Read Our Provo dentist Blog – Cosmetic dentistry Orem – Sedation dentistry Utah County

Does Your Teen Have Unique Dental Challenges?

Posted on September 25, 2015September 23, 2015

When it comes to oral health, adolescence is a pivotal time for Provo youth. On the upside, the last of the permanent teeth come in providing young men and women with their “adult smile”. Good habits can be forged and reinforced. Teeth can be straightened, providing increased confidence when it is often sorely needed.

On the downside, some teens take up habits that are detrimental to their teeth. Adolescents often don’t understand the importance of proper dental hygiene and fail to adequately care for their teeth. Some young Provo men and women develop teenage tooth decay that can cause recurring dental problems in later years.

Eating disorders are far too common among Provo area teens. Bulimia can cause enamel erosion, decay, and even complete tooth loss. Parents who suspect their teen has an eating disorder are strongly advised to intervene immediately and provide appropriate medical care and counseling.

The importance of diet cannot be overstated. Adolescence is a time when many young Orem men and women decrease their calcium intake – a danger to both bones and teeth. The consumption of energy drinks and sugared soda also contribute to tooth and gum problems in teenagers.

Furthermore, teens that use tobacco and illegal drugs have an increased risk of tooth decay and oral cancer. Oral piercings can be extremely detrimental. The health risks include tooth and gum damage, infection, allergic reactions, nerve damage, and excessive swelling that can block airways.

Teens who are undergoing orthodontic treatment often have a difficult time properly cleaning their teeth. It is a challenge to fit toothbrush bristles and floss under dental hardware. Toothbrushes and flossing devices that squirt water can help teens with braces adequately clean their teeth and gums.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry advises Utah parents to make sure their teens receive twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Hammond can identify and treat oral issues in their early stages so that further damage can be prevented or minimized.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following guidelines for adolescent oral health:

Teens should drink fluoridated water.
Fluoride supplementation is recommended for high risk teens that don’t have access to fluoridated water (up to age 16).
Teens should use fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.
Teens should floss daily.¹

To schedule a teen dental examination and cleaning, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070. The team of caring dental professionals at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is dedicated to oral health for patients of all ages.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

¹“Protecting All Children’s Teeth, Oral Health in Adolescence,” http://www2.aap.org/oralhealth/pact/, accessed September 17, 2014

The Health And Beauty Consequences Of Missing Teeth

Posted on September 18, 2015September 23, 2015

Hello. We are Dr. Hammond. Thanks for visiting our blog. Today’s post focuses on missing teeth and bone health.

Our teeth have many important functions. We need them to chew our food, talk, and smile. But have you ever considered their role in holding up your face? When we lose teeth, the bone around the site of the extraction begins to shrink. This, in turn, causes our facial muscles to sink in and collapse.

We sometimes think of bone as a solid mass, unlike the softer tissues in our body. In reality, below the seemingly rock-hard surface, bone tissue is full of small holes – kind of like a sponge. In the interior bone tissue, the bone is continually regenerating itself. This vital process is sometimes called “bone metabolism.” In the jaw bone, the movements of the teeth stimulate this process of rebuilding. When the tooth is gone, the bone starts to shrink as blood flow is reduced.

Provo people with missing teeth not only have an unsightly gap in their smile, they begin to look older because of the bone recession and eventual facial sagging. It is not simply an issue of attractiveness – it poses serious health dangers. It may become difficult to chew food, making it harder to get adequate nutrition. Mental health can also be affected when a patient with missing teeth loses confidence in themself or withdraws from social situations because they are self-conscious about their smile.

Modern Provo dentistry to the rescue. Dental implant technology provides a tooth restoration solution that maintains healthy bone metabolism while providing near-normal tooth function. For patients missing many (or all) of their teeth, it may not be possible to replace every single tooth with an implant. In many of these cases, dental implants can be used to provide an anchor for a partial denture.

