Briggs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

If you've enjoyed our recent blog topics from Briggs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry then check out these other great resources below:

If you want to maintain a healthy and attractive smile throughout your life, you’ll need to take measures to protect your teeth and gums. In the following list of resources, you’ll find information regarding bonding, veneers, and oral cancer screenings:

• If you have questions about cosmetic bonding, check out this webpage. You’ll find a variety of answers to your questions about this cosmetic dental solution.

• For information on what you can expect from dental veneers treatment, take a look at this article from LiveStrong.com.

• Learn what a cavity is and how it is formed by reviewing the information in this article from KidsHealth.org.

• Find information on the prevalence of oral cancer in the United States by visiting OralCancerFoundation.org.

• Check out this webpage from the American Dental Association to find out how regular checkups and frequent oral cancer screenings can aid in early detection.

It is never too late to begin taking better care of your teeth and gums, so resolve to visit your dentist more in 2012. If you’re in the market for a quality dental practice that can offer preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services, choose Briggs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Scottsdale. Schedule your consultation appointment today by call us at (480) 948-7670.

What Are the Differences between Cosmetic Bonding and Dental Veneers?

Cosmetic bonding and dental veneers are two cosmetic dental solutions that were designed to restore and enhance the appearance of the smile. However, these two dental solutions differ when it comes to materials, application procedure and results.

Cosmetic Bonding
When trying to understand cosmetic bonding, think of sculpture’s clay, as the two are quite similar. Cosmetic bonding refers to using a tooth-colored resin to reshape a tooth. Composite bonding can be used to repair chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. It can also be used to fill in thin gaps, reshape an irregularly shaped tooth, and even improve the color of the smile. Once the composite bonding resin is applied to the teeth and shaped perfectly, the cosmetic dentist shines a UV light over the material to harden it. This ensures that the resin material dries and hardens for a long-lasting tooth restoration result.

Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are generally made of porcelain, but can also be made out of resin as well. Veneers are sturdy caps that are glued to the teeth with a dental adhesive. While cosmetic bonding is largely used to restore a tooth, veneers are used to dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance. They can easily brighten a smile, enlarge the size of the teeth so they look more natural, and permanently improve the color of a patient’s smile. Plus, dental veneers can also be used to reshape a chipped tooth, close a gap, or restore a broken tooth.

The best way to determine whether your smile could benefit from cosmetic bonding or dental veneers is to consult with a cosmetic dentist. Both dental solutions can improve your smile and decrease your risk of tooth decay, so meet with your dentist right away.

Visit Scottsdale’s Briggs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to receive expert advice on whether cosmetic bonding or dental veneers are right for you. You’ll receive superior service and access to other dental solutions such as Invisalign, dental implants, and teeth whitening. Call us today at (480) 948-7670 to learn more.

Diagnodent – Laser Cavity Detection

Advancements in dental technology are improving the way dentists provide care to patients. To learn about a revolutionary product in preventative dentistry, check out this video. You’ll learn about Diagnodent, a tool that uses a laser to detect minute decay underneath the enamel of a tooth. You’ll learn about how lasers work and why they work better than traditional dental tools used in cavity detection. You’ll also get to see how the Diagnodent works.

If you would like to treat tooth decay before it erodes your teeth, schedule an appointment at Briggs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Scottsdale. We currently use laser cavity detection technology to provide advanced cavity detection and treatment. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (480) 948-7670 today. 

Oral Cancer: Basic Information Everyone Should Know

Oral cancer is becoming an increasing concern for people across the country. Unfortunately, oral cancer is difficult to diagnose because symptoms don’t appear until the cancer has significantly advanced. Dentists are working harder to detect earlier signs, which is why it’s imperative that you see your dentist regularly for checkups. Here is some basic information about the disease: 

Oral Cancer Statistics
Every year, more than 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the U.S., making it more prevalent than cervical cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, skin cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid cancer. Roughly 8,000 people will die from this disease within the first year of being diagnosed. Oral cancer diagnosis has spread around the world, with more than 600,000 people being diagnosed each year.

Detecting Oral Cancer
Detecting oral cancer is challenging because changes in the color of the oral tissue often don’t appear until the cancer has grown. Plus, people aren’t visiting their dentist regularly or requesting oral cancer screenings. Dentists recommend that patient’s undergo an oral cancer screening at least once a year. Like any other cancer, early detection and treatment is crucial—without it, people are at dangerous risk of succumbing to the cancer.   

Risk Factors
Previously, oral cancer was most prevalent is people over the age of 40. However, dental health professionals are now diagnosing patients who are much younger. Some researchers believe the cause for this could be explained by the human papilloma virus, as there seems to be a link between oral cancer and this viral infection. Nicotine is also a major contributing factor.

If you would like to undergo an oral cancer screening, call Briggs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Scottsdale at (480) 948-7670 today. Our full-service dental practice can provide the exam and offer tips for staving off oral cancer. To learn more about the wide variety of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic treatments we offer, visit our website. 

If you've enjoyed our recent blog topics from Briggs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry then check out these other great resources below:

If you’re interested in learning more about our most recent blog topics, including teeth whitening and cavity prevention, then explore these helpful resources below. Call Briggs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (480) 948-7670 for more information about our dentistry services for your entire family.

• Find out how undergoing Boost teeth whitening procedures can give you a quicker, healthier smile.

• This article from Consumer Guide to Dentistry gives you the facts about the advantages of one type of cosmetic procedure: Opalescence.

• Learn more about the symptoms of cavities and how to recognize the signs of tooth decay.

• Read this article to find out how cavities affect your children and their overall health.

• View this chart comparing Zoom! teeth whitening procedures to other whitening dentistry techniques.