Guest Education

When it comes to dental care, an informed guest is a healthy guest. Take a look at the educational materials we have to offer, and learn everything you can about how to proactively keep your mouth as healthy and fresh as possible.

Microdental Smiles Matter Podcast

Invisalign Preventative Dental Care Porcelain Veneers Teeth Whitening Options Our Guest's Total Health Simple Cosmetic Dentistry Enhance Your Smile Overcome Gum Disease Poor Oral Hygiene Practices The Artisan Within Full Mouth Restoration Amazing Anteriors Aesthetics Total Health Oral Systemic Link

Our Basic Guide to Invisalign

There are many ways of straightening a smile. Over the last few years, invisible aligners have become a popular and affordable choice for many guests. Invisalign was a pioneer in this type of corrector and leads the market in research, recognition, and success.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner that may correct many issues concerning bite, crowding, and crooked teeth. The process begins with a dental consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for the Invisalign treatment. During the appointment, the dentist will take either impressions or digital images of your teeth before mapping out a plan that is customized for each guest. You can even see a 3-D model of how Invisalign can shape your smile before you leave the office!

The Procedure

Invisalign works like traditional braces: using pressure to move and manipulate the teeth to achieve alignment. Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign, but a reputable dentist or orthodontist will be able to best recommend what is right for each guest. After deciding that Invisalign is right for you, your dentist will order the lab to begin producing the personalized Invisalign trays. You can expect this process to take about four weeks. When the trays arrive at the dentist's office, you’ll come back in. Some guests require that tooth-colored attachments be affixed to teeth to keep the aligners better adhered to the teeth, and at that time those attachments may be placed. (Don’t worry—they are removed at the end of your Invisalign treatment.) Occasionally, some guests may need to wear rubber bands with their aligners.

We’ll also make sure the aligners fit well and explain what to expect from your treatment, including when we want to see you again and how often you’ll need to change your aligners out. Once your aligners are well-fitted and you’re ready to move forward, you’ll need to wear the aligners all the time, other than during meals. You’ll also remove them when you brush and floss but be sure to brush your aligners too. Wearing the trays as directed will help you achieve the end results you want and will help future aligners fit properly. Most people wear a tray for two weeks and then switch out to the next tray, but it’s important to follow your dentist’s or orthodontist’s instructions. Your teeth will begin to move gradually as you wear your Invisalign trays as instructed and move through the prescribed regimen.

What You Need to Know

With Invisalign, some of the concerns caused by traditional braces are alleviated. You'll enjoy the ability to eat whatever foods you like, deal with fewer issues with brushing and flossing, and will notice fact that they are usually less noticeable than traditional braces. Another benefit to using Invisalign is the regular support, oversight, and guidance of a dental professional. With some of the other brands of clear aligners, you never even see a dentist!

Let Admira Help You with Invisalign

At Admira Dentistry, we have helped countless people achieve great smiles, and many of those have used Invisalign. Contact the office today at (904) 733-9144 to see if you might be a candidate for Invisalign.

Our Short Guide to Preventative Dental Care

Did you know that oral health can make a big impact on your general overall physical health? Studies show that an unhealthy mouth may increase the risk of serious health problems like stroke, heart attack, diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory issues, and preterm labor. But we have a remedy: oral health can easily be monitored with regular, preventative dental care.

What is Preventive Dental Care?

Think of preventative dental care as a visit with your primary care provider. It’s key to keeping your teeth healthy like a doctor's visit is important for your overall health. Preventive dental care helps you maintain good oral health. There are parts of your health that you control, like regular brushing and flossing, and then there are regular visits with your dentist. For most people, the recommendation is a dental exam yearly and some type of cleaning two to three times a year.

This helps to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel deterioration, and more. During your visit, a dental hygienist will professionally clean your teeth, and the dentist will inspect your mouth and teeth for any sign of disease. It’s best to have routine x-rays of the mouth as well. These visits are called "preventative" because the goal of the time spent with the dentist is to detect or stop any issues before they become a problem.

Hopefully, at the end of the visit, your dentist will send you on your way and recommend the interval that is appropriate to help maintain your health.

Sometimes, though, your dentist may see something of concern. No matter if it’s a small, routine issue, like a cavity, or something more serious, your dentist can help you navigate the best way to better health.

