4 Dental Services For Patients
Family dentists help patients keep their teeth clean and healthy. They can also provide cosmetic treatments and some types of orthodontic care. When you have a dental concern that needs to be addressed, you don't need to look any further than your dentist's office. These are four dental services that dentists can provide for patients:
1. Whiten your teeth.
Many people covet beautiful, shiny white teeth. Fortunately, your dentist can help you achieve the brilliant smile you crave at any age. Dentists can scrub away surface stains by polishing your teeth at your biannual dental cleaning. For deeper stains, dentists can offer teeth whitening treatments. These treatments utilize peroxide to penetrate your teeth and whiten your tooth enamel. This is a great option for lifting stains caused by nicotine, coffee, and wine.
2. Treat snoring issues.
You may not immediately think of your dentist when you think of snoring treatments. However, dentists can play an important role in treating snoring caused by sleep apnea and other conditions. Your dentist can create a special mouthguard called a mandibular advancement device for you. MADs are designed to push your upper jaw forward to give you more room in your airways. This can treat snoring issues that prevent you and your partner from getting a good night's sleep.
3. Curb the effects of bruxism.
Teeth grinding is often caused by stress. Unfortunately, understanding the cause of bruxism doesn't automatically mean it will stop. Grinding your teeth while you sleep can wear down your tooth enamel, causing pain and making you more susceptible to cavities. It can also hurt your jaw. Dentists can help you curb the effects of chronic bruxism through the use of custom nightguards. Nightguards are bulky mouthguards made of soft plastic. They're designed to fit securely over your upper or lower teeth to prevent nighttime clenching and grinding.
4. Deal with concerns about shifting teeth.
Your teeth can continue to shift throughout your life. Many people are surprised to find that their teeth begin to change positions well into their adulthood. If you're concerned about your teeth moving out of alignment, you can talk to your dentist about your worries. Your dentist can create a retainer for you to wear at night. Your retainer will prevent your teeth from shifting, which can save you the trouble and expense of additional orthodontic treatments. Many modern retainers are made of a clear plastic material, which many patients find comfortable.
For more info, visit a local dentist.