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How Your Oral Surgeon Uses Cone Beam CT for Less Invasive Dental Surgery | Litchfield MN
As dental technology advances, your oral surgeon in Litchfield MN is able to better care for all your dental needs whether preventative, restorative, or cosmetic. One advancement that has had a significant impact on dentistry is Cone Beam CT imaging which gives your dentist a detailed look at your teeth. This advance look means more accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations for all patients.
Understanding Cone Beam CT
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), is a medical imaging technique, which allows our doctors to visualize the jaws and teeth in three dimensions. This technology allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for our patients.
When the CBCT is utilized for patients, the doctor plans surgical procedures, like tooth extraction or surgical implant with precision. This creates a safer surgical environment and a quicker, less invasive surgery for the patient.
Benefits for the Patient
Cone Beam technology not only gives your dentist a better look at your teeth and gums for optimal diagnosis and treatment but also gives you greater benefits for your oral health including:
- A detailed look at your teeth and gums in real-time.
- Better planning means a less invasive procedure.
- An overall safer surgical experience.
Learn more about the latest advancements available at your dental practice by contacting your oral surgeon in Litchfield MN today.
Is Six Month Smiles Treatment Right for You? | Litchfield MN
As an adult, straightening your smile is essential for clear communication and a confident appearance in social and professional situations. Many patients find a newfound boost in their self-esteem and finding themselves smiling and laughing more in crowds because they are no longer afraid to show their smiles. Fortunately, with the Six Month Smiles treatment, your orthodontist can help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile quickly and discreetly.
What is the Six Month Smiles System?
Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear braces to straighten and improve tooth alignment. For many adults, this alternative treatment is a convenient approach to a straighter smile without the time commitment. On average, Six Month Smiles treatments last just six months which makes it an attractive dental solution for many patients.
What Are the Advantages of Six Month Smiles Treatment?
Although the process is accelerated, the aligners are designed to make sure patients feel comfortable and confident throughout the treatment. Advantages of this treatment include:
- Clear brackets and tooth-colored wires that are virtually undetectable on the surface of your teeth.
- The aesthetic appearance of the brackets that are ideal for many adults.
- Custom fabrication to move your teeth into the desired position in minimal time.
- A possible convenient and often more affordable alignment solution.
Overall Six Month Smiles is a suitable solution for many adults who wish to straighten their smiles for a more confident and radiant appearance. Patients are often surprised by how quickly they begin to see results and how straightening their teeth improves their longterm oral health.
Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about the benefits of straightening your smile, contact your orthodontist in Litchfield MN to schedule your consultation today. We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile and enhance your oral health!
5 Reasons to Choose Orthodontic Treatment in Litchfield MN
When your teeth and jaws are properly aligners, the overall health of your mouth improved. Crowded, misaligned, and crooked teeth may lead to various problems later on that will need to be fixed through extractions, root canals, tooth replacements, and even surgery. Many of these associated problems can be prevented by choosing orthodontic treatment. Moreover, in many cases, straighter teeth improve your smile and self-confidence, as well.
Here are some reasons to choose orthodontic treatment today:
- Reduction of uneven wear of tooth enamel caused by unbalanced forces on the teeth
- A great smile that improves your appearance. This results in greater confidence and improved self-esteem
- Straight teeth that are easier to clean. This translates in healthier teeth and gums, resulting in reduced risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Correction of jaw and joint problems. Misalignment can strain the jaw joints, resulting in TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular jaw disorders (TMD) make it difficult to open and close the mouth, sometimes causing clicking and popping in the jaw, facial pain, and chronic headaches.
- To hold or create space to replace missing teeth, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting. Your orthodontist can also work with your general dentist or specialist to install dentures, implants, or bridgework to give you the best result.
- To reduce bruxism. Malocclusion can strain your jaws, causing you to grind your teeth or clench the jaws (bruxism). Over time, the increased pressure can damage your teeth and jaws. Straightening your teeth can reduce the risk of bruxism.
Final Note
Orthodontic treatment is intended to improve both the function of your teeth and aesthetics of your smile by considering your profile, bone structure, face, and muscular function, and balancing these elements precisely using advanced technologies.