Ready to Start Your Preventive Dental Plan?

Has it been a while since you’ve seen a dentist? Maybe you’re apprehensive about dental care because of a bad experience in the past or a phobia. Our friendly team can help. Give us a call at (904) 733-9144 and let us help make your next dental visit a good experience. We’ll change your mind about seeing the dentist!

A Few Tips from Admira Dentistry

Prevention is the best way to good oral health! Keep these tips in mind to keep your mouth and your body in tip-top shape.

Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day
Use floss or a Waterpik
Avoid tobacco products
Use the recommended toothpaste and mouthwash
Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks

Our Basic Guide to Porcelain Veneers

Let’s face it—lots of people want a nicer smile. And while there are many ways to correct the look of a person’s teeth, one such option is porcelain veneers.

Female patient filling out paperwork at Admira Dentistry

What are porcelain veneers?

Long used by celebrities to create the perfect smile, porcelain veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain that are permanently attached to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are customized for each guest, and they’re able to change the look of a person’s smile, from the color to the shape of the teeth and even the size. While other materials can be used for veneers, porcelain is unique in that it is better suited to imitate the appearance of natural teeth. Also, porcelain withstands stains better than other materials, giving you a brighter, whiter smile for longer.

The Procedure

Getting veneers is not something that’s done quickly. Usually, a guest can expect at least three dental visits before having a complete set of veneers. The first will be for a consultation to understand whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. The second visit involves preparing your teeth for veneers, and the third is reserved for actually bonding the veneers to your teeth.

First Visit

Before your first visit, spend some time being able to articulate what it is about your smile you want to change. Your dentist needs to understand exactly what it is that you’re trying to correct. Is it shape? Color?

Maybe there are some chips you’re trying to smooth out. During your first visit, talk with your dentist about your vision for your smile. Then, your dentist will examine your teeth to see if veneers are a good solution for you and talk with you about what is possible with veneers.

Second Visit

Once you’ve decided to move forward, your second visit will involve preparing your teeth for the veneers. This requires removing a small portion of enamel, to make room for the veneers so they are not bulky and can follow the proper contour of your natural teeth. You may or may not need anesthesia for this part of the procedure, but it is something to discuss with your dentist in advance. After removing the enamel, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth. This impression is very important for creating veneers that are the right fit for you, as it is what will be used to form your veneers. This usually takes between two and four weeks to produce.

Third Visit

When your veneers are ready, it will be time for your third appointment. Your dentist will ensure that the veneer fits the tooth and is able to adjust the size and color during your visit. Your dentist will then place the veneer on the tooth temporarily to ensure proper fit. When it’s time to permanently bond the veneer, the tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched to reinforce the bonding process. A particular dental cement is required for attaching veneers to teeth, and that will be applied directly to the veneer before the veneer is placed on the appropriate tooth. Once the veneer is placed, a special light beam is directed at the veneer, causing the cement to harden quickly, permanently attaching the veneer to the tooth. Your dentist will check the comfort of your veneers and make any necessary adjustments. Some dentists may ask you to come back in a few weeks to check the reaction of your gums to the veneers and to make sure you feel good about your smile.

What You Need to Know

While well-done veneers can create magnetic smiles, they are not a fix-it for everyone. For example, people with unhealthy or weakened teeth due to active gum disease or tooth decay would not be candidates for veneers.

Some people with large fillings or fractures are also not eligible for veneers, and people with a severe loss of tooth enamel can’t consider veneers either. Even people with healthy teeth who grind their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers. There can also be other issues with veneers.

They’re not typically repairable if they chip or crack, and because applying veneers removes the enamel from your teeth, some people report that their teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold than before they got veneers. The color of a veneer can’t be changed once it is placed on the tooth, so sometimes the colors of veneers don’t match the natural teeth without veneers. Teeth with veneers also aren’t immune from decay. And rarely, veneers fall off. It’s best to avoid biting nails, chewing hard objects, or putting a lot of pressure on your teeth.

Porcelain veneers don’t require special care beyond what is recommended for natural teeth. It’s always important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash as directed. Veneers can make your teeth appear straighter, whiter, and more uniform. People often choose veneers to improve chipped teeth or to correct minor alignment issues. Others consider veneers because their natural enamel has diminished due to acidic foods and drinks or even simple genetics. Veneers are a good option for people who want a brighter, straighter smile in a short amount of time.

