Hello! I’m Jamie Sledd, DDS, of Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove. I have been practicing quality general and cosmetic dentistry since 1992. Today’s post focuses on malocclusion, or bad bite.

Malocclusion is the dental term for a problem in the way your top and bottom teeth come together. The ideal bite is when the upper teeth are slightly forward of the lower teeth. You have probably heard of “overbites” and “underbites” but the two arches can be misaligned in many other ways as well. Crowded teeth can also cause a bad bite, as well as the opposite situation – teeth that are too far apart.

If the misalignment is very slight, there are often no related issues. However, if the malocclusion is moderate to severe, the patient is at risk for many other health issues such as difficulty chewing and speaking, headaches, hearing problems, increased decay, jaw pain, and gum disease.

The domino effect of these troubles can get pretty serious. For example, chewing difficulty can trigger ulcers and gum disease increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Consider also how these problems can impact a patient’s emotional well-being and ability to perform their job.

Putting health issues aside, these problems can get pretty expensive to treat.

There are several effective treatments for malocclusion, but first you need a diagnosis. If you suspect that you have a misaligned bite, I hope this post has given you some good reasons to meet with Dr. Jamie Sledd. Call 763-515-1171 to schedule a consultation and exam, or for any of your general dentistry needs.

A healthy smile is priceless and superior dental care is a worthwhile investment in your quality of life. But the cost for treatment and precision restorations can sometimes be prohibitive. Knowing what to expect price-wise can make your dental visit more palatable.

Obviously, the cost of some procedures such as crowns versus fillings are dependent upon unknown factors. X-rays can show the basic problem but sometimes the extent of the damage isn’t clear until we get in there. Our caring staff works to offer estimates based on best-case and worst-case scenarios.

Nailing down the cost is much easier once the overall treatment plan is established. Dr. Jamie Sledd performs an oral exam, reviews the patient’s dental history, and consults with the patient before creating an estimate. The price is influenced by the patient’s current condition, cosmetic goals, and long-term functionality.

Usually, the cost of treatments such as teeth whitening, dental implants, veneers, denture fittings, and the price of cosmetic dentistry can be explained at the initial consultation with Dr. Sledd. We encourage our patients to take some time to review the options before they choose  which elective procedures to pursue. We never pressure our patients to make a quick decision about something as critical as dental treatment.

Here at Arbor Lakes Dental, we are committed to customized patient-focused care. Often the treatment plan will be extended over several visits to allow healing and adjustment in the mouth before doing more work.

With restorations, the most conservative treatment is always preferred. The cost is weighed with priority for adequate eating and speaking functionality. Personal confidence in appearance is also taken into account and given priority.

Dr. Sledd has been practicing fun dentistry since 1992. If you are in the market for porcelain veneers or dental bridges but are worried about how much it will set you back or whether your insurance company covers the procedure, then call 763-515-1171 today and let us look into it for you.

Feel free to shop around and compare our affordable prices to other dentists in the area – but be wary of bargain-basement dental advertisements. Many ads present a false picture of the actual cost of the treatment. And, do you really want to trust your smile to the lowest bidder?

Thank you for visiting our blog.

Many residents in our Maple Grove community experience dry mouth occasionally. Some develop dry mouth in social situations or when they are under a lot of stress. Sporadic or infrequent dry mouth is usually not a serious problem. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, is not only irritating, it can lead to acute health problems.

Maple Grove people should not take their saliva for granted. Your saliva plays an essential role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest your food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down so your body can metabolize it. If you don’t produce enough saliva to carry out this task your body may not be getting essential nutrients needed to stay healthy.

Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Many Maple Grove residents don’t realize that many of the foods we eat are very acidic and our saliva helps counteract those acids in our mouths.

I am Jamie Sledd and my staff and I at Arbor Lakes Dental have been treating xerostomia since 1992. I recommend cutting back on caffeine in such drinks as cola, coffee, and tea. Not only do these beverages stain and discolor your teeth, the caffeine can contribute to dry mouth. I also recommend drinking water throughout the day to make sure you are adequately hydrated.

Tobacco and alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth. Consult your Minneapolis physician if you are taking medication that is causing your dry mouth.

Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, so call Arbor Lakes Dental today and schedule an appointment if your dry mouth is getting worse as you grow older. 763-515-1171

Looking for a gentle family dentist who focuses on preventative dentistry?  I invite you to come visit my practice at 12000 Elm Creek Blvd, Ste 230 in Maple Grove. My fun team at Arbor Lakes Dental make sure you have a pleasant experience whether you visit us for a cleaning and exam or a complete smile transformation.

Our dental menu includes teeth bleaching, crowns and bridges, veneers, short term braces, oral cancer screenings, inlays/onlays, cosmetic dentistry, and sports dentistry.

Your brilliant smile starts with healthy teeth.

