Lost a tooth? Don’t fret- though it may be uncomfortable and look unappealing for now, cosmetic dentistry has several options for tooth replacement like bridges, partial dentures or dental implants. To many dental patients, partial dentures sound unappealing- unless they’re senior. While you may have already heard of dental implants, the latest craze in restorative dentistry- we’re going to talk about bridges today. Dental bridges at Value Not Set in Value Not Set are still a viable, economic and visually appealing option for tooth replacement.

Traditionally, dental bridges require the adjacent teeth to be crowned- so that fixing the permanent bridge does not damage the surface of the existing teeth. Crowning the remaining teeth next to the bridge ensures that the bridge and prosthetic teeth stay in place for life, and the existing teeth stay healthy and secure.

Bridges vs. Dentures

If you’re missing just one tooth, a dental bridge will better suit your needs than getting a set of partial dentures. Especially if the remaining teeth are relatively healthy, aside from the missing tooth, there is little need for dentures and a fixed dental bridge will function better. Dentures can be fairly inconvenient, when it comes to eating, speaking and care, so if they can be avoided choosing an alternative option will usually suit the patient’s dental and lifestyle needs better.

Bridges vs. Implants

Sometimes a patient isn’t the best candidate for dental implants. Depending on how long the tooth has been missing, the facial bones may have receded too much for implantation surgery to be possible without an additional bone graft surgery.

Not all patients are candidates for bone graft surgery, making a dental bridge the next best option. Lucky for these patients, bridges are much more affordable than dental implants, which rely on some of the latest technology and materials and are still one of the most expensive treatment options on the market today.

Contact us at Value Not Set in Value Not Set now to learn more.

Dentists usually see two types of patients: the on-the-dot, routine teeth cleaning regulars, or the patients who are in for a lot of work. Sometimes genetics account for poor dental and oral health, sometimes patients are just unlucky, but at Value Not Set in Value Not Set, we’re being honest when we say that getting your teeth cleaned by a professional, registered dental hygienist twice a year is critically important for maintaining great teeth and great oral health throughout your life.

Let’s start by talking about a really, really important part of dentistry that most people overlook, or worse, take for granted.

Teeth Cleanings Keep Your Gums Healthy

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is caused by bacteria infecting the gums by way of plaque. While brushing your teeth is important- floss is just as important because it removes the plaque from between the teeth and around the gum line.

For all of the plaque not removed by flossing (and from when patients don’t floss at all), the dental hygienist removes through careful cleaning and inspection during the dental teeth cleaning. If you’re looking for a dentist in Value Not Set where you can get a good cleaning, stay ahead of the game and get your teeth cleaned as soon as possible. At Value Not Set in Value Not Set, we know the risks that everyone faces, especially when it comes to gum health. Our expert hygienists have years of experience in providing thorough, fast and comfortable teeth cleanings for all ages.

Over 75% of Americans suffer from some stage of gum disease. Many dental patients suffer from gingivitis, which is the initial inflammation of the gums. The gums are tender and swollen as they attempt to fight off the bacterial infection caused by all of the plaque.  If the plaque isn’t removed and the gums aren’t taken care of, the gum tissue will continue to deteriorate and lead to the onset of advanced gum disease. Trust us, you do not want to undergo treatment for gum disease. It’s difficult, costly and painful, and on top of that it’s almost 100% preventable.

Teeth Cleanings Keep Your Body Healthy

Not to hark on gums some more here, but science is just now uncovering a wealth of connections between the gums and the rest of the body. And it makes sense- gums are sensitive tissue that are a doorway between our bodies and the outside world. The human mouth is full of bacteria, and the modern diet is full of sugar- the perfect storm for gum disease and tooth decay, two of America’s most common medical problems.

Gum health is strongly linked with cardiovascular health, and is now understood to be linked to Alzheimer’s disease and obesity. If you could prevent heart disease, strokes, obesity and even lessen the degenerative diseases associated with aging just by making sure to get your teeth cleaned twice a year, would you? Put this way, most people would jump at a routine teeth cleaning, which is usually a very low or no copayment on health insurance, over the painful, expensive and potentially deadly alternatives.

Teeth Cleanings Keep You Beautiful Too!

Healthy teeth and a nice smile are at the top of a list of attributes we find attractive. It’s important to get regular cleanings so you can ensure you keep all of your natural teeth, but also keep them looking good. A dental cleaning scrapes away plaque and tartar that can cause the teeth to look lackluster, and gives them a sparkly, whiter appearance- a key aspect of a beautiful smile.

Contact us at Value Not Set in Value Not Set to set up your teeth cleaning appointment! Just call Value Not Set now!

