There is a good chance that your dentist has recommended you come for a visit every 6 months for a professional cleaning and a comprehensive dental exam. This is a major part of a healthy oral hygiene routine.

 

If you have been struggling to keep your dental appointments, here are the top three reasons you need to make them a priority.

1. Address Oral Health Issues Before They Get Worse

Aside from cleaning and removing buildup that has been left behind from your everyday brushing and flossing, your dentist will be able to examine your teeth and gums, uncovering any areas of concern.

 

Regardless of how well you brush your teeth, you can still end up facing unwanted dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease. And, unfortunately, you may not even realize there is a problem until it has evolved into something bigger and more complex.

 

With regular visits to your dentist, any issues can be addressed before they get worse. For instance, catching decay early before it spreads to the inner layer of the tooth may only require a small filling rather than a root canal.

2. Save Yourself Time and Money

There is no denying that some dental treatments can come with a hefty price — even with insurance. However, preventative care is very affordable. Most dental insurance carriers even cover much, if not all, of the cost.

 

What’s more, because you don’t require invasive treatments, you can expect your visits to be quick and easy. This is just one of the many perks of having good oral health.

3. There is a Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

It is important to know that there is a connection between your oral health and your overall health.

 

Research has confirmed that certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, cancer, and more have been linked with poor oral health. Tooth infections left untreated can also lead to a life-threatening situation.

 

With regular visits to the dentist, you can make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy and thriving. Routine screenings for oral cancer can boost your chance of early detection.

 

Who knew that two short visits to the dentist every year could prove to be such a powerful player in your overall well-being?

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Cleanings

How long does a routine cleaning last?

On average, a routine cleaning lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, give or take a few minutes. You will meet with the dental hygienist who will professionally clean your teeth before having an exam with the dentist. Occasionally these visits will include X-rays, too.

What is the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning?

Routine dental cleanings are the preventative cleanings you have twice a year to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Deep cleaning is used to remove bacteria and tartar from deep within the gums. The latter is usually the first step in battling gum disease.

 

Schedule Your Appointment with Schaus Dental Studio

When was the last time you had a professional cleaning and dental exam? It is never too late to start making regular visits to your dentist. And when you are ready, so is the dental team at Schaus Dental Studio.

Contact us today at 763-525-0306. Or, request an appointment online.

Do you floss as often as you should? Most people brush their teeth every day, but not everyone flosses. Flossing is just as important to your dental and oral health as brushing, so why aren’t we all getting it done? For some it may be a lack of information. Learn everything you need to know in this complete guide to flossing teeth. 

The Importance of Flossing

You only get one set of natural permanent teeth in your lifetime. Do you want to keep yours? If so, preventive dentistry is necessary, and flossing is an important part of that. Flossing removes plaque that builds up in the spaces between your teeth. And when you floss correctly, it also clears plaque out of the pockets between your teeth and gums. 

 

Why does plaque need to be removed? Because it contains bacteria that eat away at the enamel of your teeth (tooth decay) and infect your gums (gum disease). After brushing, flossing is your best defense against tooth decay and gum disease, helping you maintain your oral health. And oral health is closely tied to your overall health and wellness. 

How to Floss

When using any type of string floss, tear off a piece about 18 inches long and wrap it around your middle fingers on both hands, leaving about 2 inches in between. Then use your index fingers to slide the floss in between each of your teeth, wrapping the floss slightly around each tooth to reach the pockets between your teeth and gums. Discard the floss when you are done. 

 

Floss picks work like string floss, but you don’t have to wrap it around your fingers. The string of floss is stretched across a u-shaped piece of plastic. Simply slide the string portion between each tooth and curve the floss around each tooth to reach the pockets between the teeth and gums. 

How Often to Floss 

Dentists recommend flossing once a day between all of your teeth. This is enough to remove plaque without irritating your gums. 

