ClearCorrect®
ClearCorrect® invisible braces offer an alternative to traditional braces so you can show off your smile with confidence throughout care. ClearCorrect straightens teeth using a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners that incrementally move the teeth a little bit at a time, eventually aligning the teeth to improve the look and function of your smile.
ClearCorrect can be used to treat:
Designed with aesthetics in mind, ClearCorrect aligners are custom fitted to your teeth to provide an irritation-free treatment, with nearly no adjustment discomfort. Unlike traditional braces, ClearCorrect aligners are barely noticeable and won’t hinder your ability to perform routine oral hygiene tasks or interfere with eating and speaking.
Clear Correct aligners are made from a BPA-free and durable material called Zendura that is specially designed to withstand the stresses of oral function – meaning that the aligners are resistant to becoming deformed under biting pressure.
With ClearCorrect, achieving your ideal smile is easy and effortless. Plus, since your clear aligners are removable, you can take them out to brush, floss, and eat your favorite foods. ClearCorrect fits your life and daily routine as perfectly as it fits your teeth, so you don't need to change a thing.
Many men and women have dental crowns to protect vulnerable teeth and bridges to restore smiles. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 15 million people in the United States have crowns or bridges put in place of missing teeth. The experienced dentists at 183 Family Dentistry are highly trained and ready to answer your dental crown or bridge questions. Call or schedule an appointment at the Leander, Texas, dental practice if you think you might need a crown or bridge.
A crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that's used to cover a damaged or weak tooth. It's shaped to look like the natural tooth and can strengthen the tooth and restore its appearance. The crown fits over the tooth and is cemented into place so that the original tooth is completely encased.
A bridge is a fixed prosthetic consisting of replacement teeth that literally serves to “bridge” the span of gaps in your smile. Bridges are typically bonded to surrounding teeth, acting as stabilizing anchors.
There are a number of reasons 183 Family Dentistry's knowledgeable dentists might recommend a crown or a bridge.
A crown can cover a strangely-shaped or dark tooth, and they’re also used in a dental implant. In addition to making a tooth more aesthetically appealing, a crown can serve a practical purpose by strengthening a natural tooth. Teeth that are weakened by decay or extremely large fillings are at risk of breaking unless they're strengthened with a crown.
Bridges fill gaps in your smile, improving your appearance. But, missing teeth can cause the harmful shifting of neighboring teeth, which can lead to bone loss and gum disease. It can also affect how you speak and digest food. Bridges help improve your chewing, digestion, and speech while helping to maintain your overall oral health.
Whether you’re looking to improve the look of your smile or the functionality of your teeth, a crown or bridge may be the best option.
Dental crown construction has advanced over the years. Crowns can be fashioned out of many materials, including:
The material used depends on a range of factors. For example, stainless steel is typically the go-to material for temporary crowns. Prefabricated stainless steel crowns are a frequent choice for children who have decayed baby teeth and need crowns.
Metal crowns are strong and able to tolerate the impact of chewing and biting, but due to their color, they're commonly used on teeth in the rear of the mouth.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a more natural appearance than metal crowns, but they do come with some downsides. For instance, the metal portion of the crown might be visible as a dark line close to the gums, and the opposing teeth might endure more wear than with other types of crowns.
All-resin crowns are more affordable, which makes them an appealing choice for many patients, but they're also more prone to fractures. All-ceramic crowns are the best choice for men and women with metal allergies.
A crown or bridge procedure generally requires at least two visits to the dentist.
At the first appointment, you'll have X-rays taken so that your dental professional at 183 Family Dentistry can ascertain the condition of the tooth that’s getting a crown or the gap where the bridge will be placed.
Next, the dentist will administer anesthesia, then build up or file down the original tooth so that the crown will attach securely or the bridge will have sufficient room to fit. After your teeth are prepared, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth, which a lab uses to manufacture the crown or bridge. For crowns, your dentist will place a temporary crown over your tooth until the permanent crown is completed.
At the second appointment, your dentist places your crown or bridge during a relatively simple procedure. Both crowns and bridges are placed using a special adhesive that bonds the device to your teeth.
To learn more about dental crowns, call 183 Family Dentistry or make an appointment online.
Dental cleanings are very useful. That's why insurance plans almost always cover them. Routine cleanings and examinations are the best way to ward off cavities and to keep your mouth healthy and strong. Can't remember when you had your last cleaning? Let's take care of it together. Schedule your regular cleaning today by booking an appointment online or calling 183 Family Dentistry in Leander, Texas.
Dental cleanings begin with an exam. Your183 Family Dentistry professional looks at your teeth, visually inspecting them and assessing your gums, looking for any can't-miss issues. X-rays may be considered if you're due for them.
After that, the actual cleaning begins, and the dentist or hygienist will use a small tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This part may go quickly, or it may take some time. It depends on how much plaque and tartar buildup you have.
