Young man smiling while holding an Invisalign clear aligner tray.

Is Invisalign Better than Traditional Braces? What to Know

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Crooked or misaligned teeth need to be straightened, or your teeth can develop a variety of problems over time. Many people who have crooked or misaligned teeth have multiple options when it comes to getting their teeth straightened. Your dentist in Las Cruces, NM, can tell you whether braces and Invisalign are both options for you. If they are, you’ll need to make a choice. Knowing the differences between braces and Invisalign can help you make the right decision for yourself. Here’s what to know.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are made from clear plastic that is custom-made to fit over your teeth. Each set of aligners is made to move the position of your teeth gently. As your teeth start to move into position, old aligners are replaced with new ones that further push the position of your teeth. There are many advantages of Invisalign, including:

  • Aligners can be removed for cleaning.
  • Aligners are clear and make little impact on your smile.
  • Aligners can be removed for meals, so they don’t impact which foods you can eat.

What Are Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are made up of wires and brackets that are attached to the teeth. Over time, the wires are tightened to pull the teeth into the proper position. Braces are often more cost-effective than Invisalign, but they can’t be removed for cleaning or meals, and that can make life harder.

Which One Is Better?

Exactly which option is better for you depends. Many people prefer Invisalign because aligners make eating and teeth cleaning much simpler. Aligners also don’t impact the appearance of your smile.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Do you need your teeth straightened? University Family Dental can help you with traditional braces and Invisalign in Las Cruces, NM.

Man sleeping peacefully on pillow, illustrating effective sleep apnea treatment solutions.

How Dentists Treat Sleep Apnea Successfully

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Dentists can successfully treat patients who are suffering from sleep apnea. Here in Las Cruces, NM, at University Family Dental, we offer several services and treatments for this common sleep disorder. Discover what we can do to help you reduce the symptoms associated with sleep apnea so you can get a better night’s sleep.

What is Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder caused by a blocked windpipe that reduces airflow. This airflow reduction leads to snoring and a lack of sleep due to waking up to catch one’s breath. Insomnia, fatigue, stress, and heart disease are symptoms of sleep apnea.

Fortunately, we can treat sleep apnea at the Las Cruces, NM dentist. Several techniques and tools can reduce adverse health symptoms associated with sleep apnea. Let us assist you with opening up your airways and improving airflow.

How Dentists Treat Sleep Apnea

Using special appliances designed to improve breathing, we can help you reduce sleep apnea. There are a few oral instruments that are approved and available for sleep apnea treatments, including:

  • Tongue retainers
  • Mandibular advancement devices (MADs)

Tongue retainers help hold the lower jaw in place to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. A MAD works to push the jaw forward as a way to tighten the jaw and facial muscles. Both instruments can benefit patients suffering from snoring and high blood pressure caused by sleep apnea disorder.

Request Sleep Apnea Treatment in Las Cruces, NM

We have the tools you need to reduce sleep apnea symptoms in Las Cruces, NM. Contact University Family Dental at 575-521-0127 to schedule an appointment. Our dentists are ready to assist you with treating sleep apnea disorder.

We also provide comprehensive dental services for your entire family. Join our dental community today with an appointment for sleep apnea treatment.

Dental crown models and instruments demonstrating tooth restoration options in Las Cruces.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

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Do you have teeth that need major structural repair? Restorative dentistry in Las Cruces, NM may be a good option. Restorative dentistry can involve a series of treatments, and dental crowns may be recommended. Dental crowns can restore the appearance and function of a tooth, but how long can dental crowns last? Find out more about the life span of dental crowns and what factors can influence their longevity below.

The Life Expectancy of a Dental Crown

The majority of dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. However, many patients see 20 years or more of dental crown function. The longevity of a dental crown relies heavily on the material used to make the crown. Dental crowns can be made out of many different materials, such as:

  • Porcelain fused to metal
  • Zirconia
  • Gold
  • Ceramic
  • Composite resin

In general, composite resin dental crowns are the least durable type of crown, while choices like gold and ceramic have the longest life span.

Factors That Affect a Crowns Lifespan

While a dental crown may not last forever, there are a few things that you can do to protect your crown for as long as possible. Certain factors can influence how long a dental crown will last, and certain actions can impede the crown’s ability to be long-lasting, such as:

  • Not practicing good oral hygiene habits
  • The experience of the dentist that installed the crown
  • Grinding your teeth
  • Eating extremely crunchy foods
  • Biting your nails or chewing on hard objects

One last factor that can affect the life of a crown is the health of the tooth the crown is mounted on. If the tooth or the root develop issues, this can lead to losing a crown faster.

Discuss Dental Crowns with a Las Cruces Dentist

If you believe you need a dental crown, be sure to seek the advice of a well-experienced Las Cruces, NM dentist. At University Family Dental, we offer comprehensive and experienced care. Reach out today to schedule an exam and consultation.

Young girl receiving dental examination from dentist wearing gloves at Las Cruces practice.

When Should My Baby Have Their First Dental Appointment?  

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Your baby just started growing their teeth. Do you know when they should see the dentist in Las Cruces, NM for the first time? You should! This information can help you stay on track with your baby’s dental care. It’s important to make your child’s first appointments with the dentist on time to catch dental problems in their early stages. In this article, we’ll discuss when, why and what to expect during your child’s first visit to the dentist office.

When should a baby see the dentist for the first time?

