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

Stay Out Of The Orem Dental Danger Zone

Posted on May 17, 2013September 28, 2013

You would never consider running a red light on a busy street or crossing over a lane of orange construction cones on the freeway, but you might be doing some everyday things that are a real danger to your oral health.

We’re Dr. Hammond, cosmetic and general dentistry professionals serving the Orem and Utah County area, and we want to share with you some common habits that could be detrimental to the health of your teeth.

Crunching ice between your teeth might be refreshing on a pleasant day, but the soft tissue inside your teeth won’t appreciate it. Once this tissue gets irritated, you’re more likely to get toothaches and have increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

Participating in your favorite sport without proper mouth protection is a risk that no one in Orem should take. If there is a chance that a mouth injury could occur (and there is with most sports) then get to the nearest sporting goods store in Orem and purchase an inexpensive mouth guard or, better yet, ask me about a custom mouthguard.

Using your teeth to open anything is a bad idea. Every time your teeth come in contact with foreign objects there is potential for chipping and cracking.

Now that you know how to avoid these risks, what can you do if you’ve already damaged your teeth from these activities or similar ones? Make an appointment with our friendly and professional staff and we’ll see how we can help.

If you’ve had chipping or cracking problems, there are a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures that might help you. If you have overly-sensitive teeth, we may be able to prescribe a prescription toothpaste to relieve the pain.

We can also answer any questions you have about veneers, gum contouring, or teeth whitening in Provo. We hope to hear from you soon, but in the meantime, keep those pearly whites safe and sound.

Keep Your Teeth Safe, Provo

Posted on May 10, 2013

Hopefully you are one of many health-conscious Orem area residents who is finding ways to get outside or to the gym and get moving. There has been an explosion in the variety of activities offered by personal trainers, all-purpose gyms, specialty facilities, and Utah County recreation departments in recent years. With all these exciting ways to exercise becoming commonplace, people in the Provo, Orem, and Utah County areas may not be aware of the tooth risks associated with them.

We’re Dr. Hammond, concerned Provo dentists and fitness enthusiasts, and we want to talk to you today about mouth protectors.

You might think that mouth protectors are only for ultimate fighters and football players, but actually mouth guards can and should be used during any activity where a blow to the face is possible.

This includes many common sports such as pick-up basketball games, volleyball, gymnastics, and bicycling. When you have a properly fitted mouth protector, you can prevent broken or lost teeth as well as lip, tongue, and jaw injuries.

Mouth protectors come in three main types: stock, boil and bite, and custom-fitted. The stock mouth protectors are pre-formed and ready to wear. Unfortunately, they rarely fit well. You can find boil and bite mouth protectors at sporting goods stores in the Orem area. They are to be softened in water and then formed to your mouth (make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions). Custom-fitted mouth protectors can be made by your Provo general dentistry professional to make sure you have a perfect fit.

The soft tissues that line your cheeks and lips are especially susceptible to injury when you have braces or fixed dental bridge work, not to mention the damage that can be caused to the orthodontic appliances themselves. For these reasons, a mouth protector is extremely important for Orem patients undergoing these treatments. Your Provo orthodontist may even suggest a mouth protector for your lower teeth as well.

If you have questions about sports dentistry, cosmetic dentistry or any other dental issues, please contact our office and schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo Utah
801-374-0070
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Your Smile Doesn’t Have to Show Your Age

Posted on May 3, 2013May 3, 2013

As we grow older, we may welcome many changes. However, most Provo retirees do not welcome wrinkles, gray hair and cosmetic dental problems.

Fortunately, your smile can be attractive and healthy throughout your golden years!

Even if your teeth are showing visible signs of wear such as enamel loss, staining, and chips, it is not too late to restore your youthful smile. And, though tooth loss is fairly common for Provo residents over sixty, in most cases it is preventable.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we treat patients of all ages. We specialize in porcelain veneers and sedation dentistry.

If you live in Provo, Orem, or Utah County, call 801-374-0070 to schedule a general dentistry consultation. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you will be interested to learn about the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques. Many procedures can be completed in one visit to our Provo dental office.

Give us a call at 801-374-0070 or find us on the Web at: https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com.

New Protein For Utah County Dental Implant Patients

Posted on April 26, 2013December 30, 2020

Hundreds of Utah County dental implant recipients have replaced missing teeth with jaw-bone anchored tooth implants. Unlike a dental bridge, a tooth implant consists of a titanium post inserted into the jaw bone. The bone meshes with the post to create a strong base for the natural-looking prosthetic tooth and crown that attaches to the post.

