Both Smoking And Vaping Put Your Smile At Risk

oral health risks of e-cigarettes Provo

A recent study on the effects of e-cigarettes on oral health has more dismal information for men and women who believe vaping is safer than smoking traditional cigarettes. In a study published in the journal Oncotarget, scientists determined that e-cigarettes may cause chronic inflammation and permanent cellular deterioration. These conditions, in turn, can bring about periodontitis, oral cancer, and tooth loss.1

As defined by the FDA, “E-cigarettes are devices that allow users to inhale an aerosol containing nicotine or other substances.”2

Before e-cigarettes appeared on the scene in 2005, the number of individuals who smoked traditional cigarettes had remained fairly steady. The unforeseen rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, however, has triggered a substantial health risk, especially for the nation’s teenagers.

“Between 2011 and 2015, the U.S. Surgeon General found e-cigarette use among high school students increased by 900 percent, with more teens now using e-cigarettes than cigarettes.”2

Hi, I’m Dr. Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. My experienced team treats general dentistry patients suffering from smoking-related oral health conditions with expertise and compassion. We also strive to provide accurate information about public health issues. We add our voice to the healthcare professionals who are working to inform the public about the dangers of e-cigarettes and clear up the misconception that they are somehow less dangerous than traditional cigarettes. If you have smoked in the past and are dealing with gum issues or yellow teeth as a result, call us today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation. We offer a number of options to get you back to a healthy, beautiful smile.

Sources:
1Isaac K. Sundar, Fawad Javed, Georgios E. Romanos, Irfan Rahman, “E-cigarettes and flavorings induce inflammatory and pro-senescence responses in oral epithelial cells and periodontal fibroblasts,” Oncotarget, 2016, http://www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget/index.php?journal=oncotarget&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=12857, accessed April 24, 2017
2 “E-cigarettes and Lung Health” The American Lung Association, http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/e-cigarettes-and-lung-health.html, accessed April 25, 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


Tooth Whitening: In-Office Or At Home?

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


Smile Necessities And Possibilities

fast braces Provo

Hi, I’m Dr. Chris Hammond with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry located at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 in Provo. The truth is, practicing cosmetic and family dentistry has been a rewarding decision for me.

Between restorative and cosmetic dentistry, I am able to create beautiful smiles for patients that beautify as well as satisfy. I am thrilled with the changes for good I see in a person’s life.

Let’s Talk

I’m able to meet and discuss what is needed, what is desired and what is possible for your smile before we design an individualized plan of action. Call to find out about the cost of various dental services and to schedule a consultation at 801-374-0070. I aim for competitive costs when it comes to smile makeovers through cosmetic dental procedures and restorative dentistry. Big or small, the procedures are vital to our patients and their self confidence and are therefore of the utmost importance to myself and my staff.

We’ve been around since 1967. Over the years we have performed many, many procedures involving cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, and dental implants as well as educating and guiding patients to better hygiene and understanding of their oral needs and possibilities. That freely revealed smile of childhood can be restored to you.

Restorative dentistry ranges from simple fillings to chipped tooth restoration to dental implants. Cosmetic dentistry has many caveats that require consideration and experience. I look forward to meeting your needs on your terms. I am sure we will get along wonderfully. See you soon!

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?

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

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


4 Smile Boosters

Lehi cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Hi, my name is Drs. Chris Hammond. My dental practice, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, has been serving the Provo, Utah area since 1967. Today in my Orem dental blog, I would like to highlight four ways you can improve your smile.

1. Teeth Whitening is quick and non-invasive. External tooth whitening occurs when teeth whitening agents bleach the teeth directly. This can be done in your home or in the office of your dentist.

2. Dental Implants are another common procedure that many Provo residents seek. A dental implant is secured into the jawbone to replace the roots of a lost tooth. A crown is then attached to the implant to replace the missing tooth. Along with improving appearance and restoring tooth function, the dental implant does double-duty by helping to preserve bone support.

3. Dental Bonding can be done with various materials such as porcelains and composite resins. With recent advances in cosmetic dental services, these materials can more precisely replicate natural tooth structure and natural appearance. This procedure is commonly used to correct chipped or cracked teeth.

