Has Your Child Visited A Dentist?

Posted on
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

 

To Chew Or Not To Chew In Provo

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health

To Chew Or Not To Chew In Provo

Hello, gum chewers. Today, we’re going to talk about that sticky wad of candy in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it really help guard your smile from cavities?

It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can be beneficial in removing bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is negated by the stream of sugar washing over your teeth as you chew.

However, gum with some alternative sweeteners has an added benefit for your pearly whites. Xylitol is a sweetener which not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but it also has antimicrobial properties that lessen plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes dental caries.

So if you’re headed out to any restaurants in the Provo area, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done. Of course, brushing and flossing are the ideal practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, elect a sugarless gum with xylitol.

I’m Dr. Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We offer sedation dentistry, Invisalign, and mini implants. If you have any questions about how to beautify your oral health, or if you would like details about any of our unprecedented cosmetic dental care such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete smile transformations, give us a call today at 801-374-0070.

Call our caring team today for an appointment!

 

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

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Quirky Dental Facts That May Surprise You

Posted on
Categories: General Dentistry

Utah County cosmetic dental and tooth implants

In today’s Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry post, we share some fun facts about dentistry. Enjoy!

  • Many dental patients are aware that before there was formal dental training and licensing, barbers often performed dental procedures. But did you know that blacksmiths also moonlighted as dentists?1 How would you like your dental visit to involve tools used to hammer hot metal?
  • The Mayans were accomplished cosmetic dentists. One smile style in Mayan culture was bejeweled teeth – a procedure that involved the drilling of holes to embed precious gems. That’s a grill with major bling! 1
  • The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That is enough to fill up two swimming pools.2 (Not a very pleasant image, right?)
  • Nylon toothbrush bristles weren’t introduced until 1938. Prior to that, pig hair was a common bristle material.3 (“Mom, my toothbrush smells like bacon!”)
  • A popular toothache treatment in medieval Germany was to kiss a donkey.3 There is no evidence that it actually worked and it is unknown if the same remedy was used by donkeys.
  • Every person’s tongue is unique – just like a fingerprint.4
  • In medieval Japan, black teeth were considered appealing. Style-conscious women used roots to stain their teeth.3

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, you won’t find pig hair, donkeys, or anvils. You will find first rate dental care and our caring team of dental professionals. Our menu of services includes: sedation dentistry, Invisalign, and mini implants. Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today at 801-374-0070 to schedule an informative consultation.

 

1Gregory Myers,”10 Weird Facts About Teeth,” ListVerse, January 27, 2014, http://listverse.com/2014/01/27/10-weird-facts-about-teeth/, accessed on November 14, 2014
2“Mouth Matters,” Visual.ly, August 28, 2012, http://visual.ly/your-mouth-matters-fun-dental-facts, accessed on November 14, 2014
3“Chew on This, Fun Tooth Facts for a Healthy Mouth,” Delta Dental, http://www.deltadentalnc.org/MediaLibraries/Global/documents/Delta-Dental-Tooth-Tips-BF.pdf, accessed on November 12, 2014
4“New oral features can be considered unique as a fingerprint,” DentistryiQ, http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/01/new-oral-features-can-be-considered-unique-as-a-fingerprint.html, accessed on November 14, 2014

 

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

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

What Is Necessary For A Dental Crown?

Posted on
Categories: Dental Crowns

dental crowns Provo

Dental crowns have been around for millennia and are still used to restore smiles today. Ancient dentists used ivory, bone, and seashells to make crowns for teeth. Evidence of gold crowns dates from 200 A.D. Porcelain crowns appeared in the 1800s. With the advancement of metal casting techniques in the 1900s, crown technology took a big leap forward.

A dental crown procedure consists of multiple steps:

Tooth Preparation
Your dentist will anesthetize the tooth to be crowned and then prepare it. All decay is removed and the tooth is shaped. Usually, the dentist files off tooth structure to reduce the size and create the proper shape. Sometimes, the tooth is too small to begin with; in that case, the dentist builds up the core of the tooth with filling material to design a durable base for the crown. All-metal crowns – as opposed to porcelain crowns – have thinner sides, requiring less removal of tooth structure.

Creating a Good Impression
The dentist will use a putty-like substance to form an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth. An impression will also be made of the teeth that oppose the crown. This ensures that the crown does not negatively impact the bite.

The Temporary Crown
A temporary crown is used to protect the tooth and make sure it doesn’t move in the mouth while the permanent crown is being produced. Patient need to be careful with their temporary crown. It is not as strong as the permanent crown and is attached only with temporary cement. Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky foods. Be aware that the tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold.

Choosing a Color
If the new crown will be fabricated with porcelain, you and your dentist will use a shade guide to elect a shade for the restoration. Most people don’t have teeth that are exactly the same color. You will need to establish the most appropriate shade to blend in with the surrounding teeth.

The Lab Team Works Its Magic
The dentist or a laboratory technician then uses the model to establish the crown. Some dentists have the equipment required to manufacture crowns right in their office. Same day restorations are created with a machine that mills a crown from a small block of ceramic in the proper shade.

Your Crown Is Put In Place
When the new crown is ready, your dentist places it in your mouth and makes any needed modification to attain a perfect fit. This process shouldn’t be rushed. Sometimes less than a millimeter of drilling can make the difference between an ill-fitting crown that makes irregular contact with the opposing teeth and a crown that is accurately fitted.

I’m Dr. Chris Hammond, of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. My practice offers mini implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, dental crowns, and Invisalign.

 

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

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

3 Reasons Not To Skip A Dental Checkup

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health

cosmetic dental Provo

Life gets busy. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with everything you have to do. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we understand that. We encourage you to think twice before you cancel or postpone a dental checkup because you think it’s less important than the other twenty things on your to-do list.

Twice-yearly dental exams are indispensable for keeping your smile in ideal shape!

“But my teeth feel fine.”
We’ve heard this excuse. The fact is that no news isn’t necessarily good news. Dental problems can be progressing without you being aware of it.

1. Your Gums May Be Receding
Gum recession doesn’t happen all at once. Gum tissue can move back almost imperceptibly until teeth and bone are in danger.

2. Decay May Be Lurking
When the acids in plaque start drilling into a tooth, we usually don’t feel it until it has passed through the enamel and dentin and hits the nerve. Ouch! By that time, there is a crater in the tooth. Regular cleanings remove plaque before it can do any weakening.

3. Prevent Oral Cancer
About 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.1 Dr. Hammond will screen for oral cancer during your exam. As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis is indispensable.

After your entire mouth has been examined, Dr. Hammond will detail what is required moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as Invisalign, we will make sure that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful!

1http://oralcancerfoundation.org/

 

 

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 Sedation Dentistry Safe For Provo Smiles?

Posted on
Categories: Sedation Dentistry

Affordable Provo Dentistry Sedation When I discuss sedation dentistry with new  patients, I encounter many misconceptions. The purpose of today’s article is to de-bunk some of the most common myths about dental sedation.

Myth #1:  You Are Completely Unconscious

Some nervous dental patients are not only afraid of receiving treatment; they also fear the thought of not being in control. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer different levels of sedation, but none of the sedation options put you completely to sleep. With oral sedation you are relaxed but not totally knocked out. When we need to ask a dental sedation patient a question during the treatment, the patient is able to hear, understand, and respond.

Myth #2: Dental Sedation Should Only Be Used For Extensive Dental Treatment

Anxiety-free dentistry is completely safe. Many nervous sedation dentistry patients request sedation for routine exams and procedures.

Myth #3: Most Utah Dental Insurance Companies Do Not Cover Sleep Dentistry

Some Utah dental insurers do cover sedation. Check with your insurer for details about your dental insurance benefits.

Myth #4: Sleep Dentistry Is Still Experimental

Cosmetic dentists have been safely providing sedation for many years. Our practice meets all the requirements advised by the American Dental Association. Millions of Americans and thousands of patients have safely received sedation for dental treatment.

For more information about anxiety-free dentistry, contact us at  801-374-0070 today to schedule a sedation consultation.

 

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

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Chipped Tooth? No Need To Panic

Posted on
Categories: General Dentistry

porcelain veneers cost Orem

There are basically two ways to handle a chipped tooth:
1. Panic.
2. See Dr. Chris Hammond right away and get on with life.

Dr. Chris Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can fix a chipped tooth in a jiffy by determining the right solution and expertly preforming the procedure. Decay, missing teeth, braces, even crowns can impact the course of treatment.

Time is often an important factor when it comes to tooth repair so don’t wait, call 801-374-0070 to schedule an appointment. Our address is:
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah 84604

We’ve been around since 1967 – serving your neighbors in Provo  and improving smiles for Utah County patients.

When Provo residents need cosmetic dentistry, we’ve successfully managed their treatment. When Lehi patients have needed family dentistry, we’ve watched happy, smiling patients leave our office. And when you need dental implants, we are excited with the opportunity to make a true believer out of you!

We offer mini implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry and dental crowns. Trust Dr. Hammond to deliver exceptional results. No panic. No mistakes. No worries.

Relax.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Foaming At The Mouth: Are You Brushing Right?

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health

Provo affordable family dentist

In today’s post, let’s review some information about brushing. One key to activating the value of toothpaste is creating foam when brushing.

Working up a good foam is attained by pre-wetting the toothbrush, then attacking at a 45 rather than 90 degree angle. The foaming helps with dislodging food debris from nooks and crannies in the mouth. Go ahead and swish it around at the completion of brushing to pick up any stragglers. The abrasives in toothpaste are designed to polish the teeth without damaging the enamel.

Because of the abrasives, soft toothbrushes are best for proper brushing. Harder bristles can put the enamel and gum line at risk. When the gum line recedes from aggressive brushing (or any other cause) a patient may experience tooth pain, increased build-up and decay, tooth structure weakening, and in severe cases, tooth loss.

The fluoride in the toothpaste promotes remineralization when the paste has been rubbed around on all surfaces of all teeth in the entire mouth. This takes time so be certain you brush for at least 2-3 minutes.

Furthermore, remember that flossing is important and rounds out the 5 minutes each day to give you healthy, pain-free chewing for years and years to come.

To recap:
Wet soft bristle toothbrush
Use fluoridated toothpaste
Brush at 45 degree angle
Brush gently for 2-3 minutes
Cover every surface of every tooth
Swish around in mouth before spitting out
Floss gently around each tooth and don’t miss the back surface of the rear molars
Rinse out debris

This article is brought to you by Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, an esteemed dental practice in Provo. We are passionate about dental education and confident smiles for all.

Dr. Chris Hammond has been serving Provo area families since 1967. We are located at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 in Provo. Contact us at 801-374-0070 or https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/.

Ask us about our dental payment options, accepted insurance companies, and the general and cosmetic care we offer. And brush well until we see you, it will be worth every foamy second!

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

 

Pamper Yourself With Professional Teeth Whitening

Posted on
Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

fast teeth whitening Orem

Do you ever treat yourself to a few hours of pampering and leave feeling relaxed and refreshed? Perhaps you get a massage or have dinner at a nice Orem restaurant. Have you ever thought about getting your teeth whitened? You get to relax in a comfy chair and enjoy a bright smile when you leave. Our distinctive dental practice in Provo has a warm, friendly, and relaxing atmosphere.

The proven teeth whitening system used in our Provo practice has been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness. We brighten smiles every day and have hundreds of satisfied Provo cosmetic dental patients.

If you are in need of cosmetic dentistry to remedy some problems with your smile, we can also help you with that at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We have beautified countless Orem area smiles using a variety of common and not-so-common cosmetic dental procedures.

Ask us about invisible braces, crown lengthening treatment, tooth-colored fillings, porcelain veneers and tooth implants. To schedule a teeth whitening or cosmetic dental consultation, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070. We are distinctive dental practice serving the greater Orem area from our well-appointed Provo facility.

mini implants
porcelain veneers
sedation dentistry
dental crowns
Invisalign

You deserve to be pampered! Experience a comfortable, relaxing dental visit and receive top quality dental care 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

 

It’s A Great Time To Have Ugly Teeth!

Posted on
Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

Lehi cosmetic smile makeover

Huh? Yep, it’s true. It’s a great time to have ugly teeth because industry-leading cosmetic dentistry provides several procedures to turn ugly to unbelievably beautiful.

Teeth whitening can benefit almost every adult. Years of staining can be magically erased in a day at your Provo dentist’s office or over a few months with an affordable at-home kit. This popular treatment gives you a lot of bang for your cosmetic dental buck.

If your teeth are slightly crooked or have small chips or cracks, minimally-invasive porcelain veneers could be the answer. A veneer is a translucent, wafer-thin cover that is permanently attached to the front of a tooth. Many people get veneers on the upper front teeth for a fabulous smile metamorphosis. Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 to learn more about terrific veneers.

Have your gums receded and thereby exposed the metal base of an old dental crown? Soft tissue grafts and/or crown replacement can correct this common trouble. Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 to schedule a gum-contouring consultation.

A missing tooth detracts from your smile, even if your other teeth look great. Many Provo people have benefited from dental implants. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the natural-looking crown. Dental implants can also anchor full or partial dentures and significantly improve life for denture wearers.

If your teeth have acute alignment problems, we encourage you to think about braces. Provo dental patients of all ages are undergoing orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth and transform their smile. The newest braces are faster, less noticeable, and more comfortable than ever before.

Other cosmetic dental procedures available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are inlays/onlays, dental crowns, and white fillings. If you have an ugly smile, the Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry team of outstanding dental professionals is committed to making it sensational. Call 801-374-0070 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