In today’s blog, you’ll learn about:

• Why humans find symmetry attractive in a smile
• Porcelain veneers and how they’re created 
• Cosmetic bonding and how it’s performed
• Benefits and differences between treatment options
• How to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Bridges

Symmetry Is Attractive

We like to believe that Americans are generally civilized and refined, high above what we consider to be petty things, like judging a person by his appearance. But appearance isn’t petty. In fact, as humans, we can’t help our attraction to beauty. Scientists who study evolution believe that humans find symmetrical faces attractive because of our primal desire to mate with a person of good genetic quality. “Symmetry is an honest indicator of genetic quality of potential mates,” according to a journal article published on Oxford Academic Behavioral Ecology, by Simmons, Rhodes, Peters, and Koehler (01 Sept. 2004). 

Another study, “Effects of The ‘What is Beautiful is Good’ Stereotype on Perceived Trustworthiness by Shinners, published by University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, states: “Attractive individuals were seen as more trustworthy than unattractive individuals…”

In fact, Google has a wealth of studies and articles on the topic. The bottom line is that humans appreciate facial symmetry, and that includes the balanced, harmonic appearance of a symmetrical smile. If you dislike your smile, this article was composed with you in mind. An attractive smile is within reach!

How Veneers Create Normal Teeth Shape

As pictured above, porcelain veneers are placed on the front surface of front teeth–those that show in a smile. Veneers are made of strong layers of dental porcelain or ceramic. They reflect light like natural tooth enamel and have a beautiful, symmetrical, “normal” teeth shape. The procedure takes a few weeks to a month and requires a minimum of two dental visits. Veneers are handcrafted in a dental lab by expert ceramists.

How Bonding Creates Normal Teeth Shape

A more affordable option than veneers, cosmetic dental bonding reshapes malformed, unevenly or widely spaced, permanently stained, or chipped teeth. Bonding is made of composite resin, the same material used for white dental fillings. Dr. Bridges tints the liquid resin, then applies it to one or more teeth to create a new, attractive shape. Bonding is completed in a single visit because no lab fabrication is necessary. 

Benefits and Differences in Treatment Options

Cost of Veneers vs Cost of Bonding

Cosmetic dental treatments are not covered by insurance but can be financed through CareCredit with low or no interest, for qualified applicants.

Veneers range in cost from just under $1000 to about $2500 per tooth

Bonding costs a few hundred dollars, total.

Longevity of Veneers vs Bonding

The following age estimates are applicable in the absence of injury or disease and if good dental hygiene is practiced. All dental restorations can be damaged by pressure: habitual chewing on fingernails or pen caps; chewing on ice; or enduring a blow to the mouth, for example.

Veneers can last over 20 years.

Bonding usually lasts five to seven years.

Potential Problems with Veneers vs Bonding

Both procedures will give malformed teeth a natural teeth shape. They require mild to significant tooth preparation before the procedure. Preparation involves removing some tooth enamel or etching a tooth’s enamel to allow for a strong bond between the tooth and the restoration. 

If the seal of any restoration is compromised, bacteria can get beneath the restoration and cause decay. This is rare, but it can happen. Regular six-month dental visits will allow Dr. Bridges to make sure that all of your dental restorations and enhancements are strong. 

With cosmetic bonding, a seam exists between the resin and natural tooth enamel. This seam, when stained by food, beverages, or tobacco, can become visible over time. Since dental materials do not respond to chemical teeth whitening, the stains are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to remove. When staining appears, the best option is to replace the restoration. 

How to Schedule Your Cosmetic Consultation

Are you ready for your smile to look more attractive? Would a symmetrical smile with attractive, normal teeth shape give you more self-confidence? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 to schedule your consultation with Duncan, OK, dentist, Dr. Matthew Bridges. We are accepting new patients and look forward to meeting you!

The post How We Give Malformed Teeth Normal Teeth Shape appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dr. Bridges volunteered at Give Kids a Smile Day, a non-profit event in which dentists provide free dental care to underserved children. Attending this event shed light on what the software developer wanted to do with the rest of his life: care for kids and families. Dr. Bridges applied to dental school and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Oklahoma. 

In dental school, Dr. Bridges thrived. He earned the Pierre Faughard Academy Junior Scholarship, and for the American Student Dental Association, he was Speaker of the House. 

