achieve-your-smile-goals

Cosmetic Dentistry Options can help you achieve your smile goals!

Our team loves to see you smile with confidence when you leave our office!

Looking your best and feeling confident is something that everyone can dream about. However, with advancements in cosmetic dentistry, you can achieve your smile goals turning them from a dream to a reality at Premier Dental. After all, your smile is often the first thing someone will notice about you. We love this statistic … according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of surveyed adults said that a healthy smile is socially important to them.

We want to take the opportunity to share the treatments that may be involved in complete smile makeovers. Each patient is different and there is no cookie-cutter fix when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. There are various treatments that can be involved in a patient’s treatment plan that can include porcelain veneers, SureSmile invisible aligners, dental implants, dental bonding, recontouring, and professional teeth whitening; whatever enhancement your smile may need, we’re here to discuss your smile goals and help you smile with confidence!

 

Cosmetic Dentistry Options:

Let’s quickly review Cosmetic Dentistry Options that are available at Premier Dental in Lee’s Summit and how they can help you achieve your smile goals.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry options available for smile enhancement; often the ideal solution for concealing a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections. Wafer-thin porcelain shells are secured to the front of teeth, which changes tooth appearance regarding shape, color, length, and size. This method has proven to be very beneficial for people dealing with chipped, cracked, crooked, stained, discolored, or short teeth. Whether you are seeking to correct the look of one tooth, a series of teeth, or achieve a full smile makeover.

SureSmile Invisible Aligners

With so many advancements in dentistry and technology, there are a lot of options to enhance your smile. SureSmile is a nontraditional approach to straightening teeth, and they’ve been clinically proven to provide great results by using their software to create an accurate 3D model of your teeth. They combine advanced technology and facial photos to put together a precise image of your mouth, which allows for the prediction of your teeth’s movements, and are used to create the shape and size of your invisible aligners. Once that’s completed, a unique treatment plan is made just for you! No need to worry about “brace face” or change the food you eat, because they’re removable. No one will know you’re wearing your SureSmile aligners.

Dental Implant

If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant may be the best way to restore the look and function of your smile. Dental implants act like artificial roots that can be permanently placed in the patient’s jaw bone. As the gum tissue and bone grow around the dental implant, they become a permanent anchor. A natural-looking porcelain crown will be made giving our patients a beautifully-finished result that is attractive, yet helps to improve chewing, maintain bone and prevent teeth from changing positions. Dental implants can even prevent future problems with a patient’s bite, as they offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth and an effective solution that will look and feel as natural as your original teeth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is an effective method for repairing chipped teeth. Using versatile and resilient tooth-colored composite materials we create a strong structure that still feels like your original tooth. We can match the color of your tooth and restore its former shape with natural-looking results.

Recontouring

One of the few instant cosmetic dentistry treatments is tooth reshaping or recontouring. A procedure to correct cracked or chipped teeth, crooked teeth, even overlapping teeth by re-shaping them to improve the shape, size, or length. It can also help with chipped and crooked teeth. Due to its instant results, recontouring can occasionally limit the need for additional orthodontic treatments such as braces, during one convenient appointment.

Whitening | Bleaching

One of the best and easiest things you can do for your smile is to reverse the signs of age, smoking and even medications by brightening your smile with a professional tooth whitening procedure. We believe that dentist-supervised, professional teeth whitening is the most effective cosmetic dentistry procedure for safely brightening your smile.

 

It’s Easy to Achieve Your Smile Goals

With so many cosmetic options, and advancements in dentistry, you can achieve your smile goals in a few visits giving you the beautiful smile of your dreams. Now, let’s talk in more detail about a few of these treatments to give you a better understanding of what they entail and how they can help you achieve your smile goals.

Achieve Your Smile Goals: Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the most versatile cosmetic option available for smile enhancement; often the ideal solution for concealing a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections. Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are custom-crafted to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Let’s use a simple example … Like false nails, porcelain veneers improve the appearance of your teeth just like fake nails improve the look of your nails. Unlike fake nails, porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth, so they last and continue giving you a beautiful smile for many years to come!

