Get Straight Teeth With Traditional Or Alternative Braces | Fayetteville, GA

Traditional braces have long been the optimal treatment for gaining the beautifully straight smile we crave. Yet, they have long contributed to a lack of confidence in adolescents and adults alike as they move through the process of straightening their teeth which can take months or even years. Thankfully, for a majority of patients, traditional braces are no longer the only option. Technological advances have allotted for a variety of other methods if your particular misalignment allows for it, as confirmed by your dentist or orthodontist.

Invisalign is probably the most recognized alternative, as it was one of the first on the market. Invisalign is a series of customized clear plastic aligners, each molded to accommodate the straightening of your teeth over time. Each set of aligners advances your progress while remaining discreet for all-day wear. It reduces the amount of care required for traditional braces, doesn’t have brackets or wires, there’s no dental glue to scrape off in the end, and has fewer check-ups with the dentist. Now that this technology has become more widespread, there are other companies providing clear aligners, so Invisalign is no longer your only option, meaning you can shop around to find an aligner covered by insurance or more aligned with your budget.

If you aren’t a candidate for an alternative means of straightening your teeth, however, you can ask your dentist about clear or white brackets for traditional braces. Believe it or not, swapping the traditional silver tone for a more neutral or natural color makes a big difference in how pronounced your braces appear. While you may not be able to avoid braces, you can boost your confidence with this alternative.

Of course, there are pros and cons to every method, but it’s important to understand your options as you consider making the investment to straighten your teeth. Be sure to consult with your dentist about how pronounced your misalignment is, and if you are a candidate for clear aligners before you make your final decision. It’s easier to do your research ahead of time than try to backtrack later.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

The Five Stages of Tooth Decay | Fayetteville, GA

Tooth decay is not something to take lightly. In fact, it’s something to remain on the lookout for, as even those with a great oral care routine can experience tooth decay. Thankfully, the first stage of decay is the easiest stage to recognize and begin to take corrective actions. Yes, you can reverse decay with early detection! Here are the five stages of tooth decay:

Stage One: White Spots

In this stage, the tooth begins to show signs of strain from attacking sugars and acids. White spots will begin to materialize just below the surface of the enamel. They are a telltale sign that demineralization of the tooth has begun. But, it can be easy to miss because they’re likely to occur on you or your child’s molars first. Your dentist should be able to catch such warning signs during regular cleanings.

In the first stage of decay, this can be repaired without the need for extraction. Whether you’re a child or an adult, the application of fluoride via fluoride treatments, your toothpaste, salivation, the foods you eat, and even the local water supply can help re-mineralize the tooth and stop a cavity from penetrating through the enamel and reaching its second stage.

Stage Two: Enamel Decay

This is the beginning of the end for the surface enamel that is being attacked. Once a cavity breaks through the surface of the enamel, there is no turning back, and you or your child will need to have the cavity corrected with a filling. Teeth erode from the underside outward, so the outer enamel will still be intact for the first half of this second stage, but will be the next target.

Stage Three: Dentin Decay

Stage three is where you will notice a serious cause for concern if you or your dentist have missed the first two. This is the stage where patients begin experiencing pain, that is because the cavity begins to eat away at the second level of tooth material that lies beneath the enamel called dentin. A filling can still be used to stop bacteria from assaulting the tooth to prevent the cavity from reaching the tooth’s pulp.

Stage Four: Involvement of The Pulp

Once the infection reaches the pulp it’s going to hurt a lot. This is a serious point in the progression of decay where a root canal or full extraction will be evaluated by your dentist as the next phase of action.

Stage Five: Abscess Formation

At this point, the infection has reached the tip of the root and exited the tip of the tooth’s structure. It has infected the surrounding tissues and possibly the bone structure. You will likely experience swelling and severe pain. In children (as well as adults) an abscess can be fatal if not appropriately dealt with immediately.

Cavities don’t happen overnight. In the early stages, regular visits can stall and reverse the progression of decay, so it’s important to pay regular visits to the dentist. Catch cavities before they catch up to you by keeping the stages of decay in mind as you continue to care for your and your child’s teeth.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

What To Do If You Have Cracked a Tooth | Fayetteville, GA

There are so many ways we can crack a tooth, and it’s likely we don’t see it coming, and that it will hurt. When you crack a tooth, it’s more likely than not that you will know. Here is what you are likely to experience when you crack a tooth, and what you should do about it.

You’re going to feel it

When you bite into something like a popcorn kernel that has the potential to crack a tooth, the first thing you will do is hear it. Then, you’re going to feel the object that cracked it either lodged into the new crack or in your mouth before you experience pain. This all occurs in a second, so you may run to the nearest mirror next to double-check.

