4 Paths to Beautiful Teeth this Summer

/0 Comments/in , /by

Beautiful teeth can improve your self-confidence, leaving you smiling. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY can help.

At [practice_name], we offer cosmetic dentistry procedures to help our patients enhance their teeth and beautify their smile. Below, we’ve listed four things you can do to beautify your teeth this summer.

1. Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer is a tooth-shaped cover the dentist can attach to your damaged or discolored tooth. Porcelain veneers give your teeth a uniform, even appearance that can help make your smile more attractive than ever. If you have chipped, broken, cracked, or discolored teeth, porcelain veneers may be a good option.

2. Professional Whitening

Teeth can turn yellow with time. This is why many patients turn to professional whitening to whiten and brighten their tooth enamel. Professional whitening is a fast, efficient way to remove stains and make your teeth more attractive.

3. Dental Bonding

Like dental veneers, dental bonding can cover up cosmetic defects on your teeth. Dental bonding is similar to dental veneers, but with a big difference: it’s minimally invasive. Dental bonding can be attached to your teeth without shaving down tooth enamel to make room.

4. Recontouring

If you have a chipped tooth, dental recontouring can soften the chip and make it less obvious. Dental contouring can also reshape pointy teeth. For patients who don’t like the shape of their teeth, dental recontouring is an excellent option.

Do you want to know more about cosmetic dentistry procedures in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY? Call today to make an appointment and speak with one of our dental professionals.

Benefits of Choosing a Dentist for the Whole Family

/0 Comments/in /by

When the time comes to choose a new dentist, you can choose a family dentist or a dentist specific to your age and stage of life. If you have kids, then a family dentist in Beaver Dam or Owensboro, KY, makes a lot of sense. When everyone can visit the same dentist, you enjoy several benefits, including these:

Complete Family Care in One Place

With a family dentist, you and your kids can all see the same dentist. You can schedule your family’s appointments in one day, skipping the need to drive all over town to get seen. Family dentists have a full list of services to ensure you can get your needs met.

Dental Care That Understands Family Dynamics

Many dental conditions come from a mixture of oral hygiene and genetics. When your whole family sees the same dentist in Beaver Dam or Owensboro, KY, that dental team can see the various concerns that may be part of your genetics. At [practice_name], we use that information to inform our treatment plans and help us guide you to better dental care at home.

Build Solid Relationships

When everyone in your family sees the same dentist, you build strong relationships. These relationships can help kids feel more comfortable at the dentist. When they feel more comfortable, you are more likely to keep up with routine dental checks. It will feel like visiting a family friend when you walk into the dental office.

Keeping all of your family’s care in one place simply makes sense, and a family dentist, like [practice_name], is trained to treat all ages. If you’re looking for a new dental home, contact us toda

3 Ways to Maintain Your Dental Crown

/0 Comments/in , /by

Once your dental crown is in place, it needs to be properly maintained. Maintaining a dental crown is easy, especially if you’re already in the habit of taking good care of your teeth.

Your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can help you with this process through good dental care and by giving good advice. If you have a dental crown and want to keep it in good condition, we can help.

1. Brush Your Teeth

Hopefully you already brush your teeth well, but if you’re not in the habit of brushing your teeth twice per day, now is the time to start. Brush using a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.

Non-abrasive toothpaste is important because it will prevent your dental crown from being scratched. If your dental crown does become scratched, it can develop stains. When you’re brushing your dental crown, brush gently to prevent this from happening.

2. Avoid Chewing Anything That Isn’t Food

Some people are in the habit of chewing ice, pen caps, pencil erasers, and more. Chewing on things that aren’t food can create a lot of problems. You might crack your dental crown or worse. Only use your dental crown to chew food. If you’re in the habit of chewing on ice, now is the time to stop.

3. See the Dentist Regularly

Visit the dentist regularly for dental exams and cleanings. Visit the dentist every six months to ensure that your dental crown and other teeth are in good condition.

Is it time to have a dental appointment to examine your teeth and dental crowns in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY? Call today to make an appointment.

What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer? 

/0 Comments/in , /by

Losing a tooth or multiple teeth might make you severely self-conscious about how you look, especially when you smile. If you’re missing back teeth, you might also find it hard to chew. Dental implants provide a long-lasting solution for replacing teeth. Our dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, at [practice_name] offers this option for tooth restoration. Let’s explore the main benefits of dental implants!

Natural Appearance

Implant posts support artificial teeth that look like your normal teeth. They’re designed using impressions of your natural teeth for a close resemblance in shape and color.

Comfortable Fit

You don’t have to get used to having implants as you would with dentures or other restorations. These replacement teeth have the feel of your natural teeth.

Stability for Your Surrounding Teeth

The teeth on both sides of a gap can end up moving over to fill in that space, causing issues with your bite. Having implants gets rid of those gaps.

Reduced Risk of Bone Loss

You can lose jawbone when you have a missing tooth. Replacing missing teeth with implants helps prevent you from losing bone, resulting in a sunken look and other facial changes.

Improved Chewing and Talking

Do you have difficulty pronouncing certain words or eating some foods due to one or more missing teeth? Dental implants act as natural teeth, making it easy to speak better and chew food.

Set Up an Appointment With Our Dental Team Today!

Have you been considering getting implants for missing teeth? Not sure if that’s your best option? At [practice_name], we offer dental implants in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. We’re ready to help you decide if implants are the most suitable solution for your smile!

Conversation between two dentist in dentist's clinic

Signs That You Might Need a Root Canal 

/0 Comments/in , /by

So you’ve got a sore tooth, but what’s causing it? If the pain persists, you may be dealing with an infection in your tooth pulp. Our dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, at [practice_name] might recommend a root canal to eliminate it. We’ll discuss some of the signs that may indicate you need this type of treatment.

Common Reasons for Root Canals

Our dentist performs this procedure when patients have problems with the pulp in their tooth for any of the following reasons:

  • Cracked tooth
  • Tooth injuries
  • Deep cavities
  • Issues with fillings

These problems can lead to infections inside your tooth near or at the root. Some of the signs that you may need a root canal to clear this up include the following.

Tooth Pain

A slight ache that doesn’t last long may not be cause for concern. But ongoing pain, especially if it gets worse, can indicate you have an infection.

Gum Symptoms

If the pulp in your tooth is infected, you might have these signs:

  • Swelling
  • Darkened color
  • Pimples

Chips or Cracks in Teeth

Having this kind of damage allows harmful germs to get into your tooth, resulting in infections. You may need a root canal and crown to restore the tooth.

Increased Tooth Sensitivity

Does your tooth hurt or feel tingly when you have something hot or cold? This may also be a sign that it’s infected.

Schedule an Appointment for Tooth Problems!

Is severe or ongoing tooth pain affecting your life? At [practice_name], our dentist can fully examine your tooth to determine the right type of treatment. If needed, we offer root canals in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, to eliminate tooth infections and protect your tooth from further damage.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. OTC Whitening Products 

/0 Comments/in , /by

Are your teeth looking yellowish or stained? This might stop you from smiling while showing your teeth. Or you might want to hide them when talking to others. Teeth whitening can make your teeth whiter again — but should you use OTC products or have professional whitening done? Our dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY at [practice_name] can help you make the right choice!

How It Works

OTC products typically have a whitening gel or strips that you put on your teeth. You can use these kits at home at times that work for you.

Professional whitening involves applying a whitening solution, then using a laser to activate it. This takes place at our office, where you can expect to spend about an hour as the whitening agent breaks up stains.

Expected Results

OTC whitening kits generally don’t offer the same effectiveness as professional whitening. The whitening agents used in these kits aren’t as strong as those used in our office. OTC products might not be effective enough if you have multiple stains or severe discoloration.

Safety

OTC whitening products are easy to use — but they come with certain risks. These kits can have abrasive whitening agents that end up eroding tooth enamel, irritating your gums, or causing greater tooth sensitivity.

With professional teeth whitening, we take precautions to protect your gums and teeth from harm and reduce the risk of unpleasant side effects.

Visit Us for Professional Teeth Whitening!

Do you have more questions about this process? Or are you ready to start? Set up an appointment with our dentist at [practice_name] for professional teeth whitening in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. This treatment can help you enjoy having a bright, beautiful smile again!

What’s the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

/0 Comments/in , /by

You may have heard that plaque and tartar are bad for your teeth, but do you know the difference? Plaque and tartar can lead to problems with oral health and hygiene.

You can stop plaque and tartar from forming on your teeth by brushing properly and seeing the dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, every six months. In this article, we’ll tell you about plaque and tartar to help you understand the difference. Here’s what to know.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky substance made up of food particles and debris. Plaque forms on your teeth when you eat food. Brushing your teeth at the end of the day can help keep plaque off your teeth, but you can’t brush all plaque off your teeth all the time. Over time, plaque can build up on your teeth, especially near your gums.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar is a hard substance that forms from plaque on your tooth enamel. As plaque accumulates on your teeth, it mixes with saliva and other particles and eventually turns into a crusty yellowish substance that is very difficult to remove. Tartar can’t be removed with toothbrushing. To get rid of tartar, you’ll need to visit the dentist for teeth cleaning.

How Can You Avoid Plaque and Tartar?

The best way to keep your teeth free of plaque and tartar is to brush your teeth twice per day and see the dentist every six months. The dental professionals will clean your teeth and polish your tooth enamel. This helps keep your teeth smooth, so plaque and tartar can’t build up on your teeth.

Do you need to see the dentist for a dental exam and cleaning in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY? If so, call today to make your next appointment.

Do Your Teeth Feel Filmy After You Brush?

/0 Comments/in , /by

When you run your tongue over your teeth after you brush, ideally, you want them to feel free of debris. After all, what are you brushing for if not for a squeaky clean? Of course, if your teeth still feel filmy, you may wonder what’s going wrong. Below, we’ll look at what’s causing the film and what you can do on your end to reduce the buildup.

What’s Causing Your Teeth to Feel Sticky?

If you feel a film over your teeth, it could be the ingredients that you’re using to brush. Some toothpastes may leave a residue that makes your teeth feel more coated than they did before. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the toothpaste you’re using is wrong, especially when any toothpaste is better than no toothpaste, but you may want to try a few types and brands to see if it makes a difference.

Plaque on Your Teeth

Plaque is the bacteria that builds up on your teeth over the course of the day, and it can cause your teeth to feel filmy after you brush. A dentist in Owensboro, KY would tell you that this is likely what you’re feeling when you run your tongue across your teeth. The longer the film is on your teeth, the more likely it will turn into tartar.

Seeing a Dentist in Owensboro, KY

It’s possible to reduce the filmy feel after you brush with better brushing habits, which may mean buying a new brush, brushing for more time, or switching up your brushing tactics. However, it’s not possible to scrape off all plaque without the help of professional tools. If you’re looking for a teeth cleaning in Owensboro, contact the offices of Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today!

How can I floss better at home?

/0 Comments/in , /by

Flossing is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay, and this is likely not news to anyone. In addition to brushing, flossing can root out some of the most stubborn food particles that can build up between teeth. The problem? It’s not always easy, particularly if your teeth are set close together. Below, we’ll look at a few ways to floss better, so you can develop a better routine.

Try New Things

One of the best ways to floss better is to start with better floss. This may take some experimentation to get right, as the right floss for your friend may be very different from the right floss for you. You can also try interdental brushes, flossing picks, or water flossers. While the latter two are not always as effective as regular brushing, a dentist in Beaver Dam, KY can help you decrease plaque and tartar if you’re not flossing with standard floss.

Be More Mindful

Whether you play classical music in the background or watch a video about flossing on YouTube, sometimes it’s as simple as taking your mind off of other matters, which are likely many, and putting your mind into the task. Slowing down and taking the time can cause your technique to improve immediately.

Visit Your Dentist in Beaver Dam, KY

Flossing isn’t just good for your teeth; it’s great for your gums. When you floss regularly, you can avoid inflammation or bacteria that leads to gum disease. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing can’t take the place of professional teeth cleanings in Beaver Dam, KY. If you’re looking for a dentist who can help you keep up with all of your better habits, contact the staff at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry. We’re here to support you with your long-term dental health!

Crowns vs caps: Which one do you need?

/0 Comments/in , /by

If you’ve heard of people having their teeth capped, you may have wondered exactly what that meant. The truth is that both words can be used interchangeably by some people and not by others. Below, we’ll cover the nature of the two words and what you should know.

What Is a Crown?

A crown in Owensboro, KY is a partial or full artificial tooth, and it’s used to correct anything from cracks to decay. You may need a crown if you had a root canal because the procedure will weaken the natural tooth on top. Or you may need it if you’ve sustained damage (even if the nerve and inner tissues are still healthy). Crowns are a very common procedure, and thanks to today’s technology, you have plenty of options should you need one.

What Is a Cap?

The one depends on who you ask. Some people refer to crowns as caps, while others refer to veneers or onlays/inlays as caps. There is a significant difference between these two types of dental procedures. A dentist in Owensboro, KY will place a veneer as a cosmetic fix, ensuring that your teeth look white and uniform all across your mouth. Onlays, inlays, and crowns are all done to fix damage to the teeth. If you don’t want to get confused, the best thing you can do is clarify the difference if someone uses the term cap.

Visiting Your Dentist in Owensboro, KY

While dental terms can be confusing even for people in the profession, you don’t have to go into the procedure blind. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, with locations in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, we can define our services and explain your options so you feel entirely comfortable moving forward!