Porcelain veneers enhance your smile and can be used to correct several common cosmetic concerns, including:

  • Chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth
  • Crooked or misaligned teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Stained or discolored teeth
  • Short teeth

Porcelain veneers last much longer than composite veneers, are more stain resistant, highly durable, and more natural looking – making them a highly popular option for veneers. Whether you are seeking to correct the look of one tooth, a series of teeth, or achieve a full smile makeover, porcelain veneers from Premier Dental may be the ideal treatment to deliver the beautiful, natural-looking smile you desire.

Customized Results with Porcelain Veneers

Giving your smile an improved appearance with porcelain veneers is often a relatively simple and effective process that produces impressive results. The shape, size, color, fit, and thickness of each veneer is precisely matched to the specifications of your tooth, providing for highly customized results that can look and feel incredibly natural. In addition, preparation for the ultra-thin veneers typically preserves much of the tooth body, which helps maintain dental strength and health. Dr. Caye is highly experienced in the planning, design, preparation, and placement of porcelain veneers to create smile improvements that range from subtle to transformative.

Porcelain Veneers: The Process

You’ll want to meet with Dr. Caye to discuss whether you are a candidate for veneers. You may need some dental treatment completed before the veneer process, and your dentist will want to make sure your oral health is in good shape for veneers.

Once the process starts, Dr. Caye will:

  1. Prepare your teeth. This often means removing a small amount of enamel.
  2. Make an impression of your teeth.
  3. The impression is sent to the lab to make your veneers.
  4. Place your veneers! They will be adjusted to fit your mouth and then permanently bonded.

Related Article: Understanding Porcelain Veneers: A Closer Look at the Process

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

A major benefit of porcelain veneers is a short recovery time. Once your veneers are placed and any anesthetic (if needed) has worn off, you can go back to eating and drinking normally.

To preserve the lifespan of your beautiful new smile, you can:

  • Avoid opening items with your teeth
  • Not chew on objects (pens, etc.)
  • Wear a mouthguard when you play contact sports
  • Use a retainer at night if you experience any teeth clenching or grinding

You’ll care for your veneers just like you would your natural teeth. Make sure to stay on top of brushing and flossing, as usual, and your smile will be healthy, beautiful, and long lasting!

Learn more about Veneers from WebMD.

 

Achieve Your Smile Goals: Dental Implant

We love discussing the many perks and dental implant benefits! They not only look and feel like natural teeth, but they also provide a safe and sturdy tooth replacement that will last for many years to come. You can eat without worry, and can easily keep them clean just like you would your natural teeth.

Benefits to consider:

  • Look like your natural teeth
  • Dental implants can last 20 years or more
  • Easy to keep clean, less work than dentures
  • Dental implants fully restore a smile
  • Replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth
  • Restore full function of the mouth
  • Boost confidence
  • Benefits your oral health and overall health
  • More secure than dentures
  • Comfortable bite
  • Permanent tooth replacement

More from the exerts about dental implant tooth replacement:

  • What does WebMD have to say about the Advantages of Dental Implants? Learn more HERE.
  • Learn more about dental implants from The American Dental Association HERE.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

It can be easy to get used to missing teeth over time, but the reasons to replace them are many:

  • Gaps in-between teeth are harmful for surrounding teeth
  • A full smile gives you great confidence
  • If you don’t fill gaps, tooth decay and plaque are more likely to develop
  • Bone loss occurs
  • Aesthetic issues such as a sunken and aged appearance
  • Lose full function of the mouth

Related Article: Choose Dental Implants to Improve Your Smile

The Process of Restoring Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Figuring out how dental implants work can be confusing, so we’re breaking down the dental implant tooth replacement process. It’s really pretty simple. Some patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit. While other patients might need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Replacing teeth with dental implants can be a lengthy process – sometimes taking a few months to fully complete, but the reward of a beautiful, long-lasting smile is worth it.

  1. First X-rays and impressions of your teeth will be made.
  2. Next, the implant will be placed. This is a surgical procedure where an anesthetic is given to eliminate pain. We will make a small incision in the gums to insert the implant into the jaw bone. This gives a sturdy post for the tooth to stay on and the jawbone around the implant will be given time to heal. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place.
  3. Once the implant is placed, the healing process begins so your implant can fully fuse to the jawbone.
  4. After the healing process from the implants, an abutment is placed on the implant to prepare it for the false tooth. The abutment will support the new false tooth.
  5. Now, after that appointment, your false tooth can be placed (a custom dental crown) and your process is complete.

