Wednesday, November 25, 2015

ORAL HEALTH FOR OVERALL HEALTH

Most people, probably think that brushing and flossing are just for keeping those pearly whites healthy and beautiful. However, did you know that your oral health can affect the health of the rest of your body? Your mouth is an entryway into your body, so problems in your mouth can easily allow bacteria and other harmful germs to travel into your body and cause problems. So, while good oral hygiene can help keep your body healthy, not taking care of your teeth can have negative effects on your body.

ORAL PROBLEMS COMMONLY LEAD TO PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING BODY SYSTEMS:

Heart​ Oral Health for Overall Health
Brain
Bones
Blood pressure

GUM DISEASE AND BODY DISEASES
Bacterial growth in your mouth as a result of poor oral hygiene usually leads to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which often leads to gum disease as the bacteria in plaque builds up. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease (periodontitis), is a chronic inflammatory condition that can have detrimental effects on the body. Gingivitis and gum disease allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and lead to inflammation and diseases in the body. Gum disease is associated with multiple body issues and diseases, including heart disease, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, premature birth, and diabetes. Diabetes also has a reciprocal relationship with gum disease; treatment of diabetes improves the condition of the mouth, and treatment of gum disease reduces the need for insulin.

GOOD ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICES
To prevent poor oral health and the negative effects it can have on the body, it is important to practice good oral hygiene. You should brush twice daily and floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, in addition to visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. There are also many benefits of chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating and drinking.

If you’re having an issue with your teeth, Dr. Mann  Cosmetic dentist in fresno ca  offers a variety of services to help you maintain or improve your oral health, including porcelain veneers, Invisalign®, dental implants, sedation dentistry, and dental bonding.To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mann, please call our office at (559)797-4355.

Monday, October 19, 2015

COSMETIC TREATMENTS

A great smile is one of the best ways to show off physical attractiveness to others. However, a variety factors such as crooked or missing teeth or tooth discoloration could be preventing you from putting your best smile forward. Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS offers a wide range of cosmetic dental procedures that will noticeably improve your smile and your self-confidence.

TEETH WHITENING
Teeth whitening is the most desired dental treatment around, and for good reason. With our state-of-the-art Zoom!® whitening system, your teeth can get up to eight shades whiter in just one visit. The procedure generally takes less than an hour to perform and involves applying a bleaching solution and a specialized light to your teeth.

DENTAL BONDING
Even if you already have a decent smile, you may have one or more teeth that are slightly crooked or chipped. Dental bonding effectively treats these problems by applying a clay-like material to the tooth and hardening it with a specialized light to provide permanent results.

PORCELAIN VENEERS
Porcelain veneers are very popular among people with heavy tooth discoloration or staining. Using a porcelain composite that looks identical to the size and shape of your real tooth, veneers produce beautiful, natural-looking results.

INVISALIGN®
Hailed as the modern alternative to braces, you no longer need to wear metal wires and rubber bands on your teeth. Invisalign® improves your smile through a series of nearly invisible plastic trays that are customized to fit the contours of your teeth.

Dr. Mann cosmetic dentist at Elite Dental Mann DDS strives to provide each and every one of her patients with the best results possible. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Mann, please call our office at (559)797-4355 .

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Invisalign

Since metal braces are distinctly more popular among teenagers, many adults view Invisalign® as the clear choice for correcting their crooked or crowded teeth. Invisalign® patients can go about their regular activities as they speak, smile, and laugh without anyone noticing they are straightening their teeth at the same time.

HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?
Gradually, over several months, a series of clear trays customized to fit your teeth will gently shift them into the proper alignment. You must wear the trays 22 hours per day, removing them only to clean them or to eat. The length of treatment with Invisalign® varies among patients, but most adults will see final results after one year, and teenagers see results within one to two years. Throughout the process, Invisalign® patients will not have to deal with the extra maintenance, diet restrictions, or uncomfortable mouthful of metal associated with braces.

COST
The cost of Invisalign® is usually comparable to the cost of metal braces unless significant correction is needed. Significant correction could include improving a severe overbite, rotating a tooth, or moving the teeth vertically. In some cases, metal braces are a better option. After assessing your teeth, Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS will determine the treatment that will best meet your needs and inform you of the estimated cost.

COMFORT
The thin Invisalign® trays fit smoothly and comfortably over the teeth. There is no risk of gum irritation or mouth sores that can often result from metal wires or brackets.

CONVENIENCE
Since Invisalign® is completely removable and not worn while you eat, there are no diet restrictions. With braces, you should be prepared to avoid eating popcorn, chips, apples, corn on the cob, chewy candy, and many other favorite foods and snacks.

If you are interested in Invisalign®, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS to see if this treatment is right for you. Please call our office at (559)797-4355.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Total Smile Makeover

A good smile is one of the most important aspects of projecting an attractive appearance. While some are satisfied with the current condition of their teeth, others are not. With cosmetic dentistry, problems like discolored, crooked, or even missing teeth can be corrected. Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS offers patients of all ages a wide variety of treatments and procedures to help them achieve a natural-looking smile that is unique to them.

VENEERS
What if we told you that you could have perfect teeth and a fantastic smile in less than two weeks? Porcelain veneers can achieve this. Through a simple process of bonding perfectly shaped porcelain directly to your teeth, a perfect smile is just a consultation away.

IMPLANTS
For patients who are looking for an alternative to dentures, dental implants are extremely effective. Made of strong titanium, these implants are fused with the jawbone and capped off to provide permanent teeth replacement.

WHITENING
Teeth whitening has become all the rage over the last few years, and with the dramatic improvement that noticeably whiter teeth can provide to a person’s appearance, it’s easy to see why. At her state-of-the-art office, Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS offers the most powerful whitening treatment, Zoom!®. In a one-hour office visit, patients can obtain a smile that is up to eight shades whiter than before.

INVISALIGN®
While braces remain a popular option for many people, Invisalign® offers patients a more desirable alternative for straightening their teeth. By wearing molded clear trays that are barely detectable to the human eye, Invisalign® permanently straightens the teeth over time.

As a highly experienced cosmetic dentist , Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS knows the beauty of a genuine smile. She can help restore lost teeth, straighten crooked teeth, whiten teeth, and correct any other aesthetic or oral health concerns you may have. In case you need one more reason to smile, please schedule an appointment by calling (559)797-4355 today.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

SENSITIVE TEETH

It is important to protect the outer layers of your teeth and the surrounding tissue in order to prevent tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth are easily irritated and can be very painful when exposed to certain elements, such as heat and cold, that easily send nerve signals to the center of your teeth. The following conditions and materials that wear away the protective coverings of your teeth can cause sensitivity by exposing the dentin and roots.

RECEDING GUMS
Gum tissue protects the roots of the teeth, but certain conditions, such as periodontal disease, can cause the gums to move away from the teeth. This leaves the roots susceptible to irritation, which can cause tooth pain and sensitivity.

ACIDIC FOODS AND DRINKS
Highly acidic foods and drinks (citrus fruits, lentils, olives, tomatoes, fruit juice, soda) can eat away at the enamel on the teeth and lead to sensitivity by exposing the dentin beneath it. There are microscopic holes in the dentin that allow the tooth nerves to be stimulated and cause pain. After consuming an acidic food or drink, neutralizing the acids by eating or drinking neutral substances like cheese or milk will help prevent the teeth from being affected by the acid.

WHITENING PRODUCTS
Some whiteners with peroxide-based bleaching solutions can contribute to tooth sensitivity. If you are interested in whitening your teeth, it is recommended that you speak with your dentist about the best product for you. Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS offers a variety of teeth whitening treatments and can help determine the ideal whitening procedure for you.

TOO FREQUENT USE OF MOUTHWASH
The acids found in most mouth washes can make teeth sensitive or irritate teeth that are already sensitive. Although it may be nice to have minty fresh breath after each meal, stick to using mouthwash only once or twice per day to avoid tooth sensitivity.

If you are experiencing sensitive teeth or any dental pain, Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS is available to diagnose and treat your condition. To schedule your consultation or find out more information, please call us at (559)797-4355.

Friday, April 3, 2015

PORCELAIN VENEERS

PORCELAIN VENEERS
There are many different dental procedures to whiten, straighten, and otherwise improve a person’s smile, but there is only one procedure that will treat almost all aesthetic problems: porcelain veneers. Whether your teeth are discolored, stained, chipped, broken, gapped, or crooked, porcelain veneers will correct your concern.
DISCOLORED AND STAINED TEETH
Although porcelain veneers are not often solely used for superficial concerns, such as discoloration and stains, they can whiten the smile if desired. Patients usually have a more prominent issue to correct and choose to have the veneers customized for teeth whitening in addition to closing their gaps or camouflaging a broken tooth. Since veneers are often placed on the front six or eight “smiling” teeth, they can make the smile look naturally whiter without the need to whiten the surrounding teeth. If the patient is only getting a few veneers placed and they would also like a brighter smile overall, Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS will recommend teeth whitening prior to placing the veneers.
CHIPPED AND BROKEN TEETH
Since veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that fit over the front of the tooth, they can disguise virtually any imperfection. A single veneer is a great option to disguise a chip or crack in the tooth. Dental bonding is an alternative to fixing chipped teeth, but bonding can stain over time and will likely need to be replaced after several years. Porcelain veneers are very strong, durable, and resistant to staining. They can last up to two decades without the need for repair or replacement.
CROOKED AND GAPPED TEETH
Invisalign and braces may straighten crooked teeth, but they cannot change the shape or length of the teeth like porcelain veneers can. Patients with “gummy” smiles can have their teeth instantly lengthened to provide a more balanced appearance to the smile. Teeth that are sharp and pointed are also instantly corrected for an even more beautiful result. The shape of each veneer is customized so that they can fit the natural tooth, closing any gaps and camouflaging any other imperfections.
Porcelain veneers are truly an all-encompassing solution for those who desire a complete smile makeover or for those who have more than one concern about the appearance of their smile. If you are interested in this procedure, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS by calling (55)797-4355. 

Friday, March 13, 2015

MOUTH AND BODY CONNECTION

Not only can a beautiful smile help brighten your face; it can also be a sign of overall good health. When you brush and floss on a daily basis, as well as keep your regular check-ups with your dentist, you are helping to prevent multiple issues from arising. The following are some of the ways that healthy teeth are linked to your body’s general health.

Boost in Self-Confidence: Poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath, which can be embarrassing and lower an individual’s self-esteem. Proper care to clean the teeth, gums, and tongue can reduce the occurrence of bad breath and increase confidence.

Possible Lowered Risk of Heart Disease: There are some studies showing that gum disease may be linked to heart disease, blockages of blood vessels, and strokes. Proper flossing can help reduce gum disease.

Helps Keep Blood Sugar Stable in Diabetics: Those who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease as they aren’t able to fight off infection easily. Therefore, maintaining healthy gums is essential in preventing further oral health issues.

It is highly encouraged that you visit your dentist on a regular basis in order to keep your teeth, gums, and body healthy. If you’re concerned about the health and/or appearance of your teeth, Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS offers a wide variety of procedures to improve virtually any oral condition. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Mann, please call (559)797-4355.

Friday, March 6, 2015

WHAT TO EAT (AND AVOID) FOR HEALTHY TEETH

Our bodies need food to provide nourishment and energy, making food an essential part of everyday life. Although many people know that what they eat has a major impact on the health of their bodies, many do not realize that it also has a major impact on the health of their teeth. In addition to brushing and flossing, including the following healthy foods in your diet and limiting your consumption of the tooth-damaging foods listed here can help maintain healthy teeth.

EAT

Foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, protect enamel and promote remineralization (replacement of minerals) in teeth.

Low-fat milk and cheese
Mushrooms
Dark, leafy veggies
Fish and tofu
Crunchy foods with a high water content put your chompers to work and stimulate the production of saliva while gently removing plaque from the surfaces.

Apples
Carrots
Celery
Raw pears

AVOID/LIMIT

Acidic foods can erode the enamel on the teeth and lead to tooth decay, and dark-colored foods (and drinks) of this type can usually stain the teeth as well.

Citrus fruits
Pickles
Tomatoes
Coffee
Red wine
Soda
Foods high in sugar can get stuck in the nooks and crannies of your teeth and easily cause cavities.

Candy (especially hard candies)
Dried fruit

If you’re concerned about the health and/or appearance of your teeth, Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS offers a wide variety of procedures to improve virtually any oral condition. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Mann, please call (559)797-4355.

Monday, March 2, 2015

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TEETH LOOKING THEIR BEST

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Daily
Brushing and flossing your teeth will keep your teeth clean and free of plaque, and will keep your breath smelling fabulous.

See Your Dentist Regularly
Seeing your dentist regularly will help with early prevention of cavities or tartar build-up.

Whiten Your Teeth
Teeth whitening can brighten your smile by getting rid of tooth discoloration caused by caffeine, cigarettes, or aging. There are several options available such as ZOOM!® Whitening, in-house bleaching, laser whitening, and at-home bleaching products.

Straighten Your Teeth
Invisalign can straighten your teeth and make them look fuller. It’s a great option if you want straighter teeth but don’t want to deal with metal braces.

Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, shell-like sheets of porcelain that are bonded directly to the enamel of the teeth. If you have crooked, chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth, then this may be the option for you to give you that confident smile back.

Dental Implants
Dental implants may be the solution you need to have a “Perfect” smile if you are missing a tooth, have any gaps, or have imperfect teeth. Not only will you have confidence in your smile, but also your teeth will function better, and your overall facial appearance will be improved.

 Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS  would love to meet with you to discuss any dental procedure you desire. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Mann, please call our office at (559)797-4355

Friday, February 27, 2015

Bruxism

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GRIT MY TEETH?
Most people who clench their teeth also grind their teeth. The term “bruxism” refers to both actions. While consistently clenching the jaw can cause some stress to the teeth, grinding the teeth together can lead to worse problems like cracks, chips, and loose teeth.

It is very common for people to experience bruxism while they are asleep, having no idea that they are damaging their smile.  Dr. Mann, dentist in fresno at Elite Dental, can easily tell if bruxism has been occurring when she examines your mouth at a routine dental visit. If any damage has occurred, she may recommend dental bonding or a much stronger alternative like porcelain veneers to keep up with the consistent damage. She can also customize a mouthguard to be worn at night to help protect your teeth.

WHAT OTHER DAMAGE CAN TEETH CLENCHING CAUSE?
Since one of the muscles responsible for bruxism, the temporal fossa, extends all the way into the skull, its overuse can be a cause of recurrent headaches and earaches. “Lockjaw” is also a side effect of bruxism because of the muscle spasms and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation it can cause.

HOW DO I GET RELIEF?
Reducing stress and avoiding food that can be hard to chew, such as toffee, caramel, or steak, will help to relax the overworked jaw muscles. You should also avoid chewing gum and opening your mouth very wide on a consistent basis. Dr. Mann at Elite Dental can provide further recommendations for treatment for bruxism during your consultation. Please schedule your appointment today at (559)797-4355.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Flossing is very important to maintaining oral health

 Flossing is very important to maintaining oral health because it removes plaque and bacteria that a toothbrush cannot reach. This is common knowledge, yet so few people floss on a regular basis. Common excuses for not flossing are, “It hurts when I floss,” “My teeth are too close together,” and “I never get food stuck in my teeth.” The reality is, if you are flossing correctly and using the right kind of floss, these excuses will no longer apply!

WHY FLOSS?
If your excuse for not flossing is, “I never get food stuck in my teeth,” you might not understand the main objective of flossing. While flossing does remove noticeably annoying food particles that get caught between your teeth, the main purpose of flossing is to scrape away the thin film of bacteria that collects on the teeth during the day. Between the teeth and the gums is a small pocket that easily traps bacteria and is difficult to reach with a toothbrush. As you scrape the floss down the side of each tooth and gently down into the gum pocket, you remove a film of bacteria that would otherwise linger and eventually cause plaque buildup.

HOW TO FLOSS
If it hurts to floss, you may have gingivitis, or you may simply not be flossing correctly. Here is how to floss the right way:

Insert the floss between two teeth.
Slowly place the floss beneath the gum line at the base of one tooth.
Curve the floss around the tooth, and scrape it along the edge of the tooth.
Repeat step 3 in the same space between those teeth, but scrape the floss against the neighboring tooth, making sure to go all the way to the base of the tooth beneath the gum line.
Repeat steps 1 through 4 between each two teeth using a clean section of floss each time. This prevents transferring bacteria to neighboring teeth.
THE RIGHT FLOSS
If your teeth are very close together or if you have braces, flossing might be a little more challenging. Try waxed floss, glide floss, or use a threader that is made to get around the brackets of braces. If your floss shreds, you might have a problem with your dental work, or you could have a cavity. A visit to your dentist can help to identify the problem.