Let Admira Give You a Beautiful Smile!

Here at Admira Dentistry, we would be glad to talk with you about veneers and to determine if you are a candidate. Call our office at (904) 733-9144 or email us at [email protected] and set up an appointment to learn if veneers may be right for you.

Teeth Whitening Options for Cosmetic Dentistry

It’s normal for teeth to change colors as people age because the enamel of the tooth thins as we get older. The teeth of most adults will naturally have a light gray or yellow tint, but even knowing that most people want a whiter, brighter smile to show the world. But with so many options for teeth whitening, how does one know where to start?

Tooth Stain Types

While there are many options for whitening teeth, there are only two types of stains on teeth: surface—or extrinsic—stains caused by the things we eat and drink, and intrinsic stains that are underneath the enamel of our teeth. Over-the-counter products may alleviate some of the surface stains, but only teeth whitening agents can combat intrinsic stains.

Options for Teeth Whitening

Carbamide Peroxide

Carbamide peroxide is one such agent that is often used for bleaching teeth. Made up of hydrogen peroxide and urea, carbamide peroxide is available in many home-use whitening products dispensed by your dentist. This compound works by getting to the intrinsic stains that cause teeth to look discolored. Whether you consider using a product from the local drugstore or a take-home kit from our office, the peroxide works the same way to whiten teeth. The differences usually lie in the concentration of the whitening agent. For example, over the counter products contain anywhere from three percent to 15 percent of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, but in-office products can contain up to 40 percent of the active whitening ingredient. At-home whitening options can be a great value, with products available for many price points and lifestyles.

Veneers

Another way to achieve a brighter smile is with veneers. Veneers are custom-made coverings for the front of your teeth. Traditionally made of porcelain, they are crafted to replicate the look of a guest's natural teeth, making them a good option for broken or chipped teeth. While veneers are an option for whitening, they are also used for correcting crooked teeth or closing small gaps, giving the appearance of straighter teeth. Getting veneers is a lengthier process than other whitening methods.

At the initial visit, a mold must be created of the guest's mouth so the dental lab can create the veneers specifically for that guest. When the veneers are ready, the guest returns to the office, where the dentist places the veneer onto the tooth. While veneer placement isn’t typically painful, it’s important to talk about the potential need for anesthesia with your dentist in advance. It’s important to note that, unlike other options, veneers are permanent.

Because the placement of veneers requires the dentist to shave down a small bit of the tooth’s enamel, veneers cannot be removed. Like natural teeth, veneers can also become discolored by using certain foods and beverages. The lifespan of a veneer is considered about 10 to 20 years, so veneers may need to be replaced after that timeframe. Veneers are also the most expensive of the options, with the average cost of veneers in the United States estimated at between $1000 and $2000 per tooth.

Before You Choose

While none of these dental procedures are thought to be painful, guests have different needs and ideas about comfort. Guests with healthy teeth and gums who have no peroxide allergies should do well with any chemical whitening system.

Read Our Basic Guide to Porcelain Veneers for more information.

Managing our Guests' Total Health

As part of the Total Health Panel, I briefly spoke on the implementation of addressing total health in our practice. We as dentists have a unique opportunity to become more involved in our guests' management of their overall health due to the frequency with which we see our guests. We ask about and update medical histories as well as document medication intake on a regular basis, and we are one of the most respected health care professionals in today’s medicine. The relationship and trust we have formed with our guests grant us the opportunity to begin an open dialogue regarding the management of their overall health.

After practicing for 26 years and dedicating my practice to restorative and aesthetics, I wanted to provide more for my guests. The practice transition that followed after my training in Physiologic Sleep Dentistry at LVI was a natural progression to addressing our guests’ total health.

As part of our rebranding…

Download The Full Article

Schedule a Consultation

Fix Your Smile with Simple Cosmetic Dentistry

From Dull to Dazzling: Enhancing Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

Let's face it, we are rough on our teeth. Sometimes we neglect them, take them for granted, or simply just abuse them. Between physical activities like sports or chewing hard substances like ice, our teeth can get knocked out, broken, cracked, and worn down. Forgetting routine dental appointments and ignoring proper cleaning tactics can result in periodontal disease, tooth decay, and ultimately tooth loss.

When teeth are missing, your mouth must compensate for the lack of chewing power in that area in order to function normally. So, the chewing force may shift to another part of the mouth, which can cause unwanted spaces and changes in your smile.

So, how do we mend our mouth’s broken ties?

By simple dental procedures. Smiles can be renovated to look pristine using a combination of crowns and bridges to support or replace lost teeth. A crown snugly covers the complete visible surface of your affected tooth to add strength, durability, and tooth stability, while restoring your tooth to its natural shape and size. Crowns can be made of precious metal, porcelain pressed to metal, and all-porcelain. A bridge, also known as a pontic, is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill the gaps left by the original missing tooth. The new tooth is then anchored to the two porcelain crowns, renewing your once damaged smile.

The moral of the story is to be nice to your teeth: be diligent with your oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Your teeth are hard workers and they deserve to be pampered. But, if the damage is already done, see us immediately. We can decide on the best treatment to restore your smile. Your teeth will thank you for it!

Cosmetic Dentistry – Enhance Your Smile From Dull to Dazzling: Enhancing Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

Oftentimes the dental profession is labeled strictly for more intense cleaning and hygiene purposes. However, a dentist is actually an artist who can make your smile sensational. Most dentists now practice and perform cosmetic techniques, not just the run-of-the-mill routine cleanings. Cosmetic dentistry seeks to create a more aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile. View Our Gallery of Before & After Photos.

Although you may be meticulous about your dental care routine, your teeth still might not look their very best. Drinking coffee, tea, or wine will take a toll on your teeth, causing them to look dull and stained.

Aging or the use of some medications can also result in a discolored smile. One easy, safe way to revive your smile from these factors is through whitening. Plenty of adults are looking towards dentistry to heighten the appearance and function of their teeth. Cracked, chipped, or unevenly spaced teeth are easily resolved by procedures like bonding or veneers. Severely damaged teeth can be repaired with crowns, while bridges and implants are natural-looking options used to revitalize your smile. These methods will not only give you a more beautiful smile but will also rejuvenate your mouth’s functionality.

If you are not satisfied with your smile and want to take it a level up from dull to dazzling, speak with us about the many smile-enhancing options available to you.

Overcome Gum Disease Something to Smile About

Caring for your oral health includes regular tooth care and gum care. Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, which is a culprit for the deterioration of your overall oral health. Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible for approximately 70% of all adult tooth loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease oftentimes are unnoticeable, people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.

Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal disease is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up, tobacco use, certain medications, and stress, as well as unpreventable measures like systematic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Research proves up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.

Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which forms on the tooth surface, or plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins breaking down the natural fibers which hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar, which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing. Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss, gum recession, and tooth loss.

Symptoms and signs include:

Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
Loose or separating teeth
Pus between the gum and tooth
Persistent bad breath
Bite changes
Change in the fit of partial dentures

If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, please make an appointment promptly! Together, we can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain your wonderful, dazzling smile: gums and all. Now that’s something to smile about!

Poor Oral Health & Oral Hygiene Practices

Good Oral Hygiene = Healthy Life

Although gum disease is terribly pervasive, it’s also preventable. Conservative estimates report that up to 80% of people unknowingly have some amount of chronic gum disease. What’s worse is that this disease is responsible for up to 70% of adult tooth loss. Part of the problem is that the early signs of gum disease are both silent and serious, requiring a dentist’s trained eye to detect, treat, and arrest the tell-tale gum inflammation and infection. However, once arrested, you can prevent gum disease from recurring simply by developing healthy hygiene habits.

Causes of Gum Disease & Poor Oral Health

Several factors contribute to periodontal disease: plaque build-up, heredity, and lifestyle choices. By far the most common and controllable factor is bacterial plaque—the sticky, colorless film produced by normal oral bacteria. Unhindered, plaque releases toxins that break down the natural fibers holding your gums to your teeth, allowing even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Over time, this process can permanently damage or destroy the affected tooth, tooth root, and even the jawbone! Further, plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar– a rough, porous, gum-irritating substance that brushing will not remove.