Note: There is a healing process that usually takes some time. However, during your healing process, your dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture to help you eat and speak normally until your permanent replacement is ready.

More surgery info from The Mayo Clinic.

 

Achieve Your Smile Goals: CEREC Same-Day Crown

CEREC crowns are ceramic crowns, like any traditional crown. They are often known as chair-side crowns since they are created in a short amount of time. CEREC crowns are replicas of your tooth and are permanently bonded to your tooth for a seamless look. Unlike traditional crowns that require multiple trips to the dentist, a CEREC same-day crown offers multiple advantages for patients, such as:

  • Less time and money: Less trips to the dentist mean less time out of your schedule. With a CEREC crown, there’s also no need to purchase a temporary crown, saving you money.
  • No uncomfortable impressions: CEREC crowns use the latest technology, meaning that the use of sticky and uncomfortable impressions is a thing of the past. Instead, we use a small scanner to take numerous photos of your tooth digitally to create an accurate 3D model.
  • Strength: Ceramic CEREC crowns are incredibly strong and are sure to last for many years.
  • Aesthetics: The strong, tooth-colored ceramic materials of CEREC restore your teeth to their natural strength, beauty, and function, and closely match the composition of your natural tooth structure.

The CEREC Same-Day Crown Process

The process is quite simple for a CEREC crown. Once you come into our office, we scan the area to create our 3D model and then our machine makes your one-of-a-kind crown in less than 30 minutes. Once the crown is created, it is permanently bonded to your tooth, just like a traditional crown would be. This process is quick, efficient, and practical for our patient’s busy schedules. Most important, you leave with your brand new tooth the same day!

Same-Day Technology

Now there’s no more waiting around or scheduling multiple appointments for your dental crown and best of all – no more temporary crowns! That’s the beauty of CEREC technology. CEREC allows us to restore damaged teeth with natural-colored crowns in only one dental visit, saving you time. Crowns will make your teeth stronger and will protect your smile for years to come, all with a natural look that matches your natural teeth.

In a single visit we will:

  • Diagnose the issue
  • Prepare your tooth
  • Create an optical impression
  • Use our CEREC technology to design your crown
  • Place your same-day CEREC crown

Care for your CEREC crown is very similar to any traditional crown placement. Continue with your normal, twice a day, oral hygiene routine and avoid super sticky foods for the first few hours after your crown is bonded.

Learn more about Dental Crowns from WebMD HERE.

Most Common Reasons to Need a Dental Crown

As we’ve discussed, dental crowns can greatly extend the life of a tooth. They’re common, often painless, and help restore a smile. You may need a dental crown, as it can help keep your smile healthy and bright, but how do you know when you need a dental crown?

You may need a dental crown in certain situations – let’s look at some of the most popular reasons:

  • To restore a broken tooth
  • To hold a dental bridge in place
  • Covering dental implants
  • Protecting a tooth from decay
  • Root canals – to strengthen and reinforce a tooth that has had a root canal
  • Large cavities
  • Correcting broken teeth
  • Correcting misshapen teeth
  • Repairing discolored teeth
  • Repairing worn down teeth

Crowns can protect vulnerable teeth and improve the look and feel of your smile. If you’re curious if a same-day CEREC crown is the right treatment option for you, just ask Dr. Caye during your dental visit.

Related Article: Why Do I Need a Dental Crown? Same Day Crowns at Premier Dental

 

Achieve Your Smile Goals: SureSmile Clear Aligners

Millions of people undergo orthodontic treatments to straighten their smile, but do they offer dentist-approved results? Having a straight smile can give your confidence a huge boost; making you more willing to show off your smile and also protecting the health of your smile for years to come.

If you’ve considered getting invisible aligners for straightening your teeth, now is the time! Undergoing orthodontic treatment no longer means you’ll be stuck with bulky, traditional braces. SureSmile® aligners are invisible and discreet, don’t disturb your day-to-day lifestyle, and are the best choice for professional dentist-approved results.

SureSmile aligners are:

  1. Invisible. All aligners are clear and virtually invisible. Make sure to keep them clean to keep them clear! Brush them with your toothpaste and rinse clean.
  2. Comfortable. SureSmile Clear Aligners are made to fit your mouth perfectly. No more poky wire and metal braces – you’ll get used to them in no time. They’re also low maintenance and don’t require frequent adjustments.
  3. Removable. Unlike traditional braces that can’t be removed, SureSmile Aligners can be removed to eat and brush your teeth! This means that they won’t get in the way of your daily life and activities.
  4. Customized Treatment Plan. Working directly with Dr. Caye and his Team at Premier Dental is key! Unlike some of the “mail-order” ortho treatment that is available, we are here to guide your smile treatment every step of the way to ensure your success.

Related Article: SureSmile Clear Aligners are Now Available at Premier Dental

The High-Quality Difference in SureSmile®

You may have heard commercials advertising cheaper, mail-order alternatives to SureSmile®. While the idea sounds good in theory, it’s important to know the real difference between SureSmile® and the mail-order alternatives.

SureSmile® aligners are created using cutting-edge technology. According to the SureSmile® website, “An automated, high-precision, laser-cutting process is used to offer the ultimate in comfort. The edges of SureSmile® Aligners are exceedingly smooth, whether you choose a straight or scalloped trimline.” The removable trays offer high levels of accuracy and precision – making sure they always fit perfectly and give you the best dentist-approved results in the shortest time possible.

Learn more about the Science Behind the Process: Why SureSmile? Or Check out the SureSmile® website for additional information.

The SureSmile® Aligner System gives you the peace of mind that your treatment plan is developed by a dental professional. Dr. Stephan Caye at Premier Dental in Lee’s Summit has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and software that allows him to see your teeth “root to crown” at every angle imaginable. You can be confident your personalized treatment plan is fully customized and designed for a long-term healthy, happy smile.

The Risk of Alternative Options

In contrast, the mail-order alternative options for invisible aligners can’t give the same, dentist-approved results as SureSmile®. In fact, many dentists around the U.S. have reported that patients who have used the mail-order alternatives are needing more tooth/alignment corrections due to the aligner-process not working correctly. That is the big risk you will take by using a program that doesn’t have cutting edge technology and doesn’t work directly with your dentist to monitor progress.

SureSmile aligners are designed to work and to last. They provide accurate and effective results, providing patients with beautiful, straight smiles. Achieve your smile goal and get started by scheduling your smile consultation at Premier Dental is incredibly easy:

  1. Schedule your initial SureSmile consultation at our office.
  2. Your dentist will take impressions and create your customized treatment plan.
  3. Next, you’ll receive your customized invisible aligners and the process will begin.

 

Achieve Your Smile Goals: Professional Teeth Whitening

One of our most common ways to enhance the look of anyone’s smile is teeth whitening. It’s quick and safe and provides beautiful results every time. While at-home treatments can make your teeth feel sensitive and can take multiple treatments, our treatment is one and done, and doesn’t cause uncomfortable sensitivity. Professional teeth whitening penetrates deeper into the tooth to remove more stains than any over-the-counter product ever could.

Professional teeth whitening delivers optimum results in a relatively short amount of time. Performed under the supervision of a dentist, this method of whitening has gained popularity among those who either are dissatisfied with over-the-counter (OTC) products or are preparing for a special occasion.

Related Article: Cosmetic Dentistry: Is Your Wedding Smile Camera Ready?

Here are a few culprits that can leave stains on your teeth:

  • Food and drink: As we mentioned above, our normal eating and drinking routine can dull our teeth and leave behind stains. Certain foods are high in pigmentation or acid and leave behind stubborn stains – like coffee, red wine and blueberries.
  • Poor oral hygiene: If you’re not on top of your oral hygiene routine, then plaque build-up can leave stains.
  • Aging: When we age, the enamel (outer layer) of our teeth becomes thinner and doesn’t protect us from stains as well.
  • Medications: Certain medications can be harsh on your teeth and leave behind yellowing and stains.

 

What is a Smile Makeover or Full Mouth Reconstruction? 

