If you’re thinking about upgrading your smile, contact Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. He and our dedicated team can help you choose the best treatment for you–like veneers! Call our friendly team at (580) 255-4880 to learn more.

Before getting veneers, you should be aware of several important factors to ensure that you make the right decision for your dental health. In this blog post, we reveal six things you should consider before getting treatment.

Veneers Are Not Reversible

When a dentist prepares a tooth for veneers, they remove a thin layer of enamel from the tooth’s surface. Dentists must do this to make room for the veneer. Otherwise, it will not sit flush against the tooth properly. 

The process of removing tooth enamel is irreversible. This means that once the enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced. Patients must be sure that they want veneers for the rest of their lives before proceeding with the procedure.

They Require Regular Maintenance

Although veneers are durable, they are not indestructible. To prevent accidental damage, patients should:

• Practice good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day and flossing once a day)
• Avoid biting into hard objects
• Avoid using the teeth as tools

Additionally, patients should continue to visit their dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to ensure their prosthetics are in good condition.

Veneers May Not Be For Everyone

While veneers can improve the appearance of many dental issues, they may not be suitable for all cases. Patients with severe tooth decay, gum disease, or weakened teeth may require other dental procedures to restore their oral health.

Veneers Can Be Expensive 

While these prosthetics offer some protection from wear and tear, most insurance companies view veneer treatment as an elective, cosmetic procedure. This means that most insurance companies do not cover this treatment. As a result, patients may be responsible for all costs, which can average roughly $1,000 per treated tooth.

The Process Requires Multiple Appointments

During the first visit, the dentist examines the patient’s teeth and creates a treatment plan. In subsequent visits, the dentist prepares the teeth, takes impressions, and places the veneers. Patients should be prepared to commit to the process and follow the dentist’s instructions for the best results.

Veneers May Not Be An Exact Match

Patients can customize the color and shape of their prosthetics to match their natural teeth. However, surrounding natural teeth may continue to discolor over time while the prosthetics may not. This can make treatment more noticeable over time.

Veneer Dentist in Duncan, OK

Although this treatment is safe, effective, and long-lasting, it is important for you to have all the facts. If you’re interested in moving forward with treatment, then contact the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today! Simply send us a message here or call (580) 255-4880 to get started now.

The post Everything You Should Know Before Getting Veneers appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges plays close attention to the details. He understands that something seemingly minor, like your tooth shape, can have a major impact on your appearance. With his skill and specialized training in Predictable Esthetics, he can give you the smile you dream of. 

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today to schedule your consultation.

Are square teeth undesirable?

Not necessarily! Every person’s tooth shape is unique. But certain shapes do tend to convey specific personality traits. Some people feel that square teeth indicate self-assurance, ambition, and extroversion. Others think that square teeth seem more masculine. So for you, square teeth may be ideal! 

On the other hand, if you want your smile to exude gentleness, youthfulness, and femininity, round teeth may be more suited to your personality. In these instances, Dr. Bridges can help you select a cosmetic treatment to meet your needs.

Tooth Contouring

Tooth contouring is the most conservative option for square teeth. Dr. Bridges will remove some of your enamel, smoothing the sharper corners and edges of your teeth. Enamel is the body’s hardest substance. Its job is to protect the soft inner tissue of teeth and help prevent decay. Therefore, removing a tiny amount of this tissue will not compromise the structural integrity or health of your teeth. 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers offer even more transformative results than contouring. They may be appropriate if you desire more significant tooth reshaping. They can also be beneficial if you wish to address multiple cosmetic concerns. For instance, veneers can cover up dark internal stains, minor chips, and gaps between teeth, among other things. 

Veneers are incredibly popular, thanks to their dramatic results and durability. They have a 93.5% survival rate after 10 years, and can easily last up to 20. Because of these advantages, the global market for veneers is expected to nearly double by 2028.

Composite Veneers

If you opt for composite veneers, also known as dental bonding, Dr. Bridges will reshape your teeth by coating them in composite resin. He will sculpt the material, rounding the edges to conceal your square teeth. Then he will cure, or harden, the resin with a special light. 

You might choose composite veneers over porcelain if you are on a budget. They may also be appropriate if you have worn enamel and thus cannot undergo the preparation process for porcelain veneers. The drawback is that dental bonding is not as durable. At the same time, however, composite veneers are reversible so re-treatment is not necessary later down the road. 

Schedule a Cosmetic Consultation 

If square teeth are keeping you from the smile you desire, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center for a cosmetic consultation. 

You can make an appointment online or call (580) 255-4880. 

The post 3 Cosmetic Treatments to Fine Tune Your Square Teeth appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges gets to know each of his patients personally. He also offers an array of treatment options performed with advanced materials. This allows him to create a unique smile design just for you. 

To find out how you can achieve a smile that suits your personality, contact our Duncan, OK, office today.

Visagism: A Growing Art

Visagism is a recently developed art form that melds aesthetics with advanced science. Visagism comes from the French word “visage,” meaning face. Its purpose is to create smiles that match an individual’s sense of self. 

Visagism is based on the concept of the four temperaments:

• Sensitive types are usually very organized, introverted, and abstract thinkers. 

• Dynamic extroverts are enthusiastic, joyful, and great communicators. 

• Peaceful individuals are spiritual and diplomatic.
• Strong types are passionate, decisive, fearless, and good leaders.

Clinicians who practice visagism believe that certain shapes are archetypal and suggest specific personality traits. Therefore, your tooth shape should match your particular temperament.

Square Teeth 

Square (or rectangular) teeth are quite defined and tend to reflect a strong and defined personality. They can also convey a sense of discipline and self-control. Square teeth also tend to have a masculine look. 

If you feel that these traits match your personality, you may want straighter-edged teeth. In this case, porcelain veneers can be a great cosmetic dentistry option. These incredibly thin shells form a new facade for your teeth. By designing veneers with straighter edges and more defined angles, Dr. Bridges can give you a strong and determined appearance. 

Dental bonding (or composite veneers) can achieve similar effects. However, instead of attaching porcelain to your teeth, Dr. Bridges will cover them in composite resin. He will sculpt the material before it hardens, creating lines and angles to achieve your desired results. 

Round Teeth

Round teeth often give a sense of delicacy and femininity. They can also indicate youthfulness, exuberance, and a positive outlook. It is important to note that overly rounded teeth could be a sign of tooth erosion. 

Many times, veneers and dental bonding can be a great way to soften lines and give patients rounder teeth. In other instances, tooth contouring may be a better alternative. During this treatment, Dr. Bridges will carefully trim the edges of your teeth. By removing a tiny amount of enamel, he can change the shape without causing any discomfort or dental sensitivity. 

Achieve Your Ideal Tooth Shape

Do you feel that your smile doesn’t match who you are inside? Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center to schedule a cosmetic consultation. 

You can reach us online or give us a call at (580) 255-4880.

The post Square and Round Teeth: What Your Tooth Shape Says about You appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

The post Square vs. Round Teeth: What Shape Should My Teeth Be? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers a full spectrum of cosmetic care. Contact us today to learn more about gum contouring and to find out if it is the optimal treatment for you.

What Is Gum Contouring?

During gum contouring, also known as a gum lift, Dr. Bridges will remove a tiny amount of soft tissue to raise and reshape your gum line. Your gums will be numb during the procedure, and Dr. Bridges will only remove a few millimeters of tissue at most. Therefore, you should experience minimal discomfort. 

Treatment for a Gummy Smile 

A gum lift can address a condition known as a “gummy smile.” This condition does not have any adverse health effects. Nonetheless, when you have excess gum tissue, it can have a notable impact on your appearance, making your teeth look small or worn down. It may make you appear older than you are or, conversely, it can give your smile a childlike look. 

Excess gum tissue, also known as gingival hyperplasia or hypertrophy, can occur for a number of reasons. These include: 

• Inflammation due to a buildup of plaque on the teeth
• Certain medications
• Pregnancy
• Hormone imbalances
• Diseases such as leukemia 

In many cases, gingival hyperplasia is simply congenital. 

Candidates for Gum Contouring

If you have a gummy smile or a crooked gum line, gum contouring may be right for you. Before undergoing a gum lift, however, you should have good dental and periodontal health. If you have active decay or gum disease, Dr. Bridges will need to treat these conditions before beginning cosmetic care. 

What to Expect after Treatment

Following a gum lift, you should expect some minor swelling and inflammation. Typically, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen are enough to keep discomfort at bay. While the treatment requires little downtime, you may need to limit strenuous activity for a few days. 

For at least two or three days following surgery, you will need to eat a soft diet to avoid irritating your sensitive tissue. Some good foods to include in your diet are: 

• Cottage cheese
• Scrambled eggs
• Soups without large bits of meat
• Ice cream
• Smoothies

A full recovery should take no more than a few weeks. 

Combining Gum Contouring with Other Cosmetic Procedures

Gum contouring can have dramatic effects for your smile by itself. Nonetheless, many patients choose to combine a gum lift with additional treatment for even more comprehensive effects. Common procedures to combine include: 

• Porcelain veneers
• Teeth whitening 
• Tooth contouring 
• Composite veneers (dental bonding)

Dr. Bridges can advise you regarding which procedure or procedures you ought to undergo first. 

Contact Us to Schedule a Cosmetic Consultation

Learn more about gum contouring and the results you can expect. To contact us, you can send us a message online or you can call us at (580) 255-4880. Dr. Bridges and his friendly team proudly treat patients in Duncan, OK, and the nearby communities. 

The post Try Gum Contouring for a Bigger, Brighter Smile!  appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Types of Cosmetic Dental Treatments

There are several cosmetic treatments on the market today, which is why patients should work with their dentists to create a treatment plan that works for them. Dr. Bridges helps his patients make tailored treatment plans with the following cosmetic services:

• Porcelain Veneers: These thin (yet strong) porcelain shells cover minor imperfections, such as chipped, crooked, or discolored teeth. 
• Composite Veneers: Also called dental bonding, composite resin is a malleable dental material that closely matches the color of natural teeth. Composite veneers are affordable, convenient, and, if necessary, removable.
• Tooth Contouring: Tooth reshaping is a simple procedure in which patients improve their tooth length and shape. In just 30 minutes, patients drastically change the symmetry and appearance of their smiles with tooth contouring. 
• Teeth Whitening: Patients who want a dazzling, bright smile can receive whitening treatments in-office or in the comfort of their own homes. Dr. Bridges offers Zoom!® in-office whitening treatments that help patients get a grin that is up to eight shades brighter in as little as 45 minutes. For similar results at home, Dr. Bridges provides Opalescence® take-home whitening treatments by Ultradent for convenient, at-home whitening.

Cosmetic Dentistry Candidacy

Cosmetic dentistry does not necessarily improve dental health or function. Therefore, patients must have good oral health before receiving cosmetic services. Patients who need to improve their oral health before cosmetic procedures may receive preventative and restorative services to prepare them beforehand. 

Aside from having satisfactory oral health, good candidates for cosmetic dentistry include patients who want to:

• Change the size and shape of their teeth
• Straighten misaligned teeth
• Close gaps between their teeth
• Hide chipped teeth
• Improve stained or discolored teeth

Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation in Duncan, OK

Whatever patients choose to improve, they will need to determine their candidacy for cosmetic treatments. That’s why Dr. Bridges offers in-depth consultations that focus on each patient’s goals and concerns. These consultations also fully assess a patient’s oral health standing. Dr. Bridges may take x-rays, pictures, or schedule additional preventative or restorative services at this appointment before performing cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Are you ready to finally get the smile that you’ve always wanted? At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L.Bridges helps his patients get their dream smiles with cosmetic dentistry treatments. With qualifications through The American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Dr. Bridges provides his patients with contemporary, proven, and safe cosmetic treatments.

Let our caring team help you get your dream smile by scheduling a consultation today. Call us at (580) 255-4880 or contact us online to get started.

The post Cosmetic Dentistry: Upgrade Your Smile in Duncan, OK appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Tooth loss occurs for many reasons, including trauma, decay, and disease. But no matter the reason, the most important factor to consider is how to replace lost teeth. For patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth or have random, sporadic tooth loss, dentures may be the best option.

If you are in the Duncan, OK, area and need dentures but worry about them looking fake, you can trust Dr. Matthew Bridges. He has the experience needed and understands the complexities involved to give you a beautiful smile with one of his realistic denture options. He will fabricate your dentures to fit your face and smile’s natural proportions properly, ensuring they are the correct width and height.

3 Tooth Options for Realistic Dentures

At Chisolm Trail Smile Center, we fabricate our dentures with teeth supplied from the nation’s top-selling brand, Dentsply Trubyte. We offer three different tooth material options, and the one that’s best for you depends on your needs, desires, and budget. While the materials differ, each option is customized to blend in with the aesthetics of your smile and face. The result is realistic dentures that look and feel natural.

Option #1:  Economy

Even those on a tight budget can enjoy a beautiful smile. While the economy level is budget-friendly, the outcome is high-quality. This denture is fabricated using Bioform teeth, which are formulated from synthetic resin. A wide selection of shades and shapes are available to give you an aesthetically pleasing result.

