McElroy Smiles by Design of Encinitas Blog

Do you know what the hardest substance in the human body is? It’s your natural tooth enamel! But if you’re missing permanent teeth, you probably already know that most methods of tooth restoration don’t come close to the real thing. In fact, it is said that dentures only provide about 20 to 25 percent of the bite force of your natural ones. But while that may not matter much if you eat a mostly soft diet, losing permanent teeth shouldn’t have to mean giving up the healthy, crunchier foods you love. Enter dental implants.

Unlike other tooth restorations, dental implants are permanent replacements that not only look and feel natural, but they restore between 80 and 90 percent of your bite force! Here are a few reasons why dental implants are the gold standard for tooth restoration, and how to know if you qualify for treatment.

As cosmetic dentist in Encinitas, Dr. McElroy often provides patient with dental crowns and porcelain veneers. While you may think these two procedures are the same, there are clear differences between the two. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that is placed over an entire tooth. It is often used in restorative and cosmetic dentistry while also used in combination with other procedures, such as a dental bridge. A veneer only covers the front surface of the tooth to enhance its appearance. To help you determine which option is right for you, we have the information you need to understand the differences between the two options.

If tooth loss has left you tired and frustrated, our top-rated San Diego, CA, dentist offers a permanent solution that’s only four implants and a same-day procedure away. All-on-4 dental implants are becoming increasingly popular, as advancements in technology have made this procedure an effective, long-lasting way to attain the radiant smile you deserve.

Consider Invisalign clear aligners to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted — without braces and brackets. An exam and consultation with our San Diego dentist can determine if Invisalign clear aligners are right for you!

Fear of a trip to the dentist is not exclusive to children. Even adults can experience anxiety prior to or during their visit. Our Encinitas, CA, sedation dentist never wants your dental experience to be uncomfortable or intimidating. If you are nervous about an appointment to your Encinitas dental office, our staff would be happy to consult with you about strategies we can cultivate to make your trip as pleasant as possible.

What if taking your kids to your Encinitas, CA, dentist could actually be fun? Believe it or not, that’s not as far-fetched as it may sound. Here are a few ways you can get your child excited for their dental check-ups.

Second only to the common cold in frequency, cavities are no stranger to the public. Despite the common occurrence of cavities, however, a case of the sniffles may be much easier to detect than a cavity. Our Encinitas, CA, dentists suggest staying alert to the following warning signs that you may have a cavity.

Your best friend just got engaged and you couldn’t be happier – it’s high time your pal received the commitment and lifelong support they deserve. You’re thrilled to be a major part of the wedding party and you have so much to smile about. But when you grin, you become self-conscious about how yellow your teeth are. What can you do to improve the appearance of your teeth as quickly as possible? Sure, you could try over-the-counter products only to waste your time and money, but with professional teeth whitening in Encinitas from McElroy Smiles by Design, you’ll actually achieve the sparkling smile you’ve been dreaming of. Learn more about how you can get a radiant Summer smile in this post.

Gapping between the teeth is a concern that many people seek treatment for. Closing your gap may even be the only reason you need orthodontic treatment. Known formally as diastema, gaps in teeth can cause self-consciousness and also dental issues. Many patients with this issue often ask, “Can Invisalign fix gaps in teeth?” Our Encinitas cosmetic dentist, Dr. McElroy, answers this question below.