The Benefits of Fluoride, From Your Dentist in Provo

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dream smile, Family Dentistry, Fluoride, General Dentistry, Smile Makeover

Provo lowest price teeth bleachingFluoride is a mineral, plain and simple. But it has many benefits for the teeth of children and adults alike, and the dentists at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo want  it to be part of your oral health routine.

Fluoride is contained in different foods as well as in water. Many  adjust the fluoride content of their municipal water. Fluoride is also added to dental products. This makes it possible for you to apply fluoride to your teeth when you brush your teeth or use mouth rinses.

Fluoride helps to rebuild weakened tooth enamel, and thus can reverse early signs of tooth decay. The fluoride you take in from toothpaste, water, and other sources becomes a part of your saliva. Consequently it is constantly bathing your teeth, and helping to rebuild the enamel.

Essential for Young Teeth

Fluoride is especially vital for kids. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, both the primary and the permanent teeth come in. Fluoride exposure is extremely useful for creating a foundation for lifelong oral health.

Adults can get a boost of fluoride during routine dental cleanings at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Helping our patients maintain good oral health is vital for us, and so is helping them achieve their dream smiles through cosmetic dentistry.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry has been serving the Provo area since 1967. We also provide family dentistry, and special services such as wisdom teeth extractions. We offer sedation dentistry to our patients with dental anxiety.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Your Dream Smile: Aesthetic Dentistry in Provo

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, General Dentistry, Invisalign Invisible Braces, Teeth Whitening

smile makeovers Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we offer our patients three innovative procedures for smile redesigns.

1. Dental Implants
Dental implants are transforming the face of dentistry. For most patients, a dental implant is the ideal solution for a missing tooth. A dental implant is a metal (usually titanium) post implanted into the jaw bone to replace the missing root of a tooth that has been extracted. The crown and supporting structure are securely attached to the post.

What makes implants such an attractive option is that after the final crown is affixed, it is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth.

2. Invisible Braces
Clear braces, sometimes called invisible braces, allow you to straighten your teeth discreetly because it is nearly impossible to see them while they are being worn. There are a couple of different kinds of invisible braces. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer Invisalign clear braces.

3. Teeth Whitening
Teeth have a way of getting yellow and dull, and may be that way even after a cleaning by a dental hygienist. If you’ve thought about getting a dazzling, movie star smile, Zoom! teeth whitening may be for you. Zoom! treatments penetrate the enamel of your teeth and bleach away discolorations caused by the food and drink we consumer. Best of all, it’s an in-office treatment that can be done in a single visit.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry would love to help your achieve your dream smile. We have been providing excellent dental care in Provo since 1967. We look forward to meeting you. Call us today for an appointment.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

5 Reasons To Schedule A Dental Cleaning Today

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, Teeth cleaning

professional dental cleaning Orem

Having your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist is always a good idea, but the benefits go beyond that great clean feeling you have afterward. At Hammond General and Aesthetic Dentistry in Provo, we’ve got five excellent reasons.

1. Protect Your Gums

It’s not only cavities that can damage a tooth until it is beyond saving. Gum disease that leads to bone loss is just as detrimental. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque that creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots. This leads to periodontitis, gum recession, and eventual bone loss. A professional cleaning eliminates the plaque before it can cause the gums to loosen.

2. Prevent Cavities

Even if you brush and floss your teeth morning and night, plaque can build up. We have many patients who are vigilant brushers, but are surprised when our hygienist discovers plaque on their teeth.

3. Check for Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation relates this grave news: oral cancer claims one life approximately every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year. We screen you at each visit.1

4. Oral Health and Overall Health Go Hand in Hand

Your mouth is not a separate entity from the rest of the body, but many individuals treat it that way. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’ve often wondered about this persistent disconnect. Did you know there is compelling evidence to suggest that the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes increases with poor oral health?

5. It May Be Free

Many Utah dental insurance plans cover biannual dental cleanings. Even if you don’t have dental insurance, cleanings are one of the most competitively priced ways to maintain prime oral health.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide our patients with a wide range of services, including cosmetic and family dentistry. Schedule a professional dental cleaning with us; you’ll be glad you did.

