Category: Dental Services

Sleep Apnea vs Insomnia – Major Differences You Should Know

A good night’s sleep isn’t just about the rest your body needs. It’s much more than that. If you don’t get enough of it, you could develop a lot of medical troubles, all of which can affect the quality of life. Besides headache and dizziness, the two most common problems you should actually be concerned about are sleep apnea and insomnia. While both have similar outcomes, their symptoms and treatments are different. You need to know these differences so that you can determine the condition you suffer from and how you can cure it. 

What is Insomnia 

Insomnia is more about difficulty in sleeping or staying asleep. The intensity of this condition can vary for different individuals, and can last for a day, several days, a week, or even longer. Other medical conditions could also make insomnia worse over time. Most of the time, poor sleeping schedules, drinking, and smoking lead to insomnia. 

What is Sleep Apnea 

Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing is affected while you are already asleep. This could cause you to wake up in the middle of the night. This condition is caused when the tongue blocks the airway, or when the brain is unable to send breathing signals to the body. Those who are obese and do not look after what they drink and eat, as well as smoke, are the ones who fall victim to this condition. 

Major Differences Between the Two 

  • Causes: The causes leading to insomnia are physiological or psychological, while the causes leading to sleep apnea are physical. For instance, those who experience chronic pain or those who have anxiety or stress suffer from insomnia, while those who have nasal congestion, are obese, or drink and smoke a lot, suffer from sleep apnea. 
  • Symptoms: Inability to sleep or waking up frequently throughout the night are symptoms of insomnia, while snoring loudly, gasping, or choking while sleeping are symptoms of sleep apnea. 
  • Health Risks: Insomnia can lead to certain mental health problems like depression, or could also cause physical problems like diabetes or a weak immune system. Sleep apnea can lead to heart problems, cardiovascular diseases, and similar. 
  • Sleep Quality: Those who suffer from insomnia will always experience a lack of sufficient sleep, as well as next to zero quality sleep time. Those who suffer from sleep apnea might be able to sleep, but they will still not be able to have a well-rested body, leading to dizziness the next day and beyond. 
  • Treatments Available: Treatments for insomnia include learning relaxation techniques, sleeping medications, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Treatments for sleep apnea include weight loss programs, surgeries in rare cases, and the most common CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy. 

Despite the above differences, both sleep apnea and insomnia pose serious risks to one’s life if left untreated for a long time. So, it is essential that if you are witnessing symptoms of either of the conditions, you must get yourself screened at the earliest. This timely action can not only save your life but also ensure that your condition is properly treated and you are able to lead a quality life ahead. 

Sleep apnea in particular is one condition that you must never take lightly. If you already know that you suffer from it, you must get its treatment done at the earliest. It may not affect you today. It may not affect you next year, but in the long run, its implications will be more severe, and worse than what you can handle. This will be certain to hit you physically, mentally, and financially. But your timely action can avoid it all! 

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with your physician and seek more information about sleep apnea treatment and procedures today. 

Cosmetic Dentistry – What It is and Everything You Must Know About It

As the name suggests, cosmetic dentistry is all about making your teeth and smile look flawless. Over the years, this field has evolved rapidly, diversifying into multiple procedures that cater to one’s specific needs. The most commonly known cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, restoring lost teeth through dental implants, and even implanting dental veneers to hide all teeth imperfections.

All in all cosmetic dentistry works on your teeth and gums and ensures that you never have to face any issue related to them. It must be noted that while cosmetic dentistry involves surgical invasions, it is all elective and not mandatory at all. Only those who willingly wish to undergo the different procedures to make their teeth and smile look great can choose to undergo these.

Some of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures include:

1. Dental Implants: Those who are missing a tooth or two can always choose to get new artificial teeth installed in their jaw. The best way to get that done is through dental implants. Once installed, these dental implants look just like your natural teeth and have a rather high durability too.

2. Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the chipped, gapped, broken, or discolored teeth from the front, making your entire set of teeth look visually appealing. These often last for a long time too with some level of care.

3. Invisalign: Invisaligners are one of the most advanced modern-day dental solutions that have completely replaced conventional braces. These teeth aligners are invisible and can be custom-made to fit right above your teeth. While on the outside no one can even notice that you are wearing invisaligners, they will continue to work their magic, aligning your teeth to perfection one by one.

