Your Arnold, MO orthodontist at JL Dental uses traditional braces to create straight, healthy smiles

Doctors Jonathan and Laura Mears of JL Dental are family dentists who offer orthodontic treatment as part of their practice. They use traditional metal brackets to correct bite, tooth function and smile aesthetics in a typical 1 to 2 year process for youngsters and adults.

Traditional metal braces change facial appearance, improve the health and function of teeth and correct bite and alignment problems that can lead to gum disease, dental decay, tooth grinding and TMJ dysfunction later in life. Averaging 1 to 3 years, orthodontic treatment with metal brackets and archwires remains the fastest process with the most predictable and satisfactory results. 

Treatment from your Arnold, MO orthodontist should start early

While individuals of all ages get braces these days, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends children get orthodontic screening by age 7. This early evaluation forestalls future dental problems almost before they start. Plus, teeth are just easier to reposition when the mouth is young.

Dr. Mears begins evaluation with a simple oral examination, looking the number and alignment  of teeth and how the top and bottom jaws bite together. X-rays and photographs are often part of this initial evaluation, too.

Treatment proceeds in 2 parts 

At first, braces should move teeth to correct bite and align the top and bottom jaws. The Arnold, MO dentist also wants to ensure emerging teeth come in as straight as possible and to protect teeth that may be protruding or overlapping and crowding other teeth.

As treatment continues, goals change. The brackets and wires maneuver teeth into permanent position, and appearance becomes a priority.

Traditional orthodontic treatment corrects issues such as:

l  cross bite

l  over bite

l  under bite

l  open bite

l  overlapping, crooked and crowded teeth

l  teeth that are emerging improperly or not at all

l  facial imbalances

l  jaw misalignment

How are braces installed?

During a 1 to 2 hour dental appointment, Dr. Mears cleans and dries the teeth and then bonds the metal brackets onto the tooth surfaces. Metal archwires connect the brackets. While this process is not painful, teeth will be sore for a week or so afterwards as the mouth adjusts to the vector forces exerted on each tooth.

Periodic soreness continues through

out treatment, and sometimes mouth sores develop from the friction of the appliances against the soft tissues of the mouth. Placing special wax on selected areas alleviates friction, and products such as Orajel relieve pain.

After care of Arnold, MO braces takes some time and effort

The team at JL Dental recommends a soft diet for a few days and also use of over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate discomfort. Patients should brush and floss 2 times daily, taking extra care to clean around brackets and between the teeth. Interdental brushes and water flossing devices remove plaque and food particles efficiently when used each day.

Patients see their Arnold, MO orthodontist every few weeks or so for adjustments on their braces.

They also should eat a healthy diet and avoid extra-hard, sticky or sugary foods.

Orthodontics could help your smile

You may have questions about braces for your child or for you! Contact the office at JL Dental to arrange a consultation. Bring your questions because Doctors Jonathan and Laura Mears will be happy to answer them.

 

Everything You Need To Know About Braces

There are lots of people who have had to wear braces at some point in their lives, and they all have had roughly the same experiences. Everyone knows before they get braces what they’re getting into, they just don’t know exactly what it is that is in store for them. It’s been a tradition to outfit young or older mouths with braces when there are teeth that are misaligned. Not everyone is born with beautiful teeth. There are alternative teeth-straightening methods that have been introduced to the market over the years, but a good chunk of patients still opt for traditional metal braces. Our office in Arnold, MO specializes in putting patients in braces, so if you think it’s the treatment choice for you, we’d love to see you in for a visit.

Metal Braces

When you walk around and see someone wearing braces, how long would you guess they’ve been wearing them? A year? Maybe two? The average braces-wearer is in braces for roughly five years. That’s a long time, but it makes sense. Your teeth can’t be moved to a different area in the blink of an eye; these things take time, and it’s all worth it in the end. Not only do metal braces shift teeth into their rightful places for a beautiful look, but your bite can be corrected as well. Having beautiful teeth doesn’t mean a thing if they don’t operate correctly, and having a correct bite will help bring serenity back to your oral health.

As far as pain is concerned, yes, there is some. It makes sense -- your teeth are shifting. Naturally, there is going to be soreness and pain, but it isn’t anything you can’t handle. Most pain can be eliminated with a simple antibiotic or ibuprofen. If you can stand a little pain and stay dedicated for the long haul, then you’ll have no problem getting through braces treatment.

It is possible for some patients to wear braces for a much shorter time, but it depends on several factors like age, your present dental health, how severe the misalignment has become and the distance between teeth. It’s possible you may be able to receive Invisalign or alternative ceramic-braces treatment. It all comes down to the decision our dental team makes.

Schedule an Appointment

Having straight teeth doesn’t have to be a pipe dream for patients. It can be a reality when you come to our office in Arnold, MO. Our dental team will go over your options and inspect your mouth before any recommendations are made. Getting you the smile of your life is what we care about most. Here’s looking at you Liguori, Oakville and Antonia residents.

We Can Handle Any Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can happen at any time. Seriously, you could be out and about at the grocery store and a dental emergency could occur. We always like to say that everyone needs to be prepared, but sometimes nobody can every really prepare themselves for a traumatic experience. The important thing to know is that we can handle the emergency. We have seen plenty of emergencies come through our office and we always handle them with the utmost care. Time is of the essence whenever a dental emergency arises and we want you to be in great hands. Our office in Arnold, MO can handle your dental emergency, all it takes is a call. Saving your tooth is our goal and in order to do that you will need to see us immediately. 

Dental Emergencies 101 

We’ve treated a lot of dental emergencies. But, sometimes patients think what could fall under the dental-emergency category sometimes doesn’t. It’s possible for a regular toothache not to be a dental emergency and instead should be looked at for possible cavities. Severe toothaches, on the other hand, need prompt service. How do you know if you’re dealing with a dental emergency?

Below are the most common dental emergencies:

·         Chipped teeth

·         Fractured tooth

·         Tooth or teeth that have been knocked out

·         Severe toothache

·         Missing crown, filling or other type of dental restoration device

We’d love to treat everyone who has minor toothaches, and we can. But, it’s important to know the distinction between what is and isn’t a dental emergency. With children, dental emergencies can be traumatic experiences for them. It’s easy to see why children are more susceptible to dental emergencies – they’re a lot more adventurous. We’ve seen many cases of children falling on the ground or slipping that results in their teeth being affected. Knowing there’s a dental office that can provide them with the best treatment should help keep you reassured in our expertise. You want to keep your family healthy and happy, and we’re committed to keeping their oral health in tip-top shape.

You can yourself prepare better by keeping items in a first-aid kit like a small container with accompanying lid, handkerchief, gauze, and a list of contacts and their phone numbers. Staying prepared is the first step in dealing with a dental emergency.

See Us for Any Dental Emergency Assistance 

Don’t waste time – it’s the one thing you need. Our staff in Arnold, MO is at-the-ready for any dental emergency. Patients in and around the area are encouraged to see us if one occurs, especially those of you in Merrimac, Imperial, Liguori, Oakville, Fountain, Mehlville and beyond.

Strong, Durable Dental Implants in Arnold, MO

Are you one of thousands of Americans who lost a tooth? We all dream of having a perfect, pristine smile that can light up a room, but, due to several factors, thousands of people suffer from a lost tooth every year. Tooth decay, facial trauma, and severe oral injuries lead to tooth loss. These situations are frustrating and painful, but if left untreated, a missing tooth can lead to future oral health problems. So, is it possible to find a tooth replacement that can correct future problems? JL Dental, a stellar practice located in Arnold, MO, offers permanent dental implants.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Your jawbone requires stimulation throughout the day. It receives stimulation via contacts from your teeth. As your teeth chew food, press against each other, etc., they stimulate the jaw, which in turn triggers growth. When a tooth is missing, stimulation is lost, and over time, that section of the jaw can begin to lose density, height, and width. Dental implants, provided by our stellar duo of doctors and our team of expert dental practitioners, are permanently bonded to the jaw, providing stimulation, while also giving a strong, durable replacement tooth to restore function to the mouth.

What is the Procedure Like?

During your initial visit, our team will take impressions of your teeth, particular the problem area, and begin planning the treatment. With a plan finalized, we will surgically insert a biocompatible titanium post in the jawbone. You will undergo a healing period as the jaw naturally accepts the post and grows over it, and the gums heal. After everything has healed properly, we will bring you back into the office to complete the process. We will cement a permanent tooth on the post, bonding it within your mouth. After finishing the bonding process, you can walk out of our building with a complete, full smile.

Restore Your Smile Today

A missing tooth is a burden, but with our dental implants, it no longer needs to cause grief. Our implants look natural and are completely comfortable. If you are ready to restore your smile to pristine form, then contact us today and schedule your appointment with our incredible staff. Our warm, welcoming office is always open for those who live in Arnold, MO, Imperial, Oakville, Barnhart, and the surrounding communities. 

ClearCorrect: Alternative to Braces in Arnold, MO

Everyone dreams of having a straight, perfect smile he/she can flash whenever and wherever. Unfortunately, the main option to fix a misaligned set of teeth is the one no one wants to commit to: braces. The metal brackets and unforgiving wiring were the source of jokes throughout school, and upon reaching adulthood, they seem a little childish and ridiculous. So, how do you straighten your teeth without heading to your nearest orthodontist? The answer comes in the form of customizable, clear aligners called ClearCorrect. Lucky for you, Dr. Mears and his team at JL Dental are specialists with ClearCorrect.

What the Heck is ClearCorrect?

