Is Invisalign as Effective as Braces?

Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can significantly impact your self-esteem and oral health. You may find yourself covering your mouth when you smile or struggling to chew without pain. By fixing your bite, you can improve your appearance, address existing issues, and prevent unwanted health complications down the road.

Often, the best way to correct a crooked smile is with teeth-straightening braces or Invisalign. If you don’t want to deal with the inconvenience and appearance of traditional metal braces, you may be interested in what Invisalign has to offer. But is Invisalign really as effective as braces? Compare the two here to help you decide if Invisalign could be right for you.

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The Link Between Snoring, Sleep Apnea & Teeth Grinding

What do snoring, sleep apnea, and teeth grinding have in common? They are all mouth-related health problems that occur when you’re asleep. Because you can’t perceive many of the symptoms while sleeping, you may be unaware of the problem. Fortunately, a properly trained dentist can treat snoring, sleep apnea, and teeth grinding by fitting you with the appropriate mouth guard.

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When Should a Child See a Dentist for the First Time

At West County Dental, we see patients of all ages. Many parents ask us when they should first start bringing their children in to see us. The answer is that you should bring your baby in as soon as that first baby tooth appears. Baby teeth usually start coming in (this is called eruption) at around six months. They may not be permanent but they’re important, and they do last for years if kept healthy. And at any age, dental health is a large part of overall health. If a child gets dental disease that is not treated, he or she can suffer serious health problems.

At home, you can protect your child from dental disease with a routine of daily brushing, regular dental visits and good nutrition. Children learn healthy dental habits from their parents, siblings and caregivers.

At your child’s first visit Dr. Spalitto and our team will do several things:

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What to Expect After Getting Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery is often the best way to help people who are missing one or more teeth. There are a variety of implant procedures based on the condition of the patient. Let’s go over these procedures, and what the patient can expect to experience after getting these dental implants.

What is Dental Implant Surgery

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing tooth. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth.

The conventional process can take from three to four months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to four months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.

Mini Dental Implants

A miniature titanium alloy implant acts like the root of your tooth, and features a retaining fixture incorporated into the base of your denture. The implant fixtures allow for a wide range of micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

Full Mouth Dental Implants

When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution. The treatment procedure and number of visits is dependent on your specific conditions. Since this is the most extensive of these procedures, recovery time will be longer, but after a few weeks you’ll be able to eat and function as if you had your natural teeth.

All on 4 Dental Implants

The All-on-4 treatment replaces your missing teeth with a full dental bridge supported by implants. With less implants needed, treatment time is reduced. This ensures greater stability in the bone, reducing need for bone graft surgery to increase bone volume. Typically, your dentist can place temporary provisional teeth on the same day after treatment. These look and feel much like natural teeth, and you can lead a normal life immediately after surgery. After a few weeks, your dentist will place your final bridge, and you can start enjoying your favorite foods again.

At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!

How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Are you afraid of going to the dentist? Millions of Americans suffer from dental anxiety, causing them to delay important dental appointments and cleanings. This can put their oral health at risk. It doesn’t have to be that way. Sedation dentistry uses modern methods to relax dental patients during their visit to the dentist, giving them relief for their anxiety. At West County Dental, we offer the following options for sedation dentistry:

Oral Conscious Sedation – The Pill Method

This method of sedation is administered by taking a pill prior to arrival at the dentist’s office. It puts the patient in a relaxed state but lets them stay conscious and able to respond. For safety reasons, the patient will need a friend or family member to drive them to and from the appointment.

Nitrous Oxide – The Gas Method

Also referred to as nitrous, laughing gas or NO, nitrous oxide is delivered through a mask over the nose, and the level of nitrous oxide dispensed is carefully controlled by your dentist. Nitrous oxide creates a mild sedative effect that lets the patient relax. As with the pill method, patients remain conscious and able to communicate with their dentist during the entire procedure.

Both of these methods of sedation dentistry are great solutions for anyone who has become paralyzed with fear at the thought of undergoing a dental procedure. Virtually all of our dental care treatments can be performed under some degree of sedation to help put you at ease. If your dental anxiety is caused by embarrassment about the state of your teeth or gums, rest assured, we have seen it all and do not judge. We know all the reasons why a patient’s dental health may be poor, and many are beyond their control. Our mission is to use our compassion and expertise to put you back into a state of dental health with minimal discomfort.

Find out More

If you have any questions at all about sedation dentistry or dental anxiety, give us a call or stop by. At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!