Whitening your teeth is a simple dental procedure that can have a dramatic impact on your appearance. Teeth whitening is a fast and affordable way to look more polished, more attractive and even look younger and brighter! Removing surface stains and whitening teeth has been shown to take years off the face and overall appearance.

We’re fans of safe, in-office whitening procedures at Value Not Set, because professionally administered whitening is fast, effective and makes patients feel genuinely great about themselves! It’s our mission to make all of our patients happy with their teeth- so much that they can’t stop smiling!

When you’re looking into ways to whiten your teeth in Value Not Set, you’ll probably come across the terms, “whitening” and “bleaching.” So how can you tell what the difference is?

Dental Bleaching

The term “bleaching” is used to describe dental products that whiten teeth beyond their natural color. One of the most effective ways to do this is with ingredients like hydrogen peroxide.

“Whitening” denotes more of a restoration of teeth to their natural color by removing surface stains. Technically, whiteners use cleaning agents- as opposed to hydrogen peroxide- to get out pesky stains that cause discoloration of the teeth.

For all intents and purposes, most products that bleach the teeth (with hydrogen peroxide) or similar agents are called “whitening” products as well. Whitening just sounds a little better- and it’s really the whiter shades that most dental patients are after.

How to Choose Whitening and/or Bleaching Treatments

Today’s oral hygiene market is saturated with whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide- often added to many of our standard cleaning products, like toothpaste and mouthwash. While a little whitening power in your everyday products is great for maintaining your shade and preventing further discoloration, it won’t provide the full restorative and transformation results that most patients look for.

Instead of spending on over the counter whitening treatments, like trays or strips, you can get dramatic results immediately with an in office treatment. We prefer to use Zoom! Whitening at Value Not Set, because it’s the most advanced whitening technology available today, and gives patients the whiter, brighter results they want- all in about an hour. Yes, just one hour!

Read more about how Zoom! Whitening treatment can give you dramatic whitening results that last for years. Contact us today, or set up your first appointment online here.

Looking for Botox in Value Not Set, or even Sandy Springs and Brookhaven? Here at Value Not Set in Value Not Set, we’re excited to offer Botox treatments for our patients! Now the dentist you trust with your dental health is able to offer more cosmetic services.

Why Should I get Botox from My Dentist?

Let’s answer this question by looking at which care providers usually administer Botox today: plastic surgeons, medical estheticians, ophthalmologists, and even OB/GYNs, nurses and physicians’ assistants! Aside from plastic surgeons, not all of these practitioners are probably what came to mind when you thought of “where to get Botox.”

So why the dentist? Is it because they’re the smile experts?

Yes, and no. Dentists have a medical degree, but also have highly specialized training that studies the mouth and face in-depth. No other medical profession has the specialized and detailed knowledge of the face that dentistry does. In fact, there’s even a term for it, it’s called the “maxillofacial area,” basically the area of the face between the chin and forehead, and it happens to be the area most requested for Botox injections.

Dentists understand the maxillofacial area muscles better than any other medical professional, because so many of these muscles are involved in chewing and contribute to the structure and functionality of the teeth.

Most dentists today have years worth of experience with cosmetic work- so they understand the cosmetic needs of patients and how to treat them with specific services. Cosmetic work requires that a dentist understands the ideal face in detail, and how to recreate it.

So if you’re in the market for Botox injections in Value Not Set, know that you can trust Dr. Rozema at Value Not Set to give you the safest, most expert treatment available!

Botox- Not Just for Cosmetics

Botox is now making important applications in the treatment of many dental conditions. One common condition is TMJ syndrome, or Temporo-mandibular joint, where Botox injections help to relax the muscles that can provide pain and tension from excessive teeth grinding. Because teeth grinding is usually an unconscious action (making it difficult to treat), Botox acts on the muscles that connect with the jaw during the grinding action, making them unable to grind the teeth unconsciously.

Botox has been very successful at minimizing the pain and negative side affects of teeth grinding, but patients shouldn’t worry about side effects of Boox itself. The injections only work on the specific areas they have been injected to, and there is no possibility of the injections affecting other parts of the face.

Contact us right away if you’re suffering from facial pain due to TMJ! There are treatments available, including Botox, and no one should have to endure the constant pain associated with TMJ.

Ready to rewind your age? Contact Value Not Set today, or call Value Not Set, to learn more about getting Botox, and while you’re here, take the next step and set up your appointment directly from our website!

