Arlington Family Dentist: Introducing Your Child to Dentistry

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Is your child attending dental visits yet? If not, it is important to start thinking about when and where you will take your child for his or her first dental checkup. Generally speaking, a child’s first dental visit should occur at around one year of age or six months after the emergence of the first tooth, whichever comes first. These dental visits are very important in establishing a foundation for your child’s oral health. Your Arlington family dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, will spend some time getting to know your child, establishing trust and building a relationship. Dr. Smith will also answer any questions you may have about caring for your child’s teeth and will examine your child’s mouth to make sure that teeth are coming in properly. During early visits, a large focus is education, so expect to receive some tips alongside your child as you begin the process of developing homecare techniques.

Preparing Your Child for the First Dental Visit

Before attending your child’s first dental visit, it may be a good idea to prepare your little one for what is to come. You may consider exploring a picture book about dentistry and talk about the importance of attending a dental visit. This small preparation can begin shaping your child’s opinion about dentistry in a positive way to encourage a lifetime of good oral health. You may also mention that young patients get to choose a prize out of a treasure box after their appointments for some added excitement and incentive.

Your Arlington Family Dentist

When it comes to your child, you want to make sure that you choose a caring, fun, and compassionate dentist. Your Arlington family dentist, Dr. Smith, prioritizes patient relationships, understanding that patients will feel more at ease and will get more out of a dental appointment if they feel a genuine connection with their dentist. Dr. Smith strives to make children’s time in the dental office enjoyable, educating them about oral health and hygiene in a fun and comfortable atmosphere.

About Dr. Quinn Smith: Dr. Quinn Smith is a respected and experienced family dentist in Arlington TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter the dental office and offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work. New patients can schedule an appointment or a consultation with Dr. Smith by calling 972-262-5111.

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Grand Prairie Dentist Discusses Fast Braces

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What Are Fast Braces?

Does the alignment of your teeth cause you embarrassment? Do you want a fast solution? If so, Fast Bracesfrom your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, may be just the thing for you. Offering an average treatment time of about 12 months (less in some cases), Fast Braces can shave as much as a year off of the treatment times offered by traditional braces. What sets Fast Braces apart is the triangular design of the brackets, which move the root and crown of teeth at the same time. This method stands in contrast to traditional braces which move the crown first followed by the root. The end result is a smile you will be proud to show off in a fraction of the treatment time.

Other Benefits of Fast Braces

In addition to faster results, Fast Braces are also more affordable than traditional braces. They require fewer return visits to the dental office, saving you time and money. Patients also tend to report less discomfort from wearing Fast Braces than they do from wearing traditional braces and are very pleased when they find that they need to wear a retainer for only 15 minutes per day after the treatment has concluded. In addition, Fast Braces can tackle a variety of orthodontic issues include gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth. Adults and children alike can benefit from the rapid results of Fast Braces, enjoying faster smile transformations.

Fast Braces from Your Grand Prairie Dentist

When you choose to receive treatment from your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith, you will place yourself in the hands of a thorough and caring dentist. Dr. Smith is a firm believer of choosing the right treatment for the right patient, and thus he will perform a full examination of your teeth before recommending Fast Braces or any other course of action. Ensuring that you receive the treatment that is right for you will yield better results and a healthier mouth.

About Dr. Quinn Smith: Dr. Quinn Smith is a respected family and cosmetic dentistin Grand Prairie TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter the dental office and offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work. New patients can schedule an appointment or a consultation by calling 972-262-5111.

filed under: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist: Benefits of a Family Dentist

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Do you attend the same dental office as your children? If you do not, you may be missing a great opportunity for family dental care. A family dentist, like your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, is a dentist who works with patients of any age. Oftentimes, this experience will be beneficial to parents as it will allow them to develop a relationship with the caregiver of their children’s teeth more easily than they could if their children were attending a separate pediatric dentist.

When searching for a family dentist, it is important that you ask the right questions. First, ask about the procedures that the dentist can perform in his office. For instance, does he or she work with emergency patients or are there special arrangements made for emergency patients? It is also important to discuss insurance and whether the dental office accepts your insurance provider. In addition, during your consultation, you should get a feel for the dentist’s demeanor and consider how he or she will interact with you and your family. Lastly, look for a dentist in a location near your house, as driving long distances can become a hassle and can be a serious hindrance in a dental emergency.

