What Smoking Does to Your Teeth

While the number of Americans who smoke cigarettes has steadily declined over the years, there is still a large number of people who still use tobacco products, like cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Currently, nearly 40 million American adults smoke cigarettes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

While smoking poses its own health risks, it also can negatively impact your oral health and teeth. Fortunately, thanks to Dr. Patrick Broome’s expertise and the latest in cosmetic dentistry, it is possible to improve dental health issues that can occur as a result of smoking at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

How Does Smoking Affect Tooth Health?

Smoking tobacco can negatively impact the health of your teeth in many ways. One of the biggest impacts that smoking cigarettes has on dental health is it increases your risk of infection. When you smoke tobacco, your mouth’s ability to fight off infection is vastly reduced, leaving your mouth vulnerable to bacteria. The resulting bacteria can begin to cultivate, which leads to the growth of plaque.

If left untreated, this increased plaque and bacteria can lead to a whole host of damaging oral health issues including:

Discolored Teeth

One of the first signs someone is a smoker is the appearance of yellowed or stained teeth. The chemicals found in tobacco sticks to tooth enamel, which causes yellowing and staining.

Discoloration is one of the easiest things to improve in cosmetic dentistry. Innovations in advanced teeth whitening allow for a customized treatment that can restore a smoker’s bright, white smile with the use of several techniques including Zoom!, Ultradent Boost!, Day White, and MI-Paste, to name a few.

Halitosis or Bad Breath

The smell of cigarettes can definitely linger in the mouth after smoking, resulting in bad breath. Not only does the cigarette odor contribute to bad breath, but the overgrowth of bacteria leads to gum disease, decay, and chronic halitosis, which, unfortunately, can’t be improved with typical brushing or mouthwash. The good news is that gum disease and the resulting bad breath can be treated and improved with an approved oral hygiene protocol and regular cleanings and exams with your dentist. Learn more about halitosis at WebMD.com.

Gum Disease

We’ve already discussed that gum disease can contribute to bad breath, but it’s more insidious than that. If left untreated, gum disease can seriously impact overall tooth health because the gums may begin to pull away from teeth. This leads to a weakening of the entire underlying bone structure and, in its severest form, can cause periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a potentially painful condition in which the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place break down, which in turn leads to tooth or teeth loss and/or the need for extractions. Unfortunately, smoking can actually negate the effects of good oral hygiene habits like brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and tartar removal treatments, resulting in poor dental health despite a patient’s best intentions to offset the risks of smoking.

Difficult Recovery

Not only does smoking inevitably lead to more dental procedures, like tooth extraction and oral surgery, it also reduces the body’s ability to heal from these procedures. Unfortunately, smoking can also reduce positive outcomes from cosmetic procedures like dental implants.

Delayed recovery after cosmetic dental procedures puts patients at risk of further complications. While a dentist can help make dental treatments more comfortable with sedation dentistry and aid in a patient’s recovery, continued smoking can negate these measures.

Oral Cancer

One of the biggest risks associated with smoking is the possibility of developing oral cancer. As a matter of fact, smokers are six times more likely than non-smokers to develop oral cancer, with about 50,000 Americans diagnosed each year.

Oral cancer has specific symptoms to be aware of including:

• White or red patches located in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Numbness in the jaw
• Pain in the ear

It is advised that if patients experience any of these symptoms, whether alone or in combination, to see a dentist in Charlotte for a formal evaluation. With oral cancer, the earlier cancer is detected, the more effective the treatment and possible outcomes.

Whether experiencing oral health issues like discolored teeth or bad breath, a dentist is able to help smokers put together a treatment plan to help improve these side effects. However, it should be noted that the best way to reduce these symptoms is to quit smoking altogether. Smoking can not only negatively impact our mouth health, but it can also play a large role in our overall health, putting smokers at risk for other health problems.

Contact the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are a smoker interested in learning more about improving your oral health and reducing the symptoms you might be experiencing, contact Dr. Broome and his team at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a comprehensive consultation.

Next, read Tips for Dealing with Dental Anxiety

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Tips for Dealing with Dental Anxiety

Do you feel anxious at the thought of going to the dentist? If so, you’re definitely not alone. According to a survey published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry, up to 80% of patients experience anxiety when going to the dentist. Nearly 25 percent of Americans are so fearful that they avoid their dental check-ups altogether unless they’re experiencing pain.

At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Broome and his staff are dedicated to reducing dental anxiety. With complimentary paraffin hand treatments, noise-canceling BOSE headphones, massage chairs, individually-controlled televisions, in addition to dental sedation, the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was designed to offer a dental experience like no other. Contact us today to learn more about the practice of choice for dental patients around the world.

The Costs of Dental Anxiety

Some people avoid a dentist visit because they’re afraid of the potential pain that might be involved while others may have had a nerve-wracking experience at the dentist when they were younger. Some people may even be afraid due to stories they have heard from family and friends. While the reasons may differ, the effect can be the same, as thousands of individuals avoid the dentist’s chair.

Unfortunately, the longer people allow dental anxiety to delay their annual visit to the dentist, the greater the risk of costly and potentially dangerous problems to fix in the future. For example, plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria, can build up on the teeth, leading to tooth decay, gum recession, and gum disease.

If left untreated, the decay can reach the roots of the teeth, which may require a root canal and crown. With advanced gum disease, the bacteria can actually destroy the jaw bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to loose teeth and tooth loss. Additionally, current research points towards a connection between gum disease and other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and strokes.

