What to do about brown spots on the teeth
Most people want to have a dazzling white smile to show the world. Unfortunately, this doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Some people find themselves with brown spots on the teeth, which can be distracting from the natural beauty of the smile. If you’re bothered by brown spots, is there any way to get rid of them?
What causes brown spots?There are a number of possible causes of brown spots on the teeth. In some cases, people are born with the spots, while in other...Read More
What are the differences between veneers and crowns?
Cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of different options for improving the appearance of the smile. Both crowns and veneers are treatments that involve adding porcelain to the outside of the teeth. However, these are very different treatments with different goals. What’s the difference between veneers and crowns? How can you know which of these treatments is right for you?
Veneers are a cosmetic treatmentVeneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are placed on the visible...Read More
What is a prosthodontist?
Although Dr. Carpenter practices general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and even sedation dentistry, he has advanced training in an area of dentistry called prosthodontics. What does that mean? How might his expertise in this area help you?
What is prosthodontics?Prosthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that deals with missing or deficient teeth or other oral tissues. Prosthodontists are experts in replacing missing teeth using a variety of techniques, including dental...Read More
Meet our latest technology: the Tekscan® occlusal scanner
Dr. Carpenter is dedicated to using the latest technological advancements to improve the smiles and the lives of his patients. One of the exciting new developments in dentistry is a device called Tekscan. What is this piece of technology, and how can it help us to improve your smile?
Tekscan digital occlusal analysisTekscan is designed to check occlusion. This is the fit of your teeth to each other when you bite down. Ideally, there should be a good fit between the top and...Read More
Are water flossers as effective as string floss?
Among the most important factors in your oral health is your home oral hygiene routine. Brushing teeth removes bacterial growth (plaque) from the visible surfaces of the teeth, while flossing removes bacteria from between the teeth and below the gumline. Both are crucial to maintaining oral health.
The traditional method of flossing is with string floss, and this is what most people still use. However, there are some people who have trouble using string floss because of dexterity...Read More
How can a dental implant help to prevent bone loss?
For most people who are missing one or more teeth, dental implants are the preferred treatment. Many people are attracted to them because they’re very secure, allowing the patient to speak and eat without worrying about a slipped denture or bridge. Others prefer them for their aesthetic benefits, as they’re generally the most natural-looking tooth replacement option.
However, many people don’t realize that there’s another very significant benefit to...Read More
What is the oral microbiome?
The term microbiome has become a buzzword over the past few years. It’s frequently mentioned in the popular press, especially on health and wellness websites. Scientists are also increasingly interested in research on the microbiome, which is increasingly being shown to be important for well-being. It’s relevant to many aspects of health, including oral health.
As a dentist, Dr. Carpenter sees it as his mission to help you maintain or improve your oral health, which in...Read More
Chewing on ice could harm your teeth
Chewing on ice is a popular habit. If you’re among those who loves to crunch the cubes in your glass, you’re certainly not alone. However, while it may be satisfying in the moment, the truth is that chewing on ice can be harmful to your teeth.
Why is ice harmful?Ice is particularly likely to cause tooth damage for two reasons. One is that it’s a very hard substance. Much like other hard items, like popcorn kernels, ice is capable of cracking tooth enamel, if you...Read More
Cosmetic touch-ups after orthodontic treatment
Many people pursue orthodontic treatment for functional reasons (to ensure that they have a healthy and well-aligned bite). Of course, it’s also common to want your smile to look great at the end of your treatment. When you begin orthodontic treatment, you might expect to have a perfect, glowing smile when your braces come off or final Invisalign tray is completed.
However, in some cases, there might be one more step. Some people benefit from...Read More
How veneers can be used as “instant orthodontics”
Many people have concerns about the alignment of their teeth. There may be small gaps between some of the teeth, or one or more teeth are slightly crooked, or the teeth are a little too small and are widely spaced apart. While orthodontics would be one option for correcting these issues, many people would prefer to avoid the expense and hassle of using braces or clear aligners for months or even years.
Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help. In the right situation,...Read More