Author: Paris Mountain Dental

How Cosmetic Dentistry Impacts Your Oral Health

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Attractive dark haired young woman with curly hair shows off a beautiful smile enhanced by cosmetic dentistry

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!

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Back-to-School Kids’ Dental Checkups

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Back to School drawing on a chalkboard surrounded by colorful chalk, markers, pencils, scissors, letters, ruler and paper clips

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!

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Am I a Good Candidate for Dentures?

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Three smiling female friends walking down the street arm in arm with shopping bags

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!

Contact us to learn more about traditional & implant-supported dentures.

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5 Ways to Get Kids Excited About Brushing Teeth

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Dad & daughter brushing teeth together in front of the sink

When you think about what makes your kid excited, it’s probably a safe bet to guess that teeth brushing isn’t anywhere near the top of that list. That doesn’t mean it can’t be fun though! There are plenty of tricks for parents to help them make their child more enthusiastic about maintaining this important dental habit. Here are five ways you can make tooth brushing more fun for your little ones.

1. Let Them Choose Their Toothbrush & Toothpaste

While you should definitely ensure that you’re picking the age-appropriate toothbrush for your child, you can let them have their pick of the many colorful options out there. Chances are there’s a toothbrush with their favorite character or in their favorite color. You can also see which toothpaste flavor they like the most. That way, they’ll be more excited to use their own dental tools each day.

2. Choose a Brushing Song

Two minutes is the recommended time for how long someone should brush their teeth, but that can seem like an eternity for kids. To make the time pass with more joy choose a fun, upbeat two-minute song. You can put it on whenever it’s time for tooth brushing. This will also make sure your child is brushing their teeth long enough. Choose a favorite family song or choose one of the many toothbrushing songs or videos available on YouTube.

3. Set a Positive Example

When kids are at a young age, they always want to do what mom and dad are doing. Sometimes we don’t even recognize the habits they’re picking up by watching us! You should show your kid that you like to brush your teeth twice a day, every day so they can be inspired and excited to do the same.

4. Check Out Dental Apps

There are lots of cool apps out there specifically devoted to helping kids brush their teeth correctly. If you have a smartphone or an iPad, have a look at the options and see if any grab your child’s eye. They’ll be more interested in brushing their teeth when they have a cool, colorful app to follow.

5. Create a Rewards Chart

For some kids, a rewards chart works best so they can easily see their progress and hold themselves accountable. You can set up your own chart or find a template online that your child can use to make sure they brush their teeth every day. Then it’s up to you to decide on the perfect prize!

We Love Kids!

At Paris Mountain Dental, we love helping kids achieve their brightest smiles. We provide a range of dental services for kids. If you ever have any questions about your child’s oral health, please don’t hesitate to ask. When you’re ready, we’d love to welcome you and your family into our Travelers Rest dental practice!

We are here to help you teach your children good dental hygiene habits.

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How Do Clear Aligners Work?

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Dark haired smiling girl holding her clear aligner

At Paris Mountain Dental in Travelers Rest, SC, we are happy to provide you with the best orthodontic care when it comes to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams. Here, we’ll discuss clear aligners as an option for straightening your teeth and explain how they work.

What Are the Benefits of Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a fantastic way to straighten your teeth. While traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to straighten your teeth, clear aligners are removable, clear plastic appliances. The benefit to clear aligners is that they are subtle and virtually invisible. People might not even notice you’re wearing them so you can feel more confident about your appearance while you straighten your teeth. Another great aspect of clear aligners is that they are removable. This means that you can take them out for special occasions so you feel your best for the big moment. You can also take them out when you eat and brush and floss your teeth so you can clean your teeth thoroughly.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

First, a custom-made plan to straighten your smile is computer generated. Next, the aligners will be made to fix your specific alignment issues. The aligners fit snugly over your teeth. Where traditional braces slowly pull your teeth into place, clear aligners gently push your teeth into place. Surprisingly, it usually takes less time to straighten your teeth using this method. For the treatment to work however, you’ll need to wear your clear aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day. The aligners are replaced with new ones every few weeks so that your teeth are constantly being pushed into the right spot. At the end of the treatment, you’ll receive a final set of clear aligners to serve as a retainer. Wearing the retainer every night will ensure that your teeth stay in place.

How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?

At Paris Mountain Dental, we offer many payment options so that you can get a straighter smile no matter what your budget is. We accept many insurances and can even accept payment through CareCredit. This allows you to split your costs into easy monthly payments. If you don’t have insurance, we offer the Paris Mountain Dental Savings Plan for a low annual fee so you can get preventive care at no additional cost and a 12% discount on other dental procedures and treatments. Call our Travelers Rest office today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Contact us to learn more about clear aligners.