If you are interested in general or cosmetic dental services offered by Dr. Mann at Elite Dental Mann DDS, please schedule your appointment today at (559)797-4355.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH ENAMEL DAMAGE

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, built to withstand literal wear and tear on a daily basis as we bite, speak, clench, and chew. Each year, your enamel will wear down an average of eight micrometers from normal factors, but there are several factors that can accelerate its decline.

ACID
Acid will erode enamel over time. Acid occurs in your mouth naturally after you eat food that contains sugar and carbohydrates. Soda and fruit juices are among some of the most harmful to consume, especially when you sip on them throughout the day. The longer the sugar remains on your teeth, the longer the bacteria in your mouth have to feast on it and create the corrosive acid.

Acid can also occur in your mouth if you have a condition that causes frequent vomiting or if you have acid reflux disease. Since your saliva neutralizes these acids, dry mouth will cause these acids to linger even longer, causing even more damage.

USING TEETH AS TOOLS
Tooth enamel damage is also caused when you use your teeth as tools. You should never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. Doing so can permanently chip or crack your enamel. Chewing fingernails, non-food items, or ice can have the same result.

GRINDING TEETH
Many people grind their teeth and are not even aware that they do it. This will definitely accelerate enamel erosion and can even fracture the enamel. Your dentist will be able to tell if you have excessive wear on your enamel and may recommend wearing a mouthguard at night, when teeth-grinding is most likely to occur.

If you have chips, cracks, or any degree of enamel erosion, Fresno cosmetic dentist Dr. Mann can give you a treatment plan that will set you on the road to repair. To schedule a consultation, please call (559)797-4355

Friday, January 9, 2015

HOW TO GET A BEAUTIFUL SMILE

HOW TO GET A BEAUTIFUL SMILE

Cosmetic dentistry is the best way to improve your smile, whether you have missing or damaged teeth, gaps between your teeth, or your teeth have been discolored or stained. At Elite Dental, your  Fresno dentist, Dr. Mann offers a variety of solutions to these cosmetic woes:

Stained Teeth

There are quite a few options available today to brighten stained teeth, such as whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, whitening trays, and porcelain veneers.

Whitening toothpaste and strips work to break up stains using peroxide. Results usually appear in two to four weeks, and the cost is usually low compared to other methods of teeth whitening. Over-the-counter versions of whitening trays lighten teeth one or two shades; however, whitening trays that are custom-fit by your dentist provide better results at a higher cost. Zoom!® teeth whitening is one of the most popular whitening methods, because it lightens teeth up to eight shades and takes just about an hour.

Cracked or Worn Teeth

Cracked teeth can be very painful when chewing or when exposed to extreme temperatures. If left untreated, the pulp (inner tissue of the tooth) can become damaged and is more susceptible to infection. This is considered to be a complex crack. When this is the case, the tooth may require root canal therapy before a crown is placed. Simple cracks that do not affect the pulp can be treated with a crown (cap) or inlay/onlay on the tooth. Dental crowns can also restore a tooth that is broken or severely worn down.

Crooked Teeth

Many people have overlapping, twisted, or crooked teeth. This can be caused by the upper jaw not falling in line with the lower jaw or when the mouth is too small for the teeth. Depending on how crooked your teeth are, porcelain veneers may be a good option. Your natural teeth will be shaved down and molds will be taken to produce veneers that will cover your teeth. The thin shells of porcelain are then fastened on the front of the teeth to mask crookedness. If your teeth are extremely crooked, Dr. Mann may recommend orthodontics before or instead of porcelain veneers.

Chipped Teeth

Direct composite dental bonding is used to fill chips in teeth with a substance that is similar in color and texture to your natural teeth. It is one of the most common and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures. Porcelain veneers can also be used to cover a chipped tooth.

Missing Teeth

Titanium dental implants look just like natural teeth and can be placed into the tooth’s pocket, acting as artificial tooth roots. If you are tired of wearing dentures, dental implants may be a better option if you are missing a few or all of your teeth.

For all your cosmetic dentistry needs,Dr. Mann cosmetic dentist in fresno can help you decide which dental procedure is right for you. Feel free to call our office today at (559) 797-4355.