Can You Be Allergic to Novocaine

If you have a dental appointment coming up you have a number of questions and concerns. If one of your concerns is about a possible allergic reaction to a local anesthetic such as Novocaine, or lidocaine (which is more commonly used these days), you can probably stop fretting. While it is possible to have an allergic reaction to them, true allergies to general or local anesthetics is very rare, with frequency ranging from 1 in 5,000 cases to 1 in 25,000 cases. More people are merely sensitive to anesthetics than actually allergic to them. Symptoms of drug sensitivities include shaking, sweating, faintness, and heart palpitations.

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is when your body’s immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance, known as an allergen. People are allergic to latex, pollen, bee stings, certain foods or medicines. Allergic reactions can be mild, moderate or life-threatening.

Allergic reactions to local anesthetics such as Novocaine or lidocaine include skin reactions (rash, hives, itching, swelling, etc.), trouble breathing, or anaphylactic shock, which is extremely rare. Most allergic reactions to local anesthetics involve only temporary itching and skin rash at the site of the injection.

Other Allergic Reactions

There are other chemicals in these local anesthetics that may trigger some allergic reactions. Most formulations contain epinephrine, which constricts blood vessels at the injection site. This decreases blood flow to the area so that the anesthetic stays near the injection site longer, making it more effective. Local anesthetics also contain preservatives to keep the epinephrine fresh. Allergies to epinephrine and these preservatives are rare, and any adverse reactions that may occur are often the result of sensitivities.

Talk to Your Dentist

If you have any concerns about anesthesia, or any aspect of an upcoming procedure or dental appointment, speak with your dentist. She or he can review your signs and symptoms to help you determine whether you can use Novocaine or lidocaine safely for dental procedures. There are newer sedation methods available that can reduce reliance on anesthetics as well.

At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!

Improving Your Smile After Losing Teeth

Even if you’ve taken excellent care of your teeth, you may eventually end up with a chipped tooth, a broken tooth or a few missing teeth. Fortunately, dental health procedures have come a long way. Here are a few ways that a good dentist can help you improve your smile after losing teeth.

Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures are replacement teeth, usually fixed to your gum with adhesive. A partial denture replaces part of a tooth. Dentures are seen as inferior to implants because adhesive can be unreliable and unpleasant, and even a choking hazard.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are as close as you can get to new, natural teeth. They protect your jaw and surrounding teeth in ways that dentures cannot. They last a very long time and are nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth. The best offices will use a titanium post that acts as the root of the missing tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.

Dental Bridge

Dental bridges traditionally are a way to replace a gap of one or two spaces surrounded by teeth that are used for stability.

If all your teeth are missing or need to be replaced, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution. Some benefits include:

• A dental bridge lets you eat and function like you have a full set of natural teeth
• It preserves your facial appearance and prevents bone loss

The treatment procedure and number of visits depends on the condition of the patient’s gums and teeth but often involves multiple visits.

Dental Crowns

A crown (or cap) is a tooth-colored, custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.

At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!

Tips for a Cavity Free Holiday

The holidays are a time of togetherness, and presents, and fun, and sweets. Often, lots and lots of sweets. Pumpkin pies, fruit cakes, candy canes, chocolates, eggnog, gingerbread and cookies. All that sugar can take a heavy toll on your tooth enamel. Here are a few tips to avoid getting cavities and rotten teeth for Christmas.

Have Sweets in Moderation

You don’t have to avoid all the sweets to keep your teeth healthy. Just pay attention to how much you’re consuming. Consider having half a piece of pie, half a glass of eggnog, or one cookie instead of two. Don’t feel pressured to try every desert your friends brought to the holiday party.

Brush After Eating

You’ve been told all your life to brush between meals, but during the holidays, you may want to brush more often. We go to Christmas parties with punch and desserts, get offered cookies at work, and receive sweets from the neighbors. Brushing between meals is great, but it’s better to brush every time we have sugary foods or drinks. And replace your toothbrush when the bristles look worn. A new one will be more effective. If you’re not able to brush where you are, rinse your mouth with water. This removes excess sugar from your teeth.

Floss Daily

Many of us don’t like to floss, but it’s important to the health of your teeth and your gums. Buy an extra tooth floss or two so there’s always one available, and make it part of your daily routine. You don’t have to floss after every meal, but do it often enough to keep your mouth healthy, like every night before you go to bed. If you don’t enjoy flossing, consider other flossing products in the dental health section of your pharmacy or grocery store.

Schedule a Dental Appointment

Because of all these holiday sweets, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental cleaning or a dentist visit after the holidays. Scheduling regular cleanings and checkups can help you start the new year on a note of great dental health.

At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!

10 Activities That Harm Your Teeth

Sometimes, dental problems stem from traumatic injuries or poor oral hygiene. Other times, you might think you’re doing everything right, but little, everyday habits may weaken or damage your smile. Make a note of these activities that harm your teeth so you can take steps to avoid them.

