Start the New Year off right with Cosmetic Dentistry

Why Cosmetic Dentistry? Why not is what you should be asking yourself. Traditional dentistry focuses mainly on preventing and treating oral issues as well as hygiene. Cosmetic Dentistry is focused on the appearance of your smile. Your teeth may currently be free of plaque and other harmful additions to your teeth – but how do they look when you smile? Cosmetic Dentistry options can help with this.

There have been many advances in cosmetic dental options offering natural looking and durable dental options. This can range from choosing a filling color made from porcelain or composite materials so that they match the color of your teeth as much as possible to teeth replacements. A smile makeover is not comfortable, convenient and affordable.

Not many dentists are specially trained in the Salt Lake, Layton and Ogden area to provide these options. Affleck Dental, located in the Ogden/Layton area, can. Teeth whitening is one of the more popular methods and with the new Zoom Whitening options, Affleck Dental is able to accommodate all types of patients.

Other treatments for cosmetic dentistry are inlays and onlays and composite bonding to correct the appearance of your mouth and teeth. Along with veneers, these options are intended to simply correct and repair chips and cracks in the tooth. Dental implants can take it the next step further by adding artificial tooth implants all the way from the root. This option can enhance your smile and bring back your youthful look.

These are only a few of your options at Affleck Dental. Dr. Michael Affleck is one of the few local prosthodontists who can perform these procedures and ensure your excellent results. Start the new year off right with a free cosmetic dentistry consultation!

Your Teeth Whitening Options - Affordable and Easy

When you look in the mirror, what is one of the first things you might notice? Your smile of course. A smile looks good on everybody, but it helps for those teethy smiles to have a nice clean looking smile. Unfortunately there are many reasons why our teeth don’t stay a pearly shade of white. Smoking, food and drinking are only a few items that stain teeth. Nevertheless, this can be resolved with a healthy diet, no smoking, and minimizing staining foods and drinks. Teeth whitening is another option and is more readily available and affordable than most people think.

At home teeth whitening strips offer a simple solution with a straightforward procedure — applying teeth whitening strips directly to the teeth. One down fall is that these strips may not cover all the gaps and grooves in the teeth and could potentially leave dark gaps.

Bleaching gels with a tray that fits your mouth are a more effective option for at home tooth whitening. This option is affordable and easy to use. On the other hand, this process may only produce a small change and may leave the teeth rather sensitive.

Baking powder is a great and inexpensive form or teeth whitening that is passed down from our parents and their parents. Simply place a small amount of baking powder in a cup, add some water and stir it around. Put the mixture on your tooth brush and brush your teeth for about one to two minutes. In that time, the baking soda will begin to foam and the active ingredients will begin to work away the discoloration of your teeth.

Naturally, it is understandable if teeth whitening is one of the last things on your to do list until it is too late. That is why Affleck Dental provides a quick, non-invasive, affordable option for teeth whitening, Zoom Whitening. In just a short time you can walk out of Affleck Dental looking your best whether you plan to walk down the red carpet or just want to look particularly attractive for that special someone.

Dentists Around the World

Have you ever wondered what dental care was like in other countries? In the United States, it appears the options are endless with specialists of all kinds to take care of our every need. For this we are lucky as some nations do not have the same freedoms and allowance. With that in mind, we would like to share with you how dentistry is managed in other countries around the world.

Australia: In order to practice dentistry in Australia, a person must first obtain registration and licensing from the nationalized Dental Board of Australia. Only 1% of all yearly applicants pass the dental school admissions into Australia’s undergraduate dental programs.

Canada: In early colonial history, dentistry was rare. In major situations, a barber or blacksmith would pull a tooth. The first recorded dentist wasn’t until 1814. And, dental care is not covered by the Canadian health care system.

Europe: Dentistry is a public service/subsidy provided to most (if not all) citizens to ensure that have access to the dental service they require, regardless of their ability to pay.

Hong Kong: Before the dental school was established locally, most of the practicing dentist received their degree from the Philippines.

Iran: Many dentists are required to either complete two years of military service or governmental service in order to collect enough scores to begin a private practice after graduation.

Sweden: Dental care if provided for free to everyone up to 20 years of age.

Taiwan: Dental school admissions are extremely competitive with only those students who are in the top 3% of their academics are admitted.

At Affleck Dental, we can assure you that only the top trained technicians and dentists are at your service. The history of the world continues to evolve and we are the clinic that will provide you the best smile possible with the best service.

You have options with Affleck Dental!!

Tooth replacement options are comparable to the growth of computers. What may seem ages ago, computers filled an entire room. Thankful for us, tooth replacement options back then didn’t take up your entire mouth. However, they weren’t as seamless, comfortable and flexible in choices as they are now. Some of these choices include dental implants, permanent fixed bridges and bonded bridges. Each option is specifically designed for the individual needs of the person and to increase overall health.

Dental implants tend to be the primary choice for replacing a missing tooth. The implants are made of pure titanium that is completely safe. A screw is first implanted into the jaw bone where the missing tooth is. This screw is specially designed to promote bone adherence. Once it has healed, a cap or crown is attached that has the appearance of a real tooth. This option has a 95% success rate and will last a long time.

Fixed bridges have been around for over 50 years. Even though it may seem like an archaic option with how far medical treatments have come, it remains to be a predictable procedure for patients who have little bone or have loose adjacent teeth. This procedure involves the drilling of the enamel of adjacent teeth, taking an impression and making a permanent bridge across the area where the tooth is missing. Treatment is completed quicker and there are no surgical procedures involved.

There are a few choices for temporary restorations that may also cost less. Affleck Dental recommends visiting a specialist in tooth replacement to determine your options and what will best meet your needs, lifestyle and your budget. Affleck Dental understands the importance of feeling good about yourself and one place to begin is your beautiful smile. 

What to do in case of a tooth emergency?

Dental care often seems to wait till the last minute – yet if not taken care of immediately, may result in a health risk or even permanent damage. With that in mind, Affleck Dental would like to offer you some tips on how to treat common dental problems and what you can do while waiting to get dental help.

1)      Toothaches – Rinse your mouth out with warm water. Use dental floss to remove lodged food stuck between teeth. If you mouth is swollen – apply a cold compress to help relieve the swelling.

2)      Chipped or Broken Teeth – Save the pieces, if possible. Rinse your mouth out with warm water and if bleeding, press a piece of gauze against the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress for any swelling and see your dentist as soon as possible.

3)      Knocked out tooth – Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse the tooth with warm water if it dirty. Do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments. If possible, place the tooth back in place. If that is not possible, store the tooth in a small contain or milk or water with a pinch of salt and see you dentist within in hour of the mishap.

4)      Lost filling – Stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity as a temporary measure and see your dentist as soon as possible.

5)      Lost crown – This can be tricky… there are several temporary measurements you can take until you are able to get into the dentist. But, the first step should be to make an appointment as soon as possible and don’t forget to bring the crown with you. If you are feeling comfortable and it may be a while before seeing the dentist, you can try to slip the crown back over the tooth. Use over the counter dental cement or denture adhesive to help hold the crown down. Even toothpaste will work. Do not use super glue though!!!

Naturally, these are just the more common problems that happen in dental emergencies. Regardless the problem, be sure to contact your dentist or a specialist as soon as possible to resolve the issue and keep you from being in permanent pain or danger.

 

 

Healthy Halloween Treats

Halloween is only a few weeks away. What do you plan on handing out to the kids that come to your front door in hopes that their costume will be frightening enough to scare you into giving them candy, or they look so pretty and dainty that you could never pass up giving them something sweet? Candy is the easiest option these days in our quick-paced world. But the same time, thought and energy it takes to drive to the store, choose the oodles of candy and then wait in line to purchase the sugary snacks can also be used to get healthy options to give out on All Hollow’s Eve. 

Non-food Options

What a better way to encourage a healthy Halloween then to give out treats that aren’t edible. Some of these options include: Halloween stickers; Halloween-themed pencils and other handy items; balloons for the kids to blow up later; bouncy balls, crayons, and toothbrushes. Many of these items can be found at a party store, large super stores or even a dollar store.

Food Options

Perhaps you want to stick with tradition and give the kids trick-or-treating an option they can put their teeth into. Some of these options include: all natural fruit leather; string cheese; granola bars; little boxes of raisins; single serve bags of mini pretzels homemade popcorn in baggies; and of course apples.

 

The possibilities have few limits. You can choose between something fun the child will enjoy for several days like bubbles or a temporary tattoo.  It all simple depends on how creative you want be yourself.

When Should You Call a Dentist

More often than not, people wait till it’s too late to call and make an appointment to see the dentist, yet if they have a cold, they do not hesitate to see their doctor. Proper dental care is just as important as your overall health. With that in mind, we’d like to take a few minutes and break down what falls under dental care versus dental emergency. Just as pneumonia symptoms should be taken seriously, so should some dental issues.

It is highly recommended by most dentists, including AffleckDental, to visit a dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and overall exam. This is similar to preventive checkups you regularly schedule with a physician and should be given similar priority. There are of course other reasons to make an appointment with your dentist:

1)      If your gums bleed when you touch them or while brushing your teeth;
2)      If your teeth are loose or don’t seem to fit together anymore;
3)      If your gums are red, swollen or tender;
4)      If your gums pull or shrink away from the teeth;
5)      Bad breath that does not go away;
6)      Sores that last more than 2 weeks;
7)      Or for a general toothache.

These are all symptoms that when diagnosed soon enough can most likely be treated. There are also times when a person should seek emergency services, such as when a filling or crown is lost or if there as been an injury to the face, jaws or teeth. Irreparable damage can occur if any nerves are exposed for a long period of time. If you have any questions about whether or not you should make an appointment to see a dentist, give us a call and the staff at Affleck Dental will be more than happy to help you out.

Sleep Apnea - There IS a solution!

Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts again while sleeping. Symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring and feeling tired even with a full night’s sleep. The risk factors can be elevated if not treated. Affleck Dental can help you with this.

Some mild cases of sleep apnea may be cured by losing weight or quitting smoking. However, moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea may require additional therapy in order to relieve the obstruction on the air passage way. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is one very successful way to help. The CPAP delivers air pressure through a mask placed over your nose while you sleep. The air pressure is just enough to keep your upper airway passage open so as to prevent apnea and snoring and help you get a full night’s rest.

We understand that sleeping with a CPAP may bring back memories of you sleeping in your head gear – but as you remember – you most like got used to that as well. If your CPAP is uncomfortable or perhaps not working correctly, don’t give up so easily! It may simply require some adjustments to obtain a comfortable and secure fit. There are a variety of mask types for different people and Affleck Dental will work to make sure you have the right one.  For a free consultation, you can call Affleck Dental at 801-782-5010 and get a full night’s sleep in no time!

Back to School

You have probably been checking off your to-do lists for getting your kids back to school… new clothes, haircut, school supplies, register in sports, yearly physical. It may seem like the list never ends, but you may be forgetting an important necessity — bi-annual tooth cleaning to prevent tooth decay and the need for fillings in permanent teeth. Now is the perfect time to make the appointment for your kids, but also to re-assess their current habits.

Brushing twice a day is recommended. And with new kid-friendly toothbrushes and toothpastes, it is easier to get your kids to brush daily. Another idea is to pack a travel sized brush and tube of toothpaste in your child’s backpack so that they are able to brush after meals as well.

It also is crucial that the children are eating and drinking correctly. Sugary drinks and candy during and after school are consistently lingering around enticing children to partake; which also means more trips to the dentist. One way to help deter this behavior is to pack your child a healthy lunch and provide fruits and veggies in between practices.

While Affleck Dental doesn’t specifically provide cleaning appointments, its affiliates do. The staff and doctor from Affleck Dental believe that with proper cleaning habits, and bi-annual cleanings, you and your children will maintain good dental health and minimize the chance of tooth decay.

Dental Health: Fact and Myth

Proper dental care isn’t always black and white.  We know “facts” like brushing and flossing your teeth is the best way to avoid cavities; sweets are the main cause of cavities and tooth decay; and root canals are the result of unattended cavities…right?  How accurate are these “facts”?  They all sound correct, but surprising as it may be they are not all true.  

Naturally, brushing and flossing your teeth to prevent cavities best is 100% true.  This is the best way to sweep away bacteria from the tooth’s surface as well as in between the teeth-where cavities are most prone to be. Besides overall health, brushing and flossing your teeth also helps with fresher breath and a shinier smile.

            Next “fact”: avoid sweets to keep from getting cavities.  Avoiding sweets can definitely keep you healthier in all aspects; however, it does not ensure you will never get a cavity.  Sugar is a cause of cavities. Sugars are also found in carbohydrates.  This is because carbs are what bacteria thrive off.  The more carbs you ingest the more you feed the bacteria in your mouth.  This can cause tooth decay and cavities.  So if you’re avoiding sweets, good for you!  But try as well to cut back on the carbs too as these count as sugar as well!

            Third “fact”: While cavities can lead to a root canals, cavities are not the only cause.  If you have a cracked or otherwise traumatized tooth, this can cause need for a root canal.  The purpose of a root canal is to dig out a damaged nerve within the tooth then sealing the tooth back up.  There are a number of things that can lead to a damaged nerve. Make sure and get any cracked or chipped tooth correctly fixed to avoid the possibility of a root canal.

            Of course we all aren’t perfect, which is why we have experts to call on for help in the dental area.  Simply call Affleck Dental for a free consultation today!  (801) 782-5010

Foods for Healthy Teeth

           Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and gargle with mouthwash you are only doing half of what it takes to keep a healthy smile.  Having a good smile needs more than just toothpaste. It is also about what you eat.  There are many satisfying foods that are beneficial to the health of your teeth.. Below are some tips to eat your way to a healthier smile.

Start out with inspecting how often you eat.  Are you a heavy snacker?  Studies show that people who snack frequently throughout the day are more vulnerable to cavities.  Why?  Eating often means new bacteria entering your mouth, causing potential cavities, leading to tooth decay.  Snack less often throughout the day to avoid this problem.  But if you just cannot peel yourself away from your daily snacks, perhaps take a look at what it is exactly you are consuming.     
       

There are several good food options to choose from first when it comes to snacking.  These foods will not only improve your teeth but overall health as well.  If you have a big sweet tooth and you must eat something sweet, turn away from candy.  Such things as hard candies are horrible for your teeth’s health.  They are chock full of sugars which harbor on your teeth.  Choose healthier options such as hard fruits.  Apples and pears are perfect examples of this.  These fruits are full of natural water which washes away their natural sugars from your teeth and also stimulate saliva flow which has the same effect.  Raw vegetables are also perfect for this same reason.  But not all fruits are necessarily good for your teeth’s health.  Bananas and dried fruits are ones that can cause cavities.  They are softer and full of more sugars. 

Recommended foods to improve your teeth’s health include cheese, celery, water, and yogurt.  These are also great snack options.  Water is always a great choice because it washes away any bacteria sticking to your teeth.  If you find that you need a little flavor try unsweetened tea or milk.  Leave the colas, sweet teas and lemonades in the fridge.  Other good food choices include nuts and meat.  These are full of calcium and phosphorus which re-mineralize teeth and helps to protect tooth enamel.  But what about chewing gum?  Chew away! Turns out gum stimulates saliva flow which helps to clean teeth and also helps to dislodge food particles from in between teeth.  There are also many brands of gum that contain anti-cavity ingredients.

Closely observe your eating habits from now on.  Stay away from those sugary snacks; eat plenty of raw vegetable and hard fruits.  Chew sugar free gun and drink plenty of water.  Next step, SMILE!

For more information on how to keep you teeth healthy, give Affleck Dental a call today!

CareCredit - Your Financial Opportunity

Medical expenses can be costly and a financial burden.  Loading up your credit card with life and medical expenses is a fast way to max it out.  Luckily there is another credit option specifically designed for medical expenses.  CareCredit is an alternate credit option designed to give you a credit line for your entire family’s health expenses, even your pets!

With CareCredit you are able to choose a 6, 12, 18, or 24-month plan.  These individual plans give you time to pay off your CareCredit card without incurring interest initially.  Of course a minimum monthly payment is required.  And, if your medical treatments are more costly, CareCredit also offers a variety of plans for that situation as well, to include a lengthier re-payment plan with a fixed, reduced interest rate. 

Designed for certain medical procedures not covered by insurance, CareCredit is good for use on Lasik/eye care, cosmetic surgeries, dental care, as well as hearing care.  You can also use your CareCredit to pay for procedures only partially covered by insurance.  Now with your CareCredit card, you can finally afford those healthcare procedures you have wanted or needed!

CareCredit is specifically designed to allow people the freedom to keep healthcare and household payments separate making it easy for you to better manage your medical expenses and keep interest rates low.  Unfortunately not all healthcare providers offer CareCredit.  But Affleck Dental proudly does!  Visit the CareCredit website at www.carecredit.com or call Affleck Dental at (801) 782-5010 for more information! 

The Perfect Smile Makeover

Our smiles can say a lot about us and naturally we all desire to have a perfect smile. Not everyone is born with the perfect smile, but luckily reaching that goal is not a hard thing to do.   Now improving our smiles is easier than ever with many options to receiving a total smile makeover.  We have all had something about our smile we have wanted to fix, whether it is straighter teeth, whiter teeth, or just prettier teeth.  

There are many options to perfecting your smile.  One of the most common and easiest is whitening.  There are many ways to whiten your teeth from strips bought in-store to a quick and easy chair session at your dentist’s office.  Teeth whitening may seem like such a small aesthetic improvement to your smile but the results can really make a huge difference in your smile’s look.

A smile makeover can also include certain measures such as closing gaps between teeth or correcting inconsistent spacing.  This can be accomplished with veneers — a thin material placed over a tooth, like a shell, to improve the appearance of your smile.  Veneers are also great for chipped teeth or making your teeth have a more even look about them.

Smile makeovers can have some very positive results like boosting self esteem.  This reason alone makes smile makeovers extremely common.  Many celebrities have had aesthetic dental improvements.  It is extremely common to find celebrities having dental improvements just like everyday people! A smile makeover could possibly be one of the best decisions you have made yet. Affleck Dental has just the answers with great, fast teeth whitening options and reliable veneers for designed specifically for every person.

         

Veneers? Why would I want veneers?”

– you ask yourself. Thousands of people every day are having veneers placed over their teeth for a variety of reasons. Perhaps your teeth are permanently discolored, they are worn down, chipped or broken, uneven or there are large gaps between them. With veneers, you don’t have to live with aesthetic issues like these.

 Veneers are wafer-thin, customer made shells that are designed to cover the front surface of the teeth, colored to match your normal teeth color and intended to improve your appearance. Veneers are bonded to the teeth for permanent change of color, shape, size and even length.

Now that you have a better understanding of what they are and the purpose of veneers, you can decide if the process if for you. Generally veneers are fitted within three visits.

Visit 1) Diagnosis, treatment and discussion of the entire procedure

Visit 2) Preparation of the tooth; removing unnecessary enamel to allow the veneer to fit; and taking an impression of the tooth to use a base for construction of the veneer

Visit 3) Bonding – here the dentist will make sure your veneers are a perfect fit before permanently cementing the veneer on to the tooth.

Nevertheless, as with any procedure, there are advantages and disadvantages. Even with veneers, your teeth can still decay if not taken care of and your tooth may be more sensitive since enamel was removed. On the other hand, veneers are stain resistant and offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative to other potential procedures.

And if you are still unsure, it’s ok! Dr. Affleck provides FREE consultations before coming up with a plan to better your appearance.

