We provide a full range of dental care services and dental treatments including: children's, cosmetic, family, general, implant, orthodontic, preventive and restorative dentistry.
Addressing the Special Needs of Seniors Just like our bodies, our teeth and gums show signs of wear and tear and aging. Fillings can crack or loosen and need to be replaced before cavities set in. Plaque may build up, resulting in a need for a thorough professional cleaning. Years of coffee, tea, or tobacco consumption stain teeth, and they lose their attractive luster. Seniors may take certain medications that result in less flow of saliva through the mouth.
With regular check-ups, we can stay on top of any problem and take care of it in the earlier stages. We always encourage proper daily maintenance and good nutrition to help keep your teeth and gums in good shape. If your gums start to bleed or any teeth feel loose, please let us know immediately. Connecticut Family Dental 171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103 Waterbury, CT 06708 (203) 574-2725 www.CTFDental.com
Implants Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. Surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. Made of titanium and other materials, implants are designed to hold restorations like crowns or bridges blend in with your other teeth, and are a long-term option for restoring your smile. The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org Connecticut Family Dental 171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103 Waterbury, CT 06708 (203) 574-2725 www.CTFDental.com
Third Molar Extractions You are probably familiar with the term “wisdom teeth,” those teeth in the very back of your upper and lower dental arches. They are given this term because they grow out between the ages of 17 and 25. The name “wisdom teeth” comes from the idea that age equals wisdom. In a dental office, these are called third molars.
Often these teeth are impacted, which means there is not enough room in the back of your dental arch to allow them to grow in properly. So instead of growing out straight, they become enclosed in your jawbone. Impaction can cause various problems. They can push or crowd your other teeth, which will make them crooked. Cavities can develop more easily in these and adjoining teeth because of the crowding. Sometimes even infection in the jawbone results from impacted wisdom teeth.
It is our recommendation to have them removed rather than wait until a problem occurs. The jawbone becomes denser as you grow older, clamping even tighter to these teeth, causing pain and making it more difficult to remove them. Connecticut Family Dental 171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103 Waterbury, CT 06708 (203) 574-2725 www.CTFDental.com
Braces While orthodontic work that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results, that doesn’t mean that adults can’t have braces. Thanks to advances in orthodontic treatments, metal brackets are not your only option. Removable aligners, or invisible braces,î or clear plastic brackets can all be used to straighten crooked or crowded teeth. The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
Our Goals for Your Child Our goal is to help our young patients keep their natural teeth for a lifetime by teaching daily dental care and better dietary choices.
It is a fact that children's teeth are more prone to cavities than adults. Children need supervision at home when cleaning their teeth. Often times, they miss back areas or grooves in teeth or simply do not do a good job when brushing. They also tend to eat more often, grazing throughout the day. Any time you eat, acid is produced in the mouth to help digest the food, but it also contributes to decay of tooth enamel. If teeth are not cleaned properly when brushing, exposure to more acid will increase the rate of cavity development.
When better dental hygiene and healthier food choices are made, the chances for decay are lessened. We also recommend application of a mineralizing fluoride varnish to children's and adolescent's teeth. This has been proven to be effective in protecting their teeth. It is a quick, easy, and safe treatment. Connecticut Family Dental 171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103 Waterbury, CT 06708 (203) 574-2725 www.CTFDental.com
Bonding Not happy with the way your teeth look? Bonding may be the answer. For some, it can help restore the natural look of your teeth. Bonding is a process where the dentist attaches or “bonds” materials directly to your tooth. Your natural tooth enamel and dentin are fused together with bonding materials such as porcelain and resins to create a strong structure that looks great. The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org Connecticut Family Dental 171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103 Waterbury, CT 06708 (203) 574-2725 www.CTFDental.com
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities.
Why should I wear a mouthguard?
A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. They may also reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.
In what sports should I wear a mouthguard?
Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing.
Why don't kids wear mouthguards?
Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all, schools reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.
What are the different types of mouthguards?
Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a ready-made, stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.
Mouth-formed mouthguard: There are two types of mouth-formed mouthguards. The first is a shell-liner mouthguard that is made with an acrylic material that is poured into an outer shell, where it forms a lining. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. Another type is a thermoplastic, or "boil-and-bite," mouthguard. This mouthguard is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth by using finger, tongue and sometimes biting pressure.
Custom-made mouthguard: The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.
How should I care for a mouthguard?
Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and cool (not hot) water.
Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash.
Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated, plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry.
Heat is bad for a mouthguard, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile.
If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying. Above article from: MouthHealthy.org Connecticut Family Dental 171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103 Waterbury, CT 06708 (203) 574-2725 www.CTFDental.com
Many things can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gingivitis or problems with your jaw like TMJ. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.