Jamie Sledd
Arbor Lakes Dental
12000 Elm Creek Blvd, Ste 230
Maple Grove Minnesota
763-515-1171
https://www.arborlakesdental.com/about-arbor-lakes-dental

If you are scheduled for cancer treatment due to a recent diagnosis or relapse, oral health is probably not your first priority. However, the team at Arbor Lakes Dental urges you to give some attention to your teeth to prevent or minimize common cancer-related dental complications.

According to the National Institutes of Health, cancer treatment often takes a heavy toll on dental health.

Common Complications of Chemotherapy and/or Radiation

Inflammation of the mucous membranes
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections
Mouth dryness (increases risk of cavities)
Poor nutrition due to eating difficulties
Mouth pain
Oral bleeding
Lifelong risk of tooth decay
Loss of elasticity of masticatory muscles (may make opening mouth difficult)
Bone recession due to decreased blood flow
Tooth loss

Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove wants to help you maintain oral health before, during, and after your cancer treatment. We offer comprehensive preventative and restorative dental services including: cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, dental bridges

We extend to our dental patients battling cancer our sincere hopes for your successful treatment. It is a pleasure to serve your dental needs.

“Oral Complications of Cancer Treatment: What the Dental Team Can Do,” National Institutes of Health, http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/CancerTreatment/OralComplicationsCancerOral.htm, accessed on May 27, 2014

Cosmetic Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
Dental Implants
Family Dentistry
Teeth Whitening

Hello. I’m Dr. Jamie Sledd. Welcome to my Plymouth MN dental blog.

Today’s topic is energy drinks and the damage they can cause to your teeth. I am seeing more and more Plymouth MN teens and adults with tooth enamel erosion caused by frequent consumption of sport drinks.

Most of these Plymouth MN dentistry patients take good care of their teeth, brush and floss, and come into Arbor Lakes Dental for a twice-yearly exam and deep cleaning. But guess what? If you drink energy drinks regularly, your enamel can erode even if you practice immaculate oral hygiene.

Energy drinks like Red Bull, Rock Star, and Monster are a cocktail of powerful acids and other enamel-eroding substances. Most of them contain citric acid, fruit juices, loads of sugar, and a potent chemical that gives them their bright fluorescent color.

Perhaps, like myself, you have often noticed young people walking out of Plymouth convenience stores swigging 32-ounce energy drinks. I am concerned that our teens do not understand the serious dental consequences of frequent acid baths.

The following is from ABC Sports:

“Sports drinks are increasingly damaging the teeth of professional and recreational athletes, one of Australia’s top sports dentists has warned. Dr. Brett Dorney says he has witnessed a huge increase in dental erosion since the Sidney Olympics, when he was the event’s deputy director of dental services.”

Here is an excerpt from a recent CNN Story:

“Researchers at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry found the energy drinks and sports drinks eroded the enamel more than soda and fruit juices.”

I need to add the caveat that soda and fruit juices also contain acids that can damage teeth.

If your teeth have enamel erosion, whatever the cause, we can restore your smile with advanced cosmetic dentistry. Crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays, and onlays can correct both structural and cosmetic problems.

Our phone number is 763-515-1171. If you are interested in re-designing your smile, come in for an exam and consultation. With cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry, we can repair acid-damaged teeth and dramatically increase your face value.

Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the body? It’s true! This substance, found on the outer surface of your teeth, truly should last a lifetime. But just because it’s super substantial doesn’t mean you don’t have to work to take care of it.

Here are some beneficial tips for keeping enamel healthy.

1. Pick the right foods for enamel health. It’s no secret that soft drinks damage your teeth, and don’t think that diet sodas are harmless – the artificial sweeteners can also erode enamel over time. There are also other culinary culprits that can do a lot of harm. Sticky, chewy candies should be avoided. Chewing ice is a no-no. And don’t use your teeth as tools. Take a minute to grab some scissors before you rip open that package with your incisors.

On the flip side, foods with calcium can neutralize acid in your mouth and guard your enamel. So, enjoy your dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt!

2. Avoid vigorous brushing and use a soft brush. Also, it’s best to brush about an hour after eating, because foods, especially acidic ones, can soften the enamel, thus making it more prone to weakening from brushing. If your teeth are discolored or yellowish, you may feel you need to brush harder. Instead, think about teeth whitening and speak with your dentist.

3. Keep stomach acids in check. If you have a problem with severe heartburn, the stomach acid could be traveling up your esophagus and into your mouth. This acid can erode enamel, so it is vital to meet with your Maple Grove doctor about treatment.

4. Talk to your dentist about dry mouth and tooth grinding. Lack of saliva is a major trouble for tooth enamel, and it’s no surprise that teeth grinding can also wear it down. Make sure your dentist is aware if you see either of these issues.

Hi, my name is Dr. Jamie Sledd. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible, and enamel health is a critical component. I also love helping my patients achieve the dazzling smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental bonding, veneers, invisible braces, tooth colored fillings, and dental implants.

My practice, Arbor Lakes Dental, is currently accepting new patients. Give us a call at 763-515-1171 to make an appointment!

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-2/tooth-enamel-damage, accessed on September 18, 2013