Author: Sushil Amazatic

Crowns

Crowns are typically made from porcelain, but can also be made from other durable materials like metal and gold. A crown completely encircles a tooth and is bonded to it using dental cement. Both crowns and implants are made to look just like a natural tooth.

Crowns depend on the tooth’s root, so they may not be a viable option if the tooth is severely damaged. If gum and bone loss are present around a tooth, it will not support a crown well. However, if the tooth has a healthy root and enough substance to securely place a crown, it can be a great option.

Crowns are less expensive than implants and do not require oral surgery, which means a faster procedure and faster recovery time.

Implants

Implants are often the only option if the root of a tooth is missing. Implants consists of three parts: a fixture that anchors the implant to your jaw, an abutment that connects the fixture to the crown, and a crown that resembles a natural tooth.

Implants can improve bite strength and protect the jaw, but they only work well if the jaw is in good condition. They are more expensive and time-consuming to receive than crowns, but they last longer and provide better support to surrounding teeth. Crowns generally last anywhere from 5-15 years, while implants can last a lifetime if properly cared for.

If you have any questions about our crown or implant procedures, call Dorius Dental Design today at (435) 657-1700.

Sports

Dental injuries are the most common facial injuries athletes receive. Wearing a mouth guard can help prevent injuries to the mouth, teeth, and jaw. Any athlete, especially those involved in contact sports such as basketball, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, football, etc., would benefit from wearing a mouth guard.

Teeth Grinding

Many people tend to grind or clench their teeth at night. Teeth grinding damages tooth enamel, which can lead to severe pain and even necessitate tooth removal in severe cases. Grinding or clenching teeth can also lead to jaw pain. Wearing a mouth guard protects teeth from grinding damage by separating your top and bottom teeth. A mouth guard also relieves muscle tension from clenching, which helps prevent jaw problems from developing.

Snoring/Sleep Apnea

Mouth guards can help prevent snoring and sleep apnea. A specific type of mouth guard is used to treat these symptoms, which works by pulling the lower jaw forward to keep your airway more open. If you struggle with snoring or sleep apnea, a mouth guard could be the right choice for you.

These are a few specific examples, but keep in mind that a mouth guard is helpful in any situation when your teeth or mouth might need a little extra protection.

There are different types of mouth guards, but the most effective option is a custom mouth guard made to fit your teeth. We are pleased to offer custom mouth guards to our patients that can help protect you during physical activity, prevent damage caused by grinding or clenching, and help you sleep better.

Give us a call or come into our office today if you think a mouth guard could benefit you.

Benefits

The biggest benefit of cleaning your tongue is removing harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and more. Removing this bacteria will:

• Keep your mouth cleaner
• Freshen your breath
• Boost your immunity levels
• Enhance taste by removing dull taste buds

Cleaning methods

There are multiple approaches to tongue cleaning, but the most effective methods are tongue scrapers and toothbrushes. Mouthwash is helpful, but it doesn’t clean the tongue as thoroughly. Whichever method you use, it’s important to clean the back of the tongue as well as the front. It can sometimes cause a gag reflex, but the majority of harmful bacteria is found on the back of the tongue.

Tongue scrapers come in a variety of shapes and can be either plastic or metal. They are scraped along the tongue several times to remove bacteria and should be rinsed after each use.

Many people opt to use a toothbrush and toothpaste because it’s convenient. If you clean your tongue with a toothbrush, remember to brush with both up-and-down and side-to-side motions to remove the maximum amount of bacteria.

Frequency

You should clean your tongue at least once a day, and twice daily is recommended. Adding it to your current brushing routine is quick and simple, but it can make a big difference.

If you have any questions about cleaning your tongue or other oral health practices, please contact Dorius Dental Design today at (435) 657-1700.

Treatments

There are a few different treatment options for cold sores. Sores should heal naturally on their own, but there are ways to accelerate the healing process.

Medication

Prescription antiviral drugs can be an effective cold sore treatment. They don’t destroy the pathogens like antibiotics do, but they stop them from developing and spreading. These medications come in either a pill or cream form.

Over-the-counter antiviral creams or ointments that slow the growth and development of the cold sore virus are available as well.

Managing Symptoms

Aside from medication, there are several ways to manage pain and symptoms. If you’re experiencing a cold sore, try the following:

• Place ice or a cool, wet towel over the affected area for 15-20 minutes at least twice a day to reduce redness and swelling
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain
• Avoid acidic foods that may further irritate sores
• Clean sores and wash hands frequently to avoid spreading the bacteria
• Keep the affected area moist with skin protectants to prevent further infection

Prevention

Cold sores are highly contagious. Even after sores heal, the virus will stay in a person’s body for life. If the virus reactivates, the sores will return.

Because of the contagious nature of cold sores and longevity of the virus, they can be difficult to prevent. However, avoiding intimate contact, such as kissing and sharing things like cups or towels, with someone who has a cold sore is important. Avoiding known triggers such as fatigue, stress, and excessive exposure to sun or cold weather can also help prevent cold sores.

Don’t hesitate to contact Dorius Dental Design of Heber City, Utah with any questions or concerns about cold sores.

Brackets

As opposed to traditional braces, which use the same style of bracket for every tooth, our IP Appliance will separately diagnose the best bracket-style for each tooth.

Bands and Archwires

Our Individualized Orthodontics include providing custom-welded bands, whereas traditional braces use the same band shape for all cases. We also shape the archwires specifically to the patient’s teeth, which helps us predict and prevent any unwanted tooth movements or other obstacles during the treatment process.

Results

Because our Individualized Orthodontics are so tailored to the patient, the results are faster, more accurate, and longer-lasting. Patients make fewer visits to the dentist for adjustments, and the total time spent wearing braces is reduced by up to 40%. Teeth stay aligned for longer after the braces are removed since they have been in the correct position for a greater amount of time.

Why choose Dorius Dental?

We want to make your orthodontic experience the best it can possibly be, which is why we provide Individualized Orthodontics. Our main goal as a staff is to change how you feel about going to the dentist (and the orthodontist). We believe it should be a positive and reassuring experience. We provide individualized options that will give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Children, teens, and adults alike will find an option best suited for them in our office. Schedule a visit today to get the orthodontic experience you deserve!

Please give us a call if you have any questions about our orthodontic services or feel you could benefit from Individualized Orthodontics.

How do same-day crowns work?

We use CEREC crowns for all of our same-day crown procedures. They are created using CAD/CAM technology, which stands for Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing. The dentist simply scans your mouth with a 3D camera, enters the scans into a computer, and then a customized dental prosthesis is designed and manufactured right in the office. The dentist then fits the personalized crown to your mouth in a matter of minutes.

What are the benefits of same-day crowns vs. traditional crowns?

Same-day crowns are more efficient. Traditional crowns require multiple appointments, and patients often have to wear a temporary crown for several weeks before the permanent crown is placed. CEREC crowns are as high-quality and durable as traditional crowns, but can be created and applied in just one hour. They help you avoid follow-up visits and multiple injections.

Same-day crown procedures are also more comfortable. CEREC crowns are created using a digital scan, so no uncomfortable impressions are necessary. Since the crown is already custom-fit when created, bonding it takes only minutes. Patients generally experience less sensitivity post-procedure.

Same-day crowns are also the most aesthetically pleasing option. CAD/CAM technology creates crowns with such precision that they are nearly indistinguishable from a real tooth. They are also very durable and will last for years if properly cared for.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for a same-day crown?

Generally, any tooth that can receive a traditional crown can also receive a same-day crown.

Call or visit Dorius Dental today with any questions about our same-day crowns.

Loose/broken bracket or band

Brackets can break if you play with them or eat hard foods. Similarly, bands can come loose when you chew sticky foods. If you experience either of these things, it’s not necessary to make an office visit unless you’re in pain. Use wax to cover your loose or broken bracket if desired, and let us know about the issue at your next appointment.

Loose or poking wires

Check to make sure your wires are comfortable at each appointment. If the end of your wire pokes out between visits and irritates your cheek, you can push it back in with an eraser or cotton ball. Placing wax at the end of your wire can help relieve irritation, or you can cut the exposed piece of wire using nail clippers sanitized with rubbing alcohol. 

If your wire comes out completely, try pushing it back into the tube with tweezers or by hand. You can also cut it with nail clippers and remove the pieces. If you continue experiencing discomfort from a loose or poking wire, contact your orthodontist.

Steel ties poking

If the end of a steel ligature gets dislodged and irritates your lips or cheek, use an eraser to push the steel tie back into place and cover the ends with wax to prevent further irritation.

Missing elastic

If you notice that one of your brackets is missing an elastic tie, there’s no need to worry. Your orthodontist will replace the missing tie at your next appointment.

Sore teeth or mouth

Your teeth will most likely be sore for about a week after you get braces. If you experience discomfort, try Tylenol or Advil to relieve the pain and stick to eating soft foods. Some people find it helpful to chew sugarless gum to improve blood flow to the affected areas.

You may develop small sores or ulcerations inside your lips and cheeks when you first get braces, but they should begin disappearing in about a week. Cover the ends of the hooks on your brackets with wax to minimize sores, and be sure to keep the area clean. Give yourself time to adjust to your braces, but contact your orthodontist if discomfort persists. 

Accidents

If you get in an accident that affects your teeth while wearing braces, schedule an appointment to have them examined. If the damage is more serious, go to the emergency room.