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.

 

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.

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.

Is Nail Biting Bad for Your Teeth?

Nail biting is a relatively common habit that affects people of all ages. There are many theories as to why people bite their nails, but most agree that it often stems from stress or may be an activity that is picked up as a child. At Cadena Dentistry, we want you to be aware that nail biting can cause dental problems and as much as we love to see you at the office, we’d like to save you from costly invasive procedures in the future.

When you bite your nails, your teeth are constantly chewing and this can interfere with dental occlusion. Your teeth may shift out of proper position, become misshapen, wear down prematurely, and become weakened if you bite your nails over time. The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that frequent nail biters may rack up $4,000 in additional dental bills over the course of their lifetime, so think twice before you put those fingers in your mouth.

Patients might find that wearing a mouth guard can reduce nail biting and help prevent further damage to teeth. If you are a nail biter, 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 a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Diet and Your Dental Health

 

For healthy living and for healthy teeth and gums, it’s important to know that what you eat and drink and how frequently you eat and drink can affect your dental health. In fact, if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your mouth. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars to carbohydrates from the foods that you eat to acids, and it’s the acids that begin to attack the enamel on your teeth, starting the tooth decay process. Here at Cadena Dentistry we can’t monitor your diet, but we can suggest foods that will benefit your overall oral health.

The best food choices include those from each of the five food groups. These include cheeses, chicken or other meats, nuts and milk. These foods are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth (a natural process by which minerals are redeposited in tooth enamel after being removed by acids). Other food choices include firm/crunchy fruits (apples and pears) and vegetables (carrots and celery). These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain and increases saliva flow which helps protect against decay.

If you have further questions about how your diet relates to your dental health, 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.

For healthy living and for healthy teeth and gums, it’s important to know that what you eat and drink and how frequently you eat and drink can affect your dental health. In fact, if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your mouth. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars to carbohydrates from the foods that you eat to acids, and it’s the acids that begin to attack the enamel on your teeth, starting the tooth decay process. Here at Cadena Dentistry we can’t monitor your diet, but we can suggest foods that will benefit your overall oral health.

The best food choices include those from each of the five food groups. These include cheeses, chicken or other meats, nuts and milk. These foods are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth (a natural process by which minerals are redeposited in tooth enamel after being removed by acids). Other food choices include firm/crunchy fruits (apples and pears) and vegetables (carrots and celery). These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain and increases saliva flow which helps protect against decay.

If you have further questions about how your diet relates to your dental health, 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.