ClearCorrect are essentially clear braces, except they are removable and virtually unnoticeable. How do clear braces work? When you schedule an appointment at our office, we will conduct an oral examination and map out our mouth, teeth, and gums. These records will be sent to a ClearCorrect laboratory along with the information of your treatment plan, so they can create 3D models and mold the braces. The molds are formed into a series of aligners, which are sent back to the dentist. On your next visit, our team will present the series of aligners and give you a detailed plan on your new treatment.

So, I Just Wear Them?

Exactly! When you receive the entire series of aligners, the dentist will instruct you in which order to wear them and for how long. You will wear the first set, and after the instructed amount of time has elapsed (usually a few weeks), you will move on to the next set. Luckily, you do not have to wear them constantly, as you can remove them to eat, brush your teeth, etc. The dentist will monitor the progress made with the aligners and ensure a natural shift happens within your mouth.

I Think I Want to Try It.

Are you ready to straighten your teeth and achieve smile perfection? Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our experts. Our office and friendly staff is more than happy to serve those in Arnold, MO, Imperial, Oakville, Barnhart, and the other nearby communities. 

Athletes & Cavities: Do Runners Have More Oral Health Problems?

It’s a well-known fact that men and women who run on a regular basis tend to be slimmer and physically healthier than their non-athletic counterparts. Running is wonderful for cardiovascular health, and it helps to build lean muscle mass in the legs and back when done properly. But have you ever considered how your regular workout might be affecting your teeth? At JL Dental in Arnold, MO, Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears strive to help each and every one of their patients live healthy, happy lives. Today, we’d like to talk about something we believe all athletes – runners, in particular – should keep in mind to maintain healthy, beautiful smiles.

New Study Reveals Reason for Cavities in Runners

A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports discovered a link between frequent strenuous exercise and an increased incidence of tooth decay and enamel erosion. The German researchers found that the cause for the higher number of dental caries in runners was twofold.

First, athletes tend to breathe through their mouths when exercising heavily. This leads to a more arid environment, leaving teeth to fend off attacks by acid-producing bacteria without the protective barrier usually supplied by saliva. Secondly, a diet that is high in carbohydrates – such as those found in energy bars and sports drinks – has been found to contribute to cavities. Fortunately, with proper home hygiene, plenty of water, and regular visits to our office, even the most active athletes can enjoy optimal oral health for life.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

At JL Dental, we understand that cardiovascular exercise is a fundamental component of a healthy lifestyle, and we’d never dream of discouraging our patients from following a doctor-approved fitness regimen. We would, however, like to remind those of our patients who run on a regular basis that their smiles require extra care in order to stay healthy. With general dentistry solutions designed with your health, comfort, and convenience in mind, we can help you keep your mouth safe from decay and disease. Contact us today to schedule your next visit to our Arnold, MO family dental practice, and learn more about how diet and exercise affect your oral health. We are also happy to serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Imperial, Oakville, Barnhart, and beyond. 

How Do Dental Implants Work? Strengthen Your Smile with Implant-Retained Dentures

If you are missing teeth and are considering implant-retained dentures, you are certainly not alone. In fact, the majority of edentulous patients (those who are missing all of their teeth) would rather smile, eat, and speak more comfortably with dentures that were firmly held in place than worry about the hassles associated with removable false teeth. At JL Dental in Arnold, MO, Dr. Jonathan Mears and Dr. Laura Mears specialize in providing their patients with a full menu of restorative dentistry services, including implant-retained dentures.

Reclaim Your Smile’s Form & Function

Dental implants have rapidly become the gold standard of tooth replacement options over the past few decades. While other restorative solutions do still provide sufficient biting power and aesthetics for some patients, many others find that nothing quite feels or looks like a natural tooth like dental implants. This is because a dental implant actually replaces your entire tooth’s missing structure, including the sturdy root within the jaw bone. With just a few tiny, biocompatible dental implants, our team can secure an entire arch of replacement teeth to your jaw. Unlike traditional dentures, these implant-retained dentures are firmly attached to your gums and jaw bone, allowing you to eat and speak with complete comfort and confidence.

Another benefit of implant-retained dentures is that they are incredibly lifelike in appearance. You don’t have to worry about slipping or clicking dentures when you speak, smile, or chew. They look and feel just like natural teeth; smiling openly in public and with friends has never felt so good.

Find Out if Dental Implants are Right for You

Even if you have been wearing traditional removable dentures for years, you may still be a good candidate for implant-retained dentures now. Simply give us a call at our office in Arnold, MO and schedule your consultation with Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears. We genuinely can’t wait to show you what an amazing difference dental implants can make in the way you look, eat, smile, and feel on a daily basis. Our state-of-the-art dental practice warmly welcomes patients from throughout Arnold, Barnhart, Oakville, Imperial, and beyond.