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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.