James W. Mellert DDS

Children have 20 baby teeth, 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. Since there are 20 of them, there will be a lot of late night visits from the Tooth Fairy for monetary compensation. This means you need to watch it and be careful what you leave under the pillow. You don’t want to set the bar too high.

You will probably get just as excited when your child loses their first tooth as they will. You might also not think the whole thing through and leave a $20 under the pillow. Once you have set a payment standard, in no way can you ever go lower. Which means you will wind up dolling out at least $400 providing the price of baby teeth don’t go up.

Of course, you don’t want to pay too little for baby teeth either. Leaving a quarter or two will leave the children wondering why the Tooth Fairy is such a cheapskate.

You might remember losing a tooth as a child and getting excited knowing the Tooth Fairy was going to pay a visit. James M. Mellert, your dentist in Torrance, offers a few facts about the Tooth Fairy and baby teeth that you might find quite interesting.

Celebrating Lost teeth is a Universal Tradition

The concept of a Tooth Fairy is quite recent, but cultures from all over the world have been celebrating the loss of baby teeth for thousands of years. Some Middle Eastern cultures have a tradition of throwing lost baby teeth into the air and praying for better teeth to replace it. In Mexico, Turkey and Greece, children traditionally toss their lost teeth onto the tops of their homes.

In Vietnam, Korea and India, the lower teeth are thrown skyward but the upper teeth are thrown on the floor to encourage straight adult teeth.

But not all traditions are so happy. Finnish and Norwegian children are warned that the tooth troll, dubbed Hammaspeikko, will come for children who don’t brush.

What is a Tooth Worth?

According to surveys, the average American baby tooth is worth just over $3. And while 32 percent of children will receive a single dollar for their loss, five percent of children will receive $20 or more. Of course, the value of teeth will fluctuate with the market. Not surprisingly, the Tooth Fairy reward correlates with the movement of the stock market. So far today, tooth prices are up 4 percent.

The Tooth Fairy is a Mystery

While everybody knows what Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny looks like, there is no widely-held consensus on the appearance of the Tooth Fairy. Some books and cartoons depict her as a winged sprite or pixie who carries a magic wand and trails sparkles. However, some image the tooth fairy as a male, or a bear or even a dragon.

National Tooth Fairy Day

According to those who are an expert on the subject, National Tooth Fairy Day is February 28. So you had better start planning your Tooth Fairy bash right away.

If you need to set a dental appointment for your children, give James M. Mellert a call today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are probably already aware that gooey, sticky candy isn’t good for your teeth. You also know that sucking down sugary sodas will make your dentist frown. But when it comes to diet and your chompers, knowing what to eat is just as important as knowing what not to eat.

The key to healthy teeth is a diet in variety and moderation. You should strive for a balanced diet that incorporates all five food groups. Limiting any of the five food groups from your diet can lead to vitamin or mineral deficiencies and this can affect oral health.

In addition, poor nutrition weakens your immune system and makes you more susceptible to other health issues including gum disease. James W. Mellert, your dental clinic in Torrance, offers foods for healthy teeth.

Almonds

Almonds are low in sugar, a good source of calcium and a good source of protein, which makes them great for your teeth. Try a quarter cup of almonds with your lunch or use them in your dinner salad or in a stir-fry dinner.

Celery

Celery might be a bit watery and bland, but it is a great food for healthy teeth because it acts much like a toothbrush. Those pesky strings you encounter eating celery acts as floss and scrapes food particles and bacteria from the teeth. In addition, celery is a great source of vitamins A and C, which do well to give you healthy gums.

Carrots

Carrots are crunchy, tasty and full of fiber. Eating a few raw carrots at the end of your meal increases your saliva production, which in turn reduces the risk of cavities. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A, which helps keep your gums healthy. You can munch carrots on their own or enjoy them in a salad.

Apples

Fruits, such as apples, are sweet, but they are also high in water and fiber. Eating an apple produces saliva in your mouth, which rinses away food particles and bacteria. The fibrous texture of apples also stimulates the gums.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are good for you in a number of ways. They are full of vitamins and minerals all while being low in calories. Leafy greens also promote good oral health. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are high in calcium, which helps build up tooth enamel. They also contain folic acid, which is a type of B vitamin that promotes healthy gums.

Try eating more salads or adding leafy greens to your smoothies.

Yogurt

Yogurt is high in protein and calcium, which help keep your teeth strong and healthy. The beneficial bacteria found in yogurt, called probiotics, benefits your gums by taking out the bad bacteria that causes cavities.

Cheese

Cheese is tasty and it increases saliva in your mouth, which washes away the bad stuff. Cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium, nutrients that help strengthen tooth enamel.

In addition to eating healthy foods, you should be seeing your dentist on a regular basis to maintain good oral health. Call James W. Mellert today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Studies show that less than 10 percent of people actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions each year. That is a pretty dismal number. It probably makes you wonder why you should even bother following through with your resolutions.

We often tend to set some broad goals for ourselves this time of the year. We desire to lose weight, eat healthily and visit our dentist on a regular basis, but often fall short when actually trying to carry them out. If you have tried and failed at resolutions time and time again, it might be time to take some tips into consideration. Making resolutions is easy, keeping them is where you need the help.

James W. Mellert, your dentist in Torrance, offers these tips to keeping your New Year’s resolutions.

You Must Want It

The success of any resolution you make comes down to how much you want to reach that goal. If you resolve to eat healthier food, but aren’t really all that excited about it, you are destined to fail. Let’s get real. Life is going to get in the way of your goals and it is the way you react that will determine if you make or break your resolutions. If you really don’t want to lose 10 pounds, then it just isn’t going to happen.

Your Goals Should Be Achievable

You will be disappointed at the end of the month if you resolved to drop 30 pounds by the end of January. That is a goal that is tough for anybody to reach. Your best bet is to break that down in a way that it can be measured. Instead, resolve to lose 4 pounds a month for the next eight month. This is a goal that is much easier to achieve and will leave you encouraged at the end of each month.

Have Reminders Everywhere

In the midst of our very busy lives, it is inevitable that resolutions might totally slip our minds from time to time. To keep this from happening, make sure that your resolutions are written down and prominently displayed around your home and your workstation. This way, you have constant reminders that you made some goals at the beginning of the year and you won’t forget about them.

Lose The Negativity

Don’t go into this thinking that it’s a bad idea or that there is no way you can reach these goals. If so, then you are already defeated. And even though you may have tried resolutions in the past and failed, this year will be different. Think positive thoughts about yourself and your resolutions every morning when you get up.

Get Help

There is absolutely no shame in having to lean on family members and friends for support. Talk about your resolutions with people you trust and ask them for their help. You will be glad you did when you reach a low point and are ready to throw in the towel.

And if you resolved to visit your dentist on a regular basis, now is the time to keep that resolution. Give James M. Mellert a call today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those hard candies grandma keep in a bowl next to the nativity scene on the fireplace mantle might seem harmless, but if you eat too many of them the constant exposure to sugar can be very harmful to your teeth. This holds true to a lot of the food you see at grandma’s house around the holiday season. And it is up to you to avoid the foods bad for your teeth ad grandma isn’t going to change her ways and serve carrots and celery in the Christmas candy dishes anytime soon.

If you are what you eat, it is particularly true for your teeth and gums. When you eat and drink starchy and sugary foods and drinks, you are not only feeding your body bad foods, you are feeding the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease.

And while you do a pretty good job keeping clear of the foods and drink that rot your teeth any other time, it is a bit harder around the holiday season. In fact, there might even be traditional holiday foods you eat that you don’t even realize are bad for your teeth. For example, fruitcake is full of sugar and candied fruit, which means if you want healthy teeth, it’s a food you should avoid as much as possible.

James W. Mellert, your dental clinic in Torrance, offers up some foods and drinks that are good for your teeth and some foods you need to avoid this holiday season.

Wine

Nothing is as disastrous as spilling red wine on a white carpet. You will have a stain there forever.

If red wine can stain your carpet, then it can stain your teeth. Wine contains an erosive acid that allows stains to penetrate your teeth more deeply. Wine also tends to dry out your mouth, which makes it hot and sticky and the perfect place for bacteria to thrive and multiply.

Sour Candies

You aren’t surprised that candy is bad for your teeth. But what might surprise you is that sour candy is a lot tougher on your teeth. This is because sour candy contains acids that are really bad for your teeth. Sour candies are also sticky and stay n your teeth for a long period of time. This is a combination that leads to tooth decay. If you are craving a sweet, grab a small chocolate instead as you can chew it quickly and it will easily wash away off your teeth.

Bread

When your body is craving carbs, skip the white bread in favor of whole wheat. When you chew bread, your saliva breaks down the starches into sugar. This gummy paste is then deposited in the crevices of your teeth. This will cause cavities.

Fruits And Vegetables

Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables are good for your teeth. Fruits and vegetables with fiver work as a detergent in your mouth. They get your saliva flowing, which is your best tool to fight gum disease and cavities.

Cheese is another saliva maker and the calcium in cheese is good for your teeth. The same holds true for milk and other dairy products.

Dried Fruits

Gotcha in this one. You might think that dried foods are good for your teeth, they aren’t. While dried fruits are a healthy snack, you need to eat them with caution. Many dried fruits are sticky, like apricots and raisins, and can cling to your teeth and in crevices in your mouth and leave behind a lot of sugar. If you do eat dried fruits, rinse your mouth out after and floss to get rid of those trapped particles.

Citrus Fruits

Grapefruit, oranges and lemons are tasty, full of vitamin C and are a healthy food, but they are also full of acid that can erode your enamel. In addition, the acid in these fruits can also be bothersome if you have any sores in your mouth. That is, it stings. Make sure you rinse your mouth after eating that orange.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are quite satisfying. But they are also loaded with starch, which is turned into sugar in the mouth and gets trapped in your teeth.

Watch what you eat this holiday season and don’t forget to visit James W. Mellert for a checkup. Call now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You need a good reason to see James W. Mellert, your dentist in Torrance? We can give you several. For starters, we are in the midst of the holiday season and you may have been nipping at eggnog and downing a few Christmas cookies, those can cause cavities you know. It’s better to be safe than to wind up with a toothache on a Saturday morning when you have plenty of chores that need to be done.

Many people go years without seeing a dentist, they just don’t know what they are missing. But hey, even if you aren’t suffering a toothache and think all is well in your mouth, you really should pay a visit to your dentist. Here are a few reasons why.

Bad Breath

If you are suffering from bad breath, everybody around you is suffering as well. Sorry, that was uncalled for, we couldn’t resist.

Seriously though, bad breath could be the sign of a more serious condition. Bad breath can be caused by food particles stuck in your teeth or it could be due to something serious like a liver or kidney ailment. It is best if you have it checked out by your dentist right away.

Bright Smile

As you age, your teeth will tend to get stained and you will lose the bright white smile that you once had. Don’t fret about it, visit your dentist and ask about ways in which you can get that bright smile back. In many cases, all it takes is teeth whitening. If you suffer a chipped or otherwise unsightly tooth, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way and there are a number of ways we can fix teeth.

Prevent Disease

Bad breath might also be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is something you really don’t want to deal with. Some other warning signs include bleeding gums and swollen or tender gums. Bleeding gums might also be the result of brushing with a little too much vigor. But just to be safe, you should call and schedule an appointment.

Wear and Tear

Your teeth have been through a lot over the years. It is time that you came in to have your dentist take a look at any damage that may have occurred. Remember that bone you bit into a few years ago while eating chicken? That may have caused damage that will give you fits if not taken care of soon.

The James W. Mellert dental office offers a myriad of treatments and services for our patients. But one of the most helpful treatments in general dentistry is professional teeth cleaning. Before any other treatments are suggested, teeth cleaning should be done.

Even though you don’t look forward to it, it is important that you keep that six-month checkup, it is for your own good. Skipping out on your checkup because of anxiety, cost or any other factor puts you at risk.

Go ahead, give us a call and schedule an appointment today.

 

 

 

If you pass on ice cream and hot tea because they make your teeth hurt, it might be time to talk to your dentist about sensitive teeth. Sometimes, other things bother you as well, like sour and sweet foods as well as cold air.

If you are one of the 40 million Americans with sensitive teeth, you are familiar with the zing that follows a hot drink or breath of cold air. If you are living with sensitive teeth, it is good to know what causes it so you can better avoid it. James W. Mellert, your dental clinic in Torrance, offers the causes of tooth sensitivity.

Too Much Mouthwash

Some over-the-counter rinses and mouthwashes contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive. You might want to try a neutral mouthwash or skip it altogether and just floss and brush your teeth more often.

Buildup Of Plaque

Flossing and brushing help remove the plaque that forms on your teeth. If you aren’t doing a good job brushing and flossing, you can suffer a buildup of plaque. An excessive buildup of plaque can cause the enamel on teeth to wear away. When this happens, it can cause sensitivity in your teeth.

Of course, the easiest way to prevent this is by brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. You will also want to visit your dentist every six months for a good cleaning.

You Grind Your Teeth

Tooth enamel is strong, in fact, it is the strongest substance in your body, but grinding your teeth can wear it down. And when you do, you expose the middle layer of the tooth which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves. You might want to visit your dentist and talk about the use of a mouth guard that will stop you from grinding your teeth at night.

Gum Disease

If you have gum disease or receding gums, it can cause sensitive teeth. You will want to pay a visit to your dentist to come up with a plan to treat the underlying disease.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth can cause pain and can be the reason you suffer sensitive teeth. You will need to see your dentist right away and have it evaluated. The right course of treatment, whether that is a cap or an extraction, will have you feeling better in time.

Dental Procedure

After a root canal, it is quite common to suffer some sensitivity. The same holds true after having a tooth pulled or having a crown. If the symptoms don’t disappear after a few weeks, you will need to go back and see your dentist again as there could be an infection.

Tooth-Whitening Toothpaste

Just like some mouthwashes and rinses, some tooth-whitening toothpastes contain chemicals that can cause tooth sensitivity in some people. If you are using a tooth-whitening toothpaste and are suffer from sensitive teeth, you might want to switch to a regular toothpaste.

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, contact James W. Mellert today and schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

We all reach that point in our lives when we come to the realization that we are getting significantly older. This realization often hits people right around the age of 50, the half-century mark of our lives. It is right around this time when you may notice that you have more wrinkles around your eyes and on your neck. In addition, you need reading glasses to peruse the menu at your favorite eatery and you say “what?” a lot more than you want to. You may also notice a decline in dental health.

Your body goes through drastic changes during puberty, which is why most of us would never want to go through that again. But what many of you don’t know is that your body will once again go through some pretty drastic changes after the age of 50. Dental issues that you thought you would never have to deal with again might start cropping up if you aren’t careful. And while the occasional cavity is nothing to lose sleep over, there are some pretty serious dental problems you will want to avoid. James W. Mellert, your dentist in Torrance, gives you a few examples.

Tooth Decay

Cavities are fairly common and easily resolved, but as your teeth get older, decay becomes more of a problem. Cavities can become more prevalent around old fillings. Regular visits to your dental office will help prevent tooth decay.

Oral Cancer

The older you get, the higher the risk of oral cancer. Your best defense against this scary and devastating disease is early detection. Regular dental checkups are the best way to catch this disease in the early stages.

Overcrowding Teeth

As you age, the more your teeth are prone to shifting. Gradually, your teeth become overcrowded and you notice that food is more likely to get stuck between your teeth. You also have a more difficult time flossing. If this is happening to you, pay a visit to your dentist for options.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a side effect of many medications older people may be taking. In addition to making it uncomfortable to eat and all around rather annoying, dry mouth can cause bad breath and damage your teeth. This is a pretty common condition in older patients but can be resolved by drinking more water throughout the day. If the condition persists, schedule an appointment with your family dentist.

Gingivitis

If your gums are red, swollen and tend to bleed, the culprit could be gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into gum disease, which is quite serious and can lead to complications including tooth loss. Again, regular dental visits can help prevent this disease.

Darkened Teeth

Tooth darkening is a natural effect of aging. The hard tissue covering your teeth, known as enamel, wears away and exposes the darker dentin underneath it. If you smoke, drink coffee or other foods that stain, your teeth become discolored over the years.

Caring for aging teeth is important, here is what you can do to minimize problems.

Brushing

Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your teeth clean. A soft-bristled brush is comfortable and prevents damage to the tooth enamel and gums. You should be brushing your teeth in the morning, at night before bed and after each meal. Dentists recommend a two to three minute cleaning time.

If you are suffering arthritis or otherwise find it difficult to brush your teeth, you can try an electric toothbrush.

Flossing

Flossing should be a daily event as it is the best way to remove sticky bacteria from your teeth. Flossing allows you to reach places you can’t with your toothbrush. But keep in mind that flossing can damage gums, teeth and dental work if you aren’t careful.

Implants

If you have missing teeth, consider having implants. This procedure does involve surgery, but provides a permanent solution to tooth loss and tooth damage. Implants work by connecting a metal post into the jawbone and then attaching a dental implant by screwing it into place. The implant integrates to your bone and looks like a natural tooth.

Dentures

Dentures are also an option if you have missing teeth.

If it has been a while since you have seen your dentist, give James W. Mellert a call.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many people wait years between dental appointments. In fact, they would not see their dentist in Torrance at all except for those times when they get a terrible toothache. If it wasn’t for tooth decay, some people would write off dentists as fictional characters.

Now, you don’t go years between dental appointments, you know better than that. Still, you might see your dentist once every year, maybe year and a half, which you think is pretty good. Except that it is not.

If you go longer than six months between dental visits, you aren’t doing yourself or your teeth any favors. Here is a list of reasons you need to visit James W. Mellert on a regular basis.

Problems Under the Surface

A critical part of your bi-annual dental checkups is having your teeth x-rayed. These x-rat images enable your dentist and other dental professionals to see what is going on beneath the surface of your mouth. They can discover and diagnose problems that cannot be seen on the surface. This could include issues like impacted teeth, tumors and cysts.

This is especially important when it comes to some very destructive diseases that show no symptoms but tend to progress very rapidly. Dental check-ups are very beneficial to your overall health.

Keep Those Bad Habits in Check

There are several bad habits that can have a negative impact on your oral health. The biggies include smoking and eating sticky candy, but biting your nails, drinking coffee and wine and grinding your teeth are all habits that can do harm to your teeth.

When you visit your dental clinic on a regular basis, your dentist can check for any damage caused by your bad habits that you may not have noticed. In all likelihood, your dentist will inform you that your habits are destructive and possibly deadly. You will probably be encouraged to make better lifestyle choices. As for the damage that has already been done, your dentist can fix those up when you pay him or her a visit.

Plaque and Tartar

Even if you are a diligent daily brusher and flosser, there are still areas in your mouth that are missed by your toothbrush and floss. Plaque then starts to build up and becomes quite difficult to remove. If left unchecked, it hardens and turns into tartar, which is extremely difficult to remove without professional help.

Regular visits to your dentist office for cleanings prevent plaque and tartar from eroding and otherwise damaging your teeth. Having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis is a lot less expensive and less painful than having to have your dentist fill the cavities created by plaque and tartar.

Gum Disease

It’s bad enough that plaque and tartar cause cavities, but they also can cause gum disease. When this happens, the gum begins to pull away from the tooth, then it only gets worse from there. If you have gum disease, there will be swelling, bleeding and soreness in your mouth.

Along with the breakdown of your gum tissue, you can expect the bones that hold your teeth in place to break down as well. Having your dentist treat gum disease will certainly take a blow on your wallet. The best way to avoid all of this is by seeing your dentist on a regular basis.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a very serious disease that can manifest itself in numerous ways. If it is not discovered and diagnosed in the early stages, it could become life-threatening. Early stage oral cancer is often easily treatable.

Your dentist is highly-trained to recognize the symptoms and signs of oral cancer. Seeing your dentist every six months increases the chances that you will have any signs of oral cancer detected in the early stages.

Healthy Body

Studies repeatedly confirm that the state of your oral health provides insight into your overall health. Oral conditions can lead to other conditions and diseases including heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Setting a Good Example

If you aren’t seeing your dentist every six months, you can’t expect your children to understand the importance of regular dental checkups. If anything, seeing your dentist on a regular basis sets a good example for your kids and other children including nieces and nephews.

Having to visit your dentist every six months isn’t the appointment you are necessarily looking forward to. In fact, it could be the appointment you dread most. But it is one of the most important appointments that you need to keep.

If you are finding yourself skipping out on dental checkups for whatever reasons, you need to stop and consider all of the risks you are taking. Keep telling yourself that it is very important that your visit James W. Mellert every six months. Call and schedule an appointment today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. And what they say is true; first impressions are everything and you are judged by the way you look. Your smile is your calling card on first dates, job interviews and meeting your child’s teacher for the first time. Smiles get you through awkward moments, they make you look younger, or older and they can help you defuse a potentially angry situation.

Having a great smile is sort of like having a superpower. But if you don’t have a great smile, you wake up each morning and don’t like what you see in the mirror. If you are less than satisfied with your smile, perhaps it’s time for a change. James W. Mellert, DDS, your cosmetic dentistry clinic in Torrance, offers several ways in which you can improve your smile.

Floss Daily

Flossing removes plaque between your teeth and out from under your gum lines, these are places your toothbrush simply cannot reach. Flossing every day helps prevent gingivitis and tooth decay. If you let plaque build up, it can lead to tooth loss and bone destruction, either of which won’t do any good for your smile.

Don’t Smoke

You probably already know how bad smoking is to your health. Well, it will also take a toll on your smile. Smoking stains your teeth, leaving them yellow and brown. The superficial stain can be polished out, but it can also soak deep into the enamel.

Smoking also poses a danger to your gums. It can cause them to recede and develop large pockets around your teeth. Your teeth will appear longer and with dark spaces between them.

Limit Tea, Red Wine and Coffee

Beverages like tea, red wine and coffee can stain your teeth. Just like smoking, these stains can be polished out by your dentist, but they can also stain deep into the tooth enamel. When you do drink beverages that cause stains, rinse your mouth frequently with water.

Teeth Whitening

A bright smile requires white teeth and the best way to achieve this is by having your teeth whitened at your dentist office.

Over time, your teeth can get stained from smoking, drinking certain beverages and even by some medications. A professional bleaching is much stronger and more effective than over-the-counter products.

Bonding

Bonding is an easy and safe way to correct the appearance of teeth that are cracked, unevenly spaced or stained. Bonding uses a tooth-colored plastic base material called composite resin to correct these problems. Bonding can be accomplished in just one visit to your dentist and the results can last for several years.

Crowns

A crown is a custom cap that fits perfectly over a damaged tooth. If you have a damaged tooth or one that is more than 3/4 filling, then you can get a crown to place over it and give you a better-looking smile. Your crown will also help protect the tooth by preventing further bacteria from entering it and causing an infection.

Veneers

Veneers are custom shells, typically made from porcelain, that cover the front side of teeth and change their shape and color. Veneers are similar to bonding, but last longer and provide superior appearance. Veneers improve the looks in teeth that have spaces between them, are permanently stained, have chips, are poorly shaped and are crooked.

Implants

Implants are an involved and expensive form of cosmetic dentistry, but are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and come in three parts. You have the titanium metal which fuses to the jawbone, the abutment which fits over the part that sticks out of the gums and the crown which has a natural, tooth-like appearance.

Braces

People of all ages can enjoy the benefits of braces. Braces not only improve the look of teeth that are crowded or crooked, they also improve jaw positioning and bite. Braces are worn to apply pressure and reposition teeth. It is a procedure that can take several months, if not longer, to complete.

Bridges

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth. Bridges can be made of porcelain, alloys, gold or a combination. Your dentist will anchor a bridge to the surrounding teeth that holds the false tooth.

Enamel Shaping

If you are not happy with the way your teeth are shaped, your dentist can shape them to make improvements. Through enamel shaping, your dentist can alter the size, shape and position of your teeth. Chips and cracks can also be corrected.

Regular Checkups

Making sure that your teeth are clean and healthy goes a long way in improving your smile. Keeping regular appointments with your dentist will help ensure that problems are spotted early and treatment is sought to divert issues that could affect your smile. Schedule a visit with James W. Mellert, DDS today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s never going to be a good day when your dentist tells you that you have a cavity. After all, it’s nothing to be proud of. It is especially hurtful if you are the type who diligently brushes your teeth at least twice a day and do what you can to keep your teeth healthy. And let’s not forget the fact you will have to get a filling, which is cause for anxiety for some of you.

After the cavity is discovered, the next step is typically the dental filling. Dental fillings come in several different materials and each has advantages and disadvantages. James W. Mellert, your dental clinic in Torrance, takes a look at the various types of fillings.

The Classic

Amalgam fillings are what most think of as silver fillings, but they are really composed of a mixture of silver, copper, tin and mercury. Dentists have been using amalgam fillings for over 150 years because they are long-lasting, strong and an inexpensive option.

The downside to this type of filling is that they are very noticeable and tend to get dark over time. If you are worried about your smile, you might want to go with a different option.

Composite

Composite fillings are made of acrylic resin and powdered glass. You read that right, powdered glass. The beauty of composite fillings is that they can be colored to match your natural teeth. This is why they are a popular choice.

However, they do wear out faster than other filling options and they aren’t the best choice if you have great chewing pressure.

Million Dollar Smile

Gold fillings won’t literally cost you a million dollars, they just make you look like a million dollars. Gold fillings aren’t made of pure gold, but they are still one of the most durable choices available. But they will cost you a pretty penny to have gold fillings, about six to 10 times more than amalgam fillings.

Ceramic

Ceramic fillings are made mostly of porcelain, which makes them a great low-profile option. In addition to being tooth-colored, they are also resistant to stains. One drawback to ceramic fillings is that they are more brittle than other filling options and are rather expensive.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer fillings are made of acrylic and fluoroaluminosilicate, which is a component of glass and a really long word. This type of filling is typically used for fillings on front teeth or fillings when the decay goes into the root of the tooth. The downside to this type of filling is that they don’t last very long, around five years or so and they don’t match the color of teeth as closely as composite fillings.

If you still have questions about the types of fillings dentists use, feel free to give James W. Mellert a call. You should also come and see us if you are having problems with any existing fillings that are bothering you. A loose or damaged filling can lead to complications, so you don’t want to wait to schedule an appointment.