3 Common Dental Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is on the rise. More and more people opt for it as they learn and witness how a dentist can transform almost anyone’s teeth to give them a smile they desire. If seeing all the hype has made you curious, but you still aren’t aware enough to decide whether you want to opt for the treatment, read on.

There are several different choices for cosmetic dental work if you want to improve your smile. Following are the most common cosmetic dental procedures.

• Teeth Whitening: Also known as “teeth bleaching,” this procedure is used to fix discolored or stained teeth. This is one of the most simple cosmetic dental procedures and can quickly whiten or brighten your teeth in a few visits to the dentist. You can even get a home kit to whiten your teeth. However, not everyone’s teeth are suitable for bleaching, so it is important to check in with your dentist before getting a home kit.
• Dental Veneers: If you have minor teeth issues such as a slightly crooked tooth, chipped teeth, or discolored teeth, you can opt for cosmetic dental veneers. These are thin shells made out of porcelain or composite material. They’re custom made for each patient and are cemented to the front side of the tooth. It can also be used to cover spaces between the teeth.
• Dental Implants: A dental implant is performed to replace missing teeth. A metal device that is usually made out of titanium is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. The dental implant works as a tooth root, which can anchor artificial teeth such as a crown, bridge, or denture.

However, it is important to note that not all cosmetic dental procedures are suited for everyone. If you have any concerns regarding the appearance of your teeth, it is better to visit a dentist and get an expert opinion about the best course of action.

If you live in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, or Doral, visit Jennifer Lopez Dental for a consultation now.

One of the first things people notice about you is your smile. Not only does a good smile impact the way others perceive you, but it can also boost your self-confidence. A survey by a dating site showed that a whopping 60% of the men and 71% of the women claimed that they care about a potential date’s teeth the most. 

However, this can be an issue for people who suffer from dental problems that affect the look of their smile. Dental procedures that improve the look of teeth and gums are known as cosmetic dentistry. Issues such as yellowed, crooked, or even missing teeth can all be corrected through cosmetic dentistry.

Following is a list of issues that can be fixed with a few trips to a cosmetic dentist.

• Crooked teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Misshaped teeth
• Crossbites
• Underbites, overbites, or open bites
• Missing teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Gummy smile

If you suffer from any of the above issues and affect your confidence and self-esteem, it is worth undertaking a cosmetic dental procedure. However, it is more likely going to be a long term commitment. Therefore, it is necessary to do the proper research beforehand to make an informed decision after being aware of your options.

If you are looking for an excellent cosmetic dentist and reside in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, or Doral, consider visiting Jennifer Lopez Dental as soon as possible.

The one thing you probably never want to hear your dentist say is that you have a cavity. However, it is an issue that affects a lot of people.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in a tooth. It is caused by decay that happens over time. The issue is that a cavity can go unnoticed for an extended period until specific symptoms become impossible to ignore.

To avoid having your teeth filled, you have to take good care of your oral hygiene even if you have no symptoms at all, while also keeping a check on the early signs of a cavity.

Signs of a Dental Cavity

Most of the time, small cavities are impossible to detect by yourself. You will have to consult a dentist who will probe your tooth or even perform an X-ray to conclude if you have a cavity. However, the following are some signs that you should be on the lookout for.

• Toothache can be a sign of a cavity. If a specific tooth is throbbing and aching, and you find your tongue poking against it, you may want to consult a dentist.
• If one of your teeth has become more sensitive to temperature changes than the rest, then the chances are that it may have developed a cavity. This will be apparent when you drink something hot, cold, or really sweet.
• A lot of things can cause bad breath. However, if you consistently find yourself with bad breath without any reason, then it may be pointing toward a cavity.
• The biggest sign of a dental cavity is a hole in your tooth. Whether you see a tiny hole or a larger one, consult a dentist immediately.

If you find yourself suffering from any of the above symptoms and live in Miami, visit our website to book an appointment with Dr. Jennifer M. Lopez. She is one of the best dentists in Miami and will give your case her undivided attention.

Most people already know the various benefits of regularly visiting the dentist. It helps maintain oral hygiene, keeps teeth and gums healthy, and most oral problems are caught on early.

However, there are a few unexpected benefits of visiting the dentist regularly that may surprise you.

• It Can Help You Sleep Better: Do you have trouble dozing off but don’t seem to find the root cause of the issue? Well, your dentist may be able to help as your teeth can be the key to a good night’s sleep. There is a whole branch of dentistry called “dental sleep medicine,” which is devoted to sleep apnea treatment. Your dentist will likely fit you with an oral device that will help you enjoy uninterrupted sleep.
• It Can Help Prevent or Manage Diabetes: There is a strong link between oral health and diabetes. According to the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, about 95% of people with diabetes also have gum disease. On the other hand, people with gum disease have a more challenging time controlling their blood sugar levels. So regularly visiting your dentist can help with diabetes as well.
• It Can Lower the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Having gum disease can increase your risk of developing heart disease. The risk of bacterial infection in the bloodstream is increased due to gum disease, which can further affect the heart valves. To avoid this, it is suggested to brush and floss your teeth regularly and adequately get dental-checkups.

