<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><channel><atom:link href="http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;Type=RSS20" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><title>Provo Dental Care Blog</title><description>Provo Dental Care Blog</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/</link><lastBuildDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 13:02:35 GMT</lastBuildDate><docs>http://backend.userland.com/rss</docs><generator>RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/</generator><item><title>Provo Cosmetic Dentistry Provides an Overview of Cosmetic Dentistry</title><description>Patients often come to our practice seeking advice on ways to correct aesthetic dental problems. These patients may require cosmetic dental procedures or treatment for a number to correct a variety of cosmetic defects - to repair a malformed bite or crooked teeth, to treat an injury, or just to improve their overall appearance. For these and many other reasons, cosmetic dentistry has become a vital and important part of the dental profession. But whatever their reason for seeking treatment, the ultimate goal is to restore a beautiful smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for cosmetic dentistry.&amp;nbsp; We all understand that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to increases self-confidence.&amp;nbsp; Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is no longer a luxury reserved for movie stars, and our &lt;a href="/services/cosmetic-dentistry"&gt;Provo UT Cosmetic Dental&lt;/a&gt; office is able to improve your smile with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;Common cosmetic dental procedures can be performed to correct misshapen, discolored, chipped or missing teeth. Procedures used in the practice of cosmetic dentistry can also change the overall shape of teeth, whether they are too long or short, have gaps, or simply need to be reshaped to create a more attractive smile.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some of the more common procedures involve:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Improve or correct bites&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Lighten or brighten the color of teeth&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Replace missing teeth&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Replace old, unattractive dental treatments&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
Which techniques should be used to improve your smile? Before making any decisions, your dentist will need to do a complete dental exam. It is very important to identify any underlying issues that may affect the results of any cosmetic dental procedure. Your &lt;a href="/services/cosmetic-dentistry"&gt;Provo, UT Cosmetic Dentist&lt;/a&gt; will also discuss your about your lifestyle to determine the best treatment for you. Contact your cosmetic dental professional for more information and to take the first step towards obtaining the smile of your dreams.&lt;br /&gt;
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=511197&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo_Cosmetic_Dentistry_Provides_an_Overview_of_Cosmetic_Dentistry%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo_Cosmetic_Dentistry_Provides_an_Overview_of_Cosmetic_Dentistry/</guid><pubDate>Sun, 20 May 2012 17:38:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo, UT General Dentist Discusses How to build a Trusting Relationship with Patients</title><description>What caused you to end the relationship with your last general dentist? Was it because he or she was a poor communicator and caused you to experience fear, guilt and/or discomfort? Perhaps you quit seeing your dentist because you felt that that you were just one more patient taking up their valuable time and that they were insensitive to your concerns.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
At our &lt;a href="/services/family-dentistry"&gt;Provo Family Dentist Office&lt;/a&gt;, we value each and every patient as an individual and believe they deserve to be treated with respect and sensitivity to their needs and concerns. We know that many patients who come to us may have developed a strong fear of dentists and that many are nervous about dental visits. We also understand that our responsibility as caring dental professionals is to assure your optimal oral health and not to lecture you about past poor habits.&lt;br /&gt;
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Although my team and I have years of experience and extensive training on the latest dental procedures and equipment, there are some very important things that can&amp;rsquo;t be learned in dental school. Building a trusting relationship with our patients and creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in our dental practice is essential to achieving our goal of providing you with quality dental care.&lt;br /&gt;
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Patients can naturally feel vulnerable as they lie in the dental chair, particularly if they&amp;rsquo;ve had negative experiences in the past. We strive to maintain a friendly environment in our office, and we manage our schedule carefully to minimize waiting and provide ample time for each valued patient.&lt;br /&gt;
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Effective communication is a priority. The team at our &lt;a href="/services/family-dentistry"&gt;Provo Dentist&lt;/a&gt; office works hard together to ensure that patients understand their options and to make certain that all questions are answered before we develop a treatment plan. Please feel free to contact us at (801) 373-3150 to discuss how we can best serve your needs.&lt;br /&gt;
