Modern Dentistry Can Change Lives

Over the past decade, dentistry has undergone immense changes. Staying on top of all the new technology, techniques, materials, and services is a tremendous challenge for dental teams. However, it is more essential now that we stay up-to-date on these changes than it ever has been.

Modern dentistry has the potential to improve lives in a variety of ways. Obviously, everyone has different wants and needs. Some dental teams have received the requisite training and have acquired the necessary technology to provide exceptional care for patients of all ages and are able to meet these diverse wants and needs.

Everyone knows about the tremendous focus on cosmetic dentistry over the past several years. Less than 50% of people are happy with their smiles, but the majority of people agree that having a good smile can impact one’s success in business and personal relationships. Fortunately, there are a variety of services available to help these people to feel more confident, smile more, and make a better first impression.

Some people can see a significant improvement with the straightening of their teeth with conventional orthodontic procedures or virtually invisible Invisalign orthodontic treatment. Others are happy with whitening their teeth with in-office one hour systems like Zoom! or take-home whitening systems like Night White.

Others achieve excellent results with porcelain veneers. Veneers can often correct crooked, stained, chipped, or dark teeth. They can fill in gaps and improve smiles within a couple of weeks. DURAthin veneers can often achieve beautiful results without even having to reshape the teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg, however. Well-trained dental teams can help fearful patients overcome their anxiety to correct years of dental problems or enhance their smiles with oral conscious sedation. This is accomplished in the office with the use of one small, safe pill that allows patients to snooze through their treatment. These patients have such a good experience that they often don’t even need the sedation for subsequent visits.

Lasers are becoming more common in dental offices, as well. We have been using a laser for six years that allows us to treat many dental conditions without a shot or a drill. We use our laser on a daily basis to remove cavities, recontour gum tissue, perform frenectomies, desensitize teeth, as well as a variety of other procedures. This is particularly helpful for treating children.

Migraine headache prevention with an NTI oral appliance has helped dozens of our patients over the past five years. For people who have suffered from debilitating migraines for years, this simple device can change their lives. Often they are able to cut back on or completely eliminate medication that they have taken for years to control their headaches.

More dental teams are also becoming educated in the realm of sleep disorders. It is estimated that 20% of Americans suffer from some type of sleep disorder. This can range from snoring all the way to severe sleep apnea. Our dental team is beginning to screen patients for sleep problems because lack of sleep can lead to problems like low energy, depression, inability to focus, or even death while sleeping due to airway obstruction.

Many people need CPAP machines to help them breathe, but others can benefit from something as simple as an oral appliance or snore guard made in a dental office. Screening patients helps identify people with problems who might need to visit a sleep clinic or have an appliance fabricated. Helping to diagnose and solve this potentially life-threatening condition has the potential to help change or even save lives.

The diversity of problems that dentists can help solve has never been so great. Modern advances make dental care more comprehensive, compassionate, gentle, and life-changing than ever. Ask your dental team for more information about these topics. If you don’t currently have a dental family, please call our office for a free consultation.

You may find more information about this or a variety of other dental topics at www.SmilesByArnold.com, and we may be reached at either: 926-5445 or 531-8914.