1. Eating sticky food: Do you love dried fruit, taffy, and gummy candies? Unfortunately, the sugar in these treats isn’t the only problem with them. If you have crowns, fillings, or other restorative dental work, these sticky foods should be strictly off-limits.
2. Chewing on ice or hard candy: Chomping down on hard objects is just as bad as sinking your teeth into sticky foods. If you must eat hard candy or suck on ice, let them dissolve rather than biting into them.
3. Drinking acidic beverages: Acid is a tooth’s worst enemy. Coffee, soda, sports drinks, and wine can demineralize and etch enamel, the hard outer coating of your teeth. When this happens, the risk of cavities and staining increases.
4. Grinding your teeth at night: Untreated bruxism, or nighttime tooth-grinding and clenching, can lead to cracked, loose, or misaligned teeth. Wearing a mouth guard while you sleep is the best treatment option.
5. Smoking: Any product containing tobacco is bad for your teeth and gums, causing everything from stained teeth to bad breath. If you smoke, quit now to avoid an array of oral health problems.
6. Biting your nails: Fingernails may be softer than tooth enamel, but biting your nails can lead to chipped teeth and sore jaw muscles. Try wearing bitter-tasting nail polish to help you break this habit.
7. Sucking your thumb: If toddlers suck their thumbs after their teeth start coming in, it could affect their bite. So discourage thumb sucking as soon as you notice your child’s first tooth to avoid oral health problems in the future.
8. Brushing too vigorously: The harder your brush, the cleaner your teeth will get, right? Actually, brushing too hard can wear down enamel and irritate your gums. The key is to find the middle ground between brushing too hard and not brushing hard enough.
9. Snacking incessantly: Your saliva works hard to clean out your mouth after each meal. If you snack all the time, you give bacteria a constant food supply, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
10. Using your teeth as tools: Never resort to tearing tape, opening bottles, or holding items with your teeth. Don’t chew on non-food objects, either. These habits could crack your teeth or cause restoration work to fall out.

If you have more questions about maintaining good oral health, don’t hesitate to ask! Dr. Spalitto and the rest of the team at West County Dental would be happy to guide you toward a flawless, beautiful smile. We have over a decade of experience providing state-of-the-art dental care to patients in St. Louis. Call us at (314) 488-2921 or contact us online to reserve an appointment today.

Help Fight Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is an embarrassing condition with several possible underlying causes. Learn what might be to blame for your bad breath, which might give you clues about how to get rid of it.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Certain oral bacteria emit unpleasant odors as they feed and multiply. Sometimes, the bacteria in your gut even affect how your breath smells. Here are some of the most likely reasons your breath stinks:

• Gum disease is a leading cause of persistent bad breath. When your oral tissues become infected, harmful bacteria linger in your mouth and give off an unpleasant odor.
• An infected tooth, mouth sore, or inflamed tonsils can give you a bad taste in your mouth and cause halitosis.
• Foods such as garlic, onions, and certain spices create foul-smelling byproducts as they break down.
• Smoking causes an unpleasant mouth odor. Smokers are also more likely to have gum disease, another source of bad breath.
• Forgetting to brush and floss allows food particles and bacteria to accumulate in your mouth. If this happens consistently, you could develop oral health problems that produce bad smells.
• Chronic dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can lead to all-day “morning breath.”
• Some medications contribute to bad breath by causing dry mouth. Others release foul-smelling chemicals in the body that can be carried on your breath.
• Other causes—including certain diseases, metabolic disorders, and acid reflux—can cause your breath to take on a distinctive odor.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

Gum and breath mints mask unpleasant odors temporarily, but you need a more lasting solution. Take these steps to improve the freshness of your breath:

• Treat underlying gum disease and oral infections with help from your dentist.
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and replace your toothbrush every three months.
• Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and odor-causing bacteria and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line.
• Brush your tongue with your toothbrush to remove odor-causing bacteria that tend to linger there.
• Clean your oral appliances—including dentures, retainers, bridges, and mouth guards—thoroughly once a day or as directed by your dentist. Consider using an electric toothbrush if you wear braces.
• Adjust your diet to avoid smelly foods that cause bad breath. Also, be aware that sugary foods are linked to bad breath, and anything that gives you acid reflux could be a culprit.
• Visit the dentist regularly for preventative checkups and teeth cleanings. If you have any concerns about bad breath, bring them up with your dentist at your next appointment.

Dr. Spalitto of West County Dental can offer his expert advice about treating and avoiding halitosis. Whether you have an underlying oral health problem or you simply want personalized ways to freshen your breath, we’re here to help! Call us at (314) 488-2921 or contact us online today to reserve your next appointment.