Foods and Drinks with High Levels of Acid

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Upon hearing the word “acid,” the first thought that popped up in your mind would have been that “acids” are the various chemicals you saw when you were little in the science lab in school. Or you might have thought that it is the thing which causes indigestion and heartburn. However, in reality, “acids” play a crucial role in our oral health.

While our diet comprises most foods that have low acidity, some foods and drinks have high levels of acidity. Dr. Farhat adds that some can cause severe damage to your oral health. Foods and drinks with high levels of acid can cause major damage to our enamel and can also cause dental erosion.

How do Acids Affect Our Oral Health?

As acids damage the enamel of our teeth, it becomes a massive problem for your teeth because, without the enamel, our teeth are vulnerable to damage. For every acidic food or drink we take, the enamel on the surface of our teeth becomes softer for a short while, and it loses some of its mineral content.

Enamel is the hard, protective coating of our tooth, which acts as a safeguard for the sensitive dentine underneath. As mentioned above, when the enamel is softened, it leaves the sensitive dentine underneath exposed, which can be the cause of sensitivity.

The most common types of acids in the foods we consume daily are phosphoric acids, carbonic acids, and citric acids.

Fizz

Fizziness is the most obvious sign that you can see that will tell you that what you are about to drink contains high concentrations of acids. The most popular acidic drinks are fizzy drinks, sodas, carbonated drinks, and pops. While you might be thinking that diet drinks are safe, but they too are dangerous for your oral health.

Some types of alcohol are also acidic in nature like cider, white wine, beer, and alcopops. Dr. Ben Kacos, an emergency dentist in Shreveport, LA, adds that these fizzy drinks are often damaging to your enamel. Too much of them can also lead to diabetes and other health problems. 

Fruits

Fruits are an integral part of a balanced diet and are known to be quite good for your health, so you might be shocked to find out that fruits also contain acids. Furthermore, fruits contain citric acids, which can lead to dental erosion.

The worst of these are citrus fruits, which have a lower pH level, which means that they have a higher concentration of acids. The most acidic fruits are lemon, grapes, grapefruit, plums, limes, and blueberries.

Now you might be thinking that it is best to remove all these from your diet, but that would not be such a great idea because they are very nutritious, and they provide your body with what it needs. So, Dentists in Sterling Heights recommend eating the fruit instead of drink it. Fruits are packed with vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

To learn more tips about your oral health, contact us at Dental One Care. Dr. Fadi Farhat and his team are happy to help you in any way we can.

Tips for Phasing out Sugar 

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Tips for Phasing out Sugar

Most of us will probably say yes when asked whether you would like sugar in your tea or not. It’s not the healthiest choice, but we’re guilty of it too. It’s normal for you to crave something sweet now and then. But do you ever stop to think of how it can affect your health or even your oral health? If you did, you’d probably limit your sugar intake. In this article, we share some tips for phasing out sugar.

Sugar and Oral Health

Sugar does not just cause tooth decay, but it is also linked to some pretty severe conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and it is one of the main contributors to obesity. Phasing out sugar may seem difficult, but it may be easier than you thought. Start slow, and you’ll be back on track in no time!

Cut the Sugar

Do you like to drink your calories? For instance, do you have a cup of soda or two a day? Do you often drink frappuccinos or sweet teas? Dentists in Sterling Heights, MI suggest cutting out soda and drinking more water! Instead of drinking two cups of soda each day, cutting it down to one. Then cut it down to a few times a week, and then eventually cut it out for good. Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, adds that sugar in moderation is fine, as long as it’s not consumed consistently. By just avoiding sugar in one of your beverages can have a positive effect on your health as you would be giving up about 56 grams in a week or 2912 grams in a year.

When You’re Craving Something Sweet

If you really crave some sweetness when phasing out sugar, then try natural sweeteners like xylitol or stevia. Even better, try adding honey to your drinks or even snacking on some fruit. This will not only fulfill your sweet tooth but also keep your teeth from rotting away. 

 As always, regular visits to your Sterling Heights dentist will help your mouth in staying healthy. Your dentist is the best person to talk to about your oral health. Dr. Fadi Farhat, or one of our dental hygienists at Dental One Care can also offer you advice on how to adjust your diet to reach optimal health.

If you don’t have a dentist to consult with, visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Our team will take good care of you and your smile. Just contact us at our office today to set up an appointment.  

Saving Money at the Dentist

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A recent report from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on data from 1996 to 2015 concluded that more Americans have dental coverage than they did 20 years ago but their spending at the dental clinic is significantly higher.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made dental insurance coverage much more common for children. 88% of those under 21 were covered in 2015, compared to 73% in 1996. Whereas for adults, progress has been comparatively slower especially for senior citizens.

After retirement, most people learn that Medicare doesn’t cover routine checkups and even people with dental coverage struggle to pay for costly procedures like root canal therapy and oral surgery.

The tips mentioned below are from dentist Fadi Farhat, one of the renowned dentists in Sterling Heights, MI, who can help make the costs of dental care more manageable.

Tips for More Affordable Dental Care

Practice good oral hygiene

The most important dental tip anyone could ever give would be to brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing once every few days would only make your dental health better. Just to be safe, avoid the excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Drinking lots of water will also go a long way.

Get covered if you can

Most jobs come with fringe-benefits which include dental care. If this is so, then you should sign up for dental insurance as most plans offer dental exams, X-rays, and cleanings, as well as a significant number of procedures such as fillings and crowns. 

Consider dental savings plans

While savings plans are not as effective as dental coverage, it is still a very good option for those struggling for coverage. An annual plan usually costs around $80 to $200. However, it can provide access to numerous dentists who offer discounts as high as 50% for members.

Bargain hunt

In this day and age, you can find almost anything on the internet and there are several sites that let you look up the costs of dentists near you. This can help you compare them or even ask your dentist for a discount.

Try community health centers and university dental schools 

Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker CO, points out that both of these options offer low-cost dental care. University dental schools are usually operated by dental students who do not have experience but are supervised by experienced dentists.

Avoid unnecessary treatments 

Before undergoing expensive procedures or exams, question yourself if it’s really necessary. For example, X-rays only need to be done every 2 to 3 years but still, people have X-rays done very often.

 

If you need to make an appointment with Dr. Fadi Farhart, contact us today to schedule your visit!

Tips for Brushing Habits

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It’s a common fact that every person should brush their teeth every morning and night, but there are a few more things that must be done in order to keep your mouth healthy. As a matter of fact, you might have some bad habits that you think is beneficial for your mouth.

It’s never too late to start taking good care of your oral health. To start, check out the list below of common habits that might be causing harm to your teeth and gums.

You Brush Too Hard

Of course, you put a little force when you brush your teeth; how else are you supposed to get the plaque and food residue off your teeth? However, applying excessive force when you brush can irritate your gums and damage your teeth. Too much force can even lead to scratches and infections if done often.

It may come as a surprise but plaque is loose and soft which makes it easy to remove from your teeth. It only becomes harder to remove when it turns into tartar. Even if you put excessive force into brushing, it still won’t be removed. The only way to remove would be to get a teeth cleaning service by a dentist. And besides plaque wouldn’t even form on your teeth if you brush two times a day every day.

You Share Your Toothbrush 

If you are willing to use your partner’s toothbrush when you cannot find yours then you are not alone. Most couples do not think there is anything wrong with it. All in all, it’s almost disgusting to share your toothbrush with someone else. Even though at first it may not seem that bad but sharing your toothbrush can result in different types of germs transferring into another person’s mouth which can become a serious problem.

You might notice yourself getting sick more frequently than normal since the flu virus can stay on a surface for several hours, which is, in this case, the toothbrush. The bacteria can even lead to cavities which are also very contagious. Your partner might not even know they have a cavity; hence you are putting the health of your mouth at risk. 

You Keep Using the Same Toothbrush For Too Long

Here is a fact that not too many people know about; your toothbrush needs to be changed every three to four months

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change your toothbrush at the start of every season. That is because your toothbrush accumulates germs over time and the bristles of your toothbrush also start to fray or break with extended use. These older bristles will not clean your teeth the way they are meant to, which will allow plaque to form. This can harm your teeth and gums if the plaque turns into tartar, which will then require a professional orthodontist to perform a dental cleaning session. If you are wondering where to go to do that if in case tartar has formed on the surface your teeth or you just want to get your teeth shining white, then you should visit Dr. Fardi Farhat. In Sterling Heights, MI. Dr. Fardi Farhat combines his years of experience with his skills to guarantee that the client is fully satisfied. 

What is Bruxism?

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Do you wake up with unexplained tenderness in your jaw? Does your significant other tell you that you grind your teeth in your sleep? Dental professionals describe bruxism is the term used to describe teeth clenching or grinding. Bruxism can lead to a number of oral health care concerns, including serious damage to your previously healthy teeth.

The better you understand bruxism and how it can impact more than just your ability to get a restful night, the better you’ll understand the treatment options that you have available to you from your dentist in Sterling Heights MI, Dr. Fadi Farhat.

Causes of Bruxism

There are several causes behind teeth grinding, with stress and anxiety often being the primary factors. If you feel stress and anxious during your waking hours, you are much more likely to feel the effects of the stress during your sleeping hours. This can lead to clenching your jaw in your sleep and also grinding your teeth.

Bruxism can also be attributed to an undiagnosed condition known as sleep apnea. Those who live with this condition experience irregular or paused breathing when they are asleep. A night guard can help many patients with their sleep apnea, but it’s important to undergo a sleep study that can evaluate your unique condition.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Outside of your partner telling you that you grind your teeth in your sleep, there are several other symptoms of bruxism for you to keep in mind.

  • Frequent headaches in the morning
  • Tightness, discomfort or pain in the jaw muscles
  • Unexplained wear and chipping on teeth
  • Damage to restorative dental work, including fillings and crowns
  • Loose teeth or the ultimate loss of teeth

Preventing Bruxism

Protecting your teeth from further damage is an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy and your smile bright. First and foremost, your first visit should be to your dentist Sterling Heights MI patients should know. Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth and any damage that may need to be repaired. Keeping on top of tooth damage or gum inflammation can help to prevent tooth loss.

The best preventative solution will be using a custom-fit and professionally made mouthguard. The mouth guard, worn while you sleep, will help to protect your teeth from the nighttime grinding. This will have the positive effect of keeping your tooth enamel healthy and could help you to see a reduction in those headaches that have been plaguing you each morning.

Are you looking to preserve the health of your teeth and protect against teeth grinding? Whether looking for bruxism solutions or orthodontic solutions, you will find that our team at Dental One Care offers a treatment plan that will meet your individual oral health care needs. 

To find out more, contact us at Dental One Care to speak to one of our dental professionals. We can answer your questions and schedule your appointment with Dr. Farhat so that you can learn more about bruxism and find the right treatment solution for your needs.

At Home Toothache Remedies

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Your head pounds, your gums hurt, and your mouth is sore and tender. All these things are due to your toothache. To get rid of it once and for all, a visit to the dentist would be highly recommended. Until then you can take the help of these home remedies to get short-term relief.

OTC Pain Relievers

For children, our Sterling Heights MI dentists recommend acetaminophen. However, for adults, just pick anyone of the over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen. If you decide to go with aspirin, just swallow it rather than keeping on the tooth or the gums because that causes some serious harm inside your mouth.

Cold Compress

If you look in the mirror and notice your face is swollen, place an icepack on your cheek. That can help ease the pain. The swelling of your face could also indicate that you might have an abscess, a sac of pus and gunk embedded deep into the roots of your tooth. If this is really the case, then it can result in a serious infection in your jaw and other teeth. Symptoms include fever and red gums.

