Blog - Adams Dental Group

dental-cleaning-and-exam

Think of your dental cleanings and exams as a deep cleaning – just like when you clean your home. You inspect the area, decide what needs cleaned and what looks good, and get to work! Your dentist and hygienist will do the same for your mouth.

During a dental exam, we will:

Possibly take x-rays, if needed
Examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any potential concerns
Remove any plaque and tartar build-up
Polish your teeth with a dental-grade toothbrush and specialty toothpaste
Floss
Apply a fluoride treatment, if needed
Oral Cancer Screening

Learn How Cleanings Prevent Further Issues

Overview of Dental Exams

While we may focus on the brushing and flossing part of dental exams, the truth is, there’s a lot more that goes into our dental cleanings and exams. Your dentist is often your first line of defense if something in your body is wrong, and your mouth will tell the tale. That’s why we always take a good look at the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. If your dentist finds you’re experiencing something like gum disease, then early detection is the key to getting everything under control and fixed for good!

Routine dental cleanings and exams give you the perfect opportunity to speak with us about any concerns you may have. Are you worried about a loose or sore tooth, grinding your teeth, bad breath, dry mouth, etc. Whatever it may be, we’re here to help you have a healthy, great-looking smile. Curious about whitening treatments, corrective aligners, or porcelain veneers? Now is the time to inquire.

Related Articles:

Stress and Anxiety

Recently, two key areas of questions have popped up a lot from our patients that relate to dental exams that we want to share. Dental anxiety has been keeping many patients from visiting the dentist on a regular basis and the additional stress from their everyday lives that they’re experiencing are really making an impact on our patients too, so let’s dig in on both of these subjects to give you some additional resources.

Stress:

Did you know that stress affects oral health? We see stress shine through when our patients complain of grinding, gnashing, or clenching their teeth. This condition is called Bruxism. Not only does this mean you may clench your teeth while you’re awake, but it also means you grind your teeth at night. When you grind at night, it’s also known as Sleep Bruxism. According to The Mayo Clinic, if you do this, you’re also prone to other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or snoring. Although mild cases of bruxism may not require treatment, more severe cases of bruxism can cause headaches, jaw problems, damaged teeth, and more.

Dental Anxiety:

Dental phobia is a real thing – so, if going to the dentist makes you uncomfortable or queasy, know that you are certainly not alone. If you’re fearful of visiting the dentist, let us know. We want you to feel comfortable and would love to share some Quick Tips to Ease Dental Anxiety. Not to mention, we offer nitrous oxide, also referred to as “laughing gas” to just take the edge off of your anxiety or fear of your dental appointment.

Below are some resources that we feel may be helpful:

6-Month Dental Cleanings and Exams Help Your Benefits Stay on Track

With the beginning of the year, it’s important to remember that everything has just come full circle with your dental insurance benefits and they have renewed. Talking with your insurance provider early in the year to discover what your dental benefits entail is always a smart idea. You may want to ask: Are my preventative visits free as they often are? If so, then go ahead and schedule your 6-month checkups early on to avoid forgetting. Or better yet – schedule your next visit before you leave your dental exam appointment!

Read More about Dental Benefits.

When you make the most out of your dental benefits, you know your money is going to a great cause – your health! Don’t let your deductible be of no use or let benefits go unused. Take care of your teeth and use your dental benefits to the maximum. The best way to do this is to see your dentist regularly so you know exactly how healthy you are and can plan for your future!

Making a Difference One Dental Exam at a Time

Regular cleanings and dental exams is a wonderful preventative care option whether you work, live, or play in the Kansas City, Kansas area. Remember, even though you may be brushing and flossing really well at home, tartar and plaque is impossible to remove with regular brushing and flossing, and can build-up over time. Dentists are able to use specific tools to remove that plaque and tartar, keeping our mouth cleaner and our chances of other complications much lower.

We believe everyone should love their smile and have access to affordable dental care. Learn more about the services we offer to all ages and contact us to book your appointment or schedule your dental appointment. We are currently accepting new patients and we look forward to meeting you and helping you maintain, improve or enhance your smile!

Adams Dental Care Offers Affordable Dental Care

At Adams Dental Group, we offer affordable dental care that fits the needs of our patients and their family. Whether you’re looking for a new dental home for preventative dental care or are interested in enhancing your smile with one of our many cosmetic dentistry procedures, we’re excited to meet you! Please visit our website for additional details or give us a call at 913-296-8030 to discuss any questions you may have!

Local dentist, Travis A. Roberts and his experienced, friendly team at Adams Dental Group offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Kansas City, KS area. We have two locations that are conveniently located and offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Adams Dental Group, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at our West location (913) 296-8030 or our East location (913) 621-3113 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS January 24th, 2023

Posted In: Dental Health Tips

Tags: dental exam, oral cancer screening, prevent gum disease

suresmile-clear-aligners

A smile is a wonderful first impression. With so many improvements in orthopedic technology, it’s now possible to get a straight smile with invisible braces – that’s why we offer SureSmile Clear Aligners!

How Do SureSmile Clear Aligners Work?

With comfort, invisibility, and convenience, it can be hard to believe that SureSmile clear aligners are real. However, there’s real science and technology behind them that provide great results for patients. SureSmile has over 20 years of experience and uses their Virtually invisible Essix® (ACE) material for anatomically correct tooth movement and many clinical options – even for complicated cases.

SureSmile Clear Aligners are a great option for those looking for a discreet orthodontic treatment. Think “Invisible Braces” — that’s Right!! No more noticeable and embarrassing metal braces, just convenience and results.

Learn More about how they work HERE.

What’s the Process?

Once you visit our office, we create a treatment plan based on your needs. Then, we take a 3D look at your teeth to determine how your aligners will be designed. Once that 3D scan is completed, it is sent off to the lab and your aligners will be created there. You’ll return to our office and work directly with Dr. Roberts once your custom aligners are available and throughout your SureSmile journey.

4 Simple Steps to straighten your teeth with SureSmile:

First, Dr. Roberts will take a 3D digital model of your teeth. This model will be sent off to SureSmile, where they create the perfect clear aligners for your teeth from the 3D mold.
Similar to braces, SureSmile aligners will gradually move your teeth to where they need to go. They’re made with a strong and durable plastic material. So, you’ll be wearing your aligners throughout the day.
Once it’s time, you’ll switch to your new aligner and continue the process of wearing for the recommended time (usually around 20 hours a day, and two weeks with each aligner).
Depending on your specific case, you’ll wear your aligners from anywhere between 6 months to two years.

WATCH THIS VIDEO to learn more about the technology of SureSmile Clear Aligners and how your treatment time can be shortened.

SureSmile Clear Aligners will then get to work straightening your teeth in a short period of time! The results are also designed to last. Anatomically correct movements in the teeth ensure a smile that’s straight for many years to come. They’re unparalleled in technology.

What does Dr. Roberts say about SureSmile?

“I feel like the aesthetics and the ability for me to transfer strategy to creating a beautiful smile is much more efficient and much more refined within the SureSmile® platform… in the end, I have a much better outcome that’s healthier for my patient.”

– Dr. Roberts, Adams Dental Group

Check out SureSmile for more information.

Benefits and Advantages

The advantages of SureSmile Clear Aligners can be broken down to four major advantages.

Invisibility. All aligners are clear and virtually invisible. Make sure to keep them clean to keep them clear! Brush them with your toothpaste and rinse clean.
Comfort. SureSmile Clear Aligners are made to fit your mouth perfectly. No more poky wire and metal braces – you’ll get used to them in no time. They’re also low maintenance and don’t require frequent adjustments.
Removable. Unlike traditional braces that can’t be removed, SureSmile Aligners can be removed to eat and brush your teeth! This means that they won’t get in the way of your daily life and activities.
Customized Treatment. Working directly with Dr. Roberts and his Team at Adams Dental Group is key! Unlike some of the “mail-order” ortho treatment that is available, we are here to guide your smile treatment every step of the way to ensure your success.

Related Article: Cosmetic Dentistry Options: Helping YOU Achieve the Smile YOU Want

Why are they called Invisible Braces?

Did you know that SureSmile aligners are often called invisible braces, or clear braces? They utilize the newest technology in orthodontics to create a straight and beautiful smile. You can straighten your smile with clear aligners, as they are way less obvious than the traditional method of wires and metal brackets used in traditional braces. Instead, they’re clear and almost non-traceable, all while providing the same long-lasting results as traditional braces. They may seem like a magic trick, but they’re real, and provide real results to boot.

Major Advantages with SureSmile Aligners

In a nutshell, clear aligners work similarly to braces. They slowly move your teeth (AKA, straighten them) over time. However, the differences are major. SureSmile invisible aligners are clear, removeable, and often work faster than traditional braces. Here’s a breakdown of some of the major advantages to straighten your smile with SureSmile:

SureSmile aligners are super simple to keep clean.
SureSmile aligners are fully adjustable and can be adjusted throughout your time wearing them.
They’re comfortable and won’t cause the usual irritation in your gums and cheeks like traditional braces.
They’re virtually unnoticeable.
They’re affordable and fit in your budget.

Trustworthy Methods

We put our trust in SureSmile aligners for a reason. They use cutting-edge products and offer multiple, comprehensive tools to customize your individual needs to formulate the perfect treatment plan for you. They offer treatment planning software, appliance fabrication, and support to help guide you through your clear aligners and answer any questions you may have. SureSmile is at the forefront of superior, precise, and safe clear aligners.

The Science Behind the Process: Why SureSmile?

WATCH THIS VIDEO to learn more about the technology of SureSmile Clear Aligners and how your treatment time can be shortened.

Let’s Have a Conversation

You can see there are a lot of cosmetic dentistry options and it all starts with a conversation. We can help restore not only the beauty of your smile, but also the form and function of your teeth. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Roberts at Adams Dental Group we look forward to talking with you and creating a treatment especially for you.

If you’re interested in learning more about SureSmile clear aligners to straighten your smile, please give us a call at 913-296-8030 today!

Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS January 10th, 2023

Posted In: Cosmetic

Tags: cosmetic dentistry, straighten your smile, SureSmile invisible aligners

mouthguards-provide-protection

Many of us have heard of (or have used) retainers at one point in our lives. Retainers are often used in orthodontic treatment and can keep our teeth straight, but are not specialized in helping protect our teeth – that falls to mouthguards. That’s why we’re going to discuss how mouthguards provide protection for your teeth.

According to Cleveland Clinic,

“Mouthguards cover your teeth to protect teeth and gums. Custom-fitted mouthguards fit and protect your teeth better than over-the-counter mouthguards. Night guards can ease bruxism (teeth grinding). Kids and adults should wear mouthguards during contact sports or activities like biking.”

Learn more about Mouthguards from WebMD HERE.

The Benefits of Mouthguards

Mouthguards provide protection for your teeth and the benefits include:

When we play sports. Mouthguards are great athletic gear, especially for collision sports such as boxing, higher-risk sports, and non-contact activities. Repairing or replacing missing teeth can be costly and painful. Wearing a mouthguard during athletic activities can help you avoid:
- Chipped or lost teeth.
- Nerve damage to a tooth.
- Soft-tissue damage to lips, gums, tongue and inside cheeks.
When we’re sleeping. If you’re experiencing sleep apnea or breathing problems when sleeping, mouthguards can help. Research shows that oral appliance therapy, or mouth guard, is an effective treatment option for sleep apnea and snoring. This mouth guard is worn only while you sleep and fits like an orthodontic retainer. These oral appliances support your jaw, to help maintain an open upper airway even as your muscles relax.
When we’re stressed and/or clench our teeth. When we’re dealing with stress, we can unconsciously clench our jaws and teeth during the day and during the night. With the additional stress that has come with over 2 years of COVID-19, many dentists are seeing their patients break their teeth or crowns from clenching. Mouthguards provide wonderful protection from this!
Protecting Your Braces. A properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.

Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about selecting a mouthguard that will provide the right protection. Although some mouthguards only cover the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouthguard on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth.

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Who Needs a Mouthguard?

Mouthguards provide protection for your teeth and can be used by anyone – children and adults alike.. In fact, with so many kiddos going to school again, it’s important to consider the importance of a mouthguard for sports – such as basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, gymnastics, etc. Even if you or your child only participates in recreational activities, such as skateboarding or hiking, mouthguards are still a great option for protection to remove risk of oral injury.

Mouthguards are also common for adults or children who grind their teeth at night. At Adams Dental Group, we can create custom-fitting mouthguards that are comfortable and fit perfectly within your mouth for comfortable sleeping.

Taking Care of Your Mouthguard

Similar to a retainer, you can rinse your mouthguard daily with cold water and gently brush it with mild soap and a toothbrush. You can also:

Clean it with cool, soapy water and rinse.
Place your mouthguard in a perforated container to keep airflow while it’s stored. Or, if you have an acrylic mouthguard, you can keep it in fresh, clean water.
It’s good to protect your mouthguard from hot temperatures – hot water, surfaces, etc.
If you see any holes or wear and tear on your mouthguard, it is time to replace it.
You can also bring your mouthguard with you when you visit us and we can examine it!

Mouthguard Care and Replacement

Talk to your dentist about when is the right time to replace your mouthguard, but replace it immediately if it shows sign of wear, is damaged or ill fitting. Teens and children may need to replace their mouthguards more often because their mouths are still growing and changing.

Here are some tips for making sure your mouthguards provides protection and is always ready to go:

Keep your mouthguard clean and dry.
Rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Regularly clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water. Then, rinse it thoroughly.
During your regular dental checkups, bring your mouthguard for an evaluation. Your dentist may also be able to give it a thorough cleaning.
Store and transport the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents so it can dry and keep bacteria from growing.
Never leave the mouthguard in the sun or in hot water.
Check fit and for signs of wear and tear to see if it needs replacing.
Some mouthguards have fallen victim to family pets, who see them as chew toys. Store your mouthguard and case somewhere your pet cannot get to it.
Repairing or replacing missing teeth can be costly and painful. Wearing a mouthguard during athletic activities can help you avoid:
- Chipped or lost teeth.
- Nerve damage to a tooth.
- Soft-tissue damage to lips, gums, tongue and inside cheeks.

Does insurance cover the cost of mouthguards?

Some dental health insurers cover part or all of the cost for custom-fitted mouthguards. Health insurance policies vary, so you should check with your provider. You can also see if your dental office has a payment plan. You can use health savings account funds to pay for custom-fitted and over-the-counter mouthguards.

How to Stop Teeth Grinding – Mouthguard

By knowing that stress is causing teeth grinding, a patient can take many steps to help their mouth. Talk with your dentist if you think your stress may be causing you to grind your teeth.

Along with taking steps to reduce your stress, a custom mouthguard is a great solution to help stop teeth grinding. A mouthguard will stop your teeth from grinding while you sleep and mouthguards provide protection for your teeth from any wear or trauma. When a mouthguard is placed in the mouth, it provides cushion to the jaw and loosens any tension.

When stressed during the day, try to be conscious of clenching your jaw. When you know it is happening, you can be aware of it and stop clenching throughout the day. This will lessen the pressure in your jaws and on your teeth. Stress counseling, exercise programs, and physical therapy might be good options for lowering your stress and stopping your teeth from grinding.

Customized Mouthguards Provide Protection for Your Teeth

If you’re playing sports or clenching and grinding your teeth (or you suspect you are) — schedule your appointment with Dr. Roberts. He will help determine if a mouthguard is a solution for you and develop of customized treatment plan to restore and keep your smile healthy.

Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS December 20th, 2022

Posted In: Services | Procedures

Tags: bruxism, custom mouthguards, teeth clenching, teeth grinding

Dental Cleanings and Exams Create Healthy Smiles