dental cleaning

How Important Is A Yearly Dental Visit?

According to experts in the dental industry, approximately 90% of people 20 years old or older have at least one cavity. Even if you’re lucky enough to have come this far without any cavities, an annual dental cleaning should be a part of your routine. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of yearly dental visits.

Your Dentist Will Conduct a Cancer Screening

One of the most important parts of your regular dental visit is the screening that your dentist conducts for signs of oral cancer. Like most other types of cancer, when it’s discovered in its earliest stages, cancer of the mouth, gums, and tongue can be successfully treated. Your dentist will also check your head, neck, and throat for any signs that something may be amiss. This is an important reason to visit your dentist.

Clean Teeth Are Healthy Teeth

Your regular dental cleaning helps to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy. This prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar and helps to curtail the development of cavities. Regular cleanings are also great for your gums. If you are showing early signs of gum disease, or gingivitis, it’s important to see your dentist on a regular basis to prevent the condition from worsening. And, you’ll love the way your teeth and gums feel when your hygienist finishes your cleaning. Who doesn’t love a fresh and clean mouth?

Regular Check-Ups Catch Problems Early

X-rays are often part of a regular dental appointment. Even without x-rays, seeing your dentist on a regular basis allows them to notice any problems as they are developing. When spotted early, gum disease and tooth decay can be treated before they become major problems. There are even some medical conditions that your dentist could be the first to notice. When regular dental visits are a part of your medical routine and care, you give yourself a better chance of staying healthy. Don’t underestimate the importance of dental care and good oral hygiene as part of your overall health and wellness.

Our team is here to take care of all your dental needs. We recommend that you undergo a dental cleaning at least once, if not twice a year. If it’s been a while since your last visit to the dentist, give us a call today and schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Digital x-rays lowell dental arts

Is Your Child Ready for Orthodontic Treatment?

Straight teeth are important for a child’s health and self-esteem. A misaligned bite can cause speech difficulties, difficulty chewing, and an increased risk of gum disease, so it’s important to determine when your child is ready for orthodontic treatment. Let’s gain more insight into knowing when to consider Invisalign for your child.

1. Permanent Teeth

According to KidsHealth, it’s suggested that children should visit an orthodontist when their permanent teeth start coming in, around age seven. At this age, Invisalign treatment can be considered to begin the process of realigning your child’s teeth. Your orthodontist can adjust the aligners as your child’s mouth grows.

2. Jaw Growth

Your orthodontist will also consider your child’s jaw growth. Jaw growth usually stops around age 11 or 12. The orthodontic specialist may still recommend this treatment before growth stops, depending on the severity of your child’s orthodontic needs.

3. Teeth Grinding

A pattern of teeth grinding can indicate that Invisalign aligners may be necessary. Teeth grinding can cause dental issues, and this orthodontic treatment can correct the issue. Otherwise, teeth grinding can cause long-term damage to your child’s teeth.

4. Overjet

An overjet is when the upper front teeth stick out over the bottom teeth. Using Invisalign treatment can help correct the overjet by shifting the lower jaw forward. When left untreated, an overjet can cause speech difficulties, gum recession, and other dental problems.

5. Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth can cause plaque buildup and gum disease. Luckily, Invisalign treatment can fix overcrowding. Invisalign aligners can gradually move teeth into their correct positions without the use of metal braces or wires.

6. Small Gaps

Invisalign aligners can close small gaps between teeth. This can improve the appearance of your child’s smile and help them feel more confident. It can also reduce the risk of gum disease because it helps to prevent plaque buildup between the teeth.

7. Orthodontic Evaluation

The best way to determine if Invisalign is right for your child is to have an orthodontic evaluation. An orthodontist will be able to assess your child’s teeth and jaw and create a treatment plan best for them.

There are many reasons you may need to take your child to the local orthodontist for treatment. Luckily, Invisalign can help your child achieve a straight, beautiful smile. If you’re considering Invisalign treatment for your child, consult with our local orthodontist office today!

Invisalign Teen

Is Invisalign Right For Your Child?

As kids grow, their teeth may begin to misalign. Although this can be difficult for parents, it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to technology, there are more ways to straighten your child’s teeth and give them the confidence they need. If your kids are feeling self-conscious about their smile and would like to find a way to fix it without metal braces, look into Invisalign treatment.

How It Works

Treatment involves a series of custom-made, clear aligners that slowly move teeth into their desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks before being replaced by the next set to ensure gradual and effective movement. The process is quite straightforward and starts with a visit to an orthodontist to determine if it’s a suitable option for your child. The dentist or orthodontist will take impressions, photos, and x-rays of your child’s teeth. The series of aligners are made according to the final tooth position prescribed by your dentist.

How Kids and Teens Benefit

These aligners are practically invisible, providing your child with the confidence that comes with having a great smile. Plus, they’re much easier to clean and maintain than traditional braces since your child can easily remove them when eating or brushing their teeth. Additionally, research shows that 47% of teens using Invisalign experienced an improvement in their self-esteem during treatment compared to just 22% of teens with metal braces, according to DocPlayer.

Cost and Timeline Considerations

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option but can be costly depending on the severity of your child’s dental issues. The cost varies depending on the length of treatment and other factors. Generally, treatment times range from 12-18 months but could be as long as 24 months in some cases. As long as your child follows the treatment plan, results should be visible within a few months.

In summary, Invisalign can be a great option for kids who want to straighten their teeth as conveniently as possible. The benefits are clear! The aligners are practically invisible, easier to clean and maintain, and may even lead to increased self-esteem. If you’re considering this option for your child, be sure to get in touch with Lowell Dental Arts for a consultation. Our team can put your child on a treatment plan leading to a straight and beautiful smile.

Beauty portrait of a smiling woman

What Services Can a Dentist Provide You?

It’s easy to forget about your oral health, but regular visits to the dentist are essential for your overall wellness. A qualified and experienced dentist can provide a wide variety of dental services to protect and maintain teeth and gums. From simple checkups to more complex procedures, such as dental implants or general dentistry, dentists play an important role in keeping our teeth healthy and strong.

Professional Level Cleaning

Sure, you brush your teeth every day, but that isn’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. A professional dental cleaning from a qualified dentist is an important way to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause cavities and gum disease. Regular cleanings every six months are the best way to maintain good oral hygiene.

Fillings and Extractions

If your dentist finds cavities, they can provide you with a filling to prevent the decay from spreading. The fillings are usually made of composite material or metal and take only one visit. If needed, dental services can also extract damaged or decayed teeth.

Root Canals

A root canal is a procedure used to remove an infection from the inside of an infected tooth. It often results from deep decay or trauma. After removing the damaged material and killing bacteria, the dentist will seal the inside of the tooth with a filling or crown to protect it.

Dental Implants

For those who have lost teeth due to injury or decay, dental implants can replace them. They’re titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once the posts fuse with the bone, the dentist will add custom dental crowns. With a success rate of 98%, according to WebMD, implants are a reliable way to restore your smile. Depending on your needs, you may need several appointments with the dentist for this procedure.

Cosmetic Procedures

If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth, dentists offer a wide range of cosmetic procedures. Teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers help with discolored, cracked, and misshapen teeth. With the help of a qualified dentist, you can get the smile of your dreams.

Regular dental services are essential for your overall wellness. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a checkup, don’t wait any longer. There are many services that dentists can provide to protect and maintain your oral health. Contact Lowell Dental Arts today to schedule an appointment!

childrens dentist

Why Children’s Oral Care Is Vital

A childrens dentist is an important member of your child’s healthcare team. Children must get the oral health care they need to ensure a lifetime of good oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 52% of children will have at least one cavity in their baby (primary) teeth by the age of eight. Here is why children’s oral care is vital to their health.

Cavities are Painful

Keeping regularly scheduled appointments with a children’s dentist is important because children are prone to painful cavities. It is estimated that millions of educational hours are lost each year globally because of dental disease. Painful cavities can impact every area of your child’s development.

Working closely with a children’s dentist can help to prevent your child from developing cavities. A big part of what a dentist does for children is preventive treatment.

Develop Good Lifelong Oral Health Habits

Children should start seeing a dentist at about the age of one. The dentist will begin tracking your child’s oral health development from the first appointment. The dentist will partner with you and your child to help develop good oral health habits. Going to the dentist is necessary for everyone. Starting early in life will ensure that seeing the dentist regularly becomes a lifelong habit.

The dentist and the hygienist will work with your child to ensure that they develop healthy oral care habits that can prevent serious oral health diseases now and in the future. Professional oral health care focused on prevention can teach your child how to care for their teeth.

Utilize Early Intervention

Ensuring your child gets the oral health care they need from a children’s dentist can trigger early intervention strategies that can save them a lot of pain and suffering. Early interventions and treatments can help to prevent bigger dental problems down the road. The dentist monitors tooth development and looks for tooth decay so that they can quickly address any problems early.

Teeth play a vital role in your child’s overall development. The teeth can impact speech development. They help your child to chew their food properly and aid in digestion. Yes, it is wonderful to have a great smile, but teeth are important for good health. Give us a call today to make an appointment today to get your child on the road to good oral health.

Lowell Dental Arts