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. 

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. 

Gum Graft

Receded gums are irritating, cause tooth sensitivity and elongated-looking teeth. In the case where gums have receded, it is necessary to correct them for the health of the gums and the teeth. Cadena Dentistry performs gum grafts to correct receded gums right here in our Del Rio, TX dentistry.

Gum grafts take tissue from another area of the mouth and restore the receded gums to their natural state. The tissue is often taken from an area where there is excess gum tissue, the soft palate, or the roof of the mouth. The area where the tissue is taken from often experiences little to no discomfort.

The tissue is then stitched down into place where the gums are receded. This promotes growth, so along with the newly placed tissue, the gums will grow even more into a healthy, natural-looking gum line.

Receded gums can be caused from gum disease, a misaligned bite, or even abrasive brushing. Receded gums can cause a tooth to fall out if they are not corrected. They also expose the tooth’s root, so the teeth are often sensitive to heat, cold, and other changes to the mouth.

If receded gums are irritating you, do not wait to schedule a consultation with us. For more information about gum grafting or to schedule an appointment, call Cadena Dentistry of Del Rio, TX at (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Canine Exposure

Canine teeth are important for eating. They are meant to grasp food and tear into it. When canine teeth are impacted, they affect the way you eat, the aesthetic appearance of your smile and they can harm other teeth. Cadena Dentistry here in Del Rio, TX performs canine exposure so that an impacted canine can grow in normally.

When a canine tooth is impacted, that means it cannot emerge fully because it is trapped within the jaw bone or surrounding tissue. Canine teeth are one of the most common teeth to become impacted. When the canine teeth do not fully emerge, they can erode other teeth and may cause them damage. In addition, some impacted canines have caused cysts to grow over the site, which need to be removed for the health and function of your mouth. Even if the tooth is not causing any problems, leaving a baby tooth or a gap there can often diminish the perfect smile so many desire.

To allow the tooth to grow in properly, your dentist will make an incision in the gums where the canine is stuck. This allows a clear path for the tooth to grow through. A dental brace will also be attached to the tooth to guide it down into the right position.

Impacted canines do not have to cause you trouble or affect your smile. If you suspect impacted canines, come into our Del Rio, TX dentistry for a consultation. To schedule, call Cadena Dentistry at (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Arestin For Proactive Gum Disease Treatment

When gum disease plagues you with irritation and pain, you want procedures performed with high success rates and the most advanced treatments.  We know how frustrating gum disease is to deal with, which is why here at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX we utilize Arestin, an antibiotic applied right to the site of gum disease.

Arestin is made of microscopic spheres that dissolve on their own, so there is no need to take them out like with antibiotics of the past. Arestin is applied to the deep gum pockets after a scaling and planing. Arestin has shown to clear up gum disease better than a scaling and planing alone. When bacteria are left deep down in the gum pockets, Arestin works around the clock to kill them. Arestin is time-released so it keeps working long after it has been applied.

When plaque and tartar irritate the gums, they begin to form deep pockets, which cause the gums to recede. This is when the bacteria reach deep down into the gums near the tooth’s root. Gum disease is the number one reason for adult tooth loss.

If you are frustrated with the pain and irritation of gum disease, it is time to take a proactive approach. Ask Cadena Dentistry about Arestin. We are located in Del Rio, TX and appointments can be made by calling (830) 775-3322 or by going to our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Custom Protective Mouth Guards in Del Rio, TX

Participating in sports is great for the health of an individual, but sometimes accidents happen. In contact sports especially, injury to the mouth is possible and common. This is why Cadena Dentistry of Del Rio, TX is offering custom protective mouth guards.

Our patients’ protection and comfort is of the most importance to us. We know safety is a top concern of many of our patients, too. Our custom-fit protective mouth guard is created to fit each individual perfectly. All mouths are different and store-bought mouth guards are all made the same. They can fit wrong, resulting in poor protection. Our custom-fit mouth guards offer the best protection, the best comfort, and allow for the best breathing.

The thin plastic is easy to wear, yet durable. The mouth guard protects injuries to your teeth, your jaw, your lips, tongue, and cheeks. Injuries to these areas can be painful and will need to be fixed. Not to mention, the injury may stop your game. It is better to prevent such injuries from happening instead of dealing with pain and correction when it does happen.

If you or someone you know is involved in a contact sport or other contact activities, come into our Del Rio, TX dentistry for a custom protective mouth guard fitting. To learn more, contact Cadena Dentistry at (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Frenectomy Performed with a Laser

Lip tie and tongue tie can cause severe problems in babies and continued difficulties in adulthood. To free the lips and tongue, a frenectomy is needed to allow the frenulum to heal with more range. Here at our Del Rio, TX dental practice, Cadena Dentistry, we are trained and skilled at performing frenectomies.

The frenectomy is performed by using a laser to detach the shortened or tightened frenulum. Using a laser provides less discomfort than a scalpel or scissors and a faster healing time.  There are also no stitches needed afterward. Often, only a local anesthetic is needed to numb the area. The procedure is performed in less than fifteen minutes. When the frenulum heals, it will have with more range.

When a tightened or shortened frenulum causes the lips or tongue limited motion, this causes immediate difficulties for babies nursing. They are unable to latch correctly and suffer from the consequences. Babies who have difficulty latching often do not gain enough weight. The mothers also suffer with blockage and injury to their milk ducts. Later on in life, as a child or an adult, lip tie and tongue tie can affect the ability to speak, eat, keep good oral health, and other activities.

A short or tight frenulum can cause major difficulties in life, but it doesn’t have to last forever. To learn more about frenectomy, call Cadena Dentistry of Del Rio, TX at (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Full and Partial Dentures at Cadena Dentistry

Dentures are a great option for those who need to replace their teeth, but want a removable option. Here at Cadena Dentistry, of Del Rio, TX we offer our patients with missing teeth full and partial dentures.

Full dentures are a brand-new set of teeth. The teeth are created by taking measurements of your mouth and finding a natural fit. They are made to be the best and most natural looking smile for each individual patient. For full dentures, we can provide both conventional and immediate. The benefit to immediate dentures is that there is no time spent without teeth. However, if extractions were made to place them, a future visit will be required to re-fit the dentures. As the gums heal, they can shrink and change shape. For conventional dentures, we wait a few months for your gums to heal before we fit the dentures.

Here at Cadena Dentistry, we also provide partial dentures. Partial dentures are sort of like bridges, in that they use other teeth to stabilize the dentures. However, unlike bridges, partial dentures are removable.

Dentures are to be taken care of like regular teeth. They need to be brushed before taken out of your mouth to remove plaque, just like normal teeth. When they are not in use, store the dentures in room temperature water.

To find out if dentures are right for you, schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry of Del Rio, TX by calling us at (830) 775-3322 or visiting our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Dental Crowns to Restore and Protect

Restoring a weak tooth prevents further damage, infection, and pain. It also improves the aesthetic look of your smile. To repair teeth weakened by damage or decay, we offer dental crowns in our Del Rio, TX dental practice, Cadena Dentistry.

When a tooth is fractured or decayed, this can allow bacteria to reach the inside of the tooth and affect the dental pulp. Being the nerve center of the tooth, when the dental pulp becomes infected it can be quite painful. To clear the infection a root canal is needed, and often a crown will be placed to ensure it does not continue to happen. When a tooth is weak, why not protect it from the start and avoid the pain? A dental crown is like a cap that goes over your tooth restoring its strength. It will also improve the look of your smile.

Dental crowns can be made of gold, porcelain fused to metal, or full porcelain. The options with porcelain are made to look just like your natural teeth, so you won’t be able to tell there is a crown. The crowns are made in a dental laboratory and cemented onto the tooth that has been reshaped to fit it.

If you are looking to protect a tooth or improve the look of your smile, schedule a consultation with us a Cadena Dentistry of Del Rio, TX to see if a dental crown can work for you. To schedule an appointment, call us at (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Dental Bonding to Fix Cracks, Gaps, and Whiten

A chip in your tooth or a discolored smile can plummet confidence. This is why Cadena Dentistry here in Del Rio, TX offers dental bonding as a fast, affordable, and natural looking fix.

Dental bonding is the process of shaping a tooth-colored composite resin to fill in cracks, gaps, or misshapen teeth. It can also be used for long-lasting whitening and brightening. The composite resin is the same material dentists use to fill in cavities. It is a durable material and when taken good care of, it can last for over ten years.

The process of applying bonding first starts with lightly etching the teeth. The very small grooves created aid a strong bond for the resin and the tooth. The tooth-colored resin is then matched to your natural tooth color, or brighter if you are whitening. Your dentist will smooth the resin over your tooth and shape it to make the desired improvement. An ultraviolet light is then used to harden the material.

Taking care of dental bonding is simple and just like taking care of normal teeth. Brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and regular cleanings and exams by your dentist will ensure that the bonding looks good for a long time.

If you have gaps, cracks, or would like long-lasting whitening, schedule a consultation here at Cadena Dentistry of Del Rio, TX. Find out if dental bonding is right for you. To schedule, call us at (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Digital X-Rays Are More Safe and More Effective

Being able to accurately identify and treat our patients is an extremely important process. This is why we choose to use the most advanced technology in our Del Rio, TX dental practice, Cadena Dentistry. Using digital x-ray allows us to do so much more than what was possible in the past.

Instead of taking the x-rays and having them developed in a dark room, the images are instantly displayed on our monitors. This allows us to instantly have a look at the condition of your mouth. This image is also able to be greatly enlarged on the computer screen. Since these images are digital, we can save them, print them, or email them if a second opinion is needed. Software on our computer can also help us detect changes in the x-ray that the naked eye may not be able to catch.

The safety of our patients is also extremely important to us. By choosing the digital x-ray, our patients are subjected to much less radiation than with a standard x-ray.

If you are due for your dental examination and are curious about the safety and what type of x-ray and other equipment we use here at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, feel free to contact us. For more information, call (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com.  

Extraction Preservation for Healthy and Good Looking Teeth

Extracting teeth is often a necessary procedure to save oral health and to avoid spreading infection. But having a missing tooth is something that must be solved for various oral health reasons. Here at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, we offer several solutions for preserving the site of an extracted tooth.

Traditional implants, mini implants, and dental bridges are all options to replace a missing tooth. Traditional implants are a solution that can last a lifetime. It is a single tooth replacement, so no other teeth are altered in the process. This process takes course over a few months. Mini implants are great for smaller spaces and for creating more stable dentures. They also can usually be placed in one day. Dental bridges are an option where the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are used to create a “bridge”. The two teeth on either side are reshaped to fit crowns, and the replacement tooth is connected in the middle of them.

Choosing not to replace a missing tooth could result in damage to your jaw and facial structure. The jawbone will start to degenerate and change shape. This can cause your teeth to shift. Not only are shifted teeth an aesthetic problem, but it can create problems with biting, chewing, and speaking.

If you are missing a tooth and want to learn more about your options, contact Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX. To schedule an appointment, call (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Invisalign for an Invisable Transition

Straight teeth are a quality many desire, but extremely noticeable and uncomfortable metal braces deter many from achieving the smile they long for. At Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, we offer another option with Invisalign.

Invisalign is a series of nearly invisible trays that gradually straighten your teeth. First, your doctor will take pictures, x-rays, and an impression of your teeth. Using this, an individual treatment plan is created specifically for you. The clear plastic aligners are then created. They are BPA-free, so there is no need to worry about plastic toxins. Not only are these aligner trays nearly invisible, but they do not irritate and callous your cheeks and gums like metal braces do. These aligners are to be worn throughout the day and night, except when eating and brushing your teeth.

Invisalign can improve a variety of cases, including overcrowding, gapped teeth, overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. The length of the treatment plan will depend on each individual case. For adults, a typical treatment time is about a year. For teens, typical treatment time is about two years.

If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth and improving both the aesthetic look of your teeth and your oral health, consider Invisalign. Schedule an appointment with Cadena Dentistry located in Del Rio, TX today to find out if you are a candidate. Call (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Implants to Last a Lifetime

Missing teeth means you bite and chew differently, and maybe even talk differently. There are replacement options, but often they won’t last a lifetime. Wouldn’t a permanent solution be ideal? At Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, we offer dental implants to replace our patients’ missing teeth that can last a lifetime.

Implants are permanently placed in your mouth. The titanium implant post is placed into the bone socket, where it will bond with the jawbone. This healing process can take between three and six months, so while it is healing, Dr. Cadenas will fit you with temporary crowns. When the permanent and customized crown is ready, an abutment is attached to the implant post. The permanent crown is then cemented into place.

Dental implants are a great option because they don’t require healthy teeth to be reduced in order to place them. Being a single tooth replacement, brushing and flossing is made easier, so oral health is maintained with regular care. With a good oral hygiene routine, implants can last a lifetime.

If you are missing teeth and are interested in finding out more about this permanent solution, schedule an appointment at Cadena Dentistry here in Del Rio, TX. Find out how you can restore a smile and restore your oral health. Call (830) 775-3322 or visit our website, www.cadenadentistry.com.