agents to quiet your fears and make your dental visit as safe and laid-back as possible.

In addition to sedation dentistry, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and oral cancer screenings for Provo residents.

Your smile can and should be your most attractive feature. Don’t let dental distress keep you from gaining and maintaining a dazzling smile.

Let the caring dental team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry help restore and maintain your oral health. Call today to schedule an appointment. Our phone number is 801-374-0070. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we want your smile to last a lifetime.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Smile More, Live Better

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

cosmetic dentistry Orem

If you feel that you have an unattractive smile, you probably don’t smile very often. Perhaps you make a calculated effort to make sure you don’t smile in social and professional settings.

Do you think frequent smiling has a significant effect on your life? You bet it does.

In addition to simply making us happier, smiling improves our quality of life in a myriad of ways.

1.  Look Younger and More Attractive

It doesn’t take a scientific study to verify this fact. No matter your age, you always look better with a smile on your face.

2. Smiling Decreases Stress

When you smile, your brain releases feel-good chemicals that reduce your stress level.

3. Smiling Boosts Your Confidence

Who doesn’t want to benefit from more self-assurance?

4. Smile For Success

Researchers have demonstrated several ways smiling can improve the chance of a positive outcome in personal and professional pursuits. These benefits stem from the fact that smiling impacts your behavior as well as the behavior of the individuals with whom you interact.

5. Help People Trust You

Genuine smiles that involve the mouth, cheeks, and eyes, represent honesty and trustworthiness.

How would your life improve if you loved your smile?

Even small cosmetic changes can yield meaningful improvements in the attractiveness of your smile. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer everything from tooth whitening to complete smile makeovers. Let’s consider the possibilities for your smile. Call 801-374-0070 today to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation.

Sources:
Horn P.W. Scharlemann, Catherine C. Eckel, Alex Kacelmik, Rick K. Wilson, “The value of a smile: Game theory with a human face, “ScienceDirect, October 2001, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167487001000599, accessed April 4, 2017
Ronald E. Reggio, PhD, “There’s Magic in Your Smile,” Psychology Today, June 25, 2012, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201206/there-s-magic-in-your-smile, accessed April 4, 2017
“10 Hidden Benefits of Smiling,” Psyblog, http://www.spring.org.uk/2011/06/10-hidden-benefits-of-smiling.php, accessed April 4, 2017

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Let’s Talk About It

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Categories: Smile Makeover

cosmetic dental Provo

Hello, I’m Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. I am enthusiastic about improving smiles through cosmetic dentistry. Few physical improvements have such a compelling influence on attractiveness and self-confidence as a smile makeover. Excellent oral health and a beautiful smile contribute to overall physical health and a high quality of life.

If you have ever wondered how cosmetic dentistry could change your life, I invite you to schedule a consultation so we can talk about it. I believe that the initial consultation is the most critical part of any treatment plan. During your no-pressure smile transformation consultation we will consider the following issues:

  • Your goals for how you want your smile to look and feel after the makeover.
  • The status of your oral health.
  • The distinct aspects of your teeth and gums that you wish to correct.
  • Which individual treatments are required.
  • A detailed explanation of each required process (e.g. porcelain veneers, dental crowns, inlays/onlays, gum contouring, crown lengthening, tooth implants, braces, or teeth whitening).
  • You can see before and after pictures of smile redesign patients.
  • Your options for how to schedule the care (all at once or over time).
  • Information about conscious sedation.
  • Answers to any questions or concerns.
  • Cosmetic dentistry costs and financing options.

Your dazzling smile begins with an exam and consultation; give us a call 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

Sinus Pain Or Abscessed Tooth?

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Categories: Dental Health

Sinus Pain Or Abscessed Tooth?

Your maxillary sinuses are very close upstairs neighbors of your top teeth. In some areas, only a sliver of tissue separates the upper tooth roots from the bottom of the sinus cavity. It’s no wonder that when there is pain in that general area, the specific location can be hard to discover.

Allergies, infections, and the common cold can irritate sinus tissues. When sinus tissues become swollen and infected, it can influence the teeth.

In acute cases, swollen sinus tissues can actually move the teeth slightly, changing the bite. The reverse scenario can also transpire. The infection surrounding an abscessed tooth can easily travel to the sinus cavity.

An abscess is an infected pocket of pus in a tooth and/or the surrounding bone and tissue. The most frequent type of oral abscess stems from the pulp of the tooth and is commonly caused by dental caries.

When an abscess is small, it may go unnoticed but it will eventually cause pain.

An abscess can cause complete tooth loss and the infection can also destroy jawbone.

If an abscess impairs the tooth until it is beyond saving and requires extraction, a dental implant is one replacement option – but only if there is enough bone to anchor the implant.

How can you tell an abscessed tooth from a sinus infection?
Sinus pain typically manifests itself as a dull, continuous pain while the pain from an abscessed tooth increases in intensity. If you tap on an abscessed tooth, you will possibly feel a sharp shot of pain.

You have several sinus cavities, and pain can emanate from any or all of them, so if you have infection in more than one sinus cavity, you may have pain behind the nose and eyes. As mentioned previously, it’s possible to be in a world of hurt with both problems – an abscessed tooth and a sinus infection.

Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is you have pain in your upper jaw and lower sinus area. An abscessed tooth should never be ignored. If it’s a sinus infection, your doctor can help you. This is a situation where you need advice from both your dental and medical care provider.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Smile Like You Mean It!

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

Hey Provo Smile Like You Mean It!

Hello, Provo friends! Have you ever noticed someone who refuses to flash a genuine smile? Even in a family picture, they stay tight-lipped. Even if they’re laughing at the funniest joke ever, they cover their mouths. Maybe this person is you and maybe you need a smile makeover.

Don’t be embarrassed! Here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we provide the most advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures for our patients. There are many reasons a dental patient could be shy about their smile, such as injury, tooth discoloration, poor spacing, or missing teeth. Chances are, a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can help.

Wouldn’t it be remarkable to have the confident smile you’ve always wanted?

Many patients start with teeth whitening. Other procedures include dental implants, veneers, crowns, enamel shaping, bonding, and more! We can also refer you to an orthodontist if needed.

I’m Dr. Chris Hammond and I am passionate about helping my patients have healthy teeth and brilliant smiles.If you would like to know more about smile transformations, give us a call at 801-374-0070 and our caring staff can schedule an appointment.

Call today to get a smile you’ll never want to hide!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604