What to do

If you have in fact cracked a tooth, call your dentist immediately. Your mouth may begin to bleed, in that case, utilize a gauze to contain the bleeding and call your dentist. If tooth fragments or the whole tooth falls out, preserve it in a jar with a splash of cold cow’s milk, water, or saliva and bring them to your appointment. It’s also a good idea to apply a cold compress or ice pack to the site to reduce swelling and pain.

Ideally, your dentist will be able to see you for an emergency appointment sooner than later, but if you do have to wait, maintain your pain levels, and keep your tooth or fragments for when he or she can attend to you.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

Understanding TMJ Disorder | Fayetteville, GA

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, and it can seriously impact our quality of life. If you experience consistent jaw pain, jaw pain in the morning, jaw clicking at the joint, and/ or experience frequent headaches, it may be due to existing or developing TMJ disorder. Essentially, when you have a problem with the jaw muscles or joints in your jaw, that is when these symptoms can start to appear. Here are some ways you may be unintentionally contributing to the onset of TMJ disorder.

Bruxism is the official term for grading and clenching of the teeth. People who clench or grind their teeth commonly wake up with jaw pain and wear the cartilage lining their temporomandibular joint over time. Similarly, chewing gum or biting our nails can also damage our teeth and contribute to TMJ disorder over time.

Misaligned teeth are another common cause, as it can cause one to consciously or unwittingly chew on a dominant side of their mouth, contributing to undue stress on that side of the jaw. Similarly, a prior jaw fracture or injury can contribute to symptoms such as headaches, ear pain or ringing, and dizziness. If you suffer from these symptoms and have yet to be diagnosed with TMJ disorder, it may be time to consult with your dentist about your concerns.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

Soda Impacts Your Smile: Here’s How | Fayetteville, GA

We can be the absolute best at maintaining our daily oral health routine, and the negative effects of soda will still catch up to us. It may not seem like a big deal; we consume sugary, acidic foods every day, but soda is a special exception. Here are some things we think you should consider before reaching for that next can or bottle of soda, and when evaluating your soda consumption habits.

Sugar Content

More than most beverages, soda contains a high amount of sugar. Sugar can coat our teeth or get stuck in the hard-to-reach spaces of our mouths, allowing sugar-eating bacteria to feed off it. These bacteria in turn excrete acid, and that acid is what contributes to tooth decay. The more sugar we consume, the more sugar the bacteria can consume, escalating our risk of decay.

Acidity

Sugar-eating bacteria can excrete acid, but there is also acid in the beverage itself. Diet sodas are no exception as they contain the same amounts of phosphoric and citric acid as non-diet varieties, even if they don’t contain the same amount of sugar. Acidic foods eat away at our protective enamel, leaving a tooth prone to decay.

Food Dye

A tooth can be stained by artificial food dyes such as caramel color, Yellow #5, etc. While coffee and other dark-colored beverages and foods may contribute to tooth staining as well, many of us consume a lot of soda, making it a primary culprit. If you want the flavor and fizz of something other than water, start swapping your soda with sparking flavored water, for all the fun without the stains.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr.  Here’s How McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

Deciding Between Dental Bonding and Veneers | Fayetteville, GA

When we consider utilizing cosmetic dentistry to enhance our smiles, there are different options available based on what we seek to accomplish. Dental bonding and veneers may accomplish the same goal, but the relative investment and overall process of each are much different. Here is what you should know about dental bonding and veneers before you embark on one or the other procedure.

Dental Bonding

Bonding refers to the use of a smooth, tooth-colored solution that is applied to a tooth that has been chipped, stained, or has a gap. Your dentist will place the solution in a way that mimics or enhances the appearance of the tooth, utilizing a UV light to harden it in place as they continue. After the desired result has been achieved, the tooth is then polished to seamlessly integrate the tooth with the new bond. It is typically employed for patients who only need one or two teeth corrected.

Veneers

Veneers are made from a solid piece of porcelain that has been created to fit over the front and underside of your existing teeth. They cover the entire surface of the tooth or teeth and can be created to lengthen or widen teeth, or fill gaps and chips. Porcelain veneers are commonly suggested for patients who would like to correct several problems or would like to make over an entire set of teeth.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

Understanding Oral Cancer | Fayetteville, GA

Cancer is an uncomfortable thing to consider, and for many around the world is a trigger for distress. Yet, the key to beating cancer commonly comes down to early detection. It’s important to understand the warning signs to look out for at home so you can consult with your dentist about your concerns as soon as possible. Please note the following is not an exhaustive list within any of these categories, but they are important to keep in mind.

Risk Factors

Unfortunately, our age and certain lifestyle choices do put us at a greater risk of developing oral cancer. Here are some factors that contribute to our relative risk:

  • Being genetically male
  • Being over 40 years old
  • People 18-39 who use tobacco, drink, or have been diagnosed with oral HPV

Warning Signs

If any of the following symptoms lasting more than 7-10 days, please seek the advice of your doctor. Keep in mind that these symptoms may also present themselves in the absence of pain. Be mindful of changes that can be detected on the lips, inside the cheeks, palate, and gum tissue surrounding your teeth and tongue.

  • Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
  • Sores that fail to heal and bleed easily
  • A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Risk Reduction

One of the best ways to mitigate risk is through regular visits to your dentist. Over half of the patients diagnosed with oral cancer later into its progression survive for more than five years, so it’s important to remain on top of potential warning signs for early detection. If you recognize yourself as being at high risk for oral cancer according to the above list, you may consider increasing the frequency with which you visit your dentist.

Here are some other ways to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer:

  • Avoid all tobacco
  • Avoid or reduce alcohol intake
  • Consume more fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure that can result in cancer of the lip
  • Avoid exposure to environmentally hazardous materials
  • Conduct a self-exam monthly 
    • Use a small hand-held mirror so you can see the back of your mouth and tongue. If you notice something concerning, reach out to your dentist for a second opinion.

Oral cancer is serious and can happen to anyone, but if you keep this information in mind, you can mitigate your risk. Continue to attend your regular cleanings and reach out to your dentist with any concerns you may have; you may just catch a warning sign of oral cancer early, allowing you to intervene before it gets worse.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

The Dos and Don’s of Proper Brushing | Fayetteville, GA

Hopefully, you are brushing twice per day, every day, practicing those tips and tricks you learned as a kid. If you aren’t brushing twice daily, or are wondering if your technique is giving you the clean you need, here are some easy brushing dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

What You Should Do

– Use a 45-degree angle when brushing

– Use short, side-to-side strokes

– Brush gently, a touch helps prevent wear and tear on your enamel

– Brush at least twice a day, especially after consuming something sugary or acidic

– Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months

– Brush for a full 2 minutes; set a timer if you need to

– Allow your toothbrush to air dry

– Store your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet away from other bathroom germs

– Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is gentle on your tooth enamel

Things You Should Not Do

– Store your toothbrush on the sink counter where bathroom particles can get on it

  • Keep your brush flat
  • Use long strokes, short strokes are more effective
  • Brush with force

– Use the same toothbrush for life

– Brush for less than two minutes

  • Keep your toothbrush in a closed container
  • Use a stiff bristle brush

If you keep these tips and tricks in mind, your enamel and overall oral health will be much better off for it!

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

Electric Vs. Manual Toothbrushes: What To Know | Fayetteville, GA

Whether you employ an electric or manual toothbrush doesn’t make or break your oral hygiene. How you use it does. If you struggle to get a thorough clean with a manual brush, or an electric brush would help you stick to the two-minute rule, it may be a good option. If you are really good about brushing for two minutes and getting to every corner of your mouth, a manual bush is just fine.

We all know the goal of brushing is to remove surface plaque before it becomes hardened tartar and eventually an oral infection. It’s important to maintain your entire oral care routine (brush, floss, rinse, and tongue scrape) twice daily for the best chance at avoiding oral health issues. Yet, arthritis, a motor disability, or simply being a kid can all contribute to someone’s inability to properly use a manual brush, so for those individuals, an electric brush may be a useful tool. Children’s electric brushes commonly play music or assist with their two minutes with a built-in timer. For those with motor disabilities or arthritis, an electric brush may ease their physical pain or discomfort.

In general, it doesn’t matter what you use to clean your teeth, it matters how thorough you can be at it.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

We All Accumulate Plaque: Here’s What To Do About It | Fayetteville, GA

Put simply, plaque feels and may even look like fuzzy house slippers that coat your teeth. It’s a sticky, colorless film of bacteria along the surface of your teeth and gum line that accumulates daily. Everyone accumulates, and subsequently removes plaque, daily. What we consume throughout the day can somewhat alter the amount of plaque we accumulate, but we can’t keep it from happening.

It’s important to retain a great oral care routine for the purpose of removing plaque. When plaque remains on the surface of, and in between, our teeth for prolonged amounts of time, it allows the bacteria in our mouth a chance to feed on it. When this happens, the bacteria release acid that wears your enamel and contributes to oral infections over time. Additionally, if you let plaque live in your mouth for too long, it turns into tartar, which takes a visit to your dentist to remove.

The most effective way to remove plaque is to brush and floss twice daily. Utilizing a tongue scraper and mouthwash can be an extra preventative measure but isn’t entirely necessary. As long as you employ proper brushing and flossing, you shouldn’t be at risk for developing tartar buildup or an oral infection.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.