A Great Smile Does More Than Make You Look Good

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At Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we take great pride in helping our clients achieve beautiful smiles. Our goal is to support comprehensive oral health above all, but we also know that appearance is very important to our clients. This is why we offer a full range of dental services in St. Cloud, MN, in addition to traditional dental services like filling cavities, fluoride treatments, and more. Yet, we feel it’s important to stress that having a great smile offers more than just superficial benefits. Investing in cosmetic dentistry treatments means you’ll enjoy more than just a great-looking smile!

Healthy Function

There’s more to a great smile than great looks. To achieve that beautiful grin, other treatments may need to be done. Remember, oral health needs to come first because there’s no point in having white teeth if they’re damaged and need dental treatment. So you can believe that healthy function is the underlying foundation of a great smile for all our patients in St. Cloud!

Confidence Boost

It’s a well-known fact that many people avoid showing off their teeth with a wide grin when they feel they have unsightly teeth. It can make you feel shy to appear in public or even avoid speaking if your teeth aren’t nice-looking or if you have a missing tooth. Unfortunately, this can lead to feelings of insecurity or even feeling bad about yourself. You may even blame yourself for not taking better care of your teeth. A great smile will give you a confidence boost you may not have even realized you needed!

Better Opportunities

For better or worse, we live in a world where people judge us on our appearance. Those with a great smile and a willingness to smile wide are often seen as more competent. That means you may open yourself up to better work and personal opportunities after getting a brand new smile at our offices!

Contact Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today to find out how we can help you achieve a great smile! Remember, there’s no shame in needing dental treatment. Cosmetic dentistry in St. Cloud, MN, can help you get the beautiful smile you deserve!

teeth-whitening

Can My Yellow Teeth be Improved?

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White teeth are an outward sign of inward health. As people age, though, teeth can turn to a yellowish hue that can detract from a healthy appearance. This yellowing comes about for a variety of reasons, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, or even as a side effect of certain prescription medications. Thankfully, professional teeth whitening in St. Cloud, MN, is available. Here is information about how to improve the color of yellowed teeth.

Step Up Your At-home Hygiene

Plaque build-up is a main contributor to yellow teeth. Plaque develops as a natural part of your mouth’s biome. It’s made up partly of bacteria, fed by sugars and other food and beverage debris throughout the day. You can significantly reduce teeth yellowing simply by stepping up your oral hygiene:

  • Brush, floss, and rinse after every meal, not just in the morning and at bedtime. This includes eating snacks and drinking sugary drinks.
  • Use whitening products. Over-the-counter whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes won’t substantially whiten stained teeth, but they can help prevent further yellowing.
  • Avoid sugary snacks. Minimize how much sugar you ingest. Sugar is a favorite food source for bacteria, which can multiply quickly in the right environment.

Get More Frequent Teeth Cleanings

The ADA recommends professional teeth cleanings at least once every six months. But for people who are more prone to plaque build-up, once every three months might work better to keep plaque at bay. Talk to your dentist for your personal recommendation.

Have Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

In any drugstore, there are lots of at-home whitening kits that claim to work. Unfortunately, these at-home treatments won’t do much to whiten yellow teeth. The stains that cause yellow teeth simply don’t respond well to over-the-counter products. You may waste your money or end up with unpredictable results that make your teeth look unevenly colored.

The best thing you can do for yellow teeth is to visit your dentist in St. Cloud, MN, for professional teeth whitening. In about an hour, you can get beautiful, white teeth that you’ll be proud to show off. The results are reliable, predictable, and safe.

At Friesz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a range of solutions for yellow teeth. Contact us today to book your appointment and get back your confident smile!

Helpful Questions to Ask Your Dentist At the Next Dental Appointment

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Are you visiting your dentist soon? When you go see the dentist in St. Cloud, MN, one way that you can make the most of your dental appointment is to ask questions that can help educate you about your oral health and hygiene. Most likely, your dentist will make time to talk to you about these topics, but asking questions can direct the conversation in ways that are helpful to you.

Having a list of questions to ask during the appointment can help prompt you and remind you about the things you wanted to know. Below are some of the questions you can ask your dentist the next time you’re in for an appointment.

1. When Should I Come Back For My Next Dental Appointment?

Most dentists ask their patients to return every six months, for twice yearly visits and annual cleanings. Your dentist may ask you to return more frequently if you have a condition to monitor or a procedure to undergo. Knowing when to return and when to make your next appointment can help you know how to plan your visits.

2. How Is My Oral Health?

This question invites your dentist to discuss any existing or new conditions that your dentist may have noticed. Now is the time when your dentist will discuss problems and new developments. A crack in your tooth, cavity, gum disease – this is when your dentist may discuss these problems.

3. How’s My Oral Hygiene Routine?

Your dentist will be able to tell whether you’re brushing your teeth well and flossing well. If you’re not, your dentist can direct you to change those habits. In fact, your dentist can show you the best methods to use when brushing and flossing. Ask your dentist for a tutorial just to be sure that you’re cleaning your teeth the right way.

4. Am I At Risk for Any Conditions?

If you’re a smoker, have poor oral hygiene habits, or have diabetes, you may be at risk for certain conditions that could impact your oral health. Answering this question, your dentist will help you prepare and could give you tips to reduce that risk.

When is your next preventative dental care appointment in St. Cloud, MN? If you don’t have one on the schedule, call Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today.

4 Dental Hygiene Tips To Protect Your Teeth and Gums

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Maintaining healthy teeth and gums takes effort, but it’s worth it! As you age, if you take good care of your teeth, you can avoid painful problems like dental infections and cavities. In this article, we’ll talk about five helpful things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

1. Maintain a Consistent Tooth Brushing Routine

Brush your teeth twice each day, for two minutes each time. You can time yourself while you brush, or you can play a song that’s two minutes long. You can also brush your teeth once during the day, if you feel like you need it. Floss once daily, at the end of the day.

2. Get a Brushing Tutorial From Your Dentist

You may have been shown the proper way to brush your teeth years ago, but it’s easy to develop bad habits. If you’re missing certain parts of your mouth, or brushing too hard, you could be doing damage to your teeth. Ask your dentist to show you the best way to brush your teeth when you go in for your next dental exam in St. Cloud MN. If there’s time, have your dentist show you the best method for flossing too.

3. Know the Signs of a Problem

Learn to recognize the signs of a dental problem. Below are some symptoms to watch for:

  • Pain in the tooth
  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth
  • Sudden temperature sensitivity in a tooth
  • Stains or dark marks on your teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • A change in the way your teeth align when your mouth is closed

4. Use an Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes have many features that can help make your tooth brushing experience more productive and effective. For example, many electric toothbrushes have a timer built in that will tell you when you’ve been brushing your teeth for long enough. Some can sense how much pressure you’re putting on the brush, and can tell you if you’re pushing too hard. Ask your dentist about the best electric toothbrush for you.

Do you have more questions about how to keep your teeth healthy? See your dentist in St. Cloud MN. Call Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to make an appointment and see the dentist today.

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How to Correct Minor Tooth Movement with SureSmile 

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Have you been thinking about having your teeth or your child’s teeth straightened? If so, you are going to need a dentist that offers minor tooth movement services in St. Cloud, MN.

Do you know what is perfect for correcting minor tooth movement? SureSmile. What is SureSmile you ask? Let’s find out.

What Is SureSmile?

SureSmile are clear aligners that are an alternative to other teeth-straightening methods such as metal braces, etc. SureSmile aligners are perfect for people who just need some minor teeth straightening performed. Your dentist in St. Cloud, MN will be able to give you more information about SureSmile clear aligners.

How Does SureSmile Work?

SureSmile clear aligners can straighten misaligned teeth, close any gaps you might have in-between your teeth, and correct over or underbites. SureSmile can do all that without having to bear the awkwardness and prickly feeling of metal braces.

Additionally, SureSmile aligners are virtually invisible. And, unlike metal braces, you can take them out while you are eating. That means you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces when you eat. It also means you don’t have to worry about other issues that come with having metal braces such as infection or damage to your teeth because you can’t reach or clean your teeth properly.

What Is the Difference Between SureSmile and Other Invisaligners?

The difference between SureSmile and other invisaligners is that SureSmile provides a better fit, so they are more comfortable, and you won’t need as many adjustments. Additionally, SureSmile aligners work faster than other invisaligners.

How Fast Do SureSmile Aligners Work?

For most people, SureSmile works 40% faster than other invisaligners. And, they don’t need as many adjustments or attachments as other invisaligners do either.

How Long Do You Have to Wear SureSmile Clear Aligners?

Of course, how long SureSmile clear aligners have to be worn will be different for everyone and will depend on how much your teeth need to be straightened. However, generally, SureSmile aligners take anywhere from 6- to 18-months to fully straighten a person’s teeth.

Does SureSmile Require Attachments?

Your dentist will use 3D modeling software to create detailed images of your teeth. This will enable them to make any corrections you need to your bite or your teeth. They will make these corrections by placing small, tooth-colored attachments where needed.

If you need an orthodontist in St. Cloud, MN, please Contact Friesz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today. We pride ourselves on providing individual attention in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

 

 

Caring for Your New Dental Crown

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When you opt for a dental crown in St. Cloud, MN, you get a tooth that is restored, which means you regain your self-confidence and your full smile function. The biggest question most patients have after getting a new crown is how they should take care of it for the long term. Here is a closer look at what you need to know about caring for your new dental crown.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

Crowns are durable dental implements, but some hard and sticky foods can still put your crown at risk just as certain foods can cause damage to your natural teeth. Once you have a crown, be especially attentive to things like taffy, ice, and hard candy. These types of foods can put undue stress on the bond between the crown and the underlying tooth, which may cause the crown to dislodge.

Maintain a Good Home Oral Hygiene Routine

Even though your new crown is not going to be prone to decay, the tooth beneath it is still natural and will need all the same care and attention to keep it healthy. Be sure to remain vigilant about oral hygiene at home, including flossing around the crown just as you do the rest of your teeth.

Kick Bad Habits

Certain habits can be really hard on a crown, especially if you opt for a porcelain crown. Once you have a dental crown, be sure to avoid things like:

  • Opening bottle caps with your teeth
  • Chewing on your fingernails
  • Chewing on hard objects

Grinding your teeth is something else to watch out for. Even though this habit is often involuntary, this, too, can cause damage to your new crown. If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth at night, be sure to talk to a dentist about a nightguard you can wear while you are sleeping.

Talk to a St. Cloud Dentist About Dental Crowns

When properly taken care of, a dental crown can give you a more attractive smile for many years. If you would like to speak to a St. Cloud, MN dentist about a dental crown, reach out to us at Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment.