Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Thursday, January 24, 2013

White Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings

Although traditional metal amalgam fillings were the norm for years, white composite fillings are quickly becoming the dentist's choice. When you come to Dr. Michael Folck's office, we will use these natural looking fillings to restore your smile.

Benefits of White Composite Fillings
Dr. Folck uses white composite fillings because of their many benefits to the patient.

Makeup: Composite fillings are a specially formulated plastic that is enhanced with minerals. They expand to fill the drilled out area to prevent new cavities from filling gaps and taking hold. Amalgam fillings are made of metal alloys, which may expand and contract during temperature change. This instability can potentially damage your tooth.

Durability: Composite fillings chemically bond to your tooth structure and provide strength and support within the tooth. With proper care, they last an average of eight years. Amalgams may last longer, but the dentist will likely have to drill a larger area to fit an amalgam filling.

Aesthetics: With composite fillings, your dentist can closely match the color of your teeth so that your smile remains untarnished after its restoration. Because of the silver color of metal amalgams, these fillings are instantly noticeable.

To schedule a checkup with your dentist in the Norfolk area and learn more about getting composite fillings, contact Dr. Michael Folck, DDS.

posted by Admin at 10:46 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

How Do I Know If I Need Braces?

If you are considering braces, you should consult your dentist to talk about your options. Adults and children now have many orthodontic solutions available to correct misalignments in the teeth and jaws.

Will Braces Improve Your Dental Health?
If you have an overbite, underbite or crooked or gapped teeth, braces may help you achieve better oral health. A misaligned bite can lead to more significant health problems, and crooked teeth make cleaning them more difficult, which can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and eventual tooth loss of those are left untreated.

Will Braces Give You a More Confident Smile?
Hiding your smile because you feel embarrassed by your teeth doesn't have to be a lifetime habit. Braces can realign your teeth so that you feel more confident facing the world and can show off your healthy smile.

Adult Alternatives to Braces
If you've been afraid of talking to your dentist about braces because you would feel self-conscious with a smile full of metal at the office, then your worries are over. Invisalign® offers an orthodontic solution for adults using clear plastic aligners that won't give you that awkward appearance.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Newport News dentist to see if braces are right for you or your child, contact Dr. Michael Folck, DDS today.

posted by Admin at 10:44 AM 0 comments

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Common Dental Problems

In the general dentistry practice, patients come to our office with a lot of common issues. With over 25 years as a dentist, Dr. Michael Folck has the experience to help you combat these common ailments.

Problems to Bring to Your Dentist

Some of the problems we see most often are:
•    Cavities
•    Chipped or cracked teeth
•    Missing teeth
•    Gum disease
•    Snoring

If you have any of these issues or suspect that you do, don't hesitate to make an appointment and get your problems fixed before they compromise your future of good oral health.

Solutions Your Dentist Can Provide

When patients come into our office with these or other issues, we work individually with each patient to provide the best solution possible, such as:
•    White composite tooth fillings
•    Porcelain inlays and onlays
•    Dental bridges and dental implants

Prevention That You Can Do at Home

Once you have your oral health under control, good at-home oral hygiene habits will help you keep your healthy smile. Try these:
•    Use fluoride mouth rinse and toothpaste
•    Brush and floss daily
•    Eat a healthy diet, rich in high fiber fruits and vegetables

Looking for a Hampton dentist for yourself or your children? If you have concerns about any of the above problems or other issues, contact Dr. Michael Folck, DDS for your initial consultation.

posted by Admin at 10:42 AM 0 comments

Monday, January 14, 2013

Causes of Cavities

Knowing the cause of cavities, can help you prevent them. With a good at-home dental hygiene routine and regular visits to your dentist, you can keep your teeth cavity free and maintain your healthy smile.

Bacteria Is to Blame

Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, these bacteria activate to make acid. It is this acid that bores into your teeth creating tiny holes that will keep growing if left untreated.

Cavity Prevention

Prevention is the best treatment. You can take control of your oral health and prevent cavities with these good habits:
•    Brush and floss daily
•    Brush after meals
•    Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
•    See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings

Regular dental checkups are important for catching cavities early. Dr. Folck can detect your cavities and give you fillings to prevent continued tooth decay. When left untreated, cavities will continue to grow and the decay can cause the nerve or pulp of your tooth to die. Then a root canal becomes necessary.

If you are concerned about cavities and need to schedule a visit with a Portsmouth dentist, contact Dr. Michael Folck, DDS for your initial consultation.

posted by Admin at 10:40 AM 0 comments

Call or email us today to learn more about Dr. Folck, our office, and what we can do for you. Your first consultation is no-obligation so you've got nothing to lose, and plenty to gain!