If you have gaps between your teeth, stained teeth, or even missing teeth, dental veneers can be an effective and economical dental treatment option for you. Veneers have become one of the most sought after conservative alternative when it comes to transforming the current shape and shade of an affected tooth or more to make your smile more pleasing to the eyes of others.

Dental veneers in Newport News, VA can be made from porcelain or resin composite materials. These laminates are used to treat everything from minor to major flaws of your teeth to improve their overall appearance. While they work on the aesthetics of your teeth, dental veneers also function to protect your teeth and prevent dental issues from worsening.

Imperfections can now be covered up in a quick and painless manner with the use of dental veneers. They come in thin shells so that you will feel comfortable while they are bonded over your teeth. These veneers are versatile such that they can be tinted to match the natural shade of your remaining teeth. Aside from being stain-resistant, they are also long-lasting. But of course, it will all depend on the preventative care you do to them.

If you are interested in getting dental veneers, it is advised that you consult with your dentist about what choice of veneer material is the best for your case. There may be also other cosmetic and restorative dental treatments that your dentist may suggest to really address your concerns. For more details, visit Oyster Point Dentistry.

The negative effects of sleep apnea go far beyond the issue of snoring. Sleep apnea is a medical condition that when left untreated will lead to any number of serious health issues to include heart disease, high blood pressure, exhaustion, and more.

Testing and diagnosis of sleep apnea is accomplished via your medical doctor. Once diagnosed with the disease, one has a number of treatment options with dental device treatment rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for both doctors and patients alike. Many people find it very difficult to adapt and accept the most common apnea treatment called “continuous positive airway pressure (or “CPAP”). This treatment involves wearing a mask that ensures proper and continuous airflow is provided to the patient. However, medical doctors are increasingly turning to dental solutions to treat sleep apnea .

While there is a widespread awareness of the symptoms of this condition such as gasping while asleep or feeling sleepy during waking hours, there are yet a lot of undetected, misdiagnosed, and untreated cases. The medical community sees a serious threat of sleep apnea as it puts a patient to a greater risk. Sleep apnea does not only interrupt your breathing throughout the course of the night, but also affects your entire being and the effects could haunt you for life. For those reasons, continued efforts have been exerted to develop effective alternatives and affordable sleep apnea treatments in Newport News, VA to help you sleep without worries.

Your dentist and specialist can always help. If you or someone you know have symptoms of or suffers from sleep apnea, immediately schedule a consultation with your doctor and also consult our specially trained sleep apnea dental specialists at Oyster Point Dentistry.

One of the most common dental conditions is discoloration. This is natural effect of aging as the protective dentin layer slowly erodes with time making teeth more susceptible to staining. Of course, your choice of food and beverage offers a direct effect on the degree and speed of tooth discoloration. To address the issue of teeth discoloration, professional teeth whitening treatments offer a simple, effective, and affordable solution.

Teeth whitening treatments in Newport News and Hampton, VA never fail to bring back the natural hue of your teeth. Your pearly white smile will shine bright right after you finish your treatment plan and see remarkable results as you go through with it. You can choose to either purchase in-home whitening agents from your trusted dentist or undergo in-office whitening procedures if you want to achieve faster and better results.

Your teeth will stay white depending on how you take care of them. While preventative dental care ensures healthy teeth and gums by preventing common dental diseases from occurring or worsening, these measures also serve as a means of making such whitening results to last for years. Keeping away from food and beverage that have staining qualities plus periodic touch-up applications, teeth discoloration can be prevented.

Your dentist can help yo decide what treatment option is right for you. So contact Oyster Point Dentistry now for more details.

There are numerous factors that may contribute to the fear associated with making a visit to a dentist. It will vary from patient to patient but the common denominator is fear prohibits many from seeking vital recurring dental care. To solve this issue of dental fear, dental sedation is the key to getting you back to your dentist and the critical care that you need.

People in the Sedation dentistry know how important it is for patients to avail themselves of effective dental treatments for their respective cases. Problems in your teeth and gums that are left unsolved because you merely feel anxious or nervous the moment you think of going to the clinic can have harmful effects to your overall oral health and are to worsen over time. This field of dentistry has emerged to come up with alternative dental sedation options that put the patient into a relaxed state when undergoing a dental treatment or surgery.

Dental sedation in Hampton, VA has made dental treatments appealing to patients. Sedation minimizes the stress as well as the fear you feel prior to and during your appointment with the dentist. Oral sedatives, local anaesthetic, and other sedation techniques make and keep you relaxed as you proceed with the dental treatment fit to your case. As a result, your dentist can now perform the treatment easier and quicker regardless of your fear.

Dental phobic patients can opt to dental sedation to solve tooth and gum problems. For more details, check out Oyster Point Dentistry.

If you want to keep yourself away from costly dental treatments and other related procedures, you need to establish and maintain preventative dental care measures. Never failing to do them keeps your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth healthy and disease-free.

Tooth and gum problems are due to dental plaque build-up which is composed of colonizing harmful bacteria. After some time of being left uncleaned on the surfaces of your teeth, this soft and pale yellow biofilm mineralizes and turns into a dental calculus, which is a lot more difficult to remove. Not making ways to remove them out of your teeth has simple to serious negative effects. It eventually attacks the enamel which results in inflammation of the gums. After such inflammation comes the receding gums that then make your teeth exposed and vulnerable to further decay. This may also lead to other dental issues, so preventing it from the very start is essential.

Preventative dental care in Newport News, VA is widely recognized to ensure healthy teeth and gums thereby preventing common dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum problems. Both the plaque and calculus can put your dental and oral health to jeopardy. By regular visits to your dentist, plus brushing and flossing, the possibility of these unwanted circumstances occurring is reduced.

Dental issues must be treated as soon as possible. The earlier the detection, the smaller the

Invisible dental fillings in Virginia Beach, VA are an attractive alternative for restoring a tooth instead of using silver or mercury amalgams. This kind of tooth restoration treatment is virtually undetectable and requires the use of ultra-refined dental technique and expert eyes on details.

Dental fillings restore the tooth structure in the event of its decay, fracture, and other related dental issues. Before, metal mixtures are used as fillings and are only limited to fill cavities. Now, invisible fillings are more commonly used and are widely preferred by patients as they bond to your teeth creating a more natural-looking effect. They are very much effective in restoring the tooth's natural shape and retain more original teeth.

Treating tooth ailments and cavities with unsightly metal fillings is now a thing of the past. Invisible dental fillings provide a healthier option to restore a tooth with the use of modern technology in dentistry as they do not contain any trace of elements that can be harmful to your entire body system. These tooth-colored fillings are composed of durable resin or porcelain color-matching with your existing natural teeth. With such strength and durability that can last for years provided that you maintain good dental hygiene, further damage to your teeth can actually be prevented these fillings.

Bring back your perfect smile, flashing those clean sparkling teeth without metal fillings. Visit Oyster Point Dentistry for more details.

A missing tooth can result to a multiple of dental and oral issues. Fortunately, if you lose one or more teeth today, you now have many options that go beyond just bridges and partial dentures. One of which is the tooth restoration treatment known as dental implants.

When you lose a tooth, the space left by it can drift about and cause perodontal disease, unwanted gaps between existing teeth, and, worse, tooth decay. There are also mastication and aesthetic problems that can come with such loss, making most patients chew inefficiently and become conscious about their smile. But dental implants in Hampton, VA have come to existence to provide permanent solutions to all problems that can result to a lost or missing tooth.

Dental implants are now being regarded as the most successful and trusted tooth replacement procedure available because they grant you the opportunity to restore the full form and function of your mouth. Having dental implants to support crowns and bridges is indeed the next best thing to having a mouth full of strong and healthy teeth. The endosseous fixtures being used are commonly made from titanium or titanium alloy, and are surgically set permanent in the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. The implants fuse to the natural bone tissue which help prevent painful shifting in the mouth after the replacement teeth are affixed.

For more information about dental implants and other tooth restoration alternatives, visit the Oyster Point Dentistry.

While regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits help you to maintain your natural smile for a lifetime, some of your teeth just cannot keep up as you age. But loosing a tooth or a few more due to injury or disease will not anymore be a problem as it was before. This is because dental implants in Hampton, VA are now available to revive not just your natural smile but also your oral health.

Dental implants are synthetic roots in the shape of a post. These are usually made of titanium to pair with the human bone as they are surgically placed into the jawbones. This is the reason why the ideal candidates for this tooth restoration treatment are those who have good oral health, as well as those non-smokers who have sufficient amount of jawbone and disease-free gums.

Dental implants gain their edge by providing tooth replacement that look and feel more natural while you eat, smile, and talk. They act like normal teeth better than conventional bridges and dentures, providing you with a stronger biting force. These implants are typically expected to last a lifetime as they neither rely on neighboring teeth for support nor compromise the health of your natural teeth. But of course, you have to take care of them like you do with your natural teeth for them to last longer.

Before you push through with this tooth restoration treatment, you must first consult your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry.

Invisible dental fillings in Virginia Beach, VA are the latest addition in cosmetic dentistry techniques and are actually better than the traditional silver or mercury fillings with respect to aesthetics, functionality, and safety. Now you can restore that perfect smile with a clean white teeth minus the metal fillings.

Invisible dental fillings are an ideal solution to seal the gap between the dental restorations and your natural tooth or the damages caused by cavities. Unlike the unsightly metal fillings, these tooth-colored fillings can be made to match the natural color of your teeth with the help of modern technology. This is the reason why invisible fillings have become an attractive option when it comes to tooth restoration.

Modern technology has paved the way to treat and restore teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay with the help of virtually invisible fillings. That instead of using silver amalgams or mercury mixtures, durable resin or porcelain are used as tooth-colored fillings to create a natural-looking effect. This is a more attractive alternative that are easier and safer to apply.

Learn more about the invisible dental fillings and see if this is the best dental treatment considering your case. Before you decide to have your smile restored, visit first your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry.

The use of Invisalign in Hampton, VA is relatively a new way of correcting milder orthodontic problems. These clear removable aligners are flexible mouth guards that fit closely over the teeth. They are used by patients who follow a treatment plan developed by the orthodontist.

Invisalign is often recommended to patients whose commitments in life make it uncomfortable to wear visible or fixed orthodontic appliances such as metal braces. This orthodontic treatment is also best for adults than youth because it involves series of invisible aligners that are being changed along the span of the treatment. Every aligner is designed and molded to move the teeth gradually towards the intended position until the best dental arch for the patient is achieved.

Invisalign is best suited to circumstances that involved only simple teeth alignment issues that do not require extraction. This can be used to treat mild crowding and spacing, or simple dental irregularity. That is why, patients must undergo thorough assessment and diagnosis because this will become the basis for the aligner treatment plan programmed specifically for their case or the deciding factor if a certain case requires a more complex treatment or conventional method.

For a routine aligner treatment to be successful, patients are required to wear the Invisalign everytime except when eating, brushing, and flossing. This orthodontic treatment has already been tested and proven effective to many patients. But it still remains important to be clear about the cases in which they are best used to achieve best results. So consult your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry.

Everyone wants a great smile, but most of us need a little help in getting there. Nowadays, a lot of people are benefiting from the wonders of Invisalign in Virgnia Beach, VA . This orthodontic appliance is not just used for aesthetic purposes of having a picture-perfect smile but to help keep the teeth healthy as well.

Invisalign is a series of tight-fitting retainers that are custom-made to slip over the teeth that are mildly to moderately crowded or have some minor spacing issues. These clear aligners are best for teens and adults who have their mouth already fully-developed. Invisalign also provide an effective alternative for those who find the idea of a mouthful of metal braces and brackets too unattractuve to commit to.

Make sure you consult your dentist to know more about the other options. Not all dental issues have Invisalign as the solution because others may require a more complex dental treatment. Your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry will help you decide if using clear aligners is the dental treatment that is best suited for your case.

Compared to the traditional braces, the clear aligners fit tightly over the teeth but can still be removed for eating and cleaning. You will be fitted for several versions, getting a new aligner every few weeks. In every scheduled replacement, this orthodontic appliance is first slightly adjusted to ensure the movement of your teeth in the desired or proper position over the treatment time.

Dental care is a partnership between you and your dentist. So make sure you do not miss any appointment with your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry.

Dental fillings in Hampton, VA are a restorative dentistry treatment that is proven safe and effective to repair minimal tooth fractures or tooth decay. It can also treat the damaged surfaces of the teeth and can even them out for better biting or chewing.

It is always good to regularly schedule exams with your dentist. Tooth loss is most often a result of tooth decay and often such decay is discovered during scheduled dental cleanings and regular checkups by your dentist. In order to prevent further damage or decay to the tooth, your dentist will advise you of your options for filling and sealing the cavity.

Patients have many choices when it comes to restoring damaged or decayed teeth. The development of dental fillings has provided both the dentists and the patients with a more attractive alternative---prevent further decay by closing off spaces in your teeth where bacteria can enter and restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal shape and function.

Your recovery is affected by the aftercare. So you must be committed to do all preventative care measures that you and your dentist have discussed. These measures can help in maintaining the durability of your dental fillings to make them last longer. They can also keep decay from coming back or from targeting another tooth. Plus,

Ask your dentist at Oyster Point Denstistry to explain thoroughly the options available for dental treatment for your case, particularly for tooth restoration.

There is nothing like a lost tooth to plummet your beautiful smile. Instead of forever being self-conscious about your smile, seek a dental treatment that will guarantee your dental health is in its best condition. One option to treat a lost tooth (or multiple teeth) is the use of dental implants.

Confidence
Dental implants help improve confidence because they provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth that are custom-designed to match your natural teeth. That being said, wearing dental implants make you feel that you have not lost a tooth or more, and give you back your pearly white smile you once had.

Convenience
Apart from helping you feel better about yourself, dental implants in Hampton, VA also provides convenience as they eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, including the messy adhesives used to keep the dentures in place.

Comfort
Because dental implants function like your natural teeth, they eliminate any sort of discomfort that you will experience if you chose removable dentures instead. These implants provide you with comfort which allows you to eat your food without pain and speak without the worry that they might slip.

Dental implants are definitely durable and will last even longer years provided that you give them proper care. Consult your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry for more details.

Sleep apnea refers to the cessation of breathing while you sleep. It is a common problem that affects and therefore can be critical to both children and adults. In most cases, sleep apnea worsens with time when left untreated.

Sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease, memory loss, concentration impairment, and car accident. That is why early diagnosis and corresponding sleep apnea treatments in Newport News, VA now exist to prevent all these from occurring. Oral appliances are worn by patients in their mouths as they sleep. These keep the airway stay open as it allows adequate amount of air to get in while the patients during bedtime. The joint efforts of your dentist and sleep physician will diagnose what type of sleep apnea you have and determine the right treatment for you based on the diagnosis.

Some patients get discouraged from seeking sleep apnea treatment due to fear of cost. Most people do not realize that a dentist manufactured dental device for the treatment of sleep apnea is covered by your more robust medical (vice dental) insurance plan. By treating your sleep apnea early, you not only make a major step forward in your personal health but you also avoid the devastation of much more serious medical problems down the road and the extreme cost associated with those avoidable health problems.

If you think what you are experiencing are a few symptoms of sleep apnea, do not hesitate to discuss this with your physician and specifically discuss all of your treatment options to include low cost dental treatment options. Visit us at Oyster Point Dentistry.

More and more people are now achieving great success with clear orthodontic devices known as Invisalign aligners. They come in a series of tight-fitting, custom-made retainers that slip over the teeth. Using clear or invisible aligners encourage teeth to move and achieve a straight dental arch.

Everybody wants that great smile, best bite, and excellent speaking. But most of us need help getting there. We need Invisalign in Hampton, VA to treat dental cases such as but are not limited to anterior intrusion, crowding teeth, narrow arches, and space closure.

Invisalign in Hampton, VA straightens the teeth without the need of thin wires, molar bands, and metal brackets as that of traditional braces. It uses a series of almost invisible removable aligners which provide convenience when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing while in treatment.

Having a picture-perfect smile is not the only reason why we need to undergo treatments for our dental problems like crooked or misaligned teeth. Dental and Orthodontic treatments in Hampton, VA can help protect the long-term health of your teeth and mouth. Ignoring these kind of problem can increase the risk of permanent damage. It may eventually lead to needing more extensive and expensive treatment later on in life.

Early remedy always generates better and quicker results. So it is best to consult your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry right away.

For many years, the only available treatment for people who suffer tooth loss were bridges and dentures. However, due to improvements and innovations in dental care, there is now another available alternative called the dental implants.

Dental implants in Newport News VA solve tooth loss problem by replacing tooth roots thereby providing strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth. Our patients who have tried this treatment regain their confidence to smile because the replacement teeth appear so natural that they look and feel like you have not lost any of your teeth.

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are fused into the jawbone and are designed to fuse with it, which is why they become permanent. With the process known as osseointegration, our facial contours will be preserved as the bone integrates with the bio-compatible titanium. This type of treatment does not require reducing other teeth just as what happens with dental bridges. However, tooth-supported bridges can still be an effective alternative for treating missing tooth for those who prefer it than implants. It is also best to consult your dentist to choose the right treatment that can give you the best benefits.

Dental implants in Newport News VA eliminates the discomfort of poor-fitting dentures. This allows you to speak without worrying that teeth might slip out of your mouth and aids you to eat your favorite food with improved capability of biting and chewing.

With proper preventative care, these durable dental implants can last a lifetime. Patients who choose dental implant treatment should commit to maintain good oral hygiene and visit their dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry regularly.

Oyster Point Dentistry dental care experts (in Newport News VA) can make a dramatic difference in a person's overall dental and oral health. Cosmetic dental procedures deliver a full smile makeover in a short period of time. 

Teeth straightening is not just about having a picture-perfect smile. Correcting crooked or misaligned teeth help protect your teeth, promotes dental health as you grow older. Everyone wants a straight and sparkly smile, but often times dental treatment is required to achieve that end.

There are a lot of orthodontic devices which you can now use to solve the problem of having crooked or misaligned teeth. We know that being in that situation causes you more trouble than just getting too shy to smile. Most patients suffer from low self-esteem and difficulty in speaking properly because of these types tooth problem. Our dental care professionals at Oyster Point Dentistry (Hampton and Newport News Va) can solve all of these problems.

One alternative that most patients with the same problem often use is Invisalign. They are invisible aligners for the teeth which comes with a series of tight-fitting and tailor-made retainers that slip invisibly over the teeth. They are best for adults and teens because they are built for a tight fit and easy to maintain.

Invisalign is not only invisible but also removable. Since it is removable like that of the retainer, it can easily be cleaned. Doing your regular preventative care will not be a problem. These invisible aligners are definitely the best way to straighten your teeth without the metal brackets and dental rubbers, plus metal wires that are found in braces.

Now you can smile more during and after the treatment with these safe and clinically proven invisible aligners.

There are many reasons why taking care of your teeth and mouth is vital. Perhaps everyone is taught how to properly brush and floss teeth for these reasons. Good dental hygiene does not only make your teeth white or your smile bright, it also makes you healthy.

Taking care of your teeth may be the easiest way to protect your health. Aside from ugly teeth and bad breath, poor dental hygiene is directly linked to increased risk of heart disease, poor brain function, and high blood pressure and.

Turns out that that not only your gums are affected when you fail to do such dental preventative care in Hampton, VA. Taking care of your teeth and mouth is like taking care of your general health. It is best to avoid the increase of chances or risks of any terrible diseases; you actually can. You do not know how many wonders your tooth brush and dental floss could bring you.

You help your immune system whenever you brush and floss your teeth. Preventative care keeps it from overworking just to fight off unwanted bacteria that should have been washed off if you have just done your part in taking care of your teeth and mouth.

Immediate dental treatment in Hampton and Newport News Va is always an option, , but toothpaste, a toothbrush, and floss go a long way to making emergency dental treatment ever necessary. Taking good care of your teeth and mouth means avoiding pain and unnecessary dental care cost.

Having a beautiful smile and a fresh breath may not just happen overnight, yes. But come to think of it. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, or rinsing with mouth wash and flossing after each brush can give you benefits more than you think.

Get regular cleaning and checkup with your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry and ask what other precautionary measures you can do to achieve the best dental hygiene. And remember to eat a balanced diet and avoid foods high in sugar to maintain a healthy teeth and a healthy body.

Losing a tooth (or multiple teeth) effects much more than your self-confidence. Tooth loss effects equally important aspects of your life such as eating habits and speaking skills. Should you experience tooth loss, your dentist offer safe and effective ways to replace or restore missing teeth or even just a part of a tooth. One of the most common tooth restorations available is the use of dental implants.

Dental implants in Newport News, VA can provide you with strength and stability. They are actually small posts made of metal that act as artificial or replacement tooth roots. They are implanted into the bone socket and are then covered with dental crowns to replace the missing tooth or teeth. These implants allow the proper placement of the replacement teeth while helping to stop if not prevent jaw bone loss.

Dental implantation require Osseo integration to develop a structural and functional connection with the living bone. Osseo integrated dental implants anchor to the jaw bone and heal to become a strong and stable foundation for tooth replacements such as dental crowns.

Once the implantation is done, the patients must commit to diligently maintain required oral hygiene habits. As a patient, you are expected to do preventative care to them as you would your natural teeth and visit your dentist for regular checkups. All these are done to ensure the best possible healing and fusing of the implants with the jawbone.

Consult your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry to determine the right dental implant treatment plan for you.

With today's latest techniques and treatments in Cosmetic Dentistry in Newport News, VA, looking and feeling good about oneself is just a dental treatment away. Everyone deserves to have a great smile and cosmetic dental care makes it possible.

Modern technology and dental devices offer many more affordable and reliable options to treat tooth problems. All these provide an excellent aesthetic effect on your teeth's alignment, color, shape and space.

One's choice of lifestyle determines the color of one's teeth. Drinking coffee or tea can cause your pearly whites to discolor. There are also some fruits like berries that can stain teeth. But don't fret. You can still enjoy the goodness of these beverages and fruits while protecting or treating your teeth from discoloration. There are now affordable professional teeth whitening treatments available to solve this problem. Your dental professional can help you decide on what whitening product or treatment to choose which will be appropriate for your case.

Cosmetic Dentistry can now mask even the undesirable defects caused by oddly shaped or unevenly spaced teeth. Using Dental crown bridges and porcelain dental veneers can now seal the gap in between or straighten your teeth. No more chipped, crowded, missing teeth may hinder you from interacting with anyone else, whenever, wherever.

Any sort of tooth problem does not provide any form of warning other than those you often choose to neglect. No matter what preventative care you do, there are quite a few instances that would result to common or serious tooth problems that will eventually affect how you look or feel about yourself. So it is best to consult an Oyster Point Dentistry expert right away.

Dental veneers are used to enhance tooth aesthetics and to protect the tooth's surface, placing a thin layer of material over it known as veneer. They can be made either from porcelain or resin composite materials. You may discuss with a professional in general and cosmetic dentistry regarding what would be the best choice of veneer material for you.

Dental care experts in Oyster Point Dentistry use wafer-thin, custom-designed shells to cover the surface of the teeth and in the same way improve their appearance. Because these dental porcelain laminates are made of tooth-colored materials, they are bonded to the front of the teeth consequently shifting their size, shape, and shade.

Below are some of the many teeth problems that the dental veneers or porcelain dental veneers in Hampton, VA target:

• broken or chipped teeth
• crooked or irregularly shaped teeth
• discolored or stained teeth
• spaced teeth
• worn down teeth

Still, the best way to prevent all these common dental problems is to take such preventative care to maintain those strong and white teeth.

Consult your dentist and know more about porcelain dental veneers as well as other alternative treatments such as dental implants and and invisalign. They can be very effective and affordable ways to treat any tooth problem that's bothering you.

Dental Bridges are made up of two crowns on either side of the pontics or false teeth. They can be supported by either natural teeth or implants. The types of dental bridge include Traditional bridges, Cantilever bridges, and Maryland bonded bridges.

