Month: January 2018

Dental Implants

When to Consider Dental Implants

Dental implants are often a great option for patients who have lost teeth. But many patients aren’t aware of the many benefits offered by dental implants. This article is all about dental implants. We’ll explain what they are, and when they should be considered.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are pieces of metal that are precisely fitted to your jawbone and act as anchors for crowns, dentures, or bridges. Implants are often the preferred method for addressing missing teeth as they provide a solid foundation and evenly distribute chewing pressure across the jawbone.

When to Consider Implants

If you are missing any teeth, you should consider dental implants. Not addressing lost teeth can cause serious issues with your jawbone, which can deteriorate over time if it’s not subjected to chewing pressure. Dental implants offer many benefits, including all of the following:

  • Easy Maintenance. Compared to removable dentures, dental implants are easy to maintain. You can brush the crowns mounted on your implants just like normal teeth!
  • No Cavities. Unlike normal teeth, dental implants don’t get cavities, so you don’t need to worry about them!
  • Long Lasting. Dental implants also last for a long time.

Minnesota Dental Implant Specialists

If you want to learn more about dental implants or see if you are a good candidate, contact your dentist today. At Smiles for Life, we work to provide unparalleled dental care to every patient we treat. With decades of experience, Dr. Time Brooks has the skills and expertise needed to address your dental needs. We provide a wide variety of dental services including: preventive dental care, dentures, crowns, invisible braces, and more. Give us a call today at Smiles for Life to set up your appointment with Dr. Brooks.

Periodontal Gum Care

The Basics of Periodontal (Gum) Care

Although gum disease is easily preventable, many patients still suffer from its effects. By being proactive about your periodontal (gum) care, you can help prevent gum disease and other health issues. In this article, we are going to discuss the basics of periodontal gum care.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease essentially means gum disease. “Peri” means around, and “Odontal” means teeth, so periodontal disease impacts the gums and other structures that surround the teeth. Bleeding of the gums is perhaps the most common sign of periodontal disease. If you notice any bleeding from your gums, it’s time to set up an appointment with your dentist to fully diagnose your condition and talk about treatment options.

Gum disease poses a serious threat to your oral health – and can even have a negative impact on other areas of your body. It’s important to take steps to prevent gum disease before it progresses. Here are a few things you can do to prevent gum disease and other periodontal conditions:

  • Visit your dentist regularly for checkups
  • Brush and floss on a regular basis

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is with a periodontal evaluation from your dentist. A periodontal evaluation assesses all of the following:

  • Your overall teeth and gum health
  • Plaque levels
  • Your bite
  • Any potential risk factors

Dental Clinics in Bloomington, MN

Dr. Tim Brooks is an experienced family and cosmetic dentist who has been practicing in Minnesota for decades. Whether you need a routine dental cleaning, or you need a crown put in, we’ve got you covered at Smiles for Life. We work hand-in-hand with every patient to provide compassionate, individualized care. Contact Smiles for Life today to set up your appointment at our MN dental offices – located in Bloomington MN.

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic Bonding Can Fix Minor Damage to Teeth

Cosmetic bonding is a common procedure used to fix teeth that have taken on minor cosmetic damage. In this article, we are going to discuss the cosmetic bonding procedure – how it works and who can benefit.

What is Cosmetic Bonding?

Cosmetic bonding is dental procedure used to fix minor damage to the teeth. While teeth are very strong, they are not immune from taking on damage. There are a lot of everyday activities that can damage your teeth, including:

  • Eating hard foods
  • Highly acidic diet
  • Accidental impact

Damage to your teeth can occur from a single incident (biting down hard on a popcorn kernel, for example), or from wear and tear over time. If you have sustained minor damage to a tooth, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues in the future.

Cosmetic Bonding Procedure

The cosmetic bonding procedure involves applying a hard dental resin to specific areas of the teeth in order to fix minor damage. This resin can be matched to the unique color of the patient’s teeth so it blends in and looks like the natural tooth. Your dentist will begin by applying an etching solution to the tooth. This roughens up the surface of the tooth just enough to allow the bonding agent to adhere to the tooth. Once applied, the bonding agent is sculpted to its appropriate shape and polished. This is a completely painless procedure that take 1-2 hours to complete.

Bloomington MN Dentist

If you’ve chipped a tooth or sustained some other form of damage to your pearly whites, make an appointment with a cosmetic bonding dentist today to fix the issue. Dr. Tim Brooks has years of experience providing dental care to patients throughout Minnesota. Contact us today at Smiles for Life to set up your appointment. Our primary clinic is located in Bloomington.

Porcelain Veneer

Porcelain Veneers – What Are They?

Porcelain veneers can make your teeth look straight and white with a minor dental procedure. If your teeth are fundamentally healthy, but are showing the signs of normal wear-and-tear over a lifetime of use, porcelain veneers may be the best option for you. In this article, we are going to discuss porcelain veneers – how they work and who can benefit from them.

Porcelain Veneers Explained

Porcelain veneers are small pieces of porcelain that are applied to your teeth in order to make your teeth appear younger. These veneers need to be fitted to your specific teeth, so you can’t just apply them at home. It takes a dental professional to fit them to your smile over the course of a couple weeks.