 

Types of Floss and Flossing Tools 

The following flossing tools are available: 

 

• String floss. Basic string floss comes in a plastic container with a spool inside and a place to tear each piece. 

• Waxed floss. String floss comes coated in wax for less fraying and breakage. 

• Dental tape. Dental tape is wider and flat for getting between teeth with wider gaps. 

• Superfloss. Superfloss is wider and spongy for cleaning between teeth with wider gaps. It also has a reinforced end like a shoestring to thread it under braces or dental work. 

• Floss pick. A floss pick is a plastic piece with a u-shaped head and a piece of floss stretched across it. This allows you to avoid wrapping floss around your fingers. Floss picks are also easier for children to use. 

• Water flosser. A water flosser is a machine that sprays pressurized water through a small wand that you place between each tooth

Learn More About Flossing and Oral Health 

If you want to know more about how flossing can help with oral health and wellness, Shaus Dental Studio can provide all of the information you need. We can teach you effective flossing techniques to make it easy to maintain your oral health. 

 

Call 763-525-0306 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Flossing?

 

Do floss picks work as well as string floss? 

In general, string floss is easier to wrap around the sides of each tooth, getting down into the pockets between the teeth and gums. Floss picks can still do this, but not as effectively. However, it is better to floss with a floss pick than not to floss at all. 

 

How do you floss with braces?

Braces require different flossing techniques and tools:

 

• Water flossers can be used with braces and other dental work. 
• Special floss sticks are made for braces with a narrow head. 
• String floss can be threaded under the archwire. Superfloss can be easier to thread because it has a reinforced end. 

White smiles look good and boost confidence. But over time, teeth grow dull and discolored. How can you achieve a smile that will turn your teeth shades brighter? 

 

Here is your guide to having white teeth. 

What Causes Staining? 

There are many different things that can cause staining. We are to blame for some of them whereas others are caused due to things outside of our control. Let’s take a look at all the reasons teeth become stained. 

• Poor oral hygiene
• Consuming foods or beverages that cause staining (such as red wine, coffee, food dyes, acidic foods like berries, citrus, tomatoes, etc.)
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Aging 
• Genetics
• Previous dental work
• Dental trauma
• Medications and illnesses

 

Regardless of why teeth are stained, different solutions are available to obtain a brighter, whiter smile. 

Teeth Whitening Options

Many teeth whitening options are available, each offering you a different degree of whitening. 

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening 

You can purchase teeth-whitening kits nearly anywhere they sell oral care products. Though they may work to provide you with some whitening, they are the least effective. And, the results are often quite minimal. 

 

It is important to note that these products have very little bleaching agent in them due to safety reasons. What’s more, without being customized for your teeth, they usually end up providing uneven results.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is done under the care of a dental professional. As such, this type of treatment comes with a higher concentration of a bleaching agent which will help you to yield the greatest results. 

 

In-office treatments are handled by a dental professional at your dentist’s office. These typically only require one visit and will leave your teeth several shades whiter. 

 

At-home teeth whitening treatments are also available. These are customized for you and will be given under the direction and guidance of your dentist’s office. This treatment is done at home over a certain amount of time, usually several days or a couple of weeks. You can expect to receive dramatic results, as well. 

Alternative Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

Some teeth are discolored deep inside and won’t respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments — even those from your dentist. 

 

Thankfully, there are still options to whiten these teeth that can give you the smile you are hoping for. One that has been growing in popularity is dental veneers. This involves placing a shell over the front of the discolored tooth in order to cover up the imperfection. 

 

Dental veneers are long-lasting solutions that are custom-created to fit beautifully amongst your other teeth. 

 

Discuss alternative options that will help you achieve the white smile you are seeking. 

Keeping Teeth White After Treatment

After traditional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist, the results are going to be dramatic.  While they will eventually begin to fade due to normal life, there are a few things that you can do in an attempt to extend the results.

