Malocclusions

A speech impediment is sometimes caused by a malocclusion, or “bad bite.” These malocclusions are sometimes preventable because they form from a child’s bad habit.  For instance, thumb sucking can cause a child to develop an open bite, in which the front teeth do not meet, or a posterior crossbite, where the back teeth on the top of the mouth sit inside the back teeth on the bottom of the mouth when it closes.

Can a Malocclusion Be Fixed?

If someone is born with a malocclusion, or if they developed one because of a bad childhood oral habit that was too hard to break, there are still ways to fix it. Braces are a common solution. Over a period of many months, the wires and brackets that make up braces are adjusted and tightened by an orthodontist, a process that gradually forces the teeth to move. After the braces are removed, the patient often wears retainers to ensure that the teeth stay put in their new positions.

Malocclusions, of course, are not the only cause of speech impediments. Other factors may include genetics, developmental delays, and neurological issues, but we hope you now better understand the correlation between your speech patterns and your dental development.  If you are concerned about a malocclusion, call Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, Wyoming at (307) 672-7567.

What can I do to Prevent Bruxism while I Sleep?

Although your Sheridan dentist can help you protect yourself from the effects of teeth grinding, bruxism is considered to be an “above the nose” issue, which means that there is usually something in the brain that tells the bruxer to grind his or her teeth. Stress is one of the most common causes of bruxism. Other causes include misalignment of the teeth and/or jaw, heredity, injury, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction.

Although restorative dentistry has come a long way in recent years, the damage done to teeth as a result of bruxism is irreparable. A dental crown can be placed on a damaged tooth to protect it from further damage, but the tooth’s natural strength and structure cannot be restored. Because of this, the best protection for your teeth is prevention.

If Dr. Coon detects signs of bruxism, which usually include broken or worn teeth, a sore jaw, ear pain, and dull constant headaches, he might suggest behavioral or appliance treatment.

Behavioral treatment usually includes alcohol and/or tobacco cessation, diet changes, stress reduction, and an increased awareness of when the bruxer is chewing on things that shouldn’t be in the mouth (pens, fingernails, etc.) or grinding his or her teeth or clenching his or her jaw throughout the day. Doing a stress-relieving activity and holding a warm washcloth to your cheeks for a few minutes before bed also might help relax your jaw muscles.

If, however, behavioral therapy does not help you stop grinding your teeth, Dr. Coon will suggest appliance therapy, which involves the use of a custom-made nightguard to hold your jaw in place while you sleep.

For more information about bruxism and treatment, contact Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, Wyoming at (307) 672-7567.

Myth: Gum disease isn’t a serious medical problem

Gum disease can advance into a chronic bacterial infection. In fact, gum disease is linked to a number of systemic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Once gum disease advances into periodontitis, the condition must be managed with professional treatments and deep cleanings.

Myth: It’s natural to lose teeth in old age

Tooth loss is not a natural part of aging. In fact, teeth can last up for a lifetime. The number one cause of tooth loss is actually gum disease. Your teeth are supported by your jawbone and gum tissue. Tartar buildup inflames and infects gums causing gum line recession. As the gums recede, tartar collects below the gum line and along tooth roots. Over time, the teeth lose support and fall out.

Myth: Gum disease is only caused poor oral hygiene practices

While inadequate oral hygiene is a common contributor to gum disease, it is not the only cause. Some patients may have a genetic predisposition for gum disease. In some cases, gum disease may develop during hormonal changes such as pregnancy. Smoking and certain medications also contribute to periodontal disease.

Fortunately, Grinnell Street Dental treats gum disease with innovative methods. We manage the infection in advanced gum disease with deep cleanings and potent medications such as Perio Protect. For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact our Sheridan dentist office at (307) 672-7567. We serve patients from Sheridan and the neighboring communities.

The first porcelain veneers were made in the early 1900’s. They were typically used for actors in Hollywood who needed to change the appearance of their smile. These veneers were temporary and would fall off in a matter of days. Now, porcelain veneers can last for decades with thorough oral hygiene. Additionally, modern veneers are not limited to the rich and famous. With advancements in technology and cosmetic procedures, veneers are more affordable than ever. For less expensive smile makeover, dental bonding is a cheaper alternative to veneers, which covers many of the same smile imperfections.

Whitening and Veneers

Porcelain veneers are great for covering light tooth discoloration and staining. The porcelain shell has enough opacity to make your teeth appear whiter while maintaining the slight iridescence of natural teeth. However, if you would like a dramatically whiter smile, or  if you are only placing veneers on a few front teeth, it may be a good idea to have a whitening treatment before veneer placement. Once veneers are attached to your tooth, the restoration cannot be lightened. Neither over-the-counter products or professional teeth whitening can brighten porcelain since it does not have the same composition of your natural teeth.

Preventing Staining with Porcelain Veneers

While veneers are mostly stain resistant, they can be susceptible to discoloration around the edges of your tooth. Since the porcelain is attached to the front of your tooth, the dental cement used to attach the restorations may take on some staining. You can prevent dark discolorations around your porcelain veneers by flossing daily. With a thorough oral hygiene routine, you can remove the food particles from between your teeth that can attract bacteria and decay. Dental cleanings will also help you maintain your veneers and keep them sparkling for years.

Cosmetic Dentist in Sheridan

Dr. Coon looks forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams with cosmetic dentistry. For more information about how porcelain veneers can give you a smile makeover in Sheridan, contact Grinnell Street Dental at (307) 672-7567 or visit us online at smilesbydrcoon.com.

Missing teeth create a domino effect of oral health problems. All of your teeth are placeholders in your smile. Each tooth has a specific function and is shaped and located specifically for that purpose. When the tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can become unstable in their positions. These remaining teeth will drift out of position to accommodate for the missing tooth. Often, this creates malocclusion, or bad bite. When teeth are out of place, your top and bottom teeth do not align correctly. Malocclusion causes bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ disorder (a condition associated with jaw pain), and countless other dental health issues.

How does a missing tooth affect my jaw?

Not replacing a missing tooth can have serious implication for your jawbone health. Alveolar atrophy, or jawbone shrinkage occurs as a result of a missing tooth. A healthy tooth root connected to the jawbone will encourage jawbone growth with the stimulation from chewing. When the tooth is gone, the chewing stimulation stops to that area and the bone begins to deteriorate. Jawbone atrophy combined with multiple missing teeth can create a collapsed look in the patient’s smile.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants prevent malocclusion and jawbone deterioration by replacing the missing tooth. A small titanium post acts as an anchor for the restoration. The post is placed into the jaw and osseointegrates with the bone. After the biocompatible post fuses to the bone, a crown can be placed on top of the post as the only exposed portion of the implant above the gum line. The titanium anchor and the porcelain crown offer security and discretion. The post allows the restoration to feel stable and natural. The porcelain crown mimics the coloration, size, and shape of the tooth, making the implant look authentic.

Dental Implants in Sheridan

If you have a missing tooth, don’t wait for dental health issues to surface before you replace the tooth. Implant dentist, Dr. Coon will help you regain your tooth function and dignity with dental implants in Sheridan. The friendly professionals at our dentist office in Sheridan will work to make your implant procedure as comfortable as possible. For a dental implant consultation or to schedule an appointment, call Grinnell Street Dental at (307)672-7567.

While not many of us will celebrate this occasion with hockey mask parties or full face football helmet brunches, this awareness month is meant to help athletes and parents of youth athletes protect their mouths during sports activities. Drs. Donald Coon, Justin Coon, and Cody L. Coon of Grinnell Street Dental, recommend mouth guards to prevent dental and facial injuries during sports.

Protecting your teeth during contact or collision sports is vital to your dental health. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, more than five million teeth will be knocked out during sports activities this year. In fact, as much as 40 percent of kids’ injuries this year will be related to dental trauma.