Orthodontic treatment is beneficial to all people irrespective of your age, provided you have interest, enthusiasm, and dedication to participate actively in your treatment. If you do as directed by your orthodontist in Litchfield MN, you can enjoy great results sooner. It’s important that you attend appointments regularly, keep your braces or aligners clean and safe, and avoid hard and sticky foods that can interfere with a successful outcome.
What to Expect with Single Tooth Anesthesia in Litchfield MN
For many patients, avoiding necessary dental procedures because of the treatment process is more common than you think. Some patients may find having part of their mouth numbed with anesthesia uncomfortable or too invasive. Fortunately, advancements in dentistry offer dentists the ability to use single tooth anesthesia to numb only the tooth that needs treatment.
What to Expect
Your dentist will use a computer-assisted system for local anesthesia called The Wand. It carefully guides your dental professional as they are performing dental injections. Patients who experience this new technology will find it offers less pain and more contained numbness for the area that is being treated by using single tooth anesthesia (STA). Additional benefits include:
- Modernization – With STA, your dentist is using the newest one-of-a-kind technology that allows a single out a tooth to be numbed.
- Protection – The patented computer system releases the anesthesia in a painless way but also in a dose that is secure for the patient. Using this procedure, you will not run the risk of receiving too much anesthetic.
- Effectiveness – STA eliminates any guessing as your dentist applies the anesthetic. The effective delivery of anesthesia means the effects are felt faster and last longer.
- Less Pain. This treatment option removes the discomfort out of the anesthesia delivery and protects the surrounding areas of the mouth.
To learn more about what to expect with single tooth anesthesia, please contact your dentist in Litchfield MN today!
3 Things to Consider Before Paying for Porcelain Veneers | Litchfield MN
Porcelain veneers are a permanent, cosmetic tooth repair option that can be recommended to correct a number of issues affecting your smile. Veneers refer to thin shells that are permanently bonded to the front and sides of the damaged or stained teeth to cover up the blemishes while protecting the tooth from further damage.
Since they are considered a cosmetic dental procedure, veneers are usually not covered by dental insurance policies. Your dental plan can, however, pay for professional teeth cleaning, which is necessary before veneer placement.
Before you proceed with getting your porcelain veneers, you should consider the following:
1. Different Types of Materials
Porcelain is a popular material for dental veneers, though it’s more expensive than composite resin, which can be placed on the same day without fabrication in a dental lab. If you want same-day veneers, you can also opt for Lumineers, though they are even more expensive than the porcelain.
2. The Price Can Range Depending on Various Factors
The cost of standard veneers ranges per tooth. If you’re looking to get multiple teeth treated, you will have to pay a lot more. Veneers should only be used to improve the appearance of teeth with visible damage, rather than all visible teeth to reduce the cost of treatment. You should pay less per tooth if you’re getting two or more teeth repaired using veneers. You’re likely to get bigger discounts for more teeth, so make sure to shop around and choose the most cost-effective option for you.
3. Get an Experienced Dentist
Make sure that your dentist gives you a few photos of previous clients who have repaired their teeth using the materials of your choice. An experienced dentist may ask for more money, but this is preferable to choosing an inexperienced dentist who places the veneer poorly, resulting in multiple trips for repairs that will cost you more time and money in the long run, even if the repairs are free.
Final Note
Dental veneers can be used to cover stains, chips, gaps, and crooked teeth to make them look better. But before choosing this mode of treatment, you need to consider whether it’s the right treatment for your specific case, and whether your budget allows it.
To learn more about the cost of dental veneers, schedule your consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Litchfield CA today.
What are No-Prep Dental Veneers? | Litchfield MN
If you’re looking to improve your smile, your cosmetic dentist may recommend that you place thin coverings over the visible surface (front part) of the tooth to conceal any damage. These coverings are known as no-prep dental veneers and are fabricated from tooth-colored materials for aesthetic reasons.
Dental veneers can be used to correct different cosmetic dental problems, including:
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Discolored teeth that won’t respond to bleaching
- Misshapen or crooked teeth
- Uneven gaps or spaces between your front teeth
Veneers are typically made from porcelain material, which requires intensive tooth preparation by removing some of the tooth enamel to create room to attach the veneer. This method is used because porcelain veneers measure about 0.5 mm in thickness. Grinding down the tooth helps to maintain its natural size.