Option #2: Deluxe

Deluxe is a step above economy and uses TruExpression teeth. This is the newest tooth option from Dentsply, and these upgraded teeth provide realistic shade blending and high wear resistance. The result is durable, natural-looking, realistic dentures.

Option #3: Premium

Our highest quality option utilizes Portrait IPN. These teeth are a unique blend of hybrid materials to provide superior durability and mimic natural tooth enamel. They are available in all 16 shades and deliver an unmatched combination of performance, function, and aesthetics.

The Most Realistic Denture Option

When most people think of dentures, they envision an arch of teeth held in place with an adhesive. They recall memories of their grandparents’ dentures that clicked and clacked while they talked and came loose when they ate.

Today’s dentures are much improved, and this is especially true for patients who opt for implant-supported dentures.

Implant-supported dentures are the most stable and reliable option. Instead of resting on the gums, they attach to dental implants placed in the jawbone. Not only does this option offer the highest level of support, but the implants also mimic the roots of the teeth. This stimulates the jawbone and prevents the usual bone recession that occurs with the loss of tooth roots.

Have you have ever noticed the “sunken in” appearance of the face that leaves a denture wearer looking older? This is the consequence of bone recession. Since dental implants help prevent bone recession, the face can retain its natural appearance.

For implant-supported dentures, Dr. Bridges will refer you to a specialist he trusts for implant surgery. The implants will take approximately three to six months to integrate into the jaw fully. Once this occurs, Dr. Bridges will fabricate your custom dentures and securely attach them to your implants.

Restore Your Smile with Realistic Dentures

Isn’t it time to stop being embarrassed by tooth loss? If you desire realistic dentures that feel and look natural, look no further. Call Chisolm Trail Smile Center at (580) 255-4880 or contact us online today to schedule your consultation.

The post Will my dentures feel and look realistic? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you are dissatisfied with your smile because of missing, crooked, or discolored teeth, your Duncan, OK dentist can help. So, which dentist should you choose? We can help! Here’s what you should look for when seeking cosmetic dental solutions:

1. A well-rounded cosmetic dentist

Not all dentists are equal. When searching for a dentist to fix your cosmetic dental problems, you’ll also want a dentist who provides preventative and restorative treatments as well.

Why? Sometimes patients need to focus on gaining a healthy smile before they start their journey towards a more beautiful smile. For individuals with dental problems, your general dentist will be able to fill any cavities, treat an infection, or simply provide a deep dental cleaning to help you achieve optimal oral health. Once this is complete, you and your dentist can begin working together to create your picture-perfect smile.

In addition, choosing a general dentist will allow you to save time and money without sacrificing the quality of oral care you will receive.

2. The cosmetic services you need

If you check out the services tab on a dentist’s website, you’ll most likely find a list of cosmetic treatments that they offer. These will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Porcelain veneers
• Composite veneers
• Tooth contouring
• Teeth whitening

If you like the dentist but don’t see the service you are looking for, call their office and ask what other cosmetic solutions are offered.

Remember, while you probably have an idea of what cosmetic dental procedures you’ll need, the opinion of a professional dentist is the only way to be certain about what treatments you are a suitable candidate for.

3. A friendly environment

There’s nothing worse than spending money at a place where you don’t feel welcome. After viewing the dentist’s website, schedule an initial consultation, so you can get to know the dentist, their team, and the environment of the office.

You should feel cared for and worry-free as soon as you walk into the dental office. So, take the time to find the dentist who makes you feel like part of the family as soon as you walk in their door.

Cosmetic dental treatments require a lot of communication with your dentist so that you can achieve the smile of your dreams. A friendly dentist and team make that goal much easier to achieve.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

Whether you want to change the shape, color, or size of your teeth, there is a cosmetic dental solution for you. Visit your Duncan, OK dentist today for a consultation to determine which cosmetic treatments are right for you.

Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry options to improve your smile. As a general dentist, his goal is to help you achieve and maintain the best possible oral health, but giving you a smile you want to show off is the icing on the cake.

Contact our friendly team today at 580-255-4880 to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Bridges. Be sure to ask about our teeth whitening special!

The post Where should I go for cosmetic dentistry in Duncan, OK? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you’re considering a professional teeth whitening, you may wonder, Is it worth it? How long will the results last?

It varies based on what whitening method you use. Here are three different whitening options and how long they last:

1.      In-Office Teeth Whitening

At our office, we trust Zoom!® to give you the best results. Zoom! can lighten your natural teeth by up to eight shades in just one hour. One of our trained dental professionals will apply the hydrogen peroxide whitening gel three different times to your teeth. The Zoom light will then be placed over your teeth for 15 minutes.

The effects of this treatment can last anywhere from six months to years. It all depends on how you take care of your teeth. Avoid foods, drinks, and habits that stain teeth to enjoy the effects for years.

2.      Take-Home Teeth Whitening

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we also offer take-home treatments. This way, you can brighten your smile at your own convenience—all you need to do is wear the tray for 15 minutes a day or all night! The whitening product we offer is Opalescence® by Ultradent. Because this product is not as strong as our in-office treatments, it takes about two weeks to produce your desired results, but they are just as dramatic.

Just like in-office treatments, take-home whitening treatments will produce lasting results as long as you make good dental choices. You may also consider using Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste to help maintain your new smile.

3.      Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening

While toothpastes, strips, and over-the-counter whitening trays do produce results, they will not provide long-lasting effects. Here are the facts:

• Whitening toothpaste might brighten your teeth up to one shade, and the results last about one month.
• Whitening strips whiten teeth up to two shades and can last up to two months.
• Over-the-counter whitening trays lighten teeth up to three shades brighter and last about one month.

We’ve all heard the saying “you get what you pay for.” You can spend less money on whitening products from the drug store, but they just won’t give you the dramatic and long-term results you want.

Visit Your Duncan, OK Dentist Today

We love to help our patients achieve a brighter smile so they can feel more confident and beautiful than before. If you are looking for a fast, reliable, and efficient way to achieve a show-stopping smile, professional teeth whitening could be the answer.

Before receiving this treatment, it’s essential that you must have healthy teeth and gums. If you have a dental issue that needs to be addressed, we are prepared to treat it. We can restore your teeth and gums back to health so you can receive professional whitening.

To schedule your appointment and learn if you are a good candidate for this treatment, contact our friendly staff today at (580) 255-4880.

The post How long do teeth whitening results last? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Trauma

Traumatic injuries to teeth can result from a sports injury or accident. Often, these injuries result in minor damage, such as a chip or crack, to a tooth. If a crack is large enough, it may spread to the root. This type of injury may require tooth extraction or placement of a dental crown to preserve oral health. 

Complications Related to Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are commonly extracted for a variety of reasons. Around 10 million third molars are removed each year in the United States. Wisdom teeth are prone to becoming impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge. Partially impacted teeth partly emerge while fully impacted wisdom teeth are unable to emerge at all. This situation can cause a wide range of dental problems, including an increased risk for cavities or infection or dental crowding. 

Even when a wisdom tooth fully emerges, it is often at an increased risk for cavities because wisdom teeth are difficult to clean. During your dental exam, Dr. Bridges will determine if your wisdom tooth requires extraction. The procedure is far more comfortable than most people anticipate. 

An Abscess

Wisdom teeth are prone to developing an abscess due to the fact that they are more difficult to clean. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms inside a wisdom tooth, often near the root. Patients often notice pain as a result of this advanced infection. By the time symptoms arise, the body’s ability to fight off the infection has probably been compromised. To protect your jaw and surrounding tissue, an emergency tooth extraction will likely be needed. 

Failed Root Canal Procedure

There are multiple reasons that a root canal can fail and require tooth extraction. If all the bacteria are not removed from within the tooth before it is sealed, the infection can reemerge. If the structure of the dental crown is compromised, bacteria can reenter the tooth’s pulp. The inner seal that is placed following your root canal therapy can break down over time. Whatever the cause, the presence of an advanced infection within the tooth following root canal therapy may require tooth extraction to prevent further health problems. 

Cosmetic Considerations

Many people do not realize that tooth extraction can be combined with orthodontic treatments or other procedures to add symmetry and beauty to your smile. Removing wisdom teeth can prevent the teeth from ruining your smile following treatments using Invisalign or traditional braces. Some patients can benefit from tooth extraction as preparation for placement of implant-supported prosthetics or dentures.  

Contact Our Duncan, OK Office Today

Many of the dental problems that require tooth extraction are considered dental emergencies. If you are experiencing the sudden onset of pain from a tooth, contact our office by calling (580) 255-4880. Our staff will set up an immediate appointment to address your dental needs.  

The post Reasons You May Need to Undergo Tooth Extraction appeared first on Chisholm Trail.