How to Deal with Dental Anxiety

There are several positive ways to deal with dental anxiety in order to help you get the dental care you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

1. Choose Wisely: When you have dental anxiety, it’s important to find a dentist who will listen to your concerns and help create a successful strategy for easing your fear during your treatment. For some patients, they feel better when the dentist explains what is happening at every step of the process while other patients will feel calmer with a dental office that has a soothing atmosphere. Be upfront with your dentist about your concerns and discuss a possible game plan. This will ensure you’ve chosen the right dental professional for you.
2. Communicate: When you feel anxious, don’t suffer in silence. Communicate your fears and needs so your dentist can discuss all available options to help improve your comfort, including oral or IV sedation.
3. Connect to Music: Closing your eyes and concentrating on your favorite songs can help make your dental treatment go by more comfortably. At Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer BOSE noise-canceling headphones that you can connect to your iPhone, Android, or to our over-the-chair LED TV’s, making it easy to connect to music that soothes you.
4. Bring a friend: Another effective strategy for dealing with dental anxiety is to reach out to a friend who could sit in the waiting room with you and help you stay calm and relaxed.
5. Consider sedation dentistry: Sedation dentistry is a safe, effective solution for many people who suffer from dental anxiety. From oral sedation to IV sedation, these options can help patients that want to relax during their treatment but struggle with serious phobia and anxiety. In North Carolina, the use of oral sedation is restricted to dentists who have an IV certification. Due to increased patient request for IV sedation, Dr. Broome underwent the best training available in North America to become IV-certified. As a result, our office can offer multi-dose oral sedation as well as IV sedation options to our patients.

It’s possible to overcome your dentist phobia. The most powerful way is to experience a dental treatment that feels calm and safe. The more positive appointments you experience, the less hold anxiety will have over you. The first step is to find a dentist to be your partner in good oral health. Read more about sedation dentistry at WebMD.com.

Contact the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are interested in learning more about the effective techniques that Dr. Broome and his team employ to help patients overcome dental anxiety, contact Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry and mention it during your consultation. You can also call our office for more information about successful solutions like sedation dentistry.

Next, read Porcelain Veneers: The Perfect Solution for 5 Major Dental Concerns

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Porcelain Veneers: The Perfect Solution for 5 Major Dental Concerns

A smile is hugely important for our personalities, self-confidence, relationships, and success. We live in a world where an attractive smile plays a vital role in all areas of our lives. A recent study showed that two-thirds of the people surveyed were unhappy with their smiles. If you’re troubled by chips, cracks or stains on your teeth, you’re not alone. It’s possible to have straighter, brighter teeth without having to go through a long orthodontic process thanks to porcelain veneers at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Porcelain veneers are the perfect solution for a variety of common teeth problems and can be used to correct aesthetic issues alone or in combination with other cosmetic or restorative dentistry procedures. A whiter, brighter, beautifully-designed smile with veneers is the perfect choice to transform discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Thanks to their natural-looking appearance and wide array of functions, veneers rank among the most trusted and popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers (also called dental laminates) are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that can be customized to treat and cosmetically enhance your smile. Porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth, concealing tooth imperfections and creating beautiful teeth that look and feel natural.

What are the Benefits of Dental Porcelain Laminates?

Dental laminates can change the color, size, shape, and length of your teeth. When used as a chipped tooth treatment, porcelain veneers can be used to strengthen cracked or damaged teeth and restore their appearance. As a relatively conservative dental procedure, placing dental laminates requires minimal tooth surface removal. The porcelain is also highly resistant to staining, so unlike natural teeth, veneers can maintain their color even if you drink coffee, tea, and red wine.

Not only do porcelain laminates look natural, but they can last between 10 and 20 years with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist. Best of all, laminates are custom-made for each individual, allowing Dr. Broome to create a specialized smile makeover for each and every patient!

What Issues Can Dental Laminates Help Correct?

Most people who are looking to improve the quality of their smile are candidates for veneers. Generally, candidates for dental laminates will have good enamel but need help to improve the following dental concerns:

Stained teeth: Sometimes yellow or discolored teeth do not respond well to teeth whitening treatments. Laminate veneers are the perfect choice to cover stained or discolored teeth.

Short teeth and/or a gummy smile: People with small teeth have two issues to address: the size of their teeth and whether they show a lot of gum when smiling. For these patients, dental ceramic veneers and/or a gum lift can lengthen the appearance of the teeth and help reshape the gum-line.

Damaged, chipped, or misshapen teeth: Damaged, chipped, and misshapen teeth can easily be addressed with veneers. Porcelain veneers provide durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically-pleasing results. Porcelain veneers can be custom-made to correct tooth imperfections and rebuild the strength and durability of the tooth. Not only do veneers look natural, but they blend beautifully with the surrounding teeth and, as already mentioned, are resistant to staining or discoloration.

Crooked teeth: Veneers are an excellent option for correcting alignment issues without spending years at the dentist. Porcelain laminates may be especially attractive to those whose crooked teeth have regressed after previous orthodontic treatment.

Gaps Between Teeth: Laminate veneers can be used to close any gaps between teeth without the need for drilling or grinding down healthy tooth structures. Veneers will not only close the gaps between teeth, but create a natural-looking smile as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my veneers look like my normal teeth?
A: Yes! Each veneer is custom-made to fit the shape of your teeth and is color-corrected to match your smile.

Q: How long will my veneers last?
A: Porcelain laminates are extremely durable! They can last between 10 and 20 years with proper dental care, which includes daily brushing, flossing, and regular visits to Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Q: Do porcelain veneers hurt or cause discomfort?
A: No, the veneer procedure is not painful. Usually, teeth require little to no preparation and the procedure at our Charlotte office can be completed without anesthetic.

Read more about dental veneer treatments at WebMD.com.

Schedule a Smile Makeover Consultation in Charlotte Today

Your smile makeover is just a consultation away! Contact Dr. Broome today to schedule your consultation. Whether you are interested in a smile makeover or another dental procedure, contact the dental experts at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry for the most comfortable dental experience possible.

Next, read 5 Quick Tips for Improving Your Dental Routine

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5 Quick Tips for Improving Your Dental Routine

What if adding a few seconds on to your daily oral hygiene routine could not only improve your oral health, but also your total health? We all know that brushing and flossing at least twice a day is important, but at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we know a few simple tips that can help you improve your dental routine, greatly improve the health of your teeth, and greatly improve your whole health as well!

At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Broome and his staff remain at the cutting-edge of oral hygiene care and provide a comfortable and luxurious dental experience for our patients. Dr. Broome treats the individual, evaluating your unique dental needs and carefully choosing the best treatment options. With our calming, spa-like atmosphere, you’ll experience a dental visit like no other with the latest in innovative technology. We’re changing the face of cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte. Contact us today to learn more about your options for a brighter, healthier smile.

