It’s that time of year! Time to squeeze in that visit to the hair salon so your grays are hiding or your roots are touched up for that holiday party to see all of your extended family that one time of year. Are you happy with your smile? The shade of your teeth? Interested in how you can whiten your teeth? Now is a great time to treat yourself with a gift of whitening. Show off those pearly whites at your holiday party and your teeth will be glowing in all of your family photos this year.

We have several different whitening options available to our Dublin, OH patients so you can choose the best option for how you want to whiten your teeth. The simplest, on the go option is our Opalescence Go trays. They are designed for anyone to wear, meaning they are not custom fit. There are 10 sets of trays in a box and are worn for about 20-30 minutes at a time. If you want results fast, this is the choice for you. These allow you to choose your frequency of whitening, once or twice a day for 5-10 days. It has been reported from our patients that these trays may create a bit of sensitivity if you have sensitivity issues before whitening. Sensodyne toothpaste or any toothpaste with Potassium Nitrate can help reduce this sensitivity.

Our next option is our Glo Whitening. If you are going for the latest fad of whitening, this is it. This is also a speed whitening that can be used on the go. For just 32 minutes a day, Glo is used in 4 separate 8-minute sessions, giving you that shade you’ve always wanted. With a heat and light activated device that goes in your mouth over the whitening gel, you will see results fast with no sensitivity. The gel has a built-in desensitizer creating no sensitivity for the patient during or after treatment. This is a great option that typically leaves you with some gel to touch up on a later occasion which is an added bonus.

Our last option we have available to our patients is our custom whitening trays. These are super nice for patients who know they drink coffee or wine on the daily and will need to whiten several times over their lifetime. This involves dental impressions of the teeth, creating custom made whitening trays for you and just you. The starter kit comes with whitening gel syringes to fill the trays and get to your desired results. These are nice because the gel syringes come in several different percentage options giving you the choice of how long each whitening session lasts. Some people want to sleep in their trays, making it the most convenient for them (minimal sensitivity), while others want a speed whitening session with a higher percentage. You choose what you would like. The refill gel syringes are offered for purchase at a low price once you already have your trays which is a huge advantage.

All of our whitening options are great for getting the results you want, fast. As long as you commit to it and invest the time to whiten, your smile will be glowing in no time. Contact Dental Reflections Dublin today to discuss which option is best for you and we can get you on your journey to the shade you’ve always wanted.

Tis’ the season of giving! Now that we have wrapped up our Halloween candy buyback, we are focusing on the holidays in November and December. We are so grateful for our Dental Reflections Dublin patients and our community, and we want to focus on giving back this holiday season. There are so many people that are not as fortunate as others that struggle this time of year or all year and can really use some extra help. We want to be able to contribute to these local charities and help those in need.

For the rest of this month and next month until Friday, December 20th, we are collecting holiday donations. These include gently used Winter clothing items and non-perishable food items. These can include canned goods, boxed goods, and anything that can hold up for us to donate to the Dublin food pantry. Winter clothing items can include hats, gloves, scarves, coats, and even light jackets. We have already seen chilling temperatures this year, and we’re sure there are plenty more to come.

For each item you bring in during our collection period, you will receive one entry into our drawing for a Glo Whitening kit. Glo whitening is currently one of the leaders in whitening. It is one of the most powerful teeth whitening options out there. It uses special heat and light technology to activate the whitening gel, speeding up the process, and making it even more effective. Our patients tend to get up to 5-8 shades whiter with Glo! An extra bonus is that patients do not report any sensitivity with Glo like some of the others out there cause.

We are also offering a $15 fluoride varnish to all our patients that participate in donating items. This normally values at $41. It’s a great way to remineralize weak areas in the mouth and help prevent cavities. It can also help with sensitivity.

We are excited about this opportunity to spread cheer this holiday season and hope you take part in donating to a great cause!!

For questions about preventative dental care, family dentistry, or Invisalign, contact our office today!

At Dental Reflections Dublin, root canal treatment is performed to save a severely decayed or damaged tooth. The inner layer of the tooth (pulp) can become infected or inflamed, requiring treatment. While there is a common belief that root canal procedures are painful, they are usually not any more painful than a filling. Some level of discomfort and pain is common in the couple of days following the procedure but you shouldn’t experience any severe or extended pain after a root canal.

Causes of Discomfort

The most common reason people have pain after their root canal is irritated gums. Your gums can become irritated and swollen during your procedure, resulting in mild discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. Any irritation and swelling should subside after a couple of days.

When a root canal is performed, it is common for the dentist to put a crown, or cap, on the tooth. If your crown is slightly too larger, it adds more force than the surrounding teeth. This can cause discomfort and pain. If you believe your crown is not properly sized, contact your dentist so they make any adjustments necessary.

Prevent Tooth Pain After a Root Canal

1. Do not eat until any and all numbness has worn off  to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
2. Use over-the-counter pain medication, as needed. Be sure to follow the provided instructions.
3. Do not use the treated tooth to chew until it has been fully restored.
4. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.

Summary

A successful root canal can cause mild pain for the first few days after the procedure. If your pain persists longer than three days, call our Dublin, Ohio office at (614) 799-5576.

Cavities, often referred to as tooth decay, are tiny holes that develop in the hard surface of your teeth. They are most common in children and teenagers, but they can affect everyone including infants and toddlers. Join Dental Reflections Dublin as we take a closer look at what causes cavities and how you can prevent them.

Causes of Cavities

Cavities typically occur as a result of poor oral health habits but other various factors can increase the risk of getting a cavity, including:

• Dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps wash away food stuck on the teeth and it counters the acid produced from bacteria in the mouth, which reduces the chance for cavities.
• Foods and drinks. Certain foods aren’t as easily washed away from saliva, making them more likely to cause decay. Foods you should limit include: ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, cake, chips, cookies, and hard candy.
• Constant snacking or sipping. Drinking or eating frequently throughout the day results in increased bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria produce the acids that attack tooth enamel.
• Lack of fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent cavities and can reverse the early stage of tooth decay. Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help reduce your chance of cavities.

Cavity Prevention

Regular dental visits and daily brushing and flossing are the best protection against cavities. But, cavities left untreated get larger and larger, affecting the deeper layers of your teeth. Deeper cavities result in higher chances of experiencing severe toothache and infection. So, when it comes to cavities, prevention is key. Below are some of our cavity preventions tips:

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste. Brush and floss twice a day, ideally after each meal.
• Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque that builds up overtime which isn’t removed by regular brushing and flossing. Going to the dentist twice a year is one of the best cavity prevention options.
• Dental sealants. Sealants protect the tooth enamel from harmful plaque and bacteria.

If you think that you have a cavity or are experiencing tooth decay, contact our Dublin, OH office immediately at (614) 799-5576.

Teeth can become discolored for a variety of reasons and many people want their teeth to be bright and white, so they look into teeth whitening. When it comes to getting a brighter smile, you can whiten your teeth at home or get a professional treatment. At home whitening typically includes over-the-counter products like whitening strips, pens, or toothpaste. Professional whitening includes custom-made whitening trays you take home or an in-office appointment. What might work best for some, might not necessarily work best for another. Dental Reflections Dublin wants to help you select the best teeth whitening option for you.

Both over-the counter and professional treatments use peroxide bleaching agents as the main active ingredient. The difference between each option is the amount of peroxide it contains. Over-the-counter solutions use 3 – 20 percent where professional solutions contain 14 – 43 percent. Solutions with higher amounts of peroxide should be left on for a shorter amount of time. Keeping the solution on longer will dehydrate your teeth and make them more prone to sensitivity.

Professional Whitening

Professional teeth whitening options are much safer and more effective. Additionally, it ensures that all of the proper precautions are taken. So, when it comes to protecting your gums, the whitening agent only gets on your teeth.

At-Home Whitening Products

Over-the-counter products are cheaper, generally take longer to see results, and have limitations depending on your tooth color and health prior. If used incorrectly, at-home teeth whitening kits can lead to burned gums, tooth sensitivity, or pain. It’s always best to talk with your dentist to decide the best treatment option for you.