Few people look forward to the dental chair, but for some, that apprehension can turn in to full blown dental anxiety.  This fear can stem from many things,such as the sound of the equipment, smell of the office, and anticipation of the treatment. Whatever the reason for dental anxiety, this fear causes many Americans to delay dental care– indefinitely. Though common, dental anxiety can be successfully managed so patients at Smile ATL in Atlanta can get the care they need, before avoiding care leads to additional oral health issues.

What Causes Dental Anxiety?

There are many different reasons people are fearful of going to the dentist. Sometimes, it’s a previous experience, the sound of the tools, or simply the fear of local anesthetic. There are lots of unfamiliar tools, sounds and smells in the dentist office and all of those elements can make some feel some extreme apprehension. Technically, it’s called dentophobia or odontophobia and you don’t have to have any particular dental trauma in your past to currently experience it.

Signs of dental anxiety include:

• Trouble sleeping the night or nights before a scheduled dental appointment
• Crying or feeling ill at the thought of visiting the dentist
• Uneasiness when objects are placed near your mouth
• Feeling as if it’s difficult to breathe when you get in the dentist chair
• Feeling helpless and out of control when in the dental chair

Overcoming Dental Fear

Patients that experience dental anxiety need to know that there are ways to manage that fear, and make going to the dentist a lot more comfortable, if not stress-free.

These tips and techniques are effective in reducing the anxiety associated with going to the dental office.

• Find a dentist at Smile ATL that specializes in dealing with fearful patients. Remember, dentists are healthcare professionals that have training in dealing with patients that have anxiety.
• Talk to your dentist about your fears prior to your visit. The dentist will discuss options such as medication, to help you manage your visit.
• Understand that dentistry is more sophisticated and comfortable than ever. Many patients envision scenes from westerns when they think of dentistry. Today, treatment is safe, fast, and in many cases nearly pain-free.
• Use relaxation techniques to help calm your nerves. Practice deep breathing or envision yourself on a beautiful beach.
• If the sound of drilling or suctioning makes you feel tense, listen to your favorite music to drown out the sound.
• Avoid caffeine or other stimulants the day before and day of the appointment.
• Avoid sugary foods that provide temporary energy. Instead, eat protein rich foods that produce a calming effect.
• Have friend or family go with you.
• Get to know the dentist before you appointment so you already feel comfortable. Try following them on social media or giving them a call. It’s hard to trust someone you don’t know.

These positive techniques work wonders. Give them a try for your next visit at Smile ATL in Atlanta.

What do your body and your car have in common? Both need regular maintenance in order to run properly!

When it comes to caring for yourself, it is important to do small things every day in order to ensure that everything is in working order. Each day, we are engaging in activities that recharge and maintain our bodies; these activities range from sleep to hydrating ourselves. One of the most important ways we can take care of ourselves is to engage in proper oral hygiene.

At Smile ATL in Atlanta, GA getting to the root of the problem (literally) can prevent major issues down the road. Preventative hygiene techniques can typically lead to better oral health overall. In turn, better oral health can prevent health problems that might affect other parts of the body, such as diabetes, infections and heart disease.

What can you do to keep good oral hygiene?

Regular brushing–at least twice a day and preferably after meals–is one of the major keys to good oral hygiene. By brushing regularly with a toothbrush best suited for your needs and a fluoride-based toothpaste, you can help ensure good dental health. It is important to remember to brush the tongue, roof of the mouth and insides of the cheeks as well. If you are unsure what kind of brush best suits you, be sure to ask your dentist; after all, every mouth is different.

However, brushing is not the only hygiene-based tool at your disposal. Flossing regularly means you are taking your dental health in your own hands (and around your fingers). In order to fill in the gaps that brushing might miss, it is imperative that you floss thoroughly at least once a day.

When your dentist can help with maintaining oral hygiene

While most hygienic and preventative therapy can be done at home, it is necessary to bring a professional in occasionally. Visiting Smile ATL in Atlanta, GA and having your teeth cleaned and examined by a dental hygienist and a dentist every six months can prevent major problems from occurring.

Like your vehicle, your mouth needs routine maintenance and check-ups. You can take care of most of this maintenance yourself, but it is important to remember that you are not alone in caring for your teeth. The doctor and staff at Smile ATL are here to help you and ensure your mouth is the healthiest it can be.

Have you lost a tooth or multiple teeth through tooth decay, gum disease, or some other cause? If so, you might be wondering just what a dentist can do to help someone in your type of situation. At Smile ATL in Atlanta, Georgia we can provide dental implants, which are a long-term solution for restoring your teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants consist of artificial tooth roots that are placed in your mouth in the spot where you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth. These implants help to fix the area in your mouth that needs help, in a way, restoring your mouth to the way that it was before.

A dental implant looks and works just like a real tooth. It will protect your jaw just like an actual tooth. Also, after getting your dental implant, you will be able to eat normally and feel more comfortable with your smile again.

