Author: Paris Mountain Dental

How Clear Aligners Work

Posted May 11, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

Clear aligner therapy is a revolutionary teeth straightening method. Aligner therapy utilizes retainer-like trays to straighten teeth. But how do aligners straighten teeth? It’s a valid question that many patients ask when considering aligners. Keep reading to learn more about how they work and what they can do for your smile!

What Is Clear Aligner Therapy?

Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligner therapy uses clear, plastic trays to straighten teeth over time. To create the aligner series, dentists utilize digital scanners to create a 3D model of the teeth. With the model, a series of aligners are designed to move teeth incrementally over the treatment period. Clear aligners use gentle force to push teeth into their desired positions. Each new aligner tray gets you closer to the finish line!

How Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth

Clear aligners are worn for one to two weeks at a time. They are specifically designed to not fit perfectly so that they can push the teeth gently into their new positions. After one to two weeks, patients swap out their current trays for a new set. These are worn until the teeth have adjusted to fit in the newest trays. This cycle continues until the preferred smile results are achieved! Aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to stay on the estimated treatment timeline.

Benefits of Clear Aligner Therapy

Wondering if clear aligner therapy is the right choice for you? This advanced orthodontic treatment provides a wide array of perks for patients!

Aligners are removed before eating
You can easily brush & floss
Subtle appearance
Smooth, comfortable aligners
Minimal pain & discomfort
Fewer appointments
Reduced treatment time on average

Clear Aligner Therapy in Travelers Rest

Ready to achieve your dream smile without having a mouth full of metal? At Paris Mountain Dental, we are pleased to offer clear aligner therapy. We love watching our patients gain a straight, beautiful smile without having to deal with the stress or embarrassment of braces. Please contact us to schedule your orthodontic consultation!

Discreetly straighten your teeth with clear aligners!

Chronic Diseases & Dental Health

Posted April 12, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

Cartoon of a white haired woman in the dental chair for a preventive exam & hygiene cleaning.

Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Chronic diseases can have an impact on your dental health. Fifty percent of people have a chronic condition and 25% of adults have two or more, according to The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. It’s essential to let your dentist know if you have a chronic disease. Read on for a couple of the conditions that Dr. Ghimire and the Paris Mountain Dental team will want to know about to better care for you when you visit our Travelers Rest office.

Diabetes

Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar. People with diabetes are more likely to develop dental issues like gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. It also may take longer for mouth infections to heal. The good news is that taking care of your oral health can improve diabetes control. You should let your dentist know if you are diabetic and when was the last time you took insulin.

High Blood Pressure

Chronic high blood pressure can have an impact on your dental health. Medication to control your blood pressure could have a side effect of gingival enlargement. This is where your gums swell and grow over your teeth. Even if you don’t experience this side effect, you’ll still want to let your dentist know if you have high blood pressure. Local anesthesia or numbing cream could potentially raise your blood pressure therefore it’s important to keep Dr. Ghimire informed about your condition and medications.

Cardiovascular Disease

If you have heart disease it might be necessary to take antibiotics before some dental procedures to protect your heart from potential bacterial infections. Additionally, heart medications can impact your oral health so it’s always important to let your dentist know what type of prescriptions you are using.

How Can You Protect Your Oral Health?

Regardless of any chronic disease, you can save yourself from future dental health problems by taking care of your teeth. Everyone benefits from a proper dental hygiene routine. Here are a few tasks that should be part of your daily hygiene routine.

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste

Floss daily

Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing

Schedule regular dental checkups

Avoid using tobacco products

Comprehensive Services at Paris Mountain Dental

Patients of all ages receive quality dental care at Paris Mountain Dental. Our hardworking and caring team can help with a variety of dental issues. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment. We look forward to taking care of your smile.

Protect your oral health with a good hygiene routine!

Dental Crowns Myths & Facts

Posted March 11, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

If you have one or more teeth that have suffered from severe damage or decay, a dental crown could be the procedure you need to save your smile. Dental crowns restore not just the function, but also the appearance of your teeth. Millions of people have benefitted from this procedure, however, there are still a lot of misconceptions floating around. To help set the record straight, we looked into the most common myths about dental crowns.

Myth #1: Getting dental crowns is a painful process.

Fear of pain is often one of the biggest reasons people put off dental procedures, even when they’re badly needed. Fortunately, modern dentistry makes use of dental sedatives to make the process comfortable and stress-free.

Myth #2: Dental crowns look unnatural.

Porcelain or ceramic are most often used to make dental crowns. They offer a durable and natural appearance, and we go even further by using an impression of your tooth to make sure that the crown will fit in with your smile. They can blend in so well, that friends and family won’t even notice.

Myth #3: Dental crowns are prone to stains.

Dental crowns are actually more resistant to staining than your natural teeth. It’s worth keeping in mind however that crowns can’t be put through whitening treatments. Fortunately, they’ll still benefit from regular professional teeth cleanings.

Myth #4: Fillings are a valid substitute for dental crowns.

Fillings can sometimes prevent you from needing a crown, but they need to be done very early on. If tooth decay has advanced past a certain point, a crown will be necessary to stabilize the tooth.

Myth #5: Dental crowns are too expensive.

The actual cost of dental crowns can vary quite a bit depending on factors unique to the patient. Fortunately, dental insurance often offsets the costs associated with dental crowns. At Paris Mountain Dental we also offer affordable treatment options including our Dental Savers Plan. Most importantly we want to work with you to make sure you can get the treatment you need. Contact us in Travelers Rest to schedule your dental crown.

Dental crowns are a great tooth repair solution!

Dental Insurance 101: Understanding Your Policy’s Terminology

Posted February 15, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

At Paris Mountain Dental, we understand that dental insurance can be confusing. Not only is it completely different from medical insurance, but policies can use strange terminology that can leave you scratching your head. Today, we want to shed some light on dental insurance so you can maximize your dental benefits.

How Are Dental HMOs & PPOs Different?

The first step in understanding your dental insurance is learning what type of plan you have.

PPO Plans

If you have a PPO, you’ll probably have higher out-of-pocket costs for treatment. On the plus side, you’ll have the flexibility to select your primary dentist. You can also see dental specialists without needing a referral from your primary provider.

HMO Plans

HMO plans are usually lower cost, with a focus on preventive care. They will incentivize you to get regular dental cleanings and exams. However, you will have less choice when selecting your dentist, and you’ll need a referral to any specialist.

Does It Matter If a Provider is “Out of Network”?

With medical plans, a provider that is out of network usually will not be covered. With dental plans, this may not be the case. Some plans still cover out of network providers, but at a lower percentage of the treatment. Paris Mountain Dental accepts both in network and out of network insurance providers.

What Type of Treatments Does Dental Insurance Cover?

Most dental plans provide different levels of coverage depending on the type of treatment. For example, routine preventive care like dental cleanings, exams, and X-rays are typically fully covered. Basic procedures like fillings and root canals are generally covered at around 80 percent. Other major procedures, like crowns or bridges, may be covered at around 50 percent.

Insurance Help in Travelers Rest

Still can’t make sense of your dental plan? Paris Mountain Dental recommends that all of our patients read through their dental plans to make sure they’re taking advantage of all their benefits. However, we know that dental plans can be hard to understand. Our team is always available to answer questions about your plan and to help you strategize to maximize your benefits.

Paris Mountain Dental Savers Plan

If you don’t have dental insurance, please look into our Dental Savers Plan! Members pay an annual fee for the discount plan which includes preventive services and discounts on other services. You can join as an individual or pay for a family membership. The Dental Savers Plan eliminates the hassles and confusion associated with dental insurance. To ask us any questions or schedule an appointment, call us today!

We can help you navigate your insurance coverage!

Is It Safe To Go to the Dentist in the Middle of a Pandemic?

Posted January 13, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

This past year, our lives were disrupted in unprecedented ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has changed the way we socialize, the way we shop, and the way we stay healthy. Our team at Paris Mountain Dental has been diligent about updating safety and cleanliness procedures so that you and your family can feel safe going to the dentist in the middle of the pandemic.

New Infection Control Procedures

Our new infection control procedures are designed to ensure that you and your family stay safe and healthy while getting the quality dental care you need. From the way you schedule appointments to your time inside our office, we’ve worked to implement recommendations from the American Dental Association, the CDC, and OSHA so you can feel confident visiting our office.

For example, we pre-screen all of our patients before their appointments. The office has plenty of hand sanitizer available and we have limited the amenities we offer in our waiting room to make things easier to clean and disinfect. We ask our patients to wait in their car until their appointment time and are scheduling appointments to allow for social distancing. Patients are also asked to wear masks while in our office.

Is Visiting the Dentist Safe During COVID-19?

Even during a pandemic, it is important to keep up with your regular dental appointments with Dr. Ghimire and our team. Regular visits to our office allow us to keep an eye on the health of your teeth and to diagnose and treat any potential issues before they develop into serious problems. Professional cleanings every six months prevent cavities and gum disease. To ask our team any questions about our pandemic protocol, give us a call.

