7 Steps For A Healthy Smile

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Categories: Dental Health

Orem Extreme Smile Makeover

 “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Benjamin Franklin coined this phrase in the 1730s as advice for fire safety. However, like all timeless quotes, it applies to many more aspects of modern life, particularly dental health.

Keeping your smile beautiful and healthy is done most effectively with preventative measures. Some of the most important guidelines are highlighted here.

1. Make a habit of brushing your teeth. Do it twice a day for 2 minutes. Be sure to use an ADA approved toothpaste and toothbrush. They can be purchased at any drugstore.

2. Don’t forget the floss! Flossing between your teeth daily will do wonders for your teeth and keep your gums healthy too.

3. Wear a protective mouthguard whenever you are engaged in an activity where your mouth could possibly be damaged. This includes many recreation league and school sponsored sports.

4. Don’t smoke. As if you needed yet another reason not to!

5. Avoid piercing your lips, tongue, cheek, or any other part of your mouth that someone decided you should shove a metal bar through. Piercings put you at greater risk for chipped teeth, infection and nerve damage.

6. Stay away from snacks that have a lot of sugar or starch.

7. Schedule regular dental visits, of course!

My name is Dr. Chris Hammond. Helping my dental patients establish good habits is important to me, and so is helping them achieve the smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening and complete smile makeovers.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry has been serving the Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi area since 1967. If you are in the market for an exceptional dentist, we invite you to contact us at 801-374-0070 so we can make an appointment for you.

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/preteens-and-teens/, accessed on February 21, 2013

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

What Does A Missing Tooth Say About You?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

Orem Mini-Implants When you meet someone who is missing a front tooth, what does that say to you? Do you wonder if they were in an accident? Do you automatically start making assumptions about their income, level of education and overall physical health?

Though it is extremely unfair, we are often judged (and misjudged) by our appearance. Even if a person is impeccably dressed and groomed, a missing front tooth detracts from the overall pleasing impression.

Here is a personal story from a woman who lost a tooth:

I lost my job and along with it my dental insurance, then a month later, one of my front teeth. It has been very hard to find work…. and I know the missing tooth has cost me several jobs.”

A missing tooth can be a big deal.

Dental implants not only restore oral health, they restore self-confidence. Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Studies have shown that after more than 20 years, the vast majority of dental implants placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons continue to function at peak performance. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Not all cosmetic dental procedures are as extreme as teeth implants. There are many minimally-invasive remedies for unattractive smiles.

Porcelain veneers instantly provide a perfect, gleaming tooth surface for patients with broken or discolored teeth. Tooth whitening is a quick and affordable dentistry procedure that achieves dramatic results without requiring the removal of any tooth structure. Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 for more information about smile design and restorative dentistry- Dr. Chris Hammond

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Take Care Of Your Toothbrush!

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Categories: Dental Health

Orem Dental Patients Take Care Of Your Toothbrush!

The common household toothbrush. Every Provo home has at least one, and hopefully, everyone is brushing their teeth after each meal. While cosmetic dentistry and a complete smile makeover seem to be all the rage these days, daily brushing is still the most important thing you can do for your oral health.

It has been said that each toothbrush can contain millions of bacteria. But don’t worry, those bacteria come from our mouths, which harbor equal amounts of bacteria. For a person with a healthy immune system, these bacteria pose no threat.

However, a few common sense tips might keep any unnecessary germs from affecting your toothbrush.

First, be sure to store your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, and close the toilet lid before flushing. Each flush of the toilet releases a spray of bacteria into the air, so it’s best to just eliminate the spray.

Next, since bacteria like a moist environment, store your toothbrush upright and without a travel case so that it can dry completely between uses.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Brushing and flossing are the key to good oral health, and doing both each day lowers your risk for gun disease, cavities, and bad breath.

Keep your smile bright by visiting Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry regularly and practicing proper oral hygiene.

Dr. Chris Hammond has been a dentist in the Provo area since 1967. We can answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and clear braces.

Call to schedule an appointment today!

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

What Have We Done For You Lately?

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Categories: General Dentistry

family dentist Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, everything we do is for the welfare of our valued patients. We are committed to delivering quality, compassionate dental care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

We know that optimum oral health is a critical element of comprehensive physical health and that dentists do more that just “drill and fill.” Like your primary care physician, Chris Hammond is an indispensable member of your family’s team of healthcare providers.

What Has Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry Done Lately?

  • Diagnosis and treatment of gum disease
  • Oral cancer checks
  • Diagnosis and treatment of chronic bad breath
  • Coordinated care with medical doctors for dental patients with cancer or other chronic conditions
  • Guidance on the oral health considerations of medication side effects
  • Custom night guards for people who grind their teeth
  • Oral conscious sedation, patience, and compassion for patients with dental anxiety
  • Specialized care for pregnant woman
  • Pediatric dental counsel for new parents
  • Emergency care for victims of a mouth injury
  • Referrals to and coordination with trusted specialists for procedures we don’t perform at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
  • Custom mouthguards for athletes of all ages
  • Instruction on appropriate dental hygiene
  • Diagnosis of bite issues
  • Replacement of old amalgam fillings
  • Improved confidence for smile transformation recipients
  • In-office and at-home teeth whitening
  • Dental deep cleanings that include scaling and root planing for plaque and tartar removal

What Can We Do For You?

The caring team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry would love to help you with any of your dental needs. To schedule an appointment, call 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

 

Say Goodbye To Old Amalgam Fillings

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Categories: General Dentistry

white fillings Orem

Remember what your teeth looked like before you had your first cavity? When you opened your mouth to laugh or yawn, people with you could see only pearly white molar surfaces. (Unless, of course, you had been munching Oreos.)

Like many adults, you probably started developing cavities fairly young and started receiving the ubiquitous silver amalgam fillings. As the years went by, two fillings became three. If you didn’t drink fluoridated water, three fillings may have became four. Now when you open wide, others see a mouthful of metal.

Fortunately, patients with silver amalgam fillings can regain the smile of their youth. The replacement of silver fillings with composite tooth-colored fillings is a relatively inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. It can transform a smile just as dramatically as more extensive cosmetic dental treatment.

Composite fillings are made up of a mixture of glass, quartz and resin. They are strong and durable when bonded to the tooth with adhesive.

Hopefully, you don’t have a new cavity. But if you do, you can start off with a white composite filling. In addition to the cosmetic advantages, the preparation of composite fillings requires the removal of less healthy tooth structure. A conservatively-priced restoration at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry leaves you with more of nature’s superior dental material—your own enamel and dentin.

If you would like to improve your American Fork smile by replacing silver-mercury fillings, schedule a Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry cosmetic dental consultation today by calling 801-374-0070. We will develop a treatment plan to address all areas of concern. If you have your teeth brightened in combination with silver filling replacement, you’ll be pleased with your new unforgettable smile.

Ask us about mini implants, Invisalign, sedation dentistry and dental crowns. We look forward to meeting you. 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

 

Using Nature As Our Guide At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry In Provo

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

smile design Provo

Dr. Chris Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry performs complete smile re-designs that turn ordinary teeth (or even teeth with significant problems) into sensational smiles. If you have been considering a smile makeover, you probably want to know if you will still look like yourself.

The answer is “Yes! Only better!” We use nature as a guide when improving smiles. Bringing multiple components into harmony is crucial when designing a a terrific smile makeover. Here are a few:

  • Tooth Shape – includes proportion and alignment
  • Tooth Size – this also includes the unique dimensions of the spaces between the teeth
  • Tooth Color – hue, value, intensity, and color variations between teeth
  • Tooth Bite – how upper and lower teeth fit together
  • Gumline – shape and color
  • Face Shape and Bone Structure
  • Skin Tone
  • Lips – color, shape, size
  • Age
  • Gender

This list is not comprehensive, but it gives you an idea of the complexity. Though advanced cosmetic dentistry is multifaceted, it follows the esthetic principles expressed in naturally beautiful smiles.

But you don’t have to worry about midlines and microesthetics because we are committed to the details. We invite you to schedule a smile design consultation to communicate with Dr. Hammond about your current smile and the dazzling smile you desire.

 

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Has Your Child Visited A Dentist?

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Categories: Family Dentistry

Provo Kid

Today’s Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry blog is for new parents. We know that your child’s health and safety is your top priority. That’s why you baby-proof your home, serve healthy foods, and buckle them tightly in their car seat before you pull out of your driveway.

I’m Dr. Chris Hammond. I want to remind parents that oral health is an intrinsic component of overall health. Teeth and gum condition can affect speech development, nutrition, and self-confidence. From birth, there are important things parents can do to promote healthy teeth – even before your son’s or daughter’s first tooth erupts.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we maintain a kid-friendly environment so our youngest patients look forward to dental check-ups and never develop the fear of dentists that was more common in generations past. I love working with you and your child to ensure a healthy smile for life and I can assure you that my caring staff will help your child have a positive experience.

We recommend bringing your child in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth erupts. During the visit, we can discuss pediatric dental issues such as fluoride treatments, brushing and flossing techniques, orthodontia, and dental sealants. Dental sealants are composed of a plastic material that is applied to children’s teeth. The sealants bond to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, mainly in the pits and fissures and protects the enamel against acids and plaque.

Provo children’s dentists also advise Utah parents about pacifier use, thumb-sucking and other habits that can affect your child’s tooth development and oral health. Remember to call us immediately at 801-374-0070 if your child (or any member of your family) experiences a tooth injury.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

To Chew Or Not To Chew In Provo

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Categories: Dental Health

To Chew Or Not To Chew In Provo

Hello, gum chewers. Today, we’re going to talk about that sticky wad of candy in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it really help guard your smile from cavities?

It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can be beneficial in removing bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is negated by the stream of sugar washing over your teeth as you chew.

However, gum with some alternative sweeteners has an added benefit for your pearly whites. Xylitol is a sweetener which not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but it also has antimicrobial properties that lessen plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes dental caries.