Once the plaque and tartar buildup has been scraped off, the dentist or hygienist uses a polishing toothpaste and high-powered toothbrush to give you an intensive brushing. They will also give you a professional flossing. Finally, you might receive a fluoride treatment to help protect your oral health between office visits.
Dental cleaning frequency varies from person to person and depends on a variety of factors. Some people who have particular issues may require more frequent cleanings, while others may be able to go with the standard recommendation of twice a year. The American Dental Association, the nation's leading source of oral health information, advises talking with your dentist about your unique dental cleaning needs.
Even when the procedure is as simple as a routine dental cleaning, talking to the professionals at 183 Family Dentistry about your particular situation is an important part of getting excellent care.
Every individual has a particular set of circumstances and conditions. The best way to get the right care for you is to follow a program that's tailored to your needs, not an "off-the-shelf" one that's made for the average person.
Oral health is not separate from overall health. Given that your mouth is connected to the rest of your body, oral health is essential to good health.
The findings of a study published in 2016 suggested that regular dental cleanings could lower the risk of pneumonia. The belief is that dental cleanings reduce the number of bacteria that reach the lungs.
Arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, and other conditions have also been tied to oral health. Routine dental cleanings, checkups, and maybe most importantly, talking with your dentist, all play a role in maintaining excellent health.
If you're due for a dental cleaning, book an appointment online or call 183 Family Dentistry today.
No one enjoys dealing with cavities, but they need to be dealt with promptly to avoid further damage to your teeth. The team at 183 Family Dentistry provides dental fillings to fend off cavities and restore your tooth to optimal health. They use non-toxic composite fillings made from a durable, tooth-colored plastic, to improve your smile and offer a long-lasting solution to tooth decay. To learn more, call or click today and schedule your appointment at the Leander, Texas, dental practice.
A dental filling addresses tooth decay; it restores your tooth’s appearance and function. They’re often used if you’ve developed a cavity that threatens the health of your affected tooth.
After removing the decayed tooth material and thoroughly cleaning the surrounding area, a filling is placed to prevent further decay. Fillings can be made to match the shade of your natural tooth. However, their primary function is to help close off the spaces where harmful bacteria enter, which curbs the progression of a cavity.
At183 Family Dentistry, the team uses composite fillings made of non-toxic tooth-colored plastic for small and mid-sized fillings. These are the most commonly used fillings and they’re ideal for a variety of reasons:
Composite fillings can be used on both front and back teeth. This type of filling is an excellent option if you don’t want your filling to stand out and draw negative attention to your smile, as they’re very natural-looking. Other types, such as gold, don’t resemble your natural teeth.
Like your natural teeth, composite fillings are susceptible to stains from certain food and drinks, such as coffee, dark teas, and red wine. Smoking can also discolor a composite filling. Depending on how well you care for your composite fillings with good oral hygiene, they can last anywhere from 3-10 years.
First, your dentist clears out the decayed tooth material and performs a comprehensive cleaning. The treatment area must be dry and sufficiently cleaned before inserting the filling material. In some cases, your dentist will numb your teeth and gums to make the process even easier on you.
When they insert the composite material, it’s in a paste form. It seeps into the space vacated by the cleared out cavity and molds into the shape of the cavity. Your dentist then carefully applies the filling in layers, precisely placing and shaping each one, then cures the entire filling in place.
In all, a filling procedure should take no more than an hour and involve minimal discomfort.
The best way to find out if you have a cavity that requires a filling is to visit 183 Family Dentistry During your regular checkups, your dentist or a hygienist uses a small mirror to examine your teeth and assess any possible decay.
If any of your teeth raise suspicion, your provider may opt for additional tests, such as X-rays, to confirm whether or not you need a filling. The best way to avoid needing a filling is to take excellent care of your teeth through regular cleanings at the office and consistent, proper brushing and flossing at home.
To schedule your next visit to the office, call or use the online booking tool today.
Getting a tooth pulled isn’t fun, but extraction can sometimes be required to avoid future complications. For expert extractions, trust the experienced team at 183 Family Dentistry. Depending on your specific case, they exhaust all other options prior to recommending an extraction and offer both surgical and non-surgical methods. The compassionate care they provide makes it the place to go when you need to have a tooth pulled. Schedule a consultation online or call the Leander, Texas, office today.
Permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but for many reasons, this doesn't always happen. For instance, you could need a tooth extracted because it's too cracked or chipped to repair. Lifestyle choices, trauma, and decay may all contribute to the need for having a tooth pulled. Extractions may be necessary for other reasons, including:
There are two types of extractions: non-surgical extraction and surgical extraction.
Non-Surgical Extraction
Simple, non-surgical extractions are just like they sound. They're simple! Your dentist performs this type of extraction on teeth that can be seen in your mouth. During this procedure, an experienced dentist at 183 Family Dentistry loosens your tooth with a small instrument and carefully lifts it out with dental forceps.
Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction is a more comprehensive procedure. The tooth may have been broken off at your gum line, or it hasn’t come through the surface of your gums, as is typical with wisdom teeth. To perform a surgical extraction your dentist will need to make a small cut in your gum to lift the tooth out. It may be necessary to remove some of the bone around your tooth as well so it can be thoroughly extracted.
In both a simple extraction and surgical extraction, your dentist gives you a local anesthetic, so you don’t feel any pain. If you're having a couple of teeth removed at one appointment, as is the norm with wisdom teeth removal, your dentist might give you a general anesthetic. You'll feel no pain and will be unconscious throughout the procedure.
Based on how many teeth you had taken out and your individual condition, the first stages of the healing process usually occur within one or two weeks. In the spaces where your teeth used to be, new gum tissue and bone grow.
You may encounter difficulty chewing or general aches and pains on your way to recovery, but this will depend on the amount of dental work you have.
Every patient is different, so it’s best to contact 183 Family Dentistry and schedule a consultation so you can learn about your options and any necessary follow-up procedures like crowns or dental implants.
Call 183 Family Dentistry to make an appointment or use the online booking tool.
Getting your child familiar with visits to the dentist at a young age helps increase their chances of having a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. At 183 Family Dentistry, the team understands the importance of your child’s oral health care. With uniquely trained pediatric dentistry specialists on staff, the professionals in the Leander, Texas, office make dental visits engaging, formative, and even enjoyable for your child. To set up your child’s visit, call or use the online booking tool today.
Pediatric dentists are trained, skilled professionals who are uniquely qualified to care for the oral health needs of children from infancy through their teen years. In many cases, they’re also capable of caring for special needs children or those with severe dental anxiety. They attend extra schooling to acquire this skill set and knowledge base.
The team at 183 Family Dentistry is sensitive to your child’s oral health care needs. The main aim of pediatric dentistry is working with you and your child to provide excellent dental care, with none of the hassle or frustration you might expect.
Even if visiting the dentist intimidates your child, pediatric dentists go to great lengths to make each appointment fun, rather than scary. They may incorporate games into procedures or use sedation to distract from procedures involving minor discomfort.
The lessons your child’s pediatric dentist teach on how to brush and floss properly not only help lead to decades of good oral health, but can also be made enjoyable with additives like flavored toothpaste, a cartoon-themed toothbrush, or even a toothbrush with flashing lights.
The team at 183 Family Dentistry offers a variety of pediatric dentistry services, including:
The main goal of pediatric dentists is to help teach preventive care methods and encourage your child to adopt outstanding oral hygiene practices into their routine.
Your child’s mouth will be healthier throughout their life if they start seeing a dentist as early as possible. Every child should get a dental checkup by the time they’re six-months-old, or as soon as their first tooth comes in, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association.
Optimal oral health for your child starts with you. To get them started, take your child to visit a pediatric dentist. 183 Family Dentistry knows how important it is for your child to feel safe and comfortable. The entire staff works hard to provide a friendly atmosphere.
Toys and TVs in the waiting room keep your child entertained while they wait at the welcoming office. The warm chairside manner will help your child relax and create an enjoyable experience for them. Soon enough, they’ll actively look forward to visiting the dentist!
You need an experienced general dentist who can care for your whole family, so schedule an appointment online or call 183 Family Dentistry today.
Men and women who learn they need a root canal often become anxious over the procedure in anticipation. A root canal doesn’t have to be a stressful, uncomfortable experience when you visit the skilled dental team at 183 Family Dentistry. The professional dental team at 183 Family Dentistry in Leander, Texas is well-trained to perform root canals and does so on a routine basis. If you’re concerned about having a root canal, call the office or schedule an appointment online.
A root canal is a dental treatment that saves and repairs an infected tooth. If your tooth becomes critically infected from the inside, one of the accomplished dentists at183 Family Dentistry takes out the bacteria and any dead or dying tissue. This way, they can save your tooth and help ease your pain.
Roots and tissue inside your teeth can become infected with bacteria as a result of an injury to the tooth or from a cavity that is left untreated. If you don’t get to a dentist in time, the infected tissue can reach the pulp or root of your tooth. Be sure to inquire about treatment, because if the infection gets any further, this can induce a host of other problems.
If you don't deal with an infected tooth right away, you'll be welcoming a great deal of pain in the future. Infected tooth symptoms might include:
Most often, one of the extremely able dentists at183 Family Dentistry completes the treatment in one or two appointments. First, it may be necessary to take an X-ray to determine the degree of harm to the tooth requiring the root canal.
One of the dentists at183 Family Dentistry will use a needle to numb the region and make sure you don't feel anything during the procedure. Every now and then, they put a small sheet of rubber, or dental dam, around the tooth to protect it and keep it clean during the procedure. Once your tooth is numb, the dentist forms a minuscule hole in your tooth to access the area of infection inside the root.
Next, your dentist removes the infected and damaged pulp using small files, then washes away any debris from the area with water. Once all the infected material is removed, your dentist either seals the tooth or puts in a temporary filling to protect your tooth until you come back for a permanent crown.
Call 183 Family Dentistry or book a consultation online if you have any symptoms or signs of a tooth infection.
One of the most affordable and easiest ways to improve your smile is with teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening offers a convenient way to achieve a noticeably brighter smile that you can’t get with store-bought whitening strips. The professional dental team at 183 Family Dentistry can conveniently whiten your teeth in a matter of hours. If you’re curious about teeth whitening, schedule a consultation at the Leander, Texas, office online or call today.
Many factors contribute to teeth yellowing. Certain medications, age, and the things you drink and eat can all contribute. Surface stains on the enamel of your teeth from drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, can make your teeth look yellow. Major culprits also include smoking and tobacco.
Eventually, the surface stains can get even more challenging to get rid of, because they soak deep into the enamel of your tooth to the dentin.
Teeth whitening refers to the process of bleaching your teeth to break up the concentration of stains or discoloration, giving your teeth a whiter, healthier-looking appearance. This is an effective way to enhance your smile for years to come.
Generally, there are two types of teeth whitening: vital and non-vital.
Vital Teeth Whitening
During a vital whitening, the team at 183 Family Dentistry uses a powerful bleaching agent containing a form of hydrogen peroxide. You wear a mouth tray that contains the whitening gel, and the bleaching agent acts on tooth stains and discoloration in short order.
A professional in-office vital whitening shouldn’t take more than an hour. In some cases, if it’s more convenient for you, the staff can provide you with a take-home whitening kit to use on your own time. You can whiten your teeth in just a few short weeks with a take-home whitening kit.
Non-Vital Teeth Whitening
A non-vital whitening addresses stains that stem from inside your tooth, such as teeth affected post-root canal treatment. During this type of whitening procedure, your dentist applies the whitening agent inside your tooth and puts a filling over it.
Depending on how well you care for your teeth and limit your intake of food and drinks known to cause stains, your whitening results can last for 1-3 years.
Yes. As long as you obey product instructions and guidelines, teeth whitening is an entirely safe process. The professionals at 183 Family Dentistry offer professional in-office teeth whitening treatments for safe, reliable results. You may prefer to get your teeth whitened in only one appointment if you have a busy schedule, or steadily over time with a take-home teeth whitening kit.
In either instance, professional teeth whitening gel is not harmful to put in your mouth and on your teeth. You may experience minor, temporary gum and tooth sensitivity as a result of the bleaching agents.
To learn more about in-office teeth whitening treatments as well as the take-home option, call or schedule a consultation at 183 Family Dentistry today. Give yourself a smile you're proud to wear!
*Individual results may vary.
Cracked, stained, or misshapen teeth can make you think twice before smiling. The dental professionals with 183 Family Dentistry provide porcelain veneers as a means to improve your smile's appearance and function. Located in Leander, Texas, the skilled team at 183 Family Dentistry can help you be your best with veneers customized to suit your needs. Book a consultation online or call today.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells designed to cover the front side of your teeth and enhance your natural smile. One of the experienced cosmetic dentists at 183 Family Dentistry custom-fits each veneer to the individual teeth in your mouth, then bonds the veneers to your existing teeth. Veneers fix flaws like gaps, stains, cracks, or misshapen teeth. They likewise help fortify frail teeth.
Porcelain remains the most stain-resistant material for making veneers, though veneers may also be created out of resin composite materials. Porcelain more closely resembles your actual teeth enamel, too. One of the dental team members reviews your options and recommends the best type of veneers for your specific needs.
The process begins with a consultation to discuss your goals and determine the best type of veneers for your needs, after which you return for a follow-up appointment. Here, a skilled cosmetic dental specialist readies your current teeth for the shape of the veneers by scraping off a minimal amount of enamel from the surface. After your teeth are ready, your dental specialist makes an impression of your teeth so the dental lab can create custom veneers that are an exact fit for your mouth.
When your veneers are finished, you return to the office, and your veneers are fitted one by one over your existing teeth. Your teeth are cleaned and etched to prepare them for the bonding process. A dental expert then applies a unique adhesive and light source which makes the cement bond securely to the porcelain. In no time at all, your veneers are securely in place, and you have a beautiful and improved smile.
Veneers offer a natural-looking solution for broken, crooked, or misshapen teeth. Additionally, they offer the following advantages:
Book a consultation online or call 183 Family Dentistry today to see how easy it can be to improve your smile with custom veneers.