5 Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

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5 Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

A person’s smile is one of the first things that people notice. Your smile, and the way you perceive it, can also have a big impact on your confidence and the way you feel about yourself. Since the appearance of a person’s smile can make a difference in life, there’s a whole branch of dentistry dedicated to improving smile aesthetics – cosmetic dentistry. There are countless different ways cosmetic dentistry treatments can be used to improve and enhance smile aesthetics, and the following are some of the most popular treatments.

5 Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments to Enhance Your Smile

1. Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the quickest and simplest ways to revitalize the look of your smile. You can use at-home, over-the-counter teeth whitening products such as whitening toothpaste. However, professional teeth whitening treatments work more quickly and are much more effective. Plus, you can work with our dentist to customize your results to achieve the level of whitening you desire.

2. Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is another easy way to improve the appearance of a smile. Dental bonding is a special material that can be used to cover stubborn stains or cracks, fill in tooth gaps, cover cracks, repair minor chips, or improve symmetry by reshaping a misshapen or improperly sized tooth.

3. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers require a bit more preparation and work than dental bonding, but they can be used to completely and permanently makeover the look of a smile. Veneers can be applied to all of a patient’s visible teeth for a completely new look or applied to one or two teeth to improve symmetry or mask imperfections.

4. Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer both restorative and cosmetic benefits, as they strengthen and protect compromised teeth while also completely covering a tooth for an improved look.

5. Invisalign

Crooked or misaligned teeth are not only a cosmetic concern but can also be harmful to a person’s oral health. Teeth straightening with Invisalign is an effective and discreet orthodontic treatment.

Smile Makeover Consultations With Our Dentist in Kenmore

At Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments that can be used together or individually to improve and enhance a smile’s form, function, and appearance. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how our dentist can help you achieve your smile goals, we welcome you to schedule a smile restoration or smile makeover consultation in Kenmore today.

What Is TMJ Disorder and How Can Your Dentist Help?

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What Is TMJ Disorder and How Can Your Dentist Help?

November is National TMJ Awareness Month. At Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry, we use the opportunity to educate our patients about the temporomandibular joints and TMJ disorder in addition to what we can do to help provide relief.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ is the abbreviation for temporomandibular joint. Each person has two on either side of their face. The temporomandibular joints are the joints responsible for moving your jaw in all directions. They make it possible for you to open and close your mouth, move your jaw from side to side, chew, and speak.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

Also sometimes referred to as TMD or as just “TMJ,” TMJ disorder refers to several different conditions (underlying causes) that affect the proper, pain-free movement and positioning of the temporomandibular joints.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder can cause several signs and symptoms including:
  • Jaw pain
  • Clicking or popping sounds in the TMJs
  • Grinding sensation with movement of the TMJs
  • Face, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Ear aches
  • Frequent headaches and/or migraines
  • Stiffness in the jaw
  • Lockjaw
  • Numbness or tingling in the face
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How TMJ Disorder Is Treated

The first step in treating TMJ disorder is to determine what’s causing the problem with the jaw’s movement or position. There are countless underlying conditions that can result in TMJ disorder. Some of the most common include:
  • Malocclusion (improper bite)
  • Bruxism (teeth clenching and/or grinding)
  • Genetics
  • Arthritis
  • Injuries
In addition to physically examining a patient’s TMJs and bite patterns, dentists can use a variety of diagnostic tools to help them determine the underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms. This might include a variety of diagnostic imaging tests such as x-rays and even CBCT scanning.
Once we have determined the underlying cause, we can recommend a treatment plan designed to help your specific case of TMJ disorder. Treatments for TMJ disorder can include mouthguards, nightguards, braces or other orthodontics, Botox injections, and corrective surgery.

TMJ Disorder Treatment and Relief in Kenmore, WA

At Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry, we work closely with patients to get to the bottom of their TMJ-related symptoms to determine the type of TMJ disorder they are dealing with. We can then recommend a personalized treatment plan designed to address the patient’s specific needs while alleviating symptoms and helping to correct the underlying issue.
To learn more about TMJ disorder and treatment or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mott, we welcome you to contact our office today.
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Get Healthier Gums During National Gum Care Month

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Get Healthier Gums During National Gum Care Month

In honor of National Gum Care Month in September, our team at Kenmore Smile Family Dentistry is doing everything we can to help our patients take better care of their gums.

Why Is Gum Health So Important?

The health of your gums is important for several reasons. Primarily, the gum tissues support and help to hold your teeth in place. Unhealthy gums can lead to oral health problems such as sensitive teeth, receding gums, loose teeth, tooth loss, and bone degeneration.
Additionally, when gums are not properly cared for, they can develop periodontal disease (gum disease). This is a bacterial infection of the gum tissues, and it can result in several serious systemic health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, certain types of cancer, and reproductive health problems.