Dental bridges can last up to 10 years or more, depending on how you take care of them. Good oral hygiene and preventative care, like brushing and flossing, keep the remaining teeth healthy and strong, enough to provide a solid foundation for the bridge. Also, regular dental checkup with your Oyster Point Dentist is recommended to detect dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease, at such an early stage. This way, you can be given immediate treatment.

Dental Bridges in Virginia Beach, VA solve the problems brought by tooth gaps. With a bridge in place, your smile will look brilliant as it was before. Plus, you can speak properly and clearly again. Dental bridges restore the size and shape of the affected tooth, thereby restoring your natural bite, as if you haven't lost one. They also facilitate proper chewing of food as they distribute the forces in your bite properly, making it easier to eat again. Dental bridges also keep the remaining teeth from drifting out of position. They can even maintain the natural shape of the face, so that it will not seem sunken or sad.

Dental Bridges are not your only option. Discuss with your dentist the pros and cons of alternative treatments such as dental implants. Both dental bridges and dental implants not only look natural but also feel, fits, and function like natural teeth.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder more common to males as they tend to have larger necks than females. It temporarily blocks the inflow of air when tissues in the upper airways come too close to each other while one is asleep. It can develop at any age to anyone. But those who are overweight, smokers, or 40 years old are at risk.

A change in lifestyle can help patients with this sleep disorder. Quitting from vices, making efforts to lose weight, and sleeping on one side are helpful. There are also specific treatments for mild-to-moderate cases and one is the use of oral appliances for sleep apnea.

Oral appliances are dental devices for mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea. These are custom-made mouthpieces that help the lower jaw and tongue maintain their proper position during sleep. Trained dental professionals such as the dentists in Oyster Point Dentistry in Newport News, VA Virginia are the only ones allowed to carry out obstructive sleep apnea treatments.

Oral appliances are federally approved alternatives opted by those patients who do not prefer continuous positive airway pressure to treat their obstructive sleep apnea. These comfortable and portable plastic devices are worn to keep the airway stay open as you sleep, providing adequate air intake and promoting normal sleep. Oral appliance therapy is reversible and non-invasive, which brings it more advantage compared to other dental treatments.

For more details on general and cosmetic dentistry, read more at Oyster Point Dentistry.

Does your teen need braces? For many kids there is nothing worse than the news that they need metal braces for their teeth. But now there is a popular alternative.  Invisalign clear braces are a clear and more comfortable alternative that straighten teeth while being invisible. Your teeth can smile with confidence with clear braces that no one can see.

Invisalign braces allows your teen to more easily care for and clean their teeth because they are removable. So even though you can remove them to eat, brush and floss, they are as effective as metal braces. Invisalign makes dental care easy and more effective than traditional braces.

You don’t want your teen to lose confidence while they are wearing metal braces. There is no reason anymore for them to be embarrassed by their smile. The removable clear plastic aligners may just be the perfect solution to help straighten your child’s teeth.

Did you know that crooked teeth can lead to other dental health issues? Healthy teeth are important to your dental and overall health. This is why Oyster Point Dentistry is happy to provide you with an option other than traditional metal braces.

No longer does your teen need to stress out about getting braces. With Invisalign, they don't have to hide their smile while straightening their teeth.

In fact, often, Invisalign can straighten teeth in less time, and with fewer dental visits than regular braces. For more information on Invisalign clear aligners, or to see if you are a candidate for Invisalign, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

To replace damaged or missing teeth, dental implants of often used. They can also be used to support dental restorations such as dentures, bridges, or crowns. Because dental implants have a “root” they are used to give a foundation for replacement teeth that will look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.  Dental implants are a natural looking and a natural feeling tooth.

The implant, or root, is made of titanium and implanted in your jaw. This creates a strong foundation for artificial teeth. The porcelain tooth is then attached to the root to take the place of your natural tooth.  If you have a missing tooth a dental implant will allow you to smile with confidence. They also allow you to eat anything you like. Your dental implant will look just like a natural tooth when you smile.

Your face can look hollowed out when you have missing teeth but dental implants will restore the shape and contours of your face.  This is the main reason that dental implants have become one of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry.  They can change your life, adding confidence and functionality to your smile.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth and to replace missing teeth.

If you want to renew self-confidence and restore your ability to smile confidently, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

The winter is over and now allergy season is starting up. Are you, or will you be, taking medication for your seasonal allergies? You allergy medication may affect your dental health. In fact, there are many medications that can affect your oral health. The purpose of taking medications is to improve your physical health, but there are a variety of prescribed medications can actually affect your teeth.

Antihistamines are taken for allergies to treat stuffy nose and runny eyes. But they can cause dry mouth syndrome. Dry mouth syndrome can lead to sore gums and make your mouth more prone to infection. There are other medications that can change your oral health.

• Contraceptives and blood pressure medications can cause mouth sores and gum inflammation and discoloration.
• Blood thinners can interfere with your ability to form blood clots or cause heavy bleeding after you have a tooth pulled.
• Anti-seizure medications can cause an overgrowth of gum tissue which can make it hard to maintain good oral hygiene.

When you're taking more than one medication, whether it is prescribed or over-the-counter, the effect of both medications can change. If you have a dental appointment coming up or need if you need to schedule a dentist appointment, let the dentist know about all the medication you are taking.

For an appointment at Oyster Point Dentistry, contact us.

Easter is coming up, which means plenty of chocolate bunnies. Who doesn’t love chocolate? Now, you can even feel less guilty when you eat it because studies show that chocolate is actually good for your teeth and for your overall health.

Regarding oral health, chocolate contains antioxidants called polyphenols and flavanols. Polyphenols prevent bacteria from turning the sugar and starches in chocolate into acids that cause tooth decay. As far as your overall health, polyphenols and flavanols help reduce the chance of hypertension and stroke and may even help protect the heart. Dark chocolate is particularly high in flavanols – and has more antioxidant power than green tea.

Chocolate also contains cocoa butter which is actually healthy for you and your teeth.  When you eat chocolate, the cocoa butter coats your teeth, which prevents plaque from sticking  to your teeth. And the type of fat in cocoa butter does not raise cholesterol.

However, chocolate is high in calories so if you’re watching your weight, don’t eat too much. Just three 1-ounce pieces of it a week will benefit your oral and physical health.

Self-expression among teenagers and young adults is, in some ways, becoming more and more challenging for parents. More and more teens and young adults are interested in piercings and tattoos. Oral piercings, in particular, are very common. We often get calls from concerned parents wondering if oral piercing is safe for their children.

While piercings of the tongue, lip or cheek might seem safe, after all, “everyone has them,” it is not entirely true. The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection because it is moist. The biggest danger of oral piercing is an increased risk of infection. However, there are other risks, too. Oral piercings can also chip or crack teeth, cause nerve damage and produce an allergic reaction to metal. Some people also notice that it’s more difficult to speak, chew and swallow after piercings.

If your teenager is interested in oral piercing, have him or her see a dentist beforehand. Learning about the potential risks to their oral health will keep them healthier and make you happier.

And if your teen decides to go ahead with a piercing, make sure he or she keeps it clean! This is the single most effective way to fight off infection. And if your teen notices any of the following symptoms, schedule a dentist appointment right away:

• Pain, soreness or swelling
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Damage to fillings
• Sensitivity to metals
• Numbness

For more information on oral piercing or oral health, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

You teenage son or daughter needs braces and they just don’t want a set of metal braces to interfere with the social life and self-confidence.  With Invisalign Teen, your teen can straighten their teeth without dealing with metal wires and brackets.

With Invisalign Teen aligners, no one needs to know you teen has braces. They are made of a smooth, clear plastic that are practically invisible! Their peers won’t even know they’re wearing them. And, they’re so comfortable your teen may not know they are wearing them!  They can be comfortable posting their picture and hanging out with friends.

With Invisalign clear braces your teen can eat whatever they want without worry. Metal braces prohibit you from eating certain foods. With Invisalign Teen, your child is free to eat all their favorite foods whenever they want because the aligners are completely removable. This also means that their teeth are more easily cared for, brushing and flossing as they normally would. This is impossible with traditional braces.

If your teen plays sports or a musical instrument, metal braces can often prevent them from completely enjoying the their favorite activities. Additionally, metal braces can make them self-conscious of their smile or their appearance. . Invisalign clear braces for teens allows your child to be a teenager. Contact Oyster Point Dentistry for more information.

Accidents with teeth happen all the time. Fortunately, all of them do not require immediate dental care. However, if you have injured your teeth, mouth or jaw as a result of an accident, you should see a dentist right away. You may not be sure if your dental accident is an emergency, here is a list of the most common mouth and tooth injuries:

Broken Tooth -- Save any pieces of the broken tooth and rinse your mouth out with warm water. Apply ice to the area to decrease swelling and pain until you can be seen by the dentist.

Broken Jaw -- Apply a ice to limit swelling and see your dentist right away.

Knocked-Out Tooth -- Gently rinse off the knocked out tooth without removing any attached tissue. If possible, hold the tooth in place in the socket. Otherwise, put the tooth in a glass of milk and get to your dentist right away.

Something Stuck in Your Teeth -- Carefully try to remove the object with dental floss. (Don't use a sharp instrument!) If you cannot get the object out with dental floss, contact your dentist.

Toothache -- Rinse your mouth out with warm water. Then use dental floss to make sure there isn't food or debris causing the pain. If the pain persists, call the dentist.

Lost Dental Filling or Dental Crown – When a dental filling has come out, seal the area with a piece of sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental cement. If a dental crown has come loose, try to put it back in place with dental cement. If that doesn't work, bring it with you to the dentist.

Dental Abscess -- If you notice a painful, pimple-like swelling on your gums, rinse with salt water and immediately contact your dentist. Dental abscesses can lead to more serious infections if not promptly treated.

If you have a dental emergency, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

True or False: I can’t see any problems with my teeth, so I don't need to go to the dentist.

False: There are dental problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye, like gum disease, cracks and root canal disease. Dentists use digital X-rays and other technology to detect problems on and beneath your teeth. Visits to the dentist should not be used only emergency care; they should absolutely be treated as preventive care.

True or False: I don’t need to worry about my teeth because my parents never had problems.

False: Though genetics may play a small role in predicting your oral health, taking care of your teeth will be the most important factor in oral health.

True or False: Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal is just as effective as brushing.

False:  Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help clean your teeth, stimulate saliva flow and freshen your breath after you eat. But gum chewing is not a replacement for brushing and flossing, which actually removes dental plaque and food debris.

True or False: I shouldn't brush my teeth if my gums are bleeding.

False: Bleeding gums may mean that you are brushing too hard or too vigorously or it could be a sign of gum disease. Continue to brush, but use a toothbrush with medium-soft bristles and brush in a circular motion. If the bleeding continues after a few days, see your dentist.

True or False: If I have a toothache, placing an aspirin tablet next to the tooth will relieve pain.

Fact: This can lead to painful chemical burns, so don’t do this. Putting an aspirin tablet in direct contact with the soft tissues of your mouth will not help relieve a toothache. See your dentist for relief instead.

True or False: All dental procedures must be avoided during pregnancy.

Fact: Dental X-rays or dental surgery should be avoided during pregnancy, but regular dental treatments should continue as usual.

For more information, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Chipped teeth can be caused by sports or accidents, but regardless of how they happen, they can dramatically affect your smile. Actually, the most common teeth injury is chipping them. Often, chipped teeth don’t cause pain. However, they should not be ignored. Any type of tooth trauma needs immediate attention. When you chip a tooth, there could actually be damage below the surface of the tooth that you don’t know about. A visit to the dentist can rule out cracks or internal tooth problems that cannot be seen by the naked eye. More often than not, a chipped tooth can be repaired in just one visit to the dentist.

There are various options for repairing chipped teeth. Your treatment of choice depends on the amount of damage.

Dental Bonding -- Most chips can be corrected with dental bonding. Dental bonding is an efficient, durable and cost-effective way to correct minor chips.

Enamel Shaping -- Often used in conjunction with dental bonding, enamel shaping can also correct small chips or surface flaws. During enamel shaping, a small portion of the tooth's surface is removed or recontoured to smooth out imperfections.

Dental Veneers – If the chip is significant and dental bonding or enamel shaping can't be used, you may need a veneer. These thin, porcelain wafers completely cover the surface of the tooth and are often used for front teeth.

Root Canal – Pain in the location of the chip can be a sign that the nerve is exposed. If that's the case, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.

Dental Crown -- A dental crown is used to completely cover larger teeth or to cap a tooth after a root canal.

Extracting the tooth -- If the tooth can't be saved, a tooth extraction may be necessary. The good news is a dental bridge or dental implants can replace missing teeth.

To discuss your options for a chipped tooth, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

As a result of Hollywood, we are obsessed with our teeth and our smiles. But celebrities are as human as we are, and many of them suffer from sleep apnea and sleep disorders.

Sleep apnea is a chronic, debilitating sleep disorder that affects people from all walks of life. One sleep apnea treatment is an oral device or CPAP machine. The following are a few celebrities that can sleep without one.

Shaquille O’Neal

At over seven feet tall and 325 pounds, Shaq was a force on the basketball court, but during his sleeping hours things are a little different.  He suffers from sleep apnea. Doctors had Shaq fitted for a CPAP nasal mask to wear when he sleeps. Now Shaq is reporting marked improvement.

Rosie O’Donnell

A vivacious television personality, Rosie O’Donnel has sleep apnea. However, Rosie didn’t know she had sleep apnea until she underwent a home sleep test conducted by a doctor. The results of the study: Rosie O’Donnel wakes up over 200 times in the middle of the night and often stops breathing for up to 40 seconds. However, after one night of CPAP treatment, Rosie said that she felt a miraculous, life-changing difference.

William Shatner

Famous for his role in Star Trek, Shatner has sleep apnea. He now sleeps with a CPAP.

Reggie White

Football hall of famer, twice named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Reggie White had a bright smile and mean case of sleep apnea. Reggie White played multiple seasons of professional football for the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, and became a legend in the process. Sadly, Reggie White died in 2004 at the age of 43. The cause of death was a heart attack compounded by complications from sleep apnea.

Jerry Garcia

Famous for being one of the progenitors of the hippy movement, Garcia also had sleep apnea. Some say it had to do with his excessive weight or maybe a life fraught with numerous unhealthy decisions. Sadly, Jerry passed away in 1995 from a heart attack that his doctors say was exacerbated by sleep apnea.

Regis Philban

An Emmy award winning television personality, Regis Philban has obstructive sleep apnea. Philban’s wife Joy was perturbed by his snoring and suggested he visit a doctor. The diagnosis: sleep apnea. The solution: CPAP treatment.

Larry the Cable Guy

Comedian, redneck, lover of Southern culture, Larry the Cable Guy, otherwise known as Daniel Lawrence Whitney, has sleep apnea, which he admitted to having during in an interview to promote a movie he was in.

Roseanne Barr

She has a famous voice that you would recognize anywhere, but Roseanne Barr also has sleep apnea. Barr said that she would keep her husband up at night with her snoring. After a study, her doctors diagnosed her with sleep apnea and recommended a CPAP mask and treatment.

Quincy Jones

Jazz trumpeter, record producer, coolest person on earth, winner of an insane 27 Grammy Awards and a sufferer of sleep apnea. Through his sleep disorder he has managed to produce albums that have gone on to sell millions of copies worldwide.

Randy Jackson

Randy Jackson was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and sleep apnea at the same time.In fact, 40% of men with type-2 diabetes also have sleep apnea. Before Jackson’s gastric bypass surgery that significantly reduced his weight, he was dangerously close to being at risk for a heart attack – and his sleep apnea wasn’t helping. Now, Randy Jackson is doing just fine with regular CPAP treatments.

For more information on sleep apnea treatment, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

easybreathe.com

Sometimes more is less. Spending $100 on your teeth can actually save you thousands in the long run. The average cost of a dental exam and cleaning, without insurance, is $50 - $135. However, if you have dental insurance, your out-of-pocket expense could range from paying nothing to nominal, for basic dental care services including X-rays.

This can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

If you have dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease or something more severe, regular dental visits will give you a chance to catch a dental problem early.  With any dental issue, this is key. Early detection with any dental problem means that you will fix it faster, and spend less. The earlier you get a dental problem diagnosed the easier it is to treat. Gum disease left untreated for too long may result in the need for extensive and expensive treatment. Regular dental checkups allow you to stay ahead of dental problems, which means thousands of dollars eventually saved.

A dental cleaning is the only way to effectively remove tartar or hardened plaque. While you should brush and floss regularly, it is still  not enough and a professional cleaning is a must. Besides tartar causing a brown or yellowish tint to your teeth, it also contains cavity-causing bacteria. Preventing cavities and paying for multiple fillings will save you thousands in the long run.

Dental health is also related to your physical health. Therefore, the most important reason to invest in regular dental exams is because you will also be investing in your overall health. Recent studies have shown that there’s a link between periodontal disease and heart disease; when the former is present, the latter is twice as likely.

Gum disease can have a domino effect on your health. The bacteria caused by periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream and attach to your heart's blood vessels, causing dangerous blood clots. Also, plaque buildup caused by periodontal disease can cause the heart's blood vessels to swell.

Regular checkups and cleanings are not only money-saving but life-saving. To schedule a dental appointment, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

A tooth that only partially grows through the gums is an impacted tooth. An impacted tooth happens because another tooth blocks it from erupting, or because it grows in crookedly. The tooth that is most likely to become impacted is the third molar because it typically erupts between ages 17 and 21. Because it is the last tooth to appear, there is often no room left for it to fit, causing it to become impacted.

An impacted tooth does not always lead to pain or discomfort, but it can cause other problems. Because the tooth is partially erupted it can create an opening in the gum where food can accumulate. This can lead to gum infection and tooth decay. Impacted teeth can also push on the teeth next to it, causing all your teeth to shift.

Because of the potential issues related to impacted teeth, it’s often recommended to have your wisdom teeth extracted before age of 21. Actually, the younger you are the better and the faster the tissue and bone will heal after the extraction. However, if you are over 21 and begin to have symptoms of impacted teeth, it is important that you take care of the problem as well.

No matter what age you are, if an impacted tooth is causing you pain, soreness, sensitivity or inflammation, contact Oyster Point Dentistry. Get treatment than unnecessarily endure pain and discomfort!

There are many options for replacing single teeth or multiple teeth. Dental implants generally have the most going for them, but the other options definitely have their place as well.

Dental implants. Implants have revolutionized the world of tooth replacements. One of the greatest advantages that implants have over bridges is that they stand alone - they don't require any cutting or alteration of adjacent teeth. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or to secure a denture in place. Dental implants alllow bone growth in the area of the missing tooth/teeth. Without the implant acting as a placeholder, the bone recedes over time, making it difficult to hold a denture in place.

There are other benefits of dental implants as well. They cannot get cavities or decay. The success rate of single dental implants is as high as 98% over the long term. Compare that with a bridge which has at least two teeth that can decay causing failure of the entire unit.

Dental bridges. Less bridges are being done because of the benefits of dental implants, bridges still represent an important way to address gaps in your smile from missing teeth. A bridge relies on the strength of the surrounding teeth for support and for that reason, it is even more important than ever to take care of your teeth after getting a dental bridge.

Removable partial dentures. This is a removable solution (it comes in and out of your mouth) and is usually reserved for cases where there are several missing teeth. For a single tooth, most people don't use this option unless it is a temporary fix until something more stable can be done.

For more information on your options for replacing missing teeth, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

CDAPress.com

There are lots of habits that can damage your teeth. Some cause stained teeth and others can cause chipped teeth, cracked teeth or can even cause missing teeth.

For healthy teeth, quit or cut down on the following ‘bad teeth habits’ for the New Year.

Chewing on Ice

It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But chewing on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And this could also irritate the soft tissue inside a tooth so regular toothaches may follow.

Playing Sports Without a Mouth Guard

If you play any contact sport, don't play without a mouth guard. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough.

Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss.

Grinding Teeth

Teeth grinding, can wear teeth down over time. Wearing a mouth guard at night can prevent grinding while sleeping.

Gummy Candy

All sugary treats promote tooth decay, but some candies are harder to bear. Gummies stick in the teeth, keeping the sugar and resulting acids in contact with your enamel for hours.

Soda

Sodas can have up to 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. Soda also contain phosphoric and citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel. Diet soft drinks let you skip the sugar, but they may have even more acid in the form of the artificial sweeteners.

Chewing on Pencils

Many people chew on their pencil when they are concentrating on work. This habit can caused chipped or cracked teeth. Sugarless gum is a better option when you feel the need to chew.

Drinking Coffee

Coffee's dark color and acidity can cause yellowing of the teeth over time. Fortunately, it's one of the easiest stains to treat with various whitening methods. Talk to your dentist if you're interested in teeth whitening.

Smoking

Cigarettes and other tobacco products can stain teeth and cause them to fall out as a result of gum disease. Tobacco can also cause cancer of the mouth, lips, and tongue.

Drinking Red and White Wine

The acids in wine eat away at tooth enamel, creating rough spots that make teeth more porous and vulnerable. Porous teeth are susceptible to staining. Red wine also contains a deep pigment called chromogen and tannins, which help the color stick to the teeth.

For information on dental health, teeth whitening, or dental veneers contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

WebMD

Patients need dental crowns for many different reasons. They are often used when a large cavity threatens the continuous health of the tooth. They are often used to improve the strength and the appearance of a tooth. Other reasons teeth are restored with dental crowns are:

• Dental Implants
• Bridges
• Root canals
• Aesthetics

Dental crowns protect a weak tooth from breaking, to hold together a cracked tooth or restore broken tooth. Unfortunately though the need for a dental crown also means several trips to the dentists office. Who has the time? Oyster Point Dentistry knows that time is a precious commodity.

So, we have decided to give you back your time. For your convenience, Oyster Point Dentistry, now offers patients dental crowns in one visit. This dental system allows us to provide you with the dental care you need faster.  Instead of taking an impression, this technology takes a clean and fast digital scan of your tooth. The custom tooth is then designed and milled right in the dental office. The final tooth restoration is placed the same day.

A avoid the hassle and inconvenience of a temporary tooth and another office visit! Get your final crown, filling, or veneer in the same appointment.

For "same day/single visit" dental crowns, contact  Oyster Point Dentistry.

Are you getting ready to put your best foot, or smile, forward this New Year? If so, then start with teeth whitening. Having a bright natural smile helps boost your self-esteem, letting you laugh and interact with confidence. So if your New Year’s resolution is to get a new job, get a new love, or improve your appearance through health and fitness, start with in-office teeth whitening.

Get completely ready to embrace the New Year by having a teeth whitening procedure done at Oyster Point Dentistry. First impressions are really the only impression, and you can make the right lasting impression when you have confidence. If you have a much job interview or first date, in-office teeth whitening  is a good idea.

While trying to impress be at your best with a natural, bright looking smile.  White teeth give you the confidence and self-esteem you need to accomplish your New Year’s goals.  In-office teeth whitening is the best, fastest and longest lasting whitening option that gives you the smile you desire.

Over the counter products are a lower strength, and won’ t give you the results you want. They only whiten the front of your teeth, and your smile may not look natural. In-office whitening procedures whiten the entire tooth and make your smile look natural, which is what you want. For whiter teeth and longer lasting results, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Regardless of your age, if you need to replace one tooth or several teeth dental implants could be the solution for you. Dental implants are the perfect choice for people of all ages other than growing children. If you have the following health conditions:

Existing Medical Conditions. If you can have routine dental treatment, you can generally have an implant placed. While precautions are advisable for certain conditions, patients with such chronic diseases as high blood pressure and diabetes are usually successful candidates for dental implant treatment.

Gum Disease. Almost all implants placed in patients who have lost their teeth to periodontal disease or decay have been successful.

