The Gift of a Healthy and Bright Smile for the Holidays

This holiday season, dentists and orthodontists are helping clients give the gift of brighter, healthier smiles to their loved ones. Cosmetic dentistry is the gift of choice for some this season, and not just for aesthetic reasons, but for its restorative and healthful benefits. If you’re considering giving a gift certificate to your favorite local orthodontist, consider these cosmetic dentistry options available to you at Heroes Dental:

Inlays and Onlays are indirect fillings that are used when a tooth has mild to moderate tooth decay. These are used when the tooth does not have the proper structure to support a filling. Inlays and onlays help to regain the tooth’s natural shape while also providing the support needed to prevent further tooth decay and deterioration.

Composite Bonding involves repairing decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth with materials that closely resemble the tooth enamel. It’s a simple bonding procedure that covers damaged parts of the teeth while giving the appearance of healthy, bright pearly whites.

Dental Veneers are made from medical-grade ceramic materials that resemble a patient’s natural teeth. Veneers are applied to the front of each tooth with a dental adhesive and are used to resolve cosmetic problems like damaged enamel, noticeable gaps, and crooked teeth.

Teeth Whitening is one the most popular gifts to give a loved one. Teeth whitening is a basic cosmetic dentistry procedure that can be easily be performed at our office. Teeth become stained after years of drinking and eating certain foods like coffee, wine, and tea. To restore that pearly white sheen, teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a special way to boost your loved one’s confidence.

Implants are used to replace lost or completely damaged teeth. A small titanium screw is inserted into the jaw where the missing tooth is. A crown, which closely resembles the natural tooth, is then placed on the screw. Oral hygiene is essential in ensuring implants maintain their integrity and last for as long as possible.

A Holiday Routine for Bright Chompers

Don’t forget about your own dental health this winter. You may not be considering cosmetic dentistry, but it’s important to keep oral hygiene in mind. The American Dental Association recommends sticking to a daily oral hygiene routine to combat those sugary sweets that can wreak havoc on our teeth, particularly during the holiday season.

What’s the routine? Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each session and floss daily as well. When brushing is not an option, chewing on sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after every meal is a decent alternative. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can help flush out leftover food debris, increase saliva production, and help prevent tooth decay. Also make sure to stay hydrated with fluoridated water, which helps keep teeth strong and protects the enamel.

Holiday sweets and treats are enticing and delicious. But if you want to do your best in protecting your pearly whites, then opt for fruits, vegetables, and proteins to fill up during the holidays. Reach for those tempting sweets sparingly. Sugary foods like cookies, caramels, and candy canes can increase the risk of tooth decay and chipping. A great way to involve your little heroes with dental health this holiday season is by stuffing their stockings with helpful products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and chapstick. Toss a few of those stocking stuffers in the big heroes’ stockings, too!

If you think your loved one could use a little pick-me-up in the dental health department, consider contacting your local orthodontist for information on gift certificate options and services.

Heroes Dentistry doesn’t just specialize in pediatric dentistry anymore. Little heroes and big heroes alike are now welcome to our offices. Our treatment options range from routine dental care to cosmetic dentistry services for heroes of any age. Check out our treatment options and schedule an appointment at any one of our Rio Grande Valley locations in Laredo, Mission, or San Juan.