• Visit your dentist for routine cleanings every 6 months
• Improve your oral hygiene routine
• Avoid foods and beverages that cause staining to teeth 
• Stop smoking
• Use whitening toothpaste

 

You may even want to consider talking to your dentist about at-home treatments in the interim to keep your color fresh and bright white. 

Teeth Whitening at Schaus Dental Studio

Are you interested in learning more about teeth whitening? Our team at Schaus Dental Studio would love to show you what a professional teeth whitening treatment can do for your smile.  

Contact us today at 763-525-0306. Or, request an appointment online.

Dental implants are one of the best forms of tooth replacement. They function much like a real tooth - and look the part, as well. But before making the investment, most patients want to know just how long they can expect their dental implant to last. 

 

Here’s what you need to know. 

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants come in different pieces - and they do not all have the same lifespan. You have the implant itself that is inserted and left to fuse with the jaw bone. Then you have the abutment that attaches to the implant so that it can hold the dental crown in place. 

 

So, how long do dental implants last? 

 

The implant itself is meant to last a lifetime - or upwards of 25 years. Remember, it is fused with the bone so it is held in place quite well. The dental crown, however, usually lasts between 10 to 15 years before it needs to be replaced. Though with the right care, dental crowns have been known to last much, much longer. 

Factors That Contribute to Dental Implant Longevity

There are many different factors that can play a role in how long your dental implants will or will not last. And others that may cause it to fail quickly. These include: 

• Poor bone density. Because dental implants rely on a healthy jaw bone to anchor the tooth, good bone density is essential. Without it, your dentist may suggest having a bone graft before the implant procedure - or else the outcome may not be so good. 
• Poor oral hygiene. Dental implants and the mouth as a whole require proper care. Without it, bacteria can thrive and wreak havoc on the gums, teeth, and bones. This could be detrimental to the implant. 
• Poorly managed biting forces. A poorly managed bite is quite common in contributing to losing an implant. Natural teeth are able to deal with an uneven bite in ways that dental implants simply can’t. 
• Poorly-skilled dentist. Investing in dental implants from a dentist that doesn’t have the experience can cause your implant to fail. It can even cause damage to the surrounding area. 

 

Find an experienced dentist that will take the time to make sure you are a good candidate for this treatment surgery so that you have the greatest success in long-lasting dental implants. 

Extend the Life of Your Dental Implants

You can work to extend the life of your dental implants by being proactive with the following: 

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss thoroughly - every day
• Invest in a water flosser to use around implants
• Eat a healthy diet low in sugar
• Avoid crunchy, hard foods as much as possible
• Stop smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco

 

Most importantly, ensure you visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and dental exam. 

Dental Implants at Schaus Dental Studio

Since the successful placement of a dental implant depends significantly on the skill of your dentist, you want to find someone with the precision and experience to handle the task. And that’s what you get from Dr. Schaus. 

Find out if you are a candidate for dental implants. Contact us at 763-525-0306. Or, request an appointment online.

Professional teeth whitening can help you safely brighten and rejuvenate your teeth in just one office visit. Typically, professional teeth whitening lasts approximately one to three years if you take good care of your smile.

Why Teeth Turn Yellow

Teeth naturally turn yellow as people age. This process happens because the enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth, thins over time, and the yellow layer underneath (the dentin) shows through. Younger people can also experience stained teeth due to oral hygiene, smoking, and drinking staining beverages like coffee, cola, and red wine.

Advantages of Professional Whitening

Quick and Effective

We can lighten your teeth by several shades using our in-office process. In most cases, in-office whitening takes only one visit. You will receive a more subtle but equally effective whitening effect at home in a few weeks.

Safe

Whitening under a dentist's supervision is much safer than using products bought online or in stores. Over-the-counter whitening strips can cause excessive tooth sensitivity. Strong whitening gels, when used without supervision, can burn the gums or cause irreversible gum recession.

