Molson Park Dental blog
Dr. Adam Chapnick – cosmetic dentist
Archive for January, 2012
What Problems do Veneers Fix?
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment used to correct a number of cosmetic tooth imperfections including:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Short teeth
- Stained teeth
In addition to their versatility, porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, which provides you with a beautiful, vibrant smile for years to come. Porcelain veneers are thin, shell-like layers of dental-grade porcelain that are permanently bonded to the fronts of your affected teeth.
Each porcelain veneer is custom-made to conform with your natural teeth, and they are tinted to match your existing teeth and provide a seamless smile.
Porcelain veneers look and function like your natural teeth, and they can preserve your teeth from further damage. Porcelain veneers are also easy to care for with proper dental hygiene, just as you would your natural teeth.
With a good oral hygiene routine that includes regular check-ups and professional teeth cleanings, your porcelain veneers can last a lifetime.
If you live in the Barrie or North York, Ontario, areas and would like to learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers, please contact the Molson Park Dental Office to schedule your consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Adam Chapnick.
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Occlusal Splints to Treat TMJ/TMD
Friday, January 20th, 2012
Occlusal splints are fast becoming one of the most popular treatments for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD).
Sometimes referred to as night guards, occlusal splints are custom-fit mouthguards that can cover one or both rows of your teeth. They have traditionally been used to prevent nighttime teeth grinding.
Because occlusal splints allow your jaw to settle into its natural position, which helps relax the tension in the connective area between your jaw and skull, they have also been effective in treating the painful symptoms that accompany TMJ/TMD. In addition to easing discomfort, occlusal splints can also help restore your jaw’s proper alignment.
Although occlusal splints are effective for many patients with TMJ/TMD, they are not the best treatment option for everyone. A consultation with Barrie, Ontario, dentist Dr. Adam Chapnick will assess your individual factors and determine if occlusal splints are the right choice for you.
If Dr. Chapnick does not believe that occlusal splints will be successful in relieving your TMJ/TMD symptoms, he may recommend another form of treatment.
If you live in the Barrie or North York, Ontario, areas and would like to learn more about your TMJ/TMD treatment options, please contact the Molson Park Dental Office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Adam Chapnick.
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What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
Neuromuscular dentistry is an area of dentistry that focuses on the relationship between the muscles, joints, bones, nerves and tendons in the connective region between your jaw and your skull.
This compact yet complex network affects your bite and jaw position. If you have a bite condition or misaligned jaw, excessive pressure can be placed on these components and lead to the painful condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD).
TMJ/TMD results in chronic symptoms that include:
- Intense headaches that are commonly mistaken for migraines
- Face, neck, back and shoulder pain
- Jaw tension and pain
- Jack clicking or popping
- Jaw locking or sticking
- Earaches
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers
A neuromuscular dentist understands the relationship between these symptoms and can develop a custom TMJ/TMD treatment plan to treat your individual condition. Treatment may be as simple as correcting poor dental health habits or may entail the use of oral appliances.
If you live in the Barrie or North York, Ontario, areas and would like to learn more about neuromuscular dentistry or TMJ/TMD treatment, please contact the Molson Park Dental Office to schedule your consultation.
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Sleep Apnea at a Glance
Friday, January 13th, 2012
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects thousands of people and can lead to serious health complications, including an increased risk for heart problems.
While anyone can develop sleep apnea, certain factors can make people more susceptible to developing sleep apnea. These risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Excessive drinking or use of narcotics
- Obesity
- Genetic traits such as narrow airways
With obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of this disorder, your airway becomes obstructed and prevents proper oxygen flow. The result is frequent periods of blocked airflow during sleep, which may result in loud snoring, chocking and gasping during sleep, and restless or fitful sleep.
In turn, this interruption of a good night’s sleep can lead to daytime symptoms including depression, cognitive disruption, frequent headaches, and daytime drowsiness.
There are a number of treatment options for sleep apnea, including sleep apnea appliances. When you come to our office for sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, we may recommend a custom-made oral appliance designed to assist in opening your airways and restoring a restful night’s sleep. These appliances are noninvasive and easy to use.
If you live in the North York or Barrie, Ontario, areas and believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea, please contact the Molson Park Dental Office to schedule your sleep apnea consultation.
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Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012
There are many symptoms of sleep apnea that may only be noticed by a loved one such as:
- Loud snoring
- Periods of not breathing during sleep
- Restlessness
- Chocking or gasping for air during sleep
Because these symptoms occur while you are sleeping, it is entirely possible that you are unaware they are happening. If any of these symptoms are brought to your attention, you should discuss them with one of our Barrie, Ontario, sleep apnea dentists.
The primary symptoms of sleep apnea will happen while you are sleeping, but their consequences can be recognized during the day with symptoms including:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Mood swings
- Cognitive disruptions
- Morning headaches
These can all be signs of sleep apnea and should be discussed with a sleep apnea dentist as soon as possible. Left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to a host of medical problems including heart disease. The sooner you can be diagnosed with sleep apnea, the sooner treatment can begin that will minimize your risk for future complications.
If you live in or around Barrie or North York, Ontario and believe you may suffer from sleep apnea, please contact the Molson Park Dental Office to schedule your sleep apnea consultation today.
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How to Choose a General Dentist
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Although there are a number of qualified general dentists in the Barrie, Ontario, area, it’s important to choose a dentist with experience in a broad range of services and with whom you and your family feel comfortable.
When choosing a general dentist, the following guidelines may help you make an informed decision:
- Ask family, friends and coworkers for recommendations
- Research general dentists online
- Schedule consultations with prospective dentists
As you research potential dentists, check their websites for lists of services as well as patient reviews and smile galleries. Check dentists’ educational backgrounds, including postgraduate training, as well as professional affiliations.
A personal consultation with a general dentist is a good way to ensure you feel comfortable with the dentist and office setting. It will give you an opportunity to discuss your treatment options and expectations, as well as ask any questions you may have.
Choosing the right general dentist for you and your family can help establish the foundation for enjoying healthy smiles for years to come.
If you live in the Barrie or North York, Ontario, areas and would like to learn more about our general dentistry practice, please contact the Molson Park Dental Office to schedule your consultation.
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