Benefits of Choosing a Family Dentist

There are several benefits of choosing a family dentist. First, with the entire family attending one dental office, you will be able to develop a stronger relationship with the primary caregiver for your family’s oral health. A good relationship encourages communication and questions, both of which translate into improved patient comfort and better oral health practices. Another benefit of choosing a family dentist is that it can put children at ease to see their parents receiving dental care from the same dental office that they attend. Lastly, choosing a family dentist can save you the hassle of scheduling multiple appointments at different locations.

Your Grand Prairie Family Dentist

An experienced family dentist, Dr. Smith makes it a priority to establish relationships with his patients. His understanding of the importance of education leads him to keep up to date on the latest treatment techniques and technologies. This combination of education and a patient-first approach makes him a very personable dentist that your whole family can enjoy.

About Dr. Quinn Smith

Dr. Quinn Smith is a respected family dentist in Grand Prairie TX. New patients can schedule an appointment or a consultation by calling 972-262-5111.

filed under: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist Refreshes Your Memory on General Dentistry

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You probably brush your teeth at least twice a day, but how familiar are you with the process of tooth decay and what homecare actually does to prevent it? Understanding how harmful oral bacteria attack teeth is quite valuable in recognizing the importance of both homecare and general dentistry. Therefore, your Grand Prairie dentist is examining tooth decay below.

Oral Bacteria and Your Teeth

The mouth is home to bacteria both good and bad. The bad bacteria attach themselves to teeth by forming a clear, sticky substance called plaque. It is important to remove this substance quickly because within 48 hours, it can become tartar (hardened plaque), which is very difficult to remove from teeth.

To remove plaque from teeth, you have valuable tools at your disposal, a toothbrush and dental floss. By brushing and flossing regularly, you can remove plaque and prevent tartar from building on your teeth. However, homecare is not your only defense against oral bacteria. If tartar does begin to build on your teeth, a hygienist can remove it during a dental cleaning, removing the bacteria so that they cannot damage your teeth.

Tooth Decay and General Dentistry

As a first line of defense against tooth decay, general dentistry offers dental cleanings. However, sometimes teeth may succumb to tooth decay as harmful bacteria succeed in creating a cavity. When a cavity develops, it is important that a dental filling be placed as soon as possible. An untreated cavity can worsen, with the tooth at risk of developing an infection and eventually dying. Dental fillings are placed after the bacteria responsible for the decay is moved, and their function is to reinforce the tooth and prevent further damage.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie General Dentist

Do you have any lingering questions about general dentistry? Are you in need of a dental checkup or a filling? If so, contact your Grand Prairie general dentist, Dr. Smith, today to schedule an appointment or a consultation by calling 972-262-5111. Our 75052 dental office welcomes patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist Quizzes You on Porcelain Veneers

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Have you considered some type of cosmetic dental treatment to transform your smile? If so, porcelain veneers may be just the treatment you have been looking for. But just how much do you know about porcelain veneers? To find out, test your knowledge with the following quiz from your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, and check your answers below.

Take the Quiz

1.      True or False: Porcelain veneers are less durable than dental bonding.

2.      True or False: Porcelain veneers mimic the interaction of light with natural teeth.

3.      True or False: A transformation with porcelain veneers typically takes 2-3 dental visits from start to finish.

Check Your Answers

1.      False. Dental bonding is a procedure that uses a tooth-colored composite resin material to reshape and resurface teeth. Because it does some of the same things that porcelain veneers do, the two procedures are often compared. However, it is not dental bonding, but porcelain veneers, that are the more durable of the two. Porcelain veneers are strong and stain-resistant, meaning that the transformations that they achieve will last for many years to come.

2.      True. Porcelain veneers are able to achieve incredible levels of realism by the way that they mimic the interaction of light with natural teeth. This realistic sheen lets them pass for natural teeth, contributing to a beautiful smile that you will be excited to show off.

