General
Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?
Gum disease is a very serious oral health issue, and flossing is essential for preventing gum disease. You can’t remove bacteria below the gum line with brushing alone. Floss helps loosen up food particles and plaque stuck between teeth as well, preventing decay in the nooks and crannies of your smile. Also, flossing helps prevent bad breath. If you want to avoid oral health problems that can truly damage your smile and the impression you make on others, flossing is essential.
How often should I visit the office for checkups and cleanings?
The Grace Dental Group recommends that you visit a dental office every six months for dental checkups and cleanings. This may seem to be overly frequent, but regularly cleaning away the plaque and tartar that you might miss at home can protect your smile from cavities and gum disease. Checkups and hygiene visits are a simple way to avoid major problems in the future.
What are the benefits of digital X-rays over traditional radiographs?
Digital X-rays offer a number of benefits in comparison with traditional radiographs. They offer greater convenience, are environmentally safe, offer excellent information for patient education, and can be transferred and copied easily and accurately. The most important thing for many patients is that they’re safer for patients – digital X-rays emit approximately 80% less radiation than traditional X-rays. This is why we use digital X-rays at our Cornelius, NC dental office.
Orthodontic
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?
- A beautiful smile
- Improved self-confidence
- Guidance of permanent teeth into ideal position
- Improved health of teeth and gums
Is orthodontic treatment painful?
Most of our patients tell us that their teeth are sore for the first three days. Simple over-the-counter pain medication usually is all that is needed. In addition, we provide soft wax and silicone to place on any rough areas of your braces to minimize mouth irritations. Warm, salty water is also a good home remedy for oral discomfort.
At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician.