Make sure you find the dentist that has “been there, done that” and not a novice fresh off the boat. Find out if they have any specialties, or extra certifications, what continuing education do they take advantage of, etc. They may have a “smile gallery” showcasing the work they’ve done for similar patients that needed a little tooth repair like you do. Take a look at that for insight. If you want to learn more, ask for an interview. Any dentist worth their salt would be pleased to have you come in for a free evaluation and sit down.

Next, be sure that the cosmetic dentist you are looking into can perform all the procedures you might want. Not every dentist is trained or offers every option available. Your particular interest may only be offered by an orthodontist, etc.

Finally, read reviews about your dentist from previous patients. There are all sorts of review sites, and the dentist themselves should have lots of information on their own website. Take advantage of modern technology!

If you’d like to come in for an interview and evaluate our cosmetic dentistry services, call our helpful team at Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. Phone: 513-771-5212, or come by our office in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The post Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist for Your Mouth Makeover first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

Question: What are some of the common procedures for repairing smiles?
Answer: To help repair your smile, consider the use of restorations that can fill in cavities, such as dental fillings, treatments that remove stains or discolorations, such as teeth whitening treatments, or treatments that provide additional layers of protection, such as dental crowns and veneers.

Question: What are some of the benefits of fixing damage to your teeth and gums?
Answer: By repairing your smile, you can lower your risk of further damage or infections. If left untreated, dental damage could potentially lead to tooth loss.

Question: How can tooth restorations help prevent further damage?
Answer: Tooth restorations such as dental crowns and veneers can add an additional layer of protection to help resist damage that would otherwise occur to your smile. Dental fillings can lower your risk of tooth failure by filling in cavities.

If you would like to set up an oral exam for a tooth restoration at Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry or would like an all-inclusive oral health exam from Dr. Alexis Mai and our team at our dental office, please call us at 513-771-5212. We are here to be the dentist you require in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The post Dentistry FAQs: Tooth Restorations first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

-Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after you brush and floss your teeth.

-Rinse your toothbrush with warm water after brushing and then store the brush upright in an area where it can air dry.

-Don’t put a toothbrush cover over your toothbrush until your bristles are dry. However, it’s OK to use a cover that has ventilation. It’s important to avoid putting a closed cover over your toothbrush because it can create an environment that grows bacteria.

-Use a completely dry toothbrush each time you clean your smile.

-Don’t share your toothbrush with your family members, friends or anyone else.

-Always replace your toothbrush every three to four months (or after your toothbrush bristles have been worn down) and after you have been sick.

Call Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today at 513-771-5212 and talk to a member of our dental team if you have any questions. We will be more than happy to tell you all about how to have a clean toothbrush in Cincinnati, Ohio. We look forward to hearing from and helping you!

The post Tips for Maintaining a Clean Toothbrush first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

– Over-the-counter whitening systems are extremely popular and can be found almost anywhere these days. They can be purchased online or in stores and tout benefits of providing whitening benefits to last for years. In some cases, these products can potentially bleach your gums and damage your tooth enamel so be sure to speak with your dentist about product recommendations and suggestions before using any over-the-counter products.

– For the highest quality whitening system consider a professional in-office whitening treatment. These are applied directly to your teeth using a customizable tray to give you the maximum possible hold and the safest, most effective treatment.

– For brush ups and easy cleanings, your dentist can give you at-home treatment kits which can be used in your own spare time. They are safe and effective for use.

If you require aid for a whiter smile via a tooth whitening treatment, you are welcome to book an appointment with Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry by calling 513-771-5212. Dr. Alexis Mai and our entire team at our dentist office in Cincinnati, Ohio, look forward to enhancing your smile with teeth whitening treatments.

The post Dentistry Blog for Beginners: Teeth Whitening Treatments first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

Composite dental fillings are extremely effective for minimizing tooth decay and filling in any cavities that have begun. Through the use of a composite dental filling, you can apply a material to mimic the color of your natural teeth. In addition, composite fillings can even be used on extremely small cavities.

One of the greatest benefits of composite fillings can be repaired and replaced many times over without ever removing the original filling? A single composite filling can last between 7 to 10 years of regular use. In addition, composite fillings can help prevent tooth fracture and are mercury-free. They’re also extremely effective for sealing the margins of teeth so that leaks do not occur.

Don’t wait for a dental filling treatment. If you would like to know if you require a composite filling, please schedule an oral exam with Dr. Alexis Mai and our team at Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at our dentist office in Cincinnati, Ohio, by calling us at 513-771-5212.

The post Holiday Dentistry: Composite Dental Fillings first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

By implementing saliva production techniques in your smile, you can drastically lower your risk for tooth decay. Saliva is necessary to keep your smile safe and free of dental damage in the form of oral accidents and injuries that can often arise to your teeth and gums. One highly effective method for increasing saliva production is by chewing sugarless gum after meals.

If you are looking for new ways to improve your overall health, look no further than chewing sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum can be a factor for your oral hygiene because it can help enhance the abundance of saliva in your mouth. By chewing sugarless gum after meals, you can help increase the amount of saliva flow on your teeth and gums. Saliva has been proven to be extremely effective for keeping your smile safe from dental dangers such as harmful acids and plaque buildup.

In order to help protect your smile, it is always a good idea to look for additional benefits of chewing sugarless gum. Believe it or not, chewing sugarless gum can also help treat and prevent heartburn. This is because heartburn occurs when stomach acids travel to your mouth and reach your teeth, which can lead to dental erosion. Chewing sugarless gum will help form saliva which will neutralize these acids and keep your teeth and gums safe.

To help improve your oral health care, it’s important to make sure you do not use toothbrushes and toothpaste after meals. This is because your teeth may be extra sensitive at this time and may be damaged further due to the cleaning tools.  For this reason, dental abrasion could occur. Instead, try using products such as chewing sugarless gum or mouthwash to clean your mouth out after eating.

When you are ready to take the next step in your oral health care quest with advanced oral health care treatments, we will be here for you. If you are interested in advanced oral health care treatments from Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at our dentist office in Cincinnati, Ohio, call us at 513-771-5212. Dr. Alexis Mai and our team look forward to providing advanced oral health care treatments.

The post Discover Your Smile with Chewing Gum first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

De-Stress: The holidays can be stressful. Make sure you are taking time to unwind, to release tension in your body. Body tension often manifests itself in clenching or grinding teeth, which can make them dull and flat, and damage tooth enamel. De-stressing can be as simple as taking a short walk, doing some yoga or other stretches, or meditating for 15-30 minutes.

Mouthwash: Consider adding a therapeutic mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine this holiday season. Therapeutic mouthwashes are those that kill bacteria rather than simply freshening breath. Though not a required part of an oral hygiene routine, many types of mouthwash can be very helpful.

Beverages:  Along with the holidays come many acidic beverages-soft drinks, fruit juice, wassail, punch, and wine, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks. Be aware that coating your teeth with acid is bad for them. Accompany all acidic beverages with a large glass of water. Also be aware that alcohol actually contributes to dehydration, so drinking water along with it is a good idea for your overall wellness.

Visit Your Dentist: Visiting your dentist early can help avoid emergency dental visits in the middle of your holiday. To schedule an appointment in Cincinnati, Ohio, call Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at 513-771-5212. Dr. Alexis Mai and our team are happy to help!

The post More Than Brushing: Holiday Mouth Care first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

Dental veneer treatment
Your dentist, Dr. Alexis Mai, will start treatment by numbing your tooth and possibly the surrounding gums. This will help you feel comfortable throughout the appointment. Then, she will shave a section of the front surface of the tooth to make room for the dental veneer. If she doesn’t trim the tooth, the veneer will make the tooth look bulky. Next, she will make an impression of the tooth and will send it to a dental lab where technicians will carefully craft your personalized veneer. When it’s ready and sent to our office, your dentist will cement it over your tooth.

Dental veneer care
Caring for a dental veneer is simple and easy. All you need to do is care for it like your other teeth. Just make sure to brush twice a day, floss and rinse daily, and visit your dentist every six months for your checkup appointments.

Do you have any questions about dental veneers in Cincinnati, Ohio? If so, please reach out to Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at 513-771-5212 and talk to a member of our dental team. We are happy to give you the information you’re looking for so you can know more about dental veneers!

The post Dental Veneers Can Enhance a Tooth and Improve Your Smile first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

While many people are good candidates for implants, before you move ahead with the procedure, you should see your dentist for an exam and a consultation. For implants to be successful you will need to have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support your them. Surgery can improve your gums and increase your jawbone, and surgery is also required for place the implants. With that in mind, if you have immune system issues, immunosuppressants, or have hemophilia, implants may not be for you. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, or have had radiation treatments to your head and neck, your dentist may suggest another replacement procedure.

Implants require that you follow your dentist’s instructions when it comes to your postoperative care and follow-up appointments. If you aren’t committed to doing that, or if you don’t plan to brush twice a day and floss once a day and to keeping your appointments for your cleanings and exams, you may not be a good implant candidate. Tobacco and drug use can contribute to gum disease, which can cause your implants to fail.

To sum it up, you should talk with your dentist about your medical history, your medications and your habits before deciding to have dental implants placed. Even if implants are not the answer for you, dentures, or a dental bridge may serve you well. If you would like to discuss options for replacing your missing teeth and you live in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area you can call 513-771-5212 to make an appointment with Dr. Alexis Mai at Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

The post Should You Get Dental Implants? first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

Flossing should be done once a day. Use a single-filament thread, when possible, to avoid fraying and shredding of the floss. It is best if you use an 18” piece of floss, as this allows you to use a new section of thread for each tooth. This avoids cross-contamination within the mouth. Floss all the way around each tooth–including behind the back molars! If flossing is difficult for you, talk with Dr. Alexis Mai about flossing alternatives. Such interdental cleaning alternatives could include water flossers, pre-strung flossers, or floss for sensitive gums.

After eating your teeth are more sensitive to abrasion. This is especially true after eating or drinking acidic foods. It is best to wait a while before brushing, as both toothpaste and the act of brushing itself are abrasive to teeth. However, it is also best to clear the food particles and debris away from the teeth as soon as possible. To accommodate both requirements, try chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating. The gum stimulates saliva flow, which in turn cleans your mouth. Saliva is your body’s first defense against cavities. This is a great way to clean your mouth, especially after eating.

For more information, feel free to call Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Cincinnati, Ohio at 513-771-5212. Our team is here to help you, and we look forward to talking with you!  

The post Flossing and Chewing Gum: Unexpected Allies first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.