At Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ, we make a conscious effort to help our patients feel comfortable. Though our chairs are cushy as can be, we are not only talking about physical comfort. We are talking about emotional comfort. In other words, peace of mind.
Here are four ways we are devoted to your peace of mind:
Judgment-Free Atmosphere: Our considerate dental team is here to help you, regardless of the state of your teeth. We have treated every imaginable dental issue, and understand and empathize with every patient.
Pain-Free Dentistry: From topical analgesics to laughing gas sedation, we will eliminate or minimize pain as best we can.
Patient Comforts: We will provide warm towels, heated and massaging chair covers, dark glasses to block out light, and even aroma therapy neck cushions, all in an effort to have your dental visit be as close to a spa visit as it can be!
Communication: We have established a reputation as an effective and caring communicator. Procedures are thoroughly explained and all your critical questions are answered prior to treatment.
If you have postponed dental treatment for any reason, we encourage you to give Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ a call. Patients from Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Mesa come to us for general and restorative dentistry, as well as a host of cosmetic dentistry options. Contact us today!
Most people probably know how a pediatric dentist differs from an orthodontist. But you may not know that there are multiple dental specialties. This post from Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ looks at the disciplines within dentistry.
Endodontics: This area focuses on dental pulp and periradicular tissues. If you need a root canal, you may require the services of an endodontist.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.
Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children and teenagers.
Periodontics: This is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the tissues around the teeth – the gums, that is.
Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists provide restorative dental procedures including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also perform cosmetic dental treatments.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: This specialty concerns diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums. These include facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate correction, bone grafting, dental implants, and impacted teeth.
Dental Public Health: This discipline focuses on the prevention and treatment of dental diseases, and promoting dental health through community effort.
If you are researching orthodontics, you have probably heard about clear aligners. They offer several advantages over traditional metal braces. The most popular benefit is the fact that they are nearly invisible.
Millions of people have aligned their teeth with aligners in the past twenty years since they were developed.
We at Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ are here to guide you through the process.
Invisalign
Invisalign pioneered clear aligner orthodontics. Established in 1997, Invisalign has shaped more than 6 million smiles throughout the world.
Invisalign (as with the other types) uses virtual modeling software to create custom aligners formed specifically for your teeth.
First, you’ll start with a consultation where we will look at your teeth. They will work with you to determine which Invisalign treatment plan will work best for your teeth, lifestyle, and dental goals. Then, they will set you up with aligners that are tailor-made for you.
It’s vital to note that you will never be left on your own to figure out what step is next. Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ will be with you every step of the way.
SmileDirectClub (And Other At-Home Systems)
Though we don’t recommend this system, let’s talk about the “mail-order orthodontics” products. We are including an explanation of SmileDirectClub and other at-home systems so you’ll understand their potential potential dangers and limitations.
SmileDirectClub provides custom clear aligners without regular office visits. They advertise an average cost savings of 60% of orthodontist-administered Invisalign and similar system. They report that the average length of treatment is 6 months.
All aligner systems require a 3D image of your teeth. With Invisalign and ClearCorrect, your dentist creates the scan in their office.
With SmileDirect, you can visit one of their “SmileShops” for a scan. There are SmileShops in every U.S. state but you may have to make a long trip. They also serve you with you the option of taking your own impression using their at-home kit.
Your treatment is supposedly supervised by a dentist or orthodontist—but you don’t visit them in person. Your dentist doesn’t take X-rays or examine your progress.
Because of this, we don’t recommend these types of systems. Your smile is too important to use a DIY approach. Your teeth could end up worse than before! The problems could be pricey to correct. In a worst-case situation, you could experience irreversible damage.
The American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists have published warnings against at-home orthodontics.
We at Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ your smile and aligner experience.
Schedule a consultation with us to determine which system is best for you. We serve patients from Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Mesa and include general dentistry, laser dentistry, and gum disease treatment among our services as well.
This post from Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ focuses on fluoride. What is it, exactly, and why is it so good for your dental health?
The Miracle Mineral
Fluoride is a mineral, plain and simple. It is found in different foods as well as in water. Many cities adjust the fluoride content of their municipal water.
Fluoride is also added to dental care products. This makes it possible for you to apply fluoride to your teeth when you brush or use mouth rinses.
And why would you want to put fluoride on your teeth? Because it helps to prevent tooth decay, of course! Fluoride does this by giving the teeth stronger resistance against the acid attacks brought on by plaque bacteria as well as sugar in the mouth.
Essential for Young Teeth
Fluoride is especially important for children. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, both the primary and the permanent teeth come in. Fluoride exposure is extremely helpful for creating a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.
But fluoride is good for adult teeth, too! In addition to the oral care products mentioned previously, you can get a boost of this miracle mineral during routine dental cleanings.
Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ is as full-service practice offering complete general dentistry. People from Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Mesa also come to our office for dental implants, and much more. Contact us today!
A serious side effect of losing a tooth by extraction, accident, or disease is the potential for bone loss. This can be minimized, or even avoided outright, with a dental implant from Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ.
The Alveolar Bone
The bone surrounding the teeth is called alveolar bone. Its main job is to support the teeth and provide a tough foundation for tooth roots. Normal mouth function maintains bone health. As you chew, it stimulates bone cells to consistently produce new bone.
What Can Cause Alveolar Bone Loss?
When a tooth is lost, the bone where the tooth once was is at risk. The forces of chewing no longer stimulate the bone in that area. The bone begins to get narrower, then shorter.
Studies have shown that a considerable amount of†alveolar bone loss can take place within six weeks of losing the tooth. Since it recedes so quickly, the sooner you can get an implant, the better.
Unfortunately, conventional dentures do nothing to prevent bone loss. A dental implant, however, simulates the natural tooth root and stimulates the bone. Whether it’s for one or more lost teeth, dental implants from Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ help to prevent bone loss. People from Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Mesa also come to us for complete restorative dentistry. Contact us today!
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