Dental implants are usually the ideal restoration for Utah County people who want to replace a missing tooth. There is a problem, however, if the jaw bone is too thin at the implant site.

When a tooth is extracted, the bone loses the blood circulation at the former site of the root. Consequently, bone recession often occurs. If the recession is extensive, there is not enough bone to hold the dental implant post.

Bone grafting can augment the bone at the implant site and provide the bone density necessary for a successful implant. This is usually effective, but it does require time for the new bone to generate. A new discovery may provide a quicker solution for regenerating bone.

Researchers at the Georgia Health Sciences University College of Dental Medicine have identified a protein that quickly stimulates the production of new bone. The research team, led by Dr. Ulf M.E. Wikesjo, implanted bone morphogenetic protein in test subjects and discovered that “more new bone formed within four weeks than with conventional bone grafting.”

This protein will require extensive testing before it is available for Utah County dental implant patients. However, I am pleased at the prospect of an additional method for making dental implants possible for my Utah County clients with missing teeth and jaw bone recession.

For information about tooth restoration options including tooth implants, dental bridges, and porcelain crowns, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Common Myths about Orem Cosmetic Dentistry

Posted on April 19, 2013December 30, 2020

Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry is Never Necessary for a Healthy Smile

Many so-called cosmetic dental procedures are not solely cosmetic. Orem dental procedures such as tooth replacement are smile-enhancing and, more importantly, prevent many potential problems such as tooth movement, bone loss and difficulty chewing and speaking.

Myth #2: A Dental Bridge is the Only Way to Replace a Missing Tooth

Dental bridges are an Orem dental cosmetic procedure that have been used for many years with success. However, dental implants are often a better choice for replacing one or more missing teeth. Dental implants have many advantages for Utah County area dental patients. They feel like natural teeth, they are stronger, and they are easier to clean than dental bridges. Tooth implants can also be used to anchor dentures or partial dentures.

Myth #3: At-Home Kits are as Effective for Tooth Whitening As a Professional Dental Solution

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer our Orem dental patients teeth whitening treatments that provide a much greater level of whiteness than at-home kits. At-home kits may remove surface stains, but they do not provide optimum results and can often lead to uneven coloring.

Myth #4: Dental Bonding is the Best Way to Fix a Chipped Tooth.

Dental bonding can restore the shape of a tooth, but may not be the best long-term solution. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Call us at 801-374-0070 to set up an appointment so we can determine the best solution for you.

Myth #5: Braces are the Only Way to Straighten Teeth

Braces are often part of a transforming dental makeover for our Orem teens and adults alike. However, if your teeth are only slightly crooked, lumineers can reshape your teeth and dramatically improve your smile. And the best thing about veneers? They offer instant results!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo Utah 84604
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com
801-374-0070

7 Steps For A Healthy Smile In Provo

Posted on April 12, 2013October 30, 2015

‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’

Benjamin Franklin coined this phrase in the 1730s as advice for fire safety. However, like all timeless quotes, it applies to many more aspects of Provo area life, particularly dental health.

Keeping your smile beautiful and healthy is done most effectively with preventative measures. Some of the most important guidelines are highlighted here.

1. Make a habit of brushing your teeth. Do it twice a day for 2 minutes. Be sure to use an ADA approved toothpaste and toothbrush. They can be purchased at any Provo area drugstore.

2. Don’t forget the floss! Flossing between your teeth daily will do wonders for your teeth and keep your gums healthy too.

3. Wear a protective mouthguard whenever you are engaged in an activity where your mouth could possibly be damaged. This includes many Provo recreation league and school sponsored sports.

4. Don’t smoke. As if you needed yet another reason not to!

5. Avoid piercing your lips, tongue, cheek, or any other part of your mouth that someone decided you should shove a metal bar through. Piercings put you at greater risk for chipped teeth, infection and nerve damage. It’s a dangerous fashion that you’ll want to avoid.

6. Stay away from snacks that have a lot of sugar or starch.

7. Schedule regular family dentistry visits, of course!

My name is Dr. Chris Hammond. Helping our dental patients establish good habits is important to us, and so is helping them achieve the smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening and complete smile makeovers.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry has been serving Provo and surrounding areas since 1996. If you are in the market for an exceptional cosmetic dentist, we invite you to contact us at 801-374-0070 so we can make an appointment for you.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo UT, 84604
801-374-0070
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Are You Ready to Smile Again, Utah County?

Posted on April 5, 2013December 30, 2020

Most Utah County area residents have plenty of things to smile about.

