Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime with the right care at home and with routine services from your family dentist, Dr. Kevin Dann. The first and foremost responsibility of a dentist is to protect the oral health of patients. That protection is built upon a solid foundation of preventive dentistry. Dr. Dann and his staff strive to prevent dental problems before they have a chance to occur. He’ll create the customized plan you need to ensure your smile lasts.
The positioning of your teeth not only influences the appearance of your smile, but it can also affect your bite. An unbalanced bite can make it difficult to perform simple tasks, like closing your mouth fully. In some cases, it can cause a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull on either side of the face. If your bite isn’t corrected, it can even lead to dental problems. Dr. Dann provides a bite assessment to create harmony between the upper and lower teeth using a customized treatment plan.
If you tend to grind or clench your teeth at night, you might suffer from bruxism. The unnecessary pressure from the subconscious habit can cause jaw pain. Over time, it will even wear away your enamel. This increases your risk of breaks, fractures, and even loose teeth. A custom-fit mouthguard acts as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth to save your smile and stop your pain.
5 million Americans lose teeth in sports-related injuries each year. Many of them could have been avoided if a simple piece of protective gear was worn. An athletic mouthguard protects the oral structures if there’s impact or injury to the face or mouth. Research shows a sports mouthguard can even lessen the severity of a concussion. Dr. Dann can give your smile an added layer of protection to prevent a dental emergency with a custom-fit mouthguard.
Sleep apnea and chronic snoring often result from an obstruction in the airway that causes several pauses in breathing frequently throughout the night. Over time, fluctuating oxygen levels will take a toll on your health and quality of life. Dr. Dann has the solutions you need to breathe easier. Besides a CPAP machine, you can also keep your airways open using an oral appliance. You will get the rest you need while stopping interruptions in your breathing.
You can benefit from the power of prevention by visiting your dentist at least twice a year. If it’s time for your semi-annual appointment, contact our office today.