Besides poor oral health habits, your poor lifestyle choices can affect your body’s ability to fight infection or increase irritation in the gum tissue area. Poor nutrition, poorly managed stress, leukemia, AIDS, and diabetes all reduce your body’s natural ability to ward off periodontal disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco greatly irritate the gum tissue, setting it up for disease. And finally, some people are simply born with a low resistance to gum disease. All of this explains why we carefully check for the warning signs at every visit: red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums; gums pulling away from teeth; loose or separating teeth; pus between the gum and tooth; persistent bad breath; bite changes; and/or a change in the fit of partial dentures. These symptoms are overlooked by most people, making regular dental exams even more important.

The Artisan Within

Being artists as well as clinicians, we each have the talent to not only create a smile but a life-changing experience. In order to do this with predictability, we must work with laboratory technicians of like minds; those who look past the routine dentition fabrication procedures and envision the complete smile enhancement that truly makes a difference in our guest’s life. Our own interpretation of beauty is easy to discern, but listening to the guest and truly understanding their desires will ensure their satisfaction.

Aesthetic Physiologic Full Mouth Restoration

Aesthetic full mouth reconstruction is one of the most difficult challenges in dentistry today. Several disciplines must be coordinated to ensure comfortable aesthetic results. The restoration of the entire mouth to proper form and function must take into account occlusion, the muscles of mastication, and the supporting hard-soft tissue structures of the temporomandibular joints.

Technology has provided our profession with scientific instrumentation that allows us to document the physiologic component of this restoration process.

Amazing Anteriors Aesthetics

The passion for dentistry that we feel continues to be fueled by the confidence and trust our guests—guests in our practice—have in the Admira team. That trust is supported by the years of research and development that go into the development of the materials we select when providing our guests with amazingly aesthetic restorations.

One such example is the lithium disilicate material (IPS EMAX, Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY).

Total Health

As part of our total health approach to dentistry and in addition to our talent for creating beautiful smiles, we also address the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders and Sleep Apnea through Physiologic Aesthetic Dentistry techniques. It is our belief that only when your teeth are properly aligned and your jaw rests comfortably in its optimal position can you achieve a smile that is ideal for your unique facial structure and physical health. Whether you want to empower yourself with a beautiful smile, are seeking relief from the symptoms of TMJ disorder, or if you are a sleep apnea sufferer seeking an alternative to the CPAP machine, the Admira team is prepared to help you find the best possible solution!

Oral Systemic Link

Dentistry is ever-evolving. New medical research and studies are also ever-evolving. The link between oral and overall health is undeniable. It is imperative for all of us to be aware of this connection and our own risk factors. One preventative measure we can all do is to take daily care of our teeth and gums by not only brushing but also removing bacteria in between the teeth by proper flossing and using an antiseptic mouth rinse. However, care shouldn’t stop there, as nothing takes the place of regular dental cleanings and checkups with your hygienist. We look forward to providing you with our highest level of individualized care!

Guest Education

Microdental Smiles Matter Podcast

Our Basic Guide to Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

The Procedure

What You Need to Know

Let Admira Help You with Invisalign

Our Short Guide to Preventative Dental Care

What is Preventive Dental Care?

Ready to Start Your Preventive Dental Plan?

A Few Tips from Admira Dentistry

Our Basic Guide to Porcelain Veneers

What are porcelain veneers?

The Procedure

First Visit

Second Visit

Third Visit

What You Need to Know

Let Admira Give You a Beautiful Smile!

Teeth Whitening Options for Cosmetic Dentistry

Tooth Stain Types

Options for Teeth Whitening

Carbamide Peroxide

Veneers

Before You Choose

Triathalon

My Jacksonville

Total Body Health Includes Dental Health

Yoga & Neuromuscular Dentistry Both Improve Your Smile

Managing our Guests' Total Health

Kerry Napolean – Dental Health & Overall Health

MAC Veneers – Microdental Advanced Cosmetics

Eden – TV Broadcaster Gets a New Brighter Smile

Philosophy of Dr. Barton

Dr. Barton Achievements

Cosmetic Dentistry / Model Tonya Robinson

Schedule a Consultation

Fix Your Smile with Simple Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry – Enhance Your Smile From Dull to Dazzling: Enhancing Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

Overcome Gum Disease Something to Smile About

Poor Oral Health & Oral Hygiene Practices

The Artisan Within

Aesthetic Physiologic Full Mouth Restoration

Amazing Anteriors Aesthetics

Total Health

Oral Systemic Link

Schedule a Consultation.