So if you’re headed out to any restaurants in the Provo area, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done. Of course, brushing and flossing are the ideal practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, elect a sugarless gum with xylitol.

I’m Dr. Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We offer sedation dentistry, Invisalign, and mini implants. If you have any questions about how to beautify your oral health, or if you would like details about any of our unprecedented cosmetic dental care such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete smile transformations, give us a call today at 801-374-0070.

Call our caring team 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

 

Quirky Dental Facts That May Surprise You

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Categories: General Dentistry

Utah County cosmetic dental and tooth implants

In today’s Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry post, we share some fun facts about dentistry. Enjoy!

  • Many dental patients are aware that before there was formal dental training and licensing, barbers often performed dental procedures. But did you know that blacksmiths also moonlighted as dentists?1 How would you like your dental visit to involve tools used to hammer hot metal?
  • The Mayans were accomplished cosmetic dentists. One smile style in Mayan culture was bejeweled teeth – a procedure that involved the drilling of holes to embed precious gems. That’s a grill with major bling! 1
  • The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That is enough to fill up two swimming pools.2 (Not a very pleasant image, right?)
  • Nylon toothbrush bristles weren’t introduced until 1938. Prior to that, pig hair was a common bristle material.3 (“Mom, my toothbrush smells like bacon!”)
  • A popular toothache treatment in medieval Germany was to kiss a donkey.3 There is no evidence that it actually worked and it is unknown if the same remedy was used by donkeys.
  • Every person’s tongue is unique – just like a fingerprint.4
  • In medieval Japan, black teeth were considered appealing. Style-conscious women used roots to stain their teeth.3

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, you won’t find pig hair, donkeys, or anvils. You will find first rate dental care and our caring team of dental professionals. Our menu of services includes: sedation dentistry, Invisalign, and mini implants. Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today at 801-374-0070 to schedule an informative consultation.

 

1Gregory Myers,”10 Weird Facts About Teeth,” ListVerse, January 27, 2014, http://listverse.com/2014/01/27/10-weird-facts-about-teeth/, accessed on November 14, 2014
2“Mouth Matters,” Visual.ly, August 28, 2012, http://visual.ly/your-mouth-matters-fun-dental-facts, accessed on November 14, 2014
3“Chew on This, Fun Tooth Facts for a Healthy Mouth,” Delta Dental, http://www.deltadentalnc.org/MediaLibraries/Global/documents/Delta-Dental-Tooth-Tips-BF.pdf, accessed on November 12, 2014
4“New oral features can be considered unique as a fingerprint,” DentistryiQ, http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/01/new-oral-features-can-be-considered-unique-as-a-fingerprint.html, accessed on November 14, 2014

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

What Is Necessary For A Dental Crown?

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Categories: Dental Crowns

dental crowns Provo

Dental crowns have been around for millennia and are still used to restore smiles today. Ancient dentists used ivory, bone, and seashells to make crowns for teeth. Evidence of gold crowns dates from 200 A.D. Porcelain crowns appeared in the 1800s. With the advancement of metal casting techniques in the 1900s, crown technology took a big leap forward.

A dental crown procedure consists of multiple steps:

Tooth Preparation
Your dentist will anesthetize the tooth to be crowned and then prepare it. All decay is removed and the tooth is shaped. Usually, the dentist files off tooth structure to reduce the size and create the proper shape. Sometimes, the tooth is too small to begin with; in that case, the dentist builds up the core of the tooth with filling material to design a durable base for the crown. All-metal crowns – as opposed to porcelain crowns – have thinner sides, requiring less removal of tooth structure.

Creating a Good Impression
The dentist will use a putty-like substance to form an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth. An impression will also be made of the teeth that oppose the crown. This ensures that the crown does not negatively impact the bite.

The Temporary Crown
A temporary crown is used to protect the tooth and make sure it doesn’t move in the mouth while the permanent crown is being produced. Patient need to be careful with their temporary crown. It is not as strong as the permanent crown and is attached only with temporary cement. Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky foods. Be aware that the tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold.

Choosing a Color
If the new crown will be fabricated with porcelain, you and your dentist will use a shade guide to elect a shade for the restoration. Most people don’t have teeth that are exactly the same color. You will need to establish the most appropriate shade to blend in with the surrounding teeth.

The Lab Team Works Its Magic
The dentist or a laboratory technician then uses the model to establish the crown. Some dentists have the equipment required to manufacture crowns right in their office. Same day restorations are created with a machine that mills a crown from a small block of ceramic in the proper shade.

Your Crown Is Put In Place
When the new crown is ready, your dentist places it in your mouth and makes any needed modification to attain a perfect fit. This process shouldn’t be rushed. Sometimes less than a millimeter of drilling can make the difference between an ill-fitting crown that makes irregular contact with the opposing teeth and a crown that is accurately fitted.

I’m Dr. Chris Hammond, of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. My practice offers mini implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, dental crowns, and Invisalign.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604