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The Basics Of Tooth Restorations

The options for improving your smile are far and wide. Several restoration treatments are designed to improve the healthy of your smile and even approve the visual appearance of it. Treatments can be customized and crafted to your exact dental profile to ensure that you receive a treatment that not only effectively minimizes damage but also drastically lowers your risk for damage in the future. Setting forth an effective treatment plan involves visiting our dentist for restorations, repairs and fixes as needed.

If you’re looking to enhance your smile through a tooth restoration, it is important to understand what type of damage has been done and which treatments will work best for you. If you have a situation in which a tooth is continually vulnerable to outside forces and requires an additional layer of protection, a dental crown can prove to be highly effective. Dental crowns cap teeth on all sides and act as a sort of barrier for the tooth.

If you wish to enhance the look of a tooth, a dental veneer can be crafted and designed to match the look, size, shape and color you desire. Your veneer can then be placed on the front surface of your tooth, giving your teeth a better look than even nature can provide.

In situations where a tooth has developed a cavity, our dentist can provide you with a highly reliable dental filling after the damaged areas of your tooth have been cleaned. If you have teeth that are healthy but are not the color or shade you want, a tooth whitening treatment can help.

Are you attracted to the idea of improving your smile with tooth restorations in Green River, Wyoming? If so, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bryant Birch by calling us at 307-875-3658. Birch Family Dental looks forward to enhancing your smile today!

Repairing A Lost Tooth With A Dental Bridge

If you have suffered a case of tooth decay or need to receive cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of your smile, then you may benefit from receiving a dental bridge. We offer an overview of the nature of dental bridges and how they work to meet your cosmetic dentistry needs.

What are dental bridges?
Bridges are very simple and straightforward, serving to bridge the empty space left behind by a missing tooth. The bridge acts to support tooth replacement for the tooth by attaching dental crowns on either side to the teeth that surround the gap. The crowns perform the service of anchoring the replacement tooth or teeth so that we can fill the gap and provide your smile with stability and strength. The natural teeth that attach to the bridge prevent the replacement tooth from slipping or falling out.

What do the dental bridges fix?
Dental bridges are an excellent way to solve issues created by missing teeth. Additionally, their placement can help enhance the appearance of your teeth and improve your bite force, preventing a misaligned bite from resulting in significant oral health problems.

If have lost teeth and are interested in pursuing cosmetic and restorative dentistry to restore your smile, then we invite you to call Birch Family Dental today at 307-875-3658 to schedule a consultation with our dentists, Drs. Birch and Jones, about receiving a dental bridge in Green River, Wyoming.

Bad Breath Facts

Bad breath is something many people suffer from. It is quite the inconvenience that can put a damper on people’s lives, especially their social lives. If you’re one of these people, our dentists, Drs. Birch and Jones, would like to give you some facts about bad breath. The more you know about bad breath, the more you know about how to treat it. Those bad breath facts are:

-Bad breath can be caused by many different things, like the things you eat, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, tobacco use, dry mouth and improperly cleaned oral appliances, like retainers, braces and dentures.

-Typically, improving your oral hygiene routine can help improve your breath. However, it won’t help if you have periodontal disease or if you use tobacco products. You will need to see your dentist for treatment and you will need to quit using tobacco.

-Sipping on water throughout the day can help improve your bad breath. This is because it can wash odorous food particles and bacteria away. It can also help you prevent dry mouth.

-Cleaning your tongue can help improve your bad breath because it removes the bacteria from the surface. So, brush your tongue after you brush your teeth or use a tongue scraper.

If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about bad breath in Green River, Wyoming, please contact Birch Family Dental today at 307-875-3658. Our dental team will be more than happy to help you, so please call our office now!

Tooth Enamel Erosion Can Increase The Risk Of Cavities

Your tooth enamel is made up of a dense matrix of microscopic mineral crystals. This is what gives your teeth the strength to break down food to make it easier to swallow and digest. It also helps your teeth resist the damage caused by tooth decay.