Currently Wearing Dentures. Implants can replace removable bridges or dentures, or they can be used to stabilize and secure the denture, making it much more comfortable.

Smokers. Although smoking lowers the success rate of implants, it doesn't eliminate the possibility of getting them.

Bone Loss. Bone loss is not uncommon for people who have lost teeth or had periodontal disease. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained and experienced in grafting bone to safely and permanently secure the implant.

Dental implants give replacement teeth the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. They allow you the ability to eat anything and smile with confidence. With dental implants your teeth look natural. Dental implants change the way people live.  They help renew self-confidence and the ability to confidently eat, speak, and laugh with a full open smile.

For more information, contact Oyster Point Dental.

aaoms.org

The holiday season is a great time to give gifts. But you can also give gifts to yourself as well. Start the New Year off right, and give yourself a gift of a perfect smile. Cosmetic dentistry offers you a wide selection of treatments that can transform your smile just in time for the New Year. Put your best smile forward this holiday with the help of Invisalign invisible braces, porcelain veneers and dental implants.

Invisalign braces are clear aligners that straightens teeth. Invisalign can correct many minor and moderate orthodontic issues, including misaligned jaws, crooked teeth, gapped teeth and crowded teeth. Invisalign can straighten teeth in about a year, which is often less time than traditional metal braces.

Porcelain Veneers are another choice for patients with misaligned teeth, or teeth that are gapped, chipped, worn or stained. Dental Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are shaped and colored like natural teeth. They are bonded to the fronts of teeth to create a smooth, even appearance and a bright natural smile.

Dental Implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They can be used alone or as part of a smile makeover to hold up a bridge. Choose 2014 to enhance or transform your smile into the perfect smile you have always wanted. For more information on transforming your smile this New Year, contact Oyster Point Dental.

Do you snore? Snoring can an indicator of a more serious health problem—sleep apnea.

When you breathe normally, air flows freely through your lungs. When you snore, the relaxation of the muscles causes the jaw and tongue to move back and block the air passage. That can limit the flow of oxygen to a person’s lungs, heart and brain. Normal breathing does not resume until you wake up.

This process can repeat itself in a short period of time. A person with sleep apnea may wake up several hundred times during an eight-hour sleep period. This can lead to chronic fatigue as well as other major health problems.

There are generally three ways to treat snoring and sleep apnea:

1) A CPAP machine that forces air down the passageway with a tube and a mask—however, the machine can be noisy, uncomfortable and cumbersome;

2) Surgery, which will cut off excess tissue and muscles that obstruct the air passageway. Surgery is expensive and irreversible

3) Oral appliances that comfortably reposition the lower jaw forward while you sleep, opening the airway by moving the tongue forward and tightening the muscle in the back of the throat.

Oral appliance for sleep apnea are custom-designed for each patient. They treat sleep apnea and snoring.  They are more comfortable and accommodating than CPAP machines, because, like a mouth guard, you put it in your mouth and go to sleep, no machines or masks.

In fact, 80% percent of CPAP users prefer an oral appliance to the inconvenience of a CPAP machine for their snoring and sleep apnea.’

For more information on oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Smarterlifestyles.com

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular. While it is possible to whiten your teeth at home, getting teeth whitening treatments professionally done is a faster, better way to get a healthy looking bright smile for the holidays. In fact, it is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform your smile.

As the winter holidays approach, everyone wants to look and feel their best. Teeth whitening can get you that Hollywood looking smile for the party season. Teeth whitening is becoming increasingly popular and is the most cost-effective way to change your smile. In-office whitening begins with a consultation, you are then provided with the most effective, state of the art whitening product, and custom whitening trays to use at home. Only qualified dental professionals can safely supervise bleaching using these stronger products, you can be sure that you are in safe hands!

At Oyster Point Dentistry we create custom tooth whitening trays and provide professional strength gel to brighten your smile. For a longer lasting, more natural looking white smile. Once your teeth whitening is completed, there are ways to maintain your healthy white smile.

Eating food that is firm or crisp are known to help clean teeth as they're eaten. Apples are considered to be ‘nature's toothbrush’ and are a great way of cleaning teeth on the go or at lunch time when you are at work and unable to brush your teeth. Other choices include raw carrots, celery, and popcorn. All of these foods are known as 'detergent' foods, as the rough edges act as a cleaner to remove bacteria from the teeth. Try to make these the final foods you eat in your meal if you know you won't be able to brush your teeth right after eating.

Calcium, specifically cheese, is also known for helping to maintain healthy white teeth. Cheese speeds the neutralization of acid and remineralization of enamel. Less damage to our enamel equals fewer discolorations. In addition, cheese is also high in calcium which is known for strengthening bones and teeth. For a healthier alternative, milk and yoghurt act in the same way.

Water is vital for great oral health. Water acts as a natural cleaner and has the power to wash away bacteria and residue left on the teeth after eating so be sure to drink a glass of water after every meal.

Chewing gum is beneficial when it comes to maintaining a white smile this season. Sugar-free chewing gum helps to clean teeth mechanically by removing debris, and it stimulates production of saliva, which increases your saliva’s ability to neutralize acid and remineralize your tooth enamel, ultimately strengthening teeth.

Lifestyle choices can cause stains on your teeth and affect your smile with smoking being one of the biggest causes of teeth decay and discoloration. The nicotine and tar in the cigarette result in teeth darkening, losing their natural white. Stop smoking.

Try to avoid dark colored foods and drinks such as coffee, balsamic vinegar and red wine. These are also notorious for causing discoloration in the naturally white teeth enamel.

For more information on teeth whitening, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Female First

Many patients have certain fears, and even dental anxiety, about dental treatment. That's why Oyster Point Dentistry has implemented the latest in sedation dentistry techniques. With sedation dentistry, any patient can have dental procedures available to them. Procedures like:  dental implants, porcelain veneers, and bridges.  Sleep and sedation dentistry combats dental fears and anxiety. This is a multi-faceted approach to making nervous or fearful patients feel as comfortable as possible at the dental office.

Dental anxiety management actually begins during the consultation process. Asking questions about dental fears as well as looking for visual queues from patients helps diagnose dental anxiety.

Oyster Point Dentistry has perfected sedation dentistry techniques, and tends to see a large number of patients that experience dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is a three-step process: the identification of fear or anxiety in a patient, discussing with the patient possible causes for that fear or anxiety, and providing the patient with a variety of options for how to treat the condition.

One of the most common methods of treatment for patients with dental anxiety is oral conscious sedation, which does not induce full sleep and still allows patients to communicate with the dentist. During this treatment, a short-acting pill is administered in a dosage that lasts throughout the course of the dental work being performed, allowing the patient to feel immensely relaxed during the procedure but also to return to a state of full consciousness soon afterward. Oral conscious sedation is designed to help patients experience virtually no pain during the procedure.

For more information on sedation dentistry, contact Oyster Point Dental.

Excerpts – Market Wired

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and the end-of-the-year is fast approaching. Now is the time to use up your dental insurance before the end of the year. If you have any dental needs, use up your dental benefits before they expire. Unfortunately, time flies and before you know it, 2014 will be here and your dental benefits for 2013 will be gone.

Too many employees don’t take advantage of their company dental benefits, and allow them to expire at the end of each year. Too many times, they then find that they need some dental treatment that won’t be covered in its entirety. Even though dental coverage may not pay in total for certain dental procedures, most dental plans fully cover routine dental care. Also, if you know you need extensive dental work, plan your dental procedure now. Then, when your dental benefits renew at the first of the year, your procedures, like root canals and crowns, are more affordable.

If you need a root canal and dental crown, use the available benefits from two calendar years towards the major dental procedures that involve multiple phases.

Dental insurance benefits are often made available to employees through employer's health insurance, PPO, or HMO plans. Generally, you are given a pre-determined maximum amount of coverage per calendar year per person covered under the dental plan. Schedule extensive dental work now if you need it.

As a general rule, most dental insurance plans offer coverage at 100% on preventative dental care like regular exams and cleanings.

Take advantage of your dental insurance benefits, make sure to get your annual dental exams and cleanings. Regular dental care can save you a lot out of pocket expense that your dental insurance may not cover.