Ice

Take some ice in your hand on the same side of your body in which you have a sore tooth. Rub the ice in the space between your forefinger and thumb for 17 minutes or until you start to feel numbness in the area. Wondering what rubbing ice between your thumb and forefinger has to do with the pain in your mouth? Research has discovered that ice stops pain signals to your brain.

Garlic

When you crush one of these cloves in your mouth, an oily liquid known as allicin is released which is a natural disease fighter. Will it affect the ache? That is not certain but you can try chewing a piece of garlic in your mouth or even placing chopped bits on your tooth. It’s safe and effective to some extent but comes at a price which is bad breath.

Clove Oil

As talked about before, it is a natural remedy that numbs the pain. Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport LA, says that for it to work you must rub it directly onto the sore area or soak a cotton ball and dab it against the tooth and gums. Some argue that its effectiveness might equal to the effectiveness of benzocaine which is the numbing agent used in over-the-counter toothache gels.

Toothache Plant

By reading the name you might have had a thought in mind that this would for sure work wonders for your toothache. Unfortunately, that is not quite true because there has not come forth any evidence that proves that this plant which grows all over the world actually works to ease your pain.  

If you are one of the many people out there who don’t believe in these remedies or who don’t want to prolong this problem and have it dealt with by a professional then contact us at Dental One Care to schedule a visit with Dr. Farhat Fardi.

Gum Disease Awareness Month

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By definition, gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line that can progress to affect the bone that supports your teeth. There are three stages of gum disease, ranking from least to most severe, which are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

What causes gum disease?

A sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the surface of your teeth causes gum disease. If plaque is not instantly removed there is a high chance that it will turn into tartar (calculus). To make your problem even worse dental plaque will continue to form over the tartar. Brushing or flossing can remove plaque but does not have any effect on tartar. Therefore, it would need a teeth cleaning service performed by a professional to remove it.

How to identify Gum disease?

Gum disease may be painless hence it is important to be aware of the following symptoms. Or else you would not be able to deal with it at its early stage and the condition might get serious. 

  • Swollen, red or tender gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Gums move away from the tooth 
  • Gums that start bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • A visible change in the way your teeth come together
  • Visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums
  • Pain during chewing foods
  • Teeth start to become overly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures

How to prevent gum disease?

Proper flossing and brushing can go a long way in terms of keeping gum disease at bay. To fight bacteria, it would be advisable to use antibacterial toothpaste or mouth rinse. They will also help reduce plaque that forms on the surface of your teeth which is important to remove instantly as it is the main cause for the formation of bacteria.

How to treat it?

There is only one way to get rid of plaque that has hardened and transformed into tartar. That is to have a professional teeth cleaning service with your dentist.  By scheduling regular dental checkups every six months, gum disease can be dealt with at its early stage before turning into a serious problem.

If the disease has reached the point where the condition is serious, scaling and root planning can be performed to treat the periodontal pockets and gum infection. Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown KY, adds that usually, a dental hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaling device to remove plaque, tartar and food debris above and below the gum line. They will also hand scale the tooth to make the teeth surface smooth and disease-free. 

If you are currently in the search for an experienced and skilled orthodontist anywhere near Sterling Heights, MI, then look no further and come visit Dr. Fardi Farhat. He has years of experience and many satisfied customers. What makes Dr. Fardi Farhat stand out from all the other orthodontists is that he values patient satisfaction over everything else.  

The Complex Role of Braces

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When you hear the word “braces”, the first thing that pops up in your mind is teeth straightening. While there is nothing wrong with that, there is a lot more to it that is often overlooked.

Properly aligned teeth can help boost your confidence and misaligned teeth that are not corrected can cause major issues over time. Maintaining oral hygiene is also easier when your teeth are aligned properly.

The Non-Cosmetic Benefits of Braces

Braces improve daily hygiene habits

When your teeth are straight, it is a lot easier to clean them using your toothbrush and dental floss. This is because they can easily reach the surfaces better and there are no hard to reach places in between your teeth caused by overcrowding and overlapping of teeth. Hence, the formation of plaque will be reduced by a significant amount.

Braces improve long term oral health

Since straight teeth are easier to clean, they are also most likely to have less buildup of calculus deposits and tartar. If this is not the case then this excessive buildup can cause gum disease known as Periodontitis. This can also lead to bone loss around the teeth or even teeth loss. Teeth that are properly aligned and spaced will help in keeping your mouth healthier.

Braces correct misaligned bites

One of the most impactful functions of braces is to correct an improperly balanced bite. By correcting under-bite, cross-bite, over-bite, etc., excessive wear on the surface of the teeth in the future can be avoided. It can even prevent teeth loss for, extreme cases.

Even though it not very common, straightening teeth and improving a patient’s bite by the means of orthodontic treatments and assist other procedures like prosthodontic work which involves crowns, veneers, bridges or implants.

It would be best to contact a dentist about how orthodontic treatments can help improve the overall health of your mouth. And if you are in search of an orthodontist who you can blindly trust in maintaining the healthiness of your mouth then visit us in Sterling Heights, MI.

Client satisfaction is our main objective and to ensure that the patient is fully satisfied with the treatment, our team of highly qualified orthodontists combines their skills with their experience to guarantee the patient visits us the next time they have a dental issue. Our team of orthodontists consists of Dr. Fardi Farhat who has years of dental experience and a lot of satisfied patients.           

  

The Veneers Process

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Dental veneers are custom-made shells placed on the front surface of your teeth. They improve the appearance of your teeth. Veneers can be made from composite materials or from porcelain. Veneers are mostly used for cosmetic purposes to mask minor chips, cracks, and stains on teeth. However, they also serve a functional role when treating periodontal disease. Read on and learn more about these restorations.

Dental Veneer Cost

Our team at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI explain that the cost of your dental veneers will depend on the specific type of veneer that you select as discussed below;

Direct/Composite Veneers. Direct veneers are applied by painting a composite coating onto the prepared tooth surface. This type of veneer typically costs about $250 per tooth and the procedure can be completed in one visit. Composite veneers last for about five to seven years before needing to be replaced.

Indirect/Porcelain Veneers. Indirect veneers are usually made at an external lab, so the procedure normally requires you to make two visits to the dentist. The process of getting these veneers is more demanding, so they tend to be significantly more costly than direct veneers. For example, porcelain veneers may cost about $1,000 for each tooth. Porcelain veneers have a superior service life since they can last between ten and fifteen years, or even more depending on how well you take care of them.

Steps When Getting Dental Veneers

As already mentioned, direct veneers can be placed in one appointment while indirect or porcelain veneers require two visits. These are the general steps to getting porcelain or ceramic veneers.

  • Dental Health Assessment

This usually happens during the first visit when you go to the dentist in Sterling Heights MI. During this step, the dentist will examine you and even take dental x-rays to ascertain that you don’t have any underlying dental health problem that needs to be addressed before the veneers are placed.

  • Shade Selection

Once the Sterling Heights dentist finds you a suitable candidate for veneers, he or she will select the most appropriate shade under natural light. This is done to ensure that once the veneers are placed, they will be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

  • Tooth Preparation

Tooth preparation entails shaving off a tiny amount of tooth enamel from the front surface of the tooth. This is in order to create space for the veneer. The purpose of this step is to ensure that the restored tooth will not appear to be larger or thicker than the surrounding untreated ones. This preparation may be done after a local anesthetic is applied to keep the process as pain-free as possible.

  • Taking Dental Impressions

The dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will then get a mold or impression of your tooth. This mold, together with the shade selected, will be sent to the lab that will make the veneer. In a week or two, the external lab will send back the custom veneer and your dentist will notify you to come for the final placement.

