Oral health is as important as general wellness, so securing it is vital. Aside from taking supplements, exercising, or eating a healthy diet to achieve a sound body, measures should be made to keep the teeth and other oral structures healthy as well. Fortunately, attaining oral wellness is not as complicated as what other people think. As long as the right techniques and practices are observed, oral complications can be kept at bay.

Best Oral Practices to Observe

Brush, floss, and rinse –  the most essential yet straightforward habits observed since childhood. Dentists advise patients to brush their teeth twice a day, floss at least once and rinse with either water or mouthwash. Brushing is most effective after waking up in the morning and before bedtime for 2-minute durations. Do not reuse the same strand of floss when cleaning the whole mouth. Rinsing with a fluoridated product is also ideal since it provides added protection for both the gums and teeth.

Aside from these oral care practices at home, it is also imperative to schedule routine dental visits. At Alice Dental Associates, we want our patients to understand that despite the observance of hygiene habits, a person can still be at risk to oral complications. By merely using a toothbrush or floss, all the nooks and crannies of the mouth can remain inaccessible. Due to this, problems like cavities or gum inflammation can still occur. By scheduling a dental visit every six months, a patient can feel more confident and secured with their oral health. How is this possible? Read on.

At our practice, several processes are being offered under our regular dental check-up service. All of which can effectively protect the overall oral health from potential threats. We perform the following procedures:

• Full examination – the dentist will visually check the state of the oral structures which is usually unachievable by merely looking at the mirror. Doing so will give the dentist an idea about the patient’s condition so that appropriate treatments can be offered.
• Professional teeth cleaning – special tools will be used to remove the accumulation of plaque all around the teeth. Aside from this, tartar, stains, and other buildups will be removed as well to rid the teeth of factors that can harm it in the long run.
• Digital x-rays – this approach allows the dentist to get a clearer view of the structures that are not easily seen by the naked eye. Thanks to the imagery provided, complications on its earliest form can be spotted and handled accordingly.
• Oral cancer screening – the key to the successful treatment of the devastating problem is its early diagnosis. Fortunately, screenings are being performed every six months, so patients are assured that the manifestation of any symptom can be spotted.

What are you waiting for? Get the oral health care services you deserve by scheduling Regular Dental Checkups in Alice, TX! Let us at Alice Dental Associates maximize your oral hygiene practices at home to promote excellent oral health.

How do you usually respond to an emergency? Let’s say you are all alone in the house. You are supposed to be enjoying your day off from work when a sharp pain starts to bud inside your mouth, right on your upper teeth. Bothered, you ran towards the mirror to see what’s causing the discomfort and stumbled upon a chipped tooth. How will you react? In times like this, ‘panic’ should not be in your vocabulary. Just call us at Alice Dental Associates for emergency dentistry services. Our dentist will provide the necessary treatments for your unique oral health needs. Whatever your dental trouble may be, our practice will help you in any way that we can. In fact, we have included here some tips that will be of great assistance to you when dental emergencies peak in. Continue reading below if you want to learn more about it.

Solutions To The Common Types Of Dental Emergencies

A Toothache

Relief – it is what people suffering from severe tooth pain want to acquire. Yes, there is a wide variety of pain relievers available in the pharmacies today. These, however, only offer a temporary solution. If you want to completely get rid of the infection that is causing your tooth to ache, you can opt for a root canal or teeth extraction.

Knocked-Out Tooth

For this case, an immediate call to the dentist is necessary. But here’s what you can do while you are not at the dental clinic yet:

• Gently hold the crown of the tooth and wash it with water.
• It is essential to preserve the root so scrubbing it should not be done.
• If possible, reinsert the tooth to its socket in a correct position.
• If the previous tip is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk to preserve its moisture.

Loose Brackets Or Bands (for braces)

The ugly thing about wearing traditional braces is that you have to deal with loose brackets over time. In this situation, an orthodontic wax may temporarily reattach the brackets to the braces. However, you still need to see the orthodontist as soon as possible to have it fixed. Thankfully, orthodontic patients can now get Invisalign to have their teeth straightened comfortably. In case you are interested in getting an Invisalign aligner, talk to us at Alice Dental Associates. We can conduct an initial consultation to determine your candidacy for the said treatment.

Dental emergencies are inevitable. Yet, you can minimize their impacts by running to us at Alice Dental Associates once dental trouble is experienced. Our Emergency Dentistry services in Alice, TX is always here for you! You can find us at 750 Coyote Trail, Alice, TX 78332.