5 Ways to Get Healthier Gums

1. Floss and Brush Regularly

Flossing and brushing help to remove plaque, bacteria, and other debris from your teeth and gum tissues. You should be brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day (before you brush your teeth).

2. Use a Water Flosser

If you still have inflammation in your gums, consider using a water flosser which can do a better job of rinsing harmful bacteria from the little pockets between your gum tissues and teeth.

3. Rinse With Mouthwash

Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to further combat oral bacterial growth.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals will help to support your immune system and your oral health. Additionally, avoid eating and drinking large amounts of sugar or acid in your foods and beverages.

5. Don't Use Tobacco or Alcohol

Limit your alcohol intake, and if you use tobacco of any kind, quit.
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Schedule a Dental Checkup and Cleaning in Kenmore

One of the most important things you can do to keep your gums healthy is to schedule regular appointments for professional dental cleanings and examinations. During these appointments, we ensure your teeth are free from the plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to the development of gingivitis and gum disease. Additionally, we take a close look at your gum tissues to determine whether any further treatments or therapies are needed to restore your gum health.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry today.

How Oral Health Affects Overall Health

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How Oral Health Affects Overall Health

Did you know that there’s a strong link between oral health and the general health of your body? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. Most people assume that the primary purpose of oral care is preserving their natural teeth. While good oral hygiene and routine dental care do protect your teeth and gums, these healthcare practices also protect the rest of your body.

The Connection Between Oral Health and General Health

There is a strong connection between your oral health and your general health. The primary connection between oral health and general health is related to periodontal disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease (also called gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the gums. Periodontal disease most commonly develops as a result of poor oral hygiene where plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate on the surfaces of the teeth. This then pushes the gums away from the teeth, creating pockets where harmful bacteria can thrive. This leads to the subsequent bacterial infection of the gum tissues.
Yes, periodontal disease has local symptoms such as gum recession, bleeding gums, swollen gums, red gums, painful gums, tooth sensitivity, pus in the gums, loose teeth, bone degeneration, and eventual tooth loss.
Left unaddressed, periodontal disease can also affect the health of the rest of a person’s body. Bacteria from periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. This leads to generalized inflammation all around the body and can even cause sepsis.
Gum disease has also been connected to several very serious systemic health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, certain types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, reproductive problems, and more. Additionally, periodontal disease can increase a person’s risk of developing a variety of respiratory infections.
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Preventive Dental Care in Kenmore for a Healthy Mouth and Body

One of the best ways to safeguard your general health from poor oral health is to achieve and maintain good oral health with professional preventive dental care used in conjunction with at-home oral hygiene. At Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry, we help our patients stay healthy with patient education routine dental examinations, oral cancer screenings, prophylactic cleanings, professional fluoride treatments, sealants, and a comprehensive menu of restorative dentistry treatments in addition to periodontal disease treatment.
To learn more or schedule your next dental checkup, we welcome you to contact our dental office in Kenmore.

Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Hard?

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Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Hard?

If you’re asking this question, that means that you’re brushing your teeth. Way to go! It’s great that you’re practicing good oral hygiene habits at home. However, when brushing one’s teeth, is it possible to try too hard?
Yes, it is possible – and actually quite easy – to brush your teeth too hard. When you use too much pressure and brush too vigorously, you can actually do quite a bit of damage, harming your enamel and weakening your gums.

5 Signs You're Brushing Too Hard

1. Gum Problems

If your gums look swollen or red or bleed after you brush, then you’re likely pressing too hard. Eventually, brushing too hard will cause your gums to recede.

2. Sensitivity

Brushing too hard can lead to receding gums and wear out your enamel which can cause severe sensitivity to temperature, pressure, and sugar.

3. Cavities or Abscesses

Worn enamel and receding gums put you at increased risk of tooth decay and infections along the gum line.

4. Teeth Appear Darker Near Gums

When gums recede as a result of brushing too hard, it will expose the dentin of your teeth. Dentin appears slightly darker than the portion of teeth covered with enamel.

5. Pain

Brushing your teeth should never be a painful experience. If you ever feel any pain while you’re brushing your teeth, then you’re probably applying too much pressure or you might have a dental problem.

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly

If you’ve been a bit overzealous about brushing your teeth, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 20% of Americans brush too hard. If you have any of the above symptoms, now is the perfect time to learn proper brushing.
First, start with a toothbrush that has soft or extra-soft bristles. Next, only grasp the toothbrush using three fingers (thumb, index, and middle). Hold it at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and focus on just one tooth at a time. Spend 30 seconds on the back and front of your top and bottom rows of teeth for a total of two minutes brushing.
If you have trouble only applying light pressure when brushing, Dr. Mott recommends switching to an electric toothbrush that will do the “brushing” for you while you simply glide the brush head over your pearly whites.

Schedule a Dental Exam in Kenmore

To learn more about the proper way to brush your teeth or to schedule a dental checkup to address some of the dental issues you’ve been experiencing, we welcome you to contact Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry today.
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