Improve Your Oral Health in 5 Easy Steps

1. Rinse Before Brushing

Most people rinse their mouth with mouthwash after brushing. However, using mouthwash AFTER brushing can remove valuable fluoride from the toothpaste, potentially negating the valuable benefits of your tooth brushing. Consider swishing with water or mouth rinse prior to brushing for optimal results. A pre-brushing swish will loosen and remove food particles and plaque, giving you a cleaner mouth when all is said and done!

2. Choose Your Toothpaste Wisely

Not all toothpaste is created equal. There are countless types of toothpaste available, making it difficult to know which one to choose. An easy tip for picking the best toothpaste to protect your mouth’s sparkle is to read the toothpaste label. There are two key ingredients to be avoid:

Dyes: Synthetic dyes are added to toothpaste to make them look better, but these dyes add no benefit for your teeth.

Saccharin: This artificial sweetener is meant to improve the taste of toothpaste, but studies have found a correlation between saccharin and allergies, headaches, skin irritation, and diarrhea.

3. Brush your tongue

We’ve talked about it before, but brushing your tongue is a great addition to your oral health regimen. The gums and tongue are the perfect places for nasty bacteria to take up residence. By taking just a few extra seconds to brush your tongue, you greatly reduce the amount of unwanted bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Use your toothbrush or choose a fun tongue scraper and brush, brush, brush your tongue to keep your mouth healthy!

4. Choose a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet isn’t just great for your waistline; it keeps your smile bright and sparkling. In addition to brushing and flossing, our diets can have a major impact on the health of our teeth and gums. Not only is choosing the right foods important, it’s also necessary to consider what foods to avoid in order to keep your teeth strong! Avoiding carb-heavy foods that sticky and high in sugar is a great way to keep tooth decay and cavities at bay. Reaching instead for foods like fruits and vegetables that are packed with nutrients and antioxidants will keep your body and teeth in tip-top shape.

5. Have Your Dental Hygiene Tools on Hand

It sounds simple – and it is! If you have your dental care products handy, you’re much more likely to use them! By keeping yourself well-stocked, you set yourself up for oral hygiene success. Don’t forget to always have floss on hand. Keep some in your purse or in your car for a quick fix when dealing with any food that might get stuck in your teeth during a work-time lunch!

BONUS TIP! Your toothbrush is still your main tool for maintaining your oral health. It’s important to switch out your toothbrush regularly, about every three months or so. However, if you notice your toothbrush starting to fray or you’ve been recently sick with a cold or the flu, it’s time to throw out your toothbrush and get a new one! Just like with your other dental tools, it’s a good idea to have a new toothbrush on deck for when the time comes to swap it out.

Schedule Your Dentist Appointment in Charlotte Today!

Your daily oral hygiene routine combined with your regular dental check-ups will keep your mouth healthy and your teeth bright! Schedule your next visit at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, where you’ll experience expert services, cutting-edge technology, and spa-like amenities for a comfortable, relaxing visit! Contact the dental experts at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your consultation!

Next, read our blog, 5 Issues You Can Avoid by Brushing Your Tongue.

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5 Issues You Can Avoid by Brushing Your Tongue

We all know that it’s important to brush our teeth at least twice a day! Most of us, especially at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, even floss twice a day, but did you know if you’re not brushing your tongue you’re missing an important part of proper oral health? There are bacteria living on your tongue and if you don’t eradicate them, they can lead to a whole host of problems!

It’s true that your tongue doesn’t face the same risks as your teeth. It can’t develop cavities, for example, but think about it: when you drink coffee at your favorite cafe in Charlotte, the tongue turns brown. When you slurp a Slurpee, the tongue turns blue or red. The tongue, as it turns out, is a big target for nasty bacteria, just like the teeth, which means it needs the same type of consideration and care.

Think of the tongue this way: the tongue is a sponge and there are more than 700 different types of bacteria that live in the mouth. Although not all of these tiny microbes are dangerous, harmful bacteria can set up house in any of the small bumps or crevices found on the tongue, leading to some real problems.

At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Broome and his staff are proud to offer a truly comfortable dental experience and outstanding oral hygiene care. During your visit, Dr. Broome will evaluate your unique dental needs and provide you with the best treatment options available. Not only will you be able to enjoy a soothing, spa-like experience, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art technology to treat all your dental needs. When it comes to your dental care, don’t settle for less than the best. Contact us today to learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options in North Carolina.

When you neglect your tongue, you’re setting yourself up for some problems, which run the gamut from gross or inconvenient to downright unhealthy.

5 Top Issues that May Arise if You Don’t Clean Your Tongue

Halitosis (aka Bad Breath): Bad breath is embarrassing and it’s the number one issue related to not brushing your tongue. Here’s what happens: you forget to brush your tongue, then a nasty overgrowth of bacteria decides to grow and develop, mainly at the back of the tongue, giving off a foul-smelling stink. Luckily, you’ll be able to eradicate the funky smell once you brush your entire tongue.

Loss of Taste: Sad but true, not brushing your tongue can lead to a diminished sense of taste. When you don’t brush your tongue, not only is the tongue coated in the aforementioned nasty bacteria, it also becomes covered in food particles and a biofilm that coats the taste buds and leads to less taste sensation when you’re eating your favorite pizza. However, once you get rid of the bacteria with a thorough brushing, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite pizza again.

Black Hairy Tongue: Black hairy tongue might sound like a Scooby Doo mystery but unfortunately is a real issue. Black hairy tongue is caused by the papillae found on your tongue becoming stained from any food or drink particles left behind, such as after sipping coffee or tea. If these particles aren’t brushed away and remain on the tongue, they can stain it, giving it a dark and furry appearance. While harmless, this can lead to some embarrassing encounters until you start brushing your tongue!

Oral Thrush: In case you didn’t know, oral thrush is a yeast infection…in your mouth. Oral thrush can occur when bacteria levels in your mouth overgrow, which in turn causes any naturally-occurring yeast to grow out of control. The result is a yeast infection in the mouth that appears as white patches on the tongue. Once this occurs, a good anti-fungal medication is needed to cure it, while regular tongue brushing can keep it from returning.

