Porcelain Veneers: 7 Fast Fixes

Maple Grove Affordable Dentistry

This blog post from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove focuses on porcelain veneers, which are used extensively in cosmetic dentistry.

Porcelain veneers are custom made to permanently cover the front part of one or more teeth. Wafer-thin, super-strong veneers can correct a variety of problems including:

  1. Chips
  2. Cracks
  3. Stains
  4. Teeth that are misshapen
  5. Teeth that are too short
  6. Teeth that are misaligned
  7. Gaps between teeth

To begin the veneer procedure, we will make a model of your teeth. The next step is for an expert dental lab tech to fabricate your custom veneers. In some veneer procedures, a small amount of the enamel from the face of the tooth has to be removed. Today’s veneer process leaves most of your healthy tooth structure.

Porcelain veneers are just one of the cosmetic dentistry procedures offered at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 4635

What You See And What You Don’t

If you have had restorations, orthodontia, or a complete smile transformation, you want people to notice the final outcome – your remarkable smile. There is a lot, however, that is going on behind the scenes. This post from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove talks about a critical procedure that makes a huge difference in your smile, but is so subtle most people won’t be aware of it.

Clear Braces
Not everyone wants to flash a metal smile while their teeth are being straightened. In fact, we’ll guess that no one does. Clear braces from Invisalign keep your secret safe because they are nearly impossible to see them while they are being worn.

Clear braces are really known as aligners. They look a lot like an athlete’s mouth guard. People love them not only because they’re almost undetectable when you wear them. They also come out at meal time and when you brush your teeth.

For best results, you need to wear them at least twenty-two hours a day. But that’s a whole lot better than metal braces attached to your teeth 24/7/365.

Another great feature of Invisalign braces is how comfortable they are. In a survey of people who had gone through the treatment, more than half said they experienced only mild discomfort with them, and another thirty-five percent said they had no discomfort at all.

Invisalign braces are not, of course, totally invisible. But for all practical purposes, they are. People may not even notice them when they’re looking right at your from just a few feet away.

Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove is a provider of Invisalign clear braces, and a full range of cosmetic dentistry services. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 6805

Beautiful Teeth Without Breaking The Bank

affordable teeth whitening Maple Grove

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, our smile makeover patients believe that cosmetic dentistry is a valuable investment. Indeed, for most people, the value of a healthy, desirable smile cannot be measured in dollars. We recognize, however, that cosmetic dentistry is not cheap.

Do you have to spend thousands of dollars to beautify your smile? Actually, no. Today’s post focuses on the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures.

Dental Bonding
In many cases, dental bonding can be used to correct a tooth that has been chipped.

When we repair a tooth with dental bonding, a pliable resin material is applied to the tooth. We mold the material to create the desired shape. The resin is then hardened using a special light. After hardening, We perform any needed trimming and shaping followed by a final polishing.

Dental bonding is commonly less expensive than porcelain veneers or dental crowns.

Tooth Whitening
Most people are aware that there are several different tooth whitening procedures. We recommend scheduling a tooth whitening consultation to discuss your options. Even inexpensive OTC tooth bleaching systems can be misused and cause tooth sensitivity, damage to tooth enamel, and irregular coloration.

Regarding the cost of teeth whitening: if you opt for an at-home system from a drugstore, you may have to buy several packages to obtain even slight whitening. In-office whitening or a take home system from our office may be more economical in the long run.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we provide cosmetic and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 6923

Crowning Achievements In Dentistry

dental crowns Minneapolis

This blog post from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove MN looks at one of the miracles of modern dentistry: the dental restoration.

Let’s pretend you are a biomedical engineer working in the field of dentistry before the inception of dental restorations. The men and women of your generation who have missing or damaged teeth want to repair or replace them with a man-made substitute. You have been hired to find or create a material that can be used to manufacture fillings, crowns, and dental bridges.

Consider the physical and chemical requirements of this incredible material. It must survive forces of 162 pounds per square inch (PSI), hundreds of times a day – day after day, year after year. It must be resistant to cracking and chipping. But there’s a catch regarding its durability; it must not damage the enamel on opposing teeth. This material must also maintain its size and shape and be resistant to shrinking.

It must be bondable to living tooth structure as well as other materials required for specific appliances. It must be biocompatible with the soft tissues in the mouth as well as tooth enamel, dentin, and bone. It can’t trigger allergic reactions in the wearers. It must be corrosion-resistant to the chemicals in saliva, foods, and beverages. It must resist infection regardless of ever-present bacteria in the mouth. And it can’t contain toxic chemicals that could be absorbed into the bloodstream.

And we haven’t even touched on the cosmetic properties yet. Ideally, this material would look identical to actual teeth in color, opacity, and translucence.

Of course, we know that such a  thing exists, because dental restorations have been around for a long time. At this time, there are several materials used alone or in combination including porcelain, ceramic, and metals such as gold and silver amalgam. Though the metals are very strong and malleable, they don’t meet some patient’s esthetic requirements and are used mainly for back teeth.

Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove MN offers a wide range of services, including family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 7320

Want A Reason To Smile All The Time?

Champlin cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Don’t like your teeth? With cosmetic dentistry from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we can do something about that. We invite you to consider a smile makeover.

