6 Ways To Improve Your Smile

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health

dental payment plans Boulder County

Who would say no to a more attractive smile? At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we’re guessing no one! With all of the cosmetic dentistry procedures now available, most people can get the smile they want.

Here is a quick look at some of the most popular treatments.

  1. Teeth whitening is a very common procedure used to lighten stained teeth. This quick and easy procedure is usually done in the dentist office, and the results can be extremely dramatic.
  2. Bonding is a popular treatment that uses a dental composite that resembles enamel. This material is applied to the surface of the teeth, sculpted into the desired shape, and then hardened and polished.
  3. Tooth reshaping is a simple way to improve the appearance of your smile. It involves removing part of the enamel and can be used to fix small chips or to change the length or position of teeth.
  4. Veneers are custom-made porcelain coverings that are very thin. They are bonded to the teeth and can be used to close gaps or cover discolored teeth.
  5. For most patients, dental implants are the ideal way to replace a missing tooth.
  6. And finally, there is the smile makeover. A smile makeover uses a combination of procedures to get dental patients the smiles they want.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette, we want our patients to have the best oral health possible. We also want them to look their best. We offer a full range of cosmetic dentistry procedures, including dental implants. Call for an appointment with us today!

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

ArticleID 4766

How Dental Implants Are Changing Dentures

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Categories: dental implants, dentures, restorative dentistry

How Dental Implants are Changing Dentures in LafayetteIf you wear dentures, you know that they are not the ideal solution for missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures from Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette are proving to be a superior option.

Conventional dentures do not feel and function like natural teeth. Problems with them include slipping, gum irritation, trouble eating and talking, bone loss, and inability to taste food due to a covered palate.

The good news? Dental implant technology offers a better  solution. If you currently wear traditional dentures and are not happy with them, implant anchored dentures may dramatically change your life. Your chewing ability will be similar to that of natural teeth and you will be able to eat hard foods again.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed in the jaw, where it fuses with the bone. Single implants are used to support one artificial tooth. Multiple posts, strategically placed, can support a set of dentures.

Implant-supported dentures are usually made for the lower jaw. That’s because lower dentures tend to be the most problematic; the uppers are more stable and don’t need the extra support that implants provide. But implant-supported dentures can be used in the upper jaw, too.

Implant-supported dentures from Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette are natural in appearance and built to last. To find out whether you’re a good candidate for them, please call our office to schedule an appointment.

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

ArticleID 7726

Is The Humble Toothbrush Obsolete?

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Categories: Dental Health, general dentistry

electric vs manual toothbrushes Louisville

Are manual toothbrushes obsolete? Would you believe people have asked that for more than fifty years? At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we assure you that the answer is no – an old school manual toothbrush is one of your best friends, when it comes to maintaining your dental health.

“Wait a minute,” you might say, “isn’t an electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush?”

That very question was addressed in the Journal of the American Dental Association, way back in February of 1964. Their article sensibly concluded that all toothbrushes, when used properly, are effective at removing food debris and plaque to keep your smile free of decay.

Electric toothbrushes are great, and they certainly have their place. But they do not do a better job cleaning teeth, simply because they’re electric. When it comes to any toothbrush, the most important thing is to choose one with soft bristles. They are gentle on the gums, but still effective in brushing away plaque.

For most people, whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush boils down to personal preference. Both do a good job cleaning your teeth. A manual toothbrush may take a little longer. But they’re a lot cheaper! At the end of the day, though, the choice is yours.

One important point in favor of the electric toothbrush: they are a tremendous benefit to anyone with issues like arthritis.

The important thing is to find a toothbrush that works for you, and use it. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we stress brushing and flossing twice a day. Our services include general and family dentistry, and special procedures like dental implants. Call for your next checkup today!

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

ArticleID 7305

Let’s Work Together To Keep Your Smile Healthy And Beautiful

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Categories: Dental Health, Family dentistry, general dentistry

low cost tooth bleaching Boulder

Here at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we approach all your oral care needs from two separate angles—what we can do in our office and what you can do at home.

For example, teeth whitening can be treated in our office or at home. Here in the office there are safe and effective methods for whitening yellowed or stained tooth enamel. At-home whitening techniques are also safe and effective and sometimes more affordable.

Additionally, we guide you about food and drink choices that can affect your whitened smile. Be aware of staining substances such as coffee, tea, tobacco and soda. We understand that abstaining from these items altogether is not an easy lifestyle change. Nor do we expect it.