With all the misconceptions floating around root canals, which one is true and which is not? A root canal treatment is for people with an infected tooth. The therapy helps patients get rid of a toothache and other complications that arise due to the dead tissues inside their tooth. However, not everyone suffering from tooth infection is willing to undergo the said procedure. Because of the terrible myths, many are discouraged from receiving the treatment. Let us at Alice Dental Associates separate the facts of root canal from its fictions.

Fiction: Since the affected tooth is kept in place, reinfection can happen

Fact: Many people thought that extraction is better than a root canal as the latter option can only promote secondary infection. The truth is, after the tooth is pulled out from its socket, it can leave a wound in the mouth. This occurrence then encourages bacteria to gather in the extracted site, thereby increasing the chance of infection to take place. But in the case of a root canal therapy, the procedure focuses on the root of the tooth. After the removal of the dead pulp, the dentist then covers the opened area of the pearly white with a filling or a crown to prevent reinfection.

Fiction: A root canal treatment can aggravate health-related problems

Fact: There are ‘studies’ that associate root canals to cancer, brain damage, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. These statements, however, are unreliable, not scientifically-based, and outdated. On the contrary, many professionals studied the procedure thoroughly, and it was proved that root canal therapy is not just a safe dental treatment, but it is also the most favorable remedy for large decays and infections.

Fiction: Root canal procedure makes people sick because it encourages bacterial growth

Fact: It is a misconception to say that a patient declined in health because root canal procedure caused the bacteria to spread further. The mouth itself is surrounded by multitudinous bacteria of around 700 types! In other words, these microorganisms are not the primary reason why an infection takes place. Not to mention that some of the bacteria in the mouth are actually helpful for the proper function of the body.

If the dentist necessitates you for a root canal treatment, obey. The therapy can benefit your overall oral health significantly.

Teeth extractions are not your only resort. When an infection affects your tooth, schedule an appointment with us at Alice Dental Associates for Root Canal Treatment in Alice, TX right away. We are located at 750 Coyote Trail, Alice, TX 78332.

Traditional braces may be effective, but they don’t offer the most pleasant orthodontic experience to patients. That is why it is no longer surprising why more and more people are into clear aligners today.

Invisalign, being one of the top brands of orthodontic aligners, are very popular nowadays. The transparent trays it provides effectively straightens the teeth faster than conventional braces. If you want to correct your teeth imperfections through the use of Invisalign aligners, we at Alice Dental Associates encourage you to set an appointment in our office. Our dentist will determine what treatment plan suits you best and will provide necessary instructions to make your experience with Invisalign worthwhile. Some guidelines that are commonly laid out by dental professionals to patients wearing the aligners include the following:

Use Invisalign aligners for 22 hours daily

Although the recommended wearing time for Invisalign aligners is 20 to 22 hours per day, we recommend using them at a maximum duration. Removing the device from the mouth for too long may result in a delay in the treatment.

Always bring a retainer case

Instead of wrapping the aligner with a tissue when dining out, consider placing it in a secured, handy container instead. That way, losing or accidentally throwing the orthodontic appliance in a trash bin will be avoided. You can carry a retainer case on your everyday bag or leave one in the office so you can have it easily when needed.

Clean the aligners often

Do not compromise the look and state of your aligners. Remember that they can become stained when exposed to colorful drinks, so the regular consumption of these beverages is not advised. Invisalign trays can also gather bacterias when not properly cleaned.

The last thing that you don’t want to happen is to suffer from cavities during your treatment—so keeping your aligners clean is a must. Here are different ways to remove the gunk out of the clear aligners:

• Wash the trays with antibacterial soap and warm water.
• Utilize special cleaning crystals to loosen unwanted particles from the device.
• Gently brush the aligners with mild toothpaste.

Follow the correct Invisalign schedule

To ensure the success of the treatment, always comply with the appropriate Invisalign schedule. Switching of trays may vary per patient; make sure that you do so accordingly if the dental professional requires you to switch aligners every one or two weeks.

For inquiries about Invisalign in Alice, TX, feel free to approach us at Alice Dental Associates. You can visit us at 750 Coyote Trail, Alice, TX 78332.

People may be asking, “Why do celebrities look so perfect when they smile?”. While you might think that they are born with immaculate-looking pearly whites, it is not always the case. Most of the celebs are actually dependent on the dentist! Believe it or not, there is one treatment that was initially made for actors to get perfect looking smiles during a shoot.

