Read Our Provo dentist Blog – Cosmetic dentistry Orem – Sedation dentistry Utah County

When Style And Oral Health Collide in Provo

Posted on January 18, 2013January 15, 2013

Oral piercing is a popular form of body-art in Provo, but just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s safe. We’re Dr. Hammond, dentists serving the Provo area. When our patients ask us about the safety of oral piercings, we make sure they understand the possible consequences.

First, Provo residents should know that infection is always a major concern with any piercing, but because the mouth is the perfect environment for breeding bacteria, oral piercings are especially problematic. Chewing, swallowing, and speaking can also be impaired by an oral piercing.

Oral piercings can lead to an increase in saliva flow and, possibly, excessive drooling, something my Provo dental patients generally want to avoid. (We don’t know anyone in Provo who thinks drooling is attractive.) Chipped or cracked teeth, damage to dental fillings, and metal sensitivity are other possible results.

Another serious risk associated with piercings that should concern Provo residents is nerve damage. Many people experience temporary numbness after a piercing, but for some, sensations never return. An injured nerve can also affect facial movements as well as your sense of taste.

Do you really want to risk looking like a stroke victim for the rest of your life?

If you’ve read through this and you’re still sure a tongue bar or lip piercing is for you, please consult your Provo area cosmetic dentist so they can help you make the safest decision possible for your dental health. If you are looking for a family or general dentistry practice, our friendly and professional staff here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry would be happy to schedule an appointment for you. We offer sedation dentistry, porcelain veneers, Invisalign clear braces, and more!

We may even convince you that safe, effective cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding would be a smarter and safer way to express your personality and boost your confidence. Give us a call today!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
/about-us/

“Soft, Medium, or Buzz Lightyear?”

Posted on January 4, 2013January 3, 2013

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, Dr. Hammond are often asked how to choose the most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush in Utah County can be as difficult as choosing a paint color, and there seems to be just as many choices.

If you have visited the dental section of your local Utah County grocery store or Walmart lately, you know what I am talking about. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up. (If I had to rate them purely on their fun factor, I would choose the Spiderman brush.)

Some toothbrush manufacturers claim their brushes freshen your breath or remove stains from your teeth. How do you choose?

One key factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can damage your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to clean plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also offer more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

After having cosmetic dental work or oral surgery in Utah County, especially anything involving soft tissue grafts, make sure you use an extra-soft brush and be careful!

When buying a toothbrush for a child in Utah County, make sure the brush feels comfortable in their hand. If the size and angle feels awkward, the child will be less likely to use it long enough to clean all areas of the mouth. Children do not necessarily need a child-sized tooth brush. Some kids can manage an adult size brush better than a short, narrow child size brush. If you are unsure, ask your Utah County family dentistry professionals at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

What about the electric types and water-shooters? Some Utah County folks like the feeling of vibrating bristles or a mini-squirt gun blasting away at the plaque. Utah County people with arthritis or other movement-inhibiting conditions can benefit from powered brushes which take some strain off hands and arm muscles.

Is your toothbrush doing the job? Schedule an exam at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our friendly and professional dental hygienists instruct our Utah County pediatric clients and adult patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you haven’t experienced a dental deep cleaning at our general dentistry practice, you don’t know how clean your teeth and gums can feel.

Schedule a thorough dental cleaning today by calling Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070. An outstanding feature of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is expertise and a patient-oriented team. We offer porcelain veneers and a full spectrum of restorative dental procedures.

Hammond Aesthetic & Family Dentistry Sealants Prevent Cavities For Provo Kids

Posted on December 28, 2012December 24, 2012

Your child’s first dental exam at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry should occur when the first teeth are in, usually between six months and one year of age. During your child’s first family dentistry check up at our Provo office, we will tell you about sealants, a clear layer of plastic applied to the grooved surfaces of the teeth.

Sealants protect the teeth and prevent cavities by filling in the crevasses where food particles can get caught. They are especially effective in the back teeth where most cavities are found.

The application process takes only one short visit at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. The teeth are cleaned, dried, and then liquid sealant is applied to teeth and hardened: it’s quick and painless. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment.

Sealants are covered by most dental insurance plans. For Provo parents who pay out-of-pocket, sealants are still cost-effective considering the cavities and future visits that can be avoided. Some Provo dental insurance plans have age limitations for sealants. Check your policy if you are unsure of the qualifications. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry recommends having sealants applied as early as possible.

If properly cared for, Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry sealants can last for many years, protecting your child during the most cavity-prone ages.

Diligent oral hygiene and refraining from biting into hard objects will help the sealants last longer. Dr. Hammond will check the sealants during routine dental visits and recommend re-application or repair if necessary.

Sealants, brushing and flossing, a balanced diet, and twice-yearly Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental visits are essential for pediatric dental health. For more information about sealants or the variety of cosmetic dental services we provide, contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
Serving Provo since 1996
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com

“Brush Up On Your Cavity Basics, Orem”

Posted on December 21, 2012December 21, 2012

Residents of Orem use the word ‘cavity’ often when discussing dental health practices. Along with teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, cavities are a hot topic.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we think it’s great that people are so conscious of their teeth, and we feel that having a greater understanding of exactly what a cavity is will help them take better care of their pearly whites.

Cavities can also be called caries or tooth decay. When a tooth is permanently damaged in the hard surface, tiny openings occur. These little holes are cavities. Different factors that contribute to tooth decay are:

Frequent eating
Consuming sugary beverages
Oral bacteria
Insufficient tooth brushing and flossing

Cavities may get so bad that you will see pits or holes in your teeth, but symptoms may be more subtle, such as sensitivity, pain when biting, or a toothache. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your Orem family dentist today for an appointment.

If you are in the market for quality dental care in the Orem area, give Dr. Hammond a call. We have been treating cosmetic and family dentistry patients in and around Orem since 1967. We can also answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers and dental implants.

We hope to hear from you soon!

Do Whitestrips Work?

Posted on December 14, 2012December 11, 2012

If you have visited the toothpaste aisle at your Utah County Wal-Mart, you have probably noticed dozens of products that claim to whiten your teeth. A few years ago, the only over-the-counter tooth whitening options in Utah County were tooth whitening toothpastes and Crest Whitestrips. Now there is a wide variety of products at every drugstore counter in the Utah County area.

Whitening Rinses
Utah County whitening rinses are similar to mouthwashes. They kill bacteria, freshen breath and may help remove plaque. Whitening rinses, however, contain tooth-whitening ingredients not found in mouthwashes. Manufacturers advise taking a mouthful of the rinse and letting it slosh around on your teeth for one minute twice a day. Though this method is simple, many users never notice a lightening of their teeth. This is probably because the rinse does not touch your teeth long enough to truly whiten them.

Whitening Strips
The whitening strips you can buy in Utah County grocery stores have a couple of drawbacks. Though they contain a bleaching agent, it is much less potent than those used in Utah County cosmetic dental offices. Another problem is that they do not whiten between teeth because the strips only touch the front surface. Though it is possible to remove stains, it can take months to see any whitening. By that point, you have probably spent more money than you would have if you’d have chosen the professional system at your tooth whitening general dentistry practice.

Teeth Whitening Gels
Whitening gels are painted onto teeth with a small brush. One problem with whitening gels is that they only stick to dry teeth. If any saliva gets on the teeth during treatment, the gel is more likely to slide off.

If you are serious about dramatically whitening your teeth, the safest, quickest, and most affordable system is at your Utah County dental office.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is located at 3575 N 100 E, Ste 200, Provo UT. Our phone number is 801-374-0070. You can find more information on our dental website at /about.htm.

Provo Pediatric Dentistry

Posted on December 7, 2012December 4, 2012

Your Provo child’s dental health is essential to overall health and vitality. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our Provo family dentistry team loves working with you and your child to ensure a healthy smile for life. Why? The health of your Provo child’s teeth and gums can affect their speech development, eating habits and self-esteem.

Provo family dental care is critical, and that is why we recommend bringing your child in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth erupts. During the initial visit, we can discuss Provo dental treatments such as sealants, fluoride treatments, brushing and flossing techniques and orthodontics.

Provo children’s dentists also counsel parents about thumb-sucking, pacifier use and other habits that affect your child’s pediatric dental health. We can also help you keep your child’s teeth protected during sporting activities. Call us immediately at 801-374-0070 if your child has a dental emergency or tooth injury.

Our caring staff will make your child feel comfortable during their Provo dental visit.

In additional to offering experienced Provo family dentistry, we are also a full-service cosmetic dentistry practice. We offer advice and care on porcelain veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, tooth bonding, and restorative dentistry.

We hope to be your Provo children’s dentist consultant.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
801-374-0070

Orem Guide To Plaque, Calculus, And Cavities

Posted on November 30, 2012September 28, 2013

Hi. We’re Dr. Hammond. Welcome to our Orem dental blog! We find that many of our patients in the Orem area get a couple of general dentistry terms mixed up. Today, I would like to clarify the differences between plaque, calculus, and cavities.

Plaque is a film that covers teeth – a sticky layer of bacteria. You can remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing. However, if it isn’t removed it can build up and harden into calculus.

Calculus, also known as tartar, is hardened plaque that also accumulates minerals from food and saliva. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your Orem dentist are necessary to remove tartar as well as hard-to-reach plaque.

Plaque and calculus are not cavities, but they can lead to cavities. A cavity is basically a hole in the tooth caused by decay. Because plaque and calculus contain bacteria, the bacteria release acids which accelerate tooth decay and eventually lead to more cavities.