4. Gum Reshaping: It is not so uncommon to have uneven gums or more than necessary gum tissues. Gum reshaping procedure, also known as gum contouring, works towards correcting these gum issues, while causing minimal discomfort to you.

5. Teeth Whitening: There are many ways to whiten your teeth – you can use in-home DIY kits, or you can visit a clinic and have your dentist do it for you. You can also follow certain dentist-recommended measures, as well as use specific teeth whitening toothpaste to obtain desired results. The results and time taken to get them will always vary.

6. Dental Bonding: A rather less expensive procedure than dental veneers, dental bonding also works towards applying resin to repair cracks, chips, or gaps in your teeth. This resin is tooth-colored and can be applied within a single dental visit. While the result may not be long-lasting, the immediate results are quite impressive.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry is in Demand

· The Wish to Look Great: Everyone wants to look great, and teeth play a major role in making that possible. With cosmetic dentistry, you have an option that can actually make this a reality.

· Minimally Invasive Procedures: The procedures deliver the results you want, without doing any of the extensive surgical procedures. The procedures are safe, resourceful, and can deliver long-lasting results within fewer visits.

· Proven Results with Advanced Technology: Cosmetic dentistry makes use of modern technology to deliver exceptional results. You can always ask your dentist to show you how it’s done before getting started.

· Social Media Promotions: Social media has also played a major role in ensuring that everyone knows the pros and cons of such procedures, and why the former outweighs the latter by a mile.

Cosmetic dentistry empowers you to make your teeth and smile look great again just like that. Your dentist can always help you identify the best measures to fix your tooth imperfections and deliver the desired outcome as soon as possible. For a few, the procedures may take a bit longer, but the results will definitely be worth the wait.

Speak to your nearest dentist today to learn more.

Why These Five Potential Dental Veneer Risks Should Not Concern You

Dental veneers give you a great option to hide any problems related to your teeth with something that makes your entire set of teeth appear perfect. These resemble your natural teeth, and are always based on their natural appearance. Dentists put in all the efforts to ensure that you can always accept veneers as an upgrade for your broken, stained, chipped, or gapped teeth, and not as any regular dental accessory. Besides, dental veneers also give more strength to your teeth, aiding in biting and chewing and enjoying your food to the fullest.

At the same time, because they aren’t your natural teeth, you could very well have your reservations about that. You are not alone in thinking along those lines. As a matter of fact, there are many concerns that people around the world have regarding dental veneers. The truth is, none of those concerns hold weight. Here’s how.

· Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity is real and can affect anyone who has weak tooth enamel. Since dental veneers require shaving off a small bit of this enamel, many believe that this harms your teeth. The reality is that this small shaved portion is next to negligible and does not harm your tooth at all. Instead, this helps set up the base for dental veneers that will improve your teeth’s overall functionality. Having said that, you would experience some form of sensitivity because your teeth will be operated upon, but it will be bearable and will subside within a few weeks, if not sooner.

· Irreversible Procedure: People believe that since dental veneers require removing a portion of enamel, it’s irreversible. While this is true, your teeth are instead covered by a porcelain-based dental veneer that will be sturdier and will continue to serve you over the next several decades. After that, even if you have to replace the veneers, you can get that done easily for the next several decades again. With your teeth getting an enhanced sense of strength, why would you even want to consider losing a small portion of your affected teeth anyway?

· Veneers Getting Damaged: Some also believe that dental veneers can get damaged rather easily, and so have to be taken care of at all times. This is not true, for despite their thin shape, dental veneers are made of porcelain, which is a very sturdy material and can easily withstand normal chewing and biting. You must only not try to bite certain hard materials that you wouldn’t do with your other teeth too anyway. Other than that, you just have to brush and floss your teeth as always, which will also help keep your dental veneers in their best shape over several decades.

· Gum Irritation: Dental veneers are an external enhancement, and so if not fitted correctly can cause a lot of gum irritation. This is one of the most important reasons why you must approach a highly experienced dentist to install dental veneers over your affected teeth. With their understanding of the right material and how to execute the procedure to perfection, you will not have to worry about gum irritation at all.

· Teeth Color Not Matching: Dental veneers are manufactured after careful assessment of your teeth. So, unless your dentist doesn’t understand the very process of installing them, there is no way they would not base them on your actual teeth, in terms of shape, size, and color. Once you have them in your mouth, even you won’t be able to tell the difference after a while.

 

While it’s good to have your doubts about something you have never used before, dental veneers definitely do not fit into that category. These amazing dental cosmetic devices have been devised after a lot of research and trials. All these alone make them a great choice for all those who are not happy with how their teeth look and want to enhance their appearance. Dental veneers give you that one-way ticket to get your smile back and flaunt it like you don’t care anymore.

Speak to your dentist about any other concerns you may have about dental veneers today. By the end of the day, you would come to appreciate the many benefits associated with dental veneers instead. Give your dentist a call today to get started.

Cosmetic Dentistry – What It is and Everything You Must Know About It

As the name suggests, cosmetic dentistry is all about making your teeth and smile look flawless. Over the years, this field has evolved rapidly, diversifying into multiple procedures that cater to one’s specific needs. The most commonly known cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, restoring lost teeth through dental implants, and even implanting dental veneers to hide all teeth imperfections.

All in all cosmetic dentistry works on your teeth and gums and ensures that you never have to face any issue related to them. It must be noted that while cosmetic dentistry involves surgical invasions, it is all elective and not mandatory at all. Only those who willingly wish to undergo the different procedures to make their teeth and smile look great can choose to undergo these.

Some of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures include:

1. Dental Implants: Those who are missing a tooth or two can always choose to get new artificial teeth installed in their jaw. The best way to get that done is through dental implants. Once installed, these dental implants look just like your natural teeth and have a rather high durability too.

2. Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the chipped, gapped, broken, or discolored teeth from the front, making your entire set of teeth look visually appealing. These often last for a long time too with some level of care.

3. Invisalign: Invisaligners are one of the most advanced modern-day dental solutions that have completely replaced conventional braces. These teeth aligners are invisible and can be custom-made to fit right above your teeth. While on the outside no one can even notice that you are wearing invisaligners, they will continue to work their magic, aligning your teeth to perfection one by one.

4. Gum Reshaping: It is not so uncommon to have uneven gums or more than necessary gum tissues. Gum reshaping procedure, also known as gum contouring, works towards correcting these gum issues, while causing minimal discomfort to you.

5. Teeth Whitening: There are many ways to whiten your teeth – you can use in-home DIY kits, or you can visit a clinic and have your dentist do it for you. You can also follow certain dentist-recommended measures, as well as use specific teeth whitening toothpaste to obtain desired results. The results and time taken to get them will always vary.

6. Dental Bonding: A rather less expensive procedure than dental veneers, dental bonding also works towards applying resin to repair cracks, chips, or gaps in your teeth. This resin is tooth-colored and can be applied within a single dental visit. While the result may not be long-lasting, the immediate results are quite impressive.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry is in Demand

· The Wish to Look Great: Everyone wants to look great, and teeth play a major role in making that possible. With cosmetic dentistry, you have an option that can actually make this a reality.

· Minimally Invasive Procedures: The procedures deliver the results you want, without doing any of the extensive surgical procedures. The procedures are safe, resourceful, and can deliver long-lasting results within fewer visits.

· Proven Results with Advanced Technology: Cosmetic dentistry makes use of modern technology to deliver exceptional results. You can always ask your dentist to show you how it’s done before getting started.

· Social Media Promotions: Social media has also played a major role in ensuring that everyone knows the pros and cons of such procedures, and why the former outweighs the latter by a mile.

Cosmetic dentistry empowers you to make your teeth and smile look great again just like that. Your dentist can always help you identify the best measures to fix your tooth imperfections and deliver the desired outcome as soon as possible. For a few, the procedures may take a bit longer, but the results will definitely be worth the wait.

Speak to your nearest dentist today to learn more.

Common Dental Veneer Concerns and Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Them

Dental veneers give you one of the best ways to hide your imperfect teeth and make them look impeccable. So if you have been holding your smile back all this while because of a chipped or broken tooth, veneers are just what you need. These brilliant cosmetic enhancements can fit right in front of your teeth, and can stay over there for a really long time. 

Having said that, not everyone believes that dental veneers are the right choice for them. Some consider this an unnecessary accessory, while others are concerned by the loss of enamel needed to fix a veneer. Touching the very foundation of teeth to affix dental veneers also pushes people away from this amazing dental solution. 

The truth, however, is completely different. Let’s decode dental veneer concerns one by one. 

Unnatural Appearance: Dental veneers aren’t like your natural teeth, which makes many believe that they would not be able to fit in your set. While the earlier versions of veneers indeed looked a bit different, that is no longer the case. Modern-day veneers are crafted and customized to look and feel like your natural teeth. Your own teeth function as their template, so there is no way that these veneers will ever appear any different. 

Dental Veneers are Fragile:  

You May Experience Sensitivity Issues: Dental veneers are affixed right above the teeth, which means in some way they also affect the gums. Sensitivity will definitely follow, but that’s normal, for it will go away in a few days. If you want an immediate fix, you could go for some sensitivity toothpaste that can keep the sensation in check. 

A Costly Affair: While this is true, dental veneers aren’t just a temporary fix. Think about this – dental veneers not only hide your imperfect teeth but they also increase your entire set’s strength. As a result, you will be able to chew better, feel better, and smile with confidence all day long. With some care, your veneers can last really, really long. So consider the cost as a long-term investment in your teeth instead of considering veneers as a one-time costly affair. 

High Maintenance Stuff: Many people believe that since dental veneers aren’t natural, they will require a lot of effort in their upkeep. That is not true entirely. While you will have to work on their maintenance, most of that will comprise what you may have been doing already – brushing and flossing your teeth, visiting your dentist once in a while, and not eating certain sticky foods. Other than that, you may not need to do much, if at all. 

Discoloration Over Time: Your teeth can get stained due to certain types of foods and drinks. Despite that, many believe that dental veneers couldn’t stand such stains either, and would lose their color rather quickly. That isn’t true at all, for porcelain, the material dental veneers are mostly made of, is highly stain-resistant. You can, though, put some extra effort into brushing your teeth or seeking a dentist to ensure that even your natural teeth don’t lose their natural color. Certain tooth-whitening techniques can also do you a great deal of good. 

Irreversible Loss of Enamel: Dental veneers are affixed after slicing off a small portion of your teeth. This is true, except that the portion taken off is next to negligible. In no way does that affect the integrity of your set of teeth. Dental veneers will stay up there for several years, so that one small removed enamel will end up doing a lot more for the aesthetics of your teeth. 

Want to discuss more about dental veneers? Then give your nearest dentist a call today to get started. 

This is How Sleep Apnea May be Affecting Your Weight Management

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people all around the world. Anyone who cannot sleep properly due to interruptions in breathing can suffer from sleep apnea. Though it does not affect that severely for a while, if left untreated, it can lead to severe health complications. 

One thing that most people don’t realize is, their body weight is directly related to sleep apnea. The heavier you are, the greater the chances will be that you suffer from sleep apnea. Understanding this relation is crucial for determining the right course of treatment. 

Types of Sleep Apnea 

Know this – there are three types of sleep apnea. You fall into only one of the 3 categories, so you first need to identify which one you exactly suffer from. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The back muscles in the throat sometimes cause the airway to close, which leads to this form of apnea. 

Central Sleep Apnea: This is when your brain isn’t able to send appropriate signals meant for breath controlling muscles. 

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: This is a combination of the other two forms of sleep apnea. 

Now that you know which category you fall in, let’s discuss your weight. Studies have proven that a high number of people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) end up gaining a lot of weight. 

More precisely, the excess body weight would accumulate around the next, thereby causing airway obstruction as you sleep. The fat within the abdomen can also affect the lung’s functioning, thereby keeping the airway open a challenge in itself. 

Treatment of sleep apnea is like a cycle that goes both ways. The more you work on it the faster you can get back on getting healthy again in a matter of time. According to the report, as low as 10% fat loss can lead to a 26% improvement in OSA severity. Besides, sleeping on time and getting back on your feet again will also help you lead a healthier life than ever. 

Things You Could Follow for Weight Loss 

Make Changes in What You Eat: A good diet comprises a healthy mixture of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. You must also reduce your intake of processed foods and those that have unhealthy fats. Not following a strict diet regime can lead to calorie deficiency, which is definitely not what you would want to do. 

Exercise Regularly: Staying active physically can go a long way in keeping your weight in check, besides numerous other benefits. You could do any of the swimming, walking, running, or strength training to boost your body’s metabolism and aid swift weight reduction. The results will definitely give you another reason to stay motivated. 

Keep Your Cravings in Check: Sticking to a strict dietary regime is harder than you think. You will not only need to eat healthily but also ensure that you do not give in to your cravings for certain unhealthy snacks. You will also need to make a routine for sleeping, waking up, eating proper portions of nutrition, and exercising without fail. Once you get the habit, you will be set for life. 

Avail Medications as Needed: Certain individuals may not be able to work on their obesity despite their best efforts. They can instead start by consulting their doctor who may also prescribe a surgery if no other way seems to work. Post this surgery, your doctor can explain what changes you need to make and how you must stick to them to get the desired results. 

Your doctor will play a major role in treating sleep apnea and restoring quality of life. You can always discuss with them the different things you can do that would or would not affect your condition. But rest assured, in their safe hands you will be able to rid yourself of sleep apnea for sure. 

Speak to your nearest sleep apnea specialist today to find out more. 

Dental Veneers and the Different Types You Can Procure Them In

Dental veneers are the perfect solution for all those who do not want to get dental implants or are missing just a part of their tooth. Some also get these to hide their crooked teeth and instead make the entire set appear perfect.

The benefits you can obtain from these brilliant teeth enhancements are many. However, you need to understand dental veneers better before you even consider them. You need to know what they are made of, and how these different materials can benefit you in their own unique ways.

The first thing you need to know is that dental veneers come in all shapes and sizes, depending on one’s specific requirements. They can perfectly align with your teeth, so much so that when you display them alongside your teeth, most would not be able to tell the difference. These also last for several years or longer, depending on how much effort you put into their upkeep.

Different Materials Used in Dental Veneers

Porcelain Veneers:

It is probably the most common and well-known material used for manufacturing veneers. These are derived from high-quality ceramic since that is one material that comes close to perfectly mimicking how dental enamel looks. Their application may need a few sessions, based on how many teeth have to be covered with these. The top benefits of getting porcelain veneers are:

· They carry a far better aesthetic appeal than all other materials used to make dental veneers

· They can last for a long time provided you put extra care into them

· Veneers made from these can resist the toughest of stains that are otherwise acquired from tea, coffee, wine, or similar staining consumables

Composite Veneers

These veneers are made from resin that bears a striking resemblance to a tooth. Resin is also the very material that is otherwise used extensively for tooth bonding. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers can be positioned above the teeth to perfection in a single session. The only time taken would be how much it would take to manufacture them in a lab. Their top benefits are:

· These are much cheaper than porcelain veneers and yet deliver almost the same results

· These can be applied in a single session itself

· If they ever get damaged, repairing them is more easy than porcelain veneers

Lumineers

These also represent a specific brand of dental veneers, and despite being made from porcelain, are ultra-thin in size. Also, unlike porcelain veneers that require taking off a small portion of enamel to fix the veneer. Lumineers can be directly affixed on the affected tooth without chipping off any part of it. The top advantages of lumineers are:

· These are minimally invasive, so you don’t have to worry about undergoing a surgery for getting these

· The procedure to put these on can also be reversed if you ever choose to do so in the future

· These veneers are so comfortable and natural to wear that you wouldn’t even remember having them on after a while

Palatal Veneers

These are specific veneers that cover the inner surfaces of the upper teeth in the front. These are mostly used to cover those teeth that have worn down due to teeth grinding or due to teeth erosion due to multiple reasons. Their top benefits are:

· These cover the inner surfaces of your teeth, which no other veneers do

· These veneers can withstand extensive grinding and biting due to the kind of material they are made of

You must visit your dentist and discuss all the available dental veneer options before making your decision. After all, your veneers will continue to serve you for several years or even decades, so you must make the right choice in the first go. Your dentist can certainly make it easy for you to pick your choice.

Discuss more about dental veneers with your dentist today to get started.

Tooth Whitening – Take the Natural Path or Seek Professional Procedures

Your smile is what makes you stand out. It also is considered a sign that you are happy, healthy, and confident when you meet others. Your teeth play a major role in that, for as long as they shine like white light, your smile will be adored and appreciated by all. However, if your teeth don’t appear that white anymore, you need to seek appropriate treatment for it.

Several factors can cause your teeth to lose their color, including what you eat or drink, or how old you are. But thanks to advancements in dental sciences, you can reverse it all and get your pearly whites back in no time! You can get tooth whitening done in two ways – by using all-natural products, or by consulting a dentist. The question is, which path would be the right choice for you?

Tooth Whitening through Natural Ways

What makes natural tooth whitening methods highly favored is that they are made using materials that are all-natural, easily available, and non-chemical in nature. Moreover, these products are very affordable and are ultra-easy to use. Your dentist could recommend one for you too if you ask them about it.

Being made of natural ingredients like charcoal, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and even bananas and strawberries, natural tooth whitening products bear rare, minimal side effects. However, they could prove to be ineffective and time-consuming for many, mostly due to the amount of discoloration they are supposed to work on. Even then, these are a lifesaver for those who want to make their teeth stronger and better in the most natural way.

Professional Tooth Whitening Procedures

These procedures are performed by seasoned experts under the supervision of senior dentists. These treatments involve the use of both take-home kits as well as procedures that have to be done at the clinic. These methods involve the use of much stronger whitening agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which assure faster and more visible results.

It must be noted that the whitening agents used by dentists are strong chemicals and have to be used with utmost precision. Any less amount, and they won’t do the job. Any extra amount could harm your teeth and gums. Having a dentist work on your teeth also allows you to have any other dental problems resolved as well without needing extra visits. Your dentist can customize your treatment plan based on your preferences, and is certain to deliver over and above your expectations.

At the same time, you must know that teeth whitening procedures can cost a lot of money. You may have to undergo multiple sittings depending on how discolored your teeth are and what led to discoloration in the first place. If you have sensitivity issues, you must inform your dentist about the same, which may also affect the approach they would take for the procedure. Your dentist will suggest a few products you must regularly use to keep your teeth shining white forever.

Which Method is Best for You

Like everything else, both methods have their share of pros and cons. Working with a dentist is certain to deliver exceptional results, but it can hurt your pocket a lot. Natural methods work for most too, but they take a long time and aren’t certain to deliver results for everyone. You can always take the middle road and work with your dentist while also making use of natural products. Your dentist will also be more than happy to make certain recommendations that will allow you to get the desired results without harming your teeth or budget.

Discuss this in detail with your dentist today and get started on the path to teeth whitening and impressing everyone around with your unmatched smile.

Oral Health and Insurance Coverage – Everything You Need to Know

People today understand a lot more about oral health than what they did just a decade ago. After all, oral health is directly related to one’s overall health and vice versa. In such a scheme of things, dental insurance has a major role to play. While there are significant and visible disparities in the scope of coverage, one thing stands clear – dental insurance is necessary to address your dental issues and keep your pearly whites in the best shape. 

There are a few things, though, that you must know about dental insurance coverage. You need to understand what your policy covers and what it does not, how and where it is applicable, and how it can have an impact on your dental health. You can also check with your insurance company if they also provide coverage for getting dental implants in your mouth. 

Scope of Dental Insurance 

Before you consider this as any other insurance, know this – dental insurance is nothing like medical insurance. In fact, dental insurance is often regarded as a supplement policy and not something that is essential for overall health. This means not all policies would cover dental insurance, and those that do will often have a limited scope of coverage. A few of those dental insurance policies have steep riders of their own with limited coverage, so make sure that you know what you are signing up for beforehand. 

You can also look for alternative dental health programs, such as private insurance. There are certain public programs as well like CHIP (Children Health Insurance Program) or Medicaid, though these have limited coverage and can vary depending on which U.S. state you are currently in. There is Medicare too, a federal program, but it doesn’t cover oral health at all. This leaves you with fewer options to choose from. 

Dental Insurance is More Beneficial than You Think 

Consider this – what would you rather have, something that you want by paying for it, or getting it for free? 

Dental insurance works in a very similar way for your psyche. If you have dental coverage, you are more likely to go for dental coverage and treatment, fully knowing that the expenses will be borne by your insurance company. But if you didn’t have a policy, you wouldn’t have even considered visiting a doctor, let alone get some treatment done. 

With dental insurance, you can easily keep your oral health in check and ensure that you never have to worry about gum diseases, cavities, or tooth loss. With these sorted, you are assured of being able to lead a high quality of life. 

Does my Insurance Cover Dental Implants 

Most of the conventional dental insurance policies do not cover dental implants. Much of this has to do with a common perception that considers the procedure more of a cosmetic enhancement than a necessary surgery. The costs running into thousands of dollars do nothing to convince the insurance to change their stance either. 

Even then, there are insurance companies that provide some form of coverage for dental implants. While they don’t cover it all, you can still make significant savings while having such coverage before undergoing the procedure for dental implants. 

While there is still a need for adding more to the scope of dental insurance, you can still benefit a lot from them by choosing the right insurer. You can also check with your dentist about the policies that can reduce your financial burden before you decide to get the implants done. Trust your dentist with their decisions like you do with them working on your teeth. They will definitely never be in the wrong! 

Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth – What You Must Know

A smile can change the aura around you in a split second. But what would you do if your teeth aren’t that white? Worse, what would you do about it if you have sensitive teeth? If you didn’t have the latter, you could have gone for teeth whitening. But could you still do that? Why or why not?

The problem with having sensitive teeth is, you cannot enjoy most things, regardless of whether they are served hot or cold. Either would cause immense pain throughout your teeth and jaw, and could last for a while depending on how severe the sensitivity is. But, that is not the end of the road for you. If you understand how it works, you can actually do anything you like without worrying about that painful sensation at all.

What’s Tooth Sensitivity, Actually

Your teeth have protective layers, which are commonly known as cementum or enamel. When these layers are worn down, another layer, called the dentin, is exposed. This layer has connections with the nerves under the teeth. When exposed to anything that is too hot or too cold than what your teeth can take, you would feel pain throughout them. This weardown may happen due to having foods or beverages that are acidic in nature, brushing too hard, or even grinding your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Products You Can Choose

If you have sensitivity issues, you certainly can’t go for all teeth whitening products. Yet there are a few that you can go for, such as:

Whitening Strips/Gels with Low-Concentration: These are specifically manufactured for those with sensitive teeth. The low concentration refers to low density of bleaching agents that can otherwise cause immense irritation.

Whitening Toothpaste: These toothpaste generally come with potassium nitrate/stannous fluoride as their ingredients which are known to desensitize teeth and reduce any pain due to eating or drinking afterwards.

Professional Whitening Treatments: Your dentist can also carry out a range of procedures that can help desensitize the pain and reduce the discomfort. They may carry out these procedures before as well as after the teeth whitening procedures, depending on the level of sensitivity.

Preparing Your Teeth for Whitening

· You must first ensure that your teeth do not have any problems, including cavities or gum diseases. If there is some, work with your dentist to build up some resistance first.

· Once that is done, you will be ready to start the procedure. Follow everything your dentist tells you to do, including time taken for a certain action, how to follow it up, and how frequently to repeat the same.

· Do not use a hard brush while your treatment is going on. Go for a soft-bristled brush instead.

· Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water, which will help lessen any pain you experience during the procedure.

The results will certainly start showing up, and would definitely be exactly how you imagined them. There will be a few more things you will need to do, though.

Follow Up Precautions

· While your dentist will do everything that is needed to keep you aware of everything and advise certain precautions, it wouldn’t hurt to know about a few of them beforehand. These include:

· Keep using a toothpaste that helps desensitize the pain for a while, or until your dentist says otherwise.

· Maintain a good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. You can also use a fluoride mouthwash if you want, though despite being helpful, that will not be mandatory.

· Go for regular dental check-ups, which will help your dentist keep the progress in check at all times.

Get in touch with your dentist today to get started!