How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

For most people, twice a year is sufficient. If you have a problem with your gums, either gingivitis or periodontal disease, a three or four month interval is often recommended. If you are pregnant, you may need extra care to prevent pregnancy gingivitis, caused by the changes in hormones during pregnancy.

What are veneers and how different are the “no prep” veneers?

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can change the color, length, or width of the teeth, correcting problems such as crowding, chipped, or discolored teeth. The brand name veneers that use the appeal of not grinding or “prepping” the teeth are fine but offer no advantage over non-branded veneers, except perhaps a higher price. Most teeth receiving veneers need some reduction to avoid the excessive protrusion (buck teeth) that can result. In my experience, there are not many cases that are ideal for the “no-prep” veneers.

When should I bring my child in for the first visit?

According to the ADA, the Amer. Assoc. of Pediatric Dentists, the Academy of general Dentistry and others, a child’s first visit should be before their first birthday. At that time, we review the medical history, discuss proper home care, importance of the caregivers’ dental health, and a brief exam.

How often do you take x-rays?

It all depends on the patient.  Every adult should have a Full Mouth Series of films.  This consists of a maximum of eighteen films showing all the teeth, including the roots, the surrounding bone, some soft tissue, and a small part of the sinus.  We are looking for cavities, of course, but also signs of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses, cysts, and tumors.  A Full Mouth Series should be repeated every seven to eleven years, depending on your dental health and history.  Generally speaking, the more problems you have or have had, the more frequently films are needed.

Bitewing or “check-up” films look specifically at the areas between the teeth where we can’t see during the exam.  If you have had a recent cavity, we may take these again in six months to ensure that your decay situation is not evolving out of control.  Our normal interval is eighteen months, more conservative than most offices and insurance companies.  With those individuals with little to no decay, we wait longer.

What about pacifiers?  At what age does a pacifier damage development of the jaws?

Traditional thinking says that as long as the child stops the pacifier by age 6, no permanent damage occurs.  Studies have shown that pacifier use longer than 24 months is associated with more malocclusions.  To be safe pacifiers should be discontinued by age two.  Please note that there are different sizes of pacifiers now.  As your child gets older, switch them to the larger, more age-appropriate pacifier