What if your bone has shrunken so much that there is not enough to support an implant? You may be a candidate for bone augmentation or bone grafting. This procedure is routinely executed with success in the Orem area and can be done with your own bone, synthetic bone material or bone from a cadaver.

If you are missing teeth, don’t resign yourself to dentures. Tooth implants can provide a beautiful smile! Schedule a consultation with Drs. Dr. Hammond by calling 801-374-0070.

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth, Orem

Posted on September 11, 2015September 11, 2015

Hi, We’re Dr. Hammond, and today in the Orem dental blog, we will be discussing the often misunderstood subject of wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth are sometimes called the third molars because they are even farther back in the mouth than the two sets of regular molars we all have. These four teeth usually erupt when a person is eighteen or nineteen.

Many dentists in the Orem area recommend that wisdom teeth be removed to prevent misplacement in the mouth.

If a wisdom tooth doesn’t fully erupt, it may cause an opening in the gums that can attract bacteria and become infected. Some wisdom teeth are so misplaced that they can actually cause problems with the jaw bone. Both of these conditions cause severe pain.

If you are in the Orem area and are wondering if your wisdom teeth need to be removed, call us today at 801-374-0070 to schedule an appointment. We can assess the placement of your wisdom teeth and discuss a treatment plan.

We can also answer any questions you have about smile makeovers. Because there are so many quick and effective cosmetic dentistry procedures available, such as invisible braces, veneers, teeth whitening, and dental implants, anyone in Orem can have a perfect smile. I love giving my Orem area patients the smiles they’ve always wanted.

Thanks for visiting the dental blog, and keep Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in mind for your cosmetic dental needs. We offer:

cosmetic dentistry
sedation dentistry
porcelain veneers
Invisalign clear braces

We hope to see you soon!

Tooth Knocked Out? Call Us ASAP!

Posted on September 4, 2015September 11, 2015

It may sound like a catastrophe to many Orem area dental patients, but having a tooth knocked out doesn’t always mean you’ll need cosmetic dentistry to fix your smile. If you can keep a cool head and remember a few simple instructions, chances are your tooth can be salvaged.

The most important things for Orem residents to do if they’ve had a tooth knocked out is to find the tooth, handle it carefully and keep it in the best condition possible so their dentist can reinsert it properly.

Do not handle the tooth by the root, be careful to only touch the crown. It’s okay to gently rinse the tooth in water, but don’t scrub it or remove any tissue fragments from the tooth.

If it is possible, the best place for the tooth to be held is back in the socket (placed there gently, of course). Holding the tooth between the lip and gum or under the tongue is good too, just be careful not to swallow. If neither of these is an option, place the tooth in a cup of milk.

Next, you’ll want to get to your Orem family dentistry office as soon as possible. Most teeth that can be reinserted by a dentist within an hour can be saved.

We’re Dr. Hammond, cosmetic and general dentists near Orem. If you are looking for quality dental care in the Provo, Orem, or Utah County area, we hope you’ll give us a call at 801-374-0070. We offer cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, porcelain veneers, complete smile makeovers, and Invisalign clear braces.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
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Do You Have Sore Gums?

Posted on August 28, 2015September 11, 2015

Every Orem general dentistry patient’s mouth provides a cozy home for over 600 types of bacteria. If you are diligent about oral hygiene and have healthy gums, these microbes usually don’t affect your health. However, if you have gum disease, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums and cause problems.

Gingivitis is the term for the mild gum disease. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we routinely discover gingivitis in Orem area clients who are not even aware they have the condition.

The first signs of gingivitis are swollen, sore gums.

It is important for our Orem dental patients to understand that it is not normal for gums to bleed when they are brushed or flossed. If you haven’t had an oral examination in a while and live in the Orem area, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070. Dr. Hammond thoroughly exams teeth and gums and takes time to discuss the results and recommendations with each Orem family dentistry patient.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is a full-service dental practice at 3575 N 100 E, Ste 200, Provo, UT. We provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry for clients who live in Orem and the nearby communities.