3.      True. If you choose to receive porcelain veneersfrom your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, you will be opting for a rapid transformation. The entire process typically takes between two and three dental visits. These visits include a consultation, taking molds of your teeth from which your custom veneers will be fabricated, tooth preparation, and the final placement of your custom veneers.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Cosmetic Dentist

Are you interested in a smile transformation with porcelain veneers? If so, contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Cosmetic Dentist, Dentist, General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist

Cedar Hill Dentist Explains Why Bruxism Treatment Is Important

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Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can occur without one’s knowledge. A bruxism habit can do this because it will often occur at night, when the sleeper is none the wiser to what is going on. Unfortunately, this attribute of bruxism habits makes them very dangerous as significant damage can occur without your knowledge. Therefore, if you notice any signs that could point toward bruxism, it is important that you seek dental assistance. To learn more about bruxism and its treatment, read the information from your Cedar Hill dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, below.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Several symptoms can point to a bruxism habit. One very common symptom is sensitivity in teeth, especially upon waking in the mornings. This sensitivity stems from the strain that teeth undergo as they grind against each other during sleep. Another common symptom is a sore jaw. In some cases, the jaw may even pop or click when the mouth opens and closes. A final symptom that can indicate bruxism is visible wear on teeth. Teeth may appear flattened or look ground down. If you notice these signs, contact your Cedar Hill dentist, Dr. Smith, for an examination.

Dangers of Bruxism

·         Structural damage to teeth. The nightly wear created by bruxism may eventually wear teeth out to the point that they crack, chip, or break. This kind of damage is very serious and may require a dental crown to repair the tooth.

·         An increased risk of tooth decay. Teeth grinding actually robs teeth of their enamel, thus making them more vulnerable to attack from bacteria. With less enamel to defend against bacteria, tooth decay becomes more likely.

·         TMJ disorders. Teeth are not alone in suffering as a result of bruxism. The jaw suffers as well. With enough strain, the jaw joints (also called TMJs), can develop a nasty disorder with symptoms that include frequent headaches, migraines, and facial pain, among others.

Schedule a Visit with Your Cedar Hill Dentist

If you suspect that you have a teeth grinding habit, don’t wait to seek dental assistance. Contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Cedar Hill dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: General Dentistry

South Dallas Dentist Shares Flossing Tips

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Most people are familiar with the ins and outs of brushingas they brush their teeth 2-3 times per day. Fewer people, on the other hand, would consider themselves skilled at flossing. A very important part of homecare, flossing is often neglected to the detriment of oral health. Therefore, your South Dallas dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, has put together a list of flossing tips to help you boost your homecare.

The Importance of Flossing

Flossing is a vital part of homecare because it cleans areas of the mouth that a toothbrush is unable to reach. If flossing is neglected, bacteria can gather in these areas and inflict damage upon teeth. When bacteria attach themselves to teeth by forming plaque and tartar, they can consume sugar in the mouth and produce an acid that can wear away tooth enamel. Over time, as the damage grows, a cavity can develop. Bacteria can also travel beneath the gums resulting in gum disease, which can cause large-scale tooth loss if the disease does not receive treatment.

Flossing Tips

1.      Floss gently. The goal of flossing is to put the floss gently between teeth and glide it along the edge of both teeth. Doing this gently reduces irritation, allowing you to clean your teeth without damaging your gums.

2.      Use about 18 inches of floss. Using this much dental floss leaves you with the ability to use clean floss continually as you make your way through your mouth. Having clean floss means that you can actually remove bacteria instead of spreading it.

3.      Grip the floss between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. By using this grip, you will have maximum control of the floss, allowing you glide it along the edges of your teeth without causing substantial irritation to your gum tissue.

Schedule a Visit with Your South Dallas Dentist

Are you past due for a dental cleaning? If so, contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your South Dallas dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

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Grand Prairie Dentist Answers Questions about Teeth Whitening

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Are stained teeth making you feel unhappy and self-conscious? Have you considered teeth whitening treatment? If you have considered it but still have some lingering questions, read below as your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, responds to several frequently asked questions about teeth whitening.

Are there any dangers associated with teeth whitening treatment?

The most common side effect associated with teeth whitening treatment is non-permanent sensitivity in treated teeth. However, in certain circumstances it is possible for teeth whitening treatment to cause more serious damage. Thus, before you choose to whiten your teeth, it is important that your teeth are examined by a dental professional. If, for instance, a filling is leaking or a tooth is cracked, it is possible for the whitening solution to get deep inside of a tooth, where it can do damage.