How to Choose the Right Mouth Guard

The mouth guard has been in active use since the early 20^th century by boxers. Today, the mouth guard has evolved into a sophisticated protection device that can save you the physical, emotional, and financial backlash that comes with knocking out a tooth. You have many options when it comes to choosing a mouth guard for yourself or your child, but each of these falls under three main categories of mouth guards.

Custom-fabricated Mouth Guards in Sheridan

These mouth guards are made in our dentist’s office in Sheridan using vacuum-forming or heat-lamination techniques to fit specifically to the patient’s exact occlusion. The teeth-protecting cushion offers comfortable breathing and ease with speaking because it fits securely to either the upper or lower arch. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends this type of mouth guard for maximum retention and protection of teeth. Our Sheridan dentist offers comfortable mouth guards for sports protection as well as TMJ and bruxism treatment. 

Boil-and-bite Mouth Guards

A less expensive alternative to custom-made mouth protectors, boil-and-bite mouth guards, or mouth-formed guards, are a popular option among athletes for protecting teeth from injury. Made from a thermoplastic material, when submersed in boiling water, the heated protective gear will become moldable to the athlete’s mouth.

Pre-Made Mouth Protectors

These mouth guards do not offer the same amount of protection and comfort as custom-made or thermoplastic mouth protectors; however, over-the-counter mouth guards may be a good option for children with continually changing occlusion or kids with braces. Some of these pre-fabricated mouth guards come with holes for more comfortable breathing. Make sure to always choose a mouth guard that is the correct size for your child’s mouth.

If you have questions about how to help your child prevent dental injury during sports, contact our friendly Sheridan dentist office at (307)672-7567, or explore our website, smilesbydrcoon.com, fore more information.

Teeth Whitening in Time for Prom

If thinking about all of the pictures you will have to take before you even leave the house has you hesitant, Sheridan dentists Dr. Donald Coon, Dr. Justin Coon, and Dr. Cody L. Coon can help. Cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening can have you smiling brightly in front of the camera. In as little as one hour, our in-office whitening treatments can lighten your teeth up to ten shades brighter. Using peroxide, the whitening treatment penetrates the tooth, removing deep stains from coffee, sodas, and other dark drinks.

Grinnell Street Dental also offers at-home whitening kits for the convenience of whitening treatment at any time of the day. At-home whitening allows you to use the bleaching trays during your morning routine, on your way to school, or before bed. The results are a brilliant smile that goes perfectly with your prom duds.

Correct a Crooked Smile before your Special Event

Invisalign clear braces are another great way to improve your smile for prom. If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, our friendly dentist office in Sheridan offers a discrete way to correct your teeth. Invisalign is a nearly invisible alternative to metal braces that gradually moves your teeth with clear plastic trays.

Since the trays are removable, Invisalign is more convenient for eating and cleaning. Additionally, if you do not want your Invisalign clear braces in your prom pictures, simply take them out for the special event and replace them before bed. However, Invisalign is so discrete, you may decide to wear your clear braces to prom anyway.

Make a Cosmetic Dentistry Appointment in Sheridan

Grinnell Street Dental offers several options for cosmetically enhancing your smile before prom or any special event. To consult our experienced team of professionals for ways to improve your smile, call our Sheridan, Wyoming dentist office at (307) 672-7567.

The Effects of Snacks on Your Dental Health

Even though a layer of tough enamel protects them, your teeth are very vulnerable to the foods and drinks you consume. Because of this, you need to pay attention to what you eat—avoid sugary, starchy, and acidic foods—and how you eat it.

For example, snacking throughout the day exposes your teeth to constant acid attack, so it’s better to eat three balanced meals rather than munch all day long. Still, if you must snack, healthy snacking is the way to go. Read on for some healthy snacking tips from your Sheridan dentists.