Periodontal Disease: We saved the best (or should we say worst) problem caused by neglecting the tongue for last: periodontal disease. We’ve talked a lot about the bacteria that can build up on the tongue and the problems it can cause locally, but these bacteria can also spread to the teeth. Once there, these bacteria can lead to a condition called gingivitis, which is characterized by red, inflamed, and swollen gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can continue to spread and progress to full-blown periodontal disease. In severe cases, the gums can start to pull away from the teeth, the space between the teeth can become infected, or the teeth can even fall out!

Read more about periodontitis at Wikipedia.org.

Proactive Total Health Dentistry

Before oral bacteria can get bad enough to cause inflammatory diseases, such as gingivitis, gum disease, or periodontitis, it is crucial to practice thorough daily dental hygiene and attend regular check-ups with your dentist. Dr. Broome and his staff offer comprehensive and personalized dental care at their Charlotte dental facility and can identify and eradicate common risks to your oral health, including poor brushing and flossing habits, harmful bacteria, and other dental issues.

Using state-of-the-art digital dentistry technology, Dr. Broome and his team can offer expert preventative care as well as effective treatments for infections in the mouth. Our practice also offers oral bacteria testing to create a custom, tailored treatment for each patient’s unique oral health concerns.

Brush Your Tongue Clean

To thoroughly brush the tongue, start at the back of the tongue and gently brush with your toothbrush towards the front. Then brush side-to-side. You can easily integrate brushing your tongue with your regular teeth brushing and flossing routine every day.

Don’t Forget to Schedule Your Consultation in Charlotte Today!

In addition to your daily oral hygiene routine (complete with tongue brushing), make sure to schedule your next visit at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. Our mission is to provide expert services and cutting-edge technology and techniques in a comfortable, relaxing environment. Come experience what our patients rave about for yourself! Contact the dental experts at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your consultation!

Next, read Fix a Chipped Tooth with These Three Treatments

The post 5 Issues You Can Avoid by Brushing Your Tongue appeared first on Destination Smile.

Fix a Chipped Tooth with These Three Treatments

It can happen at any time. You’re enjoying an iced tea at your favorite restaurant in Charlotte when you may decide to crunch on some ice. You then notice something hard in your mouth that isn’t melting or dissolving. It turns out you’ve broken a tooth! What should you do?

A chipped tooth will cause most people panic or anxiety, but the good news is that there are many treatment options to easily fix chipped teeth and restore your beautiful smile.

At Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Broome and his staff are proud to offer a truly comfortable dental experience and quick solutions for life’s little pains like a broken or chipped tooth.

During your visit Dr. Broome will access your situation and provide you a few treatment options. You’ll enjoy a soothing, spa-like experience and find state-of-the art technology every where you look. The very best is available to offer quick and efficient treatment. Call us at (704) 815-6659 to learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options in North Carolina if a broken or chipped tooth decides to pay you a visit.

What to Do When You Chip or Break Your Tooth

Your teeth are covered with enamel, the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body, but it does have limitations. A tooth can chip or break due to various reasons including:

• Falling
• Receiving trauma to the face
• Chewing and/or biting down on something hard, like ice (especially with tooth decay)

One of the most important things to do if you chip, break or fracture a tooth, is to contact your dentist as soon as possible. This is necessary to avoid further damage and limit the risk of infection, which can lead to a complete loss of the tooth. If possible find the broken piece and bring it with you to your appointment.

There are several chipped tooth treatment options in North Carolina to treat broken or chipped teeth. First, an assessment is needed to see how severe the damage is, what the best treatment option would be, and the timing of treatments. Options range from composite bonding, a veneer, or perhaps a crown all offered during a same-day restoration appointment.

The Three Most Common Ways to Repair a Chipped Tooth

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a great choice to repair a tooth that has been chipped and has sustained a small piece of enamel damage. As part of a chipped tooth treatment, dental bonding, also called adhesive bonding, uses a malleable composite resin, which is a tooth-colored, and can be attached or “bonded” to the remaining damaged tooth. This process rebuilds the tooth to its original formation with very little treatment time. The limitation for this chipped tooth treatment is strength and and potential for future staining.

Porcelain Crowns

Dental crowns are a wonderful chipped tooth treatment if a large portion of the tooth breaks off or if the remaining tooth has a lot of tooth decay. In these cases, the dentist will remove decay and shape and contour the remaining tooth structure so that a beautiful new crown can be designed to rebuild your tooth. Not only will a porcelain crown protect the remaining structure of a chipped tooth, but it will dramatically improve its appearance.

How are Dental Crowns Made?

In the past, patients might have had to leave with a temporary crown while their permanent crown was created at an off-site facility. Dr. Broome and his team have the innovative technology and knowledge to complete the porcelain crown without the need for a second visit.

Using the state-of-the-art CEREC system as well as the Galileos and Trios intra-oral scanning technology, Dr. Broome is able to assess your unique needs and dental anatomy with highly detailed images. Then, the chipped tooth is prepared to receive a porcelain crown and digital dental impressions are obtained to design the final dental restoration treatment. This information is then sent to our on-site Practice Lab where the dental crown will be created using a ceramic block chosen to match your tooth color. Finally, Dr. Broome makes any necessary customizations needed to dial in the color and characteristics of the crown before it is polished and cemented to the tooth.

Learn more about dental crowns for chipped teeth treatment at WebMD.com.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer can transform broken or chipped teeth, especially if located in the front, making them look whole and healthy again. Veneers offer a quick and effective way to fix chipped teeth. Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that are bonded to your teeth. Porcelain veneers correct imperfections liked chipped teeth and rebuild strength and durability of the damaged tooth.

Using premium porcelain, the dental veneers give patients with chipped teeth results that look natural and blend beautifully with their surrounding teeth. Another plus is that dental veneers are resistant to staining or discoloration. We’ve streamlined the dental veneer process so that it can be completed quickly, leaving you with a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Have Broken or Chipped Teeth? Schedule your Consultation in Charlotte Today!

If you sustained a chipped or damaged tooth, please don’t wait to schedule your next visit with Dr. Broome. Take advantage of our renowned expertise in aesthetic dentistry and our experience in using leading-edge technology and techniques in a comfortable, relaxing environment. Come see what our patients rave about and experience masterful results for yourself! Contact the dental experts at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your consultation!

