21st Century Dental of Irving Blog

For many people, embarrassment is one of the biggest barriers to scheduling a dental appointment. Concerns about the appearance of teeth, bad breath, missed cleanings, or long gaps since the last visit can make anyone feel anxious about walking into a dentist’s office. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and more importantly, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed. Dentists are there to help, not judge.

Your teeth are more than just things that need to be brushed each day. They serve a significant purpose – more than one. Although your dentist is an expert on tooth health and what it takes to keep them strong and long-lasting, you, too, can benefit from learning more about your pearly whites. There is more to them than you might think; in fact, here are 5 hidden truths that may just surprise you.

Do you find that your teeth are too small or short? It can be challenging to feel confident about your teeth if they aren’t as proportionate as you’d like. The good news is that you don’t need to settle for a smile that you aren’t proud to show off. There are a variety of cosmetic solutions out there that can help you achieve the even smile you’ve been hoping for. Here are some of the treatment options that can help to correct the appearance of undersized teeth.

As you sit in your dentist’s chair, they will likely ask you some questions. They’ll want to know how you are keeping up with your oral hygiene routine, or bad habits you should break. While you might not have been following these entirely, you may tell a white lie to save a bit of face. However, your provider can actually tell if you’re being truthful or not. Here are three fibs you may say and how your smile shows otherwise.

Gum disease is a growing problem among individuals throughout the country, especially adults. With millions unaware of their symptoms, situations can quickly go from bad to worse. How can you know what to look for, though? If so many people are suffering from some form of it, are the signs obvious or obscure? Read on to discover what you should be aware of when it comes to gingivitis – the earliest stage – and how to prevent it from turning into something more serious.

Halloween is quickly creeping up. It’s a day full of frights and fun, with many themed events going on. While children plan routes to get the best treats, the adults might have a different night ahead. You might be ready to let loose and prowl for an alcoholic drink or two with friends. But if you aren’t careful, then these mischievous beverages might play a trick on you! Keep reading to learn how they can affect your smile before you celebrate the holiday and ways to protect it. 

If you have an older, metal dental crown, you may not see a problem with leaving it as-is. Why get rid of the cap when it still works? However, the truth is that you should replace your metal crown as soon as possible; your smile will face issues otherwise. Your Irving dentist will even elaborate, outlining the various troubles of this metallic treatment. Here are four reasons you should switch from a metal crown to a porcelain or ceramic one.

When concrete bridges collapse, it’s usually because of some structural deficiency. The same can often be said for dental bridges! While these prosthetics are a beautiful and reliable way to replace missing teeth and often last for decades, they can fail without proper care. If you want to make sure your dental bridges stick around for the long haul, continue reading. You’ll find the most common causes of failure and see what you can do to improve your routine.

Teeth are incredibly strong. The tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the body. It is even stronger than your bones. However, it isn’t completely indestructible. Your teeth can be damaged from injuries, tooth decay, and other causes. During your consultation with your dentist, they will suggest the best possible solution to restore your tooth. Two common options are dental crowns and dental fillings. Here’s how each of them works so you can know what to expect!

Dental crowns are a versatile solution that can serve different functions to protect and restore your smile. For instance, they can protect a decayed or damaged tooth or one that underwent a root canal, anchor a dental bridge to close the gap in your grin, or cap an implant so you can eat and speak more normally after tooth loss.

However, you might avoid scheduling this common procedure if you’re worried it might hurt. Continue reading to learn about what it’s like to get a dental crown so you can set your concerns aside!