A good rule of thumb for Orem family dentistry patients is this: Avoid plaque to avoid calculus and tartar to avoid tooth decay to avoid cavities. Got it?

I hope you’ve found this helpful, and if you’re in the Orem area and are in need of quality dental care, call our office at 801-374-0070 to schedule an appointment today.

Our friendly and professional staff would love to answer any questions you have about our services, including cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and veneers.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
/about.htm

Dental Sealants – Another Tool For Cavity Prevention In Orem

Posted on November 23, 2012November 19, 2012

Dental patients in the Orem area know that regular brushing and flossing are essential for optimal oral health. However, the bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach into every small groove and depression in your teeth, especially the really bumpy back teeth. That’s where sealants can be invaluable.

Dental sealants are a plastic material that is applied by your Orem dentist. This material is a resin that bonds to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, mainly in the pits and fissures. The plastic acts as a shield against acids and plaque so that the tooth enamel is protected.

Many Orem residents might think that sealants are only for children and teenagers, but they can actually be beneficial for adults as well. If you are wondering if sealants are right for you, speak with your Orem family dentistry professional. This simple dental procedure can dramatically improve your oral health by protecting the surfaces that are particularly vulnerable to decay.

Many dental insurance providers include dental sealants as a covered benefit, so check with your provider if you are considering them. If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about financing options. Because they can prevent cavities, dental sealants can save you money in the long run.

We’re Dr. Hammond, Provo dentists and we want to thank you for visiting our dental blog. At our office we serve the Orem area by offering:

cosmetic dentistry
sedation dentistry
porcelain veneers
Invisalign clear braces
general dentistry

If you have any questions about these or other cosmetic dental procedures or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at 801-374-0070. Our friendly and professional staff would be happy to assist you.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo Utah
801-374-0070

Has Your Smile Lost Its Luster?

Posted on November 16, 2012November 17, 2012

Hello Utah County! Has your smile lost its luster? Are your teeth discolored? If flashing a pearly white smile is important to you we can help. Our names are Dr. Hammond and we have been creating whiter, brighter smiles for patients in the Provo area since 1996 at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

Whether your teeth have been stained through sipping dark-colored drinks such as red wine or coffee or if smoking has left your teeth brown and dull, we and our staff at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can whiten your teeth and intensify your smile.

Maybe you have injured your tooth in some way causing it to turn gray. We offer several solutions to restore the color to your tooth. When you come in for a consultation we will determine which cosmetic dental procedure is best for your teeth.

Your smile the first thing people notice, I will make sure your smile is brilliant and absolutely unforgettable!

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we not only offer tooth whitening to our Utah County patients, we also specialize in cosmetic dentistry.

If you or your family need porcelain veneers or sedation dentistry we invite you to come in for a dental consultation. We are located at 3575 N 100 E, Ste 200 in Provo, Utah.

Invest in a white, bright smile! Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo today at 801-374-0070 or visit https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com.

Thanks for visiting our cosmetic dental blog – Dr. Chris Hammond

Whitening vs Bleaching At Hammond Aesthetic & Family Dentistry In Provo

Posted on November 9, 2012November 12, 2012

Provo teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry service that Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry provides in-office or through a take home kit. Results vary, but most patients experience significant lightening that lasts up to a year. Our Provo area teeth whitening clients affirm that a whiter smile boosts self confidence and can take years of wear and discoloration away to reveal a brighter smile.

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, however, mean two different things in Provo cosmetic dentistry. Surface cracks and stains occur on tooth enamel, exposing the yellower dentin below the surface. Discoloration can be the result of the natural aging process, illness, genetics, or dark colored food or drink. Foods and beverages that are both dark colored and acidic – like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce – have even greater staining power.

Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, do it yourself strips, and certain mouthwashes are safe and inexpensive and can turn teeth whiter with continued, regular use. The extent of whitening varies, and it takes dedicated, consistent use to see results.

Whitening products that do not contain bleach can usually make teeth two to four shades lighter. These are a good choice for Provo men and women with sensitive teeth and gums that can react to products containing harsher whitening chemicals. For pregnant or nursing mothers, the non-bleach whitening products are the safer choice.

Teeth bleaching is used to describe a tooth whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations. For best results, Zoom whitening should done in-office by your Provo cosmetic dentist. Bleaching can achieve more noticeable results, sometimes up to seven shades lighter. Intrinsic stains on the dentin, as well as surface stains can be effectively lightened under an experienced Provo dentist’s supervision.

Dr. Hammond specialize in teeth whitening, teeth bleaching, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and complete smile redesign. Call the friendly and professional team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry to schedule a consultation! Bright, sparkling teeth make you want to smile all the time.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
Providing advanced general and cosmetic dentistry since 1996
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com
Helping Your Smile Last a Lifetime

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