What is the Main Cause of Crooked Teeth?

crooked teeth

Many patients long for that perfect straight smile. It seems everywhere you turn; you see people with beautiful smiles as a result of braces. If you have crooked teeth, you may feel isolated and your self confidence is lost. Not everyone is born with perfect teeth, and some people will need help in order to get that beautiful straight smile. The good thing is there are many orthodontic options to help correct crooked teeth, and get you the smile of your dreams. At 915 Smile Studio, our dentist in West El Paso have years of experience in orthodontics, and creating beautiful smiles is our passion.

What Are the Common Causes of Crooked Teeth?

Genetics

Genetics is the main cause of crooked teeth in many patients. Unfortunately, we do not have control over how our teeth will develop. If a patient has a smaller mouth, their risk for overcrowding increases. Other causes can be related to jaw issues such as overbites or underbites.

Habits

Many children suck their thumbs or use a pacifier. This can actually do more harm than good, and the damage is typically noticed years later. These types of habits can lead to crooked teeth. If you thrust your tongue or breath through your mouth, this can also cause crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment is typically recommended to straighten teeth, and keep your teeth aligned.

Injury

If you suffered from an injury in the mouth or jaw this can cause crooked teeth. When teeth are loose or lost, this can cause your remaining teeth and jaw to shift, and cause your teeth to become crooked. Seeking help from an orthodontist is important to help repair your mouth, and get your teeth back in place.

Keeping Primary Teeth

Taking care of a child’s baby teeth is important. Primary teeth help the permanent teeth erupt into the right place. If a child loses their primary teeth too early due to decay or trauma, this can directly affect how their permanent teeth erupt. This can cause a child’s permanent teeth to come in crooked.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Orthodontic treatment can help patients with crooked teeth at any age. If you start early, you can get the best possible results. Today, there are many options for orthodontic treatment such as traditional braces or clear aligners. At 915 Smile Studio, we discuss all of the orthodontic options during our detailed consultation process. Depending on the severity of the correction and health of your teeth, we help our patients choose the option that best fits their lifestyle. Your oral health is our priority, and we love to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams.

Looking for a Dentist Near You?

If you are looking for a dentist near you that offers orthodontic treatment, 915 Smile Studio can help. Our doctors have years of experience in orthodontics, and we provide the highest level of service to all of our patients. Don’t live with crooked teeth, let our team help you get on the road to a beautiful smile. Correcting your smile can boost confidence, and allow you to feel great around others.

To schedule your orthodontic consultation with us, contact 915 Smile Studio, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Soon Can I Work After Getting a Root Canal?

root canal infection

Root canals can help save a tooth and are a common procedure done today. Most patients can return to their normal activities directly after their root canal procedure. Patients should plan to rest the day of their root canal procedure, and most can return to work the very next day. Our bodies need proper healing time, and this time can vary between patients.

In most cases we recommend patients can return to work the day after their root canal procedure. Our dentist in West El Paso will discuss after care treatment with you, and answer any post treatment recovery questions you have. We will give you tips on what to do during recovery, and we always recommend calling our office if you have any prolonged pain after your procedure.

What Can I Do Immediately After My Root Canal Treatment To Help With Pain or Swelling?

  • Take over the counter medications or antibiotics if recommended by your doctor.
  • Use cold packs on the area to help with swelling and pain.
  • Follow a soft food diet until the area is healed, and avoid chewing on the tooth that was repaired.

After your root canal procedure, you may experience pain or sensitivity, but this should subside after a few days. Following our after-care guidelines is important, and can help with your recovery. If you have had any type of anesthesia during your root canal, you should avoid operating any machinery for at least 24 hours.

Patients will return home with the area still numb, but this should wear off. Depending on how you feel, and the pain afterwards, will determine if you can return to work the next day. Most patients can resume normal activity directly after their root canal treatment.

Ready to Find Out More About Root Canal Treatment?

If you are interested in finding out more about root canal treatment and how this can benefit you, contact 915 Smile Studio. Our doctors have years of experience in root canal therapy, and always make your oral health a priority. We provide a calm and welcoming environment using state of the art technology. Our practice is accepting new patients, and we welcome you to join our dental family. Come experience quality dentistry you can trust, and let our team help you take control of your oral health.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact 915 Smile Studio, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Do I Get Rid of Bad Breath?

bad breath

Many people suffer from chronic bad breath or halitosis. Bad breath is something you do not want to be known for, and typically finding the cause is easy. If you suffer from bad breath but also brush, floss, or gargle each day the cause may not be obvious. Taking the time to figure out the underlying problem that may be causing your bad breath is important, and finding a cure can be simple.

Common Cause of Bad Breath

Dental Hygiene

The first area patients should focus on is their dental hygiene habits. Gum or mints are only a short term solution, and finding the cause is the only way you can truly get relief from bad breath. Looking at your dental hygiene is a great place to start because dental hygiene is the most common cause of chronic bad breath. About 85% of bad breath comes from inside the mouth. If you do not brush and floss daily, bacteria can get left behind and cause issues with your breath. Bacteria eats the leftover food particles in your mouth, and as a result leaves a foul smelling odor in your mouth and on your teeth.

Devices

If patients wear retainers, dentures, or mouthguards while they sleep, these devices can trap bacteria or food particles if not cleaned properly. This can attribute to halitosis or chronic bad breath. Taking care of your teeth and mouth is extremely important for your overall and oral health, and can prevent issues such as bad breath that could be embarrassing around others.

Cavities or Infection

If you suffer from cavities or have an infection lingering in your mouth that has not been treated, this can cause bad breath. Attending regular visits to our office for your dental cleaning and exam is important. Our skilled dentist in El Paso can get in front of issues such as cavities or infections and prevent further problems in the future. If patients have issues with their tonsils or throat, this can cause bad breath, and can be from an infection such as strep throat. Patients should seek treatment from their primary care physician if they feel there is an issue with their tonsils or throat.

Dry Mouth or Dehydration

Dehydration or dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath. Saliva and water wash away bacteria or food particles. If your mouth is not hydrated this reduces saliva and can cause halitosis. Our saliva contains pertinent minerals and proteins that help defend against bacteria. Staying hydrated is important to keep our mouth healthy and to prevent bad breath.

Other Possible Causes for Bad Breath

  • Diabetes
  • Throat or mouth cancer
  • Sinus infection
  • Digestive issues
  • Acid reflux
  • Lung infection 
  • Liver disease

What Can I Do to Cure My Bad Breath?

  • Brush and floss two times a day
  • Use an antimicrobial rinse daily
  • Tongue scrape daily to remove bacteria
  • Remove any devices and clean them thoroughly
  • Visit our dental office for regular cleanings and exams
  • Review your diet and try and stick to eating healthy foods
  • Drink water and stay hydrated
  • Avoid tobacco products

Looking For Help With Chronic Bad Breath?

There are many simple solutions to cure bad breath. We encourage you to make an appointment for an exam in our office to discuss your concerns. Our skilled staff can help give you tips, and our thorough dental exam can help identify any issues you may have that could be causing chronic bad breath. If you have already tried simple solutions and still notice your bad breath does not go away, we may advise you make an appointment to see your primary care physician. 

If you are interested in finding a solution to cure bad breath we can help. To schedule your appointment contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

Tips to Consider When Choosing an Emergency Dentist?

emergency dentist feat 3

When you have a dental emergency there are a few things to consider when choosing what dentist to visit. Choosing the right dentist can make the process smooth and recovery quicker. In many cases patients do not have time in an emergency to search for the perfect dentist. Doing your research ahead of time is helpful so you know who to call if a dental emergency should occur.

What Should I Look For?

  • Research dentists in your area so the dentist is easy to get to and close to where you live. If you have to drive far to get to your dentist in an emergency this can add stress to the situation.
  • Ask what insurance plans the dental office accepts. Making sure your dentist accepts your insurance is important so you know this up front and are prepared. Call your insurance company and ask for a provider list. This can help give you a list of who has emergency hours and accepts emergency patients.
  • Ask about their hours of operation and if they are open for extended hours. Dental emergencies can happen at any time of the day, and knowing your dentist can accommodate hours outside of the work day may help. If a dentist accepts patients on an emergency basis this should be acceptable.
  • Make sure to ask the dentist if they treat both adults and children. Knowing you can run your child to their office is important ahead of time. For patients with children it is convenient to go to a dentist that handles dental emergencies for the entire family.
  • Ask what services they provide ahead of time. If you have a dental emergency and need cosmetic dental work afterwards, it is important to know if your dentist can provide that service. Otherwise, you may need a referral and have to see another dentist after the emergency is treated.

Interested in Finding Out More?

Preparing for an emergency is important, and knowing where to go can help ease stress during an emergency situation. Make sure to do your research ahead of time so you are prepared in the event of an emergency. Our dental office accommodates dental emergencies, and our patients are in good hands should they need emergency care.

If patients have questions about our emergency procedures and services we encourage you to call our dentist in El Paso. Our friendly staff can answer any questions you may have.

To get in touch with us please contact our office and our staff will be happy to help!

How to Get Rid of Swollen Gums?

swollen gums

Our gums are sensitive, and if we do not practice good oral hygiene habits, they can become inflamed, painful, or infected. Gums are important and help to hold our teeth in place and protect our tooth roots. If gums are not taken care of, bacteria can spread and cause gum disease or other health problems. If you are experiencing swollen or tender gums, we encourage you to contact our office. Gum problems should be addressed promptly to avoid infection or other serious complications.

Why Are My Gums Swollen?

Swollen gums are a response after damage or an injury. If bacteria enter the gums this causes the gums to swell, and try and protect your body from the harmful bacteria. Swollen gums can be caused by your diet, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, or dental appliances that may irritate the area. Symptoms of problems with your gums include bleeding, receding gums, pain, or swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms you must be seen right away to help stop the deterioration of your gums, and avoid infection.

What Can I Do at Home To Help Treat Swollen Gums?

There are many home remedies to help treat swollen or inflamed gums. Rinsing with salt water, tea tree oil, or aloe vera as a mouthwash can help to fight inflammation and heal your gums. Other home remedies include eating foods high in Vitamin D, using a warm or cold compress, or placing black tea bags on the inflamed area.

Home remedies are never a cure for swollen gums, but these remedies can help treat the problem. Anyone with swollen gums should always seek medical advice. The combination of medical treatment and home remedies can get you feeling better quickly. Treating swollen gums or gum disease takes time, and this depends on the severity of the inflammation or infection. Oral hygiene habits at home are extremely important in battling swollen gums and gum disease.

What Professional Treatments Are Available?

There are professional treatments for swollen gums, and depending on the severity of the inflammation will determine which treatment is best. If you have mild to moderate gum inflammation this can be treated with a thorough cleaning and improved oral hygiene habits at home. For severe cases, we offer treatments such as root planing and scaling, laser treatment, or pocket reduction surgery. These treatments can clean and remove the bacteria and tartar from underneath the gums, and repair gums from recession. If you have an infection or abscess our team can help determine the location of the infection, and provide you with antibiotics to help clear up the infection.

Continue to practice good habits at home with brushing and flossing to help heal your gums faster. Drink plenty of water, and get a proper amount of sleep to help your body fight off any bacteria. Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar, and follow a healthy lifestyle with proper exercise daily.

Interested in Finding Out More About Treatment for Swollen Gums?

If you have swollen gums and are in need of treatment, please contact 915 Smile Studio. Our dentist in West El Paso have helped many patients treat swollen gums, and seeking professional help can avoid serious complications. We create a welcoming and calm environment and always provide the highest level of care.

Take that first step towards healthy gums, by calling 915 Smile Studio today to schedule your appointment.

Do Kids Need Dental Crowns?

put a crown on a baby tooth

If your child is prone to cavities, you may wonder if there is anything dentists can do to save their teeth. Cavities are very common in children, and many children are prone to cavities while others are not. If a child has a small cavity, we may choose to just monitor the tooth, or recommend a dental filling. If the tooth has severe decay, a crown may be recommended in order to save the tooth. Dental crowns can protect a severely damaged or decayed tooth, and preserve the tooth underneath.

Why Would My Child Need a Dental Crown?

Primary teeth are very important in a child’s development. They help with growth and development, speech, and eating. It is important to try and keep a child’s primary teeth for as long as you can to protect and maintain their oral health. Primary teeth serve as placeholders for adult teeth. If a child does not have their primary teeth, this can cause orthodontic issues. The adult teeth may not erupt properly or will erupt in the wrong direction. If your child has a cavity, placing a crown on the tooth can leave the primary tooth intact, but protect the tooth from further damage.

How Does a Crown Procedure Work?

Crowns can be placed in one dental visit making this ideal for children. During the procedure, the primary tooth is cleaned and prepared. We use local anesthesia along with Nitrous oxide or laughing gas to keep your child calm and comfortable. Once the tooth is prepped and ready, the crown is gently affixed on top of the tooth. Recovery is minimal, and we recommend waiting a few hours after the procedure to eat or drink. This allows the numb feeling to wear off. Your child’s bite may feel odd, but after a few days, they will adjust to the new crown.

Dental crowns are very durable and should last until the primary tooth is lost. Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home can help keep your crown feeling and looking great. We encourage regular visits to our office to give our doctors the ability to monitor the crown and check for additional decay. Dental cleanings and exams help to keep track of a child’s oral development and can help address cavities or other concerns as your child grows.

Ready To Find Out More About Dental Crowns?

At 915 Smile Studio, your child’s health is our priority. Our dentist in West El Paso have years of experience in pediatric dentistry and love to work with children. We create a calm and relaxing environment and always ensure your child has a positive experience. Let our team at 915 Smile Studio provide quality dental care you can trust.

If you have concerns about your child’s teeth, or they are due for their exam and cleaning, contact 915 Smile Studio, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Much Do Veneers Generally Cost?

veneers

Veneers can help patients correct chips, cracks, uneven, or stained teeth and restore a smile quickly. Dental veneers are made out of either porcelain or composite, and both materials are the color of our natural teeth. Dental veneers are used to cover the front surface of your teeth and require little preparation.

Our dentist in El Paso have years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, and 915 Smile Studio offers many cosmetic services to help rejuvenate your smile. Our skill and attention to detail can help restore your confidence and achieve the perfect smile.

Many patients wonder how much veneers generally cost so they can plan ahead when choosing a treatment plan. Porcelain veneers are the most durable type of veneer and tend to cost more compared to composite veneers. On average porcelain veneers can cost between $900-$2,500 per tooth. On the other hand, composite veneers are easier to place but do cost less compared to porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are not as durable and can cost between $250-$1,500 per tooth.

During our detailed consultation process, our doctor will take a look at your teeth and mouth and determine which type of veneer is best. We encourage our patients to ask questions, and we will help you understand the benefits of each type of veneer.

What Can I Expect During the Veneers Process?

If you decide to move forward with veneers the process is quick and minimally invasive. Porcelain veneers require some preparation during the first appointment to ensure the veneer can bond properly to the tooth. Impressions are taken and sent out, and we require the patient to return for a second appointment to have their veneers placed. Temporary veneers may be used while the patient waits for their permanent veneers.

The process for composite veneers is similar, but this option can be done in just one appointment. The tooth is prepared and the composite material is bonded to the tooth that same day. The area is cured and polished, and your smile is restored.

Both types of veneers can give patients a beautiful natural-looking smile. Let our team at 915 Smile Studio help you correct those areas that bother you, and allow you to feel comfortable around others again. We love helping our patients and welcome you to join our dental family.

What Are the Benefits of Veneers?

