If you are not sure about your oral health and have dentistry questions, you can ask them to your dentist when you visit them the next time. But to give you a head start, here are some questions which patients frequently ask along with their answers.

How Can I Whiten My Teeth?

We are all want to make sure we have a perfect smile, and white shining teeth are an integral part of your smile. Patients always ask about whitening their teeth. It is a difficult question to answer because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all teeth whitening treatment. You can come in for an in-office professional whitening session. This is a fast and effective way to whiten your teeth. If your teeth are not in very bad condition, you can get good results with over-the-counter teeth whitening treatment kits. Your dentist will be able to help you with which is the best solution for you.

How Often Should I Visit A Dentist?

It would be best if you visited your dentist once in six months for a regular check-up and cleaning session. But if you have a history of gum disease or are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you will be required to see your dentist more frequently. Make sure you comply with those recommendations.

What Is Cavity?

We all know that cavity is not good for our teeth. But most people do not understand what a cavity is. If put in simple words, a cavity is when decay causes a hold in your tooth. The tooth structure from this hollow space is completely eaten up, and you must immediately get the cavity filled. Else, it can get bigger with time.

Is It Safe To Have An Dental X-Ray?

Nowadays, dental X-rays are very safe. The amount of radiation your body will receive is the same amount of radiation you receive when flying on an airplane.

These are some questions which patients commonly ask, but if you have other questions regarding your oral health your general dentistry, you can feel and ask our dentists at Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry. Our team of experienced dentists will be able to answer all your questions. Call us now at 281-937-7530 to book a consultation.

Imagine you just realized that you had lost a tooth. But it one which is not publicly visible to anyone when you speak. Does it get you thinking that you can skip having it replaced and no one would find out?

You indeed can, and you will start feeling normal after a couple of days, but remember that not replacing a missing tooth can lead to severe physical and mental problems. It may not sound straightforward, but replacing a tooth is easy and will be a good payoff in the long run.

Some Physical Consequences:

You might not realize this, but having a missing tooth can lead to several long-term issues. Having to replace a meeting tooth can lead to long-term problems inside and outside your mouth.

As time passes by, you will be facing a condition called malocclusion. This means that the teeth near the space will try moving and fill in the open space. This will lead to problems like overbite and crossbiting. This means you will suffer from continuous pain n the jaw, difficulty in chewing food, and severe tooth decay. Your dentist will have to ask you to wear braces or undergo surgery. And surgeries in such cases are more expensive than a single tooth replacement would be.

Some other issues you can face are. A missing tooth will lead to you not being able to chew your food correctly. Unchewed food will lead to digestive problems and malnutrition. Your missing tooth can also affect your jawline by damaging the bone around it, which will lead to sagging the area around the mouth.

Some Mental Consequences:

Along with physical effects, a missing tooth can also have several adverse mental effects. We’ve always watched in movies that the protagonist or the poor ones are shown a missing tooth. What this does is it is setting up a negative perception in society.

If you lose the tooth at a young age, you will have to live all your life without it, and if you lose it at the age of 50 or 60, it would be challenging for you to manage at that age.

You do not want to open yourself to any criticism and doubt yourself. You have the power to change your appearance, so why not use it.

How To Get Back Your Smile?

If you have a missing tooth or teeth and are looking to replace it, you can visit Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry. Our experienced dental team is available to assist you and help you get back the smile you have missed all this time. Call us now at 281-937-7530.

Breathing through the mouth is very common within individuals. It could be due to the person suffering from a cold or flu or something they are regularly doing. But the reason for breathing from the mouth is because the intake of air through the nose is not sufficient for them.

There may seem not much of a difference in breathing from the nose vs. the mouth. But there are characteristics that can drastically affect your health, especially your dental health. Breathing from the mouth leads to your mouth becoming dry. When there is a lack of saliva in the mouth or no saliva in the mouth, it can cause damage to your teeth and gums.

Is Mouth Breathing Bad For The Mouth?

Dry mouth is the result of breathing from the mouth, which is the drying up of your mouth’s saliva. The presence of saliva in your mouth protects your teeth and gums by negating the effects of acid in the mouth. And stopping the bacteria from causing any damage.

When there is no saliva, there is no protective barrier in the mouth, which can allow bacteria and germs to grow in the mouth. Once these grow to an extent, they can increase plaque and eventually cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Drying up of saliva in the mouth also increases the number of bacteria on the tongue, the roof of the mouth as these too are dried up surfaces now. Bad breath is also a result of breathing from the mouth and dry mouth. It is the debris and dryness that causes a bad odor.