No-Prep Veneers
Lumineers, Vivaneers, and composite resin veneers that are thinner at 0.3 mm don’t require any tooth preparation before placement. These no-prep veneers are less invasive to apply and take less time, which makes them a popular choice for correcting minor aesthetic defects.
No-prep dental veneers offer several advantages over traditional porcelain veneers, including:
- Easier to place since no tooth preparation is needed
- Don’t require fabrication in a dental lab, which makes them cheaper
- Can be used if you have thin tooth enamel to prevent the risk of tooth sensitivity
- Maintain the natural tooth structure for greater strength of restored teeth
- Placed in a single appointment
However, you’re limited to the amount of layers you can add to reduce the risk of creating a thicker tooth that may create hard to clean spots along the gumline, putting you at risk of gum disease. Traditional veneers are easier to smooth for a better fit and optimal oral hygiene. Your dentist will examine your teeth and thickness of tooth enamel in order to decide the best material for your veneers. Lumineers may be appropriate.
Please visit your cosmetic dentist in Litchfield to discuss ways to improve your smile with dental veneers.
Reasons to Use Dental Veneers to Correct Your Smile | Litchfield MN
There are many reasons why your teeth and smile can seem to be unattractive. Fortunately, dental veneers in Litchfield, MN can solve most of your cosmetic dental problems if you’re a suitable candidate. The dentist will take X-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth. This step is necessary to identify signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other tooth defects that may need to be addressed before getting veneers.
Dental veneers in Litchfield, MN can be used for:
- Whitening your smile – dental veneers can be used to conceal unattractive teeth that have turned yellow from smoking cigarettes or brown from consuming pigmented foods. They’re made from tooth-colored material that reflects light like your natural teeth, allowing them to beautifully blend with your smile. Moreover, they’re stain resistant, which means that normal dental care routines are sufficient to maintain your bright smile.
- Fixing minor cosmetic concerns – dental veneers can be used to treat slightly crooked or gapped teeth by camouflaging the problems. Though the defect will still be there, no one will be able to notice it when you smile.
- Replacing damaged enamel – tooth enamel is tough, but it can still wear down from consuming highly acidic items, grinding and clenching your teeth, or brushing your teeth too vigorously. Veneers can conceal the damage, giving you an even and symmetrical smile.
Before getting your veneers, you should consult your dentist to discuss the best options for your case, and the number of veneers that should be placed depending on the condition of your teeth and budget. In some situations, it may be necessary to undergo other treatments before getting veneers, like using braces to correct uneven or crooked teeth.
Final Note
Keep in mind that getting veneers requires the dentist to trim down about 0.5 mm from your tooth enamel using a grinding tool before taking impressions (mold) of the teeth. If you don’t have sufficient tooth enamel, your dentist may recommend no-prep veneers that measure less than 0.3 mm, and are directly bonded to the tooth without grinding it. Please consult your dentist in Litchfield MN to find the best dental veneers for your case.
Is Teeth Whitening Right for You? | Litchfield MN
The aging process, your diet, and other lifestyle choices can discolor your teeth over time. Whiter teeth are associated with beauty, success, and good health. They also draw attention away from other features, giving you a more youthful and vibrant appearance. Teeth whitening provides a fast and cost-effective way to get the smile of your dreams. It involves removing stains and discoloration to brighten your teeth and improve their appearance.
Why Do Your Teeth Change Color?
There are many reasons why few people have impeccably white teeth, including:
- Age – tooth enamel is naturally white, but it thins over time due to normal wear, allowing the yellowish dentin to show
- Fluorosis – teeth darkening due to excessive fluoride consumption
- Food and drink – tea, coffee, red wine, and other food items contain intense color pigments known as chromogens that bond to tooth enamel, causing discoloration
- Tobacco use – chewing and smoking tobacco exposes you to two chemicals responsible for creating stubborn stains: nicotine and tar
- Illness – early tooth decay or illness during tooth development can also cause spots on your teeth
- Medications – tooth discoloration can be a side effect of taking certain medications, like antihistamines and antipsychotics. Fetuses and babies may also be at risk of tooth discoloration of the adult teeth if exposed to antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline.
- Calculus – accumulated plaque can also reduce the sparkle of your teeth
Any of these reasons can lead you to find a dentist near you for teeth whitening.
Final Note
Please keep in mind that teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that may help to improve your self-confidence, but to maintain the results for as long as possible, you must be prepared to uphold your dental hygiene by brushing and flossing properly, avoiding smoking, avoiding colored drinks that stain your teeth, drinking plenty of water, and getting professional cleaning twice a year.
Please schedule a consultation with your dentist in Litchfield MN to learn more about teeth whitening and other ways you can improve your smile.
Cost of Dental Veneers in Litchfield MN
Dental veneers are thin shells of translucent, tooth-colored material that are placed over your teeth to cover stains, chips, gaps, and crooked teeth to make them look better. But before choosing this mode of treatment, you need to consider whether it’s the right treatment for your specific case and whether your budget allows for the cost of dental veneers.
The cost of standard dental veneers varies depending on a number of factors, including:
- Type of material – Porcelain is a popular material for dental veneers, though it’s more expensive than resin composite materials. Another popular material for dental veneers in Lumineers, which is even more expensive than the standard materials.
- The number of teeth that will be repaired using veneers – Veneers should only be used to improve the appearance of teeth with visible damage, rather than all visible teeth to reduce the cost of treatment.
- Experience of your dentist – Make sure that your dentist gives you a few photos of previous clients who have repaired their teeth using the materials of your choice. An experienced dentist may ask for more money, but this is preferable to choosing an inexperienced dentist who places the veneer poorly, resulting in multiple trips for repairs that will cost you more time and money in the long run, even if the repairs are free.
- The office location – Dental practices in cities with a higher cost of living will be higher priced than those in smaller towns.
Final Note
Dental veneers are considered a cosmetic dental procedure, so they’re usually not covered by dental insurance policies. Your dental plan can, however, pay for professional teeth cleaning, which is necessary before veneer placement.
Learn more about what to expect with the cost of dental veneers by contacting your dentist in Litchfield to schedule your consultation.
Dental Veneers Near Me, Litchfield MN 55355
Dental veneers in Litchfield, MN refer to thin shells of tooth-colored material that are permanently bonded to the front surface of damaged teeth to enhance their appearance. They’re typically made from resin-composite or porcelain materials and can be recommended to treat a range of cosmetic dental concerns including:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Discoloration or staining that can’t be fixed with whitening
- Smaller-than-average teeth
- Gaps in the teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Unusually shaped or pointed teeth
Types of Dental Veneers in Litchfield, MN
Depending on your case, the dentist may recommend just one veneer to fix the damage, or multiple veneers to create a symmetrical smile. Veneers are usually applied to the top front six to eight teeth for aesthetics purposes.
There are different types of veneers available, including:
- Traditional porcelain veneers – These veneers measure about 0.5 mm in thickness, and require the removal of a similar amount of material from your tooth enamel to allow for smooth placement.
- No-prep veneers – Lumineers, Vivaneers, and composite resin veneers are thinner at 0.3 mm. They don’t require any tooth preparation before placement. These no-prep veneers are less invasive to apply and take less time, which makes them a popular choice for correcting minor aesthetic defects.
No-prep veneers are easier to place, but they’re not as effective for correcting discolored teeth because you’re limited to the number of layers you can add to hide the stains. Moreover, adding multiple layers increases the risk of creating a thicker tooth that may create hard to clean spots along the gumline, putting you at risk of gum disease. Traditional veneers are easier to smooth for a better fit and optimal oral hygiene.
Your dentist will examine your teeth and thickness of tooth enamel in order to decide the best material for your veneers. Lumineers may be appropriate if you have thin tooth enamel to prevent the risk of tooth sensitivity. The choice of material will also depend on your budget since Lumineers are more expensive than porcelain and composite veneers.
Please visit your cosmetic dentist in Litchfield MN to discuss ways to improve your smile with dental veneers.
6 Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear braces to straighten and improve tooth alignment. This alternative treatment is a convenient approach to a straighter smile without the time commitment.
Learn more