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A recent survey has illuminated a disturbing oral hygiene trend. It found that up to one-third of Americans have not visited a dentist in the last 12 months, meaning they are at serious risk of tooth decay, gum disease or even fatal conditions such as cancer, heart attack or stroke.

Nobody likes to go the dentist, but oral health isn’t just about maintaining a pretty smile. Regular checkups can save you money and save your teeth.

1. Professional deep cleanings remove plaque and bacteria

Many people believe that brushing and flossing twice a day is all that is needed to remove germs from their teeth and gums, but it’s not enough to prevent bacteria and hardened plaque from accumulating over time in hard-to-reach places. Only a dentist or dental hygienist with proper procedures and instruments can eliminate these unwanted elements from your mouth.

2. Checkups prevent serious dental issues down the road

A filling costs a lot less than a root canal. It’s significantly less painful, too. Waiting until you’re in pain to visit the dentist is a recipe for a sticker-shock inducing bill and an unnecessarily unpleasant experience. Nipping small issues in the bud prevents serious problems from arising in the future.

3. Checkups help prevent oral cancer, diabetes and heart disease

Bi-annual dental checkups help you avoid oral cancer. Dentists are trained to recognize oral abnormalities that may be a sign of cancer. They can see the symptoms that you can’t.

Evidence linking periodontal ailments to heart disease, diabetes and stroke is mounting, too. Sore, swollen gums create an inflammation that has the potential to disrupt your entire cardiovascular system. The mouth is a breeding ground for toxins & bacteria and soft gum tissue (particularly when inflamed) is likely to rupture and introduce these poisons into your blood stream-poisons that can cause significant damage to blood vessels throughout your body including in your heart.

4. Checkups help you control bad habits

From crunching ice to biting your nails, grinding your teeth and more, there are a host of bad habits that can cause damage to your teeth and gums. Your checkup is a chance for your dentist to advise you on improving your regimes, helping you become healthier and happier in the long run.

5. It feels good!

While it’s easy to procrastinate, you’ll be glad you made an appointment once you pop out of the chair. A good cleaning not only leaves your mouth feeling fresh and your pearly whites looking, well, white, but it also feels good and helps you build confidence.

For award-winning dental care for the whole family, visit Ocean Dental at 167 Avenue at the Common, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702, or call 732–935–0905 or visit oceandentalnj.com for more information.

New dental technology can make all the difference when it comes to providing a comfortable patient experience and beautiful results. Ocean Dental is proud to be able to offer the latest digital imagery to our patients with a new iTero Intraoral Scanner.

This article describes this state-of-the-art piece of equipment and how it can help give you the smile and first impression you’ve always wanted.

What is an intraoral scanner?

An intraoral scanner is a device that builds an incredibly accurate three-dimensional image of your teeth that can be viewed on a computer screen and used for creating a variety of dental prostheses. In just a couple of minutes, our iTero Intraoral Scanner can capture all the data it needs to create a full model of your mouth. The best part is, you won’t feel a thing!

Working with the model

Once the digital imaging of your teeth is complete, your dentist can use the model to perform a wide range of treatments, including the fabrication and installation of incredibly realistic crowns and bridges.

Not only is digital imagery far more accurate than the traditional method of taking impressions, it doesn’t require that you bite down on a liquid mold. Say good-bye to a gooey mess and hello to a more comfortable treatment experience. The digital impression created by the iTero model can even be used for all Invisalign services.

Straighten your teeth with Invisalign

Invisalign is a revolutionary system for straightening your teeth without the need for braces or other traditional orthodontics. Through the use of clear aligners, you can achieve the smile you want in as little as six months.

Using the digital image mapped by the scanner, your dentist can order custom Invisalign trays and even use the Invisalign outcome simulator to show you what your new smile might look like right there on the computer screen.

Invisalign offers a number of benefits over braces:

• Works just as fast or faster.
• Less discomfort compared to braces and other brands of clear aligners.
• Achieve up to 75% more predictable results.
• Made with see-through, nearly unnoticeable, material
• New SmartTrack material is easier than ever to take on and off.
• Can be removed for eating, sports or other activities.

Learn more about digital imaging

Watch this short video on our YouTube channel to learn more about the iTero Intraoral Scanner. If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Just give us a call at 732-935-0905. Ocean Dental is located at 167 Avenue at the Common, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 and provides award-winning care including preventive, general, restorative, cosmetic and periodontal therapy, Invisalign and appliance therapy including sleep appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Visit oceandentalnj.com for more information.