However, there are some folks who avoid smiling at all costs. Are you one of those people who cover their mouth when they laugh? Do you keep your mouth closed when someone takes a picture of you? Have you been hiding unsightly teeth for years?

It’s time to take care of those tooth problems and get a new lease on life.

Dr. Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo can make it happen!

If you are missing one or more teeth, and live in the Orem area, talk to us about dental implants. A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement that includes both root and crown. Because it is anchored into the jawbone, it looks and feels like a natural tooth.

Are your teeth yellow or gray? Try teeth whitening at our Provo dental practice and experience an instant transformation.

Many of your Orem and Utah County friends and neighbors have benefited from porcelain veneers. They correct several types of imperfections and can be applied in just one visit to our Provo dental office.

Dr. Hammond DMD
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com

Dental Veneers: 7 Fast-Fixes For Orem Smiles

Posted on March 29, 2013March 29, 2013

Hi! Welcome to the Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry blog, where we take the time to answer some of the questions dental patients in the Orem area are curious about. Today we are focusing on fabulous 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 correct a variety of 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

When you get dental veneers, your cosmetic dentist will first make a model of your teeth. Then, a dental technician uses the model to create the veneers. In some veneer procedures, a small amount of the enamel from the face of the tooth has to be removed so the veneers can be placed. In such cases, the procedure is irreversible.

If you are in the Orem area and are looking for a cosmetic, sedation or family dentist, give Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry a call. My name is Dr. Chris Hammond and we have been practicing advanced dentistry in the Orem area since 1996. The art and science of cosmetic dentistry is my passion.

Please call 801-374-0070 and a member of our warm and friendly staff can answer any questions you have about veneers, teeth whitening, TMJ treatment, sedation dentistry, pediatric dentistry, general dental care, or smile makeovers.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com

Dental Crowns at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo

Posted on March 22, 2013March 20, 2013

Dental crowns have been used in dentistry for over 2000 years. There is evidence that the Etruscans experimented with crowns on teeth using ivory and bone as early as 700 B.C. By 200 A.D., they began using gold crowns to construct artificial teeth. Ancient Egyptians fashioned tooth replacements out of seashells and then hammered them into their gums (Oral sedation dentistry, anyone?).

Porcelain crowns were first used in the 1800s. With the refining of metal casting methods in the 1900s, crown dentistry advanced significantly.

Today, crowns are strong, comfortable and are made to match your surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns (also called caps) cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are cemented in place. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been worn down or weakened by decay or injury. Crowns are also used to restore the original shape of a tooth or solely to improve the appearance of a tooth.

The most common types of crowns are:

All-porcelain (ceramic)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal

Gold

The material used is determined by several factors. If you suspect you need a crown, want to replace an old crown, or want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Dr. Hammond at 801-374-0070. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is located at 3575 N 100 E, Ste 200 in Provo. We have been serving clients in the Utah County area since 1996. We can recommend the best tooth restoration or cosmetic dentistry option for you.

Your Provo Dentist And Cleaning Your Teeth

Posted on March 15, 2013October 30, 2015

Utah is known for its beautiful smiles, and our local Provo community is no exception. Keeping your teeth clean is an important factor in maintaining your beautiful smile. One of the benefits of regularly visiting your local Provo cosmetic dentist is a thorough teeth cleaning and a review of your brushing habits.

Our Provo dental hygienist helps you keep your teeth clean by assessing the condition of your teeth, and recommending improvements to your daily teeth cleaning habits. Our Provo oral hygienist can also professionally clean and polish your teeth at your regular Provo family dentistry check up. You should schedule a regular dental check up every six months.

I am Dr. Chris Hammond and I work at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry located in the state of Utah. We specialize in cosmetic dentistry in the Provo community, including the surrounding areas of Orem and Utah County.

Cleaning your teeth is the simple task of removing plaque (a sticky deposit that gets left on teeth in which bacteria thrives) and tartar (a calcium deposit that forms on teeth and aids in tooth decay). This is done by brushing regularly with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and flossing. Brushing and flossing at least twice each day can keep plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth and results in cleaner, healthier teeth. A regular visit to your local Provo dental hygienist will help you stay on top of problems that can go unseen.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your local Provo dentist at least once every 6 months for a regular dental check up and teeth cleaning. These regular visits to your dentist potentially prevent the undetected development of problems that can occur from neglecting to clean your teeth.

To keep that beautiful Provo smile in good shape, come in for a dental check up and teeth cleaning.

Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo to make an appointment. You can reach us right now at 801-374-0070.

Dr. Chris Hammond

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