Here’s the ‘tooth’–we all want a perfect, sparkling, and healthy smile. Sometimes, achieving that smile takes a little extra help from veneers.

Veneers: What Are They and What Do They Do?

Veneers are much more than meets the gum! They are thin pieces of tooth-shaped porcelain that are tailored to your smile. When they’re bonded to the front of your teeth, they can help create a healthier, more beautiful smile by correcting dental problems like:

● Misshapen teeth

● Teeth that are too small or too large

● Crooked teeth

● Teeth that are extremely discolored or stained

● Unwanted or uneven spaces between teeth

Veneers vs Crowns

Now here’s the toothy question of the day: What’s the difference between veneers and crowns? Let’s break it down!

● While veneers only cover the front part of the tooth, crowns cover the entire tooth.

● Crowns are better suited for broken, fractured, or decayed teeth.

● Both give you a long-lasting, healthier smile!

If you’d like to learn more about whether veneers or crowns can help your smile, your Ideal dental care experts are here to answer any questions–just give us a call! 701.667.1933

Between doctor’s appointments, playdates and school runs, your hands are full when you have kids! During the chaos, it can be easy to let brushing and flossing slide. We get it, and we’re here to help make this routine a little less stressful!

Preventive Care Starts Early

A healthy smile starts before your child’s first tooth. Here’s what proper dental care looks like at different stages:

• Before the first tooth: Gently clean gums with a soft, damp washcloth.
• Under age 3: Help them brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a smear of
  fluoride toothpaste.
• Ages 3-9: Help them brush twice a day with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste, teach them to spit, and begin flossing once the teeth touch.
• Age 10+: Your child should brush and floss on their own, but help remind them!

Make It Fun

Chances are, your child may not be excited to brush and floss like they should. But with a little creativity, you can make it fun for them!

1. Brush to the beat: Turn on a fun 2-minute song while they brush.
2. Create a reward system: A sticker chart or point system can help motivate them.
3. Get them involved: Let your child pick out their own cool toothbrush and
   toothpaste flavor they like.
4. Brush together: Make brushing and flossing a family routine!

Good habits and regular visits to the dentist can help your child achieve a sparkling, healthy smile for life!

Contact Ideal Image Dentistry Today!

Have questions about your child’s dental care? We’re here to help–give us a call today!

Even when there’s nothing wrong with your car, you still need to change its oil. You might feel annoyed when your dashboard oil light turns on, but that maintenance is vital. If you wait too long, there could be major problems. A little work now saves a lot of work in the future.

Going to the dentist is no different.

Preventative Measures

After a trip to Ideal Image, your teeth will be smooth, shiny, and bright. Plus, there’s a lot more going on beyond what you can see. Even the best brushers and flossers might leave behind some amount of plaque.

That plaque can harden into tartar which looks like a yellow or brown substance on your teeth. Tartar can’t be removed just by brushing and flossing. It needs to be removed by a professional. If left untreated, tartar can lead to gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.

Our staff goes beyond just removing plaque and tartar. We provide fluoride varnish to help prevent plaque and tartar from building up. These treatments are very effective, but only last for
three to six months.

Early Detection

It is always best to stop problems before they happen. A preventative dental visit now can save you from tooth decay, gingivitis, or even oral cancer.

During your six-month checkup, your dentist will catch small cavities before they become big problems. They will examine your gums for signs of disease. They even look for sores, ulcers, and red or white patches that could be signs of cancer.

Six months is only a guideline, and everyone has different dental needs. Those who are pregnant, smoke, or have diabetes have increased risk factors and may need to see the dentist
more frequently.

Taking care of your smile before problems begin will save you from the pain, time, and money of reactive treatment. Since there’s no dashboard light in your mouth to tell you when it’s time for maintenance, it is best to schedule your next dental appointment online today.

You might have heard these famous words from your dentist: “You need to floss more.”

Even though you know flossing is important, it can feel like just another routine that you don’t have time for. But the truth is, flossing daily is necessary to keep your smile healthy, and prevent future dental problems.

When you brush your teeth, your toothbrush removes the majority of buildup and food particles. But what about the places it can’t reach? That’s where flossing comes in. Floss reaches in the spaces between your teeth, and helps break down plaque before it causes more serious problems, like gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that causes the gums to become red, irritated or swollen. Periodontitis pulls the gums away from the teeth, and if not treated, can:

• • Destroy the bones, gums and tissue supporting your teeth
  • Cause your teeth to become loose
  • Lead to tooth loss

Simply put, your smile can’t afford to skip the floss!