If you live in Miami, it would be great to visit Dr. Jennifer M. Lopez at Jennifer Lopez Dental. Head over to our website to book an appointment today.

Soda isn’t great for our health. We know that, but many of us still indulge in soda, at least now and then. Other people can’t get through the day without their favorite soda, even drinking multiple cans a day! 

Why Is Soda Unhealthy? 

Below are a few of the most important reasons to consider cutting soda out of your diet for good: 

1. Sleeping disorders, including insomnia – Drinking too much soda can eventually interfere with your sleeping habits, making it harder to fall asleep or to get the full benefits of sleep. 
2. Difficulty in weight loss efforts – One can of Coke has 160 calories. If you drink only one can of Coke a day, this adds 4800 calories every month! Even diet soda options won’t help, as it has been found that those who drink diet soda instead of regular soda have increased waist sizes. 
3. Artificial stimulant – Caffeine is a stimulant, causing changes in mood, perception, and behavior. It can be addicting, just like any other stimulant, and it also comes with a crash. This can leave you feeling sluggish, lethargic, moody, and with a craving for another soda to pick yourself up! It’s time to break this cycle. 
4. Damages and stains the teeth – Dark sodas will eventually begin to stain your teeth. Colored sodas are also up to 10 times more harmful to the tooth enamel than fruit juices and other acids. Weakened tooth enamel will lead to cavities, tooth decay, and eventual tooth loss. 

Here at Jennifer Lopez Dental, we encourage you to discontinue or decrease your soda intake. Not just for the sake of your dental health, but your overall health as well! 

Thumb sucking that extends past the age of 5 can create an anterior open bite. With an open bite, the roof of the mouth (called the palate) arches too high, and the front teeth (incisors) don’t touch when the mouth is closed. An open bite will require expensive orthodontic treatment and may cause speech difficulties for your child. 

Quitting the Thumb-Sucking Habit 

There are a few ways you can encourage your child to quit this harmful habit before it can do any permanent damage: 

• Refrain from negative enforcement. Positive enforcement has been shown to be much more effective. This means praising your child when he isn’t sucking his thumb instead of punishing him when he does. 
• Use a reward system or a sticker chart to reward your child for going a day (or even an hour at first) without thumb sucking.
• Countless children will resort to thumb-sucking out of stress or boredom. Do your best to alleviate any anxiety your child may be experiencing or engage them in playing a game, doing a puzzle, playing with Legos, or participating in any activity that requires the use of their hands.
• Put your child to bed with a band-aid or a sock on her hands to discourage overnight thumb-sucking.

If your child’s behavior persists, please bring it up at their next dental cleaning and checkup, and we will be able to offer more advice. To make an appointment, please contact Jennifer Lopez Dental, our Miami general dentistry office.  

Bruxism is the technical term for nocturnal teeth grinding and clenching. Not only can bruxism result in disrupted sleep patterns, but it can also damage your teeth. 

Bruxism can be caused by several issues, including: 

• Drinking too much caffeine 
• Struggling with an anxiety disorder 
• Sleep apnea 
• A side effect of certain medications 
• Snoring 

You may be suffering from bruxism and not even know it! Most people only realize they’re clenching and grinding their teeth in their sleep is when a sleeping partner brings it up, or their dentist diagnoses it. The symptoms of bruxism include the following:  

• Headaches in the morning 
• Pain or a clicking sound when opening or closing the jaw
• Tight or achy jaw muscles 
• Pain that feels as if it’s coming from the ear 
• Tooth pain and sensitivity  

There is no cure for bruxism, but there are a few ways to manage the symptoms:

• Create a relaxing sleep environment- The ideal sleep environment is comfortable, cool, and dark. We recommend putting down screens (laptop, phone, tablet) at least one hour before going to bed. Blue light from electronic screens can inhibit melatonin production in the body, causing sleep problems. 
• Change your sleeping position – In the same way that changing position can stop you from snoring, it can also ease the bruxism flare-ups. If you’re used to sleeping on your back, switch to one of your sides, and vice versa. 
• Reduce stress as much as possible – Reducing stress not only helps to eliminate your bruxism but will also improve your overall health. 
• Wear a nightguard to bed – If you suffer from bruxism at any severity, a nightguard is a necessity. Nightguards are dental appliance worn to bed, similar to a retainer. The nightguard acts as a cushion between the jaws so that even if you grind, no damage is done to your teeth. 

If you suffer from bruxism and would like to talk about a custom nightguard in Miami, Florida, please contact Jennifer Lopez Dental to make an appointment!

