A certain amount of bite stress is expected with chewing, and the teeth are designed to withstand forces within normal limits.

When the forces are outside of the expected levels, problems will arise, and they will likely need to be addressed by your Plano dentist.

If you present with signs of excessive bite stress, your dentist will ask questions about your daily habits that may reveal the cause of the stress.

For example, chewing on non-food items, such as pencils, may cause bite stress. Participating in sports, especially contact sports, can contribute to bite stress, as hits to the face can cause the teeth to come together with unusually high impact.

Sometimes the excessive bite stress occurs while the patient is asleep and completely unaware of it. Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth during sleep, is associated with unexplained wear on the teeth along with jaw pain or headaches upon waking.

In other cases, the bite stress may result from misaligned jaws that do not meet properly during chewing.

If the bite stress is due merely to bad chewing habits, the fix is probably a simple one involving a behavioral intervention designed to break the habit.

Emotional stress can also lead to bite stress. If that’s true in your case, your dentist may recommend that you use stress management techniques, like meditation or deep breathing, or potentially refer you to a therapist or physician for treatment.

For patients with bruxism, other interventions may be recommended. For example, the dentist may prescribe a bite plate to be worn at night. Similarly athletes with excessive bite stress should wear custom-designed mouthguards, such as those from the Under Armour Performance Mouthwear line, to protect themselves while they are at play.

Bite stress due to malocclusions also requires broader treatment, either with orthodontics to realign the jaws, or surgery in severe cases.

If you have noticed unexplained wear on your teeth or you have mysterious jaw pain or headaches, contact the Plano dental office of Dr. John M. Hucklebridge today.

A fractured tooth as the result of an accident or trauma is a common occurrence. More often, though, a fractured tooth is the result of another underlying issue. Maintaining your regularly scheduled dental visits can help your dentist to identify these issues before a problem arises. Conditions such as clenching and grinding, old or worn restorations, and unbalanced bite patterns can weaken the teeth. Over time, stress and the normal forces of biting and chewing can lead to troublesome fractures.

A minor crack in the enamel can typically be bonded together with a strong, tooth colored filling. Chipped edges of the front teeth also fit into this category. Minor cracks can be caused by extreme biting or clenching forces or failing restorations. These types of fractures are not generally painful or sensitive at first. They are significant, however, since bacteria and tooth decay can fester in these tiny crevices.

A cracked tooth is typically more severe and extensive. Most patients will experience a certain degree of discomfort, a warning sign that the tooth is unhealthy. If the crack involves only the enamel above the gumline, a dental crown may be recommended to protect the tooth. A crack that reaches below the gumline may warrant an additional procedure called crown lengthening. A crack which extends into the nerve of the tooth may require a root canal procedure.

In the unfortunate instance that a fracture involves the root of the tooth, such as a split tooth, the prognosis is significantly reduced. Your dentist will use x-rays and clinical tests to determine if the tooth can be saved.

The best treatment for a fractured tooth is swift dental care. Prolonging dental treatment can only compound the problem and reduce your chances for saving your tooth. If you have noticed a chipped or fractured tooth, contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 and schedule your dental appointment today.

For tough dental stains, our cosmetic dentist recommends Zoom! Teeth Whitening. For predictable and impressive results, a professional teeth whitening session in our Plano office is typically in your best interest. Rather than waste precious dollars by experimenting with one-size-fits-all whiteners, Zoom! Whitening is customized to the contours of your teeth and gums.

Your cosmetic dentist can identify the source of your discoloration as well as any factors that may influence the outcome of the procedure. For example, existing dental restorations will remain unchanged after the whitening procedure. Your dentist is available to discuss your options for these areas to ensure that your fillings, bonding, and crowns match the shade of your new, white teeth. Tough stains from medications, foods, and beverages can require a focused and concentrated approach only deliverable through power whitening.

Using a specially formulated whitening solution that is activated by the patented Zoom! blue light, impurities in the enamel are safely bleached away. This technique is safe for both the teeth and the gums. There is no etching or damage to the enamel. Most patients report little to no tooth sensitivity following the procedure. In fact, the procedure can be repeated as frequently as necessary in order to maintain your fresh, white smile. This frequency may be different for each patient, depending upon your individual expectations and lifestyle habits.

There are times when tough dental stains and discolorations require professional attention. Trust our experienced dental team at Plano Smile Studio to eradicate and eliminate these stains with the power of Zoom! Teeth Whitening. Call 972-398-2550 for your appointment to discuss how teeth whitening can help you to love your smile again.

If you are unsatisfied with crooked or crowded teeth, you may be interested in learning more about Invisalign in Dallas. Even overly crowded teeth can be corrected with the use of advanced technology that helps to gently unveil your best smile yet!