He then joined Dr. Schreiner’s practice, and Dr. Schreiner has since retired. Dr. Bridges bought the practice and changed the name to Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

To continue giving back to the community, Dr. Bridges volunteers with the American Dental Association Foundation, as well as the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy. He was President of the Southwest Dental Society from 2018 to 2021 and currently holds the role of Trustee in the Southwest region of the Oklahoma Dental Association. In 2021, Dr. Bridges was nominated for a fellowship in the American College of Dentists. 

In short, Dr. Matthew Bridges loves being a Duncan, OK, dentist, and he still thoroughly enjoys caring for children at Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

Special Dental Care for Children

By Age One

The ADA and other reputable dental organizations suggest that a baby visit the dentist by his first birthday. At this “happy visit,” the child will become accustomed to the friendly faces and helping hands of the Chisholm Trail Smile Center team. Dr. Bridges will conduct a brief exam, just to ensure your baby’s mouth and teeth are properly developing. 

Babies and Toddlers

After the very first tooth erupts in your baby’s mouth, you should begin using a small dot of non-fluoridated toothpaste and a soft baby’s toothbrush to clean the tooth/teeth in the morning and before bed. Around age three, toddlers understand how to spit toothpaste out after brushing, so they can advance to fluoridated toothpaste. Replace your child’s toothbrush every six months, and begin flossing once teeth touch one another. A child’s pre-threaded dental flosser makes the job easier.

Preschoolers

When kids reach preschool age, around four or five, they can understand how to sit in the dental chair during dental cleanings and exams. So, at this age children should begin twice-a-year preventive checkups with Dr. Bridges.

School-Aged Kids

When children start school, they still need Mom or Dad to inspect their brushing and flossing efforts. Children are prone to develop cavities and/or gingivitis if they don’t maintain effective daily oral care habits at home. (Kids who use an inhaler for asthma are at higher risk for gingivitis.) Even teenagers need daily dental care reminders, as well as regular dental checkups and cleanings.

To deter cavities, encourage your children and teens to drink water instead of soda, sports drinks, or flavored drinks like Kool-Aid. These beverages are high in sugar. The carbonation in sodas, as well as the acidity and sugar, can cause cavities. If your child is going to enjoy one of these beverages, encourage the use of a straw to limit contact between teeth and the harmful elements of the beverage.

Also, limit sweets and carbs. Sugars are carbohydrates, as are starches. Bad bacteria in the mouth consume the carbs and emit an acidic byproduct that causes tooth decay. An occasional sweet treat is fine, but be sure that your child rinses his mouth with water afterward, so carbs don’t sit on teeth. 

Sealants & Fluoride Protect Young Teeth

As your family’s Duncan, OK, dentist, Dr. Bridges wants to protect your children’s teeth and gums from harm. He often recommends that children get dental sealants once molars develop in the back of the mouth. The sealant is a clear, protective coating that we paint onto the chewing surfaces of molars. It fills in small grooves and crevices to create a barrier against bad bacteria, acid, sugar, and other starches. Over time, sealants naturally and safely wear off.

Fluoride treatment in our office also protects tooth enamel against decay. Children benefit from a small amount of swallowed fluoride, which comes from the public water supply. Be sure that your kids drink tap water because bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride. Kids also benefit from topical fluoride. We offer a topical fluoride treatment that takes only a few minutes. 

Fluoride is a cool mineral. It attracts calcium and phosphorus, minerals that strengthen tooth enamel. So, by coating teeth in fluoride, we prompt these minerals to naturally infiltrate enamel and strengthen it against decay.

Your Family Dentist in Duncan, OK

If you’re looking for a dentist to care for your loved ones, remember that Dr. Bridges entered dentistry as a result of a volunteer event that benefitted children. He loves kids! And your kids are sure to love him. Our entire team comes to work each day excited to serve the families of our community. Schedule appointments for everyone in your family. Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 today.

The post A Favorite Children’s Dentist in Duncan, OK appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

As for esthetics, old dentures may appear larger than your natural teeth, making them look fake. No one wants to share a smile with obviously fake, large teeth. Modern dentures are made with contemporary dental materials that make both the teeth and the gum portions look natural. 

You’re living in a time when dentistry has excellent options to replace your teeth. Now, dentures can be securely attached to your jaws with dental implants. You’ll never experience loose, wobbling, slipping dentures or the need to reline your false teeth. In today’s blog, you’ll learn:

• What implant-retained dentures are
• Benefits of implant-retained dentures
• What the procedure is for getting implants
• Care and longevity of implant-retained false teeth
• How to find out if implant-retained dentures are right for you

Implant-Retained Dentures

If you have generally good overall and oral health, you will probably qualify for implant-retained false teeth. Issues like gum disease, poor jaw density, bruxism (clenching and grinding teeth), and some health conditions and treatments can make a person ineligible for dental implants. In the case of poor bone density, a bone graft may improve candidacy. 

Usually, four to six dental implants can reliably anchor one arch of false teeth. Dentures are fabricated with snaps, and they click in place onto implants. Implant-retained dentures can be fixed or removable, based on the patient’s desires. For patients with age-related cognitive impairment, we suggest fixed implant-retained dentures to avoid misplacing or breaking the prosthetics.

Benefits of Implant-Retained Dentures

• Will not slip, wobble, or fall out when eating a meal
• Strong enough to allow the patient no dietary restrictions
• Implants help protect the integrity of the jawbone, reducing the chance of deterioration
• Dentures will not rub against gum ridges and cause sores
• Dental implants can last a lifetime
• Easy care and maintenance
• Look natural and attractive
• Feel confident eating in public

The Implant Placement Procedure

To secure implants in the jaw, a brief outpatient surgery is required. During this procedure, the dentist will insert small, screw-shaped dental implants into the jawbone. Over about six to nine months, your jawbone will naturally grow around the implant posts. At the end of this period, the patient will return for exposure of implant heads and attachment of abutments. The abutments connect a set of false teeth to the patient’s jaw. 

All in all, getting dental implants to secure your false teeth will take under one year, unless you require prerequisite bone grafting or gum disease treatments. 

Care and Longevity of Implant-Retained False Teeth

Implant-retained dentures are easy to maintain. Use a soft nylon denture brush for twice-daily brushing. Floss daily. Do not smoke or drink an excessive amount of alcohol. Visit Dr. Matthew Bridges every six months or as often as directed. Your dental implants should endure your lifetime. If the false teeth wear down or become otherwise damaged, they may need replacement. 

Are Implant-Retained Dentures Right for You?

The only way to know for certain if you should replace your traditional false teeth with implant-retained dentures is to visit our Duncan dentist’s office for an evaluation and consultation. Dr. Matthew Bridges is accepting new patients and will be happy to answer all of your questions at your appointment. Call 580-255-4880 to schedule your dental implant consultation today!

The post A New Dawn for Patients with False Teeth appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

We’ll explore:

• Re-claiming good oral health
• Tips to prevent oral infection
• When to remove teeth
• Contemporary replacement teeth
• How to find professional help

How to Re-claim Good Oral Health

Most oral infections are the result of poor oral hygiene practices. If you don’t brush and floss daily, and also visit Dr. Bridges and our hygienists every six months for an exam and cleaning, you’re more likely to develop oral infections.

However, you may brush and floss daily, and see the dentist every six months for preventive care. You may go to the dentist when you notice abnormalities in your mouth. Still, you can develop cavities, gum disease, and other oral infections.

If you have oral infections or any other oral issues that require attention, Dr. Bridges can evaluate, diagnose, and treat the conditions. He offers full mouth restoration (FMR), which involves a phased treatment plan to cure oral infections and dental damage, while also establishing healthy oral function. We offer options to remove teeth and replace teeth with modern prosthetics, including dental implants for single and multiple teeth.

Tips to Preemptively Fight Oral Infection

Before diving into topics about teeth removal and replacement, let’s spend a minute reviewing best practices for oral home hygiene. 

Every day, without fail, you should follow this simple home hygiene routine:

• AM: Brush teeth with fluoridated toothpaste. 
• PM: Floss teeth. Brush teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste.

When you brush, hold the toothbrush at a 45% angle to the teeth and use up and down, side to side, and circular motions. Floss teeth before brushing. You may add a tongue scraper to your brushing sessions, to clean bacteria off the tongue. This helps fight bad breath, too. A mouthwash with fluoride can fight bacteria, freshen breath, and strengthen teeth.

Children under three years of age should use UN-fluoridated toothpaste. 

Denture wearers and braces patients can use special tools to help make brushing, flossing, and cleaning more effective. 

Every six months, you need to visit Dr. Bridges for an exam and cleaning. If gum disease is present, you may need a deep cleaning, which can involve a few visits to complete. 

If you notice anything unusual in your mouth, please call our Duncan dental office so that we can schedule an exam.

When to Remove Teeth

Our goal as your dental care provider is to help you avoid dental issues. A solid oral homecare routine and twice-a-year preventive visits at Chisholm Trail Smile Center will go a long, long, long way toward preventing dental issues. However, if you need dental treatment, Dr. Bridges will provide a complete treatment plan to re-establish your good oral health. 

• Impaction
• Crowding
• Gum disease
• Tooth infection
• Irreparable tooth damage
• In preparation for dentures

In some cases, we must remove teeth due to:

Dr. Bridges may remove teeth due to impaction or crowding, in which case replacement teeth aren’t necessary. When he removes teeth because of gum disease, infection, irreparable damage, or in preparation for dentures, the patient will need replacement teeth. Patients who neglect replacing teeth should expect the remaining teeth to drift toward the spaces left behind. This can negatively impact appearance, as well as occlusion (how upper and lower teeth fit together).

Contemporary Replacement Teeth

Dr. Bridges provides patients with traditional replacement teeth, as well as implant-secured prosthetics. A prosthetic is a replacement. This overview of options will help you understand dental prosthetics. 

Single Teeth

Traditional bridge: a prosthetic made with crowns on one or both ends and solid replacement teeth in the center; non-removable

Single-tooth implant: one biocompatible implant installed in the jaw holds a single crown; non-removable

+ Teeth in a Row

Traditional bridge (see above)

Implant-secured bridge: two biocompatible implants installed in the jaw to hold a bridge of two or more teeth; non-removable

All Teeth on Top and/or Bottom Arch

Traditional dentures: a full arch of teeth; top dentures are secured with suction or adhesive; lower dentures require adhesive for stability; removable 

Implant-retained dentures: four or more implant posts installed in the upper or lower jaw to retain a denture; permanent or removable implant-retained dentures are available

How to Find Professional Help

Dr. Bridges and our team take great pride in how we care for our patients. All restorations and replacement teeth we use are carefully constructed to look natural, feel solid, and function comfortably. Whether Dr. Bridges needs to remove teeth and replace them or simply provide fillings, crowns, and periodontal treatment, you’ll find the services you need at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, your Duncan, OK, dental practice. Give us a call at 580-255-4880 to schedule your exam today.

The post Best Options to Remove Teeth and Replace Them appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

All of the infections that can occur in or on the parts of the mouth qualify as oral infections. From cold sores to cavities to gum disease to oral cancer, they’re all oral infections. Since only 1% of the human population avoids cavities, you’ve probably experienced oral infection at least once. 

In today’s blog and next week’s blog, you’ll learn how to FIGHT oral infection proactively, which will reduce your risk of overall health problems. We’ll explore the following topics, so after reading this blog, stay tuned for next week’s continuation.

• Symptoms of oral infection
• Types of oral infections
• Oral cancer facts
• Re-claiming good oral health
• Tips to prevent oral infection
• How to find professional help

Symptoms of Oral Infection

Your mouth is a complex system made up of hard tissues, bones of the jaws and teeth, as well as soft tissues, gums, tongue, interior of cheeks and throat, and the upper and lower palates. Therefore, if you experience abnormalities in the appearance or feel of any of these components, you should see Duncan dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. 

You might experience some of these symptoms if you have an oral infection:

• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
• Loose permanent teeth
• Pain in the teeth, gums, or jaws
• Sores in or on the mouth, lips, or gums
• Sore or bleeding gums (when brushing teeth)
• Swollen gums, jaw, or lymph nodes

Types of Oral Infections

This list of oral infections is not comprehensive. Instead, these are some of the most common oral infections:

• Tooth decay (AKA dental caries, cavities)
• Gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis)
• Thrush (yeast infection on soft tissues)
• Canker or cold sores
• Oral herpes
• Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths)
• White tongue (oral papillae on tongue swell and trap food debris, and bacteria)
• Coxsackie and herpangina viruses (usually occur in children and causes blisters)

Oral Cancer

Approximately 54,540 new cases of oral cancer or oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed this year. About 11,580 people will die as a result of oral cancer this year. These cancers account for 3% of diagnosed cancers, annually. People over 40 are at greater risk, and men develop oral cancers twice as often as women. 

Of course, smokers and tobacco users run a high risk of developing oral cancer. However, an untreated oral infection can also prompt the development of oral cancer at that site. Denture wearers whose dentures cause oral sores should see the dentist for relining and instructions to cure the sores. 

The good news is, if you stop smoking and using tobacco now, you’ll reduce your risk. Other good news: 67% of people who develop oral cancer have a 5-year survival rate, overall. 

The best way to survive oral cancer is to find and treat it early. Mouth sores that bleed easily and don’t heal over the course of 14 days should be screened by Dr. Bridges. You may need a biopsy to determine whether oral cancer is present.

At every dental exam, Dr. Bridges inspects the mouth for oral infection, as well as oral cancer. The exam is comfortable and quick. The dentist will bring your attention to any suspicious areas. That requires a biopsy.

We Want to Help

We welcome new patients of all ages. If you live in the Duncan, OK, area, call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges. He’ll make you feel welcome and respected, regardless of the state of your oral health. Dr. Bridges has helped many people overcome poor oral health to reclaim comfortable oral function and good oral health.

The post The Knockout Punch for Oral Infection appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

In today’s blog, you’ll learn excellent tips about how to teach your children to effectively brush their teeth with you, then later without your help. We’ll explore:

• The right children’s dental care tools (with tooth development chart)
• Use the mimic method to train your child
• Two minutes, two times a day: 2×2

The Right Dental Homecare Tools per Your Duncan, OK, Family Dentist

On average, kids lose all of their primary teeth by age 13. Their mouths keep growing from birth through the end of their teen years when jawbones stop growing. All this growing and changing compounds the complexity of teaching kids to properly brush their teeth.

To set your child up for success, begin by wiping out his infant mouth with a soft, wet washcloth after feedings. If your child will fall asleep while feeding, only allow water in his bottle. Milk and juices contain sugar, and sugar triggers the development of cavities. A child who falls asleep with a bottle dripping sugar into his mouth bathes his teeth in cavity-causing liquid while sleeping. As a result, a painful condition called baby bottle tooth decay can develop.

By month six, the first baby tooth should erupt. See the chart on this page for a timeline of when to expect the eruption of all primary teeth. Baby teeth should be brushed with an infant toothbrush. The style that fits over your forefinger makes brushing easier and more comfortable for the child than if you use a toddler toothbrush in a baby’s mouth. 

Also, you choose a fluoride-free children’s toothpaste, at least until a child will spit and rinse his mouth, which is usually after age three. Kids who swallow fluoridated toothpaste can develop fluorosis, a condition in which white, horizontal lines appear on permanent teeth while the permanent teeth buds are still developing within the jaw. Fluorosis will not respond to teeth-whitening chemicals.

Once a baby becomes a toddler, graduate to a small-head, soft-bristle toddler toothbrush. From that point, as your child grows, continue to purchase a size-appropriate brush, always with soft bristles. Replace toothbrushes every three months. Your child may become more enthusiastic about brushing if you allow him to select a toothbrush and toothpaste with his favorite characters or colors.

TIP: Do not brush your child’s teeth hard. Gentle, thorough brushing with toothpaste will adequately clean the teeth and gums. Too much pressure can erode tooth enamel and harm the gum tissue.

Use the Mimic Method

Kids want to be like Mom and Dad when they’re small. Allow your toddler to mimic you when you brush your teeth, but end this morning and evening routine by brushing their teeth for them. Once a child reaches age six to eight, depending on skill level, he can brush independently as long as you check the work and provide additional assistance as needed.

The day you stop reminding your little one to brush, and the day you don’t check his work, will be the very day he starts neglecting his oral hygiene!

Fun Dental Health Projects

Here are some kids’ projects for you and your children to learn about oral health together.

Don’t Get Discouraged

Mom and Dad, don’t give up. There may be tears and frustration (hopefully not from you), but great oral health and a strong smile are worth the effort. If you’re diligent and make certain your children are diligent with twice-daily oral hygiene at home, you’ll enjoy few or no cavities throughout your kiddo’s childhood. 

Remember, too, that even middle schoolers and high schoolers will neglect oral hygiene without reminders. Kids just get lazy; it’s human nature. They also forget and cut corners to save time. It’s your job, and that of your Duncan, OK, dentist’s to help your kids and teens maintain healthy smiles. 

2 Minutes, 2x a Day: The 2×2 Rule

Duncan, OK, dentist Dr. Bridges explains: “The rule of thumb is, everyone should brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day: once after breakfast and again after dinner. Singing the “Alphabet Song” takes about two minutes, so you and your little one can hum while you brush or use a timer. You can find kids’ teeth brushing timers on Amazon.” 

To set your kids up for success, brush in quadrants:

• Top right
• Top left
• Bottom right
• Bottom left

And in each quadrant, brush:

• Front
• Back
• Chewing surface
• Gum lines

Flossing

Add flossing before brushing once your child develops teeth close to one another. Widely spaced teeth don’t require flossing if the toothbrush bristles can reach between the teeth. However, the earlier you start a child on flossing, the easier it will become. Start flossing your child’s teeth by age five or earlier. You do it at first, then introduce pre-threaded children’s flossers and your child can attempt flossing independently. As with brushing teeth, come behind to check and touch up the work. 

Add Mouthwash

When a child rinses and spits without swallowing, usually by age four or so, you can also introduce mouthwash as the final step to the brushing and flossing routine. Children can measure their own dose of mouthwash with ACT, a brand that features a push-to-measure cylinder on the product packaging.

Your Child’s Duncan, OK, Dentist is at Chisholm Trail Smile Center

Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team serve families, from a baby with one little tooth to great-great-grandparents. Parents like us because we adore their children! Dr. Bridges got his love for dentistry after participating in a children’s oral health event. He was inspired to go to dental school and he’s loved his job–and his patients–ever since. Call us today at 580.255.4880 and reserve appointments for your family members.

The post Tips for Teaching Kids to Brush from Your Duncan, OK, Dentist appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you have questions about oral health products, you’re in the right place! Here, you’ll acquire excellent, expert information to help set your mind at ease and set your morning oral hygiene routine up for success. 

Now, let’s explore the most important oral health tools and products. We’ll cover:

• Toothbrushes
• Floss or Flossers
• Mouthwashes
• Tongue Scrapers
• Toothpaste
• Home Whitening Products

Best Toothbrushes for Oral Health

The big question here is, electric or traditional? Studies show that electric toothbrushes aren’t more effective than non-electric counterparts. However, most people tend to brush longer with an electric toothbrush. So, if you or your children have trouble brushing for a full two minutes in the morning and evening, an electric toothbrush may help maintain good oral hygiene.

Tips:

• Unless Dr. Bridges tells you otherwise, always select a soft-bristled brush.
• Choose a brush with a head that fits your mouth. Kids need small brushes.
• Select different colors for each household member.
• If you get sick, once you’re well microwave your toothbrush in a cup of water for 3 minutes to kill germs.
• Replace toothbrushes every 3 months.

Toothpaste: The Right Fit Makes All the Difference

You need to consider your toothpaste’s main benefit (reduces sensitivity, whitens teeth, etc.) as well as the flavor you and your family members prefer. Children often opt for fruity flavors, while older kids and adults usually prefer a mint toothpaste.

Tips:

• Children under three years of age need toothpaste without fluoride. (Swallowing toothpaste in childhood can cause fluorosis, permanent horizontal white lines, on permanent teeth that have not yet erupted.)
• Choose an ADA-approved toothpaste. (The ADA is the American Dental Association.)

Flosses or Flossers Are Super Important

In truth, few people floss, and even fewer floss correctly. Flossing can feel awkward if you don’t use a good technique. Our hygienists will be happy to teach you proper flossing techniques so that you can develop an effective method. 

You’ll find waxed and unwaxed, as well as flat and round varieties of floss. All work well if you use the proper technique, so just select the flavor and type that appeal to you. 

Flossers are ergonomic, pre-threaded tools that you throw away after use. They can make flossing much easier for children and seniors in particular.

Tips:

• Choose a flavored floss to freshen your breath. 
• Choose the floss that your hygienist recommends or the one you’re most likely to use every day to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Floss once a day, as recommended by the ADA. If you wear braces, use interdental flossers as well as traditional floss, and floss after meals and snacks when you brush your teeth.
• Floss before brushing.

Mouthwashes: Different Types for Different Issues

Like toothpaste, mouthwash comes in many flavors and serves varying purposes. Choose the mouthwash that will accomplish your goal, whether you want to brighten your teeth with whitening mouthwash or use a simple fluoride rinse.

Tips:

• Kids under three should not use mouthwash.
• ACT mouthwash helps kids measure the right amount with its special press-to-measure bottle.
• Everyone in your family may prefer a different mouthwash. 

Tongue Scrapers: A Great Tool for Fresher Breath

Few people use a tongue scraper. The tool, which comes in various shapes and sizes, literally scrapes the top of the tongue to remove plaque and debris from between the bumps of the tongue. Use a tongue scraper after you brush to reduce plaque and bad breath. Then rinse with your preferred mouthwash.

Home Whitening Products: An Afforable Option for Moderate Results

Dr. Bridges offers professional teeth whitening systems in our office. If you only want mild to moderate results, however, you can opt for an over-the-counter whitening product. Without a prescription, you can purchase whitening strips, pastes, mouthwashes, trays, and brush-on varieties.

Call for Your Oral Hygiene Consultation

In Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges treats patients of all ages. (Our team loves kids!) If you need more direction on maximizing the effectiveness of your oral health regimen at home, schedule a new patient consultation today. Call 580.255.4880 today.

The post Quick Tips for Choosing the Best Oral Hygiene Tools and Products appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Made of thin layers of porcelain, veneers look natural and can endure the pressure of biting and chewing foods. Dr. Matthew Bridges may recommend veneers to improve the appearance of front teeth that show when you smile. 

Because they cover the front surface of teeth, veneers correct stains, cracks, misalignments, and other imperfections to create a gorgeous smile. A ceramist handmakes each veneer in a dental lab with durable, esthetic porcelain tinted to blend with the patient’s natural teeth. Usually, the process takes two appointments and about a month to complete, following the initial consultation.

Today’s blog will review who needs porcelain veneers. We’ll explain in more detail the conditions that warrant veneers and what you can expect following the procedure.

Choosing Veneers

Also known as the all-in-one smile makeover, porcelain veneers can tweak or completely transform a smile. Cosmetic veneers improve one or more of the following attributes of a tooth:

• Shape
• Size
• Alignment
• Color

Porcelain Veneers Candidacy

Age

Because veneers are permanent, we recommend them for older teens and patients in any stage of adulthood. If a child gets veneers, the restorations will need replacement as the child’s natural teeth grow. Oftentimes, bonding is a more desirable cosmetic enhancement for children and young teens.

Health

Dr. Bridges wants your investment to last, so he will help bring your mouth into good health before placing porcelain veneers. This may involve treating tooth decay, gum disease, and occlusion issues that can lead to clenching and grinding (bruxism) and TMJ disorder. If you clench and grind your teeth, you can wear down veneers, as well as the other teeth and dental work in your mouth.

Prerequisite Orthodontics

Porcelain veneers can close mild to moderate gaps between teeth and correct the appearance of twisted or malformed teeth. However, if your teeth are too widely spaced or crowded and overlapping, you may need orthodontic treatment prior to veneers. 

Bad Habits

If you chew on your fingernails, pen caps, ice, straws, and other objects, you’ll need to break the habit before having veneers–or your veneers may break!

Also, tobacco will permanently stain tooth enamel, as well as dental work. If you smoke, your porcelain veneers will discolor over time.

Care and Mainteanance

DO NOT USE WHITENING TOOTHPASTE ON VENEERS. The abrasive paste will scratch your veneers and promote staining, rather than remove stains. Note also that chemical teeth whitening does not work on dental work, including veneers. Teeth whitening is intended for use on natural tooth enamel only.

Plan to visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning, and as needed for toothaches and oral abnormalities. Also, you’ll need to practice good dental hygiene every day, morning and evening. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once, and use mouth wash to kill bacteria and bad breath. If veneers are damaged, contact Dr. Bridges immediately for an appointment.

Call Today for Porcelain Veneers Consultation

Are porcelain veneers right for you? Let’s chat about it! Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center today at 580.255.4880 and reserve your consultation with Dr. Matthew Bridges. He’ll take time to talk with you about your concerns, then conduct a comprehensive oral evaluation. He may want to take x-rays, as well. After reviewing his findings, the doctor will create a custom treatment plan, share it with you, and answer all of your questions. We love new patients!

The post Who Needs Porcelain Veneers? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Here’s an overview of questions to ask when looking for a family and general dentist in Duncan, OK:

1. Are the support staff and dentist friendly, welcoming, and attentive to patient needs?
2. Is the office on a route you normally travel?
3. Does the dentist’s office accept your insurance?
4. Are all the services your family needs available?
5. Is after-hours emergency dentistry available for patients of record?

Now let’s dive into the last 3 questions and learn how you can determine the answers that best suit your family’s needs.

Does the dentist’s office accept your insurance?

There are a few different ways insurance can be “accepted.” 

LOWEST OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE: First, a dentist can be a preferred provider, which means the insurance company pays the dentist a pre-arranged fee for specific services. If your dental plan is a PPO and you choose a preferred provider, your portion of the bill should be less than if you used an out-of-network dental practice. 

HIGHER OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE: If the dentist you choose is not a preferred provider and you have a PPO, you can still see that dentist. You’ll pay a bit higher out-of-pocket expense, but if your family receives compassionate, gentle dental care and service, it will be worth the extra cost.

GREATEST OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE: If the dentist does not accept insurance, he is truly what we call a fee-for-service (FFS) provider. This means, you’ll pay all of the bill out of pocket at the time services are rendered. Whether you file your out-of-network insurance claim may be left up to you, unless the office files as a courtesy. 

Dr. Bridges is in network with Health Choice and Delta Premier, and our office will file out-of-network claims, as well. We can estimate your out-of-pocket expense when we present your treatment plan. We also accept CareCredit and credit cards, so patients can afford high co-pays and deductibles.

Are all the services your family needs available?

This is an important consideration. Guaranteed, everyone in your family needs preventive checkups and cleanings. Few people avoid restorative care, like fillings and crowns, during a lifetime, so general dentistry services are also important. If you have little ones, be sure the dentist sees kids in your children’s age group. Some dentists do not serve kids under 8, while others only treat teenagers and adults.

If anyone in your family is nervous about visiting the dentist or has special needs, you may want a dental practice that offers nitrous oxide or sedation dentistry. 

As a family and general dentist in Duncan, OK, Dr. Bridges provides all general, restorative, and prosthetic dental treatments. He also offers cosmetic dentistry, children’s dentistry, emergency dental care, and dental implants. All of our clinicians at Chisholm Trail Smile Center consistently provide a calming, attentive chairside manner, and we offer nitrous oxide to enhance patient comfort.

Is after-hours emergency dentistry available for patients of record?

What would you do if your dentist didn’t accept emergency appointments, and your child had a permanent tooth knocked out at a baseball game? You’d have to rely on Google to find an emergency dentist who would see a new patient, perhaps after office hours. 

Families encounter dental emergencies, so it makes sense for parents to choose an emergency dentist like Dr. Matthew Bridges. For patients of record (current patients), Dr. Bridges is always available to see emergencies, even after the office closes. New patients, as well as patients of record, can call for same-day emergency appointments during office hours. 

Your Family and General Dentist in Duncan, OK: Dr. Matthew Bridges

Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580.255.4880 today, and schedule a time to meet Dr. Bridges. Experience our five-star service firsthand and interview the doctor to find out if CTSC is the best dentist office for your family.

The post How to Choose a Family and General Dentist in Duncan, OK: Part 2 appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

A Note About New Patient Appointments: Parents commonly send their kids for an appointment with a new dentist before visiting the dentist themselves. We suggest the family decision-maker, Mom or Dad, be the first to visit a new dentist because a kid’s priorities are different than a parent’s.

Here’s an overview of questions to ask when looking for a family dentist in Duncan, OK:

1. Are the support staff and dentist friendly, welcoming, and attentive to patient needs?
2. Is the office on a route you normally travel?
3. Does the dentist’s office accept your insurance?
4. Are all the services your family needs available?
5. Is after-hours emergency dentistry available for patients of record?

Now, let’s explore the intention behind these questions and customize the best answers for your family. (This is part one of a two-part blog.)

Are the support staff and dentist friendly, welcoming, and attentive to patient needs?

The only way to know this for sure is with a visit. You can call a dentist’s office and gauge how the front desk team serves patients over the phone. (Sometimes this is enough to strike through a potential dentist’s office.) However, you won’t really know if a dental team prioritizes patient service unless you visit the office as a patient. 

While you’re at a new patient exam, consider how your husband/wife and kids will feel under this particular dentist’s care. The dentist’s personality is a significant factor in whether your family will enjoy dental visits. Also, as for a special request, like a pillow or bottled water and see what happens. 

As a patient, also evaluate the gentleness and attentiveness of the dentist and assistant. After the clinical part of your visit, if you like the appointment so far, ask the dentist questions that will help you decide whether he/she is right for your family.

Is the office on a route you normally travel?

Making time for dental checkups and cleanings is difficult enough with busy schedules and lots of commitments. Finding a great dentist whose office is on or very near your regular daily driving route will make appointments more convenient. 

How often will you visit your dentist? You and your household members will always need six-month preventive denitstry appointments, and being able to book them back-to-back or simultaneously is a benefit you should inquire about. You may also need restorative procedures after your checkup, and those can take one to three appointments, in most cases. Restorative dentistry includes fillings, crowns, bridges, etc. Also, if someone in your family wants Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to visit the dentist every six weeks until treatment completion. 

Your Family Dentist in Duncan, OK: Dr. Matthew Bridges

Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580.255.4880 today, and schedule an introductory meeting with Dr. Bridges. You can get a checkup or consultation, experience our five-star service firsthand, and ask questions so that you can return home with answers for everyone. You love your family, and they deserve the best. We agree.

The post How to Choose a Family Dentist in Duncan, OK: Part 1 appeared first on Chisholm Trail.