Inconsistencies in your daily oral hygiene habits or failing to attend your dental checkups at Birch Family Dental can lead to the chronic buildup of food debris, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Left unaddressed, this situation could lead to cavities on multiple teeth as well as tooth sensitivity problems. If you have a dental health concern, it’s best to schedule with Dr. Bryant Birch. If your cavity is small enough, he might be able to treat the area of tooth decay with a dental filling. If the dentist has further concerns about the strength of your tooth enamel, he might recommend administering a fluoride treatment and using prescription fluoride supplements. Our dentist might also advise you on minor improvements you can make in your daily routine which can help reduce your chances of suffering new cavities between your visits.

If you live in the Green River, Wyoming, area and you have concerns about the strength and health of your teeth, you should call 307-875-3658 to schedule a checkup at Birch Family Dental.

Sleep Apnea: A Common But Serious Problem

Though it is a common experience, obstructive sleep apnea is also a serious medical condition that must be treated as quickly as possible. Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing is frequently interrupted during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is one of two varieties of sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In central sleep apnea, the brain fails to signal the body to breathe during sleep. In OSA, something is physically obstructing the airflow. This is the much more common of the two. Untreated sleep apnea of any kind can set you up for serious health problems such as depression, heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke or even heart failure.

A number of factors contribute to OSA, including both genetic and environmental factors. Those who are more at risk of developing OSA are those who:

-Have large tonsils or tongue
-Have a family history of sleep apnea
-Have a deviated septum
-Deal with allergies or sinus problems
-Are over 40 years old
-Are overweight
-Are male

There are many treatment options, including something as simple as not sleeping on your back, in very mild cases. Other treatment options may include oral appliance therapy, Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) therapy treatments, or surgery. If you have or suspect you have sleep apnea, consult with your doctor and construct a personalized treatment plan.

If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea and you are in the Green River, Wyoming, area, call Birch Family Dental at 307-875-3658 to schedule an appointment! Our dentists, Drs. Birch and Jones, and our team will be happy to help!

X-rays Help Diagnose Dental Disease

Having an X-ray taken at the dentist should not be a cause for alarm. Dentists order X-rays when they cannot verify suspected dental disease with a traditional oral examination. The X-ray is a modern miracle and a valuable tool for confirmation and diagnosis.

How often an X-ray is taken is dependent upon various factors relating to the patient. These variables include age, patient health risks, and the emergence of signs or symptoms of tooth decay or gum disease. Kids will normally receive more frequent X-rays due to their constant growth and development. The determination as to whether or not you will need an X-ray taken will be made after your dentist has thoroughly examined your teeth and gums, and studied your dental history.

Safety is always a concern when working with radiation. In the case of dental X-rays, such a low level of radiation is utilized that you shouldn’t worry about detrimental exposure. Also, every precaution is taken to minimize any potential risk factors. Lead vests, aprons and/or collars shield the abdomen and thyroid glands from unnecessary exposure. If pregnant, you should alert your dentist so that these items are in place to protect the fetus.

Are you moving or changing dentists? Once settled, be sure to ask your previous dentist to forward copies of your X-rays. This will save you and your new dentist time, money, and potentially avoid having to take new radiographs. Without any dental history, new patients must undergo a completely new round of X-rays in order to determine their current oral health state.

If you have questions or concerns about radiation from a dental X-ray, call Dr. Bryant Birch for more information. Please contact Birch Family Dental to make an appointment at: 307-875-3658, or come by our office in Green River, Wyoming.

Why Is Rinsing With Mouthwash Important?

Your dentists, Drs. Birch and Jones, recommend rinsing your mouth with mouthwash daily. This is because mouthwash can help you in many ways. This is why you should do your best to include rinsing in your oral hygiene routine. Little did you know, rinsing with mouthwash is very important. To tell you why it’s so important, our dental team is happy to list the reasons here:

-Rinsing can kill bacteria in your mouth. This is the case if you use antibacterial mouthwash. This is very beneficial because bacteria (plaque) can attack the gums and create gum disease, which is a very dangerous problem for the smile as well as the entire health.

-Rinsing can strengthen your teeth. This is the case if you use fluoride mouthwash. This is extremely helpful because the fluoride seeps into your smile and nourishes the enamel. This can help your teeth fight tooth decay and enamel erosion regularly. In fact, it’s best to expose your teeth to fluoride regularly.

-Rinsing can give you pristine breath. This is because it eliminates the bacteria in your mouth that protrude an odor. It also cleans the tongue.

