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Professional whitening is effective at removing years of stains and discoloration from the teeth. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence or are going to be attending a wedding, reunion or another big event, a bright and white smile is sure to improve your appearance. Expert whitening is performed in our office or provided to you using a professional-grade take-home kit. Whitening results can last for months to one or more years, and maintaining your results is key to ensuring that you’ll always have a gorgeous smile.

Why Should I Whiten My Teeth?

There are many factors that come into play when it comes to the whiteness and brightness of your smile. If you’re a smoker, drink a lot of coffee, tea or cola or you’re taking certain medications, you’ll notice that your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be. Likewise, just the act of aging can have a serious impact on the way that your smile looks. By professionally whitening your teeth, you can expect dramatic results that help to increase your self-esteem and confidence.

How Often Should Teeth Whitening Be Done?

It is best to avoid whitening your teeth too often. Over-whitening your teeth can lead to issues with hypersensitivity or even cause the teeth to look translucent. It is often recommended that you only whiten your teeth, whether at home or professionally, once a year. This prevents issues involving sensitivity and helps in creating a natural-looking smile. The benefit of utilizing professional whitening is that results typically last for about one year. This simply means that you won’t feel the need to touch-up or go with another whitening system because of how drastic the change is when using a professional whitening option.

How Can I Maintain My Results?

The best way to prevent the need for touch-ups is to avoid future staining and discoloration of the teeth. If you’re a smoker, now is the best time to quit and a great way to extend the length of your results. Try to avoid drinking too many dark liquids, like coffee and cola, and opt for water instead. You may want to consider using a whitening toothpaste so help clear away stains and discoloration before they are able to get worse. Be sure to speak with the experts about whitening and always discuss when the last time you whitened your teeth actually was before retreatment.

Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist?

If you are looking for a friendly dentist, contact us for your next teeth whitening! Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a friendly, welcoming environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office. Give us a call today!

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Snacking is an activity we all do and what we choose to snack on is important. Snacks that are full of sugar such as candy or cake may taste good, but are not good for our teeth. In addition to the sugar these types of snacks contain large amounts of fat. Sugary snacks if eaten regularly can cause tooth decay. At our practice, we provide our patients with guidelines for healthy eating, and always promote healthy choices to keep teeth free of harmful bacteria.

How Can Sugary Snacks Impact My Teeth?

Our mouths contain bacteria,and this bacteria forms a sticky material called plaque. The plaque stickson or in-between our teeth and this can cause decay. When sugary snacks are eaten the bacteria in themouth gravitates towards the sugar, and turns the sugarinto acids. This acid can damage the hardenamel that covers our teeth,and cause cavities to begin to develop. Staying away from snacksor foodsfilled with sugar can help keep the bacteria in your mouth from producing the acid that causes decay.

How Should I Choose A Healthy Snack?

When you have that urge to snack take a minute to ask yourself if the snack you chose contains sugar. If it does, you may want to choose another snack that would be healthier for your teeth. Staying away from gooey sweets or snacks that are very chewy is a good rule of thumb. These types of snacks can stick to the surface of your teeth and take longer to remove, exposing your teeth to sugar longer. If you do choose to eat sweets, it maybe best to save that type of snack for after a main meal instead of having that snack between meals.

We work to teach our pediatric and adult patients the benefits of healthy eating. Taking care of our oral health not only includes brushing or flossing, but it includes making healthy eating choices. Staying away from snacks full of sugar can help prevent cavities, and keep your teeth looking and feeling great. Brushing your teeth after eating a sweet with a fluoride toothpaste can remove any harmful bacteria that may cause cavities if left on our teeth.

What Types of Snacks Are a Good Choice?

There are many good tasting and healthy shacks on the market today that are less harmful to our teeth and body. Sticking to snacks that are lower in sugar can help protect our teeth from decay or other diseases. Choosing foods like fruits or vegetables, and crackers or bread are good choices. It may be helpful to make a healthy food list that you pick from when snacking or eating. This can help you makegood choices and stay away from those harmful sugary foods.

Examples of Smart Food Choices That Are Less Likely to Cause Tooth Decay

Fresh Vegetables of Fruits

  • Oranges
  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Grapefruit
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes

Grains

  • Unsweetened cereals
  • Popcorn
  • Bread
  • Bagels
  • Pasta
  • Crackers

Milk and Dairy Products

  • Low or non-fat milk
  • Low or non-fat cheese
  • Low or non-fat yogurt

Meat, Nuts, Seeds

  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Nuts

Looking For a Dentist?