  • Temporary Veneer Placement

Your dentist in Sterling Heights will place temporary veneers on the teeth that have been prepped. These temporaries protect the teeth from damage and preserve the prepared surfaces until the permanent veneer is placed. 

  • Permanent Veneer Placement

This happens during your second visit to Dental One Care approximately one or two weeks after the first visit when the previous steps were completed. During this step, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers, clean your teeth thoroughly and etch the tooth so that the adhesive substance attaching the veneer to the tooth works. If the dentist is satisfied that the shade and dimensions of the permanent veneer, he or she will attach that veneer to your tooth. The dentist will then use a special light to expedite the curing process of the adhesive.

  • Preservation

This step involves coming to Dental One Care for a follow-up visit during which the dentist checks the veneers to confirm that everything is as it should be. Several weeks after the veneers were placed, you will have a follow-up appointment.  

All that you need to do after your dentist gives you the all-clear when you go for the follow-up visit is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing as recommended. You should also seek teeth cleaning services by our professionals every six months. The benefits of veneers include masking the discolorations and closing minor gaps between the teeth. Remember, getting dental veneers is an irreversible process. Make sure to discuss all non-invasive options with an expert at Dental One Care and act on their recommendation.

Crowns Versus Bridges

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Dental Crowns and bridges are restorative options for chipped, cracked, broken or even missing teeth. But, what do these restorations refer to and when is each best suited for you? Read on and discover the answers to these and more questions as shared by the professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Crowns are also referred to as tooth caps or dental caps. These restorations cover every part of the tooth above the gum line. This restoration is best suited for situations when your tooth needs to have its strength or esthetic appearance improved.

At Dental One Care, we make crowns that resemble your natural teeth. It is therefore hard to distinguish a tooth with a crown from another without one. We can use different materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, resin, metal or a combination of these materials. All that you have to do is tell your dentist in Sterling Heights MI your needs and our team will recommend the best option to address your needs.

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

You may need a dental crown if an injury has caused a tooth to chip, crack or fracture. A crown is also useful if one or more teeth have a cosmetic defect, such as stains. People whose teeth have been weakened by a root canal procedure, tooth decay, bruxism or other mechanical stress can also benefit from the functional and cosmetic roles of dental crowns. You can talk to an orthodontist in Sterling Heights if you have any of the conditions for which a crown can help.

What Are Dental Bridges?

When you join several dental crowns together, that multi-crown restoration is called a dental bridge. It is useful when a patient has more than one missing tooth. A bridge gets its stability from the dental structures, such as implants or nearby natural teeth, on which it is anchored.

As is the case with crowns, dental bridges can also be made from a variety of materials. The dentist will assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate material.

If you are missing all the natural teeth in your lower or upper arch, Dental One Care recommends that you get a fixed dental bridge. This is because this permanent restoration will restore full functionality to your oral structures. Your smile will also be more pleasing since the bridge will have crowns that are tooth-like.

Why Missing Teeth Should Be Replaced Promptly

When you don’t replace a missing tooth promptly, the remaining teeth are likely to shift towards the gap. This can cause your teeth to become misaligned or crooked. You also risk looking older than you are because your facial appearance will alter as bone resorption occurs in the space left by the missing tooth. Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport LA, also warns that you are likely to develop bite problems as your remaining teeth shift and bite forces are no longer distributed evenly as you eat.

Needless to say, missing teeth can make it hard for you to speak or eat. It is therefore in your best interest to see an orthodontist in Sterling Heights MI so that an appropriate restoration can be provided. This is to restore the function and appearance of your smile.

Taking Care of Your Bridge or Crown

The first step to maintaining your dental bridge or crown is by being particular about your oral hygiene. Additionally, you need to visit Dental One Care regularly for a check-up and cleaning. Our professionals will use these bi-annual visits as an opportunity to check the condition of your crown or bridge to notice any issue. 

If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges and crowns, contact us today and we will help you make an informed decision regarding the restoration most appropriate.

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