Believe it or not, flossing properly can be difficult! Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of it:

• • Use a long piece of floss; if it’s too short, you’ll have a harder time navigating your mouth.
  • Don’t snap the floss in between your teeth (this can damage delicate tissue!); instead, use a sawing motion and slide the floss in.
  • Chat with us! Our dental hygienists can help you with your flossing technique, and recommend alternatives – like a water flosser – if flossing just really isn’t your thing.

Have questions about flossing? Give us a call! We’re here to help you achieve your healthiest, brightest smile yet.

Your smile is a part of your confidence. Having crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can chip away at that confidence and cause you stress or embarrassment. There are many solutions out there, including traditional braces and aligners. On your journey to a more
confident smile, finding the right fit is important.

At Ideal Image Dentistry, we offer SureSmile® Aligners, a system of clear aligners proven to help straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites. Each aligner is customized to your smile, and your treatment plan will work to slowly and effectively address any
issues.

Correcting your teeth and bite isn’t just for looks. A misaligned bite can make caring for your teeth difficult, and may cause future health problems. SureSmile® Aligners not only work to improve your smile – and your confidence – but also keep your teeth happy and healthy!

SureSmile® Aligners address many issues, including:

• Overbite
• Crossbite
• Crooked teeth
• Underbite
• Overcrowding
• Open bite
• Spacing or gaps

If you think SureSmile® Aligners are right for you, give us a call! We will set you up with an appointment that includes an initial assessment of your teeth through photos and a digital scan, which will be used to create your custom aligners. We will also work
with dental experts at SureSmile® to create a plan tailored to you.

Your treatment starts once your aligners arrive. Each aligner will be worn for a couple of weeks, before changing to the next one. Your treatment plan will give you everything you need to know during this time, including how long to wear your aligner each day and how often you can expect to come into our office for any necessary adjustments or assessments.

Ready to discover your new smile? Make an appointment with Ideal Image Dentistry today!

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath, medically referred to as “halitosis,” can be more than just an annoyance. It can be a source of embarrassment and ongoing frustration for those who suffer from it, potentially even leading to social anxiety.

If you are suffering from bad breath, you may feel eager to quickly get rid of it – but the only way to truly solve the problem is to identify its source. Let’s start there.

Some Causes Of Halitosis

Bad breath has many causes, some of which may surprise you! Some of these include:

• Poor oral hygiene: The first thing to consider is if you are following a consistent, healthy oral care routine, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings.
• Certain foods: It can be easy to overlook, but it may also be worth considering foods you regularly consume that may be the cause of bad breath. Common culprits include garlic, spices, fish, and onion.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth, also referred to as “xerostomia,” is a condition caused by a lack of saliva in the mouth, which can result in bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by various factors, including aging and certain medications.
• Smoking: Smoking can also be the cause of dry mouth, though it can also cause bad breath by mixing the chemicals in cigarettes with your saliva.
• Gum disease: In some cases, halitosis can have a more serious underlying cause, including gum disease. The bacteria that builds up and causes gum disease can have a sulfur smell to it, leading to persistent bad breath.

In rare cases, bad breath can also indicate more serious conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, and more. It can also be a sign of digestive problems, including bowel disorders.

How Do You Prevent Bad Breath?

Once you have identified the source of bad breath, which may require some tests and trial and error, you can begin to address the symptoms associated with it. Some treatment options include:

• Improving oral hygiene
• Quitting smoking
• Addressing the cause of gum disease
• Diet modifications
• Mouth rinses

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to completely remove or remedy the underlying cause of bad breath.

For example, if you are taking a prescription that is causing dry mouth and bad breath, you should focus more on managing your bad breath versus eliminating it. Doing so could include chewing sugar-free gum, regularly using mouthwash, and brushing your teeth after you eat.

When it comes to bad breath caused by gum disease, there is no known cure. However, there are effective, simple ways to manage symptoms of gum disease, including bad breath, such as Perio Protect.

When Your Child Might Need Braces

Your child’s smile is an important part of their overall health. Misaligned teeth or bite issues can affect your child’s smile and hinder their confidence. Luckily, recognizing and addressing these issues early on is possible with the right actions!