Awareness and precaution can make a big difference. Rinsing your mouth out with water after drinking a dark or sugary liquid can cut down on the contact your teeth have with it and help neutralize the acids. Prolonged exposure to sugar can lead to buildup of plaque and tartar and prolonged exposure to staining substances can negate the results of teeth whitening.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO we offer general and family dentistry, and special services like dental implants. Call to schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

ArticleID 6856

Tooth Replacement For The 21st Century

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Categories: Dental Health, dental implants, dentures

Boulder County tooth implant supported dentures

Not everything was better back in the “good old days.” Take dentures, for instance. Dentures have been around for generations and have certainly improved the lives of thousands of people. But they don’t compare favorably to modern implant dentures, like those available from Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette.

Traditional dentures can impede many critical oral functions: chewing, tasting, swallowing, talking, and smiling. You may know people who have stopped attending social activities because they are embarrassed by dentures that are far from inconspicuous.

As you may know, a dental implant is a titanium post that is placed in the jaw, where it fuses with the bone. Multiple posts, usually four, can support a set of dentures.

In most cases, implant-supported dentures are made for the patient’s lower jaw. That’s because lower dentures tend to be the most problematic; the uppers are more stable and don’t need the extra support that implants provide.

That said, implant-supported dentures can be made for the upper and lower.

Implant-supported dentures have a number of advantages over traditional dentures:

  • More stable. Because they are attached to titanium posts that have fused with the jaw, people have much greater biting and chewing power.
  • Natural in appearance. They look more like natural teeth, and are easier to care for.
  • Built to last. Because they are physically attached to the jaw, implants are long-lasting.
  • Prevents bone recession. With traditional dentures, the bone around missing tooth roots begin to deteriorate. The titanium posts replace some of the tooth rootes, so the bone is preserved.

Implant-supported dentures can transform your life, and they are among the procedures available at Boulder County Smiles. We also offer general and family dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

ArticleID 6958

Foaming At The Mouth: Are You Brushing Right?

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Categories: Dental Health, general dentistry

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In this post from Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette, we review some details about brushing your teeth. It bears repeating that brushing and flossing are the best ways to maintain good dental health.

One key to activating the value of toothpastes is creating foam when thoroughly brushing.

Working up a good foam is achieved by pre-wetting the toothbrush, then attacking at a 45 rather than 90 degree angle. The foaming assists in dislodging food debris from nooks and crannies in the mouth. Go ahead and swish it around at the completion of brushing to pick up any stragglers. The abrasives in toothpaste are designed to polish the teeth without damaging the enamel.

Because of the abrasives, soft toothbrushes are best for proper brushing. Harder bristles can put the enamel and gum line at risk. When the gum line recedes from aggressive brushing (or any other cause) a patient may see tooth pain, increased build-up and decay, tooth structure weakening, and in acute cases, tooth loss.

The fluoride in the toothpaste promotes remineralization when the paste has been rubbed around on all surfaces of all teeth in the entire mouth. This takes time so make certain you brush for at least 2-3 minutes.

Furthermore, remember that flossing is vital and rounds out the 5 minutes each day to give you healthy, pain-free chewing for years and years to come.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we want all our patients to brush and floss twice a day, and see us for a checkup twice a year. Our services include general and family dentistry, and restorative dentistry. Schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

ArticleID 6935

6 Good Reasons To Visit Your Dentist More Often

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Categories: Dental Health, Family dentistry, general dentistry, General health

6 Good Reasons To Visit Your Dentist More Often

Most people visit the dentist about once each year. As many as forty percent of Americans see their dentist less often. Some go as long as five years between visits. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we recommend a checkup every six months.

Here are six great reasons to visit us more frequently.

1. Oral Cancer Detection

That’s right: cancer detection. Not many people think about the risk of getting cancer in their mouth or throat. Patients with oral cancer have a far better prognosis when it’s detected early. Note that tobacco users have a substantially higher risk of developing oral cancer.

2. Cavity Damage

Unfortunately, almost everyone gets cavities. If cavities are caught when they are small, they aren’t difficult (or pricey) to fix.

The problem comes when they aren’t discovered early and the damage requires a serious fix. Cavities are one of the reasons many people avoid the dentist. Getting a tooth filled used to be painful. Not anymore.

3. Gum Disease, Gingivitis, or Periodontitis

Gum health is a part of an overall dental health. We will check your gums and treat gum disease, if need be.

4. Bad Habits

Bad habits can have a negative influence on your oral health. Smoking, poor diet, biting nails and clenching teeth are among the more common. It helps to have an experienced professional to help you deal with habits so they don’t become destructive.

5. Deeper Problems

X-ray technology allows us to detect potential problems before they become visible. Many issues can be fixed before damage occurs.

6. More Than Just Teeth

We are concerned about more than your teeth. We care about your overall physical health, and are trained in the anatomy around your mouth, including your neck, throat, lymph nodes and head. We always check for signs of trouble.

But we never lose sight of your dental health; at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, that’s what it’s all about. We offer general and family dentistry, and a full range of restorative procedures. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

ArticleID 7785

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

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Categories: Dental Health, Family dentistry, general dentistry

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

Have you replaced your toothbrush lately? You don’t have to answer that. At Boulder county Smiles in Lafayette CO, we recommend replacing your toothbrush every three months. Too many people wait too long to get a new toothbrush, which can be bad for their dental health. It’s one of the reasons why most dentists hand out free ones at every checkup.

Of course, you don’t need to mark your calendar or set up a reminder on your smartphone. How often you replace your toothbrush depends on how often you use it. We recommend, strongly, that you brush at least twice a day. If you’re brushing twice a day, picking up a new toothbrush at the store every three months is recommended.

Why Replace It So Often?

A toothbrush can become familiar, like a comfy pair of shoes. Sometimes the idea of tossing out the old one and replacing it isn’t very appealing. But after three months, the bristles are going to be bent and frayed. There may be some gunk – dried toothpaste foam – starting to build up, too. So toss that old brush, and get a fresh one!

What kind of brush should you be using? There are so many choices. The most important thing is to choose a brush with soft bristles. They are gentle on the gums, but still effective in brushing away plaque.

Manual or Electric?

Should you use a manual toothbrush, or go electric? This boils down to personal preference. Provided you use them correctly, both do a good job cleaning your teeth. A manual toothbrush may take a little longer, and requires you to be sure to brush up and down and in little circles. But they’re a lot cheaper! At the end of the day, though, the choice is yours.

Electric toothbrushes are a tremendous benefit to those with issues like arthritis. There are two basic types: a regular electric toothbrush, and a sonic toothbrush. A sonic toothbrush is essentially a super-charged electric brush. They can give you up to thirty thousand brush strokes per minute!

To recap: for good dental health, the important thing is to change your toothbrush every three months. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette, we offer a full complement of general and family dentistry, as well as restorative dentistry and many other services. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

ArticleID 7776

Why You Should Take Snoring Seriously

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Categories: Dental Health, Sleep apnea, Snoring

Snoring isn’t just an annoyance. It can have major health consequences. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we can treat sleep problems like snoring.

What is Snoring?

Snoring is caused by an an airway obstruction in the throat or nasal cavity. The obstruction can be caused by:

  • Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue—when muscles relax they can collapse onto the airway. Alcohol use and sleeping pills can make this more likely
  • Thick throat tissue—Excess weight can be a contributing factor
  • Swollen tonsils and adenoids—Most common in children
  • Long uvula or soft palate
  • Nasal congestion
  • Deviated septum

People who snore may have a condition called sleep apnea—a serious health condition in which your breathing stops as you sleep. This can occur over and over through the night.

If your snoring keeps your bed partner from sleeping, his or her health is also impacted. Failure to get enough restorative slumber contributes to a host of physical and mental conditions.

Most of us have experienced difficulty concentrating when we haven’t had enough sleep. Did you know that can limit a person’s motor function and reaction time as seriously as intoxication?

Relief Is Here

So why is a message about snoring and sleep deprivation in a dental blog? We understand the connection between oral health and the rest of the body. At every checkup, we not only check your teeth and gums, we examine your glands, tongue, and throat for signs of oral cancer or other illnesses or disorders.

Whether it’s snoring or apnea, sleep problems can have a serious, negative impact on your life. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO we treat sleep apnea. Other services include dental implants. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

ArticleID 7731

Replace Old Silver Fillings

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Categories: Dental Health, general dentistry

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Filling cavities with a resin composite material is increasingly popular in dentistry. They are commonly called “white fillings,” and they’re what we use at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO.

One of the things that makes composite fillings so attractive is the color. They easily blend in with the color of your teeth, making them all but invisible. For that reason, we get requests to replace old silver fillings with composite.

Traditional silver fillings have been used in dentistry for more than 150 years. Often called amalgam fillings, they are made from a mix of different metals.

More and more people are concerned about the safety of those old-style silver fillings. And make no mistake, they still have the approval of the American Dental Association, the Food and Drug Administration, and the World Health Organization.

Yet many patients are concerned that in addition to silver, copper and tin, silver fillings contain mercury, a known toxin. They release low levels of mercury in the form of a vapor that can be absorbed by the body.

The FDA has reviewed the best scientific evidence and concluded that dental amalgam fillings are safe. Clinical studies have not established any links between silver fillings and health issues.

But at Boulder County Smiles, we would rather be safe than sorry. And besides, white fillings look so much better! We use them exclusively, so there are no safety concerns whatsoever. We offer general and family dentistry, and special services like dental implants. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Boulder County Smiles:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

ArticleID 7296