Advantage Dentistry

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Flossing with Bridges

At Advantage Dentistry, Dr. Seier has successfully carried out dental restorations for over thirty years. But in order to get the most out of their new teeth, patients need to know how to adjust their oral hygiene habits. Fortunately, caring for fixed bridges is easy once patients know what tools are available to them.


Flossing is an important part of keeping the area around a fixed bridge healthy. But with no gap between the prosthetic teeth, an alternative means of getting floss over or under the bridge is necessary. Some floss manufacturers make this easy by providing floss with stiffened tips, but regular floss can be looped around a bridge with an instrument called a threader. Similar to a big, floppy sewing needle, threaders are familiar tools to anyone who has ever worn braces.


Another hygienic tool used with both bridges and orthodontics is the proxy brush, also known as a Christmas tree brush. When bridges are supported by implants instead of by pontic teeth, there may be room to use a proxy brush to dislodge debris. Other specialized tips for use on implants can also be attached to toothbrush handles and water picks.


Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.


 

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Stains

At Advantage Dentistry, we provide patients with solutions for stained teeth. However, there are different kinds of stains, and different treatments need to be applied depending on whether a stain is intrinsic to the tooth or extrinsic. An extrinsic stain only affects the outermost layers, but an intrinsic stain could indicate a problem with the tooth’s health.


Bleaching is a useful tool for combatting extrinsic stains. It affects the teeth on a superficial level, removing evidence of dark liquids and smoke. But intrinsic stains affect the core of the tooth. They are caused by exposure to excessive amounts of fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics during the tooth’s formation or by inflammation of the pulp. Although intrinsic stains can be covered with veneers, pulp inflammation can cause pain and infection, requiring it to be removed.


Fortunately, Dr. Seier is greatly experienced in performing root canals. After the inflamed pulp is removed, it is normal for the tooth to be filled and sealed. But for cosmetic restorations, the doctor and patient can discuss whether it might be necessary to replace the entire crown.


Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.


 

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Advantages of Invisalign

Most of us desire a straighter smile, but sometimes we don’t have time to abide by the aesthetic disadvantages that come with traditional braces. Fortunately, for adults and teenagers, our doctors at Advantage Dentistry provide patients with Invisalign so you can straighten your smile without worrying about your appearance. Invisalign consists of plastic aligner trays that are removable and virtually invisible so that you can eat, brush, and floss as you normally would.


After our doctors map out your Invisalign treatment plan, you will be giving a set of aligners. As you wear each set of aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours a day, your teeth will gently and gradually begin to shift into place. During this time, because the trays are removable, you don’t have as many dietary restrictions as you would with traditional braces, therefore you can eat whatever you’d like, whenever you’d like. Additionally, you can continue to brush and floss as you normally would, because there are no arches or wires that you need to maneuver around.


If you have questions or concerns regarding Invisalign, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Dental Abscess

Most of us know how painful a canker sore can feel, and a dental abscess is no different. An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease, or a cracked tooth that hasn’t been treated. This infection occurs when pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone. Fortunately, regardless of the cause, our doctors at Advantage Dentistry can help you treat the problem and prevent abscesses from forming in the future.


By practicing proper oral hygiene on a daily basis you are already reducing your risk of developing a tooth abscess. However, if your teeth become loose or chipped, you should visit us immediately to correct the problem. Signs of a dental abscess may include deep cavities, gum inflammation, tooth sensitivity and/or limited ability to open the mouth. Dental abscess treatment may include antibiotics, cleaning the tooth, or root canal treatment depending on the severity.


If you have questions or concerns regarding dental abscesses or your oral health, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide.