Invisalign® has undeniably revolutionized orthodontic treatment. Offering a clear, comfortable alternative to traditional braces, it empowers individuals to achieve straighter smiles discreetly. Yet, choosing the right orthodontic path requires careful consideration. While Invisalign® boasts impressive capabilities, understanding its limitations is crucial for informed decision-making.

When Invisalign® Shines

• Crooked Teeth: For Katy residents seeking alignment and a confidence boost, Invisalign®’s gentle pressure effectively straightens various degrees of misalignment.
• Overbite & Underbite: Misaligned bites can be addressed using Invisalign®. Whether your top or bottom jaw protrudes, the system can gradually move teeth into proper alignment.
• Crossbite: Invisalign® effectively corrects crossbites, where teeth don’t meet correctly when your mouth closes.
• Gaps & Crowding: Both issues can be tackled with Invisalign®. Whether you desire to close unwanted gaps or address crowded teeth, the system offers optimal solutions.

Considering the Scope

While remarkably versatile, Invisalign® has limitations:

• Severe Misalignment: In complex cases requiring significant tooth movement or intrusion/extrusion, traditional braces might offer stronger, more direct force.
• Treatment Evolution: Invisalign® technology continuously advances, but severe cases may still require braces for optimal results.

Partner with ThoroughDent Smiles

Wondering if Invisalign® is right for you? Contact ThoroughDent Smiles in Georgetown, KY! Our experienced team offers comprehensive consultations to assess your individual needs and explore all available options. Let’s collaborate to design the perfect smile journey for you!

Call us today at 502-907-2228 to schedule your appointment.

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Missing or Damaged Teeth? Crowns and Bridges Can Help!

At ThoroughDent Smiles, we understand the impact missing or damaged teeth can have on your smile and confidence. Fortunately, dental crowns and bridges offer a reliable solution to restore your smile and oral function. This guide explores what you need to know about these restorations.

What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

• Crowns: Cap-like restorations that cover and strengthen a damaged or weakened tooth. Ideal for large fillings, root canals, or cosmetic enhancement.
• Bridges: Multiple restorations connected to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges attach to natural teeth (abutments) or implants for support.

Benefits of Crowns and Bridges

• Improved Aesthetics: Restore a natural-looking, attractive smile.
• Enhanced Functionality: Improve chewing, biting, and speaking abilities.
• Increased Confidence: Boost your self-esteem and social interactions.
• Durability: Crowns and bridges can last for many years with proper care.

How Do They Look and Feel?

ThoroughDent Smiles prioritizes a seamless look and natural feel. Each crown and bridge is custom-made to match your surrounding teeth in color, shape, and size. You’ll enjoy a natural appearance and comfortable function.

The Procedure: What to Expect

• Consultation: Discuss your needs and explore treatment options.
• Impressions: Precise molds are taken of your teeth to create custom restorations.
• Temporary Crown/Bridge (Optional): This may be used while your permanent restoration is crafted.
• Placement: Your dentist will carefully secure the final crown or bridge for optimal fit and function.

Ready to Learn More?

Contact ThoroughDent Smiles today at (502) 907-2228 or schedule an online consultation. We’ll answer your questions and help you determine if crowns or bridges are the right choice for you!

More About Crowns & Bridges

Thinking about brightening your smile with dental veneers? While they offer a beautiful, long-lasting solution, understanding their lifespan is crucial. This article explores the factors influencing veneer longevity and how to maximize it.

Factors Affecting Veneer Lifespan

• Veneer Material:

  • Porcelain Veneers: Known for their durability, they can last 10-12 years with proper care.
  • Composite Veneers: More affordable, but typically last 4-8 years.

• Oral Hygiene: Consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining healthy veneers and teeth.

• Diet: Limiting sugary foods and drinks helps prevent staining and chipping of veneers.

• Habits: Grinding or clenching teeth can damage veneers. Discuss protective mouthguards with your dentist.

Maximizing Veneer Lifespan

• Thorough Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily for 2 minutes, floss once daily, and schedule regular cleanings at ThoroughDent Smiles.
• Dietary Choices: Minimize sugary treats and acidic drinks to protect veneers from damage and discoloration.
• Gentle Habits: Avoid chewing on hard objects or using your teeth as tools. Discuss mouthguards if you grind or clench your teeth.
• Regular Dental Visits: Biannual checkups at ThoroughDent Smiles allow for professional cleanings, early detection of potential issues, and expert advice on veneer care.

Replacing Veneers

When veneers reach their lifespan, replacement is similar to the initial placement. Your dentist will remove the old veneers, create new ones, and bond them securely.

Ready for a Brilliant Smile?

Contact ThoroughDent Smiles in Georgetown, KY, for a consultation to discuss your veneer options and personalized care plan. We’ll help you achieve the stunning, long-lasting smile you love!

Learn More About Dental Veneers

High-End Dentistry in Georgetown, KY

When you visit the dentist, you may notice them using certain technologies. These dental technologies can include anything from x-ray machines to CEREC machines. All of the dental technologies we use in-office help streamline the process of visiting the dentist. 

Types of Dental Technologies

Digital X-Rays

If you’ve ever visited a dentist before, you most likely have gotten x-rays taken. Digital x-rays are standard practice at most dental offices. These digital x-rays save time and are safe for any patient. 

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

CBCT scanning allows our team to create images of your teeth, face and neck with just one scan. These images are high-quality and help us gather detailed information to best diagnose every patient. The CBCT machine rotates once around your head while you stand or sit. It is a quick, simple and painless process! 

CEREC

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic. CEREC creates a state-of-the-art way of reconstructing tooth restorations. For patients who are in need of crowns, CEREC makes it possible to walk out of the office with a new tooth in just one visit! This dental technology has revolutionized ceramic restorations so there is no waiting period for preparing the restoration and receiving the final product. 

Intraoral Camera

Intraoral cameras give our team a detailed view of your mouth in pictures in videos. This dental technology is useful for putting specific problem areas on the screen so we can see in greater detail. 

What Dental Technologies are Offered at ThoroughDent Smiles?

At ThoroughDent Smiles, we offer dental technologies to streamline our dental process as much as possible. We use the following technologies in our practice:

• Digital X-Rays
• Intraoral Camera
• Laser Dentistry
• Medit Scanner

If you have any questions about dental technology, or what we use at our practice, please give us a call using the button below.

Call ThoroughDent Smiles

Wisdom Teeth Removal at ThoroughDent Smiles

At ThoroughDent Smiles, we get a lot of questions about wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth removal. Having wisdom teeth removed is a fairly common procedure, but it can still cause people to be nervous and have questions. That’s why we put together this blog – to help answer all of your questions about wisdom teeth.

What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

Following the procedure, we recommend that you primarily eat soft, cool foods for at least the first few days. This includes foods like:

• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Smoothies
• Yogurt
• Ice cream
• Soup

Most people feel comfortable reintroducing solid foods into their diet after 3-4 days, but this depends on your level of pain.

How long does wisdom teeth removal take?

Wisdom teeth removal does not take very long. Most procedures only take one hour or less to complete. You will need to rest for at least a day following the procedure to ensure that you can heal and recover.

What age do wisdom teeth come in?

For most people, wisdom teeth come in between the ages of 17 and 25. It’s completely normal for them to come in a little earlier or later than this range. We can identify if you have wisdom teeth using xrays.

What happens if you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed?

This depends on your individual oral health situation. It is possible for wisdom teeth to grow in straight and in line with your other teeth. This would have little to no impact if they were not removed. However, many people’s wisdom teeth do not grow nice and straight. It’s very common for them to grow crooked or towards your other teeth which can cause them to become impacted. This can cause issues such as:

• Pain
• Infections or cysts
• Damage to other teeth
• Teeth crowding
• Gum disease

We hope that these answers help you better understand wisdom teeth removal. If you still have more questions about wisdom teeth or wisdom teeth removal, call our Georgetown, KY office at (502) 907-2228 and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Teeth Whitening Procedures

Teeth Whitening has been around for decades and millions of people use whitening products – including plenty of dentists. According to dental professionals, they haven’t seen an increase in problems like cavity risk or tooth fractures after teeth whitening procedures. ThoroughDent Smiles works to provide safe teeth whitening services for our patients. 

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

1. Teeth Sensitivity: Your teeth may become more sensitive after getting them whitened. You may experience this after your first or second treatment, and it can diminish with time. Ask your doctor if they can recommend products for treating sensitivity at your next appointment.
2. Irritated Gums: You may also experience gingival irritation, which happens when your gums become irritated. If the whitening products touch your gums, then they may become irritated, but ThoroughDent Smiles takes precautions to eliminate this risk.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

1. Safety: The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that hydrogen peroxide whiteners are safe and effective. At ThoroughDent Smiles, we care for our patients like they are our family. The side effects of teeth whitening stated above usually only occur with at-home teeth whitening products. At our office, we work to minimize the side effects as much as possible.
2. Quick Process: Our whitening process is quick and effective. You can walk away with whitened teeth in just one session rather than waiting months for at-home products to take into effect.
3. No Recurring Appointments: You won’t have to keep coming into our office for additional appointments because whitening your teeth too frequently can actually damage your teeth. With just a couple of sessions of professional whitening, you can achieve the bright, white smile that you desire.

If you are worried about your upcoming teeth whitening procedure or worried about an at-home product you are using, you can always ask your doctor if the product is safe. ThoroughDent Smiles offers professional teeth whitening that is safe and effective. If you would like to schedule a teeth whitening appointment, use the button below to request an appointment or learn more about teeth whitening at our office.