Smart Snacking for Adults and Teens

• Planning is key when it comes to healthy snacking. There is a place for nutritious snacks in a well-balanced diet, just plan your meals and your snacks ahead of time so that you don’t exceed your daily calorie budget.
• Snack only when you’re hungry. If you feel antsy, bored, frustrated, or stressed, try taking a walk or reading a book rather than munching on your favorite snack.
• To avoid overeating, enjoy a single-serving packaged snack or pack your snacks yourself in single-serving portions. Eating directly from a multi-serving bag or box will encourage overeating.

Snacks with 200 calories or less:

• One tablespoon of peanut butter spread on apple slices
• Six baby carrots, ten sugar snap peas or strips of green pepper, six cherry tomatoes, and two tablespoons of reduced-fat ranch dressing
• One toaster waffle topped with ½ cup of blueberries and two tablespoons of low-fat yogurt
• One six-inch flour tortilla with ¼ cup of black beans and two tablespoons of fresh salsa
• Two cups of mixed greens with ½ cup of mandarin oranges, one tablespoon of sliced almonds, and two tablespoons of reduced-fat dressing

Just keep these healthy eating tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to a healthy smile and a healthy waistline in no time! To reserve an appointment at Grinnell Street Dental, call our Sheridan, Wyoming dentist office at (307) 672-7567.

What is a Dental Filling?

By definition, a dental filling is a dental restoration used to restore the function and integrity to a tooth that is missing part of its natural structure. Most patients are familiar with dental fillings because they restore a tooth damaged by decay, and tooth decay is the most common dental health problem.

Grinnell Street Dental is a metal-free dental practice, meaning that we use tooth-colored composite resin dental fillings as opposed to the silver amalgam fillings of the past. A composite resin filling is actually bonded to the tooth, creating an extremely durable and natural restoration. Additionally, composite resin dental fillings cannot break down and leak, offering years of use without you having to worry about the durability of your restoration. Because of their white color, your filling will blend in with your surrounding tooth structure and maintain the integrity of an all-white smile.

What is a Dental Crown?

Unlike a dental filling—which covers only a portion of a damaged tooth—a dental crown covers the entirety of a damaged tooth, essentially creating an entirely new anatomical dental crown.

Your teeth endure extreme temperatures, pressures, grinding, and gnashing on a daily basis, so dental crowns must be durable, fit as perfectly as possible, and be made from the highest quality materials. To ensure the proper fit and function of your dental crown, Dr. Coon will expertly design, place, and fit your dental crown over the course of one or two appointments at our Sheridan dentist office.

To find out if your damaged teeth can be restored with dental crowns, dental fillings, or another restorative procedure, contact Grinnell Street Dental by phone at (307) 672-7567 or online at smilesbydrcoon.com.

What is a Dental Crown?

By definition, a dental crown is a custom-made restoration that fits over your whole tooth to take the place of the anatomical dental crown—the top portion of the tooth that appears above the gum line.

Often referred to as a dental cap, dental crowns repair appearance, strength, health, and function to a tooth that has been damaged by injury or decay or has undergone an extensive dental procedure like a root canal.

Once upon a time, dental crowns took two appointments to place—one appointment to prepare your tooth and place a temporary crown, and another appointment to place your permanent crown once it returned from fabrication at the state-of-the-art dental laboratory. Today, Sheridan dentist Dr. Coon is proud to offer CEREC one-visit dental crowns to his patients.

What is CEREC?

CEREC—short for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics—allows Dr. Coon to create a custom dental crown for you and place it in just one appointment at his Sheridan, Wyoming, dentist office.

How does CEREC work? Similar to the process with traditional dental crowns, Dr. Coon will remove decay and other damaged tissue before preparing your tooth for your dental crown. Instead of placing a temporary crown, however, Dr. Coon will take a three-dimensional image of your tooth that the computer will use to generate your custom crown. While you wait, the CEREC milling unit will mill your crown according to these precise specifications, and then Dr. Coon will place your crown using his expert eye and advanced bonding and curing techniques. In just one appointment, you can restore full function, appearance, health, and strength to a failing tooth.

To find out if you’re a candidate for CEREC crowns, call Grinnell Street Dental, located in Sheridan, Wyoming, at (307) 672-7567.