1http://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Both Smoking And Vaping Put Your Smile At Risk

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Categories: Dental Health

oral health risks of e-cigarettes Provo

A recent study on the effects of e-cigarettes on oral health has more dismal information for men and women who believe vaping is safer than smoking traditional cigarettes. In a study published in the journal Oncotarget, scientists determined that e-cigarettes may cause chronic inflammation and permanent cellular deterioration. These conditions, in turn, can bring about periodontitis, oral cancer, and tooth loss.1

As defined by the FDA, “E-cigarettes are devices that allow users to inhale an aerosol containing nicotine or other substances.”2

Before e-cigarettes appeared on the scene in 2005, the number of individuals who smoked traditional cigarettes had remained fairly steady. The unforeseen rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, however, has triggered a substantial health risk, especially for the nation’s teenagers.

“Between 2011 and 2015, the U.S. Surgeon General found e-cigarette use among high school students increased by 900 percent, with more teens now using e-cigarettes than cigarettes.”2

Hi, I’m Dr. Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. My experienced team treats general dentistry patients suffering from smoking-related oral health conditions with expertise and compassion. We also strive to provide accurate information about public health issues. We add our voice to the healthcare professionals who are working to inform the public about the dangers of e-cigarettes and clear up the misconception that they are somehow less dangerous than traditional cigarettes. If you have smoked in the past and are dealing with gum issues or yellow teeth as a result, call us today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation. We offer a number of options to get you back to a healthy, beautiful smile.

Sources:
1Isaac K. Sundar, Fawad Javed, Georgios E. Romanos, Irfan Rahman, “E-cigarettes and flavorings induce inflammatory and pro-senescence responses in oral epithelial cells and periodontal fibroblasts,” Oncotarget, 2016, http://www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget/index.php?journal=oncotarget&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=12857, accessed April 24, 2017
2 “E-cigarettes and Lung Health” The American Lung Association, http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/e-cigarettes-and-lung-health.html, accessed April 25, 2017

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Does Your Dentist Conjure Up Cavities?

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Categories: Dental Health

prevent cavities Provo

Cavities can be filled, but it is better to prevent cavities in the first place. If your dentist in Utah County seems to conjure up cavities at every visit, then it’s up to you to break the cycle. But we are here to help you. Let’s work together.

How can you lift the cavity curse? Schedule a preventative dental consultation and examination at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry by calling 801-374-0070. You will be served by several members of our friendly team. One of our experienced dental hygienists will give your teeth and gums the best cleaning they have ever received. He or she will review proper oral hygiene and discuss ways to incorporate these critical habits into your lifestyle.

Dr. Chris Hammond DDS will perform a thorough examination and discuss your dental conditions and goals. We welcome questions about brushing, flossing, diet, medical issues, and lifestyle choices. These are all factors that affect your dental health.

Here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, as much as we love to see our general dentistry patients, we would prefer they all enjoyed healthy smiles and only had to visit a couple times a year for cleanings and checkups. Use preventative dental visits to improve your oral care techniques and break the cavity curse.

Dr. Chris Hammond DDS is an experienced dental professional who promotes preventative dentistry. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo was launched in 1967 to provide the residents of Provo, Utah County, Lehi, and American Fork with the highest standard of personalized dental care.
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers a comprehensive menu of dental services including oral sedation dentistry, Invisalign, mini implants and dental crowns.

Find us nearby at: 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Provo, Utah, call: 801-374-0070 or visit: https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/

We look forward to working with you to break the cavity curse.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Tooth Whitening: In-Office Or At Home?

