Author: lynxbravo

How to overcome your Dental Anxiety?

Are you afraid of visiting the dentist? You are not alone. In a global survey, 6 out of 10 participants reported having dental anxiety. Almost 4% of people say they have never seen a dentist, and 16% say they only do so in an emergency. It is, in fact, a global phenomenon. 

Regular dental visits are essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy. However, in general, needles, drills, and the dental environment can trigger dental anxiety. When dental anxiety is severe and causes irrational fear or avoidance of going to the dentist, it is known as Dental phobia or Odontophobia. 

Dental anxiety patients may experience the following symptoms: 

  • Sweating 
  • Palpitations or a racing heart 
  • Low blood pressure and the possibility of fainting 
  • Visible distress, crying, or panic 
  • Withdrawal, use of humor or aggression to mask anxiety. 
  • Sleeping difficulties, the night before the dental exam 
  • Suddenly finding it difficult to breathe 

Dental anxiety or phobia can have a detrimental effect on your oral health. How long can you avoid seeing a dentist? It is necessary to overcome your dental anxiety for your oral wellness. 

Before you try to overcome it, identify what makes visiting a dental office terrifying for you. Some of the most common reasons are: 

  • Fear of pain 
  • A traumatic dental experience  
  • Fear of injections or worry that it won’t work 
  • Fear of side effects 
  • Trust issues 
  • Helplessness and a sense of loss of control 
  • Embarrassment and loss of personal space 

However, the wonderful thing about phobias is that they can be overcome. Here are a few tips for coping with your dental anxiety. 

Express your concerns to your dentist: Being open about your fears allows your dentist to guide you through comfortable dental care, which can help to calm your nerves. 

Plan ahead of time: Schedule an appointment on a day when you won’t be too busy or in a hurry to get somewhere else. This gives the body a chance to unwind. 

Watch what you eat or drink: Avoid foods high in sugar or caffeine before your appointment, as they may make you jittery and trigger your nerves. Instead, opt for something with calming properties, such as caffeine-free tea. 

Don’t go by yourself: If you know someone you care about is waiting for you in the lobby, you’ll feel more at ease. 

Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the dentist to explain what they’re doing throughout a procedure. Explaining everything has a calming effect. 

Take breaks to rest: Stop whenever you need to. Practice deep breathing. When necessary, a sensitive dental team will allow you to relax. 

Try to visit your dentist regularly: Fear of what might be wrong with your teeth may prevent you from seeing the dentist. The more you visit the dentist, the sooner you overcome the fear. 

Consider appropriate sedation options: The calming quality of nitrous oxide or other oral sedatives may be recommended by your doctor during more extensive procedures to calm nerves and make the process go more smoothly. 

Use our dentist anxiety tips to help you get through your dental appointment. We at Bravo! Dental ensure to put your health and comfort as our priority. Talk to our experts if you are facing any dental anxiety. We are always here to help! Call us at 1-888-682-7286 and get rid of your fears! 

 

Permanent Retainer VS Removable Retainer: Its Pros and Cons

Getting that flawless smile requires a lot of hard work. From keeping up with the dental appointments to avoiding certain food. With all these fusses the only idea you’d have from the day you have fitted your braces is when they’d be gone. Getting that flawlessly straight smile is always a thrilling event that is worthwhile. 

However, this is not the end of the process. In reality, the most crucial portion of the journey begins when the braces end. 

The second stage is termed retention, a key follow-up stage that keeps your teeth in their new position. Teeth can take a year or more to settle after braces, making them prone to movement. 

After your braces have been removed, your orthodontist will fit retainers. To keep the teeth from moving, your retainer will be custom-made to fit. Without a retainer, all of the progress you’ve made with braces over the last few years will be undone pretty quickly. Here is everything you need to know about retainers.  

 There are two types of retainers: Permanent Retainers and Removable Retainers. 

Permanent Retainers 

Permanent retainers are mostly recommended after extensive orthodontic work and for extra protection while the teeth settle into the new position. A custom-fit wire will be glued to the back of the teeth to suit your bite, alignment, and comfort. 

Pros 

  • Helps prevent front tooth movement, which is a risk factor for relapse. 
  • You needn’t worry about removing them regularly for eating and cleaning. 
  • The permanent retainer is not visible from the outside because it is glued to the back of your teeth. 

Cons 

  • You must be cautious about what you eat. Hard, gritty, sticky, or gummy foods may cause the retainer to break. 
  • You must be diligent in keeping the retainer clean as it can form tartar. 
  • They do not give any protection against relapse for the back teeth. 
  • As it would be hard to floss, it could easily welcome microbes and form tartar. 

Removable Retainers 

Removable retainers can be used only during treatment hours and can be removed when you eat, brush, or as directed by your orthodontist. Removable retainers have an effect on your teeth only when you wear them. You’ll most likely need to wear them every day and night. 

There are two types of removable retainers: Hawley and Essix. 

A Hawley retainer is made of a plastic or acrylic plate. It covers the roof of your mouth with a wire across the front of your teeth, allowing you to personalize the retainer. 

The Essix retainer is made of molded clear plastic and easily glides over your teeth to keep them in place. This is a popular retainer as it is almost invisible. 

Pros 

  • Clear, practically invisible, and comfortable to wear. 
  • Covers teeth and keep them from shifting. 
  • Easy to clean because retainers can be removed to brush and floss. 
  • Can help protect dental restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.) 
  • Protects your teeth from grinding or clenching. 
  • Serves as a bleaching tray to help whiten their teeth after treatment. 

Cons 

  • You must be responsible and always keep in mind to wear the retainers as directed.  
  • If you lose your retainers, you will have to pay to have replacements created. 

To get your desired straight teeth, a good bite, and a gorgeous smile, consult our experts at Bravo! Dental. We provide a unique retainer replacement plan in our office just for you. 

So why wait? Get the smile you have always desired! 

Can orthodontics treatments help with an impacted tooth?

Most people believe that extraction or surgical removal is the most common treatment for an impacted tooth. But, here’s some exciting news: Simpler orthodontic braces can be used to treat an impacted tooth.

Orthodontics is used to treat or enhance a wide range of dental health issues. Many usually think of visible problems like a crooked or crowded tooth, but braces can also help with the ‘invisible’ issues of an impacted tooth.

What is an impacted tooth?

An Impacted tooth is any tooth that is hindered from reaching its natural position in the mouth by tissue, bone, or another tooth. The impacted tooth has been prevented from breaking through the gum or sometimes partly impacted, which means it has begun to break through the gums. If the damage is severe and untreated, the impacted tooth can loosen and fall out, causing a neighboring tooth to loosen and fall out as well.

Many people are unaware they have an impacted tooth until they visit the dentist. An exam or x-ray verifies that a tooth is impacted. Some may experience sore or swollen gum, a headache, or even difficulty opening their mouth completely.

How orthodontics can help with Impacted tooth?

Orthodontic treatment done at the earliest is an effective technique to treat an impacted tooth. The treatment strategy is chosen based on the tooth’s growth direction, age, and intricacy.

Also, if adequate space for tooth eruption exists, the impacted tooth would erupt. Surgical intervention may be required if the impacted tooth is in a difficult site. Braces are the preferable alternative for minimizing tooth damage and controlling the eruption course.

Orthodontic treatments for Impacted tooth

Here are a few effective ortho treatments that could correct your impacted tooth.

Orthodontic Braces Treatment

If you have an impacted tooth, a set of metal or ceramic braces can be used to rearrange the tooth and make more room for the impacted one. If an impacted tooth has an overcrowded or crooked tooth, braces can move the tooth into the right position, ensuring that the entire arch of tooth is straight and properly spaced. Braces are used not only for aesthetic purposes but can also enhance oral health by making a tooth simpler to clean.

Ortho Aligner

Unless the problem is mild, ortho aligner is not commonly utilized to treat an impacted tooth. Clear aligners lack the pulling power of braces when it comes to getting an impacted tooth out of the gum and into the ideal position. Ortho aligner can be used to straighten a crooked tooth that has been pushed out of place by an impacted tooth.

If you have completed your braces treatment but have not had your wisdom tooth removed, you should see a dentist regularly to ensure the tooth does not become impacted or create overcrowding as they may emerge.

If you still need to know more about treating an impacted tooth and improving your overall dental alignment, talk to our experts at Bravo! Dental today.

Simple VS Deep Cleaning: Its Difference and Importance

Maintaining healthy teeth is vital for a number of reasons. Aside from aesthetics, having strong, healthy teeth is essential for leading a healthy lifestyle. 

According to Boston Magazine, by the age of 50 an adult has already lost nearly twelve of their permanent teeth. 

The two very top reasons for tooth loss are periodontal disease (gum disease) and untreated cavities. Regular dental visits and pro-cleanings are obviously the best things you can do to avoid adding to another scary tooth loss statistic. 

Why do I need professional dental cleanings? 

Brushing and flossing at least twice daily is essential for good oral health. However, it can only do so much. A plaque will accumulate on the surface of the teeth and along the gum line over time, eventually hardening into tartar. Professional cleanings can remove tartar that daily brushing and flossing cannot.  Regular cleanings can protect your teeth from gum disease, a major cause of extended ailments such as strokes, dementia, and heart disease. In fact, the National Library of Medicine through systematic and meta-analysis, has proven that strokes are 95% linked to periodontal disease. 

What kind of cleaning do I need? 

Following an examination, your dentist will evaluate which type of cleaning will be most beneficial to you. During the exam, your dentist will measure the gap between your teeth and gums – ideally, the measurement should be less than four millimetres. If the number exceeds four, you will need a deep cleaning rather than a routine simple cleaning. 

Simple Cleaning 

 It is strongly advised to get a simple cleaning every six months (i.e., twice per year).  This cleaning is used to remove germs and tartar that has accumulated between the teeth and gums. Bacteria can be kept at bay with a thorough cleaning, brushing, and flossing and keep the gums healthy. 

Deep Cleaning 

A deep cleaning is essential when bacteria and tartar have accumulated at least 5 millimetres between the teeth and the gum line. “Pockets” form due to gum disease, germs and tartar fills. Not removing these pockets can lead to various oral health issues, including periodontal disease and eventual tooth loss. 

Scaling and root planning are other terms for deep cleaning. Scaling is the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and gum pockets, whereas root planning is the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the roots. This cleaning may require more than one appointment. 

Deep cleaning can potentially help reverse periodontal disease. Many people see improvements within three months of having their teeth deep cleaned. 

Whether you need bi-annual cleanings or suspect you have gum disease and seek intensive treatment, we are here to help. We at Bravo! Dental make it our goal to provide high-quality dental services that will keep your smile and lifestyle healthy and beautiful. 

5 Major benefits of professional teeth whitening

A stunning smile has the power to brighten not just your day, but everyone else’s as well.  

In a nationwide poll by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of adults said they thought a person’s friendly smile attracted people. 

But, a not-so-aesthetic smile? Can make even the brightest day, dismal. 

Even if you follow a proper dental hygiene regimen, teeth aging can naturally result in tooth discoloration. This occurs as dental enamel thinning exposes the naturally yellow underlying dentin. 

Teeth whitening offers a quick & highly effective way to improve your appearance if discoloration has taken a toll on your teeth. Professional teeth whitening, as opposed to DYI teeth whitening treatments, may deliver astonishing results by lightening both the tooth enamel and the underlying dentin. 

How Effective Is Professional Tooth Whitening? 

Your dentist will note the color of your teeth as they are right now before you begin treatment. Your teeth are then treated to remove plaque and other surface debris. 

After that, the dentist paints a whitening solution on the teeth’s surface, commonly containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. For optimum results, the peroxide in many whitening treatments must be activated by a laser for 30 to 60 minutes. Your teeth is generally washed after that, and fluoride may be used to lessen sensitivity. 

Clean out stains 

Stains can be caused by the food you consume or from brushing and flossing your teeth incorrectly. The whitening treatments utilized are made to dissolve and lighten these stains to the point where they are no longer noticeable. 

Reliable treatments 

You never know what you’re getting when you purchase a teeth whitening kit from the shop or whether the product is healthy for your teeth or not. In-office teeth whitening, on the other hand is more dependable, and you can relax knowing that your teeth are in competent hands. 

Early results 

Professional teeth whitening can completely transform your smile in an hour compared to home whitening procedures. It’s great that you won’t have to wait weeks to notice a change in how your teeth look! The guaranteed results are one of the advantages of having teeth whitening done in a dentist’s office. 

Eliminates bacteria 

Many whitening treatments are made to eliminate germs that might cause gum disease and tooth decay. You are actively protecting your dental health when you whiten your teeth. 

Better appearance 

A new smile may completely transform your appearance. You may appear more youthful, and wrinkles or other flaws in the skin wouldn’t matter. So why wouldn’t you if you could make your teeth whiter and appear better overall? 

Teeth whitening is a great way to enhance your smile, increase your confidence, and give you a happier, healthier impression. 

Today, seeing the dentist is all it takes to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. You’ll feel fantastic about your new look. The professionals at Bravo! Dental are ready to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted with your teeth. 

Look forward to better days again! 

Everything you need to know about Zirconia Crowns

A dental crown can preserve the natural tooth’s size, shape, and strength. A dental crown procedure is one of the best and most common restorative tooth technique that can be used to fix a variety of issues. Issues include severe discoloration; tooth decay; chipping; cracks; and weak, damaged, or malformed teeth. The most popular dental crown materials are metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics. But recently, zirconia has been another popular choice due to its many proven perks. 

Zirconia crowns are made of zirconium dioxide, a solid, long-lasting substance that combines durability and beauty. 

Major benefits of Zirconia Crowns 

Strength 

Zirconia crowns are strong; they can withstand the force exerted by the back teeth to chew and grind food. Your tooth will only need a little preparation before it is placed because they are sturdy. Additionally, zirconia dental crowns are heat-resistant. 

Metal-free 

In patients with thin enamel, metal-free prevents discoloration around the gum border. This reduces the chances of gingival recession (gum problems) that can expose metal margins. 

Appearance 

Zirconia crowns have a translucent appearance; therefore, numerous color tones can be induced to match the color of your natural teeth. Zirconia crowns can also be modified to fit the size and shape of the teeth they are placed next to. 

Biocompatibility 

Zirconia crowns are 100% biocompatible. As a result, they are less likely to trigger hypersensitively in the body, such as by inducing inflammation or body rejection. 

Better Stain Resistance 

Zirconia crowns have a greater stain resistance than composite ceramic or acrylic crowns. It is resistant to nicotine, alcohol, coffee, and tea stains. As natural teeth can change over time owing to staining or aging, adjustments to the color of the crown can be made in order to match the teeth. 

Easy procedure 

Zirconia crowns fit your teeth perfectly. Though metal crowns are preferred for tooth bonding, zirconia crowns bond more effectively with the tooth and keep the crown in place. Compared to many other dental crowns, these crowns require less tooth removal or cutting. 

How Lasting Are Zirconia Crowns? 

Zirconia dental crowns can last five to fifteen years if properly cared for. However, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important to extend their lifespan. 

  • Every day, brush your teeth twice for two minutes. 
  • Floss at least once every day. 
  • To keep your mouth healthy, use tongue scrapers and antibacterial mouthwash. 
  • Visit your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings. These dental check-ups can help preserve the teeth, keeping them germ & stain-free, and give the dentist a chance to assess the condition of the crown. 

Zirconia dental crowns will become less durable as a result of some daily behaviors, including: 

  • Bruxism or teeth grinding 
  • Chewing on something tough 
  • Tearing things up or ripping up packages 
  • Biting nails 

When it comes to zirconia crowns, there aren’t many drawbacks to take into account. On the contrary, they provide the patient with a lot more benefits and, if any, very few side effects that patients should be aware of. However, regular dental check-ups would eliminate even the minimal concerns of having a zirconia crown. 

Zirconia crowns that are incredibly attractive and natural-looking with minimal tooth reduction meet or even exceed patients’ expectations for their excellent results. If you have a damaged tooth, our specialists will analyze your condition and guide you to decide if zirconia is the suitable material for your crown. Book your appointment online soon at Bravo! Dental and get amazing restoration results! 

Why are Clear Aligners your best choice?

Who wouldn’t want a magical smile? All of us do. The most important aspect of a beautiful smile would undoubtedly be perfectly straight teeth. But is this possible? Yes, there are excellent options available thanks to orthodontic innovation. 

One of the more recent dental innovations is the invisible brace or clear aligner. These translucent, custom-made trays shift your teeth into the right shape & condition, and give you an absolutely stunning smile. 

What are some challenges Clear Aligners can help with? 

Clear aligners can precisely straighten your teeth with absolute comfort and convenience, over other dental treatments like metal braces or dental veneers. Apart from eliminating the discomfort of metals and wires, clear aligners effectively treat tooth problems, such as: 

  • Gapped teeth 
  • Excessive Overbite 
  • Underbite 
  • Open bite 
  • Crossbite 
  • Overcrowding of teeth 

Now, the major question that many of you will have is, “What makes clear aligners so special?”  

The benefits of choosing Clear Aligners 

Clear aligners are a better investment than other dental tools for at least three reasons: 

Convenient 

Clear aligners are undoubtedly the most convenient and comfortable of all dental apparatus. Other dental treatment choices may require you to give up a favorite food or pastime. However, clear aligners provide you the freedom to straighten your teeth without changing your lifestyle.  

That said, remember that orthodontists strongly advise wearing clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day to achieve the best results. 

Increases Self-Esteem 

Misaligned teeth can be a major contributor to feel self-conscious while expressing yourself. If you have crooked or gapped teeth, and a lot of wires in your mouth, you would probably feel very self-conscious about your appearance. Clear aligners set you free from this. The fact that clear aligners are invisible is one of its best plus points.  

Advanced Technology 

Utilizing cutting-edge 3D printing technology, a customized solution to all of your dental issues is made. Advanced intra-oral scanning technology is used to create a three-dimensional plastic tray for your mouth. This improves the treatment’s precision and effectiveness while providing a hassle-free experience for patients. 

How to take care of Clear Aligners? 

Cleaning is simple with clear aligners. 

Following are a few quick tips to keep your Clear Aligners clean: 

  • After eating, quickly rinse your clear aligners to prevent the growth of bacteria. 
  • To clean your aligners, use room-temperature running water. 
  • While wearing clear aligners, avoid drinking wine or any other liquid besides water as it can create stains. 
  • When not in use, keep them in a case to preserve them from getting dusty or damaged. 

So, are you prepared to begin your quest to improve your smile? Then, get your Reveal clear aligners at Bravo! Dental today. Our ortho experts can help you restore your confidence with personalized care.  

Why wait? Book your appointment today or just ring us at 1-888-682-7286. 

 

Dentures or Implants for seniors? Its Pros and Cons

Senior citizens have a lot of health issues to deal with – The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that 10.13% of Americans between the ages of 50 to 64 have few teeth or no teeth remaining. If you’re one of those unfortunate Americans, you might want to think about dentures or dental implants. However, if you’ve recently decided which option is best for you, it’s essential to understand their differences.  

It may be difficult for seniors to eat comfortably without the assistance of dentures or dental implants and have the same quality of life they did before their tooth loss. 

Pros of Dentures 

  1. Dentures are less expensive than implants 
  2. Dentures are a popular place to start for many people.  
  3. Dentures will give your body time to recuperate before moving on to implants. 
  4. Dentures can be a good option depending on where the missing teeth are located.  
  5. Dentures are made in a non-invasive manner that requires no need for surgery. 
  6. Dentures can easily be modified to accommodate new loss of teeth. 

Cons of Dentures 

  1. Dentures don’t have the same natural appearance as dental implants. 
  2. Dentures must be removed and cleaned thoroughly regularly.  
  3. Dentures can move around and make it difficult to speak and eat. 
  4. Dentures make it impossible to eat certain foods. A few examples are caramel, apples, and corn on the cob. 
  5. Unable to preserve bones. 
  6. If food becomes stuck between the dentures, it increases the risk of gum disease. 
  7. They need to be replaced regularly (every 3 to 6 years, whereas 20 years or more for dental implants). They’ll also break if dropped, necessitating replacement. 
  8. Partial dentures can impair the natural teeth that support the dentures. 

Pros of Implants 

  1. They’re easy to manage & maintain – just like your natural teeth. 
  2. Implants appear and feel like natural teeth. 
  3. You can consume everything, including sticky and crunchy foods. 
  4. Speech is unaffected by dental implants. 
  5. Since nearby teeth and bones are preserved, they’re less likely to need dental work in the future. 
  6. Dental implants can last long, even for a lifetime, if properly taken care. 

Cons of Implants  

  1. Implants can get quite costly, depending on the number of teeth & the placement. 
  2. From start to end, implant placement takes about nine months. 
  3. There are risks associated with having a general anaesthetic used while mounting dental implants in the mouth. 
  4. The fitting of implants necessitates surgery, and the healing time is typically long. 

If you’d like to know more about whether dentures or dental implants are the best options for you, get in touch with one of our Bravo! Dental specialists now. At the end of the day, our dental experts are your best ally in determining which option is right for you and your mouth.