All posts by Dr. Charles R. Kimes

Is a Mouth Guard for Sports a Necessary Precaution?

Dental Health Tips, Restorative Dentistry

mouth-guard

Mouth Guard for Sports: Game On!

As the leaves begin to change and fall approaches, we enter the season that both kids and parents often refer to as sports season. This nostalgic time of year is often marked by tailgating, cookouts, trophies, and of course lots and lots of cheering. However in this season of high energy fun and competitive spirit, taking the necessary precautions to ensure your child’s safety is an absolute must!

While a bit pricey at times, many parents will spare no expense in making sure their children have all the required protective gear; such as proper shoes or cleats, knee and elbow pads, and any additional equipment. Although gathering all the required gear may prove to be a bit challenging, there is one particularly important piece of equipment that cannot be overlooked; this of course is a mouth guard for sports.

Mouth Guard for Sports: Accidents Happen

While this will vary considerably depending on your child’s chosen sport, rough and tumble action is a pitfall of almost any sport. As you can imagine, this may lead to accidents and or injuries. While a mouth guard is considered mandatory by many sports today, their overall importance can be easy to overlook.

The primary purpose of a mouth guard is to cushion an impact to the face and jaw, thereby helping prevent or reduce the likelihood of broken teeth or oral injuries. Because the top row of teeth generally take the brunt of the trauma upon impact, the basic mouth guard is primarily designed to protect the upper teeth by covering them. It is a good idea to get your child used to using a mouth guard while participating in sports at an early age. Using a mouth guard should be absolutely essential for teenage athletes as their intensity and overall competitiveness is often much greater.

It should also be noted that it is especially important for a child or teenage athlete with braces to use a mouth guard while competing. Impact may cause damage to the appliance, in addition to causing painful cuts or abrasions within the mouth.

Related Article: Benefits of Wearing a Mouth Guard – Dental Health for the Active

Mouth Guard for Sports: Three Types

As you probably realize, there are several different types of mouth guards available, and the overall effectiveness of mouth guards may vary greatly depending on the type purchased.

Stock Guards:

Stock guards are the most basic type of mouth guard available, and are available at most sporting goods stores. While relatively cheap and easy to come by, many dentists and athletic coordinators do not recommend using stock guards. The pre-formed guards are often bulky and ill-fitting, providing only minimal protection.

Boil and Bite Guards:

Another basic, but certainly more efficient mouth guard is the classic boil and bite guard. Like the stock guards, boil and bite guard (or B&B guard) is readily available at most sporting goods stores. However unlike the stock guard the B&B guard can be shaped to better fit the user’s mouth. As its name implies, the guard is softened in boiling water, then inserted in to the user’s mouth and adjusted to the individual bite pattern. While the B&B guard is sometimes an efficient solution, the rubbery material used to create the guards is often prone to wear and tear and may eventually need to be replaced.

Custom Dental Guards:

A custom-made dental mouth guard, as one can imagine, are by far the most effective and efficient of the three mouth guard types. They are created personally for the user by Dr. Kimes. Although more expensive than the aforementioned options, using professional grade material the custom mouth guard is considerably stronger and more durable than the basic mouth guards. In addition, providing an easier and overall more comfortable fit.

To receive one of these specially designed custom guards, you must schedule an appointment to see Charles R. Kimes, DDS at Overland Park Dentistry. While this may seem somewhat inconvenient, remember by investing in the best protection available now, you may be saving both yourself and your child from much more trouble and expense later if such an accident were to occur!

You should know that there are other reasons for needing a mouth guard … do you clench your teeth or grind your teeth at night? If so, you may want to get additional information that could help you (or your spouse)! Read “Don’t Stress … Get a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding” and schedule an appointment with Dr. Kimes.

Mouth Guard for Sports: Safety First!

In a season of sporting events and fun with family and friends, clearly there is much to do; however, taking the time to ensure that your little athlete has the correct amount of protection is without doubt the necessary first priority. So remember although a seemingly small and easy-to-overlook detail, making sure that your child’s smile is properly protected by a mouth guard is an absolute must!

The sports season is a time that’s sure to put smiles on kids’ faces and we at Overland Park Dentistry want to keep it that way! So find the right mouth guard for your kiddo, and trust us when we say that a little extra protection may go a long way in keeping both you and that little athlete of yours smiling!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to help you protect your kiddo’s smile with a sports mouth guard! Or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Back to School? Schedule a Dental Appointment for Your Kiddo!

Dental Health Tips

dental-appointment

Dental Appointment: It’s that time of year again!

As the summer draws to an end and the school season approaches, we enter this transitional and sometimes frenzied time of year.  Students from preschool through college prepare to reenter the world of academia. While unpopular among the majority of kids, these first few weeks in August can come as relief to parents. As some parents may be struggling to balance a busy work schedule along with the rigors of being a full-time parent. Despite hustle and bustle of the back to school month, this might be the opportune time to schedule that recommended dental appointment for your kiddo!

Dental Appointment: The sooner the better

In this busy time of year, certain resources and services tend to become scarce; such as stores carrying school supplies, or availability for doctor or haircut appointments. As you can imagine, dental services are certainly no exception. Before the school semester begins, we typically see a significant spike in the number of dental appointments scheduled at Overland Park Dentistry. Parents and college students scramble to book appointments during this time.

Related Article: Back to School Dental Appointments – Don’t Procrastinate!

This influx of dental appointments often continues well into the early part of the school semester, and there are several reasons why:

  1. Health care requirements: While the exact health requirements may vary slightly from one school district to another, typically many school districts recommend that the students receive a standard dental exam prior to or early within the fall semester. This is done not only to ensure the student’s overall oral health, but also to check for any underlying heath concerns that dentists are specially trained to look for.
  2. Easier for the kids: If you were to think back to your time as a student, you might remember that the academic curriculum often starts with lighter more introductory activities. Then it proceeds to cover more advanced content as the semester progresses, often leading up to midterm and final exams. This early part of the semester is sometimes called the “academic grace period” and often proves itself to be the ideal time to get those routine dental appointment checkups out of the way, before the students become enthralled in preparing for any major exams.
  3. Catching issues early: While this might seem obvious, taking the time to catch or prevent any future issues or complications is always a good idea. This is especially true with busy students during the school semester. Nothing can disrupt someone’s daily activities like a nagging toothache! By receiving the recommended early dental appointment, you might be sparing your kids from any future tooth problems or potential distractions.

Of course, it’s important to schedule bi-annual dental appointments for you and your family. Click here for the reasons why.

Related Article: Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park

Dental Appointment: Come see us

As the school year approaches and those long summer days come to an end, obviously there is much to do for students and parents. However despite this few weeks being a busy and often hectic time, you should still try to find time to schedule that coveted early dental appointment for your kids while you still can! Remember when it comes to school, it’s never good to procrastinate, so schedule your dental appointment today!

We look forward to having the opportunity to help you and your family during your bi-annual dental appointments or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Be Prepared with Delta Dental

Dental Health Tips,

delta-dental

As Aesop is quoted: “It Pays to be Prepared”. So how does dental insurance play into such a quote? Let’s see. We prepare for a lot of things (or we’re supposed to be prepared, right?)! Like a job interview, it’s best to be prepared to answer interview questions (if we want the job). When we go on vacation, we pack the things we need to be prepared to have fun. We save our money and prepare for retirement.

So, why would we not be prepared for a necessary dental treatment? Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s not IF, it’s WHEN”? We have dental insurance for the “WHEN”! Because accidents happen and our teeth, like our car, are going to need proper maintenance and repairs at some point… so it’s always best to be prepared with dental insurance to help with unplanned expenses.

You take time to brush, floss and schedule your dental appointments every 6 months with Dr. Charles R. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry. Because that’s what you do if want to have healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. However, having dental insurance for proper maintenance or a dental emergency is what you do if you want to be prepared for the unexpected.

Although many dental insurance plans can provide you with excellent coverage depending on the treatment you receive, it is extremely important to realize that the purpose of dental insurance is to assist you in covering some of, but not all of the expenses for the care you receive. Additionally, certain types of dental treatments may not be covered by your insurance provider at all. So taking the time to make sure you and your family have adequate dental coverage is important and Delta Dental can help.

Related Article: Your Dental Benefits may Expire Soon – Use ‘Em OR Lose ‘Em!

Why Delta Dental?

As mentioned previously, while there are numerous insurance providers available, and many of which can provide sufficient coverage; however, Delta Dental insurance is a smart option. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Delta Dental has been working to improve oral health and hygiene by emphasizing preventative care since 1954. They believe everyone deserves to enjoy a healthy smile and so do we!
  • Delta Dental provides cost-effective, quality dental benefits and top-notch customer service
  • Delta Dental covers more Americans than any other dental benefits provider and strives to make dental coverage more accessible and affordable

An essential part of a healthy lifestyle is your oral health. Delta Dental offers individual dental insurance plans that can help you maximize your oral health. As a matter of fact, people with dental insurance are more than twice as likely to visit their dentist regularly. Use their individual dental insurance locator to find an individual or family dental insurance plan that is available in your state.

Delta Dental: 4 Options for Individual and Family Plans

Delta Dental offers four plan options for individuals and families, so you can find the plan that fits best for you and your family. And you can enroll year round. You may be interested in getting more information about these plans if:

  • You are self-employed or employed without dental coverage
  • You are a college student or recent graduate and you are not eligible for parent’s plan
  • You are retired and looking to transition from your previous employer’s dental plan
  • You are unemployed without dental coverage

Delta Dental wants to be a resource for your family:

Delta Dental even offers a bi-annual e-magazine, Grin! It has something for everyone: oral-health friendly recipes, tips on floss and toothbrushes, oral health history and more. Read the latest issue of Grin! Here and brush up on your oral health IQ.

They even offer a mobile app where you can check your coverage and claims … you can even set a toothbrush timer to make sure you or your littles are brushing the recommended 2 minutes!

All Delta Dental Plans Include:

  • You are free to visit any dentist you’d like (however there may be a difference in payment if the dentist is not an in-network dentist).
  • Diagnostic and Preventative Services are covered at 100% and there is no waiting period (these services include: exams, X-rays, cleanings, sealants and fluoride)
  • Check-ups and cleanings do not apply to your annual maximum benefit (this means you don’t pay a deductible for exams and cleanings. And the benefit paid for exams & cleanings does not reduce your annual maximum benefit).
  • There is a 6-month waiting period for Basic Services (fillings and non-surgical extractions) and a 12-month waiting period for Major Services (root canals, dentures, crowns & bridges, gum disease treatment, surgical tooth extraction, implants and occlusal guards for teeth grinding & jaw clenching prevention).

That’s why Overland Park Dentistry participates in both the Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier plans.

Things can change quickly, so please … don’t take our word or what’s included. Go directly to the source at Delta Dental!

Choosing a dental insurance plan can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to research and compare monthly premiums, annual maximums, deductibles, etc. You can make your decision easier by reading this article, selecting a dental insurance plan.

Delta Dental: You can enroll today!

Although the information stated above may certainly provide you with some valuable insight into the four Delta Dental insurance plans, it is important to realize that there are considerably more benefits available. If you are interested in getting additional details about whether or not a Delta Dental plan is best for you and your family, you’ll want to search their website. While there’s no way you can predict the future of your oral health, by preparing yourself with a quality coverage plan, you have taken a major step to protect yourself and your family.

If you are currently looking for a family dentist in Overland Park, KS …  here is an article that may give you a few tips on what to look for.

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to help you and your family during your bi-annual dental appointments or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Invisalign vs Braces: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!

Cosmetic Dentistry

invisalign-vs-braces

Invisalign vs braces … In recent years dentistry has undergone something of a revolution as new and improved technology continues to expand and alter the field of dentistry in numerous innovative ways. Although this new high tech approach to dentistry has proven its overall effectiveness in providing patients nationwide with improved dental care. However, there are still numerous orthodontists and dental practitioners use many of the same basic but effective methods of the trade that they have been using for many years.

One such practice that has become something of a time-honored tradition among teens and young adults is braces. However like many of traditional dental and orthodontic practices, the recent arrival of the new cutting edge Invisalign technology now stands as a sleek new alternative that has given the previously unchallenged traditional braces a run for their money!  So the showdown of Invisalign vs Braces continues … will you choose technology over tradition like so many others?

Invisalign vs Braces … Braces:

Traditional dental braces as you probably already know have been used to straighten and realign the teeth of patients for decades, and though clunky and sometimes cumbersome they continue to prove themselves as an effective solution for many patients across the globe.

Braces | Pros:

Although sometimes considered unsightly and even a bit painful, there are certain advantages for patients receiving standard dental braces. Perhaps one of the main advantages of traditional braces is their ability to adjust the alignment of a patient’s jaw.  This can be seen in those who have or have previously suffered from an overbite, underbite, or even a crossbite. Usually standard metal wire braces are employed to correct these types of issues. Another and perhaps less obvious advantage to traditional braces is simply their stationary nature. Although this often depends on the personal preference of the given patient, there have been a few instances in which removable Invisalign aligners have been misplaced and ultimately have been lost. While such occurrences are seldom and the aligners can certainly be replaced, obviously users of traditional braces have no such issue as the devices cannot be removed unless done so by a professional orthodontist.

Braces | Cons:

While strong and effective, traditional braces have unfortunately been known to be in some instances unsightly, and at times even painful for the user. Routine tightening appointments, cleanings, or other maintenance seem to be common pitfalls of classic dental braces. While this may be no big deal for some, finding time to make those monthly appointments can be a bit of a challenge for others. Another less than favorable aspect of life with braces is the often tedious process of brushing and keeping your braces clean. Due the unevenness and bulk of traditional dental braces, many patients find themselves struggling to keep all areas surrounding the teeth clean, as the braces may limit access to teeth. As a result of this, patients with standard braces may find excessive buildup of plaque and other substances in the inaccessible areas which if left for too long, may result in cavities or other damage.

Invisalign vs Braces … Invisalign:

While the term Invisalign might still be somewhat unfamiliar to those outside the dental profession, in recent years Invisalign has slowly but surely becoming synonymous with cosmetic dentistry. As these clear, custom-fitted dental aligners have become increasingly popular among both dental practitioners and patients alike.

Invisalign | Pros:

The recent rise in popularity of Invisalign technology is due in no small part to the numerous practical and cosmetic benefits that Invisalign offers as opposed to standard braces. While praise for the Invisalign aligners varies from person to person, perhaps one of the highest praised aspects among patients past and present are the quick and effective results produced by Invisalign. Due to the frequency in which the temporary Invisalign aligners must be replaced, (each aligner must be discarded and replaced with a new one every two weeks) the process it takes to ultimately straighten a patient’s teeth is exponentially shorter, as it often ranges anywhere from 6 to 18 months. While the quick results are highly regarded among users of Invisalign, another distinct advantage experienced by the user is the quick and easy access while practicing dental hygiene. As mentioned in the previous section, the bulk and uneven spacing of the standard braces can cause difficulty when brushing and cleaning your teeth. However due to the Invisalign aligners being easily removable, not only will you be able to easily clean your teeth,  but will also allow you to eat and enjoy certain foods that may be difficult to chew with braces. A third and particularly comforting feature of Invisalign is the overall pain-free experience by the patient when using them. As mentioned previously, traditional dental braces require occasional tightening and adjustments. However with Invisalign’s soft but flexible custom fitted aligners, all pain (if any) experienced by the patient is reduced greatly, providing them with a much more pleasant overall experience.

Invisalign | Cons:

While issues with Invisalign aligners rarely occur, the occasional loss of an aligner has been experienced by patients in the past, and if one is not careful, this can be a problem. While the clear material of the aligner does certainly prove itself to be aesthetically beneficial, (as it generally cannot be seen when in use) this may also make it difficult to see when not in use, making it easier to misplace. Although never an issue in the past, it could also be said that Invisalign is less effective than traditional braces when realigning a patient’s jaw. While this may be true, it should also be noted that in certain cases jaw alignment is the sole purpose for having dental braces, as opposed to actually correcting teeth.

Related Article: Achieve a Perfect Smile with an Invisalign Dentist

Invisalign vs Braces: What’s right for you?

By comparing these two options: Invisalign vs braces, you can clearly see a distinct difference in how Invisalign technology and classic dental braces can alter and ultimately benefit your smile. While we hope the information provided may be useful, if you’re trying to decide which option is right for you, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Charles R. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry, as he has been perfecting the art of a beautiful smile with Invisalign for years. Remember whether you’re taking the classic approach and receiving braces, or investing in the revolutionary new Invisalign aligners, you are taking a great step in achieving a flawless smile. Which is something that no matter the approach is truly timeless!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to upgrade your smile with Invisalign! Or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Missing: 3 Options for Tooth Replacement

Restorative Dentistry,

tooth-replacement

Tooth Replacement: A Nightmare Come True!

Having a strange or sometimes vivid dream, is something most people experience from time to time. Although dreams often vary from person to person, one of the most common dreams (or nightmares) revolves around losing one’s teeth. Unfortunately for some people however, this nightmare has ended up coming true as they have sustained a severely chipped or damaged tooth, and are now in need of a tooth replacement. However despite this unfortunate and often untimely problem, there are several great tooth replacement options available, if you should find yourself in such a predicament.

Reasons for tooth replacement

While obviously your teeth are very tough, did you know that your teeth are in fact harder than any bone in your entire body! To some this may come as a surprise. To others it makes a great deal of sense, as your teeth have the extremely important task of breaking down your food for consumption. Unfortunately even as tough as your teeth are, there are many factors such as hard foods, acidic substances, or simply neglect and old age, that can potentially damage or completely destroy your teeth. Therefore it is necessary to replace a tooth if damage or decay has begun to occur.

Tooth replacement can be accomplished three different ways depending on the needs of the patient, each of which are capable of providing an effective long-term solution for the user.

Tooth Replacement Options: The Big Three

There are three primary options available when having one or more teeth replaced; each of these options is designed to accommodate different circumstances surrounding the patient’s overall replacement needs.  Each of the three tooth replacement options presents certain advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered upon making one’s section.