Dr. Charles Pincus, a dentist from California, invented veneers in the late 1920s solely for the use of actors while filming. They were made from acrylic that can be adhered on the front surface of the teeth temporarily. In more or less than a decade, the demand for veneers in Hollywood widened. It was then that dentists realized that it was not only the actors that can benefit from the treatment but regular people as well.

Continuous improvements were made with veneers. Porcelain and composite were utilized instead of acrylic for a more pleasing look. But the dentists were still bothered about the bonding agent to be used to hold the prosthesis for a longer time.

Dr. Michael Buonocore in the 1950s discovered that using a mildly acidic solution to roughen the tooth surface slightly can make the bond of materials stronger. Several years passed, J.R. Calamia and R.J. Simonsen, combined the discoveries of both dentists previously mentioned. Doing so made way for a bonding material that can permanently hold on the tooth enamel. Once veneers were modernized, it became more accessible for many people.

At Alice Dental Associates, we included veneers as one of our cosmetic dentistry services with options between traditional porcelain, porcelain veneers and the Lumineers brand of veneers. We offer this treatment to our patients who want to achieve Hollywood-looking smiles like their favorite celebrities. We also believe that there is more to veneers than just improving the looks of the teeth, here are its other benefits.

• In some instances, some teeth do not respond to teeth whitening treatments. Veneers can be used to correct such issue by covering the tooth with a material that closely resembles the adjacent teeth.
• Porcelain veneers are both durable and stain-resistant. 
• Patients are assured that with proper care and maintenance these prostheses can be long-lasting.
• The procedure preserves more of the healthy tooth structure since it only requires the slight removal of the enamel.
• Veneers can also correct teeth irregularities like cracks, slight misalignments, and wide spaces.

Give your smile a boost! Book an appointment with Alice Dental Associates and check out our options under Veneers in Alice, TX. We are located at 750 Coyote Trail, Alice, TX 78332.

Neglecting healthy practices such as regular brushing and flossing may lead to plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that sticks along the tongue, gum line, and surface of the teeth. If not removed, plaque can cause problems and become a health risk. For this reason, we at Alice Dental Associates offer Scaling and Root Planing (also referred to as deep cleaning) to help manage plaque that gets out of hand. 

To shed a better light on these procedures, let’s define them. Dental scaling is a procedure where the plaque is carefully removed from the tooth’s surface and below the gum line. This procedure is usually followed by root planing, a process where the root of the tooth is reached to remove deep-seated plaque buildup, smoothen the tooth root, and promote the reattachment of gums.

Why are scaling and root planing necessary? 

Scaling and root planing are necessary procedures for treating advanced gum disease. The procedures aim to halt the process of gum deterioration and tooth loss caused by the progression of gum disease. Scraping the plaque away from the surface of the teeth, below the gum lines and reaching down on deep pockets will promote healing of the gums. Several studies have proved that there is a connection between a person’s oral and overall health. Cardiovascular diseases and stroke can be linked with issues in oral health. In preventing these conditions, scaling and root planing can be your aide. Other than the reasons mentioned above, scaling and root planing removes stains from the surface of the teeth and promotes healthy, sparkling smiles; this is beneficial for those who consume beverages like coffee with teeth-staining properties. 

The things to expect after the procedure

After the procedure, the patient’s mouth will feel sore and sensitive. In some cases, bleeding and swelling are experienced. The dentist will then provide a set of instructions and some medication to help lessen the discomfort. It is also recommended to schedule a second visit to let the dentist thoroughly examine if the gums are healing correctly, and offer recommendations regarding the patient’s condition.

Looking for a trusted dental health professional to provide you with the deep cleaning service you deserve? Look no further, here at Alice Dental Associates we offer Scaling and Root Planing in Alice, TX. We are located at 750 Coyote Trail, Alice, TX 78332.

Losing teeth is never a pleasant thought for anyone. The good news is, there are now several teeth replacements available to make it more bearable for everyone who is suffering from the detrimental condition. Despite the availability of newer options, many people are still going for the tried and tested approach which is by using dentures.

However, wearing something in the mouth can be uncomfortable, especially if it is the first time. That is the reason why most people who are wearing dentures feel bothered when they get the said appliance. Luckily, there are ways for patients to have a quicker adjustment period to have a more pleasant experience. Let us at Alice Dental Associates provide some tips to make this possible. Continue reading below!