The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

There are many benefits to getting porcelain veneers. Here are a few of the best benefits:

  • They give the appearance of straight teeth at a minor cost.
  • They can be applied over the course of a few weeks (rather than braces, which take several years).
  • They can fix issues that braces can’t by hiding discoloration and wear.
  • They give your smile a more youthful appearance!

Porcelain veneers are great, but can’t be used in every case. If you have any serious underlying issues with your teeth, it’s important to address those first, rather than simply covering them up with veneers.

Minnesota Dental Clinic

If you are unhappy with your smile because your teeth are crooked, yellow, or discolored, porcelain veneers may be a good option for you! Reach out to a cosmetic dentist to find out if you are a good candidate for veneers. Dr. Tim Brooks is a skilled family and cosmetic dentist with years of experience providing excellent care to patients in Bloomington, and the surrounding Minnesota cities. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Brooks at one of our Smiles for Life clinics.

Dentures

A Primer on Dentures

Dentures have been around for centuries but many patients still don’t know much about them. This article is all about dentures. We’ll explain what they are, why they’re used, and some tips to keep in mind when considering dentures.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are essentially fake teeth that are fitted to patients who have lost some or all of their teeth. There are a few different kinds of dentures:

  • Partial Dentures, which only cover a few missing teeth
  • Complete Dentures, which fill the entire mouth

Your dental professional will fit your dentures to your specific needs. Sometimes they can be attached to implants for stability, though that’s not always necessary.

Who Should Consider Dentures?

Anyone who is missing teeth may be a good candidate for dentures. It’s true that there are several alternatives to replacing lost teeth. The biggest benefit of dentures is that they are simple and affordable.

Once you’ve decided to proceed with dentures, the most important thing is to make sure your dentures fit right. Wearing dentures that don’t fit properly can cause a whole host of issues, from not being able to chew well, or negatively impacting the muscles surrounding your mouth. We work with each patient to make sure their dentures fit perfectly.

Bloomington Dental Office

If you are in need of dentures, reach out to Smiles for Life today for help. Finding the right dentist can be difficult. You want your dentist to have the right experience, skill, and personality. At Smiles for Life, we provide unparalleled dental care to each and every patients we treat. Dr. Tim Brooks has been practicing in Bloomington for many years and has built a strong reputation as an excellent dentist. Contact us today at one of our Minnesota dental offices to set up your appointment with Dr. Brooks and the care team at Smiles for Life.

Snoring Prevention Dentist

How a Dentist Can Help with Snore Prevention

Snoring is a common and annoying disturbance that can disrupt sleep and cause a host of other issues. Many people suffer from snoring, and most simply live with it. But there are easy methods for treating your snoring. In this article, we are going to discuss how a dentist can help reduce your snoring issues.

Problems Related to Snoring

Snoring is caused by rattling vibrations in the throat during sleep – the result of a narrowing of the patient’s air passage. Snoring can cause several health issues, some of them severe. Here are some of the associated issues that snoring can cause:

  • Lack of sleep (for you and your significant other)
  • Fatigue
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased risk of stroke

Visiting the Dentist for Snoring Issues

Not many people even consider visiting a dental clinic to treat their snoring. It’s true that there are many medical professionals who can help treat snoring issues. But dentists have several methods for preventing and treating snoring in patients. At Smiles for Life, we offer the Silent Night Snore Prevention Device. This plastic mouthpiece alleviates the narrowing of the patient’s air passage during sleep, reducing snoring in the process. Each mouthpiece is custom-fitted based on the patient’s anatomy to keep the jaw open at the ideal angle to decrease snoring.

Dental Experts in Bloomington, MN

If snoring is impacting your ability to get a good night’s sleep – or your significant other’s sleep – contact us as Smiles for Life to learn about your options. Dr. Brooks has many years of experience providing dental care to patients throughout the state of Minnesota. With unparalleled and compassionate care, we strive to treat each patient for their individual needs. Contact our team today to set up your appointment at our Bloomington dental clinic.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Why You Should Get Your Teeth Whitened by a Professional

A bright smile increases self-confidence and projects a great first impression. But many foods, drinks, and consumables can yellow the teeth over time – even if you brush your teeth regularly. Professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile safely and effectively! This article is all about teeth whitening. We’ll discuss the whitening process, and why you should get your teeth whitened by a dental professional.

Teeth Whitening

There are many teeth whitening toothpastes, and other products that you can buy at your local drug store. While these options can work for some patients, their effects are typically short-lived. Having your teeth whitened by a dental professional is a much better and long-lasting solution.

This process of applying the bleaching agent is quick, painless, and offers excellent results. We recommend that patients have their teeth cleaned before undergoing the whitening process. This allows the teeth to be whitened quicker and more effectively. Teeth whitening is best done by a dental professional. If applied incorrectly, teeth whitening agents can lead to extreme teeth sensitivity, and other issues. That’s why it’s important to have your dentist perform the procedure, rather than attempting to do it by yourself at home.