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</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=502361&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo%252c_UT_General_Dentist_Discusses_How_to_build_a_Trusting_Relationship_with_Patients%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo,_UT_General_Dentist_Discusses_How_to_build_a_Trusting_Relationship_with_Patients/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 20:11:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo Cosmetic Dentist Explains Custom Teeth Whitening</title><description>Your smile is your calling card. A bright, beautiful smile not only creates a great first impression but improves your confidence. Learn how you can easily obtain the smile of your dreams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Your smile is one of your greatest assets, and the first thing people notice. It&amp;rsquo;s no wonder that whiter teeth have become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients. Fortunately, tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to brighten natural tooth enamel and is an easy way to enhance the beauty of your smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Today there are several options you can choose to whiten your teeth. Remember, though, that tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel so it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.&amp;nbsp; At &lt;a href="/services/cosmetic-dentistry"&gt;Provo Cosmetic Dentist Office&lt;/a&gt; we replace these restorations only after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It is also important to remember that any bleaching or tooth whitening treatment is not permanent. Depending on your individual habits of consuming stain-producing products like tobacco, coffee, tea or wine, A touch-up maybe needed at least every several years.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Reasons for tooth whitening:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Normal wear of outer tooth laye&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Yellow, brown stained teeth&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;What does custom tooth whitening involve?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
By far the most effective and longest lasting results are obtained with custom tooth whitening done by your dentist. Custom tooth whitening normally requires two visits to &lt;a href="/services/cosmetic-dentistry"&gt;Provo Cosmetic Dentistry&lt;/a&gt;. During the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth and used to create custom, clear plastic trays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At your second appointment, the trays will be adjusted as needed to ensure a proper fit. Another advantage to custom tooth whitening is that your dental professional will ensure that the trays fit properly and are not exposing sensitive gum tissue to the bleaching agent.&lt;br /&gt;
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You will take home the trays and wear with the special whitening solution provided by your dentist. Your dentist will recommend the length of time and frequency that the trays should be worn, depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.&amp;nbsp; Increased tooth sensitivity is a normal side effect experienced during the whitening process, but will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
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</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=491887&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo_Cosmetic_Dentist_Explains_Custom_Teeth_Whitening%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo_Cosmetic_Dentist_Explains_Custom_Teeth_Whitening/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:52:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo Family Dentist Discusses Achieving Oral Health through Prevention</title><description>Left untreated, dental infections and periodontal disease will not only affect the appearance of your smile but, can destroy your oral health. Neglecting routine at-home oral and professional care places you at greater risk of losing teeth and bone density. At some point when you finally do try to &amp;ldquo;catch up&amp;rdquo; you may face painful complications that require extensive cosmetic procedures in order to restore the appearance of your smile. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Prevention is the key to maintaining a beautiful healthy smile. By making your dental care a priority you can save you the future cost and embarrassment of dental disease. At &lt;a href="/services/family-dentistry"&gt;Provo, UT General Dentist Provo, UT General Dentist&lt;/a&gt; office one of our goals is to educate our patients on effective ways to prevent cavities and gum disease. Even the most consistent routine of brushing and flossing is not enough to maintain a healthy smile. Practicing good at-home oral hygiene is vital, but it must be paired with professional dental cleanings to be really effective.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Many of our patients understand the importance of following good oral health by following proper oral hygiene routines and avoiding damaging food and drinks. As we eat, drink, and speak a sticky bacterial film called plaque coats tooth enamel and oral tissue. Flossing and brushing help to remove some plaque build-up but cannot eliminate it completely. The plaque that is not removed hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar continues to build up on teeth, causing dental decay, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss unless it is removed through regular professional cleanings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You can take control of your dental health in two easy steps by:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Maintaining a proactive at-home cleaning schedule (to reduce daily plaque build-up)&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Seeing your dentist for semi-annual professional cleanings (to remove tartar and give you a &amp;ldquo;clean slate&amp;rdquo; for brushing and flossing).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
It is never too late to get back on track with your dental health routine. Start by scheduling a visit to the &lt;a href="/services/family-dentistry"&gt;Provo Family Dentist Office&lt;/a&gt; to give yourself and your family the best possible chance for optimal oral health.&lt;br /&gt;
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=476489&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo_Family_Dentist_Discusses_Achieving_Oral_Health_through_Prevention%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo_Family_Dentist_Discusses_Achieving_Oral_Health_through_Prevention/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:58:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo Laser Dentist Discusses the Benefits of Using Laser Dentistry</title><description>As new technologies develop, the dental profession finds new and improved methods and procedures to provide the highest quality dental care. The development of lasers for use in dentistry is one such technology used by &lt;a href="/services/laser-dentistry"&gt;Provo Laser Dentistry&lt;/a&gt;. The term &amp;lsquo;LASER&amp;rsquo; is actually an acronym for &lt;em&gt;Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation&lt;/em&gt;. The laser is capable of emitting a powerful, highly-concentrated beam of light. When used in connection with dental procedure, laser light comes in contact with tissue and it causes a reaction. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;What is Laser Dentistry? &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration determined that lasers can be used as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures. Laser dentistry is now increasingly used by qualified dental professionals on both hard (tooth) and soft (gum) tissue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
What are the benefits of using dental lasers? &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Laser dentistry has several benefits. Patients may not need to experience the use of a drill or undergo anesthesia, allowing the patient to enjoy a less stressful dental visit. Because of their capabilities laser procedures can be more precise. Also, lasers reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies. Laser dentistry also reduces the amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and cavities in teeth as well as helping to control bleeding during surgery.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Are Lasers Safe?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Used by a trained dental professional, lasers allow a degree of precision that would have been impossible with traditional dental techniques. Through the use of dental lasers, treatment can be pain-free with the added benefit of reducing or eliminating the need for anesthesia and sutures. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Other Benefits of Laser Dentistry&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Another valuable benefit of laser technology is the ability for your &lt;a href="/services/laser-dentistry"&gt;Provo Laser Dentist&lt;/a&gt; to find decay at an earlier stage. This is a very important development as early cavity detection may mean a more conservative restoration. In turn this leaves more natural tooth structure in place and provides a dental filling that will last longer.&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=450337&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo_Laser_Dentist_Discusses_the_Benefits_of_Using_Laser_Dentistry%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo_Laser_Dentist_Discusses_the_Benefits_of_Using_Laser_Dentistry/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:31:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo Sedation Dentistry Discusses Dental Anxiety and ways to Deal with it Effectively</title><description>If you suffer from an overwhelming fear of dentists and dental procedures, you know how easy it is to &amp;ldquo;forget&amp;rdquo; to schedule regular appointments. This is actually a very common problem and affects millions of patients. Unfortunately postponing dental treatment almost always results in more invasive and more costly treatment.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
At our &lt;a href="/services/sedation-dentistry"&gt;Provo Sedation Dental Office&lt;/a&gt; your comfort and well being are of the greatest importance to our team. We work closely with you to reduce stress and provide painless and efficient treatments. We employ the most recent technological advancements including minimally invasive procedures that reduce your time in the chair and potential discomfort.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
But these factors alone may not give you the peace of mind you&amp;rsquo;re looking for when visiting your dentist. So what can you do to help alleviate this anxiety? Feeling a loss of being in control contributes to dental phobia. Here are some practical tips to help you feel more in control during your dental appointments and hopefully reduce your stress level.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Communicate with your dentist&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; You may find it embarrassing to talk about your fear, but your dentist needs to be aware of your anxiety in order to take the necessary precautions during treatment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Agree on a signal&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; Patients are often afraid that the dentist won&amp;rsquo;t know when and if they are experiencing pain or anxiety, and this contributes to their fear. Agree to a signal with your dentist beforehand. A simple &amp;ldquo;stop&amp;rdquo; hand signal can be used to alert your dentist to your discomfort immediately.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Use a throat spray&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; If you worry about gagging, sprays used for sore throats can help to keep the gag reflex under control for the duration of the appointment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Sedation&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;ndash; Sedation offers an excellent solution for many patients who would not otherwise be able to endure the treatment. Discuss the different types of sedation options available with your dentist before the appointment so you know exactly what to expect.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The best way to combat dental phobia, however, is to gather information beforehand. At our &lt;a href="/services/sedation-dentistry"&gt;Provo Sedation Dentist&lt;/a&gt; office, we are always available for a consultation to discuss procedures and treatments to help you understand exactly what your appointment will involve.&lt;br /&gt;
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</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=439636&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo_Sedation_Dentistry_Discusses_Dental_Anxiety_and_ways_to_Deal_with_it_Effectively%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo_Sedation_Dentistry_Discusses_Dental_Anxiety_and_ways_to_Deal_with_it_Effectively/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:54:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo UT Cosmetic Dentist Explains Lumineers and How they Work</title><description>If you&amp;rsquo;re looking for ways to transform your smile with a minimum of time and expense, Lumineers may be the solution to your cosmetic dentistry needs. Our &lt;a href="/services/cosmetic-dentistry"&gt;Provo Cosmetic Dentist Office&lt;/a&gt; can use versatile Lumineers to restore your beautiful smile in just two appointments. Many patients wonder how dental Lumineers can be effective when they are so thin. Actually, Lumineers are so effective precisely because they are thinner than traditional cosmetic options, such as veneers.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;How thin are Lumineers?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Lumineers are approximately 0.2 mm thick, which is about the same width as a contact lens. This makes them easier to apply, and less bulky on the tooth.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Why are Lumineers so thin?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Normally, a thicker veneer would require the dentist to remove large amounts of healthy tooth structure to accommodate the bulk of the veneers. Both Veneers and Lumineers offer stunning results, however veneers can compromise the structural integrity of a patient&amp;rsquo;s teeth in the process.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
The fact that Lumineers are ultra-thin is actually an asset for many patients. Because Lumineers are the width of a contact lens, patients can enjoy:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Minimal removal of healthy tooth structure: The placement of Lumineers requires significantly less removal of healthy tooth material than veneers do. Obviously, the more healthy material that remains, the better it is for your overall oral health. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;A removable cosmetic option: Because Lumineers are so thin, they are removable and completely reversible. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Natural-looking results: Lumineers are thin and translucent, so they reflect and refract light similarly to natural tooth enamel. Lumineers can change the color, size, or shape of your teeth while still appearing naturally radiant.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
Once Lumineers are bonded to natural teeth they are incredibly strong. These thin shells of multi-dimensional porcelain can completely transform your smile in just a few appointments. Contact &lt;a href="/services/cosmetic-dentistry"&gt;Provo Cosmetic Dental Office&lt;/a&gt;, and we will be happy to answer your questions about Lumineers.&lt;br /&gt;
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=420861&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo_UT_Cosmetic_Dentist_Explains_Lumineers_and_How_they_Work%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo_UT_Cosmetic_Dentist_Explains_Lumineers_and_How_they_Work/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:39:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo, UT Cosmetic Dentist Describes Strength of Porcelain Veneers</title><description>When researching solutions in cosmetic dentistry it&amp;rsquo;s obviously important to choose a material that is not only functional for daily use and maintenance, but it must also be natural looking. Find out why the &lt;a href="/services/cosmetic-dentistry"&gt;Provo, UT Cosmetic Dentist&lt;/a&gt; uses porcelain as we explain the nature of this material when used for dental veneers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Porcelain mimics the appearance and strength of dental enamel and is the choice today for many patients when choosing veneers. Porcelain veneers offer solutions for a variety of cosmetic problems, and veneers virtually transform a smile in only a few appointments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If you are affected by any of these issues - &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Dark or Stained enamel&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Cracked/chipped dental enamel&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Misaligned teeth&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Gaps between teeth&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Pitted/grooved teeth&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
- Porcelain veneers can be successfully used to correct the problem and many others, and may be the solution for you. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Why Choose Veneers?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
There are so many cosmetic options available today and many patients want more information and may wonder why choosing veneers rather than another procedure makes sense. The truth is that you should weigh all of your potential options to make the right decision for your specific situation. The primary benefit of porcelain veneers, however, is that they&amp;rsquo;ll blend with your natural teeth since they closely replicate natural dental enamel.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Appearance&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Porcelain reflects and absorbs light similarly to natural enamel and is used for a number of cosmetic solutions. It can be shaped and shaded to fit your natural tooth coloring and is resistant to staining because of its smooth glasslike finish. That same quality keeps them from looking dull or flat and retains its white, bright appearance for years. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Strength&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Porcelain is often thought to be a fragile material but at &lt;a href="/services/cosmetic-dentistry"&gt;Provo Cosmetic Dentistry&lt;/a&gt; we know that it is actually quite strong when used in dental applications. Porcelain veneers don&amp;rsquo;t put unnecessary strain on neighboring teeth and patients can chew normally and follow their normal routine of oral hygiene. Porcelain is an ideal material for dental restorations and is popular with dentists and patients alike. &lt;br /&gt;
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=410064&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo%252c_UT_Cosmetic_Dentist_Describes_Strength_of_Porcelain_Veneers%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo,_UT_Cosmetic_Dentist_Describes_Strength_of_Porcelain_Veneers/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:57:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo, UT Cosmetic Dentist Discusses the Advantages of Invisalign™ Clear Aligners</title><description>A beautiful, healthy smile can make a great first impression, but if you have crooked or uneven teeth, you may be less than confident about your smile. If you&amp;rsquo;ve been putting off having this corrected because you don't want to endure the process and time involved in wearing traditional braces, you are not alone. But there are options to correct alignment issues and give you back your beautiful smile. Today, let's take a look at some of the advantages of using the Invisalign&amp;trade; system.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
What makes Invisalign aligners preferable to traditional braces?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;em&gt;Easy Treatment Plan&lt;/em&gt;: Your Invisalign&amp;trade; treatment starts when we take the X-rays used to create a 3-d digital image of your mouth.&amp;nbsp; Next, you&amp;rsquo;ll be given a series of custom-made aligners that you will take home and change about every two weeks. You will see the difference in your smile every time you change aligners! You will be scheduled for checkups every six weeks or so at our &lt;a href="/services/invisalign"&gt;Provo Cosmetic Dentist&lt;/a&gt; office so we can monitor your progress.&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;em&gt;Convenient&lt;/em&gt;: Simply wear your aligners throughout the day, removing them to eat. This allows you to eat foods you love without the worry of particles getting stuck in wires and brackets. &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;em&gt;Easily removable&lt;/em&gt;: You will continue to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Your Invisalign&amp;trade; aligners can simply be brushed and rinsed in lukewarm water.&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;em&gt;Adaptable to your active lifestyle&lt;/em&gt;: Since Invisalign&amp;trade; aligners are nearly invisible; most people won&amp;rsquo;t even notice you&amp;rsquo;re wearing them. You don&amp;rsquo;t have to worry about the discomfort of metal braces and wires that can poke and irritate your mouth, and if you&amp;rsquo;re involved in contact sports, Invisalign&amp;trade; aligners are easily removed, enabling you to wear a protective mouth guard if necessary.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;How long does the entire process take?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
It&amp;rsquo;s difficult to say exactly how long you will need to wear your Invisalign&amp;trade; aligners since everyone is unique. Contact the &lt;a href="/services/invisalign"&gt;Cosmetic Dentist Utah&lt;/a&gt; for a free consultation to evaluate your individual situation. Generally speaking though, Invisalign&amp;trade; treatment usually takes about a year for adults. For teens, the length of treatment is comparable to that of traditional braces, with less discomfort and the added advantage of seeing the improvement every time you change aligners!
