Straight Teeth: Not Just About Looks

THE MOST OBVIOUS impact of orthodontic treatment is a straighter, more attractive smile. While it is true that we tend to perceive people with properly aligned teeth as happier and more successful, the benefits aren’t just superficial. Clearer Speech Do you remember the lisp you had between losing your two front teeth and the adult ones growing in? Based on that, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that our teeth are a crucial component to our ability to speak and enunciate clearly. In order to make the right sounds, our lips and tongues have to maneuver around our teeth. When teeth are properly aligned, this is simple, but crooked teeth can result in a lisp, slurring, or difficulty making certain sounds that require tongue-to-tooth contact, such as the “t,” “s,” and “ch” [...]

By |2019-03-12T21:31:25-07:00March 19th, 2019|Invisalign, Oral Health, Services|

Dental X-Rays: It’s Time For Your Close-Up

IF WE ASKED you to list three things that happen in a typical dental exam, dental X-rays would probably be one of them. But do you know what they’re used for? It depends on the type of X-ray, so let’s look at what these are.  Getting The Wide Shot With Panoramic X-Rays If you’ve ever stood on a circular thing with your chin on a little platform and been told to stand still for a few seconds while a machine spun around your head, you’ve had a panoramic X-ray. This is the most common type of extraoral (outside the mouth) X-ray. Panoramic X-rays show the entire mouth in one image. In them, we can see incoming adult teeth and wisdom teeth, including impacted ones, which is how we can determine whether there [...]

By |2019-03-12T21:16:39-07:00March 12th, 2019|Oral Health, Services|

Root Canal Myths: Busted

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD someone begin a sentence “I’d rather have a root canal than…”? The negative portrayal of root canal treatment in our culture isn’t just a cliché; it’s a myth! That’s why we’re using this post to knock down some of the most common root canal myths out there. Myth 1: “Root Canal Treatment Is Painful” Many adults struggle with dental anxiety. The prospect of going to the dentist may fill them with dread, even for a simple cleaning appointment, so we understand why a patient might expect something horrible and painful when they get the news that they need root canal treatment. However, thanks to modern technology and anesthetics, root canal treatment can be performed quickly and comfortably. The best part is that the pain of your infected tooth will [...]

By |2019-02-18T00:22:26-08:00February 18th, 2019|Oral Health, Services|

Nitrous Oxide: Having A Gas At The Dentist

MOST OF US HAVE at least heard of laughing gas, the whimsically-nicknamed sedation method used by dentists, even if we haven’t had it ourselves. But what exactly is laughing gas, and why is it so closely associated with dentistry? Nitrous Oxide From Discovery To Dentistry Laughing gas is a colorless, odorless gas. It consists of two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom bonded together. The way it works is not entirely clear, but studies do indicate that it reduces a patient’s perception of pain and increases the release of dopamine. In 1772, Joseph Priestly first isolated the compound nitrous oxide. It wasn’t until 1799 that Humphry Davy discovered the relaxing, euphoria-inducing effects that earned it the name laughing gas. Several decades later, in the 1860s in Germany, nitrous oxide found its place in dentistry, [...]

By |2019-01-20T22:23:58-08:00January 20th, 2019|Oral Health, Services|

Why Straight Teeth?

TO SOME, IT MIGHT seem like the benefits of having straight teeth are purely cosmetic. And those benefits certainly do exist. Studies have shown that people tend to perceive someone with straight teeth as wealthier, happier, and more dateable than someone with crooked teeth. But there are plenty of other important benefits as well. Consequences Of Crooked Teeth There are many different ways crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can negatively impact a person’s health and quality of life. Let’s take a look at a few of the big ones. Difficult To Clean When teeth overlap each other in ways they aren’t meant to, they can be much harder to clean with brushing and flossing than straight teeth. If teeth aren’t getting cleaned as effectively, then they become more vulnerable to tooth decay. Impede Clear Speech [...]