Option 1: Removable Partial

Often considered the most economical of the replacement options, the removable partial denture or RPD, is a removable row of porcelain dentures, as its name implies. A RPD can be used both as functional teeth and to serve aesthetic purposes. Despite the RPD’s relative popularity due to it being the least expensive of the options, it is the most accommodating for older individuals who may need several teeth replaced. However, it does present certain drawbacks. Over the years there have been quite a few instances of RPD’s getting lost or going missing, particularly among elderly patients or folks on vacation, thus leading some to seek a more secure solution.

Option 2: Fixed Bridge

A bridge, or sometimes called fixed partial denture, is much like the removable partial. It’s a row of artificial porcelain teeth, fixated within the patient’s mouth. However the differences between an RPD and a bridge are not only the fact that the bridge is fixed (or non-removable) but also that the dental bridge provides greater comfort while chewing, requires less  cleaning, and is as convincing as actual teeth. Although more expensive than the RPD, the bridge is in many ways superior overall, in addition to requiring little time to be created.

Option 3: Dental Implant

The final and perhaps most sought after tooth replacement option is the dental implant. As opposed to the two previous options, the dental implant is more like an actual tooth that has been specifically created to replace your old one. This ceramic, custom-made tooth is strategically placed onto the jawbone of the patient, so that it may slowly be enveloped by the bone and gums over time becoming the permanent replacement for the missing tooth. Although dental implants are more expensive than the previously mentioned options, they require the least amount of maintenance and attention as the others, in addition to providing the authentic look and feel as a natural tooth.

Fill in the gap

Although your teeth are tough and can last a very long time, if time has taken its toll and caused damage or decay, the three above-mentioned tooth replacement options are certainly available to replace your broken teeth, and end your nightmare once and for all.

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to help you if you end up with a missing tooth! Or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Got a Chipped Tooth? We’ve Got Options for You!

Restorative Dentistry

chipped-tooth

Chipped Tooth: When you least expect it

Do you have a chipped tooth? Chipping a tooth is typically an unpleasant surprise that can happen when you least expect it. This is often due to the fact that chipping a tooth can happen countless different ways, and can vary depending on the circumstances and severity of the damage. Although a chipped tooth may sound like a minor problem, the reality is that a chipped or fractured tooth can be quite painful, and may even cause you emotional distress or embarrassment. Fortunately, at Overland Park Dentistry, we are more than happy to help you in such a predicament with several great treatment options.

Chipped Tooth: Four easy options!

The primary options for fixing a damaged or chipped tooth are bonding, crowns, dental veneers, or even Lumineers. All of which are available depending on the severity of damage to the tooth itself. Upon scheduling your appointment, Dr. Kimes will likely select one of the following treatments to fix your damaged tooth.

Option 1: Bonding

Also known as a filling, a dental bond has been a commonly sought after solution by dental patients for many years, and continues to be provided by dental specialists nationwide. This tried and true procedure is achieved by the fusing of composite resin to the damaged tooth; ultimately using the resin to fill in the broken-off section of the tooth. (This is why it’s often called a filling!) Although a bonding or filling may provide an aesthetically pleasing solution that may last for many years, this procedure is limited to cavities or minor chips and abrasions in your teeth. If the damage to your tooth is more severe, a crown may be required to repair the chip.

Option 2: Crown

Differing somewhat from bonding, a dental crown is a more in depth procedure that may be used to repair a tooth that has sustained a substantial amount of breakage in which a larger portion of the tooth has been broken off. A basic dental crown is essentially a cap made from ceramic material, for the purpose of being fitted to your tooth. When applied, the cap will encase much of the tooth and create a protective covering.

The conventional dental crown has proven itself to be an effective solution for dentists and patients alike. However, due to recent advancements within dental technology, the process of receiving a crown is now quicker and easier than ever… thanks to the Cerec crown.

The aptly named Cerec crown, (which stands for “Chairside Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics”) is a cutting-edge crown that requires only one appointment to receive. The Cerec crown is custom made to fit the exact dimensions of your tooth! This exciting new technology has taken dentistry by storm, and has made the prospect of receiving a crown much more appealing.

Related Article: The Benefits of receiving a “One Day” Cerec Crown

Option 3: Veneers

A third and perhaps more unfamiliar option to those outside the field of dentistry are dental veneers. Originally introduced in the 1980s, dental veneers appear as a thin shell-like device that is designed to fit directly over your tooth. Concealing any chips, cracks or blemishes, the veneer also acts as a protective covering or shell over your tooth. Despite their overall popularity for their ability to create a seeming flawless looking smile, veneers are not for everyone. Receiving one of these custom-made ceramic devices require certain alterations to be made to your teeth. These alterations may include the shaving and reshaping of your teeth, which in the case of young healthy sets of teeth, may cause more harm than good.

Option 4: Lumineers

Much like the above mentioned veneers, Lumineers are ceramic shells that encase the entirety of your tooth. Ultimately this conceals the chip or damage, while effectively protecting your tooth from any additional damage that may occur. Despite these similarities, two major differences do exist between veneers and Lumineers that lead many patients to consider dental Lumineers to be something of an upgraded version of the veneers.

One significant difference is that unlike veneers, Lumineers do not require any shaving or alterations to be made to your existing smile. This makes the process of receiving a set of Lumineers not only safer, but considerably less invasive.

Related Article: Difference between Porcelain Veneers and Dental Lumineers

Another more cosmetically-based difference is the fact that Lumineers are much thinner and entirely transparent, which gives the Lumineers a far less noticeable and consequently more natural appearance.

Related Article: Lumineers: The Noninvasive Veneer for Teeth

Be Prepared

As mentioned earlier, while a chipped tooth is certainly something that no one can plan on, you can however plan on what to do in the occurrence of a chipped tooth, and your friends here at Overland Park Dentistry are here to help! Remember there is no need to suffer the effects of a broken or chipped tooth when there are so many great treatments available for you; come see us right away so we can keep your smile beautiful and chip free!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to help you if you end up with a chipped tooth! Or withany preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Don’t Stress… Get a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding

Restorative Dentistry

mouth-guards-for-teeth-grinding

Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding: Take a deep breath

In life there is no shortage of stress. Between work, family, and financial concerns, people experience stress for all sorts of reasons. However what is seldom realized is how exactly our stress affects us and what may happen as a result. Like many people, you may need a mouth guard for teeth grinding. Tooth grinding or bruxism is a common but disconcerting issue that typically affects people suffering from excess stress or anxiety. Teeth grinding affects approximately 10% of the adult population today. Left untreated it can cause an unwarranted amount of problems that, in a cruel twist of irony, may cause additional stress.

Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding: Do you know what really grinds my teeth?

Although the simple act of clenching or grinding your teeth might not seem like a big deal, perhaps the reason why bruxism is so problematic is its chronic and unconscious nature. While recognizing bruxism while you’re awake might be a bit of a challenge, (as typically people grind and clench without noticing it) recognizing it while sleeping is considerably harder.

Unfortunately this is often the case as many people, while unbeknownst to them are grinding and clenching throughout the night, ultimately disrupting their sleep and damaging their teeth.

The amount of damage to ones teeth as a result of chronic grinding is staggering as  bruxism can often lead to:

  • Fractured or chipped teeth
  • Worn enamel
  • Increasingly painful or sensitive teeth
  • Pain in and around the jaw muscles

According to the Bruxism Association, 70% of bruxism cases occur as a result of stress; however, there are multiple factors that can cause or contribute to the occurrence of bruxism.

  • One of the basic causes of tooth grinding or clenching is a malocclusion or jaw misalignment.
  • Malocclusion can be caused by misshapen or extra teeth, and can be corrected by dental braces or extracting the extra teeth.
  • Another and more complicated explanation for bruxism to occur is a reaction to prescription drug use or stimulants. This can sometimes be experienced by patients using medications to treat depression such as Prozac, Zoloft or Paxil, and can be further triggered by the addition of caffeine products such as coffee or energy drinks.
  • However as mentioned previously, stress, anxiety, and psychological adversity are the primary contributing factors to bruxism as suffers often unconsciously bite down and clench as a natural reaction in dealing with tense thoughts or situations. This may not only be a result of coping with excessive stress, but also as a result of failing to properly manage or release the stress experienced.

Mouth Guard for Grinding Teeth: Not Just for Sports

To combat the damaging effects of bruxism, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS at Overland Park Dentistry has begun implementing the use of a custom mouth guard for grinding teeth, to prevent his patients from continuous grinding and or clenching.

If you chronically suffer from bruxism, ask Dr. Kimes if he recommends using a specialized mouth guard for grinding teeth to prevent any further wear or damage to your teeth.

Using dental impressions, Dr. Kimes will custom fit the mouth guard to your teeth, creating a protective buffer between your upper and lower jaw. This prevents any grinding from occurring. The type of mouth guard for teeth grinding created are typically varied depending on the patient’s comfort level, and reason for use. For daytime use, Dr. Kimes typically create a smaller, transparent mouth guard that a patient can comfortably wear without anyone noticing. On the other hand, nighttime a mouth guard for grinding teeth are larger, stronger, and sometimes more noticeable. This is due to the majority of bruxism suffers being primarily affected at night, in which the grinding or clenching may likely be worse. Additionally your mouth guard for grinding teeth can be created to match your comfort level, as both soft and harder materials are available to be used to create your own particular mouth guard.

Mouth Guard for Grinding Teeth: Fix the problem!

From what you’ve read, it’s clear that bruxism can result in a whole hornet’s nest of problems, and that’s extra stress that you certainly don’t want! If you notice excess grinding during the day, or suspect that you may be clenching and grinding through the night, then you should see Dr. Kimes to get a proper diagnosis and fit for a custom mouth guard for teeth grinding. As stressful as life can be sometimes, there is no need to add to it! Schedule your appointment at Overland Park Dentistry and visit Dr. Kimes soon, and put your mind and your jaw at ease.

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to help you and your family during your bi-annual dental appointments or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

 

Don’t Cross the Boss … Get the Same-Day Cerec Crown

Restorative Dentistry

cerec-crown

Cerec Crown: Time is of the essence

Let’s face it; work itself can be stressful sometimes, and nothing adds to a stressful work environment more than an angry boss. In the hustle and bustle of today’s working world, time is money. Although this may vary depending on your chosen occupation, it’s pretty safe to assume that your boss would not be happy with you missing multiple days of work. Unfortunately this has been the case for patients needing dental crowns in the past as conventional dental crowns, while very common, require multiple appointments to obtain. This of course presented an issue for many patients, as they were required to set aside large chucks of their work days; resulting in more than one instance of unhappy employers. Fortunately, the field of dentistry has undergone numerous improvements in recent years as advancements in technology have made standard dental procedures not only more efficient, but much faster too. There are few better examples of this than the groundbreaking cerec crown, which has proven itself as a fast and effective solution for busy patients.

What is a Cerec crown?

While the term “cerec” which stands for “Chairside Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics” might not sound familiar, rest assured the cerec crown is a revolutionary new technology that has taken the dental profession by storm, and become a favorite among dentists and patients alike. This cutting edge dental crown is created through digital imaging as opposed to simply using dental impressions. This allows your Dr. Charles R. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry to determine the exact dimensions of your new crown, and ultimately create a durable, permanent replacement. The aesthetic quality of the cerec crown is so high that the crown is virtually unnoticeable to others, and can in fact be customized to match the exact shade of your teeth! Perhaps one of the favorite aspects of the cerec crown is timely manner in which the procedure can be performed. As mentioned previously, the cerec crown can be created and received in one simple appointment. This will not only save you the significant amount of time that two appointments would take, but will also spare you from the additional hassle managing the sometimes cumbersome temporary crown.

Related Article: The Benefits of Receiving a “One Day” Cerec Crown

Cerec Crown vs Conventional Crown:

To truly realize the full extent of the advantages that the cerec crown provides, it’s important to understand the pitfalls of the common conventional crown. While the sturdy conventional crown has proven its worth over the years by helping countless patients, the process of receiving the crown could be tedious and time consuming. Unlike the cerec, the process of receiving a conventional crown typically required at least two appointments, and could take a couple of weeks to complete.

Another drawback associated with a conventional crown is the required temporary crown. While waiting for your conventional crown to be finished, you will be required to wear a temporary crown. While essential in preventing further damage to the tooth, the temporary crowns have unpopular with patients in the past, due to their occasional propensity to break or even fall out.

Cerec Crown: Make your boss happy

Being in the hot seat is a place that nobody wants to be, and we certainly don’t want to put you there! If you are in need of a crown, but are concerned about missing too much work, then the cerec crown is the answer for you. Remember no one likes an angry boss, so by receiving the same day cerec crown we hope to provide you with a solution that will have you and your boss smiling!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to help you and your family during your bi-annual dental appointments or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Are You Experiencing Sudden Tooth Sensitivity?

Dental Health Tips, Uncategorized

sudden-tooth-sensitivity

What is Sudden Tooth Sensitivity?

Sudden tooth sensitivity is something that most people experience at some point or another and although a common problem, it can be quite a hindrance in your daily life. Sudden tooth sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity can be caused by several different factors, and may come and go over time. Typically the most common symptom of sensitive teeth is a sharp pain when consuming products that are hot, cold, acidic, or particularly sweet. While this might began as simply a slight nuisance, this sudden sensitivity may likely worsen as time goes on. Therefore we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist, before this minor problem becomes a major one.

Causes for sudden tooth sensitivity and how we can help!

While there are many factors that can put wear and tear on your teeth and ultimately cause sudden tooth sensitivity, there are typically four main culprits behind this issue.

  1. Clenching/Grinding: clenching and grinding your teeth (or bruxism) might be a side effect of excess stress, excess frustration, malocclusion (jaw misalignment), or perhaps even a reaction to certain medications or stimulants. In addition to the onset of heightened or sudden tooth sensitivity, many patients also report facial pain or frequent headaches accompanying bruxism, thus causing additional discomfort. While making key dietary and lifestyle changes may help alleviate these symptoms, your dentist may also suggest a bruxism appliance or mouth guard. This is a custom fitted device created by your dentist, that provides your jaw with the necessary spacing and cushioning between and around your teeth. These devices can be worn during the day and at night, thus protecting your teeth from acquiring any excess wear.
  2. Fractured Tooth: Sometimes known as “cracked tooth syndrome” small cracks or abrasions on your tooth, although difficult to see sometimes, can cause a significant amount of pain and sensitivity in the affected tooth. Treating a fractured tooth typically varies depending on the size and positioning of the damaged area. The treatments can range from bonding, crowns, or in more serious cases a root canal. Although this may seem excessive for a small fracture, it’s important to realize that these cracks will likely grow in time. Therefore a proactive step would be to address the issue now instead of later.
  3. Tooth Decay: Simply put, tooth decay is the breakdown of the tooth’s enamel and dentin, due to overexposure to acidic bacteria. While this basic dental issue may seem like an obvious problem, it remains a persistent and easy to overlook issue for many. If detected early, your dentist may apply a sealant solution to protect and fill in the groves of your tooth. However if the enamel has been considerably destroyed, a filling will be needed.
  4. Gum Recession: Although periodontal or gum disease is a common issue that can affect people from all walks of life, how you choose to react to such an occurrence often determines how it may affect you individually. Gum disease is a gradual problem that occurs slowly over an extended period, and may initially present itself as inflammation and redness of the gum line. While this may not seem serous at first, the irritated gums may begin bleeding while growing increasingly sensitive to certain food products. This sensitivity is due to the root surface of the tooth becoming exposed resulting in abfraction. To combat this, you dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste or gels, as well as using a softened toothbrush to prevent further trauma.  Obviously continuing to practice proper oral hygiene under the supervision of your dentist may perhaps be the best solution for this issue as consistently ensuring your gum’s health is ultimately your best option.

Related Article: Sensitive Teeth – Causes and Cures

Schedule your appointment today!

As you can see, there are many ways in which we can help our patients with painful and sudden tooth sensitivity; however, you should certainly come see us to receive a formal diagnosis. By letting us help you, you are taking a necessary first step in getting to the root of the problem!

We look forward to having the opportunity to help you with any restorative care in the case of sudden tooth sensitivity. If you need to schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Dental Appointment: Why Twice a Year?

Dental Health Tips

dental-appointment

Dental Appointment: A common misconception

When you hear the term “dental appointment” what comes to mind? For many people the term conjures up images of your dentist searching for cavities or abrasions to your teeth, however rarely do people think of much more than that. While this is true to a certain extent, there is considerably more to a dental appointment than just looking for cavities, and although receiving a standard dental checkup might seem like a minor procedure of relatively little importance, rest assured they are in fact very important for a number of reasons.

Reason 1: Early Detection

One of the lesser known but undoubtedly most important services offered by today’s dental practitioners is the oral cancer screening.  Oral cancer screenings are included as part of your routine dental exam, and although they might seem like a small part of the procedure, this seemingly mundane aspect can in fact save lives. Although oral cancer causes approximately 7,500 deaths annually in the U.S. alone, oral cancer can be treated easily if detected early on. Therefore it is extremely important that your dentist give a formal examination for any unusual spots, swelling, or other abnormalities, particularly if you are a regular user of tobacco or alcohol products.

Related Article: What You Need to Know about Oral Cancer Screenings

Reason 2: Save Money

Imagine if you never took the time to have your car serviced. As you can probably imagine, eventually your car would fall into a state of neglect and need repairs. However if this neglect continued, the more repair work your car would need, thus the cost of the work needed would be increased. This concept is the same with your teeth, as with anything used on a daily basis, regular maintenance is required. If you take the time to have your dentist thoroughly examine your teeth twice a year during your dental appointment, then you are far less likely to require much more serious and costly procedures later on.

Reason 3: Prevent or Reduce Pain

Although this reason should seem like an obvious one, it’s important to remind people that regular dental appointments are necessary in preventing any pain and discomfort that might occur. Oral pain can be caused by numerous issues, such as fractures or abrasions in your teeth, to gum disease as well. This is important to remember even if you are not experiencing any current issues, as it is preferable to prevent discomfort before it occurs, as opposed to dealing with it after.

Twice as Nice!

Although it can be easy to overlook that second yearly dental appointment, remember by simply taking the extra time to see your dentist twice a year, you are taking a major step in preventing in future problems that may occur. So remember: twice a year, you’re in the clear!

We look forward to having the opportunity to help you and your family during your bi-annual dental appointments or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.