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Posts for category: Dental Procedures

Celebrities’ controversial actions and opinions frequently spark fiery debates on social media. But actress Dakota Johnson lit a match to online platforms in a seemingly innocent way—through orthodontics.
This summer she appeared at the premier of her film The Peanut Butter Falcon missing the trademark gap between her front teeth. Interestingly, it happened a little differently than you might think: Her orthodontist removed a permanent retainer attached to the back of her teeth, and the gap closed on its own.
Tooth gaps are otherwise routinely closed with braces or other forms of orthodontics. But, as the back and forth that ensued over Johnson’s new look shows, a number of people don’t think that’s a good idea: It’s not just a gap—it’s your gap, a part of your own uniqueness.
Someone who might be sympathetic to that viewpoint is Michael Strahan, a host on Good Morning America. Right after the former football star began his NFL career, he strongly considered closing the noticeable gap between his two front teeth. In the end, though, he opted to keep it, deciding it was a defining part of his appearance.
But consider another point of view: If it truly is your gap (or whatever other quirky smile “defect” you may have), you can do whatever you want with it—it really is your choice. And, on that score, you have options.
You can have a significant gap closed with orthodontics or, if it’s only a slight gap or other defect, you can improve your appearance with the help of porcelain veneers or crowns. You can also preserve a perceived flaw even while undergoing cosmetic enhancements or restorations. Implant-supported replacement teeth, for example, can be fashioned to retain unique features of your former smile like a tooth gap.
If you’re considering a “smile makeover,” we’ll blend your expectations and desires into the design plans for your future smile. In the case of something unique like a tooth gap, we’ll work closely with dental technicians to create restorations that either include or exclude the gap or other characteristics as you wish.
Regardless of the debate raging on social media, the final arbiter of what a smile should look like is the person wearing it. Our goal is to make sure your new smile reflects the real you.
If you would like more information about cosmetically enhancing your smile, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Space Between Front Teeth” and “The Impact of a Smile Makeover.”
Most of us have a list of things to do; some might write these tasks down every day, while others keep a running tally in their heads. Whatever your list happens to look like, does it include a checkup with Dr. Daniel Morrison, your dentist in Gillette, Wyoming? Many adults skip this important part of their wellness due to time constraints or assuming that daily brushing and flossing are enough. Read on to learn why taking the time to visit your dentist twice a year should be included in your to-do list.
Why do I need to have my teeth cleaned?
Brushing and flossing daily is essential to good dental health; it removes plaque, freshens breath, and keeps the gum tissue healthy. However, the buildup of tartar - hardened plaque - is inevitable, and it's this substance that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Tartar can't be brushed or flossed away, but dental hygienists have specialized training in removing tartar efficiently. After tartar removal is finished, your hygienist will then polish your teeth to remove any surface stains. X-rays may be taken to view any problems that aren't immediately evident, and then your Gillette dentist will check your teeth and gums. For best results, these appointments should be made at least twice a year.
What happens if I don't have my teeth cleaned regularly?
At first, it might not seem like a big deal if you don't visit your Gillette dentist twice a year. Over time, however, major problems can occur. As we discussed above, tartar buildup causes cavities as well as gum disease. Left unchecked, these can eventually lead to painful decay and tooth loss, not to mention chronic bad breath! During checkups, Dr. Morrison also checks his adult patients for oral cancer.
It's never too late to have a great smile. Contact Gillette Dental in Gillette, Wyoming to set up an appointment with Dr. Daniel Morrison at (307) 682-3353.

Love at first sight—it's an endearing notion found in movies and novels, but perhaps we're a little skeptical about it happening in real life. Then again, maybe it does once in a blue moon. According to supermodel Gisele Bündchen, something definitely happened the first time she met pro quarterback Tom Brady in 2006. And it all began when he smiled.
“The moment I saw him, he smiled and I was like, 'That is the most beautiful, charismatic smile I've ever seen!'” Bündchen said in an article for Vogue magazine. That was all it took. After a three-year romance, they married in 2009 and have been happily so ever since.
Both Brady and Bündchen have great smiles. But they also know even the most naturally attractive smile occasionally needs a little help. Here are three things our happy couple have done to keep their smiles beautiful—and you could do the same.
Teeth whitening. Bündchen is a big proponent of brightening your smile, even endorsing a line of whitening products at one point. And for good reason: This relatively inexpensive and non-invasive procedure can turn a dull, lackluster smile into a dazzling head-turner. A professional whitening can give you the safest, longest-lasting results. We can also fine-tune the whitening solution to give you just the level of brightness you want.
Teeth straightening. When Bündchen noticed one of her teeth out of normal alignment, she underwent orthodontic treatment to straighten her smile. Rather than traditional braces, she opted for clear aligners, removable trays made of translucent plastic. Effective on many types of orthodontic problems, clear aligners can straighten teeth while hardly being noticed by anyone else.
Smile repair. Brady is a frequent client of cosmetic dentistry, sometimes due to his day job. During 2015's Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, Brady chipped a tooth, ironically from “head-butting” his Patriots teammate Brandon LaFell after the latter caught a touchdown pass. Fortunately, he's had this and other defects repaired—and so can you. We can restore teeth as good as new with composite resin bonding, veneers or crowns.
This superstar couple, known for their advocacy of all things healthy, would also tell you a beautiful smile is a healthy one. You can help maintain your smile's attractