Dental Sealant for Children

An Easy Preventive Treatment for Children and Adolescents

If bacteria are not cleaned off the surface of the teeth, it will lead to decay. Any size cavity is permanent damage and will need a restoration of a filling or crown. Often the bacteria in the grooves of back teeth are missed, and plaque will build up and eventually lead to decay. 

An excellent preventive treatment is one application of a dental sealant. After all teeth are cleaned and sterilized, one thin coating is applied to all the surfaces of teeth. It is transparent and invisible. To bond the sealant to teeth, the dentist uses a curing light. And that is the entire procedure that takes just minutes. No shots or drilling are necessary. It is quick, easy, and does much to prevent the onset of decay both for children and teens.

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686

BetterImageDentistry.com

In-Office Tooth Whitening

Learn more about in-office teeth whitening.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686BetterImageDentistry.com

Dental Veneers

Straight Teeth in Only Two Visits

Don't let a smile with deep discoloration, wide gaps, or crooked teeth keep you from moving forward to a beautiful smile. In just two visits, these problems can be corrected and give you a smile that looks like you had years of straightening. Porcelain veneers are hard, thin sheets of the best dental ceramic that are bonded to your teeth. It will quickly and painlessly provide a straight, even smile.

Veneers are also the answer to a broken or cracked tooth. They can reshape a worn or misshapen tooth as well. They will bond to the natural tooth to conceal the problem. The shade of the veneer will match the surrounding teeth to give a very natural look to your smile.

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686

BetterImageDentistry.com

Great Ways to Improve Your Smile # 3

Veneers
Veneers are thin shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. Unlike bonding, it is necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth to accommodate the shell. Based on a model of your mouth, they are meant to look like your natural teeth. 

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686
BetterImageDentistry.com

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you have sensitive teeth.

Is Tooth Sensitivity Common? 
Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.

Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) Happen? 
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65.  

When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentin of the root exposed.  Overzealous brushing or using a very abrasive toothpaste can also cause abrasion of the tooth's enamel surface and expose dentin. A very acidic diet - for example a diet with a lot of citrus food, pickles or sodapop - can cause tooth erosion and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentin. Bulimia and GERD can also result in dental erosion and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686

BetterImageDentistry.com

Great Ways to Improve Your Smile # 2

Crowns
A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686
BetterImageDentistry.com

Diet & Your Teeth

Learn more about the connection between your teeth and what you eat.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686BetterImageDentistry.com

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease - these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:

• Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
• Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
• Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity

At Home:

• Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
• Brush correctly and do not over brush
• Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
• Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface

There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help - do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686

BetterImageDentistry.com

Oral Health

Complete Oral Health

Our doctors will take the time to give you a complete assessment of your oral health. The condition of your teeth and mouth can have a greater impact on your overall health than you may think. Patients who have an improper bite or who suffer from bruxism (grinding of teeth), TMJ, gum disease, or crooked teeth can have relief with proper treatment. Missing teeth can be replaced to take care of migraines, chronic bad breath, toothaches, and an unattractive smile.

We are here to help you and address your symptoms, concerns, and goals. Part of your assessment will be digital X-rays, imprints of your bite, and photos in order to create a treatment plan for a new smile and a healthier you. You don't have to suffer with problems that originate with your teeth, gums, or jaw. We also discuss phased treatment and financing to put your goal in reach.

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686BetterImageDentistry.com

Great Ways to Improve Your Smile # 1

Whitening
When it comes to getting a whiter and brighter smile, there are a variety of teeth-whitening products you can try. Your main options are in-office and at-home bleaching. Before starting any whitening treatment, you should speak with your dentist. Your dentist will tell you what, if any, whitening procedures will work best for you.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Better Image Dentistry
Drew Fairweather, DMD, Michael H. Dodd, DMD
21 Monroe Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 214-7686
BetterImageDentistry.com