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To Choose, or Not to Choose the Toothbrush

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shutterstock_206881837How much thought goes into choosing your toothbrush? Chances are your choice was based on price and color, but what about the health and well being of your mouth? Did you think about that?
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months, after you have been sick, or when they start to show wear.  This means at least four times a year you will find yourself in the toothbrush isle faced with the decision of what type of toothbrush to purchase.
So what should you consider when selecting a toothbrush? Bristles, the shape of the head, and the handle are all important factors.
Soft bristles are often the best choice because they are best at removing plaque from your teeth, while staying gentle and not damaging the gum line.
The shape of the toothbrush head can be important as well. A small toothbrush head allows you to navigate better and reach further back in your mouth, where plaque is hiding. It also proves to be less invasive for those prone to gagging.
Additionally, a nonslip flexible handle can ease the process. It will also allow you to cover more surface area without the risk of slipping and harming the inside of your mouth.
Next time you find yourself in the toothbrush isle, be sure to consider the head, handle, and bristles of the brush as well. If you have any other questions, please give me a call today at 907-276-5522.  

Illumisure Insurance

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shutterstock_197338823Are you one of the 131 Million Americans without dental insurance? Dr. Mandanas now offers a solution for those who are without or think they can not afford dental insurance.

The Illumisure Plan allows you to receive all the rewards of dental insurance with less time and money. There are no deductibles, no yearly maximum benefits, and no exclusions for cosmetic or elective care. Illumisure member advantages also include complimentary preventative care (cleaning, exams, and x-rays), a 15 percent discount on all restorative or cosmetic treatment, and affordable monthly payments.

The amount of companies providing dental insurance for their employees is decreasing and Medicare does not cover your dental needs. You never know when an incident will occur or if you or a family member will need costly and extensive dental work. Illumisure offers membership plans for adults as well as children and covers both in an emergency.

Don’t leave your dental needs to chance and be slammed with a hefty bill. Save time and join online at ladydentistanchorage.com, or call us today with any questions at (907) 276-5522.

Conquering Your Fear of the Dentist

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shutterstock_200626970Many people have huge anxiety and fear at the thought of going to the dentist. Some even postpone their necessary routine teeth cleanings, which can lead to infection, cavities, root canals and more. If you are someone who dreads going to the dentist, here are a few tips to overcome your fear:
 
-Request break times if you are feeling overwhelmed
-If the noise of dental tools is scaring you, bring earplugs or headphones
-If you feel that you cannot breath, try a nasal strip to help with blockage
-Find an escape. Focus on an interesting picture or the view outside
-Relax. Unclench you jaw, unfurrow your brow, and close your eyes
-Find a dentist that you feel comfortable with. Someone who can calm you and you know you can put your trust in.
Dr. Mandanas never overbooks, and gives all her focus and care to each patient one at a time. If your are experiencing dental anxieties, give her a call today at 907-276-5528, and she will be happy to discuss any special care and requests you need.

Innovative Alternatives to Braces

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shutterstock_197324459We understand the importance of a healthy bite structure and the aesthetic appeal of brilliantly straight teeth. We also understand the financial and physical pain of braces (snapping rubberbands and food stuck in your brackets is never fun).

Therefore, Dr. Mandanas has teamed up with Ortho-Tain® and Six Month Smiles® in order to offer our customers alternatives to traditional braces.

Ortho-Tain®

What differentiates Ortho-Tain® from metal braces is that the appliance is the only removable orthodontic appliance approved by the FDA to correct both functional and aesthetic issues regarding your teeth. Ortho- Tain® can even correct overbites, buck teeth, crowding, spacing, TMJ disorders, and malocclusion, all at a lower more affordable price than traditional braces.

Six Month Smiles®

Six Month Smiles® is designed for those who wish for a short-term orthodontic solution. The use of clear brackets and wires that match the shade of your teeth, serves to be less noticeable than traditional braces in a manner that is more comfortable and conservative. Results can be obtained in approximately six months.

Are you interested in any of these new and impactful treatments? If so, give us a call today at (907) 276-5522.

Is the Dental Implant Prone to Cavities or Gum Disease?

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dental implants AnchorageDental implants are designed to replace missing or damaged teeth, providing the look of a natural tooth but with enhanced durability due to the structural composition of modern implants. Modern dental implants are secured within the jawbone and have a custom-made portion that remains visible and resembles the original or missing tooth. This visible portion of the dental implant is the crown.

The crown of the dental implant is made to look just like a natural tooth, except this crown is incapable of suffering dental caries, commonly known as cavities. The crown of the implant is custom made for each patient and the implant dentist will ensure it fits properly and matches the rest of the patient’s teeth and mouth. This is especially important for functional chewing and speaking comfort. While the implant can break in extreme circumstances, it is designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Modern dental implants are actually stronger than natural teeth.

A natural tooth has a root that grows out from within the jawbone and a crown, which is seen above the gum line. Natural teeth are porous, which is why they stain from contact with things like coffee and tea, and they are susceptible to cavities and damage from exposure to various foods including sugar and acidic substances. When a tooth is damaged, lost, or extracted, the space left behind can weaken the jaw’s hold on the surrounding teeth. A dental implant reinforces the teeth around it, while providing a permanent replacement that functions just as well, if not better, than the previous tooth.

Gum disease is less common with the dental implants, although there may be some temporary inflammation or discomfort during the preparation and implant phases of the treatment plan. Flossing daily helps remove food particles from between teeth that can cause gum irritation and eventually lead to gum disease and other issues.

Proper brushing and flossing are essential for the maintenance of all teeth and gums, including dental implants. It is also important to maintain regular checkups with a general dentist for overall oral health as well as continued care of the dental implant.

For more information about dental implants, contact the office of Dr. Owen C. Mandanas at 907-276-5522 today!

Do Dental Implants Require Special Care?

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dental implants AnchorageDental implants offer patients a number of benefits, one of which is convenience. Not only does a dental implant look and function like a natural tooth, it also requires minimal adjustments to a patient’s existing oral care routine.

Because dental implants are directly linked to the jaw and require no additional support from surrounding teeth, patients can brush and floss dental implants just like their regular teeth. There are no appliances to restrict access to the gumline, unlike with a bridge.

Although dental implant patients can maintain a typical home oral hygiene regimen, they should alert the dentist and dental hygienist to the location of the implant. Dental professionals may need to adjust their techniques or use specialized instruments when cleaning or examining the teeth.

As is the case with any restoration, you should also use common sense when chewing or biting with your dental implant. Any hard item that could damage a biological tooth could harm the prosthetic that is anchored by the implant. Avoid chewing on ice or non-food objects, and don’t bite directly into hard foods.

Although dental implants do not require much additional care in comparison to natural teeth, they do require that the patient maintain the good oral hygiene habits that promote overall oral health. Brushing and flossing to limit the presence of plaque and tartar are essential, as the oral bacteria that cause gum disease can threaten the long-term stability of the dental implant. The dentist may recommend adding a mouthwash to further reduce the presence of bacteria.

The surgical procedure that the dentist performs to place dental implants also causes minimal disruption to a patient’s daily life. Patients typically are able to resume their normal routines within a week or so after the surgery.

Dental implants should not require much more care than their biological neighbors do. When planning for dental implant placement, discuss your post-operative routine with our dental team so that you will be prepared to give your dental implants the care they need for a maximum lifespan.

Dental Implants: A Great Solution to Long-Term Issues

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No one wants to just let their oral health slide downhill. Life happens, throwing curveballs that can leave us without enough options or information to protect our smiles. The result can be extensive dental diseases, tooth loss, or insufficient restorations.

While these situations are sometimes unavoidable, it is recommended that you take the appropriate steps to correct the damage as soon as you are able. For example, no matter the reason for your missing teeth, your dentist can offer dental implants as a solution that will enable you to avoid the long-term issues associated with tooth-loss.

The damage to your self-confidence is perhaps the most common long-term result of tooth loss. The change in the way that you look and feel can hit you harder than you might expect, and it’s a feeling that can be difficult to overcome. Many patients find that they are still self-conscious about their smiles even after they have chosen to have their teeth fixed! It’s an emotional issue that many patients greatly underestimate.

The structural deficiency that comes with missing teeth is best resolved with dental implants. In terms of risk vs. benefit, implants only strengthen your smile without compromising it in any way. The neighboring teeth will benefit from the additional support, and the jawbone will be stimulated by the presence of the artificial tooth root. No other tooth replacement features a replacement tooth root which transmits the natural sensations of chewing every time that you enjoy a meal.

Finally, even one missing tooth can result in a significant loss of chewing capacity. Each top tooth must be evenly paired with a lower tooth in order to process the foods that we eat. Without that dynamic relationship, the limited food choices and the reduction in chewing efficiency can have a long-term negative impact on your digestion and your nutrition.

For help in choosing the right solution to the long-term issues of tooth loss, contact the office of Dr. Owen C. Mandanas today to learn more about dental implants. Call 907-276-5522 to schedule a consultation.