Your dentist may recommend Invisalign for a wide variety of orthodontic issues. Examples include crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, open bite, and retreating patients who have previously undergone orthodontic treatment.

The best Invisalign candidates include those teens and adults who are interested in achieving a naturally beautiful smile that is free from traditional metal hardware. Since the Invisalign technology uses a proven three dimensional technique to evaluate the position of your teeth, the final result is properly aligned teeth and a balanced bite.

Your willingness to comply with your dentist’s instructions regarding the Invisalign process can also help to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Each series of thin, clear aligners must be worn around the clock (although they can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing!). The more frequently the aligners are worn, the more predictable the results. Fortunately, the aligners are smooth and comfortable to your lips, cheeks, and tongue. What’s more, they are virtually invisible to those around you. No one will realize that you are receiving orthodontic treatment.

A thorough evaluation is necessary in order to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Impressions of your teeth and x-rays will assist your dentist and the specialists at the Invisalign headquarters develop the appropriate treatment plan for you. Call the office of Dr. John M. Hucklebridge today to book your appointment.

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Plano cosmetic denitst, is pleased to offer the services that can unlock the smile that you’ve kept hidden. Cosmetic dental procedures are safe and effective for virtually every patient. The range of treatments vary from minimal (teeth whitening) to reconstructive (dental implants, smile makeover). Your most important task is to determine which aspects of your smile you’d like to address.

Stained or discolored teeth can be rejuvenated with advanced technology such as Zoom! Teeth Whitening. As a same-day procedure, you can enjoy an instantly brighter and whiter smile in minutes. Power whitening procedures such as Zoom! can eliminate stubborn discolorations from foods, beverages, and even medications.

When the main concerns include the shade as well as the shape or position of the teeth, porcelain veneers are the preferred solution. Veneers are a conservative way to improve the appearance of the front teeth. Your cosmetic dentist can design your veneers to look beautiful and natural, while enhancing your smile and increasing your self-confidence.

Sometimes, simply replacing a missing tooth can transform both your smile and your self-esteem. A gap or hole in your smile can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Dental implants are the closest substitute for your natural teeth. Without compromising the neighboring teeth, dental implants can endure normal eating and biting with ease. Once in place, your dental implant blends with your own teeth, filling the void and completing your smile.

With all of the available services offered by your cosmetic dentist, there is no need to suffer through life without smiling. Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 and arrange your professional consultation today to learn more.

Rather than recommend “cookie cutter” restorations, or “one size fits all” treatment, your cosmetic dentist in Plano will explore the available options to recommend the treatment that is most ideal for you.

When a small cavity or area of tooth decay has been diagnosed, a simple filling may be a sufficient treatment option. Silver (or amalgam) fillings, though very strong do not provide the best esthetic result. Resin or tooth-colored filling material may be selected to restore your tooth as well as provide a more attractive final result.

When larger portions of the tooth need to be restored, or when strength is a concern, a porcelain inlay may be the best choice. A porcelain inlay is a single, homogenous restoration that is designed to fit into a prepared space in a given tooth. The restoration is permanently bonded into place and blends naturally with the shade of your enamel.

Your cosmetic dentist may recommend a porcelain onlay when a larger surface of the tooth must be restored. An onlay provides a stronger level of protection for your tooth and is more conservative than a full crown. Esthetically, the onlay is virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth. Similar to an inlay, the onlay is permanently cemented into place for lasting durability.

By choosing a porcelain restoration, your cosmetic dentist shows that both your functional needs and your cosmetic needs are high priorities. The porcelain that is used for dental restorations is strong enough to endure conditions in the oral environment such as moisture, temperature changes, and biting forces. With porcelain, there is almost no risk of allergy, and tooth sensitivity is dramatically reduced. At the same time, porcelain can be customized in terms of shading and anatomic details for a naturally appealing result.

Which cosmetic restorative option is best for you? Consult with our experienced cosmetic dentistry team at Plano Smile Studio for more information.

Unfortunately, millions of patients suffer from a more severe level of apprehension known as dental phobia. When the fear of seeking the dental care that is necessary to protect your health becomes overwhelming, you might choose to delay or avoid treatment. Indeed, some dental phobias are crippling and can have a negative impact on your health. As a part of your body, preventing disease and infection in your mouth is critical to your overall health.

There are some strategies for relieving your dental anxiety in order to properly care for your health. Choosing sedation dentistry in Plano TX may be the first step towards overcoming your fears.

Sedation dentistry involves the use of various relaxation methods in a safe and comfortable environment in order to provide a higher level of dental care. Commonly prescribed medications may be recommended before, during, or after your treatment to further enhance your experience.

You may be surprised to learn that there is more to sedation dentistry than simply finding a dentist who prescribes medication. Your sedation dentist is also interested in the root cause of your anxiety. Your ability to communicate your concerns and fears will enable the dentist and the staff to provide specialized care as well as prepare you for each phase of your treatment.