For an appointment or consultation, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Yahoo

More and more focus is being put on our smiles. After all, your smile is everyone’s first impression of you. In fact, today, more money is being spent on cosmetic dental treatments than any other cosmetic procedure; thus, the popularity of invisible fillings also known as bonded composite restorations.

People don’t like the way metal fillings look, especially if they have a mouth full of them. Now, with invisible fillings no one needs to see a mouth full of silver anymore. No longer do you have to be self-conscious because of a ‘silver-filled’ smile.

Invisible fillings are the latest in cosmetic dentistry. If you need a dental filling, now you can hide it completely! Made for their aesthetic effect, the most important thing to know about them beyond the fact that they cannot be seen, even by you, is that they work. Invisible fillings seal the gap or decay in your tooth better than standard metal fillings. Now, your dental fillings will be stronger, less likely to break down, and invisible. Silver amalgam fillings can cause future cracks in your teeth, composite fillings won’t.

Invisible fillings have a natural look and feel and are made for longevity. These bonded composite restorations are perfect for small to medium sized dental cavities, in fact, they are actually the filling material of choice for most dentists.  They “bond” with your teeth and they come in multiple tooth-colored shades so they will match your natural teeth.

To seal your cavity better than silver fillings choose invisible fillings. This allows them to be stronger and less likely to decay or break down.  Contact Oyster Point Dentistry for smile with a natural look and feel.

Snoring is no laughing matter. While loud disruptive snoring that at best may strain relationships, for many men, women and even children, loud habitual snoring may signal a potentially life threatening disorder: obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.

Identifying and Treating OSA

Unlike simple snoring, obstructive sleep apnea could be a potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed OSA include heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease and decreased libido. In addition, OSA causes daytime drowsiness. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.

During sleep, the upper airway can be obstructed, causing snoring.

The cessation of breathing, or "apnea," causes the brain to awaken the person just enough to restart breathing. This cycle repeats itself many times during the night and may result in sleep deprivation and health-related problems. Sleep apnea is generally defined as the presence of more than 30 apneas during a seven hour sleep.

If you exhibit several OSA symptoms, it's important you visit a dentist who specializes in sleep apnea for an accurate diagnosis.

Treating Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea can be effectively treated. Depending on whether your OSA is mild, moderate or severe, your doctor will select the treatment that is best for you.

Oral Appliances - If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, or are unable to use CPAP, an oral appliance can be an effective first-line therapy. The oral appliance is a molded device that is placed in the mouth at night to hold the lower jaw and bring the tongue forward. By bringing the jaw forward, the appliance elevates the soft palate or retains the tongue to keep it from falling back in the airway and blocking breathing. Oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with mild to moderate OSA who prefer oral appliances, who do not respond to C-PAP, or who fail treatment attempts with C-PAP or behavioral changes.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) - CPAP devices are an effective treatment for patients with moderate OSA and the first-line treatment for those diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. Through a specially fitted mask that fits over the patient's nose, the C-PAP's constant, prescribed flow of pressured air prevents the airway or throat from collapsing.

While C-PAP devices keep the throat open and prevent snoring and interruptions in breathing, they only treat your condition and do not cure it. If you stop using the C-PAP, your symptoms will return. Although C-PAP is often the first treatments of choice, they may be difficult for some patients to accept and use.

Talk With Your Doctor

Sleep apnea is a serious condition and individuals with OSA may not be aware they have a problem. If someone close to you has spoken of your loud snoring and has noticed that you often wake up abruptly, gasping for air, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Excerpts - AAOMS

OK, Halloween is tomorrow, but don’t panic, and you don’t have to hide all the candy just to take care of your teeth. Actually, candy is really no worse for your teeth than any other food, you just have to take care of your teeth. But, there are some types of candy that is worse than others. The trick is how you treat your teeth after you eat sweet treats.

Oyster Point Dental understands that avoiding the candy can be challenging during Halloween. It’s hard enough to keep stay away from the treats yourself, but it is nearly impossible to keep the kids away. That means you may be worrying about more than one set of teeth. Too much sugar and too little dental hygiene can cause cavities. So here are some tips on how to avoid cavities at Halloween.

Top Halloween dental care tips:

1. Avoid sticky, chewy candy, like gummy bears, taffy, caramels and sugar-infused gum. These stick to the teeth, and they stick between the teeth and can cause issues if you don’t properly brush and floss.
2. Avoid hard candy and lollipops that stay in the mouth for a long time because they bathe the teeth in sugar for an extended period of time.
3. Just eat one or two pieces at a time and always eat it with a full meal that includes plenty of water to drink. Eating a small amount of candy as dessert is important because saliva production increases when you eat a full meal, which helps neutralize acids and rinse away food particles. Drink plenty of water with your meals, which also will help rinse food (and candy) from your mouth.
4. Stock up on packets of sugarless gum to hand out to trick-or-treaters, or hand out scary stickers, coins, temporary tattoos, spider rings or colorful pencils.
5. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice per day.
6. Remember, a small amount of candy is fine, you won’t instantly get cavities. Eat treats with a meal, water and brush well afterward.

Concerns about your teeth or interested in an appointment? Contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Excerpts - Town Square Buzz

Zombies have the worst gum disease and bad breath. But you can keep them and their problems at bay.

On "The Walking Dead," there is a whole new set of zombies this season. And, as we all know, the walking dead are the champions of repulsive oral health. After all, they've had a lifetime to perfect awful dental habits. Look at their gums. Yellow dental plaque is covering their once-white teeth, while their gum lines are jagged and dirty.

First off, the zombies have a horrible diet. What we eat plays a large role in the health of our teeth and gums, since bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from the foods we eat into acids, which wear away dental enamel. The more sugary the foods, the more likely you are to experience tooth decay and cavities.

So, in order to prevent scary, zombie-like smiles, here is a list of mouth-healthy foods and drinks:

• Opt for apples, celery and other vegetables. Crunchy foods can actually dislodge stray particles between teeth, while their high water content helps wash down the sugary effects. These foods also stimulate saliva production, which rinses the mouth of acid and bacteria.
• Cheeses are a particularly beneficial option to keep your teeth looking fresh and vital. Certain cheeses, like aged cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, Gouda and American varieties, have been shown to coat the teeth, re-hardening surface enamel and combating acid erosion.
• Steer clear of hard candies, brains, human flesh and soft drinks. These all have been known to end poorly for your teeth and gums.

Secondly, zombies are the poster people for gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis, an advanced-stage gum disease. Their gums have eroded, a sight that would appall dentists. The lower the gumline, the bigger the pockets that harbor anaerobic bacteria and dental plaque. Additionally, food pieces compound with our bodies' natural bacteria to create bad breath.

Zombies are mindless of good dental health practices. Zombie or not, you can avoid gum disease and bad breath by flossing once a day and brushing twice per day. It has been shown that if you floss before brushing, you stand a higher chance of developing it as a habit.

Focusing specifically on the gums, you can brush in small, circular motions to shed bacteria. This is will leave your gums feeling fresh and healthy.

Regular visits to your dentist are crucial for a healthy smile. It is recommended that you make an appointment about every six months. Dental professionals can examine individual teeth and the region where the gum meets the teeth in order to keep your mouth as shiny as possible. If you have any concerns, such as a receding gum line or need for a cavity treatment, your dentist will be glad to help.

Keep your mouth away from "The Walking Dead" levels; otherwise, you might find yourself endlessly wandering for friends to hang out with as well. For a dental appointment, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

TheraBreath

A beautiful smile is not the only benefit of having straighter teeth. Did you know that properly aligned teeth can also affect your overall health?

Watch this video to learn more about the effects of crooked teeth on your oral health. When left untreated, crooked teeth can often lead to periodontal disease and premature wear on your enamel. Periodontal disease may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other illnesses.

Straighter teeth and a proper bite can help you avoid these negative effects on your health. There are other options for straightening your teeth, but none offers the level of comfort, convenience and confidence that you'll find with Invisalign.  Invisalign clear braces takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created just for you. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place.

For more information, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.