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=396943&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo%252c_UT_Cosmetic_Dentist_Discusses_the_Advantages_of_Invisalign%25e2%2584%25a2_Clear_Aligners%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo,_UT_Cosmetic_Dentist_Discusses_the_Advantages_of_Invisalign™_Clear_Aligners/</guid><pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:47:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo, UT Implant Dentist Reviews the Dental Implant Fixture</title><description>Have you been hiding your smile because you&amp;rsquo;re self-conscious about missing teeth? Maybe you&amp;rsquo;ve heard about implants but have put off doing anything about it because you&amp;rsquo;re just not sure what dental implants are exactly?&lt;br /&gt;
You&amp;rsquo;ve probably heard that dental implants are an excellent permanent solution for missing teeth, and that they are being used increasingly in place of traditional tooth replacement methods. But what are they and why do they work? Let&amp;rsquo;s take a look at the three basic components of a dental implant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Dental Implant Fixture&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The Dental Implant Fixture is the part of the implant that is embedded in and becomes anchored to the jawbone through a process called &amp;ldquo;osseointegration&amp;rdquo;. Osseointegration simply refers to the process where the implant and surrounding tissue grow together, creating a permanent, new structure. This portion of the dental implant lies below the gum line and is sometimes referred to as the &amp;ldquo;artificial root&amp;rdquo;. The implant fixture is made of titanium in a screw-shaped design, and the surface is microscopically roughened, increasing its total surface area and creating greater bone-to-implant contact.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The Dental Implant Abutment&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The abutment of a tooth implant is the stub portion of the fixture that will sit slightly above the gum line with a protruding surface that the crown or bridgework will rest upon. In order for the implant fixture to have time to fully integrate with the bone, the abutment is usually attached to the implant fixture by your &lt;a href="/services/dental-implants"&gt;Provo Cosmetic Dentist&lt;/a&gt; several months after the titanium screw portion is placed. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Dental Prosthesis&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
This is the part of the implant unit that is visible and will become your new tooth. &amp;ldquo;Prosthesis&amp;rdquo; refers to the dental crown or dental bridgework that is supported by the implant and the abutment described above. Depending on how this dental work has been designed, it can either be cemented or screwed into place. The placement of the dental prosthesis is the final step in the implant process.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If you are missing one or more teeth you may be a good candidate for dental implants. But each patient has different needs, so schedule a consultation with &lt;a href="/services/dental-implants"&gt;Provo Cosmetic Dentistry Office&lt;/a&gt; to determine if dental implants are right for you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=387174&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo%252c_UT_Implant_Dentist_Reviews_the_Dental_Implant_Fixture%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo,_UT_Implant_Dentist_Reviews_the_Dental_Implant_Fixture/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:05:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo Dental Reviews Importance of Regular Professional Cleanings</title><description>For a patient with no serious ongoing dental needs, teeth cleanings are recommended once every six months.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; During your regular visit, your dental hygienist will evaluate and identify signs of inflammation and disease and, discuss the findings with you and your dentist. Your &lt;a href="/services/family-dentistry"&gt;Provo Family Dentist&lt;/a&gt; and dental hygienist will then work together to identify underlying issues that could compromise your oral health.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A plan for treatment will then be developed based on your dental needs. Keep in mind that every patient is unique with their own specific needs and risk factors for gum disease. As a result, more frequent cleaning and a more intense cleaning regimen may be established for at-home oral hygiene.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
During a routine cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline. If plaque and tartar debris are allowed to build up and remain around and below the gumline, it may lead to gum disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis is more advanced than gum disease, or inflammation of the soft tissues.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Periodontal disease is caused by the overgrowth and accumulation of dental plaque, which causes disintegration of the bone around the teeth, forming pockets between your teeth and under your gums. These pockets become infected and will continue to deepen, causing the boney foundation to disintegrate and your teeth to become loose, putting you at risk for tooth loss. General dentistry and a routine of regular visits to &lt;a href="/services/family-dentistry"&gt;Provo, UT Dental Care&lt;/a&gt; for cleanings can help prevent periodontitis through the removal of soft plaque and hard calculus (tartar) during a cleaning.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Additionally, a routine dental cleaning will also improve the appearance of your smile by reducing surface staining. Over time, the cumulative staining effect of certain beverages and foods can cause your teeth to become discolored. A regular visit to your hygienist will include polishing of your teeth which will help to reduce the staining.&lt;br /&gt;