What is the difference between professional and store-bought whitening treatments?

Professional whitening treatments feature more powerful whitening agents than store-bought treatments do. Thus, professional whitening tends to produce more dramatic results in shorter periods of time. With professional teeth whitening, you also get the experience and professional expertise of your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith.

Can I whiten my teeth professionally at home?

You can. Your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, offers take-home teeth whitening kits that feature custom trays and a whitening solution. These kits are popular because they allow patients to whiten their teeth at their leisure while working on a computer or watching television. The process of whitening is also very simple. Patients must fill their trays with the whitening solution and then wear them over their teeth according to a treatment plan specified by Dr. Smith. The results of the treatment typically show in 1-2 weeks.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Cosmetic Dentist

Are you looking for a more radiant smile? If so, contact your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, today to schedule an appointment or a consultation to discuss teeth whitening by calling 972-262-5111. Our 75052 dental office welcomes patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

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Grand Prairie Dentist Explains the Purpose of a Dental Bridge

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Restorative dentistry has many tools for replacing missing teeth and restoring smiles. Among these tools are full dentures, partial dentures, dental implants, dental crowns, and even dental bridges. Of these dental devices, dental bridges may be among the least talked about, so to ensure that you are up to speed on the role of a dental bridge in restoring a smile, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, is taking a closer look at the function of dental bridges below.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is exactly what it sounds like: a device that helps to fill in a gap. In restorative dentistry, dental bridges are used to fill in a single gap in a smile created by tooth loss. Standard bridges feature prosthetic teeth that are attached to two stabilizing dental crowns, each of which is fitted over the tooth on either edge of the gap. With the bridge in place, the gap is filled, restoring the smile.

What Benefits Do Dental Bridges Offer Patients

In addition to filling in gaps to improve the appearance of a smile, dental bridges help to protect the remaining teeth in the mouth. When all teeth are present and healthy, they protect one another’s flanks, much like a well-trained army. However, when teeth are lost and gaps form, bacteria can attack the exposed sides of teeth more easily, making tooth decay more likely. With a dental bridge in place, however, teeth are once again protected, and they are unable to drift into the open space offered by the gap, preventing alignment problems.

Dental Bridges and Dental Implants

Although standard dental bridges are stabilized by dental crowns, patients can opt for implant-supported bridges. For these restorations, dental crowns are no longer necessary for stability. Instead, dental implants will anchor the bridge into the jawbone to prevent any movement.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Dentist

Has tooth loss created a gap in your smile? Are you in need of a dental bridge? If so, contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dental implants, Dentist, General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist Lists Several Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

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Cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of procedures to enhance the appearance of a smile. Among these procedures are teeth whitening treatment, dental bonding, tooth contouring, and several more. But perhaps no procedure offers transformations as extensive and rapid as those produced by porcelain veneers. To learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers, consult the following list provided by your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith.

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers

1.      They offer fast transformations. Porcelain veneers can transform a smile in 2-3 dental visits. To accomplish these smile transformations, veneers are custom made for each patient in order to achieve the aesthetic results desired in each case. The veneers themselves are thin shells of porcelain that attach to the front surface of teeth to mask cosmetic blights behind a new and beautiful smile. This process from consultation to fabrication and the final placement of the veneers can be completed in only a couple of dental appointments.

2.      They can mask multiple problems. Because veneers mask problems rather than attempt to repair them, they are very versatile. For example, porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of stained teeth, gaps, crowded teeth misaligned teeth, pitted teeth, and chipped teeth, making them a useful option for almost every smile transformation.

3.      They are durable. Porcelain veneers are very strong, which contributes to their appeal. Other restorations, dental bonding for instance, may last only five years. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, can easily last ten years and beyond, and because the veneers are stain resistant, the lovely, white smile you receive can last for many years to come.

4.      They can be customized. Smiles can achieve many different effects, and sometimes these effects are more or less desirable for different people. An executive, for example, may want a smile that conveys power, while a model might want a softer smile that produces a more inviting effect. Porcelain veneers can achieve these effects based on the desires of each patient.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Cosmetic Dentist

Would you like to transform your smile fast with porcelain veneers? If so, contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Cosmetic Dentist, Dentist, General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist