What Can Be Done About Gap Teeth?

Do you whistle when you speak? Are you embarrassed by a hole in the front of your smile? You need not fear; Alta Loma Dental Care provides a number of solutions to diastemas, also known as gaps between the teeth. Which solution is right depends on what has caused the gap to form, which is why we want patients to better understand their options.

Sometimes the teeth simply come in slightly jumbled. If the gap is small and there are no other significant misalignments, it may be possible to simply cover it with veneers. Although these porcelain shells require a bit of enamel to be shaved off, they can be used to reshape and enlarge the teeth, as well as to cover up imperfections such as stains. When there are other co-occurring problems, our Six-month Smiles brand of braces is an ideal solution to orthodontic cosmetic problems. The patient will need to continue wearing a retainer at night after treatment, but the gap will be closed in a few months.

However, some gaps are the result of larger problems. The teeth could be pushed apart if the labial frenum, the vertical ligament which attaches the upper lip to the jaw, is overly large. In these cases, an oral surgeon would have to remove some tissue. A gap could also be the result of tongue thrusting or thumb-sucking, which would likely be accompanied by an overbite. If tongue-thrusting is caused by a problem with swallowing, the assistance of other specialists will be necessary.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extraction

It’s common for wisdom teeth to erupt in the late-teen years/ the early twenties but they don’t always erupt. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they pose a greater risk of developing an infection and causing damage to surrounding teeth.  Impacted wisdom teeth grow improperly and though you can’t prevent them, you can discuss extraction with one of our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care.

Though not everyone needs their wisdom teeth extracted, 85 percent of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling of the gums which is why extraction is suggested. The longer wisdom teeth pain persists, the more likely an infection will result from bacteria entering the open tissue. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment today to discuss removal.

If you have questions or concerns about wisdom teeth extractions, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Car Crashes: A Risk of Sleep Apnea

The dentists of Alta Loma Dental Care provide assistance to patients with sleep apnea as well as other oral health concerns. Although Americans are sadly accustomed to going without sleep, new data demonstrates why this is dangerous. According to a recent study, sleep apnea is a significant contributor to car crashes.

It makes sense that sleep deprivation would be a contributor to car crashes, but this is one of the few studies to look at obstructive sleep apnea independently of sleep duration. People with obstructive sleep apnea wake up or otherwise experience disrupted sleep throughout the night, resulting in them being fatigued the following day. Research indicated that mild and moderate sleep apnea increased the risk of a crash by 13% and severe sleep apnea increased the risk by 123%. Furthermore, sleep-deprived people often misjudge the severity of their impairment.

The American Sleep Apnea Association considers it safe for people with sleep apnea to drive if they are being successfully treated. Our office can help people with obstructive sleep apnea to get better rest by providing custom-fitted night guards that will keep the patient’s airways open while lying down. Night guards will also prevent dental damage caused by nighttime teeth grinding.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Get Halitosis under Control

It is one thing to have bad breath after eating a meal that is heavy on the onions, but it’s a problem when the odor becomes persistent and won’t go away. Halitosis is defined as chronic bad breath that won’t go away after constant brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Halitosis can be embarrassing and can leave a person feeling self-conscious, which is why our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care encourage patients to visit us twice a year for oral exams and professional cleanings.

Halitosis begins inside the mouth. If you aren’t brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, at least three times a day, and flossing at least once a day, it’s time to reevaluate your oral care habits. Underlying dental conditions such as cavities, periodontal disease, and cracked fillings are also halitosis culprits. For fresher breath, you’ll need to improve your oral care routine and visit us to get the situation under control.

If you have questions or concerns about halitosis, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.