Galleria Dental Smiles

Products And Services

• Cosmetic Dentistry

  Types of Cosmetic Dentistry If you are looking to improve your smile, consider these options: Teeth whitening. Teeth can darken and stain over time due to certain foods and beverages, as well as certain medications and smoking. Visit your local drugstore and there are many options to instantly whiten your smile. Toothpastes, mouthwashes, strips, pens and mouthguards are common products you can buy over the counter. While they are relatively inexpensive, they only offer temporary whitening for your teeth. Your dentist can offer more permanent results through in-office whitening such as Zoom. With Zoom, your teeth can become 8-10 shades brighter in just an hour. Bonding. Bonding uses a composite material that is the same color as your teeth to fix teeth that are cracked, chipped, worn or decayed. It can also be used to whiten teeth. The dentist sculpts the material onto your tooth and then cures it with a special light that hardens it. if you’re looking to fix a couple teeth, bonding is an inexpensive way to do so. Veneers. Veneers can give you the Hollywood smile that so many of your favorite celebrities have. Veneers are thin shells that are personalized to fit each person’s mouth. made of ceramic, veneers can fix a variety of dental issues, from gaps to cracked teeth to misshapen teeth to crooked teeth. Veneers require some removal of enamel to ensure the best fit. They are affixed to your existing teeth using dental adhesive. Implants. If you are missing one or several teeth, dental implants are a great way to restore your smile. Your dentist will insert a titanium screw into your jaw to serve as the tooth’s root. A crown is then placed onto the end of the screw. Implants look and function like real teeth. While they are expensive – costing a couple thousand dollars per tooth – they last a long time and many people are happy with them.

• TMD Treatment

  Some people suffer from painful TMJ disorders. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints, which allow you to open and close your mouth. These joints also help you eat, chew, swallow and speak. Each joint has a ball and socket with a disc in between. There are many muscles, ligaments, bones and discs that have to work together. If they don’t, TMJ disorders can occur. Symptoms of TMJ disorders including jaw pain, clicking and popping noises when opening the mouth, sore jaw muscles, headaches, earaches and popping sounds in the ears. TMJ disorders can be caused by alignment issues, stress, teeth grinding, injuries and arthritis. Your dentist can help diagnose your condition may examining your mouth and jaw. They will check the muscles and joints for any tenderness, mobility issues, clicking and popping. They will also ask you about the pain you experience. If they do find that you suffer from a TMJ disorder, they will discuss treatment options.

• Sedation Dentistry

  Many people have a fear of the dentist. They may feel antsy sitting in a chair for a long period of time. They may be scared of the dentist’s tools. Perhaps they had a painful experience in the past and don’t want to relive it again. Some people have sensitive nerves or a small mouth, making it painful to go to the dentist. This fear is normal. People of all ages experience anxiety while at the dentist’s office. It is not always a comfortable experience. However, this does not mean you should avoid the dentist entirely. Regular visits are needed to keep teeth clean and healthy and avoid serious oral health issues. By delaying treatment, you are only making matters worse. If you are scared of the dentist, talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses medications to help you feel more relaxed in the dentist’s chair. With the right drug administered before or during the procedure, you can relieve your anxiety and get the dental care you need to maintain a healthy smile for life.

• Invisalign

  If you’re a teen or adult with misaligned teeth, your dentist may recommend braces. Metal braces are not something any young person dreams about. These braces are very noticeable and can cause some people to feel very self-conscious. They may be afraid to smile, laugh or even speak. This can negatively impact their social lives. However, you should not simply ignore your teeth alignment issues. It is important to treat these issues early on before they get worse. The sooner you take action, the less treatment you will need, and the least expensive it will be. The good news is that metal braces are no longer the only option for straightening teeth. You can achieve the perfect smile without anyone even noticing. This is possible with Invisalign clear aligners. These aligners offer many benefits over metal braces and can fix a variety of alignment issues, including crossbites, overbites, underbites, open bites, crowded teeth and gaps.

• Dental Implants

  Missing teeth is a common concern among Americans. Oftentimes, patients believe replacing missing teeth is a cosmetic choice. However, replacing them is essential for good oral health. Missing teeth are known to cause issues such as decay, periodontal disease, and teeth shifting. Additionally, missing teeth can make chewing and speaking difficult. Fortunately, patients have the option of replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Implants are highly favored for their natural-looking results and longevity. Learn more about dental implants below and contact Galleria Dental of Alexandria today. Our dentists will evaluate your mouth structure and medical history to see if dental implants are right for you. What are Dental Implants? In short, dental implants are biocompatible tooth roots that are inserted into the jaw bone. They resemble a natural tooth root to replace the tooth and preserve the jawbone. Essentially, missing teeth can cause the jawbone to deteriorate and lose shape. While other teeth replacement options exist, dental implants are the only method of preserving the jawbone’s integrity along with replacing teeth. For this reason, most patients prefer dental implants.

• Teeth Whitening

  Unfortunately, teeth do not stay sparkling white forever. Teeth can discolor for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are drinking certain beverages, such as coffee, tea, wine, and sodas. Smoking is also a culprit, causing teeth to turn a dingy yellow. Medications can also cause stained teeth. Even the simple act of aging can make teeth less white than before. The good news is that there are a variety of products available to whiten and brighten teeth. Your local drugstore offers trays, toothpaste, strips, pens and other methods to whiten teeth in the comfort of your own home. These products, however, incorporate low doses of bleaching agents, so they only offer temporary whitening. While you can get quick, easy and inexpensive results, the color won’t last. It becomes a continuous cycle of buying product after product. If your stained teeth are making you self-conscious, consider a professional whitening by your dentist. Just one hour in the dentist’s chair can make your teeth 8-10 shades lighter.

• Dental Emergency

  Common Dental Emergencies The most common dental emergency is a broken or displaced tooth. This most often occurs during contact sports, such as football, hockey or basketball. It can also occur when falling off a bike. The best way to avoid this is to wear a mouthguard to protect the teeth. Lacerations and bleeding in the gums or tongue can also be emergency situations, especially when the bleeding does not stop or there is significant pain. Oral infections can also occur, requiring immediate dental care. Swelling in the jaw and difficulty breathing or swallowing can be signs of Ludwig’s angina, which is a rare infection that occurs underneath the tongue. This is often caused by a tooth abscess. dental x-ray | dental emergency alexandria va If you are experiencing pain is so severe you cannot sleep, this could be a sign of some other infection. Seek dental assistance right away. Keep in mind that may dental issues can be prevented with regular cleanings and exams. When a Tooth is Knocked Out The most serious dental emergency is when a tooth is completely knocked out. Without quick action, the tooth may not be able to be saved. Your best chance of success is getting the tooth re-implanted within 30 minutes of the injury. When a tooth is knocked out, handle it carefully and only by the crown, or the top part of the tooth. Quickly rinse it to remove any dirt. Do not scrub it. Rinse out your mouth with warm water and gently re-insert your tooth into the socket. Keep it in place by biting down on gauze. If this is not possible, keep the tooth between your cheek and gums to keep it moist. You can also store your tooth in whole milk. Call your dentist or go to the closest emergency room right away.