If you choose to go for an over-the-counter solution, we recommend that you use one from the list of bleaching products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, contact our Dublin, OH office at (614) 799-5576.

One of the hottest topics in dentistry today is the use of dental implants. Implants have certainly revolutionized the field of replacement teeth. If you are considering tooth implants for missing teeth, you need to know the facts. Dental Reflections Dublin wants you to know the pros and cons of dental implants that are carefully weighed by your dentist before surgery can be scheduled.

Research continually shows that dental implants are the best long term solution to replace missing teeth. However, like any type of surgery, there are advantages and disadvantages.

Cons of Dental Implants

No procedure is right for everyone, including dental implants. While there are some risks associated with dental implants, they are relatively mild. The disadvantages include:

1. You have to meet a set of requirements

In order to have dental implant surgery, you first have to meet certain criteria. As the procedure involves anchoring the implant to your jaw bone, if you’ve experienced significant bone loss as a result of losing teeth, there may not be enough for the dental implant to be successful. You also have to be in good health so your jaw bone can fully recover.

2. The cost of the procedure

While dental implants are the best long term solution for tooth loss, they’re not always the most cost effective. However, dental implants are well worth the price for the comfort, confidence and natural feel they give you.

3. The procedure can be lengthy

Dental implants are not a quick fix and can take several months to complete. If you’re replacing an existing damaged tooth, this will first need to be removed. Your dentist will then need to prepare the tooth site before fitting the implant anchor. Once the anchor has been fitted, you’ll need to wait several months while it heals and the surrounding bone grows. The final stage of the procedure involves placing the artificial tooth.

Pros of Dental Implants

While there are some drawbacks to dental implants, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

1. They look and feel like natural teeth

Dental implants have the appearance of real teeth. In fact, once your implant has been fitted, you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference between your replacement tooth and your real teeth. Implants also won’t feel any different from your regular teeth. Since the implants are anchored to your jaw, they’ll feel just as strong as your regular teeth too.

2. You can eat and chew with ease

Unlike dentures, implants won’t feel any different than your regular teeth when eating and chewing. Once the dental implant procedure is complete, you can eat what you want! Whether you fancy crunchy snacks, chewy foods, or hot or cold drinks, you can eat and drink without concern — just remember not to overdo the sugary treats.

3. Dental implants can last a lifetime

Implants are a long-lasting tooth replacement solution. You may need to replace the crowns every 10-15 years, but if you look after the implants, they can last a lifetime.

4. They’re easy to take care of

You should take care of your implants the same way you would take care of your regular teeth with daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups and a healthy diet.

5. They prevent bone loss

Dental implants are anchored into your jaw, similar to your real teeth. The screw thread of the implant acts as the root of a natural tooth, so with dental implants, your jaw bone remains strong and you won’t experience bone loss.

You can see that the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages. Dental implants have been proven to be a great option for people who suffer from tooth loss. We always want to make our patients look and feel great, and dental implants is a great way to do that. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, so contact our Dublin, OH office today!

Braces can feel like a bit of a contradiction. You want a clean, straight smile, but you first have to wear a highly visible device on your teeth for months on end. You want a well-aligned bite, but for a while braces make some day-to-day tasks, such as brushing teeth and eating some foods, more difficult.

Fortunately, for those who want to show off their pretty pearly whites as they go AND show off the results of their realignment as soon as possible, one option offered at Dental Reflections Dublin is clear plastic removable aligners such as Invisalign aligner systems.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, as their name suggests, are clear plastic devices intended to straighten your teeth over time. They are nearly undetectable by observers. Not only are they more difficult to see (getting you closer to being able to show off that perfect smile), but they can be taken out temporarily when needed, allowing you to brush your teeth or eat without distraction.

The Clear Aligner Fitting Process

For most clear aligners, including Invisalign systems, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth and send it in. From there, orthodontic experts will determine the difference in positions between where your teeth are and where you want them to be and will create several stages of aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. You’ll have to wear the aligners most of the time—about 22 hours a day. At certain points in the process as your teeth change position, you’ll move on to the next device, switching them out until your teeth are right where you want them to be.

Alternatively, there are kits you can order to take a mold of your teeth at home. This is an overall less expensive process, but you aren’t likely to achieve the same results and you lose the benefit of your dentist’s expertise. Clear aligners may not be the best solution for you, so it’s best to consult your dentist beforehand if you decide to go this route.

How to Pay for Clear Aligners

Depending on the degree of work your teeth need, an Invisalign clear aligner treatment can cost between $3,000 and $7,000. According to Invisalign’s website, your insurance may be able to pay as much as $3,000 of the cost. For the amount your insurance doesn’t cover, you have some options.

Many dentists offer payment plans, which allows you to split a large bill into smaller payments over time. This makes payment much more manageable for some people and can be useful in emergency situations when you don’t have time to save money for the treatment before you begin.

Of course, if you can save the money ahead of time, that’s probably the better option. If you’re planning to save up for an Invisalign clear aligner treatment or something similar, you may want to consider opening a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Accounts such as these allow you to take a certain amount of money out of your paycheck, pretax, to pay for some expenses—including, in some cases, clear aligners. The types of accounts you’re allowed to open and the amount of money you can put into them will vary depending on your situation, so talk to your bank or another financial professional about your options.

For those who can use them, clear aligners such as Invisalign can be the least intrusive solution for straightening teeth. It’s nice not to have to worry about the looks and inconveniences of traditional braces! The initial cost of clear aligners may seem daunting, but options are available to help pay for them. If you have any questions about clear aligners or other methods of straightening your teeth, please call our Dublin, OH office at (614) 799-5576 . We’ll be happy to walk you through your options and help you find the best possible solution for your smile.

The general public, including dental patients, typically do not quite understand the difference between a dental assistant vs. a dental hygienist. Sometimes we are all referred to as “dental technicians,” “nurses,” or “those girls.” Here at Dental Reflections Dublin, we feel it is important for our patients to know what roles we play and to understand the key differences between the 2.

Dental Assistant

A dental assistant is like the dentists “right-hand man” or woman for that matter. Programs or schooling for dental assisting is typically offered either at a vocational school- which you take part in during high school, or a career/technical program. A dental assistant can take x-rays, update a patient’s health history, obtain vitals, take dental impressions, do dental charting, place topical anesthetic, assist during dental procedures such as crowns, fillings, bridges, implants, extractions and more. They are multi-talented and fast workers. It is entirely optional for a dental assistant whether or not they become state board certified. If they choose to do so, they can advance in the profession and become licensed in additional areas of dentistry to be able to do more independently chairside. A dental assistant is a crucial aspect to a dental practice and is needed to make sure operations flow smoothly and seamlessly.

Dental Hygienist

A dental hygienist must obtain a minimum of a 2-year degree from college, and pass all three parts of their state board exam to practice (work). A dental hygienist can also take x-rays, dental impressions, update health history, obtain vitals, dental charting, and place topically. What they don’t do is assist the dentist. What they do in addition to a dental assistant is professional dental cleanings, administer nitrous oxide, injections to numb patients (separate board exam), in-depth patient education, and nutritional counseling. They basically have their own column of patients, and the doctor does the exam at the end of each appointment to check for cavities. So, they do work more independent.

Both are great professions and are unique in different ways. The ultimate goal is to make every patient experience phenomenal by building rapport, addressing any questions or concerns, and keeping them reflecting their best.

Back to school is approaching fast and we want to give you the best tips to keep your child’s teeth healthy. First things first – get their checkup visit in before school starts! You want to be sure they don’t have any active decay or cavities in their mouth! According to the CDC, about 1 of 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. The issue seen here is studies also show that children with active decay have issues with eating, speaking, playing and learning while at school. This is why preventative dental care is so important.

Check-up Visit

At your child’s checkup visit to the dentist, we can offer services that get them back to school ready. We assess their need for sealants to prevent cavities, apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel, and give tips on nutrition and brushing and flossing. We emphasize the importance of brushing twice a day for two minutes. We apply a disclosing solution to highlight missed areas while brushing so they know where to focus at home to effectively remove all the plaque. We also give them the tools they need if they are in braces to properly care for their teeth while at school which is a necessity.

