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Is a night guard really necessary?

August 22, 2013

Filed under: Lumineers,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — okcitydentist @ 4:28 pm

I recently got 6 Lumineers put on. Now my dentist is insisting that I get a night guard. Is this really necessary?

Amanda B.- Benton, AR

Amanda,

Has your dentist mentioned that you have a grinding problem? If so, it really will be important that you do get a night guard. Most patients don’t even realize that they have a grinding problem because they do it in their sleep. However, your teeth will show the wear from the grinding.

If that is the case you’ll want to wear them, not only to protect the Lumineers, but to protect your teeth in general. Some grinders actually wear their teeth down to stubs.  However, from a financial standpoint, when you spend thousands of dollars on your smile makeover, you don’t want it getting damaged. Grinding can chip your Lumineers.

It is your choice to wear purchase or wear a night guard. Your dentist cannot insist. However, be aware that if you do have a grinding issue, you’ll end up damaging them.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

Fluoride

November 15, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — okcitydentist @ 3:43 pm

Not everyone needs prescription fluoride treatments. However, there are some recommendations. If you fall into this category, make sure you ask your dentist about getting some fluoride treatments:

  • Patients at high risk for tooth decay
  • Someone who is going through radiation treatments
  • People with poorly formed enamel
  • Patients with overly-sensitive teeth.

Though you can get fluoride over-the-counter, they only contain about 1000 to 1100 parts per million of fluoride. Prescription fluoride contains 5000 parts per million. Patients who use a prescription fluoride toothpaste can reduce their decay by about 70%.

If you fall into one of the above categories, talk to your dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

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