Zoom Whitening - Get Ready for the Summer

Summer is just beginning which means the excitement of summer vacations.  This means opportunities for plenty of photos full of happy smiles.  You will want to put your most confident smile forward, and with the professional whitening system, Zoom Whitening offered by Affleck Dental, you definitely can reach your highest smile potential for every camera out there.

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest, most popular aesthetic dental treatments available today.  With a surprisingly long history, people have always wanted a gleaming white smile. After centuries of perfecting ways to whiten teeth, it is now at its safest and most convenient! Now we can reach your perfect smile in what seems no time at all thanks to Philips Zoom Whitening systems.  Zoom Whitening is the #1 patient recommended brand and has whitened over 4 million smiles!  Different whitening services are offered by Zoom, but the quickest and easiest is by far the Zoom Whitespeed.  And now Affleck Dental can get your teeth shining white with Zoom Whitespeed.

 This is a scientifically advanced whitening system which offers a sophisticated LED whitening technology. It is applied chair side right in our office for your convenience.   The great thing about Whitespeed is that it shows immediate results.  It is faster than white strips or toothpaste and you spend even less time in the dentist’s chair and leave with a long-lasting brilliant smile. 

 If you are in a rush to get to the beach but don’t want to leave without a shining smile you can schedule a Phillips Zoom Whitespeed appointment with Dr. Affleck at 801.782.5010, and leave his office with an instantly brighter smile.  It truly is the quickest way to get a whiter smile and you’ll be sure to look your best in all those summer vacation pictures!  

Cosmetic Dentistry - What is it exactly?

Did you know that the earliest known dental work was performed between 7500 and 9000 years ago? Thank goodness we have come along way from those prehistoric practices. Today, you have the luxury of opting for the perfect smile with little pain and more options with Affleck Dental.

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t what it used to be. There are a variety of procedures that prosthodontists and orthodontists are licensed to implement in order to give you the perfect smile. These range from whitening your teeth to dental implants, dentures, fillings, veneers, tooth contouring and reshaping, crowns, root canals, braces, and cosmetic gum surgery. Now with the advance in technology and the professional services of Affleck Dental, everyone can have the smile of a celebrity. Better yet, now celebrities can have an amazing smile, too!

Tooth contouring and reshaping is one of the newest procedures that is targeted and quick to correct. With just a little dental contouring, you can improve your smile and how it makes you feel. It is required to already have normal, healthy teeth before these types of procedures as contouring and reshaping is meant to help with teeth crowding, small chips and fractures in the teeth. On the other hand, reshaping should be limited as it can wear away at the natural enamel of your tooth.

 As with every cosmetic dentistry procedure and option there are pros and cons involved. The best practice is to call the experts at Affleck Dental with any questions you may have or make an appointment for a consultation. Our dedicated team of doctors, technicians and staff are here to help you on your path to getting a beautiful smile!

The Ins and Outs of Dentures

It’s unfortunate when we have to have our teeth removed, but thankfully there are denture implants to take the burden of not having any teeth or missing teeth for whatever reason. There are actually two kinds of complete dentures: conventional and immediate. Immediate dentures are made in advance for when the teeth are removed. Conventional dentures replace those when a person’s gums have healed, which generally takes about eight to 12 weeks to heal completely.

Of course, there are times when only a few teeth need to be replaced. These partial dentures are designed to be easily removed as well as fill in the gap between your other teeth so that they don’t move as well. Of course there are more permanent solutions that a person can opt for and may cost more as well — but these implants will resemble the feeling of real teeth.

Naturally, new dentures will feel different for a while as there is a time period where the muscles in your mouth will need to adjust as they become acquainted with the inserting and removing process. The team at Affleck Dental takes personal care to explain this to you before and after your procedure. It is normal to have some minor agitation and soreness in the beginning. Eating and speaking will take some time to adjust as well. Don’t get discouraged too quickly, Simple begin with small bites of food, chewing on either side of your mouth while avoiding hard and sticky foods.

If you have dentures or you have questions about getting them, be sure to contact the staff at Affleck Dental to schedule a consultation with Dr. Affleck or just to get updated info on the variety of options and new, innovative procedures we can provide for you and your family and friends. 801-782-5010