4. Periodontal Plastic Surgery is a wonderful solution for gum recession and cosmetic irregularities. Gum tissue is removed or added to give the appropriate framework to the teeth.

I hope this post has helped you to get better acquainted with some highly effective cosmetic dentistry treatments. A combination of procedures can be used to give Provo dental patients a complete smile redesign.

To schedule an appointment at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, give us a call at 801-374-0070.

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.aacd.com/index.php?module=cms&page=586, accessed on June 12, 2013


Peace Begins With A Smile

Utah County cosmetic dental veneers

Mother Theresa once said “Peace begins with a smile.” Perhaps that peace should start with the person who is smiling. How do you feel about your smile? Are you at peace with it? Are you proud to flash a wide, happy grin? Do you believe it is beautiful? Does it express your best self? Let’s talk about your smile.

Bright eyes and bright smiles are best served clear and clean. Regular check ups with your local dental provider can prevent runaway decay and pricey corrections. Stay at peace with your smile by scheduling regular dental visits to avoid any future oral problems.

Rest assured that there are ways to redo what nature has given you or cosmetically remedy problems that have affected your once-pleasant smile. Talk to a cosmetic dentist to learn how you can achieve a smile you can be at peace with. For information about veneers, bridges, dental implants, Invisalign braces, visit https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

We are Drs. Hammond and Ellis with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry located in Provo at 3575 N 100 E. Just like Mother Teresa said, we believe peace can begin with a smile. If you are not content with the appearance or condition of your teeth, gums, or bite, call 801-374-0070 to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation.

We have years of experience providing my Provo area patients with cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers and total mouth reconstruction. We fix bite issues, seal children’s molars, remove decay, contour gums, mend cracks, bridge gaps, and reconstruct after tooth injury.

We are your local, experienced dental practice and provide quality service and products. We are enthusiastic about creating the best dental experience possible. If dental visits make you feel the exact opposite of peaceful, let’s talk about oral conscious sedation. With a little help, you can get through your treatment with minimal anxiety and be at peace with your smile for years to come.

We’ve been providing services such as cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, and dental implants since 1967 to Provo and nearby communities such as Lehi, Utah County, and American Fork. Even patients from Orem have found value in traveling to see us. Our caring, competent staff can schedule and discuss any of our top services such as mini implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, dental crowns, and Invisalign.

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

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry


Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry In Provo

Provo Cosmetic Dentistry Hello, We are the team of Dr. Chris Hammond. Welcome to our Provo cosmetic dentistry blog. Today’s article focuses on the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

General dentists in Provo are dedicated to preventing and treating oral disease such as cavities and gum disease. When a problem is diagnosed, let’s say, a cavity between two teeth, a general dentist will assess the best way to restore the tooth involved.

Provo cosmetic dentists perform elective dental procedures that make a smile more attractive. Cosmetic dentistry procedures available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo include teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, veneers, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns.

Some Provo dentists, like us, offer both general and cosmetic dentistry procedures. In some cases, there is a cosmetic component to restorative procedures. For example, if a Provo dental patient comes in after receiving an injury that chipped a front tooth, the tooth needs to be restored to prevent decay. The tooth is also less structurally sound, so it is vulnerable to further damage. In addition, the tooth affects the overall appearance of the smile. Depending on the specifics of the damage, there are several of restorative options. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns are all used to repair a damaged tooth.

As you can see, there is not always a definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our caring team provides a full spectrum of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures. We treat Orem area patients of all ages: from toddlers just beginning to get their baby teeth to mature patients who remember the days when many people were afraid of dentists and their whiny drills. (Some of our wonderful elderly Provo patients have crowns that are twice as old as our hygienists.)

Experienced Provo dental professionals who perform pediatric, general, orthodontic, and cosmetic dental procedures can meet all of your family’s dental needs.

If you are looking for a full-service dental practice in the Orem area, we invite you to come into Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, We are located at 3575 N 100 E. To schedule an oral examination or smile makeover consultation, call 801-374-0070.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com
family dentistry
cosmetic dentistry
sedation dentistry
Invisalign


Tooth Knocked Out? Call Us ASAP!

General Dentistry Orem

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
/about.htm


Do You Have Sore Gums?

Affordable Provo Dentistry 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.