Healthy School Lunches

This is a big one for children’s dental care. Fill your child’s lunchbox with foods high in fiber, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and even nuts and cheeses. These are all teeth-friendly and help promote a healthy pH in the mouth to prevent cavities. Avoid juices, sodas, sports drinks, dried fruits, fruit snacks and any other sticky, high sugar foods. Water and milk are best to drink. Pretzels and chips aren’t the best for the teeth, but other healthy choices listed above can offset and help remove the particles from the teeth better. They also dissolve more with saliva alone as compared with sticky, high sugar foods.

Vending Machines

This is another tough one. Vending machines are slowly improving to offer snacks that have a positive impact on children’s dental, but we aren’t there yet. Vending machine foods are filled with preservatives. Avoid candy bars, chips, sports drinks, energy drinks or soda. Sipping on anything but water throughout the day can significantly increase a child’s risk for decay. We see it all the time. Propel has water with electrolytes that is safe to drink with no added sugars or sweeteners. Other brands are coming out with their own versions as well.

Sports Mouthguard

Finally, it is important to protect your child’s teeth during any physical contact sport. This includes but is not limited to lacrosse, basketball, football, wrestling, and hockey. More and more schools are making this a requirement and make it a must that the guard be colored so the coach can see it in the mouth. A custom sports guard is well worth the money and protection, still allowing your child to talk and play as they normally would during a game vs. walking in our doors with a tooth in their hand. (Yes, we have seen it).

Whatever your dental needs are for your children, we can help! Call us today at Dental Reflections Dublin to schedule your child’s dental appointment and we will be sure they are back to school ready!!

Do you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night? What about during the day? Do you feel exhausted and like you need a nap on the daily? Most people think of only old, overweight men that develop sleep apnea. You would be surprised how many people we see that are fit, skinny, young and females that have mild to moderate forms of sleep apnea. This condition is not something you want to ignore, as it lowers your quality of life and you may not realize how good our bodies are designed to feel. Read up on some signs that could point towards sleep apnea that you may never have thought to blink twice about.

1. Morning Headaches and Jaw Pain/Tension

Since we are only listing 4 signs today, we figured we would combine these together since they kind of go hand in hand. If you find yourself waking up with headaches in the morning, this could mean you are clenching and grinding at night. This is a result of not getting enough oxygen when you sleep. Your body is fighting for air because your airway is blocked, causing the clenching and grinding. This leads to morning headaches, tooth and jaw pain, and tension, including tooth sensitivity.

2. Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux at night when you lay down to sleep is another sign of sleep apnea. It is very common to see a patient in the dental chair that complains of acid reflux and it is evident in their teeth as well. The acid breaks down the enamel, exposing the underlying tooth structure- dentin which leads to tooth sensitivity and excessive wear on the teeth. This can also cause issues with the lining of the esophagus and severe stomach issues if left untreated.

3. Depression

If you feel depressed on the daily and have other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, that may be the explanation for it. When your body is not getting enough oxygen at night while you sleep, the result is depression. This is due to the stress and your body not being able to compensate for the lack of oxygen. It is common to see patients with untreated sleep apnea taking depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure medications. It is also common for these patients to come off of these meds after treating their sleep apnea.

4. You Snore or Gasp for Air

Have you ever noticed yourself waking up from a loud snore? What about your heart racing and feeling short of breath? Maybe your bed partner is tapping you to change positions due to keeping them up at night. Sleep apnea is typically at its peak when lying on your back. When you turn to your side, it allows your tongue to be at a more relaxed state, not blocking your airway and able to take in more oxygen. If you find yourself gasping for air in the middle of the night, or snoring loudly on a nightly basis, it is time to address it.

Here at Dental Reflections Dublin, we offer comprehensive treatment, assessing the patient as a whole, to be able to recognize signs of sleep apnea. We offer an at-home sleep study and alternative treatment options to a CPAP for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. Call our Dublin, OH office for a consultation at (614) 799-5576.