Clear Braces

At Vista Dental we have an orthodontic solution for every patient, and clear braces may be the one you’re looking for.  Traditional braces are still the most common way adults and children correct their teeth. Clear aligners have become popular, but aren’t always effective for everyone.  If your orthodontic treatment requires traditional brackets and wires, clear braces use this straightening technique with materials designed to avoid the metallic look dreaded by so many patients.

Aesthetic improvements have been made to traditional braces that can achieve the same results without the metallic look.  Brackets are now available in clear and translucent forms that are designed to resist staining.  To connect these brackets, wires the color of natural teeth are used.  The final look is not totally invisible but is much more subtle than traditional silver braces and doesn’t look metallic.  Almost any orthodontic patient can achieve the same great results as traditional braces offer with a better disguise during treatment.

To learn more about our orthodontic treatment options and all the services we provide at our practice, visit VistaDentalMH.Ca for more information. To schedule an appointment at Vista Dental, located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.

Dental Implant Benefits

A variety of consequences can arise from a toothless smile. Missing teeth can diminish a person’s self-esteem, hinder the way they eat, chew, and speak, and leave a patient feeling self-conscious about his or her smile. Fortunately, at Vista Dental, we offer dental implants as a service to restore a patient’s smile and improve their oral health status.

A face that lacks teeth can sag and make a person appear older than they actually are. This can keep a person from smiling in photos, and make them feel embarrassed to speak because of their missing teeth.  Dental implants act as replacement tooth roots and can be used on one or more teeth without damaging surrounding teeth. In addition to improving aesthetics, teeth that are restored with dental implants have a reliable, long-term track record and can last up to 10 years with proper oral care.

If you have questions regarding restorative dentistry or dental implants, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Pregnancy and Teeth

Pregnancy affects almost every aspect of a woman’s life and oral health is not excluded. The body goes through many hormonal changes during pregnancy and new mothers need to be aware of the oral complications that may arise. Hormones play a role in making gums swell while pregnant which can lead to a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Our doctors at Vista Dental encourage new mothers to schedule a dental checkup to address any concerns.

Morning sickness can increase the amount of acid the mouth is exposed to which can deteriorate tooth enamel. This can also make it harder to practice proper oral hygiene because the taste of toothpaste might trigger a gag reflex, or the action of brushing may seem like an exhausting task. Some women tend to develop pregnancy gingivitis which is an inflammation of the gums. Depending on the patient, our doctor may suggest more frequent cleanings to ensure optimal oral health.

If you have questions regarding pregnancy and dental care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are very common, but that doesn’t mean they’re healthy or that patients should have to put up with them. If you see blood when you spit out your toothpaste or sometimes taste iron while chewing, you should schedule an appointment at Vista Dental in Medicine Hat and learn more about gingival infections.

Gingivitis is the medical term for gum inflammation. The gums can be injured by being brushed too hard, which is why patients should only use soft-bristled toothbrushes. But the vast majority of the time, bleeding gums is caused by outbreaks of bacterial growth in the gum pockets. There are always bacteria in the gum pockets, but when they have an excessive amount of food available, they produce a large amount of plaque, which acid gets trapped in. This irritates the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Only a dental professional can clean plaque from beneath the gum line, but brushing regularly can deprive bacteria of their food source. Some people are at increased risk of gum infection, including pregnant women, smokers, and people on blood thinner medications. People with dry mouth are also at risk because saliva plays an important part in washing away food debris and maintaining a healthy pH level.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit VistaDentalMH.Ca.

 

Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children

Oral hygiene becomes a necessity as soon as a person’s first tooth erupts, and at Vista Dental in Medicine Hat, we provide preventive care to patients of all ages. But while dental check-ups should be a normal part of every child’s life, children do often develop anxiety about their visits. If you’re a frustrated parent whose child is afraid of a teeth cleaning, read on.

When children develop anxiety, they’re often picking it up from their parents. Every parent should be honest with themselves about whether visiting the dentist is something they are comfortable with, and if not, it may be better for someone else to accompany the child. Children also do better when they are with an older sibling or friend they can see go first, and many parents find it’s more convenient to have all their children’s appointments done at once, anyway.

If a child does not remember their last appointment, it’s best just to tell them that the dentist and hygienists want to clean their teeth and make sure they’re healthy. Telling children that they need to be brave will only make them worried, and guessing at which procedures will be done is likely to cause confusion. When the child arrives, we can give an age-appropriate description of what we plan to do and demonstrate the use of our technology.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit VistaDentalMH.Ca.