Preventive Dentistry Albuquerque
Your First Line of Defense Against Decay & Damage
When thinking about the most effective way to safeguard your smile, you might initially turn to at-home oral hygiene habits. While these are essential to ensuring the health of your smile, you must not forget the power of preventive dentistry. At Valer Dental & Braces, our team of dental experts provides many different services that are designed solely to minimize damage and decay. Check them out below and give us a call when you’re ready to schedule an appointment for preventive dentistry in Albuquerque.
Why Choose Valer Dental & Braces for Preventive Dentistry?
- Dental Patients of All Ages are Welcome
- Evening & Saturday Dental Appointment Hours
- Two Convenient Locations in Albuquerque
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
It’s the recommendation of our dental team as well as the American Dental Association (ADA) that you and your family receive dental checkups and teeth cleanings at least twice each year. These visits include everything from X-rays (if needed), a comprehensive oral examination, an oral cancer screening, and thorough teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar build-up. If problems are found, you can expect we will go over them with you before creating a personalized treatment plan.
Children’s Dentistry
Young smiles deserve the same level of high-quality care as more mature ones, which is why we are pleased to provide children’s dentistry to Albuquerque families. Developing baby teeth can receive preventive solutions that will safeguard growing smiles in between appointments. Also, a clear focus is placed on patient education so that children can learn how to properly brush and floss their teeth for better oral health.
Fluoride Treatment
As a natural mineral commonly found in nature (i.e., soil, water, plants, etc.), fluoride is considered a beneficial component of dental care because of its unique ability to combat tooth decay and strengthen enamel. When smiles lack sufficient fluoride exposure, we can provide an additional application during a regular checkup to protect pearly whites from possible cavities that might otherwise try to form.
Dental Sealants
Molars and premolars are located toward the back of the mouth and are often the hardest to clean, especially for young patients. However, with dental sealants, our team can deliver an added layer of protection against bacteria and food particles that may try to penetrate the pits and grooves of these teeth. As a clear coating that is applied quickly and painlessly, smiles can remain properly protected for up to 10 years.
Athletic Mouthguards/Sportsguards
Custom athletic mouthguards are one of the most important pieces of protective gear you or your child can wear while playing sports. Helmets, knee pads, shoulder pads, and shin guards may help prevent broken bones, but these oral appliances help minimize damaged and knocked-out teeth. Crafted based on impressions taken of you or your child’s smile, these mouthguards deliver maximum protection and support so that a sudden trip to the emergency dentist can be avoided.
Nightguards for Bruxism
Similar to athletic mouthguards protecting teeth while on the field, nightguards for bruxism minimize worn-down tooth enamel and chronic jaw pain stemming from teeth grinding while asleep. To keep the upper and lower rows of teeth from touching, a customized nightguard can be created to serve as a barrier. This reduces the chances of serious discomfort and damage over time.
TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are connected to the base of the skull on both sides of the head. When damaged or inflamed due to stress, teeth grinding, or a misaligned bite, pain as well as difficulty opening and closing your mouth can develop. With proper diagnosis, however, we can provide occlusal adjustments/equilibration to improve your jaw function and restore your daily comfort.