Do you have any questions about rinsing or about mouthwash in Green River, Wyoming? If so, please contact our dental team at Birch Family Dental. All you need to do is dial 307-875-3658 and we will be more than happy to help you, so please don’t be afraid to reach out to us!

Year End Smile Upgrades: Dental Bridge?

Are you in need of a dental bridge treatment to replace any teeth that have gone missing? Dental bridges are highly effective tooth replacement options that are designed to link directly to nearby or neighboring teeth for a durable hold that can last a lifetime. If you’re looking for a permanent tooth prosthetic, look no further than dental bridges. To determine if a dental bridge is right for you, ask yourself this:

– Did you know that one of the best methods to enhance your smile is to visually upgrade it by completing your dental profile by replacing missing teeth?

– Are you aware that dental bridges are highly effective for improving abilities to adequately to chew and eat food?

– Have you heard that dental bridges can improve functions with speech?

– Do you know that if you have issues with bite stability, dental bridges can be of assistance?

– Have you heard that if you’re suffering any tooth slippage due to weak gums, dental bridges can prevent other nearby or neighboring teeth from moving around?

– Do you know that a complete set of teeth with dental bridges will improve your oral healthcare buy filling in voids caused by missing teeth?

No matter which decision for your dental bridge care you choose, Drs. Birch and Jones at Birch Family Dental will make sure that you receive the care and support your smile requires. If you would like to come stop by our dentist office in Green River, Wyoming, please schedule an appointment at 307-875-3658.

Achieve Optimum Holiday Health With Gum Disease Symptoms

If you have not already done so, set forth an effective oral health care treatment plan to keep your mouth safe from any tooth hazards, dental damage, or diseases that can arise. One of the most common forms of the disease that can plague an individual’s mouth is through infections of your gum tissue known as gum disease. Gum disease, often known as periodontal disease, can progress over a period of many years, and can often linger in your mouth without you being fully aware of it. To help keep your smile safe, look for signs and symptoms of gum disease.

Always check your smile for any signs of gum disease that may be present. Due to the fact the infections present with gum disease can progress over many years, it may take a while for symptoms to become apparent as well. However, if you notice any irregular or abnormal signs with your gums including any signs of inflammation, abnormal swelling, or an increased sensitivity or tenderness, it may be linked to gum disease.

Furthermore, if you notice that your bleeding more frequently, especially after mealtime or from brushing or flossing, it could be a sign of potential infections with your gum tissue. Other common symptoms of gum disease include recurring bouts of halitosis, loose or separating teeth, issues and ailments when chewing food, the presence of pus or sores, and a recession of your gums.

If you want to experience the joys of gum disease treatments at Birch Family Dental, simply call our team at 307-875-3658 to schedule an appointment at our dentist office in Green River, Wyoming. Drs. Birch and Jones look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health!

How To Age Gracefully And Keep Your Smile

Losing your teeth is a natural and unavoidable part of the aging process, right? Wrong, actually. Your teeth are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. True, teeth become more susceptible to decay and disease over time, but you can preserve your natural smile for life by following these steps:

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Your visits to the dentist may need to occur more frequently as you get older, especially if you are struggling with a chronic condition such as gum disease. Dr. Bryant Birch can diagnose dental problems before they reach an advanced stage that threatens the health of your smile, and he will create a customized treatment plan that accommodates your personal preferences and fits your lifestyle well.

Care for your Smile at Home

The health of your smile depends on your oral care habits. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily prevents plaque from attacking your tooth enamel and gum tissue and causing problems for your smile.

Consider the Medications You Take

Certain medications can contribute to dental problems such as dry mouth, gum disease, and bad breath. If you have noticed any negative changes in your dental health since you began taking a new medication, speak with Dr. Bryant Birch and your general doctor about changing your prescription.

Eat Your Way Toward Dental Health

The foods you eat can help or harm your smile. We encourage you to avoid sugary or acidic foods, as these attack tooth enamel and weaken your teeth. Healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy food boost your oral health and reduce your risk of tooth decay.

For more tips about preserving a lifelong smile in Green River, Wyoming, contact Birch Family Dental at 307-875-3658 today. Our dentist, Dr. Bryant Birch, and our team would love to speak with you about your oral health!

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