During your dentist consultation, we can discuss any cosmetic or restorative procedures in which you are interested. Some of the Orem procedures that we use to create perfect smiles are porcelain veneers, clear braces, dental implants and tooth whitening. Our hygienists are skilled professionals who perform the ultimate in dental deep-cleanings.

Oral health and overall health go hand in hand. Schedule a dental consultation today by calling 801-374-0070 or visiting us online at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com.

Discover Why Patients Trust Their Smile To Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Posted on August 21, 2015September 11, 2015

Hi, we are Dr. Hammond. Practicing dentistry at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is enjoyable and rewarding. We appreciate the relationships we have formed with our valued patients who trust us to care for their teeth. If you are one of our patients, let us thank you personally for allowing us to serve your dental needs. We know you have many other choices for dentistry in the Orem area.

Kudos to our talented dental team and dedicated administrative staff who keep our caring Provo practice running smoothly and allow us to focus on what we do best.

If you are visiting this blog for the first time and need an experienced dentist, we hope you will consider our practice. You can learn more about our services and philosophy at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/ or call 801-374-0070 to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

We have been keeping smiles healthy and performing smile makeovers at my Provo cosmetic dental practice since 1967. Each one of our Orem smile redesign patients values their new smile almost as much as we value their support.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we provide a full array of cutting-edge cosmetic dental procedures available including teeth whitening, invisible braces, tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, gum contouring, and crown lengthening. If you don’t make it a point to keep up with the ever-evolving world of dentistry (and who does?), you might not be aware of the procedures that are now available.

There have never been as many effective treatments for crooked teeth, gum disease, discolored teeth, and any other dental malady you can imagine. Ask us about exciting advances in children’s cavity prevention, laser dentistry, cold sore removal, same day restorations, early decay detection, and oral cancer screening.

Again, thanks for visiting our Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry website. Enjoy your day.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

Veneers Explained For Utah County Dental Patients

Posted on August 14, 2015August 18, 2015

Hello! We are so glad you came to the Provo dental health blog. This is the place where we take the time to answer some of the questions cosmetic dentistry patients in the Orem area are curious about. Today we are discussing veneers. You may have heard the word veneer used in conjunction with cosmetic dentistry, and that is because they are a popular and effective cosmetic dentistry tool.

Veneers are covers for the front part of the teeth. They are usually used to correct tooth imperfections, such as chipping, staining, decay, or crooked teeth. Super-strong, tooth-colored porcelain laminate is shaped into thin shells and custom-fitted for each patient’s unique set of teeth.

The first step in the veneer process is to make a mold to work from. Your Utah County, American Fork, or Lehi dentist will make the model of your teeth. After that, a dental technician will use the model to create the veneers.

It is important to note that because a little of the enamel from the tooth has to be removed so the veneers can be placed, this process is usually irreversible.

If you are in the Lehi area and are looking for a dentist, give Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry a call. My name is Drs. Dr. Hammond and I have been serving Provo, Utah since 1967.

Please call 801-374-0070 and a member of our caring staff can answer any questions you have about veneers, teeth whitening, dental care, or smile makeovers.

Call today!

Drs. Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/v/veneers.aspx, accessed on March, 5, 2014

When It’s Better Not To Brush

Posted on August 7, 2015August 11, 2015

Cuts heal. Bruises fade. Broken bones mend. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly amazing. But tooth enamel is different. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

Though thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the essential job of protecting teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also shields tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.

The team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry encourages our Orem area patients to protect their tooth enamel for a lifetime of dental health.

This may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes it is better NOT to brush immediately after eating. Specifically, after eating acidic items. The acid weakens the enamel which can be further weakened by brushing. Waiting 60 minutes will allow the acid to dilute. Rinsing immediately after eating acidic foods is useful, however, because it washes away some food particles and speeds up the dilution of the acid.

Some Provo dental patients don’t realize that dry mouth can cause or exacerbate enamel erosion. The calcium and phosphate in saliva protects your enamel. When there is little saliva, the enamel is left unprotected. Chewing stimulates saliva production but constant snacking is not the answer for dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water frequently can stimulate saliva production between meals without increasing the risk of decay or upping your calorie intake.