Many foods or snacks are harmful to our teeth and body. At our practice, we care about the overall health of each patient, and always promotes healthy snacking and eating. Checking the label and sugar content can help you make the right decision for healthy snacking. Choosing a variety of foods from the basic food groups can help you eat a balanced diet, and keep your teeth looking and feeling healthy. Brushing and flossing daily as well as attending your regular dental exams in our office can help keep your oral health in check. Our team works diligently to not only care for your teeth, but care for your overall health.

If you are looking for a dentist, our team is happy to help. To get more information or to schedule your dental exam, contact us and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

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Switching dentists can be a hard decision, but patients need to make a change if they notice things aren’t working out with the current practice. Knowing when to make the move can be hard, but there are some tips you can follow to help you find your new dental office or dental clinic in the X area.

There are signs you can look out for that indicate it may be time to start your search to find your next dental practice. At our practice, we welcome new patients to our practice, and strive to provide exceptional service to patients of all ages. We know how important finding the right dentist is, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of service and care for our patients.

Signs That Indicate it May B e Time to Switch Dental Practices

  • Your dentist has retired or moved
  • You have decided to move away from the area
  • Appointments tend to be at inconvenient times
  • Getting to your dentist is difficult,
  • and the practice may be in an inconvenient location
  • The practice does not offer the dental procedures you need]
  • Your friends or family have recommended another practice that sounds like it may be a betterfit
  • You have had to call the billing department and dispute charges multiple times
  • Your dental insurance has changed
  • You do not feel comfortable with the recommended treatment plan at your current dentist
  • Treatments to restore damaged teeth such as fillings, crowns, and root canals

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Once you have made the decision to switch dentists you can focus on finding your new practice. Making sure the new dentist is a good fit is important, and there are many things to consider. Think about what type of dental practice you would like for you and your family. Would a family practice work better and if so, make sure the new practice can provide all of the necessary services for your entire family. Research if the practice offers orthodontics if you have teenagers, should you need that type of treatment. This will help to eliminate the need for switching dentists again in the future.

Do your research and check out some online reviews to read about the dentist’s certifications or background. Read about the mission statement to understand the practice values, and how the practice is run. Make sure the facility is updated, and has the latest technology and advanced procedures available.

Once you have done your research and have found a dentist you think may be a good fit, schedule a visit to check out the practice. This way you can see firsthand if you are comfortable, and if your family would benefit from joining the practice.

When visiting the office take mental notes of important things such as how you are treated during your visit, and how long it takes you to get to and from the practice. Ask the staff if you can have a tour of the office to ensure the practice meets your expectations.

How Can I Transfer My Dental Records?

When switching dentists make sure you also take your records with you to your new practice. This provides the new dentist with your dental history. To request a transfer of records you can simply call your current dentist and ask them to send over the records. This is a good time to let your dentist know you will be moving to a new practice. Most dentists do charge a small fee to transfer records, and this covers the cost or postage involved. In some cases, dental practices now have automated systems for patient’s records, and this makes the transfer process easier.

Looking for a Dental Clinic or Dental Office?

If you are looking to find the perfect dental practice, consider visiting our office. We provide a comfortable and welcoming environment, and provide superior dental care in our surrounding communities. Our patients are treated like family, and your oral health is our first priority. We service your entire family, and offer many dental services using state of the art technology.

Building a relationship with our patients is important, and our goal is to give patients beautiful smiles. We welcome all new patients, and encourage each patient to tour our office and meet our amazing doctors and staff.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation visit with us please contact our office, and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you!

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A Pediatric dentist treats children from birth through adolescence. Pediatric dentists have skills tointeract with infants and children, and this makes visits comfortable and easy for both the parent and child. Finding that perfect pediatric dentist is important, and helps to set the tone for good oral hygiene.

Pediatric dentists provide many procedures and treatments to help keep your child’s teeth and mouth developing properly and feeling great.

Common Pediatric Dentistry Services

  • Cleanings and exams
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Dental sealants
  • Deep cleaning
  • Fitting oral appliances such as mouth guards
  • Surgical procedures including tooth extractions, tooth implants, gum surgery and tissue
  • Treatments to restore damaged teeth such as fillings, crowns, and root canals

What Surgeries Does a Pediatric Dentist Perform?