Your sedation dentist will also be happy to keep you fully informed about your treatment needs. Sometimes, just knowing what to expect can effectively eliminate your fear of the unknown. You will be encouraged to ask questions, and educational materials can be provided for further enlightenment.

Finally, take a deep breath! The atmosphere of the dental office has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. The environment has become more soothing, the technology is more advanced, and many procedures can be completed quickly and painlessly.

To learn more about sedation dentistry, begin by contacting Plano Smile Studio at 972-398-2550 and scheduling your appointment today.

Still, you are certainly not too old to seek the orthodontic treatment that you desire. In fact, as an adult, you have access to more advanced and more appealing alternatives to traditional orthodontics. Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your dentist serving Dallas, offers Invisalign technology to enhance your smile.

The Invisalign method utilizes groundbreaking technology to provide the most discreet and most hygienic orthodontic treatment available. A customized series of clear, removable aligners are the secret to achieving your new smile.

After obtaining dental impressions of your top and bottom teeth, Dr. Hucklebridge will communicate with the specialists at the Invisalign headquarters to develop your orthodontic treatment plan. Three dimensional models of your teeth will be used to fabricate a complete series of aligners, according to the length and complexity of your treatment estimate.

Prior to receiving your first set of aligners, you will be able to view the digital progression of your treatment with your dentist. Once they are received, each set of aligners will be worn both day and night for approximately two weeks, before you are advised to proceed to the next set. As each set is slightly different, your teeth will be gently guided into the appropriate position.

During this time, your aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. Invisalign aligners are fabricated from a very strong, but amazingly thin polymer that becomes virtually invisible when placed over the teeth. For adults, this is an especially important advantage since it allows you to maintain a more mature and professional appearance for the duration of the treatment.

If you have wondered how orthodontic treatment would fit into your adult lifestyle, call the office of Dr. Hucklebridge for your appointment today to learn more about Invisalign.

With a strong emphasis on preventing dental disease, and an abundance of available educational information, Dr. Hucklebridge may be your best healthcare resource. Today, it is reasonable to expect to maintain a healthy smile throughout your lifetime. There is no reason to expect tooth loss to be a part of your destiny.

For adults, brushing and flossing after meals should still be an integral part of your daily routine. Foods that may collect around the gumline and between the teeth can contribute to gum disease and cavities. Mature adults should also monitor their diets for foods and drinks that can increase the risk for tooth decay and tooth sensitivity.

As you age, protecting your enamel can be a daily challenge. Acidic beverages such as fruit juices and red wines can erode the enamel. Even digestive conditions like acid reflux and GERD have been linked to weakened enamel.

A lifetime of aggressive brushing causes damage that can be identified in the form of abrasive lesions and gum recession. When clenching and grinding of the teeth have been an issue, fractured enamel near the gumline and flattened teeth can lead to tooth sensitivity.

Often, the status of your overall health can influence your risk for gum disease. Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease and diabetes can contribute to advanced periodontal disease. Complex dental restorations such as bridges and partials can increase your risk for gum disease if food tends to become caught between the teeth.

Many of the dental conditions that arise in the retirement years are a result of the cumulative effect of the dental care that you have received throughout your lifetime. If you desire to maintain healthy teeth and gums in this phase of your life, please schedule your next visit right away.

The teeth are not the smile’s sole component, however. Other elements, such as the alignment of the jaw and the shape of the lips, factor in, as well. Soft tissues are important, too. Indeed, the gums play an essential role in the smile’s appearance, serving as the frame that emphasizes the main part of the picture.

A gumline that is uneven or too high or too low can have a negative impact on the smile, even when the teeth are in the proper alignment.

Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, your Dallas cosmetic dentist, can help the gums enhance the smile through a procedure known as tissue resculpting. The procedure can be performed right in the office using a local anesthetic.

In performing a tissue resculpting, Dr. Hucklebridge can alter the shape of the gumline, making it even and bringing it into the proper proportions. This goal is achieved by either removing excess gum tissue or by performing a gum graft, taking tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and placing it along the gumline as a supplement for areas with a shortage of gum tissue.

Tissue resculpting can be used to address inconsistencies that arose from congenital or genetic roots, or it may be used to give a boost to gums that have receded due to periodontal disease.

In many cases, tissue resculpting alone is sufficient to improve the smile’s aesthetics. However, in certain patients, an overgrowth of bone can be a complicating factor, causing an unwanted regrowth of gum tissue following the treatment. These patients may also need to have a crown lengthening, in which some of the excess bone is removed along with the gum tissue in order to achieve permanent results.

Contact Plano Smile Studio at 972.398.2550 to see if your uneven or prominent gums can be improved through tissue resculpting.