Did you know that just because your child has gaps in their teeth they may not need to get braces? It's normal for children to have gaps. This allows space for the adult teeth to come in straight and normal.

If your child has crooked teeth and/or tightly spaced teeth there is a chance your child will eventually need braces. The real question is when?

Why Does My Child Need Braces?
There are different reasons why your child could end up needing braces. Your child is unique in every way, and that includes their teeth. They will develop and change during their childhood, and not just their teeth. Their jaw and bite alignment can change as well.

Pacifier Use
One of the biggest culprits to needing orthodontic work like braces is the pacifier. The repeated sucking often causes teeth to move, sometimes drastically.

The longer a child uses a pacifier the more damage can be done. That wonderful creation that helps soothe your child and get them to sleep is ruining their smile. Dentists recommend these be replaced before they become a problem to the child's teeth.

Children develop a strong connection to their pacifiers over time. If you can remove it before this connection develops it will be a far easier adjustment for your child. This usually occurs in their second year so be prepared.

Genetics
Genetics plays a large role too. How your child's teeth come in is preprogrammed by their genetic makeup. Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to change this. As teeth come in you will see exactly what problems you'll need to address.

This could happen as early as 2 years old. In any case, by age 7 or 8 you should see what your child's issues are. As soon as you notice anything be sure to mention it to your pediatric dentist.

These problems can vary widely, from overcrowding teeth, crooked teeth, and protruding teeth, to an uneven bite, an overbite, or an underbite. Your pediatric dentist will be able to tell you exactly what is happening inside your child's mouth and make recommendations.

Accident or Injury
There's nothing worse than an injury to a child, especially to their teeth. Yet, they happen. On the playground, jumping on the bed, or falling off a trampoline.

You should always seek medical attention whenever your child is injured. Emergency room doctors can determine how pressing the need is to get surgical help or more traditional orthodontic treatments for your child's injury.

Pediatric Orthodontic Treatments
Your child's dentist may not offer pediatric orthodontic treatments within their practice, but they will have a relationship with a pediatric orthodontist ready to assist. Getting a pediatric orthodontist to evaluate your child's teeth is the first step in determining if your child should be getting braces now, or waiting, or not at all.

Palate Expanders
In some cases, your child might have a crossbite, overbite, or underbite. Treatments such as a palate expander can be employed to help restore a natural bite. These can occur in children as young as age 5.

While not exactly considered getting braces, this is an orthodontic treatment that could help avoid getting braces in the future. If your child still needs braces after a palate expander, that doesn't mean the palate expander didn't work. It will likely mean a shorter treatment plan for actual braces so it's worth considering.

Traditional Braces
When deciding how to get braces there are factors that must be considered before you can choose a treatment. Traditional braces are fixed to the teeth and attached together by metal wires. These are then tightened over time to help position the teeth properly.

In severe cases of crooked teeth, traditional braces may be the best treatment option. Or they could be the first step in a multiple-stage process. Your pediatric orthodontist will explain their necessity and effectiveness for your child's situation first.

Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are becoming more popular these days for several reasons. First, they are less noticeable and for children, this can be a sensitive subject. Second, they often work faster with certain conditions.

There are limitations to these. If your child has severe overcrowding they might need additional orthodontic work before you can begin this treatment. There is no age restriction, per se, but in most cases, you wouldn't begin before a child reaches age 8. 
No matter which type of braces your child needs you wouldn't wait much longer than age 14. That's because a child's teeth and jaw are most easily adjusted prior to this time period.

Recommended Age To Get Braces
Age isn't the single determining factor for getting braces, but it is important. Most orthodontists agree that between the ages of 10 and 14 years old is ideal. For one, the child should have all of their adult teeth in. 

Another reason is the jaw bone's development. A child's jawbone will still be developing, growing, and forming. This makes adjusting teeth and things like a crossbite easier and faster.

In order for treatments to be most effective, they should be done in this time frame. However, you should get your child an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. Even if treatments don't begin right away an evaluation will prepare you and your child for the process.

It can be expensive, and it can come with some discomfort for the child. You can begin researching how to handle the challenges that may come. 

Finding a Pediatric Orthodontist
As we said earlier, your pediatric dentist should recommend a good one. They might recommend several. You should take it upon yourself to research these recommendations, and seek out your own referrals from friends and family before you get braces for your child.

At Upland Dental we've been transforming smiles for years at our Upland, Chino, Wildomar, and Rancho Cucamonga offices. Contact Upland Dental today and one of. our friendly, professional staff can schedule a consultation. Our pediatric orthodontists can answer any questions you have and recommend a treatment plan that will transform your child's smile.

Are you looking for the perfect family dentist?

Looking for the right dentist is a must because oral health is also a factor in your overall health. Doing so is also important because over 3.5 billion people suffer from dental caries worldwide. To prevent yourself from being a part of the statistic, schedule regular dental check ups twice a year for you and your family. 

How will you find the best family dentist, though?
Check the guide we have below! We'll help you pick the right dentist to look after your oral health and your family's teeth today!

Check Their Qualifications and Certificates
The first thing you should always take a look at is the qualifications of the dentists you're checking out. They must have adequate certifications and licenses before they pass your checklist. This is important because the California dental board requires them to renew their licenses every two years to be able to continue their practice.

Once that's out of the way, check their educational backgrounds. Do they come from an accredited dental school or dental specialist program? 

Doing a background check is important to know what to expect from the dentists. You want the top dental care for your family, so it only makes sense that you want the best of the best.

That's not the only thing you should check, though. You should also consider how long they've been doing their practice. Having experience in the bag isn't a bad bonus for a dentist. It only means that they're sure to be able to adapt to your family and whatever dental situation you find yourselves in.

Consider Their Location
The location of their office should be another thing to consider. You want them to be closer to your home to be convenient. It's also safer this way because of the global health crisis going on nowadays.

It's also important as some of your family members may suffer from dental fear. Having a long drive from your home to their office only makes them grow more anxious. Short travels are essential to keep them calm when going to the dentist.

Check The Services They Offer
You should also take a look at the services that they offer when visiting them for the first time. This is important as some practitioners don't offer some services that you may need. 

A good place to start will be the history of your families. If you or your spouse needed braces growing up, the chances for your children to need them is also high. So, it's best to look for a practice that also provides orthodontic options for the family.

Your children shouldn't be the only ones you consider, too. You and other adults in your family may also need to have some dental work done. This makes it important to check if they offer dentistry for patients of all ages and any other specialists that may be a part of the office.

Take a Look at Their Rates and Payment Options
Having a family means that you're already investing most of your finances into keeping everyone healthy and happy. You need not burden yourself even more with what you'll spend on dental care.

You should also ask if they accept insurance. This is a great way to get what you need while keeping costs down.

Check The Office Culture and Atmosphere
As mentioned above, some people are suffering from dental anxiety and fear. A good 48% of the population suffers from this, in fact. This makes it important to check the atmosphere and culture of their office.

Does it have a relaxing layout and air to it? If not, you may find yourself dealing with a fearful child along the line. Consider their surroundings and think of whether it's ideal for you and your family.

The staff and dentists must also be accommodating to further reduce anxiety. Find one that's easy to talk to and can make people feel at rest. This will make it easier for your family to get used to the idea of going to the dentist.

Take this opportunity to see if they have the latest developments in the industry on hand. Keeping in touch with technology is among the signs of a good family dentist. It means that they're active in research and in their community to bring you the best service available.

Find the Right Family Dentist Today
You need not risk your and your family's oral health anymore. With the right dentist, you'll have no problems booking appointments, visiting the office, and getting work done on your teeth! Find the right family dentist now and get ensure your oral health is in peak condition today!

Are you looking for a good dentist to check out? Contact us here and we'll get in touch with you as soon as we can! You may find the perfect dentist in your area with our help!
​

How well do you take care of your teeth?

Proper dental hygiene is crucial to your overall health. Often, many people mistake that dental health and physical health are separate. However, your dental health is as important as your physical health.

Studies show that more than 26% of adults in the United States suffer from untreated tooth decay. If left alone, a cavity could lead to more serious oral health issues. If you want to avoid these issues, it's essential to know their signs.

In this article, we cover five signs of tooth decay. Knowing the signs and symptoms of tooth decay will allow you to know when to seek professional help. Read on to discover more!

1. Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is one of the main symptoms of tooth decay. If you have a developing or present cavity, your teeth may be sensitive to certain things. Extreme hot or cold food and drink temperatures could cause you some discomfort.

If this pain lingers after consuming something hot or cold, you may have a developing cavity. Tooth sensitivity occurs when your tooth's enamel begins to wear away. This affects the hard layer of tissue below your enamel, called the dentin.

The dentin consists of microscopic hollow tubes. These hollow tubes are what create the lingering sensitivity you feel. When exposed, hot and cold foods or drinks can stimulate the nerves and cells in the dentin.

You may also experience a lingering sensitivity to sweet foods. If your teeth are sensitive to sweets or sugary drinks, you may have tooth decay. Sensitivity to these foods may also be a result of damaged enamel.

2. Visible Stains and Craters
Stains due to tooth decay may first look like white spots. These light stains become darker if you leave the cavity untreated. As a cavity develops, it can form dark spots on a tooth's surface.

Cavity stains may appear black, brown, or white. Holes and craters are also evident signs of tooth decay. Holes and pits usually begin to form after a cavity results in softened enamel. 

The stain may turn into a hole or pits in your tooth. You may be able to see this when you look into the mirror. Other patients feel it when they run their tongue over their teeth.

However, not all stains, holes, and pits are visible. If you have a cavity in between your teeth, you may not see or feel them. The best way to determine if you have a cavity in these areas is if you experience pain or sensitivity.

3. Pain and Discomfort
A lingering ache in your tooth may point to a developing or present cavity. It is one of the most common symptoms of tooth decay. You may feel this after eating certain foods.

Some people who suffer from tooth decay may feel sudden pain or discomfort. You may also experience this in your mouth. Other patients may find it difficult to bite down on certain foods.