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affordable teeth whitening Provo

If you are planning to whiten your teeth, the vital first step is to settle upon a whitening method. It may seem like there are a multitude of options, but it’s important to remember that they all employ a peroxide-based whitening solution. The difference lies in the strength of the bleaching solution and method of delivery. In-office whitening procedures generally use a solution with a relatively higher concentration of peroxide. In other words, it is stronger.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY and in-office teeth whitening.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Advantages
Generally less pricey
Doesn’t require a trip to your dentist in Provo
May cause less tooth sensitive and pain
At-Home Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
Takes longer to achieve desired level of lightening
Whitening appliances don’t protect gum tissue
Solution must be applied many times over a period of weeks

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Advantages
Pros
Same day results
Administered by a dental professional
Gum tissue is protected
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
More expensive

Did you know that in order to maintain the brightness achieved from an in-office teeth whitening treatment, a patient must follow up with at-home touch-ups? Therefore, a combination of in-office and DIY methods is often the most effective solution.

A note about non-professional teeth bleaching kiosks:
A few years ago during the height of the tooth-whitening craze, teeth whitening kiosks starting popping up in Orem area malls. Though some have closed their doors, a few remain in business. Dr. Hammond urges patients to avoid these establishments. There is little regulatory oversight and customers have no guarantee of the safety of their services or the qualifications of their employees. As always, it is essential to only trust your smile to cosmetic dentistry professionals.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry advises patients to meet with with their Provo dentist before starting any tooth bleaching regimen. An oral examination will help your dentist know if tooth whitening will deliver the results you are seeking. This is especially vital when you have tetracycline stains or multiple restorations.

 

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Smile Necessities And Possibilities

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

fast braces Provo

Hi, I’m Dr. Chris Hammond with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry located at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 in Provo. The truth is, practicing cosmetic and family dentistry has been a rewarding decision for me.

Between restorative and cosmetic dentistry, I am able to create beautiful smiles for patients that beautify as well as satisfy. I am thrilled with the changes for good I see in a person’s life.

Let’s Talk

I’m able to meet and discuss what is needed, what is desired and what is possible for your smile before we design an individualized plan of action. Call to find out about the cost of various dental services and to schedule a consultation at 801-374-0070. I aim for competitive costs when it comes to smile makeovers through cosmetic dental procedures and restorative dentistry. Big or small, the procedures are vital to our patients and their self confidence and are therefore of the utmost importance to myself and my staff.

We’ve been around since 1967. Over the years we have performed many, many procedures involving cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, and dental implants as well as educating and guiding patients to better hygiene and understanding of their oral needs and possibilities. That freely revealed smile of childhood can be restored to you.

Restorative dentistry ranges from simple fillings to chipped tooth restoration to dental implants. Cosmetic dentistry has many caveats that require consideration and experience. I look forward to meeting your needs on your terms. I am sure we will get along wonderfully. See you soon!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Top 6 Ways To Destroy A Beautiful Smile

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porcelain veneers cost Orem

6. Be a Builder Not a Wrecker
Bacteria is constantly trying to build an empire in your mouth, give it what it wants: juice, soda, chewy candy for the small crevices and hard to reach surfaces!

5. Let Acid Rock It!
Energy drinks, diet soda, red wine, coffee, tea. Great at staining and wearing away surfaces. The perfect magnet for acid loving bacteria. So avoid gums with Xylitol and Recaldent and shoot for foods and beverages containing citric acid and the super duper sourest of candies.

4. Enjoy an Overcast Day Every Day
Lighting up and remaining in a tobacco fog is an efficient way to achieve the vibrant yellow hue we’re all looking for in tooth apparel.

3. Toss out Toothbrush and Floss
Avoid brushing after every single meal with a soft, gentle bristled toothbrush and fend off the urge to floss twice a day. This is critical if you want the bacteria to take over and result in gum disease and tooth decay.

2. Use Your Teeth as Tools
Hammer, wrench, screwdriver, scissors, bottle-opener. Use your imagination. Who needs a toolbox when you’ve got 32 solid options?

1. Cancel Regular Check-Ups
It is more difficult to ruin your smile if you have regular check-ups with your favorite Provo dentist. Best to avoid them altogether if your goal is pure chaos and painful destruction.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and walked away with a renewed desire to take care of those enamel-covered marvels that serve you faithfully day in and day out.