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=378097&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo_Dental_Reviews_Importance_of_Regular_Professional_Cleanings%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo_Dental_Reviews_Importance_of_Regular_Professional_Cleanings/</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:08:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo, UT Dentist Explains the Value Family Dentistry</title><description>The practice of family dentistry is similar to general dentistry; both types of dentistry handle oral hygiene and tooth health, but family dentists usually accept patients of all ages, establishing an important ongoing relationship with you and your family.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Family dentistry provides preventative dentistry services, such as regular cleanings and fluoride treatments, routine x-rays and other basic dental work. The emphasis at &lt;a href="/services/family-dentistry"&gt;Provo Family Dentist&lt;/a&gt; office is prevention. The American Dental Association suggests visits to your family dentist for checkups a minimum of two times a year. During each checkup, you will have a routine oral examination and cleaning to get rid of stains and plaque buildup in order to prevent tooth decay and gum problems. Your dentist will give you tips and recommendations for brushing, flossing and rinsing at home to prevent plaque and tooth decay between appointments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Monitoring the oral health of your family from the time they&amp;rsquo;re babies and into adulthood establishes an ongoing relationship with your Family Dentist.&amp;nbsp; It is especially important that young children establish a comfortable relationship with a family dentist. At &lt;a href="/services/family-dentistry"&gt;Provo, UT Family Dentistry&lt;/a&gt; we address the special needs of our young patients by creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to make your child&amp;rsquo;s visit as stress-free as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It is important to schedule regular appointments for checkups, so that your dentist can catch any problems before more extensive and costly dental work becomes necessary. Finding a family dentistry practice with which your whole family is comfortable can take a lot of stress out of making and keeping your regularly scheduled appointments. Your family dentist is trained to keep your teeth healthy by providing preventative care. It&amp;rsquo;s possible that with routine visits every six months, you may never have to seek additional dental services. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=371374&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo%252c_UT_Dentist_Explains_the_Value_Family_Dentistry%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo,_UT_Dentist_Explains_the_Value_Family_Dentistry/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:41:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Enjoy a Stress-Free Visit to Provo Dentist through Sedation Dentistry</title><description>Many new patients come to me expressing fear and hesitation because of dental phobia. If you suffer with a similar problem, you should know that this issue is fairly common for many people. However, dental phobia can result in neglected oral care and long-term problems that become difficult and costly to repair. But there are is an easier way, and you now have many options available to you through Sedation Dentistry&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
When you arrive for your consultation, we will begin by discussing advancements in modern sedation dentistry and how it has improved the experience for patients like yourself who suffer from dental phobia. Sedation Dentistry refers to the practice of administering specific sedatives that will reduce your anxiety and enable you to become quite relaxed. Through the use of Sedation Dentistry, your visits to &lt;a href="/services/sedation-dentistry"&gt;Provo Cosmetic Dentist&lt;/a&gt; will be anxiety-free from start to finish&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everyone reacts differently to different types of sedation so there are many factors to take into account (such as physical structure and mindset) when choosing your best sedation option. We work closely with you to match your needs with the appropriate sedation option for you. We also keep you fully informed every step of the way about the specific type of sedation chosen for you. Some of these treatments include:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    Inhalation Sedation &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    Oral Sedation&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    IV (Intravenous) Sedation&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;
    General Anesthesia (GA) &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
A controlled and regulated approach to your chosen level of sedation allows us to monitor your comfort throughout the duration of your treatment and ensure that your post-procedure experience leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed. With Sedation Dentistry at &lt;a href="/services/sedation-dentistry"&gt;Provo, UT Dentistry&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp; you can now achieve the beautiful smile that you have always wanted without fear, stress or anxiety.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=362764&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fEnjoy_a_Stress-Free_Visit_to_Provo_Dentist_through_Sedation_Dentistry%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Enjoy_a_Stress-Free_Visit_to_Provo_Dentist_through_Sedation_Dentistry/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:53:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo Dentist Answers Questions about Xylitol Gum</title><description>&lt;p&gt;A number of my patients have come to me asking for more information about the benefits of Xylitol and Xylitol gum for maintaining healthy teeth. Today I&amp;rsquo;d like to address some of their questions and provide more facts about Xylitol.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What is Xylitol?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Xylitol is a natural sweetener first discovered in birch tree bark and also found in many fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is actually good for your teeth, unlike many other natural or synthetic sweeteners. Numerous clinical studies have shown that Xylitol does indeed prevent the growth of bacteria that causes decay. It also helps to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce plaque. Products sweetened with xylitol create an unwelcome environment for bacteria; they simply cannot stick to teeth in a xylitol-rich environment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What are other benefits of Xylitol?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In addition, it not only has fewer calories and less effect on blood sugar than sucrose, but xylitol also inhibits the creation of acid in the mouth. This minimizes the damage done to your teeth, as well as allowing your teeth to heal at a faster rate. Xylitol has a low glycemic index of 7, compared to sugar's level of 83.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Because Xylitol is low on the glycemic index, many diabetic patients can enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. When patients at my &lt;a href="/services/family-dentistry"&gt;Provo Dentist Office&lt;/a&gt; complain about frequent dry mouth, I can confidently recommend Xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production without promoting tooth decay.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Is using Xylitol gum a substitute for brushing and dental exams?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The answer to this question is a resounding &amp;ldquo;No!&amp;rdquo; If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing Xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly after meals and get routine exams and dental cleanings at your &lt;a href="/services/family-dentistry"&gt;Provo, UT Dentist Office.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=351134&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo_Dentist_Answers_Questions_about_Xylitol_Gum%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo_Dentist_Answers_Questions_about_Xylitol_Gum/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:34:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Provo Implant Dentist Shares the Facts of Titanium in Dental Implants</title><description>&lt;p&gt;As new technologies are developed in other industries, modern dentistry has kept pace, utilizing modern methods and materials that were not available even twenty years ago. These new methods not only open new areas of treatment in general and restorative dentistry, but greatly enhance the patient&amp;rsquo;s comfort and recovery time. A good example is the seeming explosion of the use of dental implants made possible in recent years through the use of titanium.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dental implants can now be used to replace missing teeth. A titanium &amp;lsquo;root&amp;rsquo; is implanted into the jaw and allowed to integrate into the surrounding tissue and bone (referred to as osseointegration). Once the &amp;lsquo;root&amp;rsquo; has integrated with the structure of the jaw, a dental prosthetic is attached, creating a &amp;lsquo;new&amp;rsquo; tooth.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some patients are concerned about the safety of titanium because it is a foreign substance, but your &lt;a href="/services/dental-implants"&gt;Provo Cosmetic Dentist&lt;/a&gt; knows that there is simply no other metal in existence that can be introduced into the human body safely and with the benefits of titanium, and it has become the metal of choice within the medical field. Titanium is:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Strong, yet lightweight&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Corrosion Resistant&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Cost-efficient&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Non-toxic&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Biocompatible (non-toxic AND not rejected by the body)&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Long-lasting&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Non-ferromagnetic (patients with titanium implants can safely obtain MRI&amp;rsquo;s) &lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Osseointegrated (the joining of bone with artificial implant)&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Flexible and elastic rivaling that of human bone&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Titanium is also incredibly durable and long-lasting and can last longer than 20 years. Titanium dental implants can be safely used as titanium is judged to be completely inert and immune to corrosion by all body fluids and tissue, making it completely bio-compatible.&lt;/p&gt;
If you&amp;rsquo;re embarrassed about missing teeth, contact our &lt;a href="/services/dental-implants"&gt;Provo, UT Dentist Office&lt;/a&gt; today for a free consultation. It is possible to bring back your beautiful smile safely and effectively with long-lasting dental implants.&lt;br /&gt;
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</description><link>http://www.provodentalcare.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=11537&amp;A=Link&amp;ObjectID=340788&amp;ObjectType=56&amp;O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.provodentalcare.com%252f_blog%252fProvo_Dental_Care_Blog%252fpost%252fProvo_Implant_Dentist_Shares_the_Facts_of_Titanium_in_Dental_Implants%252f</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.provodentalcare.com/_blog/Provo_Dental_Care_Blog/post/Provo_Implant_Dentist_Shares_the_Facts_of_Titanium_in_Dental_Implants/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:22:00 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