Minnesota Dental Clinics

At Smiles for Life Dental, we offer teeth whitening and other dental health services to patients throughout Minnesota. Dr. Tim Brooks has been providing dental care to Minnesota patients for years. We provide compassionate care to every patient we see – ensuring that you are aware of all your treatment options. If you are looking to brighten your smile, contact Smiles for Life today. Our primary clinics are located in Bloomington. Give us a call to set up your appointment with Dr. Brooks at one of our Minnesota dental clinics!

Preventive Dental Care

The Importance of Preventive Dental Care

As the old saying goes – “the best offense is a good defense.” That’s saying holds true for many things, including dental health. Preventive dental care can help improve your overall health, and help you avoid serious dental issues. In this article, we are going to discuss the importance of preventive dental care and offer some tips to implement in your own life.

Why Preventive Dental Care is Important

Although many don’t realize it, your dental health is very much intertwined with your overall bodily health. Medical issues that arise in your mouth can impact other areas of the body, and vice versa. Rather than avoiding the dentist until you have a toothache or another issue, the best strategy is to be proactive about your dental health.

Preventive Dental Care Tips

Regular dental cleanings and exams are perhaps the best way to avoid dental health issues. Cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, which can prevent cavities, periodontal disease, oral cancer, and other complications. But preventive dental care involves more than just making sure you keep your dental appointments. Here are some preventive dental care tips you can implement in your own life:

  • Visit your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day.
  • Floss daily.
  • Don’t over-indulge in sugary drinks and foods.

Farmington Dentists

Preventive dental care is essential to a person’s overall health. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or need to set up one of your regular appointments, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Smiles for Life. Dr. Tim Brooks and the rest of our team treats each patient individually, providing compassionate care to patients throughout the state of Minnesota. Contact our Minnesota dentists today to schedule an appointment at one of our clinics (located in Bloomington, MN).

Invisible Braces

Metal Braces vs. Invisible Braces

In the recent past, getting braces meant having a whole bunch of metal in your mouth for years at a time. Now patients have more options available if they want to straighten their teeth – most notably, invisible braces. In this article, we are going to examine the differences between metal braces and invisible braces.

Metal Braces

Metal braces have long been the standard for patients wishing to straighten their smile. These metal braces need to be installed and then manually adjusted by an orthodontist on a regular basis over the course of about two years. There are many downsides to metal braces, such as:

  • They’re difficult to properly care for and clean
  • They’re uncomfortable
  • They detract from your smile
  • They need to be manually (and painfully) adjusted on a regular basis

Invisible Braces

At Smiles for Life Dental, we offer Invisalign invisible braces. These braces are nearly invisible (so they don’t disrupt your smile), more comfortable, and much easier to care for than metal braces.

The Invisalign system uses plastic aligners that gradually realign your teeth over time. These aligners are designed to fit your unique needs using 3D technology. Every two weeks, you’ll get a new set of aligners. This is a much easier and more comfortable process than the manual adjustments necessary with metal braces.

Minnesota Dental Clinic

Interested in learning more about Invisalign braces? Give us a call today at Smiles for Life to see if you are a good candidate! We offer complimentary consultations for anyone wanting more information and to see if they would be a good candidate. Invisible braces are a less painful, more comfortable alternative to metal braces. At Smiles for Life, we provide compassionate and unparalleled care to each patient we treat. Dr. Tim Brooks has been treating patients in Minnesota for many years and is well respected in the dental field. Contact us today to set up an appointment at our Bloomington dental clinics.

Cavity Treatment

What Exactly is a Cavity?

If you’ve been to the dentist before, you’ve no doubt heard of cavities. Perhaps you had one (or several) filled in the past. But many patients don’t know exactly what a cavity is. In this article, we are going to explain the ins and outs of perhaps the most common dental condition people experience – the cavity.

Cavities Explained

In short, a cavity is tooth decay that causes the destruction of the enamel (the outer layer of your tooth). Cavities are often caused by consuming sugary food and drinks. Over time the acidic nature of these types of food and drinks eats away at the enamel of your teeth. When the enamel is broken down enough, a small hole will form in the tooth. Patients with cavities will often experience pain (though not always).

Treating a Cavity

Treating cavities begins, first and foremost with a diagnosis. Your dentist will be able to tell if you have a cavity with a routine physical examination of your teeth. Treatment involves filling the cavity with a composite resin after the decay has been removed. These types of fillings have a more natural look and they match the tooth.

Preventing Cavities

There are several things you can do to prevent cavities. Here are a few:

  • Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
  • Brush and floss your teeth twice a day
  • Limit your intake of sugary beverages and foods

Sealants can also help prevent cavities. Sealants provide a thin plastic coating that adheres to the deeper groves of back teeth making them less likely to get decay.  Also using prescription fluoride toothpaste may help protect those more susceptible to cavities.

Bloomington MN Dental Office

Dr. Time Brooks and the team at Smiles for Life Dental have been effectively treating patients with cavities for many years. Our team will work with you to make sure you feel comfortable through every step of your treatment. Contact us today at one of our Minnesota dental offices to make your appointment. Our primary clinics are located in Bloomington, but we treat patients throughout the state of Minnesota!