Next, read 11 Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

The post Fix a Chipped Tooth with These Three Treatments appeared first on Destination Smile.

11 Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

In recent years, thousands of teeth whitening products and gimmicks have hit the shelves of your local stores and can be seen on late night infomercials as well. Have you ever purchased a whitening product from the drugstore or mall and been less than impressed by the results? This is a story we hear every day. Consumer surveys show the average consumer will spend between $200 to $300 each year on over-the-counter teeth whitening products and yet still are unhappy with the whiteness of their teeth.

Whitening results depend on a variety of factors but professions in-office whitening has been shown to be the safest and most predictable way to improve your smile. If you’re thinking of fixing stained teeth, why not seek treatment from a professional?

At Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Patrick Broome and his team have been whitening smiles every day for more than 14 years. Creating happy, healthy, white smiles is what we do! It’s difficult to keep your teeth white because time, diet, and certain daily habits (smoking, inconsistent flossing, and brushing routines, etc.) can contribute to staining or discoloration.

Furthermore, we understand the impact that it can have on you socially, professionally, and (perhaps more importantly) romantically. That’s why, if you’re thinking of tooth whitening, you should get the very best professional teeth whitening procedure or dentist-recommended gel whitening products at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Obvious Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

It’s no secret that a mouth full of whiter teeth provides benefits, the most obvious being – a brighter more attractive smile. Stains or overall discoloration tends to dull your smile, so regardless of how widely you smile or heartily you laugh, your expressiveness has missing something. Whiter teeth restore this missing dimension to your self-esteem.

Another obvious benefit is that of better oral health. With the removal of stains during a professional whitening session, your teeth can strengthen and become healthier, which increases the overall health of your gums as well as that of your entire mouth.

Another common reason for tooth whitening is the effect it can have on your love life. While you may not turn anyone off before you have your teeth professionally whitened, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll turn someone’s head with a brighter, whiter smile.

Fair trade, wouldn’t you say?

Less Obvious Benefits of Professionally Whitened Teeth

Maybe the obvious isn’t enough for you. The less obvious advantages of professional teeth whitening treatments are:

1. Stronger, More Thorough Whitening

At first glance, this seems more obvious than not, especially if you love the feeling of a professional cleaning over your regular dental hygiene with toothpaste and a toothbrush. A professional whitening session at your dentist’s office will provide better, whiter, and more even results.

However, for a more thorough whitening, or to address moderate to severe stains or discoloration, a professional teeth whitening procedure outstrips any over-the-counter product, which is typically only good for light stains, if effective at all.

2. Speed and Reliability

You want fast? A professional tooth whitening procedure can give you whiter teeth in around an hour. That’s it. No series of sessions like other methods require.

Plus, the results are reliable and with suggested home maintenance it’s long-lasting. Many over-the-counter products have a reputation for not whitening your teeth despite how often you use them.

Your smile deserves better because no one wants to waste time and money on products that don’t deliver great results.

3. Customized Treatments

With over-the-counter treatments, it’s a one-size-fits-all approach – there’s no versatility. Each person cannot customize the product to fit his or her whitening preference.

On the other hand, a professional whitening can be customized to give you the precise amount of whiteness that you’re looking for and in the areas that you need it most.

4. Safer, More Comfortable Treatment

Over-the-counter teeth whitening remedies can cause damage to the gum tissue in your mouth. This can hurt and make your teeth sensitive to certain foods and drinks.

A professional whitening treatment is much safer and more comfortable because you have an experienced expert performing the procedure and monitoring the progress every step of the way. The amount and concentration of whitening agent can be adjusted, and your gums and other parts of your mouth are covered for protection.

You’ll also receive tips on post-session care for your teeth and how to limit tooth sensitivity.

5. Magnetic Results

With professional teeth whitening, your brighter smile becomes a magnet. People are drawn to you, as a nice smile attracts people and makes bold positive first impressions.

6. Good Grooming

White teeth also convey the sense that you have good grooming and daily habits. It also proclaims that you take pride in your appearance and pay attention to keeping yourself well groomed and attractive.

7. The Key to Your Success?

Research indicates that others perceive you as being more successful financially and professionally if you have bright white teeth. You’re seen as trustworthy and dependable, which can help you at work, during interviews, and in business overall.

8. Bright Smile = Mental Brightness?

British researchers studying the effects of tooth whitening found in a study of over 6,000 adults, aged 20 to 80, that people with healthy gums tend to have better mental capacity than those with gum disease. The effect of gum disease on the body, in general, could negatively impact mental functions.

Learn more about teeth whitening treatments at WebMD.com.

Looking for Professional Teeth Whitening? Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help

Armed with whiter, healthier teeth, your self-confidence will overflow. But don’t settle for less than the best teeth whitening. At Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe your teeth deserve the best care possible, especially since your teeth are crucial to your overall health and happiness. To learn more about how tooth whitening can benefit you, contact our dental experts online or by calling us at 704.815.6659 today.

Next, read Cosmetic Dentistry: The Solution for Your Dental Woes

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Cosmetic Dentistry: The Solution for Your Dental Woes

Living with a cosmetic dental issue, such as chipped, broken, stained, or overcrowded teeth can make even the most confident person feel a little reluctant to show their smile. Today, more than ever, people are taking photos and using social media. If you hide your smile it can hurt you not only socially but professionally as well. There are a wide variety of reasons someone would cover or hold back a smile in public settings. Fortunately, thanks to the world-class expertise and the latest in technology, it is possible to correct issues and improve your smile in as little as one visit at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Common Dental Complaints

It doesn’t take much for a straight, white smile to become less attractive. Oral hygiene, diet, aging, and genetics can all change the way your teeth and gums look and function if you are not careful. The most common complaints that people tend to have about the appearance of their teeth in North Carolina include:

• Stains and yellowness
• Overlapping or overcrowding
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Gum recession
• Gaps between teeth
• Gummy smile
• Cavities
• Missing teeth

Dr. Patrick Broome doesn’t just make a smile look good he also makes sure his patients are healthy.

We all know that a beautiful smile is also a healthy smile. The teeth and surrounding tissue are important to total-body health. When we take care of the whole person we can truly make a difference in their life. We find that when a patient is ready to improve their smile almost 100% of the time they are interested in making sure everything is healthy and stable for the long-term. Many times addressing cosmetic concerns actually helps improve overall health. Increased self-confidence is something others notice but our patients tell us they actually feel dramatically better!

Our Custom Solutions for Beautiful, Healthy Teeth

The team at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry offer an extensive range of leading-edge dental services and teeth whitening treatments for even the most complex aesthetic dental issue. From simple tooth whitening to a total dental revamp, our practice can help provide the best solution possible. Our most popular cosmetic procedures include:

Teeth Whitening

Discoloration is probably one of the biggest complaints that individuals have about the appearance of their teeth. In some cases, even consistent dental hygiene cannot prevent enamel from forming stains. Using our advanced teeth whitening treatments, such as Zoom!® Teeth Whitening, our patients can regain fresh, bright teeth in just an hour.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a great solution for a wide range of cosmetic teeth issues, such as chips, stains, misalignment. At our Charlotte practice, Dr. Broome can take an impression of your teeth and create a custom veneer that looks just like the surrounding teeth to create a natural, flawless smile.

Laser Dentistry

Our revolutionary laser technology, BIOLASE Waterlase® iPlus, allows us to quickly and efficiently address a variety of medical and cosmetic dental issues without drills. Laser dentistry is ideal for sculpting gum tissue, removing bacteria/ decay, and performing many procedures traditionally done with a dental drill.

Learn more about lasers used in dentistry at WebMD.com.

Invisalign

The thought of wearing metal braces, especially as an adult is often unacceptable for most people who want a straighter smile. With clear Invisalign aligners, patients can effectively straighten their teeth without anyone else noticing. Today, we no long use traditional impression material but instead do a 3D digital scan of your teeth and send it over the internet to Invisalign. You aligners are usually back and ready for you in 1 week.

Dental Bonding

Tooth bonding can be a very conservative treatment option that is some cases can provide a great aesthetic solution yet still be conservative. Dental bonding can be used to repair cracks, chips, gaps, wear-and-tear, and even discoloration. The resin is color-matched to the patient’s teeth for a seamless look.

All-on-4

For patients with significant dental issues, a dental prosthesis, known as All-on-4 or “Hybrid Bridges” can be used to replace an entire arch of teeth. Although lots of planning is done beforehand, the actual procedure is completed in a single day and often is a cost-effective solution for patients with severe tooth damage, periodontal disease, or missing teeth. The damaged teeth are removed and a new custom denture or bridge is secured in place with four or more dental implants to create a solid, fixed solution that from the outside looks like a brand new natural smile.

Total Smile Makeover

In many cases, in order to achieve a beautiful smile, a patient may need a combination of cosmetic, teeth whitening, and restorative dental treatments. Dr. Broome carefully assesses a patient’s overall oral health as well as his or her concerns in order to plan a total smile makeover. A makeover may include a combination of teeth whitening, laser dentistry, bonding, and porcelain veneers, for example.

Relaxing Same-Day Dentistry in North Carolina

As a dental expert, Dr. Broome understands that many people are reluctant to take care of even minor dental issues because they believe a trip to the dentist is bound to be stressful or inconvenient. That’s why Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was designed with relaxation in mind. Every patient enjoys the spa-like experience with complimentary options such as soothing paraffin hot wax hand treatments, warm blankets, dark sunglasses to block the bright light, wireless noise-canceling BOSE headphones, and memory-foam covered dental chairs give you a gentle massage. You also have the option to watch something on the wide screen LCD TV’s mounted over the chair.

The amenities are designed to help you relax and feel pampered but the professional service is designed to be fast, efficient thanks to high-tech dental technology. This allows more advanced planning and better results.

Visit Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Today

If you are interested in learning more about the versatile solutions to aesthetic dental problems, don’t hesitate to contact Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. To get more information and schedule your appointment, call (704) 815-6659 today!

Next, read Create Your Hollywood Smile with Invisalign

The post Cosmetic Dentistry: The Solution for Your Dental Woes appeared first on Destination Smile.

Create Your Hollywood Smile with Invisalign!

You don’t have to be a celebrity to have a confident smile. In fact, many celebrities have a picture-perfect smile thanks to modern dental techniques like Invisalign. This braces alternative allows teeth straightening to go nearly unnoticed because the aligners are virtually invisible. A series of clear aligners simply move teeth gradually over time. Gone are the days when straightening your teeth means you have to wear metal braces and deal with all the challenges associated with them. Nothing beats being able to straighten your teeth while maintaining your lifestyle!

At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Broome and his staff are proud to offer orthodontic options with Invisalign. Experience a soothing, spa-like atmosphere as you’re fitted for your new clear braces! Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (704) 815-6659 to learn more about Invisalign and to schedule your visit.

The Top 5 Benefits of Invisalign

Dental Braces Alternative

If you wish to straighten your teeth without the use of uncomfortable braces, Invisalign braces may be the perfect option. Invisalign uses a clear, almost invisible aligner tray to straighten teeth over time, without the need for unsightly, clunky metal.

Comfortable

Metal braces are uncomfortable to wear and can make talking and eating more difficult. Made of clear plastic, Invisalign is comfortable and easy to remove when needed. Not only that, but there isn’t the need for wires and painful tightening adjustments made with conventional braces.

Maintain Your Lifestyle

Traditional braces can be restrictive and make eating specific foods like corn on the cob difficult. With Invisalign clear braces, you can say goodbye to the restrictions of traditional teeth straightening treatments without any worry about damaging the aligners. Invisalign aligners can be removed prior to eating and before flossing and brushing!

Non-Invasive Dental Treatment

When people think of straightening their teeth, chances are drilling, tightening, and cementing come to mind. With Invisalign, you can say goodbye to these unpleasant appointments.

Smile Away! Conventional braces can make people self-conscious and feel like their smiles look like a mouth full of metal. Invisalign is nearly invisible, making it possible to straighten your teeth and keep your smile without any unsightly metal!

Learn more about clear braces at Invisalign.com.

How Do Invisible Braces Work?

Invisalign braces is a great alternative for fixing crooked teeth and provides effective teeth crowding alignment. Dr. Broome uses digital impressions as well as digital photos of your teeth using our state-of-the-art dental technology, such as the 3shape intraoral scanner and our CAD/CAM software. These are sent to the Align facility where they will make a sophisticated virtual model of your teeth. Dr. Broome reviews the virtual models and plans your case. It typically takes seven to ten days until your new clear aligners arrive back in Dr. Broome’s office.

Once you have your clear braces, you’ll wear them for 20-22 hours a day, and change aligners once a week the planned alignment of your teeth is complete. Also, Invisalign clear braces are made from BPA-free plastic, so you can wear them worry-free!

Wearing your Invisalign aligners is a gradual process, allowing your teeth to move into proper position with everyday wear. As treatment progresses, your clear braces will change as you move through the next phase of your alignment. At Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in North Carolina, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure that you can reach the straight, stunning smile you desire.

5 Fast Clear Aligner Facts

• You’ll want to wear your clear aligners most of the day, only taking them out to eat, brush or floss.
• Most insurance policies that include orthodontic coverage should cover Invisalign clear braces to the same extent that they would cover conventional metal braces.
• Invisalign clear braces are completely customized to your unique orthodontic needs, with new aligner trays created everyone to two weeks to maximize alignment.
• After an initial adjustment period of 1 to 3 days, Invisalign clear braces are simple to wear and shouldn’t negatively impact your speech.
• Over 1.5 million patients each with diverse dental challenges, including crooked teeth or crowded teeth, have been successfully treated with Invisalign.

Schedule Your Appointment for Straight Teeth Today

If you’re ready to get your Hollywood smile with Invisalign, contact us today to schedule a consultation! Dr. Broome is one of Charlotte’s most highly educated cosmetic dentists and will ensure you have the finest care and treatment throughout your Invisalign experience. You’ll feel like you’re on a luxurious vacation rather than at an appointment at a standard dental office. And with complimentary paraffin hand treatments, massage chairs, chenille blankets, and individually-controlled satellite TVs, you won’t want to leave when your appointment is over.

You can call (704) 815-6659 for more information about Invisalign and to schedule an appointment at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Next, read Digital Dentistry – Better Patient Experience, Faster Treatment, Better Results

The post Create Your Hollywood Smile with Invisalign! appeared first on Destination Smile.

Digital Dentistry – Better Patient Experience, Faster Treatment, Better Results!

When it comes to getting the dental treatment you need, you might anticipate having to schedule multiple appointments, spending hours on end in the dentist’s chair, and worst of all, receiving a hefty bill by the time everything is over. At Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we are proud to provide same day restorations to provide a wide range of custom dental solutions quickly, safely, and in most cases, in just one appointment.

Dr. Broome and his team strive to provide the most comprehensive, technologically advanced dental services in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Our in-office CAD/CAM technology enables us to provide our patients with all-ceramic restorations, onlays/inlays, and veneers in just a single appointment. To learn more about our CAD/CAM technology and how it can help you restore your beautiful smile, please contact our office at (704) 815-6659.

Dental Care – Faster, Safer, and More Predictable Outcomes

Our Sirona Galileos 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scanner provides instant 3D images that Dr. Broome uses to diagnose and plan treatment. What’s even more amazing is how he is able to merge 3D images with his other digital technology, such as our 3Shape and Cerec Omnicam intra-oral scanners. Dr. Broome now plans 100% of his implant surgeries digitally before ever touching the patient. Complications can be avoided and the results are very predictable.

Our Practice Lab can also create custom surgical guides and 3D printed models in addition to the amazing dental restorations we create in-office. CAD/CAM allows us to design and create a beautiful all-ceramic restoration in about 10 minutes. Dr. Broome and his staff have mastered the 3D imaging, software, and techniques necessary to create or enhance your smile.

The benefits of CAD/CAM same day restorations include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Single Visit Dentistry – Implants and Crowns Completed in a Single Visit

Thanks to digital dentistry technology, evaluating a patient’s dental needs takes only a matter of seconds. Creating a custom treatment plan is now based on 3D images that allow complete viewing of critical structures that were typically hidden on standard x-ray images. This allows us to see potential problems, avoid complications, and be more accurate with proposed treatment plans that are based on an ultra-accurate 3D image.

Creating customized dental devices in less than an hour also means that our patients are in and out of our office with beautiful results faster than ever. A dental restoration can be successfully placed in a single sitting without the need for temporary crowns or multiple appointments. No more waiting days or even weeks for a dental laboratory to manufacture the devices you need for a perfect smile!

2. Only Getting that Numb Feeling Once!

No one enjoys getting an anesthetic shot or that numb sensation that is often necessary in order to be comfortable during your dental visit. But people do love same day dentistry – beautiful results and no second visit needed. That means more time for you to focus on the things you enjoy. One visit and you’re done! Also, many patients don’t realize that Dr. Broome doesn’t enjoy getting or giving shots, so he works extra hard to make it as comfortable as possible when required!

3. Digital Chairside Consultations

With the 3shape and Cerec Omnicam intra-oral scanners, Dr. Broome can quickly scan and create a live 3D model with the digital scanner that can be moved and viewed on screen just like you are holding it in your hands. Not only do patients get a full view of their mouth that they don’t usually see but they also can get a clear understanding of their current dental health and see the value of treatment options in real-time. They can also watch the entire process of imaging, analyzing, and creating their custom dental solutions in a matter of minutes.

This advanced technology allows patients to have an inside look at the creation of the beautiful dental artwork that is designed specifically to fit their needs– all within a single appointment!

Learn more about dental implants at WebMD.com.

4. No Messy Impressions

Thanks to precise 3D digital impressions, our patients no longer have to endure uncomfortable, messy impression materials of the past. Sitting with a tray full of gooey impression materials in your mouth and waiting for it to solidify for even a few minutes is outdated and makes almost everyone feel claustrophobic or uneasy. Now, within seconds, we use a wand-like device to video the patients’ teeth and gums. The best part is, Dr. Broome can now achieve even better results than he did in the past with traditional impression material in just a few seconds.

Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Broome in Charlotte Today

To see how advanced digital technology can make your visit more pleasant, relaxing, and best of all, convenient, please schedule your next visit with Dr. Broome in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina. With our state-of-the-art dental technology, extensive training, and comfortable spa-like office, our patients receive the same-day custom dental solutions they need for a flawless smile.

Don’t wait to get the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted! Contact Dr. Broome at (704) 815-6659 today to set up your consultation!

Next, read 4 Signs That You Secretly Have Sleep Apnea

The post Digital Dentistry – Better Patient Experience, Faster Treatment, Better Results! appeared first on Destination Smile.

4 Signs That You Secretly Have Sleep Apnea

Has the sound of your own snoring ever woken you up? Do you constantly feel tired even though it seems like you get enough sleep every night? Does your snoring lead to arguments with your significant other? If the above sounds familiar, you may actually have uncovered clues that you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that impacts millions of Americans and can cause serious complications if left untreated.

But wait – how do sleep apnea and dentistry go together? What’s the connection? Believe it or not, at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Patrick Broome and his team often see the signs of sleep apnea and other health issues that result from sleep apnea. We are proud to provide sleep apnea screenings at our office and can refer patients to a sleep physician for further testing and evaluation. We can fabricate a custom oral appliance that you wear while sleeping that holds the lower jaw forward and makes breathing easier while you sleep.

We know more than just how to create smiles – sleep dentistry can improve our patients’ quality of life and in some severe cases actually save lives! Schedule your next visit with Dr. Broome to learn more.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is caused when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much while you’re sleeping, causing the (partial to total) collapse of your breathing passage. This collapse causes airflow to stop periodically a few times to hundreds of times during sleep.

The blocked airflow deprives your brain of oxygen and every time this happens your chances of brain damage increases.

4 Under-the-Radar Signs That You Have Obstructed Breathing

Signs that you have sleep apnea can include overall body symptoms as well as dental ones. The most common symptoms include chronic fatigue, irritability, and excessively loud snoring, among others. There are several symptoms, however, that are more difficult to connect to sleep apnea because these are often disregarded as symptoms of other conditions, such as stress.

1. Gastric Reflux and Dental Erosion

Researchers have found that many men and women who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea also have a higher risk of experiencing sleep-related gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Essentially, obstructive breathing puts negative pressure on the individual’s airway, which can trigger the regurgitation of acids from the stomach into the esophagus and mouth. Over time, if the teeth and esophagus are frequently exposed to these stomach acids, the condition can eventually cause erosive damage, increased risk of cancer, and severe tooth damage.

Tooth erosion may not be immediately noticeable to patients, but Dr. Broome knows how to identify the signs and symptoms, which may include enamel loss on the molars and the back sides of the teeth. This is why keeping up with your regular hygiene visits at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is so important!

2. Morning Headaches

Waking up with a headache in the morning on a frequent basis is a telltale sign of poor breathing. Snoring loudly and struggling to breathe throughout the night reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain, causing the blood vessels to widen, leading to what is known as a vascular headache. Starting the day with a headache will not only put you in a bad mood, but it can eventually dampen your overall quality of life.

3. Difficulty Concentrating

Without a proper night’s rest, it can be difficult to stay focused and motivated throughout a single day let alone reaching your full potential at school or at work. Adults and children who suffer from sleep apnea frequently struggle with memory and learning problems, dozing off in the middle of lunch or conversations, and experiencing mood swings or frustration as a result of struggling to concentrate on daily tasks. These issues can have a wide-reaching impact on everything from one’s education and career to one’s personal life and health.

You may not realize the impact that your sleep apnea has on your life. In many cases, it can be difficult to trace irritability, concentration problems, and low energy to obstructive breathing without discussing the possible signs with a sleep expert. Dr. Broome and his team at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry are more than happy to refer patients to a highly recommended sleep physician.

4. Relationship Problems

It is important to note that most people that suffer from sleep apnea are unaware that they snore or stop breathing at night unless a family member notices or significant other asks them to sleep in another room. Sleep disorders, such as obstructive breathing, can quickly lead to troubled relationships as the sleep apnea sufferer struggles to breathe and get a good night’s rest while their loved one struggles to sleep next to a loud snorer. With both parties suffering from poor sleep, the fatigue and irritability can result in a strained, unhappy relationship.

How Can Sleep Dentistry Help with Obstructive Breathing Problems?

A medical diagnosis of sleep apnea must be made by a sleep physician. Dr. Broome works with qualified sleep physicians in North Carolina to provide patients options besides the traditional CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) units. Many CPAP owners don’t actually use them and continue to put their health at risk each night.

Compared to CPAP, oral appliances are much easier to wear and also much easier to carry when traveling. Oral appliances are not only more convenient but also provide a much safer alternative to using nothing at all. At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we can discuss types of oral appliances and determine what would work best for you.

In general, the most common options for treating your obstructive breathing include the following:

• CPAP therapy
• Oral appliances
• Surgery

Although CPAP’s are common these days, many patients feel they are inconvenient and the constant maintenance required to prevent mold growth in the face mask and in airlines is a major reason many people report that they’ve stopped using their CPAP. Therefore, an oral appliance from a dental professional might be much more effective. Various oral appliances that reposition your tongue or keep your lower jaw in the correct position while sleeping can remedy mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Cosmetic dentistry can help especially if you have signs of dental erosion. Of course, we want to treat the cause and not just the symptoms, which is why we are happy to refer our patients to sleep specialists for further treatment. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to prevent obstructive breathing, however, the majority of patients are able to find success with an oral appliance.

Learn more about CPAP at WebMD.com..com

If Poor Sleep is Disrupting Your Life, Sleep Dentistry Could Help

At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our extensive experience, advanced training, and talented team provide the superior care you want and deserve. Whether you’re interested in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry for smile improvement or an obstructive breathing solution, contact Dr. Broome today via our website request form or by calling us at 704.815.6659 today and take the first step toward ending your sleeping issues and improving your quality of life.

Next, read Get a Stress-Free Smile Make-Over with Dental Implants with Sedation

The post 4 Signs That You Secretly Have Sleep Apnea appeared first on Destination Smile.