Dental sealants are thin acrylic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) that can prevent cavities (tooth decay) for many years. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces on your teeth from cavities by giving them a shield that blocks out germs and food. The procedure takes only minutes for each tooth, and sealants can last up to a few years, and be reapplied as needed.
Procedural Spotlight: Teeth Whitening
The phrase “you are what you eat” very much applies to the color of your teeth. Teeth are often stained unbeknownst to us; whether it’s a sip of coffee or wine, or eating darker textured foods. At some point, you may want to start considering whitening your teeth to retrieve that smile. The first thought is usually the cheapest: over-the-counter products. However, some of these over-the-counter products can cause more harm than good to your teeth and gums. Which is why you should consider Smile New Braunfels’ professional and safe Teeth Whitening services.
Our Teeth Whitening procedure takes place over two appointment periods. We’ll first need an examination to see the extent of your teeth’s discoloration. Then an impression of your lower and upper jaw will be taken in order to design a custom-made mouth guard to hold our teeth bleaching product in place. Bleach splints will be provided for you to put inside the mouthguard. The wearing of the mouthguard only costs you 3-4 hours out of your day for a week or two. The results will begin showing efficiently – and without any changes to your teeth structure. You can even determine which portion of your jaw you wish to brighten.
While discoloration of the teeth can be caused by what we ingest, sometimes it can come from simply aging. That said, there are severe cases – caused by smoking or other unhealthy habits – in which our office will recommend a different treatment altogether in order to help gain a brilliant smile. For more information on our Teeth Whitening service, please visit our Services Page that includes a video on the procedure. Here at Smile New Braunfels, we believe in safe and professional procedures that benefit your overall dental health. If you have any questions regarding Teeth Whitening or simply wish to set up an appointment, give us a call at 830-629-8011.
Sleep Apnea Awareness
Feeling drowsy during the day? Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth? Partner complaining about snoring? You may be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, an under-diagnosed condition affecting more than 20 million people in the U.S. But dental treatments can help - schedule an appointment today.
What to do after a Tooth Extraction
Need a tooth extracted? Don't panic! Although your permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, there are many reasons why tooth extraction may be required. The extraction process is fairly quick and easy, and recovery only takes a few days. Read on to learn more about the tooth extraction process.
What to Avoid After a Bridge or Crown Appointment
Bridges and Crowns are important for the rehabilitation of your teeth, post tooth loss or replacing those old fillings. When you leave with your temporary crown or bridge, make sure you avoid both hard and sticky foods, like candy, nuts, or frozen food in the fridge until after the full restoration is complete in the second appointment. You should also brush gently and floss with care to avoid dislodging the crown or bridge.
How to Brush: Tongue Bacteria
Your mouth is FILLED with bacteria; in fact, a single mouth is said to host billions of bacteria. Now, your focus when brushing tends to be on your teeth, but your tongue can nest 30-40% of the bacteria in your mouth. Going without brushing your tongue can cause serious issues for your oral hygiene, most notably, periodontal disease. Don't skip out on this important part of brushing your teeth!
Post-Procedure Recovery: What's Next?
You’ve officially decided you want to invest in procedures such as Bonding or Dental Implants. Smile New Braunfels walks you through the procedure that is normally a few days at most and once finished, you will officially be on your way to a new look. In order to make your recovery days as comfortable as possible, here are a few tips we recommend for at-home care.
Salt Water. After your procedure, you may experience mild jaw pain or swelling. However, these are a breeze to take care of. Simply stir one teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth three times a day. The gums may experience pain for a few days, but simply performing this task will keep the pain at bay.
Mouth Guard. It’s easy to mess with your teeth by engaging them with your tongue and grinding other teeth against the procedure area. This can cause pain and extend your healing time, but the solution is simple: let us know that you tend to touch or grind your teeth and we will create a custom mouth guard to prevent any interaction.
Foods. To maximize your recovery time, there are certain foods and beverages that you should avoid. Hard foods and substances such as peanut brittle, nuts, and ice should be kept away for several days while you adjust. Liquids that can easily stain the teeth, such as coffee, red wine, and tea should also be locked up tight. This also means no smoking.
Brushing & Flossing. We know it’s easy to forget about brushing and flossing, even after dental operations. But regular oral care is imperative to keep your teeth clean and strong, as well as to help adapt your operated teeth to your jaw. Keep brushing and flossing as you get used to the feeling.
If you have any questions or concerns about your post-procedural recovery, do not hesitate to give our office a call at 830-629-8011.
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Floss
Many people often think that all they have to do to keep their teeth clean is to simply brush them. Brushing alone, however, only clears part of the plaque on your teeth. Flossing regularly is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your gums and teeth as healthy as possible. Here are the top 5 reasons you should start flossing.