Halloween is almost here! This holiday is notorious for candy and treats! Unfortunately, even consuming these treats in moderation can harm your dental health. We know that sugar is terrible for our teeth, but you may not know why. 

Sugar & Tooth Decay 

Plaque bacteria is always forming on and between the teeth, and, if given the right food, it can wreak havoc on your vulnerable tooth enamel. Sugar acts as the food for these bacteria, allowing them to multiply more quickly and adhere to your teeth, eventually forming tartar. 

Your tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in your body, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to plaque, bacteria, and tartar. As these substances break down the tooth enamel, they sneak inside, causing dental cavities and infections. 

Preventing tooth decay 

Everyone is at risk for tooth decay because we all have plaque multiplying on our teeth as we speak! However, the enamel on baby teeth is much thinner than adult teeth. Since kids are the ones eating the majority of candy on Halloween, they’re the most at-risk. Below are a few ways to make sure your child’s teeth are as healthy as can be: 

• Make regular trips to Jennifer Lopez Dental for a dental cleaning and a checkup for your dental cleanings and an exam by Dr. Lopez. 
• Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. These simple habits play a significant role in improving your dental and overall health. 
• Remember that the sticker the candy, the worse for your teeth! Stay away from food and candy that can pull out fillings or break the teeth. 
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating to flush away some of the residual food or bacteria.

From all of us at Jennifer Lopez Dental, have a safe and healthy Halloween! To schedule an appointment for your post-Halloween dental cleaning and exam, please call our Miami, Florida general dentist’s office today! 

It probably isn’t shocking to discover that fear of the dentist is widespread! Between 10-15% of Americans avoid their dental checkups because of dental anxiety. That’s around 25-40 million people!

People who suffer from a fear of the dentist experience the early loss of teeth and are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Dental anxiety can also take an emotional toll. If you aren’t keeping your dental checkup appointment, your teeth may become damaged or discolored, which may cause problems with self-esteem.

4 Ways to Manage Dental Anxiety 

1. Let us know about it – Rest assured that we here at Jennifer Lopez Dental will do anything we can to make your visit to our office is as comfortable and stress-free as possible! If you have anxiety about your upcoming appointment at our office, please give us a call so we can answer any questions you may have.
2. Do research to ease anxiety – Much of the fear centered around the dentist stems from not knowing what to expect. Make sure you learn as much as you can about your procedure and feel free to ask us questions. 
3. Feel free to distract yourself – If distraction is a good way for you to ease your anxiety, we recommend bringing in a set of headphones! Listen to soothing songs, mindfulness meditations, or your favorite podcast. Focusing on something besides your treatment can be a big help. 
4. Consider sedation if all else fails – Once you’ve ruled everything else out, it might be time to consider sedation. We offer a few different options for sedation depending on the procedure, age of the patient, and severity of anxiety. If you’re interested in learning more about sedation, we can go over your options with you!  

The longer you wait to get treatment, the more dental care you may end up needing in the long run! We recommend coming in for your dental checkups to catch any potential problems early on when they’re easier to treat.

To schedule an appointment, please contact Jennifer Lopez Dental here in Miami, Florida!  

If you’re wondering whether your kids are eating too much sugar, there are a few signs to look out for. And this is an important question to ask! It’s not a secret that a high-sugar diet contributes to cancer, ADHD, diabetes, and heart disease. Sugar can also be a tough habit to quit, especially when it’s established in childhood. If you limit sugar early enough for your kids, you can break this harmful sugar cycle! 

Signs That Your Children Are Eating Too Much Sugar 

According to the American Heart Association, children should only be consuming up to 12 grams of sugar per day. To put this in perspective, a single box of Juicy Juice apple juice contains 23 grams, almost twice the allotted daily amount for kids! For this reason, it’s a good idea to check the labels on your children’s snacks. 

Below are a few signs that your kids are consuming too much sugar: 

• Cravings – Sugar is extremely addictive. Like any addictive substance, the more you get, the more you crave. If your child is continuously snacking on or asking for sugary snacks, he or she may be developing a sugar addiction. 
• Attitude changes – If your child experiences frequent attitude or demeanor changes, this can be a sign of a fluctuating blood sugar level. For example, if your child goes from energetic one minute to moody, sluggish, or lethargic the next, sugar highs and lows could be to blame. 
• Dental cavities – Lastly, sugar is the number one cause of dental cavities in children. If your kids are developing multiple cavities, their diet might be the cause. Even if your kids are diligent about brushing and flossing, consuming too much sugar will result in cavities anyway. These sugars cling to and damage the teeth before your child even has a chance to brush. 

If the above signs seem familiar to you, it may be time to reevaluate your family’s sugar intake. To make an appointment for your child to receive a dental cleaning and check for cavities, please call Jennifer Lopez Dental. Our family dental office is based here in beautiful Miami, FL. 

 Schedule Appointment