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Open for Emergencies During COVID-19

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Graphic saying operations are paused due to COVID-19

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, our Travelers Rest, SC dental office is operating under limited hours for emergencies only. The safety and health of our patients, our employees, and our community are our top priorities. We will let you know when we are once again able to provide our patients with the quality care and the safe environment that is a hallmark of our practice.

Paris Mountain Dental adheres to the strict safety standards recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We have always been extremely mindful of our patients’ health and safety and will be even more vigilant in the future. Rest assured when we do welcome you back that our office and equipment will be thoroughly disinfected.

Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones

We encourage all of our patients to protect themselves and their families by following the recommendations from the CDC. For example:

  • Practice social distancing. Stay home as much as possible.
  • When it is necessary to go out, keep at least six feet away from others.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have just washed your hands.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then dispose of it.
  • Disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
  • Do not share dishes or utensils.
  • Get adequate rest and eat a healthy diet.
  • Take extra precautions if you are sick to reduce the spread of the disease.
  • Even if you feel healthy, be mindful of the health of others. Some people are asymptomatic when they have the disease and can unknowingly spread it to others.

Keep Brushing & Flossing!

We recognize that many of you are experiencing unprecedented upheavals and challenges in your daily lives and routines. Please take good care of your mental health as well as your physical health and your oral health. We encourage everyone to take some time for positive, uplifting activities to help relieve stress.

Paris Mountain Dental thanks you for your loyal patronage and regrets the inconvenience our temporary closure will cause to those with scheduled appointments and plans for smile improvements. Our team looks forward to welcoming you again to our office as soon as this crisis has passed.

Emergency Dentist in Travelers Rest

If you experience a dental emergency we are here to help! Give us a call at (864)610-6188 and we’ll get you in as soon as possible.

Stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis!

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Can You Sleep with Dentures?

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Three smiling generations of women with grandma in the middle

Adjusting to dentures is frustrating for some people. It might take a little while to get used to taking out dentures before bedtime, which may lead a patient to ask, “Can you sleep with dentures?” At Paris Mountain Dental, serving Travelers Rest, SC and the nearby region, we want to make the transition to wearing dentures as simple as possible for our patients.

Why You Shouldn’t Sleep with Dentures

One reason why it’s so important to take your dentures out before you sleep is because it gives your gums an opportunity to heal. You may experience some discomfort if you’re not giving your gums a rest. Additionally, when you leave your dentures in, you’re allowing bacteria and food to remain inside your mouth for extended periods. This could possibly cause an infection.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health linked sleeping with dentures to an increased risk of pneumonia. Pneumonia-causing bacteria may thrive in your mouth when you have dentures in while you sleep. Their study concluded that sleeping with dentures can double a person’s risk of pneumonia because of the chance that you could inhale the bacteria while sleeping.

Additionally, leaving your dentures in while you sleep decreases their lifespan. Therefore, you may be spending money on replacement ones sooner than necessary.

Making Denture Removal a Habit

Adding a step to your routine can be difficult to adjust to or remember each day. We advise our patients to take their dentures out when they’re getting into pajamas before bed. Keep your denture container in plain sight as a reminder, possibly beside the sink or on your nightstand. If you’re still struggling to take your dentures out each night, set a reminder on your phone or leave a note on the mirror. Nothing serious will happen if occasionally you fall asleep with your dentures in. However, you should make it a habit to remove them before going to bed as much as possible.

Dentures in Travelers Rest, SC

If you have any trouble with your dentures, give us a call at Paris Mountain Dental. Your comfort is very important to us. If you would like to discuss getting dentures, we are here to answer your questions.

Contact us with any questions about dentures.

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Do Dental Implants Hurt?

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Smiling older black couple with the man behind the woman giving her a hug

At Paris Mountain Dental, we’ve been lucky to see it time and time again: Dental implants have the power to change peoples’ lives. We’ve seen a patient go from being afraid to open their mouth because of the gaps in their teeth to showing off their radiant smile any chance they get. We’ve also seen how someone who had difficulty with chewing and speaking because of missing teeth regain the full function of their mouth for more ease with day-to-day activities.

That being said, there are still plenty of people out there who may be interested in getting dental implant surgery but are nervous at the thought that the procedure might hurt. Our expert dental team is here to clear up any confusion!

What the Procedure is Like

Let’s start with the dental implant procedure itself. Yes, getting a dental implant does involve getting surgery, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be painful. We take great care to ensure your comfort every step of the way. We apply a local anesthetic before getting into the procedure so that the area is numb and the most you might feel is pressure. At our dental office, we also have additional calming sedation options available like DentalVibe, which uses vibrations to make injections virtually pain-free.

Post-Dental Implant Surgery

After you’ve received a dental implant, it is possible that you’ll feel some soreness in the treatment area. This is completely normal as the numbness wears off. The good news is that this lessens over time, and it should be gone in just a couple of weeks. We can also prescribe you with pain medications to help with any potential discomfort.

After your recovery period, you shouldn’t experience any more pain, and if you do, it may be because of an infection or another health concern. In the rare chance you experience that, we would bring you in to remedy the situation.

All in all, many people find that this short amount of possible discomfort is worth being able to reclaim their smile. If you’re still concerned about whether dental implants hurt, we invite you to visit our Travelers Rest dental practice for an in-person consultation so we can answer all of your questions and ease your concerns. Call or email us today to set up a visit!

Contact us to learn more about dental implants.

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Dental Bridges vs Implants: What are the Differences?

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Artistic rendering of a dental implant showing the implant in the jawbone on the left and the implant-supported crown on the right

LEFT: The dental implant has melded with the jaw bone. RIGHT: The implant is fitted with a dental crown.

If you’ve recently lost a tooth, then you’re probably weighing your different replacement options. Thankfully, you have a few treatments to choose from. Two of the most popular solutions are a dental bridge or a dental implant. Here’s a rundown of the main differences between the two so you can get a better idea of which is right for you.

Structure & Procedure

A dental bridge is an attachment that’s secured to the teeth next to your gap in order to stay in place. A dental implant is a post that goes into your gums, mimicking the shape and position of a natural tooth. Because of these differences, the way each is placed is also different. When getting a dental bridge, you may need to get dental crowns on top of the nearby teeth for the bridge to attach to. On the other hand, getting a dental implant requires surgery so that the titanium post can be embedded into the jawbone. This is also why the entire implant procedure can last significantly longer than getting a bridge.

Artistic rendering of a lower jaw supported bridge.

Lower jaw supported bridge. Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Effect on Other Teeth

When you get a bridge, it’s important that the teeth on either side of the missing teeth are strong and healthy to support the artificial tooth that will go between them. When you get a dental implant, your surrounding teeth won’t be affected. Although you will need to have healthy gums and a sufficient amount of bone in your jaw to support the implant placement. If you don’t, you may need to get an additional procedure called a bone graft so that your implant can be successful.

Cost & Lifespan

A dental bridge is a more cost-effective option than a dental implant. Both procedures require a dental professional to make a custom artificial tooth. The latter, however, is a more complex process due to the surgical component. It’s important when considering the cost of a dental bridge versus a dental implant to think about the long-term investment. A dental bridge may be cheaper initially but it generally lasts for 5 to 15 years before needing a replacement. A dental implant can last as long as 25 years.

Find Answers to Your Questions in Travelers Rest

As you can see, dental bridges and dental implants both fulfill the same purpose of replacing missing teeth. If you’re still on the fence about what’s right for you, let the Paris Mountain Dental team help. There are some differences between them, from the procedure to the price. And if the price is your main concern, we offer numerous payment options. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have!

If you’d like to learn more about dental bridges, implant support dentures or dental crowns, give us a call and we’ll schedule a consultation.

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The Advantages of Clear Aligner Therapy

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Trio of images showing the progress of clear aligner therapy

Are you are contemplating straightening your smile? Consider using Clear Aligner Therapy to do it. At Paris Mountain Dental we’re proud to offer clear aligners to our patients along with a number of options to make it affordable. Here’s some information about how it works and why people love it.

How Clear Aligners Work

Clear aligner therapy straightens your teeth using clear, plastic aligners instead of the traditional wires and brackets. We will create custom aligners that fit snuggly over your teeth. Computer software accurately identifies what must be done to correct your particular misalignment issues. Then, the aligners apply gentle pressure to the areas that need straightening and push your teeth into place. You need to wear the clear aligners for between 20 and 22 hours every day. Every few weeks you will swap out your aligners for new ones. The new aligners will continue to move your teeth further into place once the older set have done their job. You’ll receive numerous aligners at one time so fewer visits are needed to the office. Wait, we’re getting ahead of ourselves talking about the benefits. . .

The Advantages Of Clear Aligner Therapy

One of the greatest benefits of clear aligners is that they are virtually invisible. This eliminates the self consciousness that people, especially adults, sometimes feel while straightening their teeth. Additionally, the aligners are removable! Therefore, you can take them out for short periods of time. No more embarrassment if you have a special event like a job interview, a wedding or a family photo. You can remove them while eating so food doesn’t get stuck in them. Plus, you can take them out to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. Maintaining good dental hygiene is easier. Also, although you may feel a little pressure when you switch to the new set of aligners, they don’t hurt. Sometimes wearers of traditional braces experience quite a bit of discomfort when they get their braces put on or tightened. Lastly, aligner therapy often takes less time, depending on your straightening needs.

If you think you may be a good candidate for Clear Aligner Therapy, give us a call and we’ll schedule a consultation.

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