Be patient

Dentures can feel bulky and strange when worn. In time, these uncomfortable sensations will disappear and to speed up this process; patients are advised to give it some time. What patients should do is wear the appliance instead of taking it off and then practice eating as well as speaking. Doing so makes the mouth gets used to the add-on device faster.

Learn to chew

It may take time, but patients are advised to start by only consuming soft foods and then gradually switch to harder food. The technique to stabilize the appliance when eating is by chewing on both sides at the same time. When biting down on something, make sure not to do so with the front teeth since it will cause the oral device to dislodge.

Adjust to the challenges of lower dentures

Unlike the upper denture that relies on the suction effect to the palate (roof of the mouth), the lower denture lies over the gums. Without a good lip and tongue control, dentures can move around the mouth or even fall out. So to prevent this from happening, patients can use denture adhesives while they master holding it in their mouths.

Aside from the ones listed above, the other issues they may encounter include excessive salivation, gag reflex, lisp, and a reduced sense of taste. These issues will disappear as the mouth adjusts to dentures. And until then, patients are advised to practice proper oral hygiene, monitor the appliance, and seek the assistance of a dentist if issues persist.

Do not miss out on life because of missing teeth! Consider our traditional Denture offers in Alice, TX! Call or visit us at Alice Dental Associates; 750 Coyote Trail, Alice, TX 78332.

A dental implant is considered nowadays as a state of the art tooth replacement approach that many people have already availed of. It consists of a screw-like titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone. Depending on the number of teeth missing, prostheses like crowns, bridges, and dentures are attached to the implant posts. Compared to other restoration options, dental implants replace the visible teeth structures as well as their support underneath. Aside from this reason, what makes it the ideal teeth replacement option?

We at Alice Dental Associates prepared some of the reasons that make dental implants a good dental restoration option. Continue reading below.

Dental Implants…

Last the longest

Compared to other dental restorations like removable dentures and bridgework, dental implants offer a more permanent solution to tooth loss since it actually becomes a part of the jawbone. Other replacement options need to be repaired or replaced over time, but implants can last for a lifetime. That is especially if proper oral care practices are observed.

Easy to maintain

Unlike what most people think, caring for implant-supported teeth restorations is no different than real teeth. There is no need for patients to use any special creams and solutions, brushing twice a day and flossing at least once would suffice. Dental implants would not need a root canal, develop decay, or require a filling; however, it can still be compromised by gum disease. That said, patients should make sure to observe the recommended practices of oral hygiene and routine visits for the maintenance of dental implants.

Help prevent bone loss

Most people may not know this, but, bone loss is more likely to follow the loss of teeth. The bone is a living tissue that needs constant stimulation to stay healthy and strong. In the mouth, the teeth are the ones responsible for stimulating the jawbone. Once a tooth or two is lost in a particular area in the mouth, the jawbone underneath will begin to resorb. It results in a prematurely aged appearance and a vulnerable jawbone to decay. The good news is, restoring the lost teeth with dental implants prevent the decline of the jaw by fusing with it and adding stability.

Are you convinced of the advantages Dental Implants in Alice, TX offer compared to the other alternatives? If you are interested in giving it a go, we at Alice Dental Associates got you covered! Call or visit us at 750 Coyote Trail Alice, TX 78332 to get started.

Do you have a case of dental phobia? Or perhaps you have a child or family member who is reluctant to undergo a necessary dental procedure? If so, you have most likely considered sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is a common procedure, and the majority of individuals who have undergone it found that it completely calms their fears. If you want to resort to sedation during dental procedures, but you’re unsure of how it works, Alice Dental Associates will provide you the information you need to know. 

Here are the answers to common questions about sedation dentistry. Hopefully, this will make you understand the procedure better and help you decide on your next dental procedure. 

Will I be put to sleep during the procedure?

No, undergoing dental sedation will not cause you to sleep or become unconscious. During the procedure, you will still be awake and be able to converse. However, you will be less active and responsive while being relaxed and at ease. 

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes, sedation dentistry is safe, with a very low risk associated with it. Additionally, your dental practitioner will first check your medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for sedation. You will also be closely monitored while undergoing sedation for possible negative reactions, which are very unlikely to happen. 

Why do people opt for sedation?

People opt for dental sedation because it calms their nerves in the dental chair, and also helps in other situations. If you are prone to gagging during dental procedures or if you have overly sensitive teeth, being sedated will help you alleviate or remove those issues. Moreover, if you do not easily get numb as easily with anesthetic, being sedated will help you.

