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The following are answers to some
of the questions we are asked the most. If you need more information
about any of these topics or have questions about anything else,
please don't hesitate to contact us.
Dr. Minadeo-Fox subscribes to industry journals to remain updated on the latest research and developments in dentistry. She also attends continuing education and encourages her team to do the same. We believe it is our responsibility to our patients to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.
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Generally, we recommend that children get their first dental checkup about 6 months after all of their primary teeth have erupted. This first visit lets us check for any potential oral health/dental problems and provides your child with a positive introduction to our dental office.
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There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from at-home whitening products to in-office supervised treatments. Dr. Minadeo-Fox can evaluate the potential for whitening your teeth based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. Once you have decided the most appropriate method, you will probably spend anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks undergoing a series of simple whitening treatments.
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From the moment you walk in our door to the moment you leave, you will experience dentistry as you never have before. You will experience a practice built and maintained on customer service. We know you’ve heard those “customer service” buzzwords before, but this is different! In every aspect of your care —from patient education to incredibly complicated work performed with a gentle touch; from our warm, friendly, comfortable environment to our VIP approach to guest amenities — we are sure you’ll find our practice without equal in the industry!
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While bleeding gums following brushing may concern you, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, ‘scrubbing’ instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.
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Our Web site is designed to help you learn all you need to about the various restorative and cosmetic techniques we offer. Visit our patient library, and select your article topic from the listing provided. If you desire even more information about a larger variety of topics,
visit the American
Dental Association.
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Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here is a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings; and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions.
First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Or, we can recommend a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may also suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.
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There are several methods Dr. Minadeo-Fox can use to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of tooth reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers can give your teeth a bright, uniform look. We would be happy to talk with you about the options available and what would best fit your individual circumstances.
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Snoring is tough on any relationship! And, since it can be caused by a number of factors,
we encourage you to have your spouse come in for a consultation and analysis with
Dr. Minadeo-Fox to determine the cause. In some cases, a person may actually stop breathing for short periods during the night (a condition called sleep apnea). In other cases, snoring can be caused by enlarged anatomical structures within the mouth and throat. During sleep, the throat area relaxes, allowing these structures to collapse against one another and obstruct clear airflow. In the latter situation, we can prescribe and fit a special appliance called a ‘snoreguard,’ which gently holds the mouth and throat in an open position during relaxed sleep and thus prevents snoring.
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A Smile Analysis helps us determine the proper aesthetics of your new smile based on your facial symmetry, lip line and other features. Each person has a unique “perfect” smile that is proportional and flattering to the face. We take digital photos of both your smile and face and then talk about what your concerns are, what you’d like to change, and what your goals are.
Smile Design is the process of designing your new smile. For more extensive cosmetic procedures, we send physical models of your teeth to the lab so they can make a wax mock-up of your new smile. You can then “try on” your new smile before we begin any cosmetic work. Once you are satisfied with your new appearance, we will create a customized treatment plan that best meets that goal.
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