How to Get Straighter Teeth as An Adult

As children, the option for getting straighter teeth seemed much more, well, straight-forward. As adults, however, the methods of straightening your teeth can feel as if they are far and few in-between. Fortunately, there are different means of getting straighter teeth as an adult, and the team at Access Dental has put together some of our favorite methods! 

Braces

We know that when most people think of braces, you probably envision a teenager, but adults can benefit just as much from braces! Braces usually come in two forms, metal and ceramic. Metal is what you would commonly think of when you picture braces, they are metal brackets that lay on your teeth, while the elastics secure the brackets to your teeth and the wires provide enough pressure to begin the alignment. 

Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, but instead of metal, the braces are made of a ceramic-material that is tooth-colored to blend in more. Granted, with both types of braces, there comes a big responsibility in ensuring that you are properly cleaning them, removing plaque, and avoiding foods that can damage your braces. Getting your braces shouldn't be a difficult process, so be sure to contact our dental office to make sure you are getting the best dental care in Missouri. 

Aligners

Dental aligners have become increasingly popular in recent years, and rightfully so! They come with a huge benefit in that they can be removed, unlike braces, but you will have to change them out every 1-3 weeks. With aligners, you will be wearing them practically 24/7. Of course, in relation to braces, aligners may be the preferred choice for a working adult, as they are a bit easier to blend in and may not draw as much attention as, say, metal braces. The process of getting aligners starts by getting a custom-made fit to tightly secure your teeth and bring them together, creating a gorgeous, straight smile! 

Surgery

Although we know this sounds scary outright, teeth straightening surgeries can be beneficial in some cases. Keep in mind, not everyone is a candidate for teeth-straightening surgeries and is typically only called for in circumstances where an individual has a functional problem versus a cosmetic one. 

In the corrective jaw repair, a surgeon will operate to restore the function of the jaw and in the process make one able to wear braces. Once the corrective surgery has been completed, the individual will be in recovery for roughly six weeks and then can work towards getting braces. 

The options we have listed above are just a few ways that an adult can look into straightening their teeth, and although not all of the options may be feasible for everyone, it is definitely a good starting point! Finding a dental office in Missouri that will prioritize your needs is crucial, and at Access Dental we take your dental health seriously. 

For more details on teeth straightening methods, or to schedule a consult with one of our dental experts, contact us at 1-877-DENTIST, or visit our website, www.accessdentalanddentures.com

Remedies to Help With Teeth Grinding

If you are like 1/3rd of the adult population, you may grind your teeth throughout the day. 1 out of 10 will also grind their teeth at night. That being said, grinding your teeth, or bruxism, impacts a multitude of individuals in their day-to-day lives. Bruxism can lead to negative side effects, such as, headaches, jaw pain, and even tooth fractures depending on the intensity of the grinding. Fortunately, teeth grinding can be helped, and your local dentist office in Osage Beach, MO is here to give you the run down of the different remedies that you can utilize to help with teeth grinding, and get back to living a healthier and happier lifestyle. 

Why Does Teeth Grinding Occur?

The cause behind bruxism tends to vary from patient to patient, as there are various reasons for why bruxism may develop. Some common reasons consist of stress, anxiety, genetics, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, etc. But even simple tasks such as concentrating on a project can cause teeth grinding. At night, teeth grinding tends to be more prevalent, and can be caused by sleep apnea, hyperactivity, and can be a side effect of some medications. 

What Issues Can Teeth Grinding Cause?

Aside from general discomfort, teeth grinding can lead to a few different health issues, such as tooth fractures, TMJ, headaches, etc. Additionally, you may notice muscle stiffness and a limited ability to move your jaw. These issues can be uncomfortable to say the least, and could have a lasting damage on your muscle and dental health. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's probably in your best interest to schedule a dentist appointment with a dental office near you. 

How Can Teeth Grinding Be Treated?

Luckily, when it comes to bruxism, there are a few different treatment methods, that way you can get back to living your life as pain-free as possible, without the stresses of dental issues. Probably the most common treatment would be getting fitted for a nightguard- they are similar to a retainer, but they are worn at night to prevent grinding from occurring. Granted, it is important to recognize a pattern to determine what the underlying issue is and why it is happening. Some other common treatments include taking medication and therapy to reduce stress. 

Teeth grinding can make for a troublesome issue that needs to be corrected sooner than later to prevent any further damage to your teeth and overall health. That being said, if you struggle with bruxism, it probably is in your best interest to schedule a dentist appointment, and the team at Access Dental is here to provide the best dental care in Osage Beach, MO. Feel free to contact us by phone or schedule an appointment on our website, www.access.dental

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

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How Seasonal Changes Impact Your Dental Health

When the seasons change, you probably have a few anticipated happenings, such as temperature, scenery, allergies, etc. However, what you may not know is how the seasons can actually impact your dental health! Our team at Access Dental is here to provide all the information you need in order to be ready for how the seasonal changes can impact your dental health!

