4 Advantages of Dental Veneers

our dentist in Burleson fitting porcelain dental veneers on a patient

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental care procedure that can improve the appearance and function of your smile. Instead of spending weeks or months gradually changing your teeth with braces or whitening, Alsbury Dental dental veneers can offer you a new smile in just a few appointments.

Dental veneers are a minimally invasive way to give yourself the smile makeover you want without undergoing aggressive treatment, and the results are life-changing. If you’ve been thinking about getting veneers, Dr. Megan Belken will be happy to provide you with a customized evaluation.

What are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are made up of thin layers of porcelain that are affixed to the front of your teeth. Dr. Megan Belken bonds the thin porcelain shell on your teeth with minimal preparation to your tooth enamel. The veneer, sometimes known as a “false face,” masks any flaws or blemishes in your smile. Veneers can be installed alongside one another, significantly improving your entire smile as opposed to just one or two teeth.

How Veneers Can Help

Dental veneers are comprised of long-lasting, high-quality materials that do not discolor like enamel. Instead, they retain their brightness over time. Veneers are used strictly for the purpose of improving the appearance of your front teeth. You can brighten and balance your smile by correcting issues related to tooth shape, color, or alignment. Best of all, with Alsbury Dental’s minimally invasive veneers, you’ll see a difference right away.

1. Increased Self-Confidence

If you feel self-conscious about your teeth, it may be difficult for you to talk in public, laugh around friends, or even take part in a photoshoot with people you care about. Once the veneers have changed your smile, you will feel more confident in front of others (and the mirror!)

2. You’ll Smile More

You’ll find yourself smiling more frequently now that you love the way your teeth look. Feel free to strike up a discussion and create an excellent first impression, which may have made you nervous before getting a smile makeover.

3. A Healthier-Looking Smile

Dental veneers match the color of your existing teeth or the shade of your preference, making them appear natural yet attractive. Not only that, but veneers improve the appearance of your bite by covering up any gaps or imperfections in your smile alignment.

4. A Younger Appearance

Dental veneers have the most visible before-and-after results of any cosmetic dentistry treatment we offer. When your teeth look younger and healthier, you will too!

Who Should Get Veneers?

You might be wondering if porcelain veneers are right for you. Typically, we recommend them for situations involving:

● Severe discoloration
● Misshaped or short teeth
● Slightly chipped teeth
● Misaligned teeth
● Small gaps in your smile

Schedule Your Consultation

Contact our Burleson cosmetic dentist today to learn more about the dental veneer experience and planning process. We can determine if you’re a good candidate or if you’d benefit more from another cosmetic dentistry option. We look forward to seeing you soon!

What to do If You Have a Dental Emergency Over Summer Vacation

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for dental emergencies in Burleson. Not only are kids on summer break, but adults and children are more likely to participate in outdoor activities and recreational sports. As a result, they are more likely to be involved in situations where accidents, falls, hits, and other injuries occur frequently.

Summer usually brings an increase in dental emergencies at Alsbury Dental, including:

Toothaches: A severe toothache may indicate a serious problem. If your tooth pain prevents you from eating or going to work, we recommend that you see our emergency dentist.

Abscessed Teeth: Dental abscesses are not only painful, but the infection can spread quickly if endodontic therapy is not used (root canal treatment.)

Fractured Teeth: Broken or chipped teeth are extremely sensitive and require immediate treatment to prevent pain, further decay, and infection.

Tooth Avulsion (Knocked Out Teeth): While a knocked-out tooth cannot always be
saved, Dr. Megan Belken will do everything possible to replace it. Endodontic treatment is
usually required.

Prevent Emergencies Before They Happen

Fortunately, the majority of dental emergencies are avoidable. In addition to maintaining your routine exams, it’s important to remember to wear your sports mouthguard whenever you are outside with the kids, on the trampoline, or doing your usual exercise routine.

Start flossing daily, even if you haven’t done so previously. Food can get lodged beneath the gums or between the teeth, where it can cause swelling and discomfort.

Popcorn kernels are a common example. Tie a knot in your flossing string and run it through your teeth from one side to the other to remove stuck-on food. Flossing is commonly thought to pull out dental work, but this is simply not true. If flossing moves a crown or filling out of place, it is already loose and will fall out. It’s not flossing that you have to worry about!

Treating Pain Until You Can See Our Dentist

In the unfortunate event that you do experience a summertime dental emergency, here are a few things you can do to reduce pain until you can visit our office.

Take ibuprofen (Motrin) or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication as directed.

● Every 20 minutes, alternately apply a cold compress to that side of your mouth.
● Eat on the opposite side of your mouth as much as possible.
● Rinse with warm salt water several times per day to aid in the removal of
infection and inflammation.
● Clean and floss around your gumlines on a daily basis, as this is where plaque
bacteria tend to congregate the most.
● Make your own “miracle mouthwash” without the prescription lidocaine for soft-
tissue injuries like rashes, ulcers, or trauma.

Please keep in mind that none of these do-it-yourself toothache/emergency dental therapies are intended to provide long-term relief. The goal is to relieve your pain until we can see you in our office.

Don’t Wait! Call Us Today

It may appear impossible to find an emergency dentist on short notice, but that is not the case at Alsbury Dental. Call our office right away if you need to see an emergency dentist.

Four Reasons to Professionally Whiten Your Smile

Brightening the color of your smile is an excellent way to improve its appearance or to kickstart your journey to a makeover. Professional whitening is an ideal choice if you simply want to make your teeth look better or if you need an affordable cosmetic treatment.

Are you considering having your teeth whitened but feeling a little unsure? At Alsbury Dental, we whiten hundreds of smiles each year for a variety of reasons. If you’re still debating the benefits and drawbacks of professional teeth whitening in Burleson, consider the following four reasons before passing up the opportunity:

Before Restorative Treatments

Assume you’re about to get a new dental implant and crown to replace a missing front tooth. Or maybe you need a filling that will be visible when you smile and you want it to match the tooth around it. If you ever want to whiten your teeth, you won’t be able to do so unless you replace the dental work you’ve had done. Why? Because whitening products do not work on dental restorations.

Instead, it’s best to whiten your teeth professionally first, Dr. Megan Belken can match the
material to the new luminance of your teeth. Your teeth will begin whiter, and you can
continue to whiten them over time.

Prior to a Smile Makeover

Are you ready for something dramatic, such as dental veneers, or to add bonding to uneven areas? We recommend that you whiten your teeth first.

Here’s why: teeth whitening complements other cosmetic treatments, and in some cases eliminates the need for otherwise unnecessary treatments. Perhaps you want a few teeth bonded but also whiter, so you choose veneers. Instead, you could combine professional teeth whitening teeth with a small amount of matched composite shaped over the problem spot.

As a Mini Smile Makeover

Brightening your teeth is an effective cosmetic treatment that can also be used as a stand-alone smile makeover. The best part is that it is quick, efficient, and inexpensive. If you aren’t ready to commit to gum recontouring, dental veneers, or bonding, teeth whitening is a great place to start.

Professional whitening costs a fraction of the price of more complex aesthetic procedures. So, if a major makeover isn’t in the cards right now, teeth whitening is probably still doable.

Your smile will be several shades whiter after treatment. We’ll show you how to keep the results and touch up your tooth color for months, if not years, after your initial treatment.

For Life’s Special Events

There’s a lot to be said about the appearance of your teeth. Indeed, studies have shown that people with whiter and more beautiful teeth perform better in job interviews, earn more money, appear happier, and have more friends.

If you’re unsure what to wear to your next business presentation or need a pick-me-up when it comes to dating, having whiter teeth may be the perfect accessory to bring along with you. Investing in whiter teeth is an efficient and cost-effective way to help you look your best when it counts.

Ready to Whiten Your Smile?

With just one visit to our office, you can have whiter teeth! Make an appointment with
Alsbury Dental in Burleson today for a teeth whitening consultation.

Why Do I Need a Filling if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Tooth decay isn’t as threatening as it once was. In the past, most dentists treated cavities with typical amalgam (silver) restorations. Now, dentists can detect and treat with less invasive restorations that are safer for teeth.

Even so, most people have concerns about fillings or tooth decay in general. To help you prepare for your next appointment, we’ve produced a list of the most common things the team at Alsbury Dental wants you to know why you shouldn’t put off having an exam or treating that small filling.

Common Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Not everyone, or every tooth, will experience symptoms of pain when they have decay. If you have a toothache, you’ll know it. But other cavity symptoms might not be as obvious, including:

• Sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks
• Rough edges on your tooth
• Visible holes and discoloration
• Something simply feeling “off” whenever you bite down

Not All Cavities are Visible

During your exam, Dr. Megan Belken may notice visible cavities. On the other hand, X-rays
are necessary for determining the depth of a cavity and screening for decay that’s between the teeth or below chewing surfaces, which cannot be detected with the naked eye.

Teeth Don’t Respond to Infection the Same Way

Cavities aren’t always painful, and every tooth responds differently. If food gets caught in your teeth, there’s irritation when biting/chewing, or you feel rough/sharp edges with your tongue, you might have a cavity and not know it just yet.

We can check for cavities between and inside your teeth where you might not otherwise see them, thanks to frequent checkups and taking occasional X-rays to screen for infection.

Cavities Will Gradually Spread

Cavities are caused by bacteria. Bacteria can travel from one tooth to the next if there is
an active cavity. This results in the formation of a new cavity in a separate tooth. Early
treatment can help avoid the formation of new cavities. If caught early enough, only a
small tooth-colored filling in one tooth will take care of the issue.

Minimally Invasive and More Affordable

At your appointment, Alsbury Dental staff will be happy to answer your questions. We’ll set your mind at ease regarding any treatment concerns you may have, as well as talk about which options are ideal for you. Our minimally invasive fillings are designed to fit your budget and preserve the maximum amount of tooth structure possible.

After your exam, you’ll be given a treatment plan that details the procedures and projected costs for restoring your smile. The earlier your tooth decay is fixed, the less money you’ll spend in the long run.

Schedule Your Consultation

Maintain the health of your smile for years to come. Make an appointment for a checkup twice a year. We’ll screen for early symptoms of tooth decay during your exam, giving you the opportunity to prevent cavities with proper home care and fluoride. If you have active decay, we can help you get ahead of it before severe problems arise.

If it’s been six months since your last dentist appointment or you suspect you have a cavity, call Alsbury Dental in Burleson today.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea and How Can My Dentist Screen for It?

Are you having trouble sleeping? Does your partner or spouse complain about snoring and gasping for breath throughout the night? You could be suffering from obstructive or sleep-disordered breathing, a type of clinical sleep apnea.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

OSA refers to a specific type of sleep disorder caused by the obstruction of your airway at the back of your mouth due to your oral tissues.

If you have a large neck circumference, you are more likely to have your tonsils, tongue, soft palate, back of the throat, and tongue collapse in on each other while you sleep. This causes oxygen to stop flowing to your body and brain.

Sleep apnea can make you feel tired, but it can also contribute to heart disease and stroke. To determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea, you’ll need to have a sleep study conducted at home or in a clinic. We can also screen for oral symptoms during your dental checkup.

Sleep Apnea: Signs and symptoms

Dr. Megan Belken recommends that you look out for these signs of obstructive sleep apnea:

● Snoring
● Fatigue
● Depression
● Weight loss
● TMJ pain
● Headaches or migraines
● Flat, chipped, worn teeth
● Broken dental work
● High blood pressure

If you do not seek professional help, the effects of sleep apnea can have a negative impact on your health, life, and body. Statistics show that people suffering from sleep apnea (or OSA) are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, or other types of heart disease.

How Can Alsbury Dental Help?

Traditional CPAP equipment works for certain types of sleep apnea, but it does have downsides. Many find that CPAP machines are bulky and loud, which can make it difficult for you to sleep in the position you prefer. Traveling with a CPAP machine can also be cumbersome. Some people complain that the noise bothers their spouse, roommates, or any other family members.

Oral appliance therapy for OSA can be a very effective and minimally invasive way to stop sleep apnea from its source — your mouth. Once we have screened you for OSA and you’ve had a home sleep study to confirm your diagnosis, your physician can prescribe an oral device.

Oral sleep apnea appliances fit over your teeth like any other fitted mouthguard. These special sleep aids are a type of mandibular advancement tool that moves your lower jaw forward. In turn, it keeps your tongue away from the back of your throat. This allows you to lay down and sleep comfortably without the soft tissues at the back of the mouth collapsing against each other.

Although you can use oral sleep appliances in conjunction with your CPAP machine, many people find that they are able to quit using their CPAP completely.

Oral Sleep Appliances in Burleson

If you aren’t CPAP-compliant or you find it difficult to wear, call Alsbury Dental in Burleson today. We can perform an evaluation to discuss if an oral appliance could help you get a better night’s rest.

Can I get Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the dentist?

Dentist During The Surgery

The dentist office may be the safest place you will visit all day. Where else can you go and sit in a chair that has been disinfected before you sit in it. Dental offices have been practicing stringent infection prevention since 1992 when OSHA mandated The Bloodborne Pathogens Act. The dental staff is training in infection prevention and every patient and treatment area is managed as if they did have an infectious disease. I don’t know how restaurants clean their silverware, but at Alsbury Dental, and every other dental office, we sterilize or throw away every instrument after each use. At Alsbury Dental we will wear the mask, so you don’t have to.

What Can You Not Eat After Dental Implants

dental implants in burleson, tx

Dental implants are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth in the mouth. Implants work by fusing naturally with the bone of the jaw over the course of a few months. Once healed, crowns, bridge work and even full dentures can be specially made to fit over the implant. The reason it’s important to eat a special diet after implant surgery is because your gums are healing and the implant itself is undergoing a process known as osseointegration. This is the critical time when the implant fuses itself with the bone, ensuring a solid and reliable foundation for future restorations.

What Foods Should You Avoid?

After surgery, you should avoid hard and sticky foods that may cause problems with the implant. In the early stages, the implant itself has the ability to move and shift. By eating hard, solid and sticky foods, this further creates a shift to the implant. When an implant shifts too much, it can fail over time and may not osseointegrate properly with the bone. Foods to avoid include:

• Hard pretzels and chips
• Chewing gum
• Hard veggies and fruits
• Sandwiches
• Crusty breads
• Popcorn
• Steaks and hard meats
• Ice cubes
• Sticky candy

patient was scared of the dentist until we offered sedation to relax her
What Are Six Month Smiles

What are Safe Foods After Surgery?

In order to improve the chance of your implant fusing and bonding with the underlying bone correctly, it’s best to stick to softer foods for the first few months. While this might sound difficult, it’s an easy transition that you’ll get used to quickly. Some of the best foods to eat after having implants placed include:

• Oatmeal
• Smoothies
• Protein shakes
• Yogurt
• Ice cream
• Eggs
• Soup
• Soft potatoes
• Macaroni

Consulting the Professionals

It can sometimes be difficult to know which foods to eat and which to avoid after undergoing oral surgery. Old habits die hard, and you may find yourself reaching for your old-time favorites without thinking about the impact the food will have on your new implants. Think about how long your implants can last if they heal properly and try to do your best to change your diet for just the first few months. This ensures that the implants heal properly and provide you with a secured anchor for a variety of other restorations to improve your smile.

If you need additional information on your diet after implant surgery, call us right away so that we can answer your questions.

Why Teeth Turn Yellow

our skilled dentist in Burleson, doing dental cleanings and exams on a patient

We all want that picture-perfect white smile to feel confident in showing off. Unfortunately, teeth naturally yellow and dull over time. This process is sped up by the foods and drinks we consume and other lifestyle habits. Thankfully, professional whitening can help to lift and dissolve these stains. To prevent them from occurring in the first place, it’s important to know what may cause your teeth to yellow.

Smoking

Not only is smoking detrimental to your health, but it is a problem for your smile. Smokers are more likely to have gum disease and tooth loss over time, but it’s common for them to have yellowed, browned and stained smiles. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes contributes to this yellowing, causing deep stains and discoloration.

Chewing Tobacco

You may assume that going smokeless is a safe option, both for your teeth and health. Unfortunately, chewing tobacco is just as problematic to the color of your teeth. In fact, smokeless tobacco is the leading cause of oral cancer and can contribute to a browned, dull smile. It’s best to avoid chewing tobacco and instead switch to a sugar-free chewing gum, preferably one containing xylitol.

Satisfied Patient
Woman Smiling

Tea, Coffee and Soda

Most people love to start their day with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You might not feel like yourself until you drink your favorite morning-time beverage. Likewise, many people enjoy washing down their favorite meals with a cold soda. Unfortunately, tea, coffee and soda can all contribute to deep staining.

Wine

Drinking a glass of wine is a great way to unwind after a long day. Unfortunately, just as wine would stain your rugs and carpeting, it can easily stain your smile. This is especially true of the darker wine varieties like red and burgundy.

Staining Foods

You may not even think of your favorite foods as contributing to the staining of your teeth. Foods like berries, chocolate and red sauces can all eventually yellow your teeth and cause a dulled appearance.

Aging

Just the act of aging can contribute to a yellowed and dull smile. A patient who is 70 years old will have a duller smile than a patient who is 20 years old. Unfortunately, this is a simple part of aging that is natural and to be expected.

If you are ready to whiten your smile professionally, call our office and we can help to get you in for an appointment.

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