How Can You Tackle Breathing From the Mouth?

Do not worry too much about the effects of mouth breathing on your teeth and gums. Just visit Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry for consultation, and our dentists will recommend the best treatment that suits you. Call us at 281-937-7530 to schedule a consultation.

Without the hassle of undergoing surgery or procedure, teeth whitening can dramatically improve your smile. It is a straightforward and convenient solution, but how much does teeth whitening cost?

Based on research by the associated agencies, an attractive smile makes a person the most appealing, and white teeth are essential for a beautiful smile. Discoloration of the teeth is a normal process because of the food items we eat and drink. Hence whitening of the teeth also becomes a requirement.

Read along to learn about how much you have to pay for teeth whitening by Sugar Land dentists.

How Much Will Teeth Whitening Cost Me?

Your dentist may charge you about $650 for regular teeth whitening procedures, but the cost can go up to $1000, depending on several factors, from the type of whitening, etc.

The reason for such high prices is, with teeth whitening, you get what you pay for. If you choose to go for a cheaper option, the results will obviously not be as dramatic as you expect, and you will require to undergo the procedure after a short period.

Another option is using a tube of toothpaste, which includes whitening power. Or a box of teeth whitening strips costs around $20 to $40, and over-the-counter bleaching, gell trays are available for under $100. At-home treatment will undoubtedly be cheaper but not as effective as in-office treatments.

Should You Opt For Profession Teeth Whitened?

Without a doubt, the return on investment of in-office treatments is the highest. The reason is the type of whitening agent your dentist may use contains a higher value of hydrogen peroxide. In contrast, your home treatment kit will have about 10% of hydrogen peroxide.

The results can last up to 18 – 24 months, depending on your lifestyle and food intake. If you are looking for a quick option, and in-office treatment should not take than 60 – 90 minutes. anymore

Does Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?

In most cases, dental insurance does not cover teeth whitening. You should check with your clinic and insurance provider before visiting them.

If you are looking to undergo a teeth whitening treatment, call Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry at 281-937-7530, and our team of expert dentists is available at your service.

Wisdom teeth usually grow between the ages of 17 and 25, but this isn’t as simple as it sounds for some people. Your wisdom teeth might grow up in the wrong direction, which can cause pressure on other teeth. Or, if your wisdom teeth grow out close to your existing permanent teeth, it can prompt crowding in your mouth. If such is the case, your dentist may advise you that you need to undergo wisdom teeth extraction.

Some symptoms you will experience with an impacted wisdom tooth are pain, inflammation, and infection.

When Can Your Wisdom Teeth Become A Problem For You?

Mostly, when your mouth becomes too crowded with teeth due to lack of space, you will start feeling a little bit of discomfort. This can increase into an infection, eventually causing tooth decay.

How Much Does A Wisdom Teeth Extraction Cost?

The price of wisdom teeth removal can range between $75 to $900 per tooth, but this is subject to change on several factors. The number of teeth that your dentist will remove also affects the costs drastically.

If you have all your four teeth removed, it may cost you around $300 and $3,000. These charges will also include the cost of anesthesia and follow-up visits. Another factor is the cost of anesthesia. No matter if it’s general, local, sedation, or nitrous oxide. It can directly impact the cost of the procedure.

Can Your Insurance Pay For The Extraction of Your Wisdom Teeth?

Whether or not your insurance covers the cost of wisdom teeth extraction is something you will have to ask them. But if your insurance does cover your wisdom teeth extraction cost, you can save up to 80% of the price.

The best situation here is to speak to your dentist about this and see what procedure is required. Then consult your insurance company and see what the possibilities are. If your wisdom teeth extraction is not covered under insurance, do not worry. Check with your dental care provider and see what could be done.

If you are experiencing any symptoms and feel that you require wisdom tooth extraction, call Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry at 281-937-7530, and our team of expert dentists will help clear all your doubts.

When your teeth crack, break, or misshapen, a crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits for aesthetic or structural reasons. A crown can also be used for after bridges, root canals, and dental implants, and it must firmly affix over the existing tooth.

Crown lengthening is your solution. Your dental surgeon will perform crown lengthening by recontouring your dental gum tissue (and the bone in some cases), so more of the tooth’s surface is exposed for a crown. The procedure is standard and takes less than an hour to complete.

What Happens Before A Crown Lengthening Procedure?
Your dentist will advise you to wear a temporary crown until your procedure is done. This will help you get comfortable as well as protect your tooth in the interim.

What Happens During A Crown Lengthening Procedure?
During your crown lengthening procedure, the periodontist removes your temporary crown and most likely inject you with local anesthesia or sedative. He will then remove the gum and wash the area with saltwater and suture. While suturing, your periodontist will apply a bandage on the wound for protection and let you go home. Once your home and your anesthesia start wearing off, ensure you take the painkillers prescribed by your doctor to relieve you from pain and use the specialized mouth rinse to help your gums heal quickly.

How Long Does It Take For Recovery?

It takes about three months for a complete recovery. Although you will be able to function normally once your gums have healed. Your surgeon will guide you throughout your treatment process, but in general, you should follow these guidelines:

• Take your prescription medication without fail
• Regularly use an ice pack
• Skip on eating hot foods for the first 24 hours
• Do not remove the dressing for the 7 to 14 days
• Brush very carefully
• Wear your stent or denture in-case you have one
• Try consuming soft foods
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Avoid prodding the area

What Should You Look For After The Procedure?

Nowadays, oral surgeries have become efficient and effective, and crown lengthening has become a common procedure. Ensure you visit a qualified professional, and if so, the procedure will go smoothly and increase your teeth’ health and longevity.

If you have been told that you will need to underdo a crown lengthening procedure and are not sure it is, worry not! Call Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry at 281-937-7530, and our team of expert dentists will help clear all your doubts.

Invisalign treatment is the best solution if you’re looking to straighten your teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. Instead of having metal brackets stuck to your teeth, Invisalign is a transparent plastic aligner to be worn on top of your teeth.

A new set of Invisalign for every week shaped slightly different to move your teeth into their place. Invisalign are removable while you’re eating, so you don’t need to change your diet.

Although you don’t need to see your orthodontist regularly, Invisalign cost you somewhere about $4,000 to $7,400 to straighten your teeth.

Invisalign Cost vs. Traditional Braces

The traditional metal braces will cost your around $3,000 to $7,000 for complete treatment. Ceramic braces will be around at $4,000 to $8,000. Your third option could be lingual braces. These braces have a bracket that attaches to the back of your teeth and costs you approximately $8,000 to $10,000, but these are not your best option if budget is your concern.

If you have been craving for that celebrity looking smile. If you worry about how much does Invisalign cost. Worry not! Call your affordable dentist in Sugar Land Tx at 281-937-7530.

A root canal therapy is not as scary as it sounds. This article will put your mind at ease if you’re about to have root canal therapy in your next dental visit. So what does a root canal involve, and how long does a root canal take?

Treatment Basics

It is crucial to undergo root canal therapy when decay has penetrated the tooth’s root. You might be experiencing pain or sensitivity. To save you from a more expensive, lengthy, and painful tooth extraction process and replacement, your dentist will have to perform root canal therapy. The dentist will clean the decayed area. Remove the nerves and clear the infection. Next, the dentist will fill in the cavity into the hollow teeth. In some cases, the patient must have a crown installed on top of the tooth for support.

How Long Does It Require To Do A Root Canal?

In most cases, a regular and straightforward root canal requires about 2 hours. If the infected tooth is a molar, chances are it might take a little longer as the tooth is bigger, at the end of your mouth, and has more root canals.

From when you sit in the dentist’s chair, it looks like a simple filling session, but the dentist needs to be cautious and attentive while doing the procedure. He/She needs to use all their training, education, and experience to ensure the therapy is done at best possible level.

Plan Your Root Canal Therapy with Adequate Timings

The dentist might require an X-ray before the procedure. Sometimes even if you have an appointment, the dentist might be busy with another patient who has taken longer than expected. Hence, we always recommended that you plan out your therapy with adequate time in hand. Do not rush your dentist or get rushed yourself. Remember that your teeth are more important than other activities of yours.

If you’re worried about how long it takes to do a root canal, do not worry anymore. Our experienced dentists have successfully treated many patients in the past. Call Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry now to get answers to your question, “How long does it take to do a root canal ?” Call us now at 281-937-7530 .

What are Veneers?

Veneers are the most viable solution to help you achieve the smile you have desired. Veneers are the best solution for a chipped tooth, a gap between teeth, or misshaped teeth.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are the most straightforward option if you are looking to improve your smile. These are thin layer type covering, which you can place over your tooth’s front, and they will look completely natural. Using veneers, you can correct several dental cosmetic issues.

• stained teeth
• broken, chipped, or worn teeth
• crooked or misshapen teeth
• teeth with large gaps between them

Veneers come in 2 different makes, porcelain or composite resin material. Our dentists at Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry will help you choose the best option. Remember, every veneer has its benefits.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shell-like coverings. Some of its benefits are:

• these are strong and long-lasting
• natural-looking
• doesn’t stain very easily

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite resin veneers are made from the tooth-colored filling material and are bonded to the tooth. Some of its benefits are:

• less enamel will be removed from the existing teeth
• can be fixed in lesser dental visits
• cost relatively less compared to porcelain veneers
• easily repairable and replaceable if damaged

What to do Before you get your Veneers Fixed?

• Make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. Your dentist will have to treat any dental diseases before installing the veneers.
• If you are always clenching or grinding your teeth, your veneers may chip or break.
• In case the veneers get loose, you will have to get new ones fixed.
• Before you start your treatment, discuss all your expectations and treatment options with your dentist.
• Remember that once the process of fixing veneers has started, the process cannot be reversed.

What to do After you get Veneers Fixed?

• Don’t bite on your fingernails, hard objects, pencils, or ice. Your Veneers can chip.
• It will take you a couple of days to get comfortable with your new veneers.
• Regularly brush your teeth and keep your clean by brushing.

How Long do Veneers Last? And How to Make them Last?

As much as you would love you, you cannot do much about veneers’ lifespan. That is because your veneers are not meant to be a one-time fixed. You can get back your money’s worth by ensuring you take care of them properly so they can last long.

• You must follow good oral hygiene practices. Often clean your mouth to avoid stains and retain your teeth’s health. It is recommended you brush at least twice a day. It would help if you also flossed regularly.
• Make sure you visit the dentist regularly.
• Any strong impact on your face can result in chipping or cracking of veneers, so wear oral protection when you need it.
• Never use your teeth as an opening tool. Nots, bottle caps, etc. These can very quickly let bacteria come in your mouth and chip the teeth or veneer.
• If you are bruxism, meaning someone who grinds or clenches your teeth when you sleep, make sure to speak to your dentist about it. Without a proper nighttime mouth guard, you have a higher chance of damaging your veneers.

Veneers can help you achieve the smile you have been craving, but it comes with a responsibility to take care of your oral hygiene. To learn more about how your veneers could last long, book an appointment with one of our dentists now. Call Smiles On Greatwood Dentistry at 281-937-7530 .

What is an Invisalign Tray?

Let’s call them the invisible braces. It’s an efficient alternative to the traditional braces we all know, a discreet way to straighten your teeth. To have an effective outcome, you should know how to clean your Invisalign Tray properly.

How Often Should You Clean an Invisalign Tray?

For complete oral health, it’s essential to keep your Invisalign tray clean and safe from damage. Ideally, you can clean your Invisalign tray every time you remove it for having a meal and when you’re brushing your teeth.

How to Clean Invisalign Trays?

There are several ways to clean an Invisalign tray. Some methods are mentioned below:

• Clean your Invisalign tray using a cleaning kit for the Invisalign system. Make sure to follow all instructions as provided on the packaging.
• You can also use a retainer-cleaning product. There are several in the market, which will also give your teeth a whitening smile. These products remove fog and white buildup on your Invisalign Tray.
• Another way is to brush your Invisalign Tray is by using a soft or baby toothbrush to reach all the tray areas. Use it with cold water and soap.
• A household product, vinegar, is an excellent way to clean your Invisalign Tray. Mix one-fourth of vinegar with three-fourths of warm water and soak your Invisalign Tray for 15 to 30 minutes. After, gently brush it using a soft brush and wash it with warm water.

Remember to rinse your Invisalign Tray every time you remove it from your mouth.

This will help protect it from outside contamination. In addition,  keep Invisalign in a case when not in use to avoid losing them.

Here are some Don’ts:

• It would be best if you did not use denture cleansers.
• Never brush your teeth while wearing your Invisalign tray.
• Do not use any type of abrasive cleaner.
• Do not soak your Invisalign tray in a mouthwash that contains any alcohol.

Your oral health is extremely important! If you are looking to visit the dentist, call Smiles On Greatwood Dentistry at 281-937-7530 now.