(217) 546-3333Common Dental Health Issues for Teens
October 28, 2013
There are a number of common dental concerns that occur in teens. From oral hygiene issues to crooked and crowding teeth, from cavities to wisdom teeth pain, preventative care and early detection can make these common problems much easier to deal with and solutions faster for your teen.
Lacking the proper knowledge on preventative oral care is an issue many teens face. It is vital that they understand the importance of good oral health and how it is vital for their overall health. Developing good habits of brushing and flossing on a twice daily basis will greatly reduce the likelihood of cavities and plaque building up around teeth and gums. Lack of proper brushing and flossing can lead to tooth decay, cavities, gum diseases or more serious dental issues. Furthermore, poor oral hygiene has been linked to cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in America.
Cavities are one of the most common concerns among teens. The good news is that cavities can be prevented through good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing, and incorporating a healthy diet. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks such as candies or soda pop will also help with cavity prevention and can improve overall gum and tooth health.
Common orthodontic concerns that occur in teens such as teeth growing irregularly, crowding, crooked or gapped teeth are often treated with braces.
Some teens may be uncomfortable with the appearance of their smile if there are spaces, crowding, crooked or chipped teeth. This can affect their overall self-esteem. Additionally, misplaced teeth can make it more difficult to clean properly, which may result in problems later on. If the problem does not require orthodontic treatment, there are many cosmetic dentistry options such as veneers, bonding and crowns that can help your teen find their beautiful smile and the self confidence it brings.
Wisdom teeth often cause problems for teens as this is a common time for the wisdom teeth to begin to emerge. Wisdom teeth generally require being removed as they can cause pain and problems to molars. Wisdom teeth which are not removed can also contribute to diseases of the gums.
Regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups will help teens maintain a healthy, happy smile and will remind them of the importance of oral health. Call Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333 for an appointment. Our friendly professional staff at Advanced Dental Care is ready to get your teen on the path to beautiful healthy teeth!
Cash For Candy – Taking a Stand Against Sweets For a Good Cause
October 23, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: STEVE KUCHURIS
Phone: 217-546-3333
Email: Steve@SmileSpringfield.com
CASH FOR CANDY!
Local Dentist Takes a Stand Against Sweets this Halloween
— Earn cash for your candy and support a soldier —
One local dentist is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to Advanced Dental Care of Springfield and receive $1 per pound. Dr. Matt VanderMolen and his team have joined the movement to reduce gingivitis and anti-decay by giving away dollars, prizes, and local favors in exchange for cavity-provoking candy.
“Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excess sweets altogether would really give your teeth a healthy boost,” says Dr. VanderMolen. “Sure, they can have a few treats on Halloween night and maybe even keep a couple more for later in the week. But we’ll take the rest of it and pay them for it! Kids can still have all of the fun of trick-or-treating, and now their piggy banks will benefit as well. “
“Our dental practice chose to participate in the Halloween Candy Buy Back to help parents who want to limit the amount of damage that can be done to their children’s teeth. We want to encourage and teach preventative care and healthy habits, while supporting our troops overseas,” says Dr. VanderMolen.
Kids should still dress up, go out, have fun, and yes, even eat some candy. But after picking out the best of their stash, they will probably have about 10 pounds left, and nobody needs that much candy!
Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2% annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their kids teeth are being cared for more than ever. Candy, as well as hurting children’s teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain. In some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken and damaged braces.
Candy will be collected at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield on Friday, November 1st, the day after Halloween, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, November 2nd from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The candy will then be shipped to Operation Gratitude in California where it will be sorted and repackaged and then distributed to troops serving our country overseas. Each child is eligible to receive $1 per pound, up to a five (5) pound limit, for all unopened, uneaten candy. We also encourage the children to draw pictures and/or write letters or notes to include in the packages to our troops.
Plus, there will be door prizes as well as a raffle of items donated by local businesses!
Dr. VanderMolen and his team at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield work hard to raise public awareness of the benefits of healthy eating and great dental hygiene and they offer affordable and convenient dental care to Springfield and surrounding areas. For more information, contact Steve at 217-546-3333, or visit www.SmileSpringfield.com and www.HalloweenCandyBuyBack.com.
Options Available in Cosmetic Dentistry
October 14, 2013
I'm interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?
If you have crooked teeth or you wish your teeth were more attractive; changing their shape is possible with a number of different cosmetic dentistry treatments. Smile enhancement procedures are common, safe and easy. A change of shape can be achieved by these popular methods:
Crowns
A crown is a dental restoration in which the whole tooth is capped or covered. The crown is fabricated from materials like porcelain. Crowns can cover many problems including cracked or otherwise compromised teeth.
To attach the crown, the tooth has to be prepared. It is trimmed down to create space needed to accommodate the crown. Once preparation is over, impression of the prepared tooth is taken and the cast made out of it is sent to the lab for crown fabrication. Finally, the dentist glues the crown to your prepared tooth.
Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of restorative material that are adhered to the teeth to change their shape or to obscure discoloration. They are a treatment of choice for people with dental problems like mild to moderate fluorosis, small gaps and shape adjustments. Veneers cover only the outer or the facial surface of the teeth. Most commonly, the upper front teeth are veneered as they are the most prominent teeth while smiling.
Some amount of tooth reduction is required but lesser than the extent required for crowns. Once the teeth are trimmed down, the impression is made and the casts are sent to the lab for fabrication. The finished veneer is adhered to the prepared tooth surface.
Bonding
Bonding is one of the simplest and less expensive types of dental restoration which can be used to modify the shape of the teeth. A tooth-colored resin material is used for dental bonding.
The teeth are etched to allow the resin to bond. A coat of resin is applied and cured with curing light. Layer by layer application is performed meticulously by the dentist to give the teeth the desired shape. Finally, finishing and polishing is done for a smooth glossy surface.
You can trust Dr. VanderMolen to help you get the perfect smile you are looking for. For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact us now at (217) 546-3333. We can help you smile confidently in no time.
5 Tips for Increasing Your Dental Health
September 16, 2013
Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile, but even more important is having healthy, problem-free teeth and gums. By following a few basic tips, you can maintain optimal dental health.
Keeping teeth clean is the most important step to maintaining dental health. Make sure to clean gums and entire oral cavity. Regular brushing and flossing are critical to keeping both teeth and gums clean and healthy. Brushing and flossing remove particles that can become trapped in between teeth. This can lead to plaque build up and gum disease. The standard recommendation is to brush and floss at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging teeth and gums, or follow your Dentist’s suggestions. Using too hard of a toothbrush can remove enamel from your teeth, leaving them unprotected and vulnerable to decay. Flossing will help eliminate small particles from in between the teeth and keep your gums strong.
Regular visit to your Dentist for cleaning and x-rays is recommended every six months. Regular dental exams can help prevent existing problems from becoming worse, and help identify any potential future problems. Preventative maintenance will not only help maintain a healthy smile, but it can also save you thousands of dollars down the road. Developing a regular routine will make visiting your dentist a positive experience.
Maintaining a healthy diet is also important to your oral health. Be sure to eat healthy foods and avoid too many sweets. Reducing the amount of sugary snacks will help prevent cavities and decay.
Fluoride is beneficial to the enamel on your teeth. If you do not have fluoride added to the water where you live, try an enhanced toothpaste to increase the strength of your teeth.
Cigarette smoking and other tobacco use can cause yellowing of the teeth, and diseases of gums. Avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco will not only benefit your lungs and health, but it will help to maintain your beautiful white smile
If it is time for a dental checkup for you and your family, make an appointment by calling Dr. VanderMolen and Advanced Dental Care today at (217) 546-3333. Click here for more information on the general dentistry services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Dental Implants: A Popular Dental Treatment
September 9, 2013
Why Are Dental Implants So Popular?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jaw bone surgically. They provide an excellent means of tooth replacement. They are usually made out of titanium and titanium alloys. The success of dental implants lies on the level of osseointegration (fusion of implants to the jaw bone); thus good oral hygiene and bone density are essential.
Dental implants are one of the latest innovative developments in dentistry and are gaining popularity day by day. Some reasons for their increasing popularity are:
- High Aesthetic Appeal
A dental implant cannot be distinguished from a natural tooth easily because it gives the impression of growing out of the gums naturally. The growing popularity of dental implants is due to their excellent aesthetic properties. To look great and feel confident is what everyone looks for while opting for any type of tooth replacement.
- Superior In Function
Apart from looking natural, dental implants give a natural feel as well. They function independently similar to any other tooth in dentition. The biting forces on the implant are directed to the jaw bone directly without affecting the adjacent teeth. Patients have stated that they feel extremely comfortable while chewing with dental implants. This is mainly due to their enhanced efficiency compared to dentures. Dental Implants are the superior option for smile restorations.
- Highly Durable
When compared to dentures, dental implants are highly durable and long-lasting. Dentures need replacement after about 5 years whereas implants do not need to be replaced once they are taken up by the jaw bone. They can last for a lifetime with good oral hygiene and preventative dental maintenance.
- Renders Confidence
Many people with dentures become self-conscious while smiling. This is because sometimes dentures can be loose and snap down creating an extremely embarrassing situation. Such incidents are less than ideal, for certain. On the contrary, dental implants are secure and natural feeling and can boost the self-esteem.
Are you interested in learning more about dental implants? Attend one of our monthly Dental Implant Seminars. For details and dates, please contact us at (217) 546-3333 or Click Here.
Dr. VanderMolen has the answers you need. Call and make an appointment at Advanced Dental Care today, (217) 546-3333.