  • Little preparation is required.
  • Veneers look and feel natural.
  • Veneers can correct chips, cracks, or uneven teeth.
  • Can close gaps between teeth.
  • Durable and stain-resistant.
  • Low maintenance and cost-effective.
  • Can be placed in only two appointments.

Contact Us Today to Transform your Smile!

If you are ready to take that first step towards a new smile, 915 Smile Studio can help. We would love to provide you with more information about veneers, and how they may benefit you. Our team is committed to providing the very best care for all of our patients. Let us know how we can help you brighten your smile!

To schedule your appointment with us, contact 915 Smile Studio, and our team will be happy to assist you.

How Much Radiation is in a Dental X-ray?

radiation in dental x ray

Dental x-rays are commonly used when you visit your dentist in El Paso. Many patients wonder if dental x-rays are safe and if they should worry about radiation exposure. Expressing concerns about your health and safety is normal, and the good news is that dental x-rays are extremely safe. You may notice your hygienist covers you with protective equipment and leaves the room during the x-ray. This is to avoid repeated exposure because hygienists perform x-rays daily as part of their cleaning and exam routines. The protective equipment placed on the patient helps to further protect your body and organs that are more sensitive to radiation exposure.

Every day we are exposed to levels of radiation naturally in the environment, and dental x-rays only make up a small fraction of the average daily dose of radiation each day. Patients do not need to worry about exposure, as the amount is so low there is nothing to be concerned about.

Are Dental X-Ray’s Safe?

Dental x-rays do not require much radiation to produce images. With the new technology used today x-rays use 90% less radiation exposure and are safe for patients. Diagnostic imaging gives our team the ability to see inside your teeth and this allows the detection of decay, bone loss, or oral cancer. X-rays can help prevent future issues by diagnosing and treating anything we see promptly.

Benefits of Dental X-Ray’s

  • Detect decay, fillings, gum disease, and oral cancer.
  • Detect changes in soft or hard tissues.
  • Show jawbone development
  • Detect bone loss

Interested in Learning More About How Dental X-rays Can Benefit You?

If you are interested in learning how dental x-rays can benefit you, or you are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, contact 915 Smile Studio. We provide the highest level of service and use the latest technology and equipment. Let our team help you care for your smile, and prevent unnecessary visits to the dentist. Our doctors have years of experience and love to help patients care for their teeth and gums. Oral health is extremely important and is directly linked to our overall health. Attending your regular dental visits can help to detect issues and keep your smile looking and feeling great.

To schedule an appointment with us contact 915 Smile Studio, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

How Does Digital Smile Design Work?

oral health

Digital Smile Design gives patients the ability to transform their smiles and get rid of imperfections they are unhappy with. The Digital Smile Design process can look at the entire picture, and gives our doctors the ability to create a smile using combinations of various cosmetic services.

We begin with our consultation process where our dentist in West El Paso examines your teeth and mouth, and we listen to your smile goals. The Digital Smile Design process improves the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, as well as the function of your jaw and mouth. We evaluate the size, shape, and position of your teeth and bite, as well as gum health and visibility. Our team will determine what cosmetic solutions will work best and create a customized treatment plan. The Smile Design software can produce digital images to show you what your smile will look like once the process is complete.

What Can I Expect When I Begin the Digital Smile Design Process?

Once your customized treatment plan has been created, we will begin by reviewing your digital images to discuss what your smile will look like at the end of the process. Patients are encouraged to ask questions to help them to understand what is required to achieve the end result. Our team will help you book your first appointment, and we will discuss the order of each treatment and the length of time your Smile Design will take to complete. The Smile Design Process varies in length, and this depends on the level of correction needed, and the number of cosmetic treatments required.

Cosmetic Treatments Commonly Used in the Digital Smile Design Process

  • Dental bonding
  • Dental veneers
  • Teeth whitening
  • Crowns or bridges
  • Shaping the teeth
  • Dental implants
  • Gum contouring

What Are the Benefits of Digital Smile Design?

  • Results are customized to your smile needs.
  • Patients are extremely happy with their new smiles.
  • Confidence and self-esteem are restored.

Ready To Transform Your Smile and Find Out More About Digital Smile Design?

If you have imperfections that bother you, and you are ready to take that first step towards a new smile, then Digital Smile Design may be the perfect solution. Our doctors have years of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and love to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams. We create a comfortable and relaxing environment where patients can feel at home when they visit our office. Our treatment rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and our team is always learning the latest techniques in the dental industry.

Let 915 Smile Studio help you feel proud to speak and smile in front of others with our Digital Smile Design Process. We can help you restore your confidence with a beautiful smile.

To schedule your consultation with us, contact 915 Smile Studio, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Are Porcelain Veneers Better Than Composite Veneers?

types of veneers

If you have chipped, cracked, stained, or uneven teeth and are embarrassed to speak around others, veneers can transform your smile. Veneers can make your teeth look natural and the process is easy and minimally invasive. The veneers are bonded to your teeth using a cement material and little preparation is required. The two common types of veneers used today are porcelain and composite veneers. Both materials can correct imperfections and match the shade of your natural teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are durable and made out of ceramic. This material is easily customized to fit your teeth and is great for correcting chips, gaps, or uneven teeth. The thin shells of porcelain are applied to the outer surface of your teeth, and the process typically only requires two office visits.

During the veneer procedure, we gently prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel. This helps the material to bond to your teeth. Our team will take impressions of your teeth and these are sent out to a lab. We can place temporary veneers while we wait for your permanent veneers to be fabricated. When you return for your second appointment, we will bond the veneers to your teeth and restore your smile.

Porcelain veneers tend to be more durable and last longer compared to composite veneers. On average, porcelain veneers last between 10-15 years and have less risk for breaking or chipping. We do recommend patients be careful with their porcelain veneers. If a veneer is damaged, the entire veneer must be replaced. Porcelain veneers look natural and are stain-resistant. They do tend to cost more compared to composite veneers, and this is because both placement and the overall process are more time-consuming.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are similar to porcelain veneers and also help to correct gaps, chips, or uneven length. The overall process for composite veneers is a lot faster, and can be completed in just one appointment. Composite veneers are durable, but not as durable as porcelain veneers, and may not last as long. On average, composite veneers can last between 4-8 years and cost less compared to porcelain veneers.

If your composite veneers are damaged the composite material is easier to fix compared to porcelain veneers. During the composite veneer process, we prepare your teeth by cleaning the surface to ensure the veneer can bond properly to the tooth. The composite resin material is added to your teeth, and the area is cured. We then polish the teeth leaving you with a brand-new smile.

Which Type of Veneer Is Best for Me?

When choosing the best type of veneer, we will begin with a detailed consultation to examine your teeth. The veneer used will depend on the severity of the correction required and the work that is needed to restore your smile. Our dentist in West El Paso will educate you on the different types of veneers and the benefits of each to help you make the best decision.

What Are the Benefits of Veneers?

  • Veneers look and feel natural and comfortable.
  • There is little preparation required for veneers.
  • Veneers can be placed in only two appointments.
  • Veneers can help correct cracks, chips, or uneven teeth.
  • Veneers can close gaps between teeth.
  • Veneers are durable and stain-resistant.
  • Confidence is increased and self-esteem restored.
  • Veneers are low maintenance.
  • Veneers cost less compared to other cosmetic treatments.

Ready To Find Out More About Dental Veneers?

If you have cracked, chipped, or an uneven smile and are looking for a solution, then veneers may be what you are looking for. Veneers are cost-efficient compared to other solutions and require little preparation. Our team at 915 Smile Studio and help you achieve the smile you have always wanted with our cosmetic services.

At 915 Smile Studio, we create a welcoming and friendly environment for our patients, and our treatment rooms are equipped with the latest technology. Let our team help you feel comfortable talking and smiling around others again with our cosmetic services.

To schedule your smile consultation with us, contact 915 Smile Studio, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.