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Floss Pick Facts For Provo

Posted on January 2, 2015January 6, 2015

Dental patients who live in the Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi area want to keep their mouths as healthy and clean as possible. However, they are also looking for convenience, and that’s why many of them turn to floss picks instead of old-fashioned dental floss.

These little tools are quite handy. They usually have a handle that is pointed and can double as a toothpick, and a length of floss strung in a U-shaped groove. They are inexpensive and can be used more discreetly than floss.

While this may seem like a dream come true for those hoping to make flossing a more regular part of their oral health routine, floss picks are still a step below actual floss in effectiveness.

The American Dental Association has only approved dental floss for cleaning in between teeth. One issue is that floss picks can’t curve and form the angles needed for superior cleaning.

So, what is a responsible dental patient to do? The first thing is to communicate with your Provo, Utah dentist and see what their opinion is. If you love floss picks, continue to use them when convenient, but still try to use regular dental floss daily.

If you are in the process of looking for a new dentist, we hope that you consider Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We have been serving the Orem area since 1967 from our Provo practice.

Our caring staff would love to answer any questions you have regarding flossing and other dental health concerns, as well as questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.

Call 801-374-0070 today to schedule an exam or consultation.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

The following website was used as source material for this blog: http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/floss-and-other-interdental-cleaners, accessed on August 1, 2014

4 Reason To Look For The ADA Seal In Orem

Posted on December 12, 2014October 30, 2015

When you go to your Utah County, American Fork, or Lehi drugstore or supermarket looking for toothpaste, mouthwash, teeth whitener, or another oral care product, be sure that the product you choose carries the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

Today in our Provo dental blog, we are going to look at 4 ways the ADA seal can help you make good oral care choices for you and your family.

1. Products with the seal have to be safe and effective, so you won’t waste your money on something that won’t work, or worse, can harm you.

2. The American Dental Association (or ADA) only places their seal on a product after serious scientific testing. This usually means that manufacturers have to meet higher standards than those required by law.

3. When you purchase products with the ADA seal, it’s practically like shopping with your Provo dentist or dental hygienist right by your side! Who wouldn’t want that extra knowledge and information?

4. The ADA Seal is not an endorsement of one particular product or another, but rather is a verification of the claims made by said product, claims on which savvy consumers can rely.

Hi, I am Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We also serve the Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi areas. We take pride in caring for our patients and, like the ADA, want you to have a healthy, beautiful smile. Many of our patients wonder if a smile makeover is right for them. If you’d like to know, schedule an appointment and we’ll take a look! Even just one procedure such as porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings, or teeth whitening can significantly improve your smile.

Our practice offers:

Sedation dentistry
Invisalign
Mini implants
Dental crowns

Contact us at 801-374-0070 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ada-seal-products/, accessed on June 5, 2013

Can You Name 9 Dental Specialties?

Posted on December 5, 2014December 3, 2014

Most Lehi people probably know how a pediatric dentist differs from an orthodontist. Some American Fork dental patients may even know the unique focus of endodontists. But few Utah residents probably know that the American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties. Today’s post looks at the specific disciplines within the fascinating world of dentistry and the years in which they were formally recognized by the ADA. (If you want a challenge, see if you can name all nine before you continue reading this post.)

Endodontics (1983): This area focuses on “the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues.”¹ If you need a root canal in Provo, you may require the services of an endodontist.

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2003): If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.

Pediatric Dentistry (1995): Lehi pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children and teenagers.

Periodontics (1992): “Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes.”¹ Periodontal specialists perform crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and soft tissue (gum) grafts.

Prosthodontics (2003): Prosthodontists provide restorative dental procedures including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also perform cosmetic dental treatments including porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bonding, invisible fillings, and teeth bleaching.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (1991): This specialty concerns “the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations.”¹

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (2001): Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1990): Oral surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums. These include facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate correction, bone grafting, dental implants, and impacted teeth.

Dental Public Health (1976): This discipline focuses on “preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.”¹

General dentists and cosmetic dentists in the Provo area are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures. However, sometimes your Orem general dentist will refer you to a local Orem specialist, or include a specialist as part of your treatment team.

¹Specialty Definitions, The American Dental Association, http://www.ada.org/495.aspx, accessed May 22, 2013

6 Ways Dental Crowns Restore Orem Smiles

Posted on December 4, 2014December 12, 2015

Dental crowns have been around a long time, and they continue to play an important role in Provo cosmetic dentistry. A dental crown, often called a cap, covers the visible part of the tooth.

Dental crowns are used for several problems common among Orem cosmetic dentistry patients:

An old crown that is damaged or ill-fitting
A broken tooth
A tooth with extreme decay
A tooth that has had a root canal
A tooth that is too small or misshapen
A tooth that prevents a proper bite

A dental crown serves both structural and aesthetic purposes. It protects a natural tooth from additional decay and damage while permitting normal function. In addition, a dental crown often prevents the need for an extraction and the bone loss that can occur with a missing tooth.

Orem cosmetic dentistry patients who get a dental crown should not assume that the tooth is now invincible. Crowns need daily cleaning and flossing just like natural teeth. The remaining tooth structure just around the gumline could still become decayed and the soft tissue around the crown is susceptible to gum disease. Chewing hard foods or using your teeth as a tool can cause a crown to crack or break. (Use scissors to open a stubborn plastic package – don’t bite and pull!) Your Provo cosmetic dentist can advise you on caring for your new crown so that it will last as long as possible. Some of our American Fork, Orem, and Provo patients have crowns that are still looking beautiful after ten years.

For information on Orem dental crown prices, invisible braces, conscious sedation, or teeth whitening, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today at 801-374-0070 or visit https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

Cosmetic Dentistry Gives Orem Residents Perfect Smiles

Posted on November 28, 2014November 24, 2014

Hi. We’re Dr. Hammond, and our practice has been providing excellent dental care here in Provo since 1967. One of our favorite things about being dentist is seeing how our Provo area patients find renewed confidence in themselves after a smile makeover.

If you’ve ever wanted to improve your smile, call us today at 801-374-0070 so we can talk about your cosmetic dentistry options.

There have been numerous advances in the field of cosmetic dentistry in recent years and you may be surprised to find out what your Provo dentist can do for your smile.

Teeth whitening is a common procedure in Orem dental offices, and the results can be dramatic! Brighter teeth can be the centerpiece of your new, youthful look.

Veneers are designed to cover the front of the teeth and are custom-made for each individual patient. These are useful for Provo patients who have broken or chipped teeth, stained teeth, or gaps between teeth that they would like to hide.

Enamel shaping, bonding, and braces are other important procedures that can be used to help your teeth look their best.

So, why wait, Orem? Now is the time to get the smile you’ve always wanted, and we’re here to help. The caring staff here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry would love to answer any questions you have about these cosmetic dentistry procedures as well as bridges, crowns, and general oral health.

We are currently accepting new patients, so contact us today!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

Provo Dental Patients Want A Choice In Dental Fillings

Posted on November 21, 2014November 18, 2014

With all the talk in Provo of multi-procedure smile makeovers involving veneers, porcelain crowns, bridges, teeth whitening, dental implants, and invisible braces, sometimes the traditional dental filling is overlooked. If a cavity progresses no further than a filling, Utah cosmetic dental patients can avoid more extensive and invasive treatments. Today, let’s talk about dental fillings.

Most dental patients in the Provo and Orem area have a few fillings in their mouth. When a tooth has been damaged through decay, a dental filling is the most common way Utah family dentists restore the tooth to its previous, intact condition.

Dental fillings have been used for over a hundred years, and they’ve come a long way from the silvery amalgam fillings many of us in the Utah County area remember.

Provo cosmetic dentists and dental labs have been working to formulate filling materials that are more cosmetically pleasing to their Utah patients.

Today, the filling material of choice in Provo and around the country is a composite of plastic resin with glass or quartz filler. Referred to as composite fillings, Provo dental patients love the fact that they can be matched to their natural tooth color, making them practically invisible. This is particularly important when the filling needs to be in a conspicuous part of the mouth, such as the front teeth.

Despite the popularity of tooth-colored fillings, many Provo dentists still find amalgam fillings appropriate in some cases. Dental amalgam is made from a metal alloy, which gives it the ability to hold strong even when the chewing load is great.

We’re Dr. Hammond, cosmetic Provo dentists, and we work hard to make sure our clients enjoy their dental visits and love their smiles. We find it especially rewarding when Orem, Utah County, and Provo residents find renewed confidence after a smile makeover. So whether you are interested in replacing metal fillings with composites, or if you want to discuss tooth whitening and veneers, our staff would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Call 801-374-0070 today to schedule an appointment with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

Use Five Fingers For Quick And Healthy Flossing In Provo, Utah

Posted on November 14, 2014December 30, 2020

Here are five flossing steps made so easy you can tick them off one finger at a time thanks to Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, on the web at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

Thumbkin: Thumb to Chest Reminder
Thumb to chest can remind me that this isn’t for my friends. Brushing the goobers off so I don’t gross them out; rinsing with mouthwash for fresh breath as I speak – THAT is for friends. Flossing is for me, myself and I. I want healthy gums, therefore I floss.

Pointer: Pointer Fingers Measure
How much floss will I need to floss my 32 teeth? The American Dental Association suggests you start with about 18 inches. About 6 lengths of your pointer finger should suffice.

Tall Man: Wrap the Middle Fingers
This is a team effort. With the middle fingers wound up in the floss, the thumb and forefinger can grip and guide the floss into place. After curving the floss around the tooth into a “C” shape, and using up and down motions to wipe away plaque, then “unspool” the floss for a new section for the next tooth’s edges.

Ring Man: The Smell Test
Many a long-term relationship has been cut short due to not-so-fresh breath. Smell floss before going between teeth. Smell it after. Bad smell? Brushing is not cleaning away that bacteria well enough. Hurray for floss! This smell test says the brushing needs to be adjusted. Be gentle with your gums. Keep those spots at the base of your teeth bacteria free.

Pinky: Time to Promise
Make the commitment now. Every time you look at your pinky, remember that you pinky promised to keep those gums free from disease. Flossing isn’t so much about removing food as it is about removing dental plaque. Plaque causes tooth decay and inflamed gums. Periodontal disease eventually leads to tooth loss. Tooth neglect is a slippery slope.

I am Dr. Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We encourage you to take care of your oral health needs for a happier, healthier life.

Use those fingers to dial our number for a consultation: 801-374-0070 or meet us online at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

Whether you need a bi-annual cleaning or cosmetic dentistry, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry assists in a variety ways with your dental needs.

Mini implants
Porcelain veneers
Sedation dentistry
Dental crowns
Invisalign

One of our specialties is cosmetic dentistry. If you need family dentistry or dental implants, then we are your best friends. Our staff members are trained to be courteous, responsible, respectful, and focused.

Currently accepting patients from all over: Orem, Lehi, Utah County, as well as American Fork.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

How Much are Dental Implants In Provo, Utah?

Posted on October 31, 2014December 30, 2020

Looking into how much dental implants cost and getting a straight answer can be frustrating. But there is a reason for that.

I am Dr. Hammond. Thanks for stopping to read our blog. We know it can be frustrating to look for the cost of getting a dental implant procedure done and finding nothing solid here on the internet. Let us take a moment to explain why most dental websites don’t publish the cost of tooth implants.

1. The Math Might Come Out Higher Than it Should
The number of teeth being replaced may be more than the number of implants needed to cover that section of the mouth. Tooth implant dentists here in Provo, Utah, want to offer accurate pricing rather than scare you away with higher estimates. It takes a easy consultation to review dental history, assess needs, and determine a treatment plan. This could mean a more efficient surgery with fewer implants. See https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

2. There Might Be Something Better For Your Mouth
While dental implants really are the state of the art in tooth replacement, much better than a bridge or denture, sometimes the method won’t be what you thought it was going to be. If your heart is set on implants or if you’ve been told by others in Lehi, Utah County, or American Fork that’s what you should get, we can help to explain the pros and cons of this path.

3. Supply Costs and Lab Costs Change
A ballpark number might be possible to post on the internet but the changing cost of supplies and lab fees make it impossible to guarantee an exact price for full mouth dental implants. Dentists who offer implants can accurately calculate dental implant surgery costs based on current costs when you come in for a consultation.

Please make an appointment to quickly and accurately get these answers. Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 for more information.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604

We offer comprehensive dental services including:

Mini implants
Porcelain veneers
Sedation dentistry
Dental crowns
Invisalign

Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Relax. Your Teeth Will Thank You.

Posted on October 24, 2014December 30, 2020

Most Provo adults have been warned about the physical effects of stress. Our doctors remind us to protect ourselves from the dangers of unmanaged stress by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep.

We know that we shouldn’t try to relieve stress with overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or compulsive spending. (Even though many of us are guilty!)

Stress that is not sensibly managed can affect the heart, nervous system, immune system, and digestive system. It can also affect – you guessed it – your teeth.

The obvious risks to oral health are teeth grinding, jaw clenching, smoking, and the overconsumption of sugary foods. But did you know that stress can increase plaque production, trigger canker sores, and increase the risk of periodontal disease? Another problem is that when people are under excessive stress, they often neglect basic oral hygiene.

If you’re concerned about the effect stress can have on your teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today. We offer a broad scope of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services including sedation dentistry, Invisalign, mini implants, and dental crowns.

It’s unfortunate, but for some Provo residents, dental visits cause major anxiety. What if the thought of visiting a dentist sends your blood pressure through the roof? Talk to us about sedation dentistry.

Relax. We can help you get the dental treatment you need.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

What Is Oil Pulling?

Posted on September 26, 2014December 30, 2020

Today’s Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental post looks at oil pulling – an alternative practice that has been generating a lot of buzz around Provo. Oil pulling has been a part of Indian Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is the practice of swishing oil in the mouth for twenty minutes to benefit the teeth, gums and overall health and well-being. The oils most commonly used are coconut oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil.

Proponents claim that it detoxifies the mouth, cleans plaque, reduces inflammation, cures bad breath, whitens teeth, kills infection, and boosts the immune system. Some advocates even claim that it “cures” cavities and periodontal disease.

What does the American Dental Association say about oil pulling? Here is an excerpt from a May 2014 article:

“To date, scientific studies have not provided the necessary clinical evidence to demonstrate that oil pulling reduces the incidence of dental caries, whitens teeth or improves oral health and well-being. Based on the lack of currently available evidence, oil pulling is not recommended as a supplementary oral hygiene practice, and certainly not as a replacement for standard, time-tested oral health behaviors and modalities. The ADA recommends that patients follow a standard oral hygiene regimen that includes twice-daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner, using ADA-Accepted products. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth help prevent cavities and keep gums healthy.”¹

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry cautions patients not to replace brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings/exams with oil pulling.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we provide top-quality dental care for every member of your family. We serve all of your preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental needs including sedation dentistry, Invisalign, mini implants, dental crowns, and porcelain veneers. Our comfortable, state-of-the-art office is located at 3575 N 100 E in Provo.