I know many people throughout Utah County and American Fork have difficult struggles with oral health and lack smile satisfaction. That’s why I’m here. I am Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. If you are experiencing dental problems, schedule a consultation today. I look forward to creating a plan to restore your oral health and the beauty of your smile.

To find out the price of braces, the price of veneers, the cost of teeth whitening, or the cost of a dental crown, call my practice at 801-374-0070.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

If My Gums Bleed, Should I Stop Flossing?

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Categories: Dental Health

bleeding gums Provo

This is a critical question occasionally asked by family dentistry patients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. The answer, however, is “No!” Bleeding is probably a sign that you need to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly – not leave them alone. It is impossible to clean effectively between teeth without using floss or an interdental brush.

If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times you use floss. The bleeding may be due to detrimental gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding frequently stops within a week or two.

Gingivitis (gum disease) and the more advanced periodontal disease is extremely common in Utah and around the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of American adults aged 30 and over have periodontal disease. https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm

If you don’t make flossing a habit, and your gums become sore, swollen, and tender, it could cause gum disease. The good news is that, unlike tooth decay, gum disease can be reversed with improved oral hygiene.

It is essential to correctly use dental floss to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth:

  1. +Cut a length of floss about 18 inches long.
  2. +Securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
  3. +Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with.
  4. +Thread the floss between two teeth.
  5. +Hold the floss tightly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s important to scrape up and out of the pocket.
  6. +Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface – especially those that your brush can’t reach. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to provide a clean section for every tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new one.

Some general dentistry patients find it easier to start on one end on the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side. Then repeat for the bottom row. Whatever operation you choose, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the last molars.

What if you continue flossing for a few weeks and still experience bleeding? Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 to schedule a consultation. Chris Hammond, DDS, will carry out an intensive examination to determine the cause of the bleeding.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our goal is to help patients preserve healthy teeth and gums. Our dental hygienists not only complete the most thorough dental cleanings, they also educate patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you have a child who needs extra help learning how to brush and floss correctly, schedule an appointment with our Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry child-friendly team.

Some patients have perfectly healthy teeth and gums but are not satisfied with their smile due to cosmetic issues. If you want to explore cosmetic dentistry possibilities for improving your smile, communicate with us today at 801-374-0070.

We offer technologically-advanced cosmetic dental services including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, inlays/onlays, and tooth-colored filling replacement. Ask us about oral sedation options if you need help relaxing during dental treatment. You can count on us to maintain the highest standard of safety and sterility at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Not All Smile Makeovers Are Created Equal

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Lehi cosmetic smile makeover

Hello Provo! Welcome to the Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental blog. Let’s talk about cosmetic dental smile makeovers. Some Provo patients wonder if  the term is synonymous with general cosmetic dentistry.

Are the placement of four veneers considered a smile makeover? Well, yes and no. If your smile is attractive and healthy except for some chips in your upper front teeth, cosmetic veneers may remedy the few cosmetic problems and result in a dazzling smile.

Generally, however, a complete cosmetic dental smile makeover combines several carefully-chosen cosmetic dentistry procedures performed at the same time for a complete smile renewal. In other words, the sum is greater than the parts.

For example, one treatment plan could include restoration of dental crowns, veneers for teeth that are misshapen but otherwise healthy, tooth-colored filling replacement for old amalgam fillings, and teeth whitening for the crowning touch.

I am Dr. Chris Hammond. I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry in Provo, Utah since 1967. Performing successful cosmetic dental smile makeovers makes my profession extremely fulfilling. Patients who plan to receive a smile makeover should take their time choosing a dentist to perform it. I invite you to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your needs and wishes. During the consultation, I can tell you about my extensive experience and show you before and after pictures of satisfied patients.

When I design a custom smile makeover, I study several elements in addition to the teeth. After all, the teeth are just one component of the patient’s face. The gumline, lips, mouth, facial shape, facial structure, coloring, and patient’s age affect the scope of the design. This comprehensive approach to a smile makeover achieves amazing results and sets our practice apart.

If you are interested in learning more about smile makeovers, call us today at 801-374-0070.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604