Not surprisingly, tooth grinding wears enamel away. If you are one of the many Provo residents who grinds their teeth at night, it’s vital to get a mouthguard ASAP. People who grind their teeth are at a high risk for enamel erosion and the decay that can follow. Athletes should also protect their teeth on the playing field with a mouthguard. For more information, meet with Drs. Dr. Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry about custom mouthguards.

If you sip soda, tea, or coffee all day, we suggest you switch to water to halt any enamel erosion that has already occurred. It may be a hard change to make – but if you are successful – your teeth will thank you for it.

Using teeth as tools can harm enamel, as well. Take a moment to fetch scissors before tearing open a package or ripping duct tape with your teeth. Do you really want to take a chance on chipping a tooth just to open a package of lunchmeat?

Chewing ice and hard candy can also damage enamel. If you simply must have sugar, soft candy is best as long as it is not left to sit on teeth for long period of time. If your molars are packed with gummy candy all day, you will develop cavities which erodes enamel just as effectively as chipping it with hard candy. Many of the old-school hard candies we enjoyed as kids now come in soft versions. Enjoy them sparingly because constant sugar is bad for teeth. Period.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion or other dental problems, Drs. Dr. Hammond can help you protect what is left. To schedule an exam, contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo at 801-374-0070!

How Bright Can You Shine, Provo?

Posted on July 24, 2015August 11, 2015

Hello Provo! Do you want brighter, whiter teeth? Most American Fork residents notice their teeth dulling as the years go by, but some foods, drinks, and even mouthwashes can stain teeth at any age.

OTC tooth whitening products like kits, strips, or toothpastes may slightly lighten stains, but for a truly remarkable smile, see Dr. Hammond!

If you have dental veneers, bonding, or bridges, teeth whitening bleach will not influence the stains and your whitened natural teeth may make your dental work look even duller in comparison. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we can advise you about new dental work, including veneers or bondings, if these have discolored with age.

Remember, anything that can stain a white t-shirt can stain teeth.

Fortunately, brushing after meals can keep stains at bay, however after consuming acidic foods or drinks, just rinse your mouth with water. Brushing right away can erode enamel.

Provo in-office teeth whitening takes about an hour and bleaches teeth to a whiter-than-ever brilliance. Professional take-home whitening kits are also available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry and can produce outstanding results over time.

For more details about a younger and brighter smile, contact our caring dental team for a smile brightening consultation today!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
801-374-0070
www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com

We provide the highest quality general and cosmetic dentistry including veneers, crowns, bonding, orthodontia, and teeth whitening. Ask us about financing options.

A Proud Dental Practice In Provo, Utah

Posted on July 17, 2015August 11, 2015

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is proud to serve not only Provo but the greater Orem area. Our staff constitutes proud members of the community we serve. Not only are we are proud to offer outstanding service to Provo, Utah, but we are happy to serve our patients in Orem, Lehi, Utah County, and American Fork. It’s worth the trip for the change it will make in your life.

Are you proud of your smile? You should be. Your smile is unique. It can express friendliness and confidence. Why not make it the best it can be? Cosmetic dentistry offers answers to chipped teeth, missing teeth, crooked teeth and discolored teeth.

We offer many services above and beyond easy cleaning and oral care instruction and guidance. While oral hygiene is important, sometimes advanced dentistry is needed for a true smile makeover. Come see our office for cosmetic dentistry. Find out if you’re a candidate for family dentistry. Ask about the benefits of dental implants. Your smile is our priority. We want your personality to shine.

Call 801-374-0070 or visit us online at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/. We’re happy to make you an appointment for any of the following services: mini implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, dental crowns, or Invisalign. Ask us about Invisalign braces, porcelain veneers, and tooth implants. We have been passionate about improving lives with dental expertise since we opened our doors in 1967.