Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder treatment is offered by Smiles by Martin in Grapevine, TX which is performed to relieve an unbalanced jaw joint. This may be a corrective option if you have moderate to severe jaw problems that can’t be resolved with cosmetic dentistry alone.

Did you know that our jaws have a lot to do with the way we look? Facial harmony is also achieved with TMJ treatment. When the jaws are moved forward or backwards, up or down, or rotated, the facial soft tissue in the chin, cheeks, lips and tip of the nose move accordingly. Therefore, once the jaws are correctly positioned a harmony between the facial features is acquired which results in a beautiful profile. TMJ treatment has an end result of both inner and outer influence for the social status of the patient.

Other benefits of TMJ treatment include:

– Making biting and chewing easier and improving chewing overall

– Minimizing excessive wear and breakdown of the teeth over years of use

– Correcting underbites, overbites and crossbites

– Improving “gummy” smiles where the lips don’t fully close or pull upward and show large areas of the gums

– Improving “toothless” smiles where the lips cover all the teeth

If you think you or someone you know may need TMJ treatment please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Greg Martin of Smiles by Martin at 817.481.1041 for an expert opinion. And as always, we at Smiles by Martin are happy to answer any questions you may have about your dental health.

Dr. Greg Martin of Smiles by Martin in Grapevine, TX recommends that his patients replace their toothbrush every 3 months, when there is noticeable wear or when they have an illness, and what’s cooler than recycling your old toothbrush by making a toothbrush bracelet?

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. An old toothbrush

2. A pair of pliers

3. Vise grips

4. Tongs

5. A pot big enough to accommodate your toothbrush

6. A parent!

Step 1: Take your old toothbrush and have your parent gently remove all of the bristles from the toothbrush with a pair of pliers. Support should be applied to the neck of the toothbrush to avoid breaking it.

Step 2: Once all of the bristles are removed from the toothbrush, have your parent boil it for an hour. It has to boil for a whole hour so that when your parent starts the bending process the toothbrush doesn’t snap.

Step 3: Because the toothbrush is very hot, your parent needs to bend it using the tongs to hold the toothbrush in the middle, and with vise grips to shape the toothbrush.

Step 4: To set the shape and cool the bracelet down, let it sit in a bowl of cold water.

Be sure to keep your lumineers up to par with your new toothbrush, and if you have any questions or concerns about your oral health contact Smiles by Martin at 817.481.1041. Keep Smiling!

Dr. Greg Martin wants to know if dairy is a part of your Invisalign®-friendly diet. If not, it should be! According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), regular consumption of dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but it’s essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Did you know that cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your teeth? In addition to providing large amounts of much needed calcium and phosphorous that reduce and/or prevent decreases in the plaque’s pH level and work to remineralize the enamel of your teeth, cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese, for example, stimulate the body’s salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them.

The next time you reach for a quick snack get creative with some dairy products, and remember with each bite and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health! Please don’t hesitate to contact Smiles by Martin at 817.481.1041, or visit our Grapevine, TX location for more information about good food/drink choices and foods/drinks to avoid.

With sports in full swing, Dr. Greg Martin recommends that his patients in Grapevine, TX wear mouth guards especially if they have porcelain veneers. As an essential part of many athletes’ sport equipment, mouth guards work to protect players’ teeth and prevent dental injury—But which mouth guard is right for you?

Stock mouth guards are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting goods stores in Grapevine, TX. Unfortunately, little can be done to adjust their fit: they are bulky, make breathing and talking difficult and they provide little or no protection. Dr. Martin does not recommend this type of mouth guard to his patients.

Boil and bite mouth guards can also be bought at many sporting goods stores in Grapevine, TX, and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. Boil and bite mouth guards are made from a thermoplastic material so that consumers can do just as the name says; “boil and bite” to ensure a perfect fit. Hot water softens this product and allows consumers to shape the mouth guard around their teeth using finger and tongue pressure. Dr. Martin however, also does not recommend this to his patients.

Custom-fit mouth guards, although more expensive than the other types, will provide the most comfort and protection. For more information on custom-fitted mouth guards contact Smiles by Martin at 817.481.1041.

To many, image is everything and metal brackets and wires do not sound like the next hottest thing. The good news is that there is an alternative to traditional braces, and Dr. Greg Martin of Smiles by Martin wants to remind you that Invisalign® is a whole new way of wearing braces for a “clearly” amazing smile!

How does Invisalign® work? With a series of clear aligners that move your teeth very slightly over time you can eliminate crooked teeth, misaligned teeth and gaps in your smile. Also noteworthy, you can remove the aligners to eat or to brush your teeth – unlike traditional metal braces. Invisalign® is comfortable and effective!

For Invisalign® to be the most effective, follow these guidelines:

1. Wear each set of aligners for about two weeks
2. Remove the aligners only to eat, drink, brush and floss
3. Wear the clear aligners for at a minimum of 20-22 hours per day
4. Visit us every 8-10 weeks for an orthodontic check-up
5. See your dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings

Sounds cool right? Call Smiles by Martin at 817.481.1041 or visit our Grapevine dentist office to get fit for your aligners. Go through cosmetic dentistry in secret with Invisalign®.