Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Tooth-Brushing Tips

Even though we’ve been brushing our teeth for our whole lives, many of us are surprised to learn that we’re not doing it properly. How many of you think it’s a race when you step in front of the sink? You may brush for less than a minute, leaving a layer of plaque behind. Plaque that isn’t removed can harden into tartar, making it harder to keep teeth clean. That’s why it is important to utilize these brushing tips in between professional cleanings and dental checkups with our doctors at Cadena Dentistry.



  • Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

  • Move the brush back-and-forth gently in short strokes.

  • Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.

  • To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

  • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.


If you have questions about your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn about our services that we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Dental Emergency Duties

At Cadena Dentistry, our doctors understand that accidents happen and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 



  • For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.

  • For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.

  • If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.

  • For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.


If you experience a dental emergency, please give us a call immediately. To learn about our services that we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Xylitol Dental Benefits

If you are prone to cavities but refuse to put down the sweet treats, our staff at Cadena Dentistry recommends incorporating some xylitol into your diet. Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables. It tastes sweet but, unlike table sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. If you have no desire to change your diet don’t worry, xylitol can conveniently be delivered to your teeth via chewing gum, tablets, or even candy.


In addition to reducing the development of cavities, xylitol also reduces plaque formation and increases salivary flow to aid in the repair of damaged tooth enamel. It also provides one-third fewer calories than sugar and may be useful as a sugar alternative for people with diabetes. So next time you’re strolling through the candy aisle at a convenience store, you may want to look for a label that mentions this sugar substitute.


If you have questions about xylitol and the dental benefits it provides, please give us a call. To learn about our services that we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Tips for a Camera-Ready Smile

Do you hide from the camera because your teeth are any shade but white? If you’ve answered yes, our staff at Cadena Dentistry can provide you with a wide variety of whitening services to give you the bright smile that you desire. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we can provide you with some tips that will give you a photogenic smile.



  • Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.

  • Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.

  • Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!


If you have questions about our whitening services, please give us a call. To learn about our services that we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Veneers for a Perfect Smile

When you notice you are hiding your smile, it may be time for a cosmetic change. Patients are often pleasantly surprised at how improving their smile can boost their confidence. At Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, we offer dental veneers to improve dental imperfects big and small.


Veneers are fantastic for instantly improving the look of gaps, cracks, discoloration, misaligned teeth, and more; all without major any dental work. Veneers are porcelain shells that are bonded to the fronts of your existing teeth. All that is needed is some light preparation.


Veneers are strong, long-lasting, and stain-resistant. You can eat anything you want wearing veneers and they are permanent, so you do not have to worry about taking them in and out. With good care including brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, dental veneers can last for over ten years.


First, we will prepare your teeth by taking off a small amount of enamel. This amount of enamel is what will be replaced by the veneers. Then we take impressions of your teeth so that a dental laboratory can create a set of veneers that is completely customized for you. During the creation process, we will have you wear temporary veneers. When the permanent veneers are ready, we bond them into place. The next time you flash your smile, you will have something to be proud of!


If you are ready to show your smile off, consider dental veneers. To schedule a consultation with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call our office at (830) 775-3322. Appointments may also be made through our website, www.cadenadentistry.com

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Types of Teeth and Their Functions

At Cadena Dentistry, our staff not only takes care of the teeth, we take pride in educating you on the purpose they serve in your mouth. The numbers of teeth us humans have varies by age however, we all have the same types of teeth. If you’ve ever wondered what these types of teeth are and the purpose they serve in your mouth, allow us to inform you.


The types of teeth and their functions are:



  • Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.

  • Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.

  • Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.

  • Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.


If you have questions about your pearly whites, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Different Reasons for Tooth Extractions

At Cadena Dentistry, we want our patients to keep their permanent teeth for a lifetime. However, that isn’t always possible. When it comes to dental procedures, tooth extraction is among the patients’ most dreaded fears. Before our doctors at Cadena Dentistry consider extraction, every effort will be made to try to repair and restore your tooth. However, sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary.


Aside from wisdom teeth removal, other reasons for extractions may include:



  • Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.

  • Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.

  • Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.

  • Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore, will require extraction.


If you suspect that you may need a tooth extracted, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

How Does Invisalign Move Teeth?

At Cadena Dentistry, we offer Invisalign to our patients who desire a straighter smile without a mouth full of metal. Using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you, Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements our doctors plan out for you. But how do these plastic aligners give you a brand new smile? Allow us to explain.


The first part of the process is that of our doctors will take X-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth, and then use that information to create a treatment plan. Through the use of Invisalign’s patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The biggest difference is that the aligners not only control the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move.


If you would like to discuss the Invisalign orthodontic method, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office visit, www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Can You Rebuild Tooth Enamel?

The tooth consists of four layers: enamel, cementum, dentin, and pulp. The enamel, cementum and dentin are hard and calcified, while the pulp in the center of the tooth contains nerves and blood vessels. Tooth erosion happens when acids wear away on the enamel of the teeth. Enamel erosion can be caused by several factors including excessive soft drink consumption, a diet high in sugar, and environmental factors such as friction and stress. The enamel is not living tissue, so your body can’t rebuild it once it’s damaged. However, to rebuild tooth structure and protect teeth from further erosion, our doctors at Cadena Dentistry may recommend tooth bonding or dental crowns.


Enamel helps protect your teeth from daily use such as chewing, biting, crunching, and grinding. Although enamel is a hard protector of teeth, it can chip and crack. Unlike a broken bone that can be repaired by the body, once a tooth chips or breaks, the enamel is gone forever. Because enamel has no living cells, the body cannot repair it once it’s been damaged.  


If you have a chipped or broken tooth and would like to discuss your treatment options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office visit, www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Clear Braces for Discreet Straightening

When it comes to having a nice smile, straight teeth are definitely a plus. However, for many, wearing braces makes them feel even more self-conscious about their smile. This is why here at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, we offer clear braces. Clear braces work just the same as traditional braces, but they are much more discreet!


Clear braces are applied just like traditional braces. Brackets are attached to each tooth and are all connected by a wire. The wire is tightened in different directions to apply continuous pressure on the teeth. Over time, the teeth will shift into place. Each patient has a different case, but the average amount of time for a teen to wear braces is about two years. For an adult, the average is one year.


While clear braces work just the same as traditional braces, they are different in appearance. Clear braces have ceramic brackets which blend in well with the color of your teeth. Clear or white wires are also sometimes possible. Many patients who once would not get braces due to the metal look are now happy to wear braces. The more discreet look keeps you looking your best all throughout the straightening process.


If clear braces sound like something that would benefit you, be sure to contact us! To set up an appointment with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, give us a call at (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Mini Dental Implants

Tooth replacement is a huge part of your oral health. It is important for both functionality and cosmetic reasons. Here at Cadena Dentistry, we want our patients to have the best options available to them. This is why we have chosen to utilize mini dental implants here in our Del Rio, TX dentistry.


Mini implants are about half the size of regular implants. This means several things. First, they do not require a surgical process to insert them, which is less healing time. Secondly, since there is less healing time, the replacement crown is often able to be attached the same day the implant is installed. This is great for patients who do not want to wait several months for a permanent replacement.


Mini implants are also able to be a more stable base for dentures. In this case, we will place four to six mini implants along the upper or lower jaw line. Your dentures can then be altered so that they clip into the implants. They are easy to clip in and out and make wearing dentures much more comfortable.


If mini implants sound like they could be the right option for you, make sure to schedule an appointment with us! To schedule with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call us at (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Get Tartar Under Control

 


It’s no secret to us that plaque can be bad for your teeth. When this sticky substance has the chance to fester and hardens into tartar, it can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Unlike plaque, tartar is a mineral buildup that’s fairly easy to see, if above the gum line. So what’s the difference between plaque and tartar? The only way to remove tartar completely is to visit our hygienists at Cadena Dentistry for a professional cleaning. 

The most common sign of tartar is a yellow or brown color to teeth and gums. In between dental visits, proper brushing, especially with tartar control toothpaste, and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Once tartar has formed, the process for removing it is called scaling. During a scaling, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth and below the gum line. 

If you have tartar buildup on your teeth and are long overdue for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as services we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

It’s no secret to us that plaque can be bad for your teeth. When this sticky substance has the chance to fester and hardens into tartar, it can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Unlike plaque, tartar is a mineral buildup that’s fairly easy to see, if above the gum line. So what’s the difference between plaque and tartar? The only way to remove tartar completely is to visit our hygienists at Cadena Dentistry for a professional cleaning.


The most common sign of tartar is a yellow or brown color to teeth and gums. In between dental visits, proper brushing, especially with tartar control toothpaste, and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Once tartar has formed, the process for removing it is called scaling. During a scaling, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth and below the gum line.


If you have tartar buildup on your teeth and are long overdue for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as services we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.


 

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Treatment

When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities such as brushing, flossing, eating and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth. This occurs when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath the teeth, called the dentin. If you are concerned about what may be causing your teeth to be sensitive, give our staff at Cadena Dentistry a call.


Some other causes of sensitive teeth are teeth grinding, tooth-whitening products, consumption of acidic foods and chipped or broken teeth. The good news is that there are many ways to control sensitive teeth. You can start by maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once daily. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing and consider using desensitizing toothpaste that possesses the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.


If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at the office, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Brushing with Braces

If you have braces, it’s necessary to know that your oral hygiene is more important than ever. That’s because braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped, and inadequate cleaning while wearing braces can cause enamel staining and tooth decay around brackets or bands. At Cadena Dentistry we can’t stand behind you to monitor how you brush, but we can provide you with the following routine that will help make daily brushing and flossing both simple and effective.



  • Prepare to brush – take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.

  • Clean your braces – use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then from the bottom. Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed.

  • Brush your teeth – clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.


Last but not least, don’t forget to floss in between brackets!


If you have questions about your orthodontic oral care routine, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the office, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.