By |2018-02-19T22:45:20-08:00March 6th, 2018|Invisalign, Oral Health, Services|

Don’t Let Your Insurance Benefits Go To Waste!

THE END OF THE YEAR IS approaching fast! Before year’s end, our team wants to remind you to take a look at your dental insurance benefits! Insurance Benefits Typically Don’t Roll Over To Next Year Each year your dental insurance company probably gives you a maximum amount of available benefits. Since those benefits don’t typically roll over into the following year, you’ll want to contact us now to get your appointment scheduled! We all know how it is, once the holiday season is upon us—hectic! Life can get really busy and some things fall between the cracks. So remember that your dental health needs your attention too—not just for the sake of your teeth, but for your overall health. If you’re due (or overdue) for an appointment, make sure to talk to our office. Take advantage of [...]

By |2017-08-11T23:28:34-07:00November 1st, 2016|Services|

Thinking About Whitening Your Smile?

SO, YOU WANT TO whiten your teeth. You’re not alone! In fact, when the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked what people would most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. There Are Several Teeth Whitening Options With so many teeth whitening products on the market, you may be left scratching your head as to which one you should choose. As with any type of treatment, it’s important to know all the facts so you can make the best choice for you and your unique smile! Some of the most common teeth whitening options are: Whitening toothpastes Whitening strips and gels Tray-based tooth whiteners In-office whitening Whitening Is Safest And Most Effective When Supervised By A Dentist You should always consult with your dentist before deciding to [...]

By |2017-08-11T23:46:52-07:00July 21st, 2016|Cosmetic Dentistry, Services|

Learn the Benefits of Dental Implants

IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED TOOTH LOSS, you are not alone. In fact, more than 35 million Americans are missing all of their teeth, while 178 million are missing at least one tooth. Here’s the good news: there are solutions for you. Dental Implants Function Much Like Natural Teeth While there are other tooth replacement options, dental implants have many advantages over other treatments. They are called “implants” because an artificial tooth root is placed, or implanted, in your jawbone. It is then covered by a natural-looking tooth replacement. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that incorporate an artificial root, allowing them to function much like natural teeth. There Are Many Benefits to Choosing Implants Here are five major benefits to consider when deciding between dental implants and other tooth restoration options: #1: Dental implants [...]

By |2017-08-13T15:26:48-07:00June 7th, 2016|Oral Health, Services|

Questions and Answers about Botox Cosmetics

Dr. Michele Nielsen trained and certified to administer Facial Botox Cosmetic treatment in 2008 by The Pacific Training Institute for Facial Aesthetics. In September of 2007, the College of Dental Surgeons of BC broadened the scope of practice for general and esthetic dentists to include the use of Botox for both cosmetic and therapeutic use. At the time, Deputy registrar Alex Penner stated, in a recent National Post article about a Victoria dentist trained in Botox, that "dentists know the musculature and anatomy of the face better than most physicians because that's all we do." And they are certainly more comfortable providing facial injections. Q. What exactly is BOTOX Cosmetic? A. BOTOX Cosmetic® is a natural purified protein that relaxes wrinkle causing muscles, creating a smooth and natural look. It’s a [...]

By |2015-07-03T15:05:33-07:00July 3rd, 2015|Services|

One Appointment Crowns: Cerec

Cerec   At our office we have the ability to make crowns in one appointment using Cerec technology. Cerec technology was developed in 1980 and we have been making crowns in-office at Steveston Smiles since 2006. The Cerec machine uses 3D CAD/CAM technology to repair teeth in a single visit. A conventional crown requires two appointments; one for impressions and one to seat the crown in your mouth.  A temporary crown is placed on the tooth in-between visits. Using Cerec you leave the same day with your final crown, no second appointment needed.   How does Cerec work? First your tooth is prepared to remove any decay, damaged tooth structure and defective restorations. Digital images are taken of your prepared tooth, the opposing teeth and your bite using a special [...]

By |2015-05-25T20:24:38-07:00May 25th, 2015|Cosmetic Dentistry, Services|
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