For those who have lost a tooth or several teeth through tooth decay, gum disease, root canal failure, excessive wear and tear, trauma to the mouth, or congenital defects, dental implants provide relief and healing.

What kind of help do dental implants offer?

When you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, it can possibly affect your self-esteem. If you have found that you no longer want to smile because you don’t like the way that your mouth looks, a dental implant can help.

If you have missing teeth, it can also cause difficulty while eating. When your dental implants are completed, you will be able to chew food in the same way that you did before you received dental implants.

Finally, dental implants help to stop and prevent jawbone loss. This can occur when you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth.

 
Dental implants at Smile ATL  in Atlanta can help to restore your mouth back to your healthy smile. Our goal is to help keep your entire mouth healthy and beautiful.

When most people think of brushing and flossing, they think about keeping a healthy smile, preventing dental carries and gum disease, and decreasing the incidence of halitosis. Maintaining Good oral hygiene is much more than the best way to keep your teeth a lifetime though; it is one of the best ways to help maintain good overall health.

Improved Nutrition

Chewing is the first step in the process of digestion. Practicing good oral hygiene habits helps maintain the health, strength, and durability of the teeth and gums which helps in the process of chewing food. Poor habits lead to cavities, tooth loss, and infected or inflamed gums, all of which hamper eating nutritious foods. When your teeth are causing pain, you are more likely to avoid eating fresh, vitamin rich foods which leads to better long-term health.

Poor Oral Health Can Lead to Other Health Problems

It’s easy to assume that oral health only concerns the mouth, but doing so could lead to other potentially serious health concerns. Continued research proves the many direct links between oral and general health. Examples include:

• Women with Gum disease show a greater incidence of pre-term, low-birth-weight babies.
• Those with poor oral care show an increased risk of developing heart disease.
• Mouth infections affect major organs.
• Problems chewing can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.

What is Good Oral Hygiene?

Good oral hygiene is everything you do to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. Doing this though requires more than brushing once a day. Make sure your daily oral care includes:

• Brushing thoroughly at least twice a day
• Flossing daily
• Using a mouthwash to kill germs

In addition to daily care, good oral hygiene includes regular visits to the dentist and dental hygienist. Dental professionals at Smile ATL in Atlanta, GA use additional tools to help give your mouth the attention it deserves. Your dentist can also spot problem areas and treat any issues before they become more problematic. A dental professional can also help by telling you ways you can improve oral care techniques between visits. It is important to schedule regular visits at least once a year, and immediately if you notice any unusual wear, sores, swelling, or discoloration.

Great oral care should start at a young age and last throughout your lifetime. Not only with the effort pay  off in a beautiful smile, it will also benefit your general health by improving nutrition and decreasing your risks for certain other diseases.

What brings you to research cosmetic dentistry in Atlanta? Do you feel a lack of confidence because of damage or imperfections to your smile? Perhaps you’d like to just touch things up, without making any major changes. Whatever your individual needs, cosmetic dentistry can help perfect smiles and improve confidence in almost anyone!

With the rising popularity of at-home whitening, we’ve seen quite a few patients at Smile ATL with the misconception that cosmetic dentistry is just about whitening products. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Cosmetic dentistry is a diverse field of services and specialists, dedicated to reshaping smiles and confidence in a variety of ways.

The field of restorative dentistry is related to cosmetic dentistry, and in fact their services also overlap. Restorative dentistry focuses on replacing missing teeth and dentition due to trauma and tooth decay. Often, restorative dental services are needed in cosmetic dentistry too, in the event that a patient has missing teeth that are highly visible. Cosmetic dental services such as cosmetic implants, bridges and porcelain veneers can be used to replace missing teeth and restore the fullness of a patient’s smile.

It’s also not  uncommon for patients to sustain damage to existing teeth, in the form of chips, cracks and even excessive gaps and space. Cosmetic dental procedures such as bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges and enamel shaping and contouring can cover such flaws and reshape the appearance of the smile.

Of course, whitening is still an important cosmetic service, and many dental practices, including Smile ATL in Atlanta, GA offers in-office whitening services as well as take home whitening options for patients. Orthodontic services like braces and Invisalign can also be considered cosmetic dental work, especially when used to realign and reshape the spacing of teeth.

If you’re looking for an experienced cosmetic dentist to have some oral work completed, consider Smile ATL in Atlanta. We are a family dentist, with a highly qualified doctor specializing in medical as well as cosmetic dentistry, and dedicated to offering patients the best care possible. Contact us today to ask about our cosmetic services or to set up an appointment or consultation!