Legacy Trails Dental of Plano Blog

If you’re frustrated by stains on your teeth, you’re not alone. Seemingly everyone wishes they had a bright white smile, and your dentist can help make your dream a reality. In a single, hour-long appointment, they can potentially lighten your teeth by up to 10 shades! For those who are anxious about sitting in the dentist’s chair, many providers also offer take-home kits using professional-grade gels and customized trays for optimal application.

It’s natural to want to show off your newly upgraded grin if you’ve just had it whitened. Thankfully, smiling can benefit you in several different ways, so there are plenty of reasons to flash your pearly whites. Continue reading to learn about four of them!

Did you know that at least half of adults over the age of 35 have a form of gum disease? Not only is it a leading cause of tooth loss, but researchers have connected it to various serious health issues, including an increased risk of heart attacks and Alzheimer’s. Gingivitis is the first stage of the infection, which is easy to treat when caught early. Red, swollen, and bleeding gums aren’t anything to ignore. Not only can the bacterial infection harm your overall wellness, but researchers have found that it can be spread through saliva. Here’s what you need to know to protect your loved ones. 

(more…)

In a dental emergency, cost should never keep you from receiving care you need, but you may wonder whether your insurance plan will help cover your costs. What is and is not covered in a dental emergency? What will you have to pay for out-of-pocket?

With so many variations in specific coverage and policies adjusting each year, it’s impossible to say which services are and aren’t covered for all dental insurance plans in a dental emergency. However, some general principles tend to be the norm and can help you know what you might expect. Just keep in mind that your specific plan may be an exception or differ.

Dentures look and feel more realistic than ever before, thanks to new technologies and materials. You can enjoy all your favorite foods because your dentures will fit like a glove. You will bite and chew with ease to maintain a nutritious diet. However, if you’re replacing your upper teeth, you might have concerns about it diminishing your sense of taste. Although it is possible, it’s usually only a short-term issue. Nonetheless, you have other options to treat your tooth loss. Here’s how you can replace your lost teeth, without it affecting taste sensations.

Sometimes headaches can be a consequence of TMJ disorder – a condition where there’s a problem with the joint that allows you to move your lower jaw. There are multiple ways to treat a TMJ disorder, but many patients are surprised to learn that BOTOX is on that list. How can a treatment that’s normally used to smooth out facial lines help address TMJ-related headaches? Here are the facts.

Dental implants have a lot to offer as a method of tooth replacement. They routinely last well over 30 years, providing patients with incredible aesthetics and a strong bite during that time. It’s no exaggeration to say that they are the premium tooth replacement option.

While most patients can get excited at that prospect, they tend to be a bit less enthused about paying premium prices. Dental implants can certainly be affordable, but you may have to think a little bit about how to make the dental work fit your budget.

If you’re in the planning stage of dental implants, here are some of the most common factors that affect the treatment’s overall cost.

Did you know that 92% of adults will experience tooth decay? Cavities are more common than childhood asthma. Although good oral hygiene and regular dental care can lessen your risk of decay, there’s another secret to a cavity-free smile. Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter. It makes enamel more resistant to bacteria that can erode your enamel. Not only can it prevent cavities, but it can also reverse the early stages of enamel loss. Fluoride is added to many dental products, but it is also in many public water sources. Here’s how drinking from the tap can keep your pearly whites strong and healthy.

(more…)

Facial swelling can result from a range of factors including injuries and infections. While it can certainly be unsightly, it can also indicate a dental or medical emergency that requires immediate professional attention. Here’s what you should know about dealing with facial swelling as well as a few tips on how to tell if you need to see an emergency dentist or another medical professional.

If you have dentures, you know that they provide many benefits for those who have experienced tooth loss. They’ve become a trusted way to rebuild your smile because they restore your ability to eat and speak normally. To continue making the most of them, however, it’s important to care for them properly and that includes soaking them at night. If you don’t know why this is so important, we’ve compiled some helpful information for you. Keep reading to learn 3 reasons why you don’t want to skip this step!

If you’ve ever lost a tooth, you know you have several options for replacement. One of the most economical is a dental bridge that links a set of crowns together over adjacent teeth that have been shaped into “posts.” This allows a complete restoration that looks natural and restores the function of your teeth.

There are instances in which bridges can fail, however. If you’d like to learn the most common ways dental bridges fail and how to avoid them, continue reading.