Cold Pains

No one likes being cold. This includes your jaw. As the temperatures decrease, the muscles and joints that are in your jaw can begin to tighten up more so than normal. This in turn can cause jaw pain and sensitive teeth! Granted, although this can happen in the spring and summer seasons, too, once the temperature begins to drop, you will probably notice an increase in sensitivity in comparison to other seasons. Be sure to mindful of your teeth sensitivity, and switch to sensitive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush during the colder months! 

Humidity

A commonly expected change in the season- humidity can be quite the problem as it can cause dehydration, which in turn reduces your saliva production, which can lead to a build-up in plaque. Plaque can then cause tooth decay and cavities, which no one wants. Plus, with your lack of saliva production, you may find yourself having bad breath. Once more, though, there are options to help with humidity related dental issues! Staying hydrated and regular dental visits should keep you and your teeth healthy as the season changes.

Allergies

With season changes, most of us expect the occasional seasonal allergy flare-up; however, allergies can pose another issue besides general annoyance. When your allergies begin to flare-up, the inside of your sinuses can swell, which can put a lot of pressure on the roots of your teeth! With pressure comes pain, and unfortunately, the pain tends to be centralized in your top, back teeth. Luckily, not all is lost, as standard over-the-counter allergy medication should help in relieving the pressure. If medication does not seem to help, it is probably best to schedule an appointment with your local Missouri dentist office! 

Seasonal changes bring many new happenings. Some of which are favorable- temperature changes, beautiful scenery, plus different activities to enjoy! It is important however to ensure that you are being cognizant of your dental health, as the seasons can also cause some adverse effects on your teeth and jaw! If you are ready to prioritize your dental health and get ready for the upcoming season, feel free to contact one of our dental offices located in Missouri! Or check out our website to check our all of the dental services in Missouri we offer. 

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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What You Need to Know When Using Teeth Whitening Strips

Having glistening, white teeth is probably something that most of us strive for. There is nothing like having a smile that gets frequent compliments. There are a variety of methods used to achieve the “perfect” smile, one of which is using teeth whitening strips. You may or may not have used them, or maybe you are just thinking about it, but what really happens when you use teeth whitening strips? Are they even effective? The team at Access Dental has decided to compile a list of all the information you need to know when using teeth whitening strips, that way you can keep yourself informed, and your teeth healthy.

What Are Teeth Whitening Strips?

Teeth whitening strips are a thin layer of elastic plastic called, polyethylene. This plastic piece is then coated with peroxide- how much varies depending on the brand that is used.

How Do They Work?

It really depends on the brand that you are using, but you need to ensure that you carefully read over all of the directional information on the packaging, and it may be in your best interest to consult with one of our professionals before using.

Typically speaking, you apply the strip over your teeth and leave them on for the suggested timeframe given on the packing instructions. Keep in mind that most companies will recommend avoiding brushing roughly 30 minutes prior to using the strip.

Once you have begun applying the strips, you will more than likely need to apply them multiple times a day over the span of a two-to-three-week period.

Risks Associated with Teeth Whitening Strips

Although teeth whitening strips can be a cost-efficient solution to a whiter smile, it is important to note that there are some risks involved when using teeth whitening strips. Probably the most well-known would be the chance of uneven whitening.

To avoid having spots and yellowed edges, you have to be incredibly careful when applying, as a strip is not going to cover every single area, but you need to try to apply to all spaces when you can. You could end up with little to no spots, but in other cases, you may have very noticeable areas of discoloring in relation to the other areas on your teeth.

Another common risk is the sensitivity that can develop when using teeth whitening strips. Given the whitening agent that is used, when used excessively, you can tear away the protective enamel, leading to your teeth being susceptible to decay, aches, and even tooth loss if severe. That is why it is so important to follow the directions to their exact wording, as prolonged use can have devastating effects. If you feel unsure about how to properly use them, you can always seek out advice from one of our dentists in Osage Beach, MO or our reach out to one of our dentists in Rolla, MO.

There are plenty of pros and cons associated with teeth whitening strips. There are some risks, but teeth whitening strips can be effective when used correctly, plus it can be a cheaper alternative. It is important to keep in mind that although there are pros and cons, keeping your dental health is a number one priority. If you want to explore other options extending beyond over-the-counter methods, you can always check out our dental services we offer on our website at www.accessdentalanddentures.com or feel free to contact us at (877) 336-8478.