Brushing and flossing daily are important, but sometimes, that’s not enough. Some problems with teeth need a dentist’s help. Taking care of your child’s dental problems early can prevent more extensive problems later. If your child often has mouth pain or discomfort, chipped or broken teeth, problems with their bite, or stained teeth, it’s time to see your dentist for a check-up.

Ways to Treat Dental Problems

Braces aren’t the only way to fix dental problems. Depending on what your child needs, other treatments include clear plastic aligners, special devices, or even treatments with a laser. Your dentist will discuss the best options and help you choose the right one for your child.

Here are some dental procedures to ensure your child maintains healthy teeth:

• Gentle check-ups and cleanings to find and stop problems early and keep teeth clean
• Fillings that match the color of teeth to keep your child’s smile looking natural
• Sealants to protect the back teeth from getting cavities
• Fluoride treatments to help make teeth stronger

At Ideal Image Dentistry, we’re experts at caring for kids’ teeth, ensuring visits are comfortable and happy.

Why It’s Important to Find and Treat Dental Problems Early

Your dentist will help you understand what is best for your child’s teeth. Finding and fixing dental problems early is essential to keeping your child’s smile healthy for a long time. This also means less risk of complicated dental issues as they get older, which is necessary for kids because their teeth and jaws are still growing.

Keeping Your Child’s Teeth in Top Health

Knowing how vital healthy teeth are is essential to keeping your child’s smile healthy. Starting care early and making it specific to your child’s needs is the best way to ensure good oral health and confidence. You can keep your child’s smile bright and healthy for many years by staying aware of your children’s teeth as they grow. Give us a call at Ideal Image Dentistry today to schedule an appointment!

How to beat gum disease

Let’s talk about gum disease. It’s not just what your smile looks like! Gum disease is common among adults and is this sneaky little problem that can have big impacts on your teeth. It can make your gums shrink back, get swollen and swore, and even interrupt the bones that hold your teeth in place.

Gum disease starts with this gunk called plaque that slowly builds up on your teeth. Plaque is full of bacteria, especially if you’re munching on lots of sugary treats and not brushing your teeth often enough. If you don’t do anything about it, that plaque will harden into tartar and start wreaking havoc on your gums and bones. So, what should you do to prevent it?

You can keep gum disease at bay by following some good habits:

• Brushing: Give your teeth a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled brush twice daily for about two minutes each time.
• Flossing: Get in between your teeth at least once a day to get rid of the plaque hiding there.
• Dental Check-ups: Don’t forget about those dentist appointments every six months! They’ll clean up your teeth, getting rid of plaque you might have missed.
• Watch Your Diet: Cut down on sugary snacks and soda drinks. They’re like fuel for the bacteria that causes gum issues.

Here are some facts on spotting gum disease early:

• Gums that Bleed: If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, that’s a sign something isn’t right.
• Redness and Swelling: Healthy gums are pink and firm, not red and puffy.
• Stinky Breath: Constantly dealing with nasty breath? It could be a sign of gum trouble.
• Loose Teeth: Your teeth should feel secure in your mouth, not wobbly. If they do, it’s time to see your dentist.
• Changes in Bite: Notice anything unusual about how your teeth fit together? That could be a red flag.
• Pus between Teeth: Pus means there’s an infection that needs fixing right away.

If you need some backup in the fight against gum disease, Ideal Image Dentistry is here for you.
We are committed to keeping your gums in top shape, whether it’s prevention, treatment, or just
a check-up. Give us a call to keep that smile sparkling!

We all make choices every day about what we eat. But did you know that acidic foods can really affect your teeth? It’s true!

What Foods Can Harm Our Teeth?

Acidic foods are foods that taste sour or sharp, like lemons and vinegar. While they can be good for your health, it’s important not to let them sit on your teeth for too long. Think drinks like soda and juice and fruits like apples, pineapples, grapes, blueberries, and peaches, as well as tomatoes and sauerkraut.

Why Enamel Matters and How Acid Affects It

Acidic foods and drinks can harm the enamel, or the hard outer layer of your teeth, and weaken it by removing important minerals in a process called “demineralization.” Weak enamel can lead to sensitive teeth, color changes, and cavities.

Tips for Protecting Your Teeth

The good news is there are ways to lessen the impact of acidic foods on your teeth!

