Dental Crowns & Bridges

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that helps straighten teeth without metal braces. Instead, it uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that fit over your teeth and gently move them into the proper position over time. They’re barely noticeable, and they can be removed, which is one reason why many patients choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces. Since they aren’t attached to the teeth, oral hygiene is much easier and they don’t require uncomfortable adjustment appointments. 

What Else is Invisalign Used For?

While Invisalign is primarily used for a straighter smile, it can also prevent chipping, wear, and TMJ. Beyond straightening the teeth, Invisalign can be used for:

• Gaps between the teeth
• Mild to moderate overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites
• Overcrowded teeth

Why Is Proper Teeth Positioning Important?

If the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly when biting or chewing, it can cause painful muscles and joints, headaches, worn teeth, and, in some cases, fractures. Over time, misaligned teeth can also become crooked or crowded. 

Although a straight smile has cosmetic benefits, it’s even more important for the way your mouth functions and overall oral health. Crooked or crowded teeth can affect your speech and ability to chew. Even worse, they can make it very difficult to brush and floss thoroughly, putting those teeth at a higher risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Believe it or not, jaw alignment can even affect the way you breathe.

Find Out if Invisalign is Right for You

Having a straight smile is great—but it’s even better when you have fewer dental issues to worry about! And fewer dental issues equal a happier, healthier smile overall. For more information on Invisalign or to find out if you’re a good candidate for this treatment, contact an Enamel Dentistry near you!

Dental emergencies can cause a lot of pain and discomfort; they can even potentially lead to long-term complications. But how do you define a dental emergency? When should you rush to the dentist, and when it is reasonable to wait until your next scheduled appointment? 

For your health and comfort, it’s important to understand the difference between an urgent issue that should be seen right away, and a non-urgent dental concern that can wait. Here are some tips to help you recognize when you need immediate attention. 

[Breakout section in its own block: If you’re having a dental emergency, we’re here to help. Call or visit your closest Enamel Dentistry location or contact us after hours at (512) 710-1045.]

Identifying Urgent Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are surprisingly common; according to American Family Physician, approximately 22% of Americans reported having oral pain within the past 6 months. 

However, not every dental concern demands urgent attention. We consider a dental emergency to be any issue that needs immediate treatment to stop bleeding and pain, save a tooth, or clear up an infection. Here are some examples of common dental emergencies that should be seen right away:

• Persistent or severe toothaches
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Swollen mouth or jaw
• Exposed nerves
• Knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth 
• Loose teeth
• Dental infections 
• Abscesses

If you’re having trouble deciding whether your concern would be considered a dental emergency, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the pain severe?
• Are you experiencing a fair amount of bleeding?
• Did you lose a tooth?
• Are your teeth loose?
• Are you having difficulty speaking or eating due to the issue? 
• Is there significant swelling in your face, jaw, or around the affected area? 
• Have you noticed any unusual discharge or pus around your gums or teeth? 
• Have you sustained a recent injury to your mouth or face? 
• Are you feeling generally unwell or experiencing fever along with the dental problem? 
• Have you recently undergone dental surgery or treatment that could be related to the current issue?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should receive emergency attention. If you're still uncertain about the severity of a dental situation, give us a call or stop by the office, and we can provide guidance on which steps to take next. 

Examples of Non-Urgent Dental Concerns

Non-urgent dental concerns should still be dealt with as soon as possible, but they don’t necessarily require immediate treatment; they can generally be seen the next day during normal office hours. Some examples of non-urgent dental emergencies include:

• Dull toothaches
• A lost filling, crown, or bridge
• Food lodged between the teeth 
• Broken or cracked teeth without severe pain
• Chipped teeth 
• Mild gum discomfort

Why is it Important to Get Prompt Treatment for Dental Emergencies?

Addressing dental emergencies promptly is important for several reasons. Many dental emergencies are painful; seeking immediate treatment helps us alleviate your pain as soon as possible and prevent it from getting worse. 

Beyond pain relief, receiving immediate care is essential for preserving your overall oral health. Left unaddressed for too long, some issues can lead to further damage, potential complications, or infections. In instances where a tooth is knocked out or dislodged, immediate treatment significantly increases the chances of successfully saving it. 

At Enamel Dentistry, your oral health and comfort are our top priorities. Whether you have a dental emergency or a non-urgent concern, our experienced dentists are committed to providing high-quality dental care in any situation. 

If you’re a new parent and your toddler has swollen gums, you may be concerned. Is this normal? Do you need to call a dentist? How can you help them with the pain and discomfort of gum swelling? In this blog from Enamel Dentistry, we’ll answer all of your questions about toddlers and swollen gums.

Should I Be Worried About My Toddler’s Swollen Gums? 

In most cases, the answer is no. Gum health issues like gingivitis are very rare in toddlers. If your toddler’s gums are swollen and tender, this is likely due to the natural teething process.

As the teeth begin to move beneath the surface of the gums, the gums may look swollen or red, and seem inflamed. Your toddler may also be cranky or complain of pain in their mouth if they’re old enough to do so. 

However, this is completely normal. As their tooth erupts, their gums will stop swelling and will become less inflamed. Once the tooth has fully erupted, you will no longer notice any serious inflammation or swelling around the area. 

Throughout the teething process, make sure to follow proper pediatric oral care precautions to keep your child’s mouth healthy. Brush their teeth with a blob of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice (until the age of 3), and make sure you see your dentist at Enamel Dentistry every six months for a consultation.

Tips To Mitigate Teething Pain At Home

Teething can cause your child a lot of discomfort, but there are a few easy ways you can mitigate teething pain at home. 

• Rub your child’s gums with wet gauze or a clean finger. The pressure helps reduce discomfort.
• Use a cold spoon or teething ring to soothe your child’s gums. Cooling down the gums can help with pain.
• Try over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol or Motrin for kids. The analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties of these NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) will provide your child with relief from teething discomfort.

When Should I Call My Dentist? 

While this is rare in toddlers who are receiving proper oral care, it’s possible for toddlers to be affected by gingivitis or gum infections. If your toddler’s gums are very swollen, discolored, and bleed easily, they may have gingivitis.

Other potential signs of an issue include a high fever, pus draining from any area of their gums, or red streaks leading from a particular area of their gums. If you notice any of these issues, you should call your pediatric dentist for an emergency consultation immediately. 

Get The Dental Care You Need For Your Toddler At Enamel Dentistry

At Enamel Dentistry, we serve all of Austin with expert preventive and pediatric dental care. If your child is teething and you want to make sure their mouth is healthy, don’t wait. Contact us online to visit us at our South Lamar, Parmer Park, Lantana Place, or Saltillo location, and get your little one the care they need.