There are some good reasons for having one:

1. Look and feel younger.
2. Improve your oral health.
3. Increase your confidence.
4. Smile all the time!

If you are not familiar with the latest dental procedures, you might not realize what cosmetic and restorative dentistry can achieve. A total cosmetic dental smile makeover involves a combination of cosmetic dental procedures which may include dental crowns, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, tooth implants, inlays and onlays, gum contouring, teeth whitening and, in some cases, orthodontia.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we provide family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 6513

Suspect A Bite Problem?

malocclusion examination Maple Grove

The topic of this post is malocclusion – literally, bad bite. Some cases of malocclusion can be treated with clear braces, provided by Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove.

Edward Angle, a pioneer in modern orthodontics, coined the term malocclusion. Malocclusion is fairly common in the population as a whole but, fortunately, in most cases the misalignment is so slight that it causes no problems.

When you combine multiple teeth on two arches and a jaw joint with a considerable range of motion, it is easy to see how these elements can fail to align properly. In fact, it is a wonder that they work correctly for most people – allowing them to talk, eat, and breathe without giving it a second thought.

There are many causes of malocclusion – some originating with the teeth and some originating with the jaw. Misshapen teeth, extracted teeth, impacted teeth, crowded teeth, and widely spaced teeth can affect the bite. Injury to the jaw can also cause malocclusion as well as improperly fitting restorations and other dental appliances.

Children with a normal bite can develop bite problems with prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking or bottle drinking. In rarer cases, oral tumors can move a bite out of alignment.

The treatment for malocclusion depends on the cause. Orthodontics can move teeth into alignment to correct bite problems.

Overcrowding often requires extraction of one or more teeth. Misshapen teeth that affect the bite can often be corrected with crowns or dental bonding.

If the jawbone is significantly misshapen or misaligned, maxillofacial surgery may be necessary. Jaw surgery is a serious undertaking with significant risks and a long, painful recovery. While the jaw heals, it is secured with wires and screws. Ouch!

If your jaw hurts or you see unusual wear to your teeth, it is important that you are examined by a professional. Call us to schedule an appointment.

Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove provides a wide range of dental services, from clear braces to family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 6975

Danger Zone! 5 Signs Of Gum Disease

dental payment plans ChamplinHere is some essential news for anyone who cares about their dental health: periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a main cause of tooth loss among adults. There is also evidence that it is linked to heart disease. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, this problem is easy to treat if it is discovered in the early stages.

What warning signs should you be looking for?

  1. Gums that bleed often
  2. Gums that appear tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
  3. Your bite changes or your teeth suddenly don’t seem to fit together
  4. Gums that are loosening from the teeth
  5. A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath

We hope you are not experiencing any of these symptoms. If you are not removing plaque between your teeth, however, your gums are at risk. Brushing alone is not sufficient—make sure you floss daily.

Regular check-ups are another essential weapon in the fight against gum disease. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove we offer OralDNA, a fast and pain-free test for the early detection of gum disease. We also offer family dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today!

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 4960

Let That Winning Smile Shine

white fillings Maple Grove

Grappling with yellowed, discolored, stained, or even multi-colored teeth? Teeth whitening from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove might be the answer.

A Brighter, Whiter Smile

The staff at Arbor Lakes Dental has professional experience dating back to 1992. Teeth whitening is one of our most popular procedures. Let us review the current state of your smile and guide you to a brighter, whiter look.

There are lots of options for anyone who wants to whiten their teeth. There are countless products available at any drug store. But rest assured, no over-the-counter whitening product can produce the results you’ll get from professional whitening.

At Arbor Lakes Dental, we provide in-office whitening, and professional-strength take-home kits for those who want to manage the process themselves. We offer KoR and GLO whitening treatments. Each one delivers great results, giving you the dazzling white smile you’ve always wanted.

In addition to teeth whitening, Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grover offers comprehensive family dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

 

What Can Arbor Lakes Dental Do For You?

Hello, and welcome to the blog of Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove. We work hard to maintain the dental health of each of our patients.

Teeth may seem like bone, but they are actually living structures. Inside that hard exterior is complex system of tissue. And the teeth themselves are anchored to your jaw by ligaments and a material called cementum.

Because there is so much more than meets the eye, we urge our patients to take good care of their teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day, and by visiting our office twice a year for cleanings and a checkup. Our hygienists will remove any accumulation of plaque and tartar that has built up, and one of our dentists will give your teeth and gums a thorough inspection.

Why do we stress this? Because research has shown there is a connection between the health of your teeth and your overall physical health. In short, a healthy mouth can help you maintain a healthy body.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we provide dental health through family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

Get Tested! Gum Disease in Maple Grove

One of every ten American adults is likely to get some form of gum disease by the time they’re sixty-four years old. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we provide treatment for gum disease.

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, and is associated with serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease. So brush and floss your teeth every day – twice a day, in fact. If you don’t, your chances of getting gum disease increase.

In addition to age, other risk factors for gum disease include tobacco use. Health experts say that tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for getting gum disease. If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you do smoke (or chew), quit.

It appears some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease. Even when they take great care of their teeth, such people may still be more likely to get it. If you think it runs in your family, don’t despair. A genetic test can confirm it, even if you aren’t showing any signs. Getting early intervention treatment may help. Arbor Lakes Dental provides OralDNA testing for gum disease.

Stress, too, is another risk factor for gum disease. Stress may make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.

Poor nutrition and teeth grinding or clenching can also put you at greater risk of developing gum disease.

Finally, certain medications can affect your oral health and make you more prone to gum disease. These include some oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and heart medications. If you have any concerns, ask us at your next appointment.

If you are showing any signs at all of gum disease, such as bleeding when you brush your teeth, let Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove know. We provide effective gum disease treatment. We also offer family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369