Will I still feel pain during the procedure?

The pain from the procedure will be numb through the help of a local anesthetic. If a dental sedative is used on you, your awareness level will be lowered further to prevent you from feeling pain during the dental procedure. 

Don’t let anxiety get in your way of achieving optimum oral health by availing of Sedation Dentistry in Alice, TX. Schedule an appointment with us at Alice Dental Associates for comfortable dental procedures. We are located at 750 Coyote Trail, Alice, TX 78332. Call us if you have any questions!

Scheduled a dental appointment for professional teeth cleaning but was then instructed by the dentist to undergo a dental x-ray? Many people are taught while growing up that exposure to any form of radiation is harmful. Based on history books, TV, or even movies, radiation has adverse effects on the body. However, the consequences would depend on the amount of radiation they are exposed to. If used in a small dosage, radiation can actually be used in medicine, as well as dentistry, in detecting and treating complications.

We at Alice Dental Associates want our patients to understand the good side of radiation. To do so, here are some interesting facts about dental x-rays we prepared. Read on!

• An x-ray provides dentists with a glimpse of developing dental issues before they can cause pain. As a result, they can provide treatment before it gets worse.
• Radiation is emitted from TVs, computers, and even watches.
• Taking a flight from Manchester (UK) to Paris (France) exposes a person to radiation that is equal to one digital dental x-ray.
• Bananas are actually radioactive. Eating 15 pieces of this fruit is equivalent to 2 digital x-rays.
• Cooking food using natural gas produces more radiation than a dental x-ray.
• Brazil nuts contain small amounts of radium; in fact, eating five pieces of this nut is equal to one dental x-ray.
• X-ray images do not only show the teeth but also the supporting tissues and bones. Because of this, dentists can spot cavities, examine tooth roots, and any other dental issues that need immediate attention.
• Without the help of dental x-rays, the dentist cannot ensure that the patient is receiving proper oral care and that there are no issues overlooked.
• It is advised for children and adults to get dental x-rays once every year.

The facts we shared above do not aim to worry or scare patients but to help them realize the safety digital dental x-ray offers. The truth is, dental x-rays exposes a person to a mere 2-3 mrem compared to the 360 mrem that an average person in the US is exposed to from the environment every year. Besides, our practice does not offer a traditional dental x-ray but the digital type in the form of Panoramic Cephalometric X-Ray Machine.

Become aware of the state of your overall oral health by taking advantage of our Dental X-Rays and Exam in Alice, TX! Call or visit us at Alice Dental Associates to get started. We are located at 750 Coyote Trail, Alice, TX 78332.

When the teeth become broken or damaged, one of the standard restorative options often required are dental crowns. A dental crown is a fixed prosthetic device that is attached over the tooth in order to protect it and ensure that it does not take any further damage. However, traditional dental crowns often take multiple appointments to complete. Fortunately, the continuous development in technology and dental care have paved the way for the creation of CEREC crowns. 

What is a CEREC crown?

Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic or simply known as CEREC crowns, are one way of restoring the damaged tooth aside from using the traditional dental crowns. Unlike conventional crowns, CEREC crowns are considered as a same-day solution since you won’t need multiple dental visits, and the need for the placement of the temporaries is no longer necessary as this type of crown is created in your dentist’s office. That is why if you want a quick and more advantageous method of fixing a specific dental problem, then you might want to consider CEREC crowns.

How long do CEREC crowns last?

Since CEREC crowns are made faster than traditional dental crowns, some people doubt the effectiveness and durability of this treatment. However, know that the creation and sustainability of CEREC crowns are in the same quality as with other traditional dental appliances. 

With proper care, along with regular dental visits, CEREC crowns can last for many years. Moreover, this type of crown requires less refitting; thus, it provides even more long-lasting results for some.

Will CEREC crowns look natural?

Our team here at Alice Dental Associates will ensure that your new crown is appropriately created to fit within the mouth perfectly. You won’t have to worry whether this restoration stands out among your other teeth since its shade will be made to match closely to the other existing teeth. Also, in placing CEREC crowns, this will be done consistently with overall dental balance so that your teeth will have a more natural-looking appearance. When everything is done, other people will find it hard to tell which of your teeth have undergone a restoration procedure.

Curious to know more about CEREC Crowns in Alice, TX? Contact us at Alice Dental Associates to schedule your appointment! We are located at 750 Coyote Trail, Alice, TX 78332.