Using a combination of restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatment options, Premier Dental can combine multiple services to help you achieve your smile goals by restoring the functionality, health, and look of your smile with a smile makeover! If you’ve suffered from tooth damage, decay, or loss, full mouth reconstruction may be a wonderful option for you to smile with confidence again, and often includes a combination of:

  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Dental Implants
  • Crowns and Bridges
  • SureSmile Clear Aligners
  • Professional Teeth Whitening

Learn more about the Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Makeover: Refresh and Rejuvenate Your Smile 

Achieve Your Smile Goals at Premier Dental 

Whether you’re looking to enhance, straighten or whiten your pearly whites, Dr. Caye and his expert team of smile professionals can help you smile with confidence and achieve your smile goals. Schedule your smile consultation at our office in Lee’s Summit, MO and let’s discuss your smile makeover. What do YOU want? How would YOU like to see your smile? We will customize a treatment plan and make this the year you remember with a SMILE!

Dr. Stephan Caye and his friendly, experienced team at Premier Dental offer affordable family dentistry and invisible braces in the Lee’s Summit, MO area. Our office is conveniently located off of Highway 50 and SE Blue Parkway. We offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Premier Dental, we provide most dental health services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including tooth replacement options, such as dental implants and dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistryemergency dental care and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Please call us at (816) 600-6330 to schedule an appointment.

preventative-dentistry-for-kids-in-lees-summit

February Focus: Prevention!

Let’s talk about preventative dentistry for kids. We want to spread the word about how poor oral health and cavities impact our kids’ health and quality of life. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), dental caries/cavities are four times more common than childhood asthma and three times more likely than childhood obesity. That means that the most common condition among children is largely preventable. In their 2021 State of Little Teeth Report, AAPD examined the epidemic of tooth decay among children. Check out the following key stats from the Report:

  • Tooth decay is the NUMBER ONE chronic infectious disease affecting children in the United States and is on the rise, but it is largely preventable.
  • The rate of tooth decay in baby teeth of children aged 2 to 5 years increased nearly 17% from 1988-1994 to 1999-2004.
  • By age 5 about 60% of children will be affected by tooth decay.
  • Children with oral health problems are THREE TIMES more likely to miss school due to dental pain than children with no oral health problems.
  • AAPD recommends taking a child for their first dental visit by the age of 1.
  • Delaying dental care to age 2 or 3 can have a negative impact on a child’s oral health. 40% of parents and caregivers surveyed are delaying their child’s first visit until after age 2.

Each February we celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month! During the entire month of February, we focus on preventative dentistry for kids because we are passionate about children’s healthcare. Take this time to increase awareness about pediatric dental hygiene – and find out how you can best support your child’s dental care.

What is National Children’s Dental Health Month?

The ADA’s Children’s Dental Health Day was first celebrated on February 8, 1949. It became a month-long commemoration in 1981. 40 years later, children’s dental health continues to be promoted throughout February for National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). Celebrating children’s oral health awareness is incredibly important for our communities. Tooth decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease. We hope that by continuing to educate our patients that Preventative Dentistry for Kids and oral health for all is vitally important. By educating our goal is to increase awareness to help motivate more parents and other adults to recognize the seriousness of children’s dental disease.

Why is Children’s Dental Health Month Important?

NCDHM raises awareness of the importance of teaching children good oral habits early to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. Parents or caregivers are essential and can promote preventative dentistry for kids and children’s dental health this month and throughout the year. We strive to support children’s dental health by working with our patients on specific topics such as:

  • Tooth decay
  • Getting your child familiar with their dentist’s office
  • Preventing crowded teeth
  • Healthy gums in later years

Keeping up with daily oral care and visiting the dentist at least twice a year for an oral examination and professional cleanings are steps you can take towards a happier and healthier mouth! Setting the foundation for your child earlier in life will set your child up for success in the future. Check out the Parent’s Guide to Keeping Little Mouths Healthy created by the ADHA.

Understanding Why Baby Teeth Are Important

Baby (primary) teeth are a child’s first set of teeth. A baby’s teeth start to come in at 6 to 10 months, and by the time a child is 2½ to 3 years old, all 20 baby teeth will have come into the mouth. Taking care of a child’s baby teeth is important for the child’s overall health and development.

Baby teeth are important for children to:

  • Speak clearly. Children who lose baby teeth too early may have trouble making certain sounds. This can make it hard to understand the child. A child may need speech therapy to improve speech problems that may develop because of missing teeth.
  • Chew and eat foods. Children need to eat healthy foods every day to grow and be strong. Children with tooth decay are less likely to eat crunchy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Being able to eat these foods promotes good nutrition and a healthy weight.
  • Have self-confidence. Children with decayed front teeth tend to not smile or may cover their mouth when talking. Sometimes they stop playing with other children. A healthy smile helps give children the self-confidence needed to have good social experiences.
  • Stay healthy. Tooth decay in baby teeth can lead to infections that can cause fever and pain. If not treated, the infection from tooth decay can spread to other parts of the head and neck and lead to severe swelling.
  • Keep space for adult teeth. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth growing in the jaw. If a baby tooth is lost too early, other teeth that are already in the mouth will move into the space. It can block out the adult tooth trying to come in and cause crowding. The upper and lower jaws may not meet properly because of the crooked teeth.

Related Article: Dental Health for Kids: Dr. Caye Answers Your Questions

How Can Cavities be Prevented?

Cavities happen when bacteria and food left on the teeth after eating are not brushed away. Acid collects on a tooth, softening its enamel until a hole — or cavity — forms.

Here’s how to keep cavities away:

  • Oral habits start early. Teach your kids to brush at least twice a day and to floss regularly.
  • Avoid certain foods or limit them. Sugary foods, including juices and candy (especially gummy sticky candy, fruit “roll-ups” or gummy vitamins). They can erode enamel and cause cavities. If your kiddos eat these foods, have them brush their teeth or rinse their mouth after eating to wash away the sugar and bacteria. Remember to drink water and stay hydrated, instead of sugary beverages.
  • As your child’s permanent teeth grow in, your dentist can help prevent decay by applying a thin layer of sealant to the back teeth. This is where most chewing is done, and this protective coating keeps bacteria from settling into the crevices of the molars that are difficult to reach.

Why do children’s teeth decay?

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria make a sticky substance called plaque that can eat away at a tooth’s enamel. Poor oral hygiene can raise your child’s risk for tooth decay. A dentist can diagnose tooth decay with an exam and X-rays.

What will Dr. Caye do for toddler tooth decay?

Dr. Caye can remove decayed parts of the tooth and perform either a dental filling or a dental crown to fill holes in the tooth. For a filling, he uses a tooth-colored composite resin or an amalgam filling.

Related Article: Tooth Decay Treatments Explained (But what happens if it isn’t treated?)

Check Their Brushing Technique

If you don’t watch your kids brush their teeth, take time this month to check-in on their brushing habits. Checking in with your kiddos and offering helpful tips and tricks will keep their teeth looking great and staying healthy. National Children’s Dental Health month is a great time to learn about preventative dentistry for kids and promote good oral hygiene habits with your family. Keep up with checkups, treat the family with new toothbrushes, and ensure your child knows how to clean their teeth properly. Putting techniques into practice each day will not only help show the importance for preventative dentistry for kids, but for your whole family. If you have questions, please ask us … we want you to know how important dental health is to your family’s overall health.

Buy New Toothbrushes

Did you know that toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months? That’s right … frayed bristles decrease their effectiveness. Get kids excited about their regular hygiene routine by letting them select toothbrushes with their favorite characters and choose toothpaste they like. February is an excellent time to toss out old toothbrushes and replace them with new ones.

Schedule a Dental Appointment

Now that you understand the importance of baby teeth, you understand why making an appointment at the dentist is one of the best ways to celebrate February’s theme of preventative dentistry for kids. The more time they spend with their dental team, the more comfortable they’ll be when they visit. It is encouraged for children to have regular cleanings every 6 months. If you schedule an appointment in February, your child’s second appointment will fall just-in-time before back-to-school in August.

Tips for Visiting the Dentist:

  • If your child asks what will happen at the dental clinic, give a simple answer. For example, say:
    • “They may count how many teeth you have.”
    • “They may clean your teeth to make them shiny and bright!”
  • If you don’t like visiting the dentist, don’t share that information with your child. That might make your child worry about going, too.
  • Set up a pretend dental chair. Pretend to be the dentist or dental hygienist. Look in your child’s mouth and count her teeth; then talk to her about brushing her teeth.
  • Read books or watch videos with your child about visiting the dentist. Don’t use books or videos that have words like hurt, pain, shot, drill, afraid, or any other words that might scare your child.
  • Let your child bring his favorite toy or blanket to the clinic.
  • If you find out that your child will receive a small toy or new toothbrush at the end of the visit, remind your child of this reward.
  • Plan a fun activity for after their visit to the dentist.

We love our little patients and strive to make their dental visits comfortable and fun! When they enjoy visiting Dr. Caye and his Team, they will likely brush their teeth regularly and look forward to their next visit! If you have more than one child, we will do our best to schedule your children’s visits together, if that makes it easier for you to bring everyone at the same time!

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Dr. Stephan Caye and his friendly, experienced team at Premier Dental offer affordable family dentistry and invisible braces in the Lee’s Summit, MO area. Our office is conveniently located off of Highway 50 and SE Blue Parkway. We offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Premier Dental, we provide most dental health services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including tooth replacement options, such as dental implants and dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistryemergency dental care and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Please call us at (816) 600-6330 to schedule an appointment.

sleep-apnea

Have you ever nudged your partner in bed because they were snoring up a storm? Turns out, loud snoring could be a sign of sleep apnea – a very common problem in American adults. In fact, millions of Americans deal with snoring while sleeping. Of course, not all snorers have sleep apnea, but it’s also a great warning sign to get checked out.

Learn more about Snoring from The Mayo Clinic

Is it Sleep Apnea or Just Snoring?

It helps to do your research and know the difference between normal snoring and sleep apnea snoring. Let’s break it down …

Regular Snoring

Snoring happens because the tissues in the throat relax and partially block the airway. Then the tissues vibrate, causing the snoring sound we all know. Your anatomy and lifestyle factors, like alcohol consumption and weight, can determine the way you snore.

Related Article: Snoring, Sleeping Disorders, and Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Snoring

Often, frequent and loud snoring is a major indicator of sleep apnea. When you experience sleep apnea snoring, your body takes multiple breathing pauses or shallow breaths during sleep. If someone with sleep apnea falls asleep, they could experience breathing pauses up to 10 seconds or even up to a minute. Obesity, large tonsils, or large tongues can also be contributing causes of sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

You can also look for other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Sore throat when wakening
  • High blood pressure
  • Restless sleep
  • Choking or gasping at night
  • Chest pain at night
  • Disruptive snoring
  • Poor attention span

Sleep Apnea Treatments can Protect Your Health

It’s so important to talk with your dentist and your doctor to determine treatment for sleep apnea and sleep apnea snoring. Sleep apnea treatments range from oral appliances, nasal strips, breathing machines, and even surgery, and it’s important not to underestimate the risks of leaving sleep apnea untreated. Many health complications, such as high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and more, can arise due to sleep apnea. Talk to Dr. Caye and his team about treatment options for sleep apnea and sleep apnea snoring. Ask if oral appliance therapy might be the right solution for you.

We Have Treatments to Help You

Research shows that oral appliance therapy, or wearing a mouth guard while you sleep, is an effective treatment option for sleep apnea snoring. More than 100 oral appliances have received FDA clearance and Dr. Caye is working on some exciting new treatments and services he will be recommending that could be the answer to your (and your partner’s) prayers!

Related Article: Receive Affordable Family Dental Care in Lee’s Summit at Premier Dental

We can Protect Your Smile TOO!

It’s also important to stay up to date on your cleanings and routine visits with Dr. Caye and his expert team. In the meantime, having a strong and steady oral health routine – brushing twice a day and flossing – is the best thing you can do for your oral health!

Don’t let Sleep Apnea compromise your health, call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Caye at 816-600-6330.

Learn more about the Importance of a 6-month Dental Appointment

Help with Sleep Apnea is Now Available at Premier Dental

Our team not only provides education focused on dental health for the entire family, but can also treat sleep apnea. It is important to Dr. Caye and his caring team of dental professionals work hard to make every dental appointment an enjoyable experience. We want all of our patients to feel comfortable visiting our office and confident that our team will help guide and support you & your family through a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles. We look forward to providing excellent and affordable family dental care for you and your family.

Dr. Stephan Caye and his friendly, experienced team at Premier Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Lee’s Summit, MO area. Our office is conveniently located off of Highway 50 and SE Blue Parkway. We offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Premier Dental, we provide most dental health services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal therapy, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental care and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Please call us at (816) 600-6330 to schedule an appointment.

natural-oral-health-products

Trending: Natural Oral Hygiene Products

In one of your recent trips to the grocery store, you’ve probably seen the increase in natural products. Natural deodorants, skincare, organic snacks, and even all natural oral hygiene products. While the idea of all-natural toothpastes, mouthwashes, etc. sound appealing, are they as effective as what we’re used to?

According to Dentistry Today,

“The global market for oral hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpastes, and mouth rinses will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.29% from 2018 to 2022, according to Research and Markets.”

So, the demand for more natural ingredients and products is definitely true, but do the products work as well as traditional products?

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affordable-family-dental-care

At Premier Dental, our personalized touch is setting the standard for affordable family dental care in the Lee’s Summit area.  Your dental experience and will have you forgetting why you were ever “fearful” of the dentist. Our laid-back atmosphere, gentle touch of Dr. Stephan D. Caye & his team, and the relaxing atmosphere & amenities will have you & your family looking forward to your next visit.

Our Customized Approach is Unique to Each Patient

Dr. Caye doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach with his patients, instead he takes the time to work with each and every patient, one-on-one. Each patient needs a different and unique approach that is customized to their oral health. Almost all dental procedures can be done in-house at our location, which makes your appointments run smooth, with the best treatment options for you & your family.

Premier Dental Offers Comprehensive Dentistry

We like offering comprehensive dentistry to our patients. What does that mean? At Premier Dental, you can receive preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments all in one location.

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Postmenopausal Women with Gum Disease Seem to Have Higher Breast Cancer Risk

fight-Gum-Disease-reduce-Breast-Cancer

Research suggests that postmenopausal women with gum disease are more likely to develop breast cancer than postmenopausal women who don’t have gum disease. Why? Let’s discuss how we can fight gum disease reduce breast cancer risk.

If a woman has a history of smoking, the risk of breast cancer may be even higher

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can range from simple inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis, to periodontitis, when the gums pull away from the teeth leaving open spaces that become infected. The bacteria causing the infection and the body’s response to the infection can break down the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. If periodontitis isn’t treated, the teeth may become loose and must be removed.

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healthy-gums

Gum Disease: What You Need to Know

You may not have heard of Periodontal Disease, if you visit your dentist regularly and you haven’t – that’s probably a good sign that you have healthy gums! Poor dental hygiene can lead to problems that are more severe than the average cavity or case of bad breath. Periodontal Disease is also known as Gum Disease and almost 50% of adults have some form it. Gum disease is most commonly the result of poor dental hygiene and is the inflammation of the tissue around the teeth, according to www.medicinenet.com. Here’s the scary part – if left untreated, it can lead to even more serious problems, ranging from tooth loss to heart disease. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and treatment for various stages of gum disease can set you on a proactive path to avoiding a disappointing dental visit.

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dental-health-for-kids

We LOVE our Little Patients!! When you have small kiddos, like we do, it can be overwhelming to make sure you’re doing “all the things” to keep these tiny humans happy and healthy! To take some of the guess work out of this subject, we’re going to focus this blog on some questions about dental health for kids that we, as both dental professionals AND parents, can answer.

Educating families about dental health for kids is important to us. We see it as a great opportunity to promote the benefits of children’s oral health and hygiene. Developing healthy dental habits at an early age, including brushing and scheduling regular dental visits, helps children get a good start at having a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

We want all of our patients to have healthy and beautiful smiles and we love to help educate families about their dental health, so let’s get started!

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understanding-porcelain-veneers

Understanding Porcelain Veneers

Have you been searching for a better, permanent way to improve the look of your smile? Porcelain veneers are a very popular option for a superstar smile and may be the best option for you and your smile goals. If you’re interested in porcelain veneers, let’s take a deeper look into the process, care, and benefits so you feel comfortable understanding porcelain veneers.

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suresmile-clear-aligners

Did you know that SureSmile clear aligners are often called clear braces or invisible braces? They utilize the newest technology in orthodontics to create a beautiful, straight smile. You can straighten your smile with clear aligners, as they are way less obvious than the old-school method of wires and metal brackets used in traditional braces. Instead, they’re clear while providing the same long-lasting results as traditional braces. They may seem like a magic trick, but they’re real, and provide real results to boot.

Learn More about how they work HERE.

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