• Balance: To balance their effects, eat acidic foods with less acidic foods like vegetables or nuts. Eating them in moderation is key.
• Timing: Try to eat acidic foods during meals rather than all day long to avoid damaging your teeth.
• After Eating Care: Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking acidic things. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid harming your enamel.

Overall Dental Care

It’s important to remember that having a healthy smile is about more than just managing acidic foods. Here are some overall tips for dental care:

• Regular Brushing and Flossing: Clean your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque, and floss every day to clean between your teeth and along your gums.
• Fluoride Mouthwash: Using a mouthwash with fluoride can help make your teeth stronger against acid, clean hard-to-reach areas, kill bacteria, and freshen your breath.
• Healthy Eating: What you eat affects your teeth. Foods high in sugar and carbs create acids in your mouth. Eating fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy helps make your teeth and gums stronger.
• Dental Checkups: Regular visits to the dentist are important. They can clean tartar (hardened plaque) and check for any dental problems.

Don’t let dental care scare you! Following these tips can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for a long time.

At Ideal Image Dentistry, we’re here to help you with all your dental care needs! Come see us for personalized advice on dealing with acidic foods and keeping your smile healthy.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder where your breathing is shallow or is completely interrupted or stopped while sleeping. These interruptions can happen multiple times an hour, continuing through the entire night, and can last a few seconds up to several minutes. Typically, normal breathing resumes, but a snorting or choking sound comes first.

Shallow or interrupted breathing results in poor sleep and can cause tiredness throughout the day because the body is unable to get the deep, restorative sleep it needs.

Sleep apnea is an ongoing condition that will not resolve on its own.

Is Snoring Bad? If So, Why?

Simply put, snoring is not normal!

Soft tissues in your airway vibrate, causing you to snore. It can be a sign of something more serious going on with your breathing.

How Can We Help?

Our dental office can help with sleep apnea and snoring!

The treatment is simple and does not change much about your nightly routine. The first step is to have a one-night, home sleep study to determine the severity of the situation.

Patients with mild or moderate sleep apnea and those who cannot use a CPAP machine have had great success with oral appliance therapy (such as a sleep retainer). Other treatment options include a snore guard and/or laser therapy.

What Is a One-Night Home Sleep Study?

From the comfort of your own bed, our one-night home sleep study uses a device to record your

• Heart rate
• Oxygen levels
• Snoring
• Body position

Then, we review the data and discuss the best treatment option for your situation, such as a CPAP, sleep retainer, snore guard, laser therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

The results from this study will tell us the severity of your sleep apnea and if your snoring is more than just noise! If you have a recent sleep study from another source, we may be able to just review that and discuss options.

Should I Take a Home Sleep Test?

Do you have one of the following concerns, or know someone who does? If so, taking a home sleep study could help determine if you need treatment.

Risk factors for sleep apnea include:

• High blood pressure
• Acid reflux
• Snoring
• Being overweight
• A family history of sleep apnea
• A neck circumference of 17 inches for males or 16 inches for females
• Grinding or clenching your teeth at night

Having one or more of these concerns is a great reason to set up a home sleep study with our office!

How You Get a Sleep Retainer

After we review your sleep study, we will discuss whether a sleep retainer is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Then, we take a digital impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab. The dental lab fabricates a custom sleep retainer and returns it to our office within two weeks. Once we receive the sleep retainer, we show you exactly how to use it and how to care for it. Both are very simple!

Pros of a Sleep Retainer

Using oral appliance therapy, or sleep retainer, for sleep apnea or snoring treatment has many benefits. Not only will a sleep retainer help improve your sleep quality, but it will also make your snoring much quieter—in most cases, non-existent!

Sleep retainers are:

• Easy to clean and maintain
• Convenient for travel
• Slim and ergonomically designed
• Comfortable, unlike CPAP machines

A sleep retainer is a medical device. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends them for most mild and moderate cases of sleep apnea and when patients can’t use CPAP machines.

Contact Ideal Image Dentistry Today!

At Ideal Image Dentistry, we understand the frustration with snoring and sleep apnea. That’s why we want to help you find a solution that is affordable and easy to use. Contact us today for an appointment or give us a call to learn more about our sleep retainers! Our Mandan office is located close to Bismarck and neighboring towns.