South Riding Family Dentistry

What Are Dental Veneers?

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you might be a good candidate for veneers. A dental veneer can mask a variety of issues including discoloration, chips, cracks, and irregular shape.

This video shows the process of applying dental veneers, so you know what to expect from your treatment. Impressions are taken of your prepared teeth so that customized veneers will be perfectly fitted to the teeth. The teeth are prepared by removing some surface tooth enamel so that the veneer can be strongly bonded once it is made. Temporary plastic veneers are used to cap the teeth while the permanent porcelain ones are made in the lab.  

See if veneers are the cosmetic solution for your teeth by visiting South Riding Family Dentistry. Schedule a consultation in one of our Virginia locations by calling (888) 802-1571.

Let These Sites Teach You What You Need To Know About Your Dental Care

Keeping up with dental hygiene is vital for your overall health and wellness. Check out these great links for more information on dental sealants, periodontal disease, and preparing your child to visit the dentist. Call South Riding Family Dentistry today at (888) 802-1571 to set up a consultation.

• Explore this article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about dental sealants.  
• Find out how dental sealants are used with this guide from the American Dental Association.  
• Did you know that most American adults suffer from some degree of periodontal disease? Check out this article from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research for more information.
• Learn more about the various types of periodontal disease with this link from the American Academy of Periodontology.  
• Are you at risk for gum disease?  Find out with this New York Times article.  

Signs That You May Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea refers to an interruption in the breathing pattern that occurs while you sleep. People who suffer from sleep apnea generally experience 10 to 20 seconds of paused or significantly slowed breathing throughout the night. This usually occurs because the tongue rests on the back of the throat, restricting air flow from the mouth. As the air passes over the tongue, it causes a raspy, gargling noise. If your breathing is cut off by the tongue completely, your brain will wake you up, prompting you for air.

The biggest problem with sleep apnea is that most people don’t recognize the symptoms. Fortunately, your family dentist can help you determine whether you need treatment for sleep apnea. Here are two signs you may be suffering from sleep apnea:

• Your Partner Can’t Sleep

In most cases, a bedtime partner is the first to notice sleep apnea symptoms. People who suffer from sleep apnea tend to sleep on their back, snore loudly, and jolt awake several times a night.

• You Feel Tired in the Morning

If there is no one in bed with you to notify you of your loud snoring, consider how you feel when you wake up. Without deep sleep, you will feel tired, irritable, and even depressed, especially as you get fewer and fewer restful nights of sleep. You’ll also be less energetic, less mentally sharp, and less productive.

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that can lead to a myriad of health problems and accidents. If you are seeking treatment for sleep apnea in the Chantilly or Herndon area, call South Riding Family Dentistry at (888) 802-1571. We will work quickly to help you get the restful night’s sleep you need.

Visit These Links For Important Information About Your Teeth

 Your quality of life is greatly influenced by your dental health and dental appearance, which is why it is important to take the right measures to care for your teeth properly. For helpful tips and guides, look through the links below:

• For a complete overview on dentures, check out this article from Colgate.com.

• Take a look at this WebMD.com article to learn about the link between oral health and dental bridges. You’ll learn how a dental bridge can help preserve a healthy and beautiful smile.

• Find details about dental implants and what you can expect from the procedure by reading through this article.

• If you’re curious to learn facts about oral cancer, visit the Oral Cancer Foundation.

• You can learn about the relationship between severe gum disease and heart complications by reading through this article. 

Your smile deserves high quality dental care, which is why you should make South Riding Family Dentistry your dental practice of choice. We offer a wide range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services, and we treat patients of all ages. Call us at (888) 802-1571 to learn more about our Chantilly-area practice.

Comparing Dental Implants, Bridges, and Dentures

Tooth loss is common among adults and seniors. Fortunately, advancements in cosmetic dentistry have led to the creation of multiple tooth restoration procedures. Here’s a look at some of your options:  

• Dental Implants

Dental implants consist of a titanium post, an abutment, and a porcelain crown, and they are designed to resemble and function like a natural tooth. During the dental implant procedure, an oral surgeon uses a series of gages to drill the right size hole into the oral bone. Then, the titanium post is screwed into place to hold the abutment and porcelain prosthetic. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants provide a natural look, feel, and fit. Plus, they don’t require any extra maintenance or diet restrictions.  

• Bridges

If you experience tooth loss, the surrounding teeth will eventually shift to fill in the gap. This shifting can create an abnormal dental aesthetic and cause oral bone deterioration. A dental bridge serves to keep the teeth from shifting into improper position, helping to preserve the oral bones.

The dental bridge procedure involves creating a prosthetic tooth and placing it over the gap. In some cases, the teeth on either side of the prosthetic tooth will need to be filed down, and durable, porcelain crowns will need to be installed over them. This rectifies any wear that the surrounding teeth endured and helps to create an even length among the prosthetic and natural teeth. 

• Dentures

If you are looking for a less permanent solution, you can choose between full and partial dentures. Full dentures involve custom-creating a flesh-colored acrylic base that is made to fit over the gums. The upper full denture covers the roof of the mouth while the bottom denture is horseshoe-shaped to accommodate the tongue. Partial dentures are created out of a metal framework that attaches to healthy, natural teeth along the jawline.

If you want to restore your smile using one of these techniques, contact South Riding Family Dentistry in Chantilly at (888) 802-1571. We take pride in treating patients of all ages and offering high-quality dental care. For more information about our practice, visit our website today.