Pediatric dentists perform surgeries that include implants, tooth extractions, gum surgery, and tissuegrafts. If your child has been recommended for oralsurgery,and the surgery required is not a commonsurgery done by your pediatric dentist, they will refer you to an oral surgeon. Typically if the surgeryinvolves impacted teeth higher in thegum line,or other areas that are not easy to reach an oral surgeonis required.

Pediatric dentists must complete three or more years of undergraduate education,as well as graduatewith either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). In addition,pediatricdentists must complete an additional 2-3 years of specialized training specifically for diagnosing andtreating children.

Pediatric dentists should be seen when an infant gets his or her first tooth or no later than one year old.Attending regular exams and cleanings every six months sets the tone early on,and teaches children at ayoung age how to care for their teeth. How often your child needs to be seen depends on their dentalneeds and level of plaque buildup.

Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home and eating a healthy diet canhelp teach your child how totake great care of their teeth and mouth. Establishing a good relationship with your dentist is important,and gives your dental teamthe opportunity tomonitor your child’s development and get in front of anyissues.

Interested in Scheduling Your Child’s Exam?

If you are interested in scheduling your child’s dental exam and cleaning our team is here to help. Weprovide the highest level of service, and always make sure all of our patients are comfortable andrelaxed. We want each appointment to be an exceptional one!

To schedule an appointment please contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!
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Crowns are similar to a cap that is placed over a tooth, and are used to save and restore a damagedtooth. Crowns look natural and allow patients to use their tooth again. The color of a crown canalsobematched to your natural teeth, and crowns help to make damaged teeth strong again.

When Would a Crown be Necessary?

  • To repair a cracked or damaged tooth
  • After root canal treatment
  • To help restore a misshapen or stained tooth
  • To repair an existing crownthat does not fit properly

Crowns can last anywhere between 5 to 15 years depending onwear and tear. Over time if thecrownfaces a higher level of wear and tear, this can lead to theneed for crown replacement. Ifyou use goodoral hygiene and you are careful with your crown they can last up to 25-30 years.

Tips To Help Your Crown Last Longer

If you are interested in finding out more about crowns and how they may benefit you, schedule a consultation in our office. We provide a detailed consultation process for all of our patients, and can recommend treatment options that work for you. Your oral health is our priority, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of care for all of our patients.

To schedule an appointment please contact our office,and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Looking To Find Out More About Crowns?

If you experience any pain in or around your crown, or notice any cracks or chips please contact our office immediately. We will get you in to be seen as soon as possible.

To schedule an appointment please contact our office,and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

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Do you notice when you smile you see gum tissue more than your teeth? This is known as a gummysmile, andmany patients are bothered by how their smile looks. There are treatment options to correcta gummy smile,and we are here to help you find a treatment that works best.

It is helpful for patients to understand what a cavity is, and also know what symptoms to look out for if you think you may have a cavity.

 

 

What Can Cause a Gummy Smile?

  • Your Bite

Your bite can be genetic and your top jaw may not align properly with your bottom jaw. If your bitecauses the upper jaw to protrude this can cause a gummy look.

  • Hyperactive Upper Lip

If your lip raises up too high gum tissue may be exposed,and this results in a gummy smile.

  • Excess Gum Tissue

The most common cause of a gummy smile is having too much gum tissue. In many casesgum tissuecan over growwhenpermanent teeth erupt in the mouth.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Crown Lengthening

Crown Lengthening helps to reshape the gum tissue around the tooth and correct a gummy smile. Thisprocedure exposes more of the patient’s natural tooth and make the teeth look longer.

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring can help change the shape of your gum,and this can be done if you have excess gumtissue. This procedure also helps if the gum line is uneven. Gum contouring removes the excess gumtissue and exposes more ofyour teeth. This helps to give patients a beautiful even looking smile.

Scaling and Root Planing

If a gummy smile is caused by inflamed gums a deep cleaning treatment may be recommended. Scalingand root planing reach down deep into the gum pockets to remove bacteria. This can help the gummyappearance subside.L

Lip Lowering

This procedure involves removing a section of gum tissue to reveal a shorter looking lip. This keeps theupper lip from rising too high and exposing your gum tissue.

Orthodontics

If youhave an issue with your bite orthodontics may help correct your gummy smile. Orthodontictreatment can help adjust your bite to avoid gum tissue showing when you smile.

Looking To Take t he Next Step to a Beautiful Smile?

  1. If you are looking to correct yoursmile we encourage you take the first step and schedule a consultationin our office. This will give our team the opportunity to evaluate your concerns,and discuss possible 

  2.  treatment options that work for you. We want you to be proud of your smile,and weare here to helpyou get the smile you have always wanted.If you are interested in scheduling acosmetic consultation, contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.
veneers

Taking care of your oral and overall health must be a priority. Knowing when you need to call your dentist is important. Practicing good oral hygiene habits help to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and many other issues. Cavities are one of the most common issues patients face, and about 30 percent of Americans have untreated dental cavities. Leaving a cavity untreated can destroy your teeth leading to tooth loss, infection, and other more serious conditions.

It is helpful for patients to understand what a cavity is, and also know what symptoms to look out for if you think you may have a cavity.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is when bacteria or food build up and form plaque on your teeth. The bacteria eat away at the enamel on your teeth and cause decay. Good oral hygiene habits are so important, and brushing and flossing can help you get rid of the plaque build up to prevent cavities from developing. Once the cavity is formed there is a small hole in your tooth, and if left untreated the cavity can destroy your tooth or develop an infection.

What Are the Signs of a Cavity?

There are signs you can look out for that may indicate you have a cavity. If you experience any of these signs we encourage you to contact our office, and our staff will get you in as soon as possible. Our team always works to keep our patient’s teeth and mouth healthy and pain free.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers and does not go away
  • Sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks
  • A toothache that is on or around one or more teeth
  • Pain when you bite down or pain during eating
  • Discoloration, white spots, or staining on a tooth
  • A small hole or mark on your tooth

Need to Contact Our Office ?

Knowing these signs can help you decide if you need to contact a dentist.Wealways tell patients tonever hesitate tocontact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to help,and a cavity shouldnever be left untreated.If you think you may have a cavity and need to schedule an appointment, contact our office and ourfriendly staff will be happy to assist you!

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are looking for a dentist near you for your regular dental exam, Glauser Family Dentistry  is here to help. Our office has state of the art technology and equipment, and we always provide the highest level of service to all of our patients.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Glauser Family Dentistry , and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

radiation in dental x ray

Dental x-rays are commonly used when you visit your dentist. Many patients wonder if dental x-rays are safe and if they should worry about radiation exposure. Expressing concerns about your health and safety is normal, and the good news is that dental x-rays are extremely safe. You may notice your hygienist covers you with protective equipment and leaves the room during the x-ray. This is to avoid repeated exposure because hygienists perform x-rays daily as part of their cleaning and exam routines. The protective equipment placed on the patient helps to further protect your body and organs that are more sensitive to radiation exposure.

Every day we are exposed to levels of radiation naturally in the environment, and dental x-rays only make up a small fraction of the average daily dose of radiation each day. Patients do not need to worry about exposure, as the amount is so low there is nothing to be concerned about.

Are Dental X-Ray’s Safe?

Dental x-rays do not require much radiation to produce images. With the new technology used today x-rays use 90% less radiation exposure and are safe for patients. Diagnostic imaging gives our team the ability to see inside your teeth and this allows the detection of decay, bone loss, or oral cancer. X-rays can help prevent future issues by diagnosing and treating anything we see promptly.

Benefits of Dental X-Ray’s

  • Detect decay, fillings, gum disease, and oral cancer.
  • Detect changes in soft or hard tissues.
  • Show jawbone development
  • Detect bone loss

Interested in Learning More About How Dental X-rays Can Benefit You?

If you are interested in learning how dental x-rays can benefit you, or you are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, contact Glauser Family Dentistry. We provide the highest level of service and use the latest technology and equipment. Let our team help you care for your smile, and prevent unnecessary visits to the dentist. Our doctors have years of experience and love to help patients care for their teeth and gums. Oral health is extremely important and is directly linked to our overall health. Attending your regular dental visits can help to detect issues and keep your smile looking and feeling great.

To schedule an appointment with us contact Glauser Family Dentistry, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

how long does dental bonding last

Dental bonding can help to restore your smile and repair many cosmetic issues that bother you. Dental bonding is quick, durable, and can be less expensive compared to other cosmetic options. Dental bonding is a great solution for patients that want to change the length of a tooth, fix a chipped tooth, or close gaps between teeth. The procedure can be completed in one appointment and no anesthesia is required. Dental bonding does last, and the lifespan for dental bonding is between 5-10 years. The composite material can wear down over time depending on the wear and tear on the tooth.

How Does the Dental Bonding Process Work?

Dental bonding typically only requires one visit to our office and does not require any tooth enamel to be removed. During the bonding process, we gently etch your tooth using a mild acid solution. This helps to make the surface of the tooth rough and allows the composite material to properly bond to the tooth. The bonding is a tooth-colored material and this is applied to the area. Ultraviolet light is used to help cure the bonding. Once the bonding material is cured the tooth is polished and shaped to match the surrounding teeth. On average, bonding treatment can take between 30-60 minutes, and this depends on the severity of the correction, and the number of teeth needing treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?

  • Dental bonding is affordable compared to other cosmetic treatments.
  • Treatment is less invasive with no local anesthesia.
  • Can be done in one appointment.
  • Can repair chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth.
  • Can close gaps between teeth.
  • Changes the shape of your teeth and provides a uniform smile.
  • Is an alternative to amalgam fillings.
  • Is tooth-colored material and blends in with your natural teeth.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Bonding?

If you are interested in learning more about dental bonding and how this treatment may benefit you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. At Glauser Family Dentistry, we strive to provide quality dental care our patients can trust. We provide a calm environment where patients can relax during their dental treatment. Patients are treated like family, and we always ensure you have a positive experience. Let our dental team help you achieve the smile of your dreams with our dental bonding treatment.

To schedule your appointment contact Glauser Family Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Dental Insurance Plan

Choosing the right dental insurance plan is important because dental work can be expensive. Even a simple filling can be costly. Knowing what to look for when choosing a dental insurance plan, and understanding what is covered can help you figure out what plan is best for you. Most dental plans will cover 100% or preventative care if you use in-network dentists. This includes exams, x-rays, and cleanings. Basic procedures are typically covered at 80%, and major procedures are usually covered at 50%.

What Should I Check for When Choosing My Dental Insurance?

Group Coverage

Check to see if your insurance company provides group coverage through your employer or programs such as Medicaid. These types of plans can be less expensive and have better benefits.

Check Individual Policies

Individual policies are always more expensive compared to a group policy. Most come with limited benefits, and patients should plan ahead if they need a large procedure. Many insurance companies require a waiting period before you can use the insurance coverage. If you wish to avoid the waiting period there are other plans that do not require you to wait before coverage is available.

Check for Dentists in Your Network

If you know a dentist in your area that you like, ask what insurance plans they accept. Certain policies allow you to go to the dentist of your choice. Other plans such as PPO or HMO require you to use a dentist in their network.

Understand Your Coverage

Dental insurance can be confusing, and it is important to really understand what is covered, and what your expenses will be. Research what procedures are covered and what is not so you are prepared. Some plans have benefits that are limited, and they also have waiting periods before coverage can begin. Knowing how your insurance coverage works can help avoid headaches, and help you choose the best plan available.

Most insurance coverage is great for preventative care such as exams, cleanings and x-rays. Visiting the dentist is important, and choosing the coverage that is best for you can help you pay for those expensive procedures you may need in the future. Talk to your insurance provider to really help you understand the different plans, so you can choose the plan that best works for you.

Do You Have Questions for Our Team?

At Glauser Family Dentistry, we accept many insurance plans and offer alternative in house payment options for those patients that may not have dental coverage. Our goal is to ensure all of our patients can receive the treatment they need. Our staff is always available to answer any questions you may have regarding insurance or financial options.

We care about our patients, and want you to have the best experience when you visit our office. Taking care of your oral health is important, and knowing what coverage you have can help reduce stress, and make your appointments go smoothly.

Ready to Schedule an Appointment?

If you are ready to schedule an appointment with us, please contact Glauser Family Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Our team at Glauser Family Dentistry is continually taking every possible measure to ensure the safety of our patients, staff, and dentists. You can schedule an appointment with us with the comfort and knowledge that we are taking every precaution to make patient safety our top priority. Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is a vital part of oral hygiene. The American Dental Association (ADA) has shown that dental care is safe in these times of a pandemic.”