Babies need to see the dentist within 6 months of growing their first teeth, or when they turn one (which ever comes first). Following that, they should see the dentist on whatever timeline the dentist recommends. The dentist recommendations will be based on the patient’s dental health and what the dentist determines during the first appointment.

What happens during the first dental appointment?

During the first dental appointment, the dentist will look inside your baby’s mouth, examine their teeth and answer any questions you may have about how to take care of your baby’s teeth. The dentist may also ask you basic questions like whether your baby uses a pacifier or sucks their thumb.

How can a parent take care of their baby’s teeth?

As a parent, you can take care of your baby’s first teeth by brushing them yourself twice daily. Use an age-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste formulated with fluoride. Apply a tiny smear of toothpaste to the toothbrush, then brush your child’s teeth in circles. Encourage them to spit out the toothpaste when you’re done. Your dentist can show you how to do this while you’re at the first appointment.

Did your baby just grow their first teeth? It’s time to bring your little one in for a teeth cleaning in Las Cruces, NM. Call the dentist at University Family Dental today to make your baby’s appointment.

 

 

Frustrated woman covering ears with pillow while man snores in bed, illustrating sleep apnea symptoms.

Sleep Apnea: What It Is and Why It Matters

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Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. The term “apnea” derives from the Greek word for “without air.” Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing during sleep. This occurs either due to obstruction of your airway (obstructive sleep apnea) or because your brain is unable to manage your breathing adequately (central apnea).

The resultant shortage of oxygen triggers a survival reaction that briefly awakens you to begin breathing. This response keeps you alive, but it disrupts your sleep pattern. This impairs restful sleep and has other negative effects, including stressing the heart, which can have potentially fatal implications.

Who is at Risk For Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can affect people of any age, from newborns and toddlers to older individuals and even senior citizens. The following categories of persons and situations are more likely to be affected by obstructive sleep apnea:

  • males under 50 years of age
  • men and women over 50 years of age
  • being overweight or obese
  • being of certain ethnicities
  • taking opioids
  • having certain heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure
  • living at high altitudes
  • and more

Note that just because you aren’t in any of the categories listed above, doesn’t mean you can’t get sleep apnea. Only your medical care provider can make a firm diagnosis of sleep apnea. Talk to your Las Cruces, NM dentist to learn more. However, there are some signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that you can be aware of.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Lingering fatigue or tiredness after waking up – Sleep apnea patients may feel exhausted even after a full night of sleep.

Daytime drowsiness – In more extreme instances, this may make you drowsy when working, driving, or engaging in other tasks.

Snoring – Although it doesn’t always happen, this is a common symptom of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can sometimes exist without any snoring at all.

Moodiness – Anxiety and depression are frequent signs of sleep apnea.

Brain function disruption – This includes problems with memory, concentration, or other brain-related problems.

Frequently waking up at night – Due to the fact that most individuals have trouble remembering when or why they wake up, this symptom may be more difficult to detect. Individuals who do this frequently recall waking up for a different cause, such as indigestion or the need to use the restroom.

Pauses in breathing – If you sleep with a partner, they are likely to notice that you stop breathing for increments of time.

Unusual breathing – The characteristic breathing pattern known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing (CSB) can be a symptom of central sleep apnea. Breathing is quick during CSB and becomes shallower until becoming completely nonexistent. A person will stop breathing for a few seconds before beginning again and repeating the process.

Insomnia – Having difficulty falling asleep is a common symptom of sleep apnea.

Suddenly waking up like you’re choking – If you startle awake feeling like you can’t breathe or you’re choking, this could be symptomatic of sleep apnea.

Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is directly linked to dangerous conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It’s important to get sleep apnea treated, and also to address any underlying conditions that may be causing sleep apnea.

Your dentist in Las Cruces, NM has a variety of treatment options for sleep apnea. Contact us today to book your appointment.

Before and after comparison of teeth whitening results showing yellowed teeth versus bright white teeth.

How Many Sessions of Teeth Whitening Will I Need?   

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When you think about how many years the stains on your teeth have spent accumulating, it would be easy to think that getting rid of all the red wine, nicotine, coffee, etc. would take some time. You might think that you need multiple sessions over the course of months before you even start to see a difference. The good news is that professional teeth whitening is an efficient process that can make your teeth multiple shades whiter.

How Teeth Become Stained

If you’re looking for teeth whitening services in Las Cruces, NM, it might be because you see quite a bit of build-up on your teeth. In fact, anything that would stain a white shirt can stain your teeth, regardless of whether it’s red pasta sauce or orange soda. (Drinking through a straw can help, but it’s not a cure-all.) Home whitening kits may be able to lighten your teeth a little, but only a professional can give you the big, bright smile that you’re craving.

What You Need to Know About the Process

When you come into the office for your appointment, a qualified dentist in Las Cruces, NM will actually tackle the bonds on the teeth that create the stains. You should only need one session to see dramatic differences, though it’s important to remember that not everyone will have the same results. Teeth whitening will depend on everything from the types of stains on your teeth to your very genetics.

Find a Dentist in Las Cruces

University Family Dental has seen how stains can accumulate over time. It may not be a dental emergency, but it is something that can affect patients nonetheless. If you’ve been hesitant to smile because you’ve noticed that your teeth are taking on a yellow hue, it’s worth scheduling a session.

Most people think of staining as largely cosmetic, but this is not always true. In some cases, there might be internal reasons for the stains, such as trauma, that will need to be taken care of. If you want to learn more about what it will take to lighten your teeth and what type of techniques will be used, contact us to learn more about the treatment.