Preventive Care in Travelers Rest, SC

Paris Mountain Dental is here to help you maintain good oral health. We understand that the disruptions to regular routines caused by the pandemic have knocked some people off their hygiene habits. If you are working or attending school from home, it’s easy to stay in pajamas and neglect morning oral care. More stress snacking has also made good oral hygiene at home more important than ever. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time and flossing each day to keep your pearly whites healthy and strong. If you are due for a six month preventive exam and cleaning, give us a call to schedule your next appointment!

We have new protocols to ensure your safety!

How to Prepare My Child for Their First Dental Visit

Posted December 11, 2020 by Paris Mountain Dental

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child get their first dental visit when they turn one or get their first tooth. This may seem early, but getting your child on a path to good oral health starts when they are very young. Many parents get anxious about taking their child to the dentist for the first time. There are some easy ways to prepare for a dental appointment.

Schedule an Appointment When Your Child Is Alert

Your appointment will go more smoothly if your child is awake and happy. Avoid making an appointment during a time when they are usually taking a nap or feeling hungry. If they feel cranky or tired, this could lead them to have a poor reaction to the dentist. We’ve found that children tend to do well with morning appointments, but this all depends on your individual child.

Talk Positively About the Dentist

If your child is older, talk to them about what to expect at the dentist. There are a lot of storybooks available at the local library about trips to the dentist. Integrating some of these into your child’s bedtime routine for the few weeks before their visit can help them understand what a visit to the dentist is all about. Another thing to think about is that children can easily pick up on their parents’ worries. If you have any dental anxieties, don’t unknowingly pass them onto your child. Our office has some amenities specifically designed for kids so you might discuss the office’s playroom or TVs in the treatment rooms. You can stop by for a quick tour before the actual visit if you think it would help your child feel more comfortable.

Prepare Yourself for the Appointment

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that YOU need to prepare for your child’s first appointment too. Be prepared to be your child’s moral support during their visit. It’s important to stay calm even if your child is making a fuss. Dr. Ghimire and our team are used to working with kids and we have the training to identify any worries and make children feel comfortable. It may also be helpful to you to prepare any paperwork beforehand. This will make your day less stressful since you only have to focus on your child during the appointment. Our new patient forms are all available online.

Dentistry for Kids at Paris Mountain Dental

We believe that children must develop oral hygiene skills early on in life, ensuring that they will achieve lifelong success with their oral health. If it’s time for your child to visit the dentist, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We look forward to meeting you and your child and getting them on the road to good oral health.

We look forward to your child’s first dental visit!

Signs You Need a Nightguard

Posted November 5, 2020 by Paris Mountain Dental

Do you grind your teeth? Because most of those who suffer from bruxism clench and grind while they are fast asleep, it may seem like it is a hard issue to diagnose. In reality though, the signs of this condition are pretty apparent. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the signs that you may need a nightguard.

Morning Headaches

The occasional morning headache may not have anything to do with your oral health, but if you’re regularly waking up with unexplainable headaches in the morning, well, we can likely explain that! When you clench and grind your teeth in your sleep, you’re putting stress on the muscles in your face, leaving them tense and sore in the morning. A nightguard will help you reduce some of the pressure you’re inadvertently putting on your muscles.

Jaw Pain

The tension you’re causing in your facial and jaw muscles can also lead to a disorder that affects the joint at the hinge of your jaw, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This disorder can cause a lot of pain and sensitivity and can even make speaking and eating difficult and uncomfortable.

Tooth Damage

During your regular dental exams, Dr. Ghimire will look for excessive wear on the surface of your teeth which is a sure sign you’re suffering from bruxism. If the issue is allowed to persist, this surface wear can lead to tooth pain and sensitivity, and even chipping or cracking of the tooth.

Nightguards to Treat Bruxism in Travelers Rest, SC

If you are feeling the effects of teeth grinding and clenching, we’re here to help! In a few easy steps, we can fit you with a completely custom nightguard that will revolutionize your sleep habits. Don’t sleep on this solution, call our office to get started today!

We can help you put an end to teeth grinding!

How Cosmetic Dentistry Impacts Your Oral Health

Posted October 26, 2020 by Paris Mountain Dental

Cosmetic dentistry is more than just looking better. It can also impact your oral health and improve your general well-being. Let’s go over some typical cosmetic dentistry treatments and talk about how they can improve your oral health.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin ceramic layers that make custom changes to your teeth. Dental veneers are an excellent option for internally stained teeth, minor alignment issues, and chipped teeth. Porcelain veneers do more than give you a dazzling smile. They often save your teeth from further problems down the road. For example, not fixing a chipped tooth can lead to problems like more cracks in the enamel or the potential for a bacterial infection within the tooth. Both of these issues can lead to more costly and extensive repairs.

Teeth Whitening

Stained teeth are a common dental problem. Food and drink particles, smoking, natural aging, or certain medications are reasons for teeth staining. Teeth whitening can lift the stains from your teeth and give you a brighter smile. Professional teeth whitening is superior to store-bought whiteners. A custom-tray whitening treatment from Dr. Ghimire at Paris Mountain Dental is safer for your mouth and more likely to create better results. When you’re proud of your smile, you are more vigilant about taking care of your teeth. This includes implementing a dental hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth twice a day and regularly flossing.

Clear Aligner Therapy

Clear Aligner Therapy can give you a straighter smile that will leave you a healthier person. All of this while avoiding the appearance of traditional metal braces. Straighter teeth can have a considerable impact on your oral health. They are easier to clean and less likely to get broken. Aligned teeth also improve your bite and prevent excessive wear on your teeth. These factors make you less likely to develop jaw pain, gum disease, cavities, or other oral infections.

Better Oral Health in Travelers Rest, SC

Paris Mountain Dental in Travelers Rest, SC offers several cosmetic dentistry procedures, including veneers, professional teeth whitening, and clear aligner therapy. They all can help improve your oral health and improve your appearance at the same time. Please schedule an appointment with us to discuss your situation.

Ask us how cosmetic dentistry can improve your overall oral health!

Back-to-School Kids’ Dental Checkups

Posted September 12, 2020 by Paris Mountain Dental

Given COVID-19, this year’s back-to-school rush looks quite different than in past years. But while you may be preparing for some new adjustments like online classrooms, one thing hasn’t changed: the importance of dental checkups. Healthy smiles never go out of style, so we want to give you the scoop on why back-to-school kids’ dental visits are important and what you and your child can expect during one.

Why They’re Important

If you’re a parent, chances are you know your child doesn’t need any more distractions from school than what’s already out there. This rings especially true as teaching moves online and classroom structures change. If your child is dealing with a dental issue like a cavity or an infection, it can get in the way of their learning. That’s why it’s always better to address an oral health problem before it has the chance to get worse.

Speaking more generally, routine visits to the dentist’s office when a child is young help them build a healthy foundation for a lifetime of smiles. They’ll get used to seeing a dentist regularly and may develop less fear against visiting one on their own when they’re an adult. Once a dental office becomes a normal part of their life, it doesn’t have to be scary anymore!

What You Can Expect

When your child comes in for a back-to-school checkup, they can expect to get a thorough teeth cleaning from a dental hygienist and a dental exam from Dr. Ghimire. During this exam, she will make sure there are no issues that need addressing like a cavity or problems with bite alignment. If there are, we can begin creating a treatment plan. Depending on your child’s oral health and last visit to a dentist, we may also have dental X-rays taken for the records and have sealants placed as a preventive measure.

Family Dentistry in Travelers Rest, SC

We provide kids’ dentistry at our Travelers Rest dental practice. When you visit our office, our team will provide gentle, high-quality care and do all we can to help your child feel comfortable visiting the dentist. We’ll also be happy to let you know what dental milestones to watch for and answer any other questions you might have about your family’s oral health. Call Paris Mountain Dental today!

Contact us to schedule back to school dental exams for the children in your family!

Am I a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Posted August 13, 2020 by Paris Mountain Dental

Thinking about dentures? They might be a great solution for you! Paris Mountain Dental offers many solutions for restoring your smile. Read more about dentures to help you make an informed decision about your choices.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are a tried-and-true way to replace multiple missing teeth. They’re custom made for a snug and comfortable fit, and a natural look and feel. Depending on your smile’s needs, we can create a full or partial set of dentures for you.

Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Dentures

There are two different types of dentures that you’ll be able to consider. Traditional dentures are designed to fit perfectly on the gums, and they’re held in place with the help of extra-strength dental adhesive. Implant-supported dentures are, like the name says, supported by implants. Implants, which are an incredibly stable and durable tooth replacement option, help the dentures stay in place permanently. They provide a very reliable fit with a completely comfortable feel. When it comes to choosing which option is best for you, we’ll help you consider important factors such as your oral health, jaw bone integrity, and budget.

The Benefits of Dentures

There a number of different reasons why dentures will benefit your oral health, your smile, and your quality of life! Dentures can restore your smile to one that’s natural and beautiful. They can help you feel more confident, and allow you to speak and eat with ease. And finally, dentures are a cost-effective option that yields a desirable result!

Dentures & More in Travelers Rest, SC

If dentures sound like a great fit for your smile, it’s time for us to talk. Call us or request an appointment online and we’ll get you started with a consultation. You can look forward to a smile that looks and feels great in your not too distant future!