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.

filed under: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

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

Grand Prairie Dentist Answers Your Questions about Dental Fillings

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We put a lot of effort into keeping our teeth cavity-free, brushing 2-3 times per day and flossing often as well. However, have you ever wondered about the extent to which a cavity threatens your oral health? If you have, you’ll find the answer to this question and others below as your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, responds to your most frequently asked questions about dental fillings?

Why are dental fillings so important?

Dental fillings are important because they keep bacteria from doing any more damage to teeth than they have already done. Bacteria consume sugar in the mouth and give off an acid byproduct that damages teeth. When the damage compounds, they begin to burrow inside of a tooth, creating a cavity. However, a cavity is not the worst damage they can cause. If a cavity is not filled, the bacteria can burrow deeper inside of the tooth, accessing its pulp. When bacteria reach a tooth’s pulp, they can infect it, putting the life of the tooth in peril. If root canal treatment is not performed at this stage, the tooth is likely to die and fall out.

What are white dental fillings?

White dental fillings achieve the same end result as traditional silver fillings. They simply use a different material. The material used in white fillings is a composite resin, the same substance used in dental bonding. Composite resin is tooth-colored, making for a better cosmetic result, and it is durable and less prone to leaking.

Are dental fillings important even in baby teeth?

Absolutely. If a baby tooth develops a cavity, it should be filled. If the filling is neglected, the tooth can fall out prematurely, leaving a gap where nearby teeth may grow, causing future orthodontic problems.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Dentist

Do you have any more questions about dental fillings? Do you have a tooth that has succumbed to tooth decay? If so, contact our 75052 dental office today by calling 972-262-5111 to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist Offers a Quiz on Dental Implants

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When it comes to restorative dentistry, there is no getting around the fact that dental implants sit at the very top. These marvelous structures provide patients with restorations that behave and feel like natural teeth. But how much do you really know about dental implants? To find out, take the following quiz from your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, and check your answers below.

Take the Quiz

1.      True or False: The health of the jawbone helps to determine whether a patient is a good candidate to receive a dental implant.

2.      True or False: Dental implants mimic the basic anatomy of a tooth.

3.      True or False: Dental implants are limited to single-tooth restorations.

Check Your Answers

1.      True. In order for a dental implant to succeed, there must be an adequate amount of healthy jawbone available with which the post of the implant can fuse. Thus, scans are taken of the mouth to determine whether or not patients are good candidates to receive dental implants. If adequate bone tissue is unavailable, bone grafting surgery can sometimes provide the tissue necessary to support a dental implant.

2.      True. A living tooth has a root in the jaw and a crown that emerges through the gums and functions to break down food. Dental implants follow this same structure with a root in the jaw (the implant’s post) and a crown (a dental crown or another prosthetic) emerging through the gums to break down food. Because dental implants are built to mimic natural teeth, the restorations they provide tend to feel more natural than other restorations.

3.      False. When multiple teeth are missing, multiple posts can be used to support other types of prosthetics including dental bridges, partial dentures, and even full dentures. This versatility makes dental implants a great choice regardless of the complexity of the restoration.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Dentist

Are you interested in receiving dental implants for your missing teeth? 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 Children’s Dentist Offers a Fun Quiz

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Education is a major part of the early years of dental care. By instructing your child properly, you can set him or her up for a lifetime of good oral health. To help you in this endeavor, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, has put together the following quiz. Take it with your son or daughter and see how much dental knowledge you have passed on already.

Take the Quiz

1.      True or False: Even though they are not permanent, baby teeth are very important.

2.      How many teeth do adults have? A) 30, B) 32, C) 34, D) 36

3.      True or False: Consuming too much sugar will not affect your teeth.

4.      True or False: You should brush your teeth 2-3 times per day.

Check Your Answers

1.      True. Baby teeth are very important because they perform all of the functions of adult teeth. Without these teeth, digestion would be more difficult during childhood years because food would not be broken down well enough to allow for the efficient extraction of nutrients. Baby teeth also perform the important task of preserving space for adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost early because of tooth decay or another reason, the nearby teeth may grow into the vacated area, causing orthodontic problems.

2.      B. Adults typically have 32 teeth, four of which are wisdom teeth.

3.      False. Consuming too much sugar can contribute to tooth decay by feeding harmful bacteria in the mouth. When these bacteria consume sugar, they give off an acid byproduct that can rob teeth of their enamel, weakening them until a cavity develops.

4.      True. You should brush 2-3 times per day for between two and three minutes. You should also floss at least once a day.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Children’s Dentist

When was the last time your child had a dental cleaning? If it was more than six months ago, it is time for another one. Contact our 75052 dental office today to schedule an appointment with your Grand Prairie children’s dentist, Dr. Smith, by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Children's Dentist, Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Family Dentist: Make Homecare a Family Affair

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Do you struggle to get your kids to brush and floss their teeth? You are not alone. However, it is important not to give up as establishing good homecare habits is vital to a lifetime of oral health. To develop and reinforce these habits, you may even find it useful to make homecare a priority for the whole family. To learn more about how this strategy can help teach your kids the ins and outs of brushing and flossing, read the following information from your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith.

Homecare for the Whole Family

If your children are fighting you when it comes to brushing and flossing, take the opportunity to clean your teeth alongside them. Doing so sets a good example for them and it allows you to monitor their progress and their technique. Try standing behind them as they face the mirror for a good view of their work and correct any problems by demonstrating the proper technique.

One challenge you may run into when teaching your children to brush is keeping them at it for the proper duration of 2-3 minutes. To encourage them to brush for the full time period, there are a few tricks that you can use. First, consider incorporating a timer. This will allow them to see their goal visually and will put a finish line in sight. If the timer doesn’t work, you can try playing a favorite song. Most songs last about three minutes, so they make good brushing timers. They may also make brushing more enjoyable for your child, making homecare feel more like fun and less like work.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Family Dentist

Have you and your family members been keeping up with your regular checkups? If not, don’t wait any longer to schedule dental appointments for each of you. Contact our 75052 dental office today to speak with your Grand Prairie family dentist, Dr. Smith, by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dentist, Family Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist