CareCredit

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Are you thinking about getting dental work done in the new year, but concerned about how you're going to pay for it? This is the biggest hindrance to many people getting the dental care they need. Many people do not have the dental insurance to cover most dental procedures and are faced with out of pocket expenses that are just too much for them. At our office, we offer various finance options to help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile of your dreams, including CareCredit.

CareCredit is a personal line of credit to be used solely for healthcare services. It can be used for ongoing treatment for the entire family. With CareCredit there are various monthly plans where the user will have a certain length of time to pay for their procedure, instead of having to come up with the full payment at the time of treatment. 

However, it must be noted that CareCredit is not for everyone. It is a credit card, and is approval is based on past credit history from the  applicant(s). Many doctors offer CareCredit to their patients because they want to continue to offer the best care necessary. At Cherry Hill Dental Center, CareCredit is offered as one of the finance options as they are very sensitive to the fact that in today's changing economy, many people have different financial obligations and being unable to pay for treatment in full will deter many from getting the necessary care required.

Come in or call us to discuss all financial options which may be available to you!!!!

 

CHERRY HILL DENTAL CENTER

27676 Cherry Hill Rd. - Garden City, MI 48135 

(734) 427-2880

//www.getthesmile.com/

 

Saving Your Child's Teeth With A Custom Mouthguard

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Injuries to the mouth and face are the number-one sports trauma, and a dental injury is not only painful and costly; it's also permanent. Fortunately, many mouth injuries can be prevented by wearing an athletic mouth protector—also called a mouthguard.

 

 

A mouthguard is a soft plastic appliance that fits over the teeth. When a properly designed mouthguard is worn, the lips, cheek, tongue and jaws are protected, as well as the teeth. The American Dental Association estimates that mouthguards prevent 200,000 injuries each year in high-school and college sports alone. Most people are aware that sports mouthguards are mandatory for participation in high-contact sports such as football, boxing and hockey. But what many people don't realize is that the majority of mouth injuries occur in children between the ages of 7 and 14, often while participating in commonplace activities like skateboarding, rollerblading or bike riding! Mouthguards should be worn during all activities where there is a risk of falling or head contact, either with another player or a piece of equipment. The Academy for Sports Dentistry has identified 35 activities and sports in which mouthguards should be worn to prevent orofacial injury, including baseball, soccer, basketball, martial arts, skiing, volleyball and gymnastics.

The most common mouth injuries are broken or lost teeth, but a blow to the mouth or jaw can also cause:

- jaw fractures

- concussions and cerebral hemorrhage

- head and neck injuries

- problems with the jaw joint

-jaw dislocations

 

Choosing a mouthguard

There are three types of mouthguards available:

- ready-made stock mouthguards

- boil-and-bite mouthguards

- custom-made mouthguards

Stock mouthguards are used right off the shelf. No modifications are made to enhance or customize the fit, so they offer very little, if any, protection. They also tend to feel loose, bulky and uncomfortable, and interfere with breathing and speaking, so it's likely they'll just be left in the gym bag.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards fit somewhat better, because after they are purchased, their fit is enhanced somewhat by softening them in boiling water, then shaping them around teeth and allowing them to harden. However, this type of mouthguard also hampers speech and breathing, because the fit is not optimal. Furthermore, they aren't thick enough to provide adequate protection, and they become brittle after awhile so they need to be replaced relatively frequently.

Custom-made mouthguards are by far the best choice. For about the cost of a good pair of athletic shoes, custom mouthguards offer:

- sufficient thickness in critical areas, so protection is maximized

- the best possible fit and retention

- greater durability, which means less frequent replacement

 

Custom mouthguards are created specifically for you by professional technicians, using a material that is resilient, odorless and tasteless. To fabricate a custom-made mouthguard, on the first appointment, impressions of your teeth are made. From these impressions, models of your teeth are created. The mouthguard is fabricated on these models to ensure that the fit is precise. Then, on your next appointment, your mouthguard is tried in and adjusted as necessary to make sure protection and comfort are optimized.

While any mouthguard is better than none at all, a custom mouthguard is far more comfortable, so it's less likely to be left lying in the locker or the gym bag. They are also much more effective in preventing injuries, since they conform precisely to an individual's teeth. A custom mouthguard costs a bit more than off-the-shelf varieties, but their precise fit, comfort and excellent quality make them well worth the additional cost.

 

What Is A Root Canal?

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The words "root canal" are usually associated with pain and discomfort, and cause many of us to cringe when we hear of someone having one done, or when we are told that we need to have one. Of course we know and understand that the procedure is beneficial to our oral health, but the horror stories have already been told, and until we have a first hand experience, it will always be a dreaded procedure. So what exactly do we have to look forward to during a root canal?

 

Usually when the tooth has a small cavity, a filling may be all that is needed to restore the functionality of the tooth. However, there are times when the tooth is so badly decayed or infected, that the nerve of the tooth, and the pulp which is in the center of the tooth also becomes infected and/or damaged. This is when a root canal becomes necessary.

During the root canal, the pulp and the nerve are removed, and the inside of the tooth is then sealed and cleaned. Usually a crown is put on to protect the underlying tooth. Having a damaged nerve in the tooth alone does not suggest that a root canal is necessary. The nerve's only function is sensory - determining hot or cold. However, when the pulp and the nerve tissue become damaged, it breaks down and this causes bacteria to form in the pulp chamber. This can lead to one getting an abscessed tooth, and can eventually lead to swelling around the face and neck and severe toothache.

Here at Cherry Hill Dental Center, our goal is to try to do everything we can to save your natural teeth and avoid extractions. We are dedicated to doing everything we can to make this procedure as painless as possible. We know that people have genuine fears and we are here to provide you with as much information as possible to help ease those fears. Please feel free to come in and talk with Dr. Morof about the best options available for you.

 

Eating Your Way To Healthier Gums

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As children growing up, we were always warned about the perils of eating sugary foods, especially candy. However, many of us, then, and even now, were not told about the foods that we should be eating, in addition to daily brushing and flossing, in order to promote and maintain healthier gums, and also teeth. Here at Overland Park Smiles, we are dedicated to educating our patients in Overland Park, KS about the foods that we eat and the vitamins that they contain which are essential for the growth of healthy bones and teeth.

Foods rich in Vitamin A:

Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance of the the normal structure of the tissues found in the oral cavity. These tissues serve as protective barriers against the microorganisms that cause diseases. Vitamin A , can be found in eggs, liver, salmon, cheese and beef. We can also get Vitamin A from orange-colored vegetables, like carrots and pumpkins, and dark leafy vegetables, like spinach.

Foods rich in Vitamin C:

Vitamin C helps prevent tissue damage and is vital in the promotion of healthier gums by preventing the gums from breaking down. Vitamin C can be found in all kinds of fresh fruits including citrus fruits, strawberries, apples and mangoes. It can also be found in onions, broccoli and radishes.

Foods rich in Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is essential in preventing the inflammation of gums which can lead to bleeding gums, and eventually periodontal disease. While plenty of sunlight aids in the body's production of Vitamin D, you can get additional Vitamin D from fortified milk, salmon and sardines.

There are many reasons for eating healthy foods. As far as oral health goes, eating healthier is a sure way to get on the right track to promoting and maintaining healthier gums. Yes, the sugars are sweet, but having a beautiful healthy smile is sweeter.

 

Child's First Visit To The Dentist

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Many parents often wonder at what age should they first take their child to the dentist. Many are very surprised that pediatricians suggest that the first visit should be by the first birthday!! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the first dental visit should be scheduled between the eruption of the first tooth, and the first birthday.

 

Since national studies are showing that cavities are increasing in pre-school children, it is important, now more than ever to start early preventive methods to avoid cavities. The developing teeth of infants are affected by pacifiers, teething, bottles, feeding methods, thumb sucking, gum cleansing, and also flouride levels in the mouth.

That first visit is important not only for the child but as an education session for parents to be more effective in promoting good dental health for their child. During the first dental visit, the child's teeth, jaw and gums are examined. Parents are shown proper positioning for child to do a thorough cleaning, and cleansing procedures are demonstrated. The dentist would look for any potential problems and the overall oral growth and development of the child will be checked and assessed. Also, the child's medical history will be reviewed and any preventative measures necessary wil be discussed with parents.

It is always a good idea to have dental visits scheduled before problems develop. That way, they can be kept short and that will help with the child becoming more relaxed in the dental environment.

 

What Is TMJ Disorder?

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Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your jawbone to your skull. They are located at either sides of the head, near the ears. These joints are essential in speaking, eating and the making of facial expression. TMJ disorder occurs when there is a disruption in the proper function of these joints.

In some cases, the causes of TMJ disorder can be clear. A blow or other impact to the joint can result in dislocation of the TMJ. Another cause is arthiritis which can cause inflammation of the joints, and also swelling of the surrounding tissues. Having a misaligned bite make everyday jaw movements, like chewing, take a toll on the TMJ. This can eventually cause a strain on the surrounding muscles. Many people habitually clench and grind their teeth.This places extreme pressure on the joints, sometimes to the point where there can be a dislocation of the joint. 

The symptoms of TMJ disorders will vary from person to person, depending on the cause of their TMJ disorder. For many, jaw joint pain is the most common. Many experience a popping, clicking sound when they yawn or chew. Many experience an aching pain in and around the ear because the TMJ is located near the ear. Headaches tend to occur when the muscles around the TMJ get strained. With the people who ususally clench and grind their teeth, there is usually tooth aches and pain in the cheeks.

At Cherry Hill Dental Center, we can pinpoint the source of your pain and provide relief using the very latest in gentle, non-surgical treatments. Come in to see us today and together we will find the best treatments for you.

Invisalign - Straightening Your Teeth The Invisible Way

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Many adults, in the past, were very hesitant to, and even refused, to have their teeth straightened because they did not want to be seen with braces. Of course we all know that typically, braces are introduced at a younger age. Now, however, many adults have the chance to have their teeth straightened without the sightly braces, and can fell more confident about themselves while doing so.

Invisalign eliminates the metal brackets and wires that so many people dislike. Instead, smooth clear, custom made aligners are used. There is no irritation to the gums and cheeks that is often found with braces. You even get to remove the aligners when you need to eat and brush your teeth - that is something one could only dream of when wearing braces! That is not even the icing on the cake. When you’re wearing Invisalign, no one ever have to know that you are straightening your teeth!

 

Maintaining Invisalign is also so much more easier than braces. There will be no need  to replace brackets that have fallen off and there is no need tighten wires. In fact, the aligners are replaced approximately every 2 weeks until results are achieved. 

A major question that many people have when inquiring about Invisalign is the cost. Many will be surprised to know that the cost of the Invisalign treatment is usually comparable to that of traditional braces. Also, many insurance companies covers Invisalign just as they do the traditional braces. Many doctors also offer flexible payment plans to help their patients achieve their goals of having beautiful healthy smiles.

 

Receding Gums - The Silent Killer

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Receding gums, to most people is a vanity issue. They worry about what their smiles are going to look like, and how others will look at them. However, it becomes much more than that when the causes and possible outcomes are brought to light; it can be a serious health risk.

Causes of receding gums

In many cases, receding gums, also known as gingival recession, refers to the exposure of the roots of the teeth due to the loss of gum tissue. The most common cause for the loss of gum tissue, is gum disease , or periodontitis. This begins when plaque, formed by bacteria,  accumulates on teeth and gums. When plaque is not removed daily, it produces toxins that irritate the gums. Eventually, these toxins destroy the tissues of the gums, causing them to separate from the teeth (recede) and form spaces called pockets. 

 

Progression of receding gums

The loss of gum tissue is more common in adults, but often begin the early stages as teenagers. 

Healthy gums are usually pink, tight to the teeth, and has a scalloped or curved appearance. The early stages of problem is characterized by red or swollen gums that are tender and bleed easily when brushed. At this point, it is reversible and can be detected by your dentist during regular checkups. As the disease progresses, it can destroy the bone and soft tissue supporting the teeth. The teeth may become loose and have to be removed by a dentist. When the disease get to the advanced stage of periodontitis, there is usually a sever case of bad breath, inflammation of the gums which may contain pus, and the teeth get so lose that they fall out. 

Dangers of receding gums

While the most obvious danger of having receding gums is the eventual loss of teeth, there are many more serious health risks that can be associated with this.  Receding gums is known as the “Silent Killer” because is the gateway of serious afflictions, such as periodontal disease which has been proven to be linked to much more serious conditions. Among these are heart disease, heart attack, stroke, respiratory disease, diabetes, and even  premature and underweight babies. Taking care of receding gums, and getting treatment in the early stages is extremely  important in helping to maintain the overall health of your body.

Treating receding gums

It has been said that the best treatment to any condition is prevention. However, many are not aware of  the risks of receding gums, until they are already affected. Regular dental checkups help with early detection, and further recession can be prevented by regular flossing and brushing. However, it may be too far gone where this will help. Depending on the stage of the disease, gum recession can be treated by  surgically moving healthy gum tissue to the areas where the gum has receded. This procedure is usually done in the dental office with local anesthetic.

 

Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants!

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As children, losing teeth is somewhat a right of passage - that step from being a “little” kid to being a “big” kid. It is greatly anticipated by most kids who also cannot wait for the first visit from the tooth fairy. For most adults, however, losing one’s teeth is a dreaded affair, and one that most of us hope will not happen for many, many years. Unfortunately, it does happen, and not only does it affects a person’s ability to eat, hence affecting their nutrition, but it also affects their appearance, speech, and overall self esteem. Fortunately, there are various options available for us to chose from to help restore those beautiful smiles. Here at Cherry Hill Dental Center, one of the options we focus on is the use of dental implants.

In the past, dentures and fixed bridges were mainly use as the methods of tooth/teeth restoration. However, in the past 20 years, dental implants have quickly become the choice of most people for the replacement of missing teeth.

The dental implant is made from a titanium rod which is anchored in the jaw to support restorations that resemble a tooth to replace missing ones. As a result of the the implant being anchored in the jawbone, it helps maintain the integrity of the bone. Another important advantage of the dental implant over a fixed bridge is that the health of the surrounding teeth is not sacrificed.

Your Garden City Dentists are dedicated to restoring the ability to smile and eat. Our wonderful staff are here to put you at ease and answer all questions. Please feel free to drop in or call to schedule a consultation to decide the best treatment for you.

Porcelain Veneers

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Dental veneers are used as a form of cosmetic dentistry to correct tooth enamel that is worn, discolored, chipped or cracked, or uneven tooth spacing. While creating beautiful, bright smiles, they also protect the surface of the already damaged teeth which may eliminate the need for further treatments.

Veneers are made with different materials, including composite resin and porcelain. Porcelain veneers has been known to be used for the more serious cases of damaged teeth. these veneers has been proven to last up to 16-20 years.

Porcelain Veneers  can be made as thin as a contact lens. They are more stain resistant than resin veneers, and are better able to  and are better at mimicking the light properties of natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are also very safe for sensitive patients since there is no drilling and no removal of the tooth structure - there is no pain involved!!

So, call our office or come on in and schedule a consultation and let us show you how we can improve your smile with Porcelain Veneers.