Long-Lasting

Professional teeth whitening can last for up to three years. Contrast this with the effects of home whitening strips, which you must use every few months to maintain your look.

Whitening Your Teeth in The Office

In-office teeth whitening is a simple process. The dentist uses rubber to protect your gums from the strong carbamide peroxide solution. They carefully apply the gel to your teeth and then activate it with a special light.

Professionally Whitening Your Teeth at Home

We will make you a custom whitening tray that holds a prescribed amount of peroxide gel. You will wear this tray, as recommended, for a few hours each day, for up to four weeks at a time.

Ensuring Your Smile Stays Bright

To keep your professionally whitened teeth looking their best for years, ensure you care for them. Follow your dentist's recommendations to keep your teeth bright. These recommendations may include the following:

Brush Well At Least Twice Daily

Brushing your teeth at least twice daily is the minimum when you have professionally whitened teeth. Ideally, brush your teeth whenever you eat or drink, especially if you have a staining food or beverage.

Floss Daily

Flossing helps remove the plaque and food particles between your teeth, eliminating deposits that can attract stains.

Keep All Dental Appointments

Professional cleaning once every six months will help keep your teeth looking their best.

Enjoy Your Bright Smile

When you whiten your teeth, you will immediately notice the positive attention you receive. You will feel more like smiling and showing off your teeth, leading to a more positive public image. 

Call Schaus Dental Studio

If you want to whiten your smile safely and professionally, we can help you look and feel your best. Call our Golden Valley, MN, office at 763-525-0306 for an appointment today.

Dental veneers are stain-resistant porcelain shells the dentist bonds to a patient's teeth. They can cover stained, chipped, misshapen, or slightly misaligned teeth, providing a beautiful smile.

 

Porcelain dental veneers can last for as long as 15 years. If you care for your veneers properly, they will last longer.

The Process of Applying Veneers

Applying veneers is an easy dental procedure that typically takes only two appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist will determine whether veneers are right for you. 

 

The dentist removes a thin layer of enamel to prepare your teeth for veneers. The dentist may take an impression or use a 3-D intraoral camera to plan your veneers. Porcelain veneers take a few weeks to come back from the dental laboratory. 

 

During the second appointment, the dentist checks the veneers' fit. The dentist will carefully clean your teeth to prepare shells. Special cement fixes the veneers to the tooth surface. Frequently, a special light helps the cement harden.

 

After installing your veneers, you will be happy to show off your rejuvenated smile.

The Advantages of Dental Veneers

Veneers are not only long-lasting, but they also have several other distinct advantages:

Permanence

Veneers are permanent once the dentist applies them to the teeth. They are durable and easily stand up to normal wear.

Versatility

Veneers can solve more than one aesthetic issue at a time, covering stains, chips, and slightly crooked teeth. They can also help to hide slight gaps between teeth.

Stain Resistance

While teeth whitened with a standard bleaching solution need special care to avoid staining, porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. You will have a lower likelihood of staining your veneers with beverages like coffee and tea.

White Spot Coverage

Another advantage of veneers is that they cover white spots on the enamel that dentists cannot remove with standard teeth whitening. If white spots are a problem, you may want to look into veneers instead of teeth whitening.

Efficiency

Veneers are incredibly efficient compared to the combined time it would take to receive crowns, teeth whitening, and orthodontic work. Veneers usually require only one or two dental visits to complete.

 

How to Care For Your Veneers

Caring for veneers is simple. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for a full two minutes. Floss once daily and use a fluoride mouth rinse. Limit excess sugar in your diet. Avoid chewing ice, pens, and other non-food items. Keep all scheduled dental appointments.

Call Schaus Dental Studio

Dental veneers last longer than many other types of restorations. They are a faster, more straightforward way to rejuvenate your smile.

 

If you are interested in veneers or other dental services, call our Golden Valley, MN office at 763-525-0306 for a consultation. We can help you understand your options and match you with the right treatments.