You may also experience this while flossing or brushing your teeth. Pain and discomfort may occur due to the exposed layer of dentin. If you start feeling pain in your teeth, consult your dentist immediately.

4. Swelling and Bleeding Gums
Plaque can lead to various oral health issues like tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay could lead to infection of the tooth's nerve, or weaken the tooth structure leading to a cracked tooth. Poor oral hygiene results in a buildup of plaque on your teeth.

Plaque buildup leads to gingivitis. Bacterial growth in the plaque buildup can irritate the gingiva, causing it to become infected and inflamed. This leads to swelling and makes your gums prone to bleeding. Long term gingivitis leads to periodontitis, a serious gum disease. Periodontitis involves the loss of the bone and gum that holds your teeth in place. Severe periodontitis can lead to loosened teeth or tooth loss. 

You may also experience swelling and bleeding gums if your cavity is near the gum line. Patients often experience bleeding whenever they floss or brush their teeth. It's crucial to visit your dentist if your gums start bleeding.

5. Bad Breath
Bad breath is another telltale sign of tooth decay. Cavities occur when bacteria in your mouth damage the tooth's surface. Harmful bacteria are fed from the sugars that are introduced in the food or drinks that you consume.

The longer they stay in contact with your tooth, the more likely you will develop tooth decay. The bacteria that destroys your teeth is also what leads to bad breath. You may also find harmful bacteria on your tongue.

If you experience swelling and bleeding in your gums, you may also be suffering from bad breath. Undiagnosed periodontal disease and a tooth cavity is often the main reason for bad breath. If you have bad breath and can't figure out why then you may be developing a cavity and have periodontitis.

Factors That Increase the Risks of Developing Cavities
Anyone can develop a cavity if they don't follow proper dental hygiene. However, there are other factors that could increase your chances of developing cavities. Here are some risk factors that may cause cavities.

• Tooth location, especially your back teeth, they're harder to reach
• Consuming certain foods and drinks
• Snacking on sugary foods or drinks
• Your teeth aren't getting enough fluoride
• Dry mouth
• Weakened or worn dental fillings or devices
• GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Eating disorders

Untreated cavities often lead to the need for a root canal as the nerves of those teeth become infected. If you want to avoid expensive cavity treatments, ensure to take good care of your teeth.

 When to See a Dentist 
If you experience any of these cavity symptoms, seek professional help immediately. Temperature, pain, or sensitivity are some of the first signs of tooth decay. Stains and toothache are also crucial reasons to visit your dentist.

Your dentist will be able to determine the root cause of your concerns. They will also prescribe the right treatment to help your teeth get back in proper health.

Know These Five Signs of Tooth Decay
Untreated tooth decay may lead to expensive and painful situations. From visible stains to tooth sensitivity, we've discussed some of the most common symptoms of tooth decay. Take note of these common symptoms and book a visit to your dentist.

Thanks for reading our article! Do you have any other concerns about your oral health? Contact us today and discover more oral health concerns to look out for.

If you have missing or broken teeth it can affect the confidence that you have in your own smile. Not only that, but it can also make chewing problematic and leave you open to infection, gum disease, and tooth decay. 
There are several different options available to you when it comes to replacing your teeth including bridges, dentures, and dental implants. The most effective of these options are dental implants. 
But exactly what are dental implants and how can you benefit from them?
In this article, we’ll look at the dental implant procedure and examine how it works. 

What are Dental Implants? 
If you have a broken or damaged tooth, a dental implant can be used as a replacement for that tooth, thus restoring the function and the appearance of your teeth. 

Dental implants work by attaching a replacement to a small titanium screw that is fixed to the jawbone. 

This type of procedure provides a permanent solution to missing or broken teeth. Once a dental implant has been fitted, it will stay in place and will give you a solid bite. 

Dental implants have a more natural appearance than dentures. This is because they will be specifically made with your mouth in mind. 

Once you have dental implants in place, the risk of cavities forming in the neighboring teeth will dramatically decrease. Having dental implants will also reduce the chances of developing sensitivity in any of the teeth in the area. 

There are two types of dental implants that are commonly used. They are subperiosteal dental implants and endosteal dental implants. Let’s take a look at both of those. 

Endosteal Implants
Very often, when people talk about dental implants, they are referring to endosteal implants. These are the most common implants that are used. 
In this procedure, a titanium screw will be used. This will hold a crown in place. The titanium screw will go directly into your jawbone and will create a tight bond. 

Due to the way that the implant is fitted into place, these are the most effective type of dental implant. 

Subperiosteal Implants 
There may be occasions when a person is not a good match for having endosteal dental implants. When this is the case, it may be possible to get a different type of dental implant; subperiosteal implants. 

In the procedure for the subperiosteal implant, the crown is not fixed to the jawbone. Instead, the dental implant is fitted just above the jaw instead. 
Because of the fact that the crown is not directly attached to the jawbone, this is less effective than endosteal implants. 

Who Can Have Dental Implants?
Once you’ve decided that you would like to have dental implants, you will need to be assessed by your dentist to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Your dentist will also decide which type of dental implant you will be able to have.

There are several pre-existing health problems that you should inform your dentist about. These include uncontrollable metabolic diseases, osteoporosis, HIV, AIDS, and diabetes. 

Your dentist will also need to know if you smoke and how much you smoke. 

The main thing that will inform your dentist's decision to carry out the dental implant procedure will be the condition of your jawbone. To find this out, the dentist will take x-rays that will provide them information about the strength of your jawbone, its bone density, and its ability to sustain the pressure that the implant will put on it. 

If you are not a suitable candidate for endosteal implants, you may be suitable for subperiosteal implants.

How Do Dental Implants Work?
The entire process involved in getting dental implants may take several months to complete. The first step would be to have your broken tooth removed if required. 

If you don’t have the right density in your jawbone, or your jaw is too soft, then it may be possible to have this grafted at this stage. It is essential that your jawbone is able to take the pressure of the dental implant. 

If you do need to have your jawbone grafting, then it may take several months before your jaw gets to the right strength. Once it is ready, the dentist will make a small incision into your gums and will then drill a small hole in your jawbone. 

The jawbone will need some time to heal and regrow. This could take several months again. While you wait, you will be given a denture to wear on a temporary basis. 

As soon as your jaw is ready to take the implant, your dentist will be able to put the screw into position. 

Once the screw has been put in place, your dentist will then make a replacement tooth. To get this perfect, your dentist will take impressions and x-rays of your mouth. 

Once the jaw has recovered from having the screw fitted, then it will be time for the dentist to fit your replacement tooth. 

Find Out if You Are a Suitable Candidate for Dental Implants 
If you want to improve the confidence that you have in your own smile, improve the quality of your bite, and lower the chances of you developing infections, gum disease, or tooth decay, then you should look into affordable dental implants. 

Talk to your dentist today to find out about the cost of dental implants. 
​
Get in touch with Upland Dental today to find out what dental implants can do for your smile. 

Straight teeth and an aligned bite can help you to reduce the chances of dental problems and improve your smile. Straighter teeth will mean that you get less of a build-up of plaque, which can lead to gum disease.

Another benefit of having straight teeth is that you will be able to chew your food easier without having to worry about getting bits of food stuck in them. Having straighter teeth will also mean that you can speak better.

The best way of addressing issues with the straightness of your teeth is through orthodontic treatment. But what are the different orthodontic options available? In this article, we’ll look at the best orthodontic options for adults.

Why You May Need to Explore Orthodontic Treatment Options
Adult options for orthodontics help treat problems with a bad bite. This is also called malocclusion. There are several different types of misaligned bite. These include crossbite, open bite, and overjet. Crooked teeth are often synonymous with bad bites, and braces will fix both at the same time.

Even if your teeth look as though they are straight, it may be possible that your jaw is not aligned correctly.

Where this is the case, a dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to protect your teeth from additional wear to the tooth enamel, help with chewing and speech problems, and also more serious jaw problems.

Issues with your jaw could have been there since birth, or an injury may have caused them. Other causes include losing baby teeth too late or too early and sucking your thumb.

What Are the Different Orthodontic Options for Adults?
There are several different types of orthodontic treatment that are available, but the options that will be available to you depend on what exactly needs to get corrected. Here are some of the most common adult options for orthodontics.

• Traditional metal or ceramic braces
• Self-ligating metal or ceramic braces
• Invisible braces aka Clear aligners
• Partial orthodontic treatment

Let’s explore these options in more depth.

Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are made up of metal brackets. This is the most common type of brace used. Over the years, these have become sleeker and more comfortable. Brackets are typically made from stainless steel.

Traditional braces have a wire running through the groove of the braces. This wire will pull your teeth into the correct position by delivering a constant and gentle force.

The wires are then held into position using tiny rubber bands known as ‘ligatures’ or ‘o-rings.’ Wires are typically made from metal alloys.  In some cases, patients may need to have metal bands to encircle the back teeth.

Traditional Ceramic Braces
In addition to metal braces, it is possible to get ceramic braces. These are tooth-colored, which makes them stand out less. These are fitted to your teeth, and wires are then threaded through the grooves in the brackets. Again, these are held on using ligatures.

With this type of brace, the brackets are made using ceramic or porcelain material. The wires will be generally made of metal alloys and will gently pull your teeth into position.

Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces
Self-ligating braces are also tooth-colored, which makes them stand out less. These are fixed to your teeth, and a wire is then threaded through the brackets. A built-in clip on each bracket will hold the wire in place, and the wire will gently pull at your teeth.

As with traditional ceramic braces, the brackets are made out of porcelain, and the wires are usually made out of metal alloys.

Self-Ligating Metal Braces
Self-ligating metal braces are made up of brackets fixed to your teeth and wires that are pulled through the slots in the brackets.

Many patients will also have metal bands that will encircle the back teeth. Each of the brackets will have a built-in clip that will hold the wire in place.

Typically, metal braces are stainless steel, and the wires are metal alloys and will gently pull at your teeth.

Invisible Braces aka Clear Aligners
Invisalign braces are set of clear, custom-made removable trays. The braces are pliable, made from a material designed to fit snuggly around your teeth. They are specifically made for your teeth.

You will be responsible for putting in your own aligners, and you will need to use a series of different aligners during the course of your orthodontic treatment.

Every new set of Invisalign aligners that you get from your dentist will apply a slight adjustment to your teeth. Each aligner is worn for between two and three weeks and will move teeth by a fraction of a millimeter each time.

The number of aligners that you will need to correct your misaligned teeth will depend on your orthodontic needs.

Because the aligners are removable, you will be able to take them out while eating, brushing, and flossing.

Partial Orthodontic Treatment
You may not need a full set of braces to deal with your orthodontic problems. Sometimes, just one or a few teeth will need to be adjusted to improve the look of or to prepare your teeth for dental work, such as having dental implants fitted.

In cases such as this, your dentist may recommend that you have partial orthodontic treatment. This is sometimes referred to as ‘limited treatment.’

This treatment will correct more of an isolated area of your mouth. As such, you will require less hardware and less treatment time.

Choosing the Right Orthodontic Options for You
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, you will want to know which orthodontic options are available to you. 

At Upland Dental, we'll help to identify the right treatment option for you.
 
Contact us today to arrange a consultation. 

​Smiles are meant to be a simple, positive thing. You smile when something makes you happy. Then, the act of smiling makes you feel even better.

But what do you do when you don't like your smile? You hide it, self-consciously, depriving yourself of this happiness. If smiling makes you feel bad instead of good, you may never feel happy again.

Fortunately, dental implants can help. They can fix your smile and restore your confidence. They benefit your physical health in many ways, also. 
​
In this guide, we go into detail about many such benefits of dental implants. Read on to learn more about what dental implants can do for you.

1. Restore Your Smile

If you don't like the look of your smile, you don't have to be stuck with it. Dental implants restore the look of your smile by replacing missing or damaged teeth. Whether you lost certain adult teeth or you were simply born without them, implants will fill the gaps in your smile.

2. Restore Your Confidence

Furthermore, the benefits of dental implants go beyond cosmetic improvement. They improve your emotional state as well.

Did you know that a smile isn't just a reaction to something that makes you happy? On the contrary, it works the other way around, too. That is, science has proven that cracking a smile triggers positive feelings in your brain and body.

If you're feeling down, smiling can cheer you up. And it disintegrates stress. The more you smile, the better you feel.

For some people, that's the problem. When you have missing or chipped teeth, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. The very thing that's supposed to cheer you up stresses you out even more. Then, you're reluctant to smile, which keeps you stressed.

Dental implants give you a smile you're comfortable with so you can start smiling and feeling good again.

3. They Look Authentic

That last point is moot if the implants look awkward or fake. Fortunately, they don't. They're made to match the other teeth in your smile exactly. Specifically, the material they're made of looks no different than a real tooth. And they're color-matched so they won't look out-of-place next to your other, natural teeth.

Plus, they're attached directly to your jaw like all your other teeth. So, there's nothing holding them in place that can be seen from the outside. The implant post and the abutment that the synthetic tooth is attached to are concealed by your gums.

4. They Restore Your Speech

When you lose or chip a tooth, it changes the way you talk, too. Dental implants restore your teeth to the way they were before. Therefore, they make your speech sound the way it did before also.

5. They Work as Well as Natural Teeth

Again, implants aren't just a cosmetic solution. They're designed to replace both the appearance and the function of real teeth.

Anything your natural teeth can do, implants do just as well. They're hard enough that they won't crack any easier than natural teeth would. And they're permanently fused to your jawbone as your real teeth are.

6. Dental Implants Are Permanent

As we just mentioned, dental implants are a permanent addition to your jawbone. However, this fusion process does take some time. The implant site must heal completely and the implant post must finish fusing with your jawbone for the installation to become permanent.

If you don't take proper care during this period, it's possible that the implant will fail. But, once the fusion is successful, you'll never need to repair or replace them under normal circumstances.

That's not true for most tooth repair/replacement options. Thus, dental implants are very cost-effective by comparison.

7. They're Low Maintenance

It's true that you must carefully follow the instructions of your dentist for many months after the procedure. During the healing/fusion period, the implants can come loose much more easily. 
But, once they're fully healed and secure, you, simply brush and floss them as you do with all your other teeth. And, unlike your natural teeth, your implants will never get cavities.
Alternative procedures require a lot more maintenance than this—special, added steps to your daily oral care routine. 

8. They Realign Your Bite

Another benefit of dental implants is that they prevent numerous oral health/jaw problems. For example, missing or damaged teeth change the way your teeth fit together. This can misalign your jaw and cause teeth grinding, jaw pain, TMJ, and other problems.

Also, missing/damaged teeth can make it difficult to chew. And some dental solutions don't fix this problem; they can only handle gentle chewing.

Dental implants solve/prevent all of these problems.

9. Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss

Lastly, after a long time, the space left by your missing teeth will cause bone loss. You see, when you use your teeth, it stimulates the growth of the bone underneath the teeth.

When a tooth is missing, there's nothing to stimulate bone growth. Thus, the lack of stimulation causes the bone to slowly erode away. This accelerates the aging of your facial appearance. Specifically, your chin sinks in and your face appears to shrivel up.

But, when dental implants are installed, you use them in place of the missing teeth. Thus, your jawbone gets the stimulation it needs to minimize bone loss.

Experience These Benefits of Dental Implants For Yourself

Now that you've read about the benefits of dental implants, it's time to take the next step.

Discover firsthand what dental implants can do for you. Contact Upland Dental now to set up your consultation.

People with straight teeth give off a better impression than people with crooked ones. But more importantly, people have a higher opinion of themselves if they have straight teeth. 
Want to improve your appearance and self-esteem with a straighter smile?
The first step is choosing the right type of treatment: Invisalign vs braces. Both options have their pros and cons, so we've put together this guide to help you learn more about each one and choose the right fit for your needs. 

Let's get started! 

Invisalign vs Braces: What's the Difference?

Invisalign and braces are both orthodontic treatments designed to straighten your teeth, but they do it very differently. 

Patients who get braces have a metal bracket glued to each, individual tooth. A wire runs through these brackets, and once tightened, it will slowly guide the teeth into the correct positions. Your orthodontist may also have you attach small rubber bands to certain brackets to ensure the wire is putting pressure in the right places. 

To personalize the metal in your mouth, you can also change the color of the chain (which covers the wire). This gives you the ability to turn your braces into more of an accessory than a corrective device.
 
Invisalign, on the other hand, consists of two clear trays, or aligners—one for the top set of teeth and one for the bottom. Patients can slide these aligners on and off, and since they're transparent, other people won't be able to tell you have anything on your teeth at all. No metal required. 

A Closer Look at the Pros and Cons 

You might immediately think Invisalign is a better treatment. After all, if they look almost the same as your normal teeth, why would you ever choose traditional braces? 

Each treatment option has its pros and cons. Invisalign isn't the right option for everyone. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of these treatment types below.

Invisalign 

Invisalign is more popular than braces. Most people prefer to get this type of treatment if they can because it's much easier and more comfortable. Here's what we mean. 

Pros:
One of the biggest benefits is you can take the aligners out from time to time. This makes it easier to brush and floss your teeth, and if your teeth are clean, they'll be healthier over time.

Since you can take the aligners out when you eat, you don't have to avoid any foods or drinks. You can stick to your normal diet without fear of popping any metal brackets off your teeth. 

Invisalign is also a good choice for working adults who don't want to show up to important meetings with a mouth full of metal. The clear trays can give you the confidence to get through your workday without feeling embarrassed. 

Cons:
While Invisalign is an effective treatment option, it may not work as well (or as fast) as traditional braces for some people. Because of this, if you have a lot of severely crooked teeth, or severely misaligned bites, you may not be able to get Invisalign at all. People who do get Invisalign may have to wear the aligners longer than they would with braces. 

Invisalign is also more expensive than normal braces. If you're on a tight budget, you may have to stick with metal brackets and wires even if you could benefit from Invisalign. 

Braces 

Many people don't like how braces look on their teeth, but they can straighten any teeth, no matter how crooked or how many are missing. Braces can move teeth to further positions in the jaw, which isn't something you can do with Invisalign. Here are a few more benefits of this treatment. 
Pros:
In most cases, braces can help you save some money. There are also many different types of braces, such as clear braces or lingual braces (which are attached to the back of your teeth instead of the front). Depending on what type you choose, they can be much more esthetic than braces and maybe as hidden as Invisalign. 

Cons:
The biggest problem with braces is they are often more uncomfortable than Invisalign. Apart from the normal soreness you'll feel every time you get your wire tightened (you'll feel this soreness with Invisalign, too), the wires themselves might stab the backs of your cheeks as they straighten your smile. You may also get small cuts on the insides of your cheeks where they rub against the brackets. 
You'll also have to cut a lot of foods and drinks out of your diet, including: 

• Nuts 
• Popcorn
• Sticky candy 
• Hard candy 
• Gum 
• Soda 
• Hard fruits and vegetables 
• Chips 
• etc. 

These foods can damage your braces and get caught in hard-to-clean areas. Because of this, braces are also much harder to maintain. Brushing and flossing take a lot longer, and you have to be more careful. If you don't clean your teeth right while wearing braces, you could end up with tooth decay or bracket stains (white spots) on your teeth later. 

What Is the Better Choice for Your Teeth?

If you're having trouble choosing between Invisalign vs braces, you should set up an appointment with an orthodontist. They'll be able to examine your teeth and walk you through the best treatment plan for you. 

Not sure who to visit?

We can help! Don't hesitate to get in touch with our Upland Dental team today to schedule your initial consultation! 

Many serious mouth and tooth diseases can leave you in pain and wondering when you'll feel normal again. No matter how well you think you're taking care of your teeth, something can always go wrong.
One of these diseases is called gingivitis, and it can wreak havoc on the mouth. What exactly is it, and how can you protect yourself from it?
Here are some of the facts about gingivitis that you should know to keep yourself aware and protected against the disease.

1. Gingivitis Affects the Gums, Not the Teeth
Gingivitis is a specific type of inflammation caused by bacteria that affects the gums around the teeth. As plaque builds up and hardens around the teeth, the bacteria can seep into the surrounding gum tissue and create inflammation and infection. This can then spread from one part of the gumline to the rest of the mouth.

2. Plaque Can't Always be Removed with Teeth Cleaning
As much as we'd like to believe that just brushing and flossing can get rid of all of the plaque buildup and bacteria inside of the mouth, it can't. For a deeper clean, visiting a dentist at least twice per year is necessary to ensure you're teeth are clean.
The special tools dentists use help to break up harder pieces of plaque and keep gingivitis from happening, keeping your teeth healthy and strong.

3. Advanced Gingivitis is Called Peridontitis
Gingivitis is the infection and inflammation of the gum line; once the bacteria starts to infect deeper into the gum tissue, it's called periodontitis, which is a much more serious condition. Periodontitis is the result of the connecting tissue and bone beneath the gums becoming infected. It's important to start treatment of gingivitis as soon as it's spotted so that you can avoid a more serious infection, loss of bone that support your teeth and gum recession.

4. Bleeding Gums Don't Always Equal Gingivitis
While bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, it's not always the case. If your gums bleed frequently after brushing, you may be just brushing your teeth too hard. Try softening your brushing and see if that helps the bleeding.
If the bleeding continues or if your gums start bleeding spontaneously, you should talk with your doctor about gingivitis. 

5. Gingivitis Can be Completely Painless
At times, gingivitis symptoms can be painless, leading to the infected individual not realizing that anything is wrong. It's important to pay attention to the look and feel of your gums and teeth to see if anything could be wrong.
Pay close attention to the color of the gums, as well as the size and shape of your teeth. Reddened gums and the appearance of smaller teeth can be signs of gingivitis, as the gums will become swollen and red when inflamed. It's also good to make a note of bleeding from your gumline. 

6. It's Easy to Get Gingivitis
Because of the numerous factors that can lead up to gingivitis, it's an easy infection to get. Gingivitis is caused by:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Smoking
• Drinking
• Poor nutrition (especially a lack of calcium)
• Diabetes and other medical conditions
• Certain medications
• Aging and genetics

If you have a family history of gingivitis or take medications that may make you more likely to get gingivitis, you should make sure to schedule regular visits to your dentist and brush the recommended two times per day. This will help lower your chances of getting gingivitis.

7. Gingivitis Can Cause Bad Breath
Bad breath, sometimes called halitosis, is a common factor to accompany gingivitis. While this could be because of poor dental hygiene alone, the bacteria causing your gingivitis can also give off a foul odor. If you notice that your breath has grown especially smelly, you may want to take a closer look at your teeth and gums to see if there's a deeper issue than your breath alone.

8. Gingivitis Can Be Transmittable
Does your partner have gingivitis? If so, you may want to avoid kissing them on the mouth for a while, as the bacteria that causes gingivitis can be spread from person to person.
As it is a bacterial infection, the bacteria causing one person's gingivitis is transferable to another individual if their saliva were to enter your mouth. 

9. The Damage Done by Gingivitis Can be Reversed
If you've developed gingivitis and have had negative effects on your gumline, don't worry- the progress of gingivitis can be reversed and treated by a dentist if it's discovered early. With proper care, your gum line can go back to its original state as long as the connecting tissue and bone have not been effected.

10. Gingivitis Can Lead to More Serious Health Conditions
Gingivitis can lead to more than just periodontitis. Scientists have shown a link between cases of periodontitis and diabetes, serious heart conditions, stroke, and osteoporosis. If the bacteria that cause gingivitis are left untreated for too long, they are able to get into and infect the rest of the body as well. 

Goodbye Gingivitis, Hello Healthy Teeth and Gums
Gingivitis is a very serious medical condition that should be treated right away to avoid further damage to your teeth and gums. Now that you know some of the facts on gingivitis, you can be more ready to prepare yourself and protect your gums against the infection!

Do you need help dealing with gingivitis or periodontitis and aren't sure where to turn?
Be sure to contact us with all of your tooth-related needs, and continue reading our blog for more helpful mouth hygiene tips.

Having damage done to your teeth is never fun, but you may be actively harming your own teeth without even realizing it. Grinding teeth can start to wear down the enamel, cause cracks in your teeth, and may even cause tooth and jaw pain over time.

How can you know if you're unintentionally grinding your teeth, and how can you prevent yourself from harming your teeth further?

Luckily, there are ways that you can deduce you may be grinding your teeth. Here are some of the signs of teeth grinding and how you can stop.

The Dangers of Teeth Grinding at Night

Whether you realize you're doing it or not, grinding your teeth during the day or at night can cause a lot of serious damage to your teeth. This is often caused by stress and mostly happens at night, though it can also be due to your teeth being aligned poorly. Pay close attention to these signs if you suspect you may be grinding your teeth.

Worn or Painful Teeth

Grinding your teeth can cause the enamel to start to wear down over time, making your teeth dull or in pain. In the worst-case scenario, you can wear your teeth down to the point of severe tooth pain. 

If you've noticed that your teeth are causing you serious pain without knowing why you may be wearing your teeth down by grinding them. 

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

The pressure from teeth grinding can cause your teeth to chip or crack from stress. Do you have any cracks in your teeth without knowing where they came from? If so, you may be grinding your teeth.

Headaches

Tooth pain and grinding your teeth can lead to headaches throughout the day. The unneeded stress in your jaw and teeth creates headaches, especially in the space right behind and between the eyes. 

Jaw Dislocation, Locking, or Popping

Teeth grinding can cause issues with your jaw, resulting in dislocation, locking, or a popping sound when you move your jaw from side to side. Should you notice that your jaw is behaving strangely, you have a pretty clear sign that you're grinding your teeth.

Damage on the Inside of Your Cheek

Teeth grinding can lead to accidental bites to the insides of your cheeks during the night. Are your cheeks in pain or even bleeding when you wake up? If so, you may be grinding your teeth.

How to Stop Teeth Grinding

While some of the effects of teeth grinding may require you to see a dentist for help, there are some methods you can use to stop yourself from grinding your teeth. Follow these tips to help keep your teeth from getting more damaged. 

Night Mouthguard

To avoid wearing down and cracking your teeth during the night, you may want to invest in a nighttime mouth guard for your teeth. A dentist can fit you with a custom mouthguard so that your teeth won't grind against each other, though it is possible to buy a regular nighttime mouthguard at retail stores.

For a more comfortable fit, talk with your dentist about getting yourself a nighttime mouthguard today!

Exercise Regularly

Having a regular exercise routine during the day will help you be more relaxed come nighttime. As teeth grinding is often caused by stress, just getting your energy out during the day can help you grind your teeth less at night by reducing stress. Be sure to exercise early on in the day so that you can still get a good night's rest!

Spend Time Meditating or Relaxing Before Bed

If you struggle to fall asleep, then you may want to use some time before sleeping to meditate or perform a relaxing activity. Avoid using screens that emit blue light, such as laptops, phones, and televisions to help yourself rest and prepare for sleep.

By getting yourself more prepared for rest, you can help reduce your stress levels and keep yourself from grinding your teeth during the night.
 
Try to Be Aware of Jaw Clenching

While a lot of teeth grinding happens at night, you should try to become aware of stress and tension in your jaw during the day as well. Some people do tend to grind their teeth when distracted performing everyday activities, so becoming aware of your teeth is a great way to stop yourself.

If you do notice your jaws tensing a lot or that you have stress buildup, massaging your jaw muscles can help to relieve that stress. When you find yourself grinding your teeth, just give yourself a few moments to relieve the tension in your jaw before going back to what you were doing.

Avoid Chewy Foods and Biting Non-Food Items

Do you eat a lot of chewy foods, candies, or have a tendency to bite pens, pencils, and other objects you're working with? If so, you may want to put a stop to those behaviors.

Eating chewy foods and biting non-food items can condition your brain to equate relaxing with biting, causing you to grind your teeth without realizing it. It also forces your jaw to clench, which can create tension later on. 

If you must chew something, try switching over to something easy to chew, such as chips or fruit. Avoiding overly chewy foods will help relieve tension in your jaw and keep you from being tempted to grind your teeth. 

Grind to a Halt

Grinding teeth can have serious effects on your dental hygiene, so it's important to start being aware of your habits as soon as you realize you're grinding your teeth. Keep these ideas in mind to help you keep your teeth healthy and strong!

Have you noticed issues with your teeth that you need help fixing, or are curious about getting a fitted nighttime mouthguard?
​
Be sure to contact us for any tooth-related problems you may have today, and continue reading our blog for more dental hygiene tips!

We’ve talked about the basics of a root canal and how to stop a tooth ache in previous posts.  Another common question I often get is:  Do I need to see an endodontist for my root canal?

Root canal treatment, or endodontic treatment, can be done by either a general dentist or an endodontist.  Endodontists are dentists that specifically treat problems inside your tooth.  With more specialty training, endodontists are more than qualified to perform all sorts of procedures, root canal treatment being one of them.

A general dentist may choose to perform simple or routine root canals but some situations require the care of a specialist.
​For example:

​When the first root canal has failed, the procedure becomes more complicated with infection, bone loss, difficult to remove filling materials, etc.  Endodontists have been trained to deal with these issues and provide the best treatment and outcomes possible. 

​Just like how every person is unique, every tooth is unique!  Root canals can join and branch in varying patterns, have long curvy roots, or 2, 3, 4, 5 or even 6 roots!  All of these differences impact the difficulty of the root canal.  Endodontists use a special dental microscope to visualize the root canal better and provide high quality treatment.

​Endodontists deal with “hot teeth” and swelling on a daily basis.  When a patient is in this acute state, it sometimes takes more advanced techniques to get the patient out of pain fast.
​
These are just a couple reasons you might be referred to an endodontist but of course there are many more.  If you are unsure whether you need to be referred, make sure to check in with your dentist.  Your dentist can guide you and make sure you are getting the best care possible.

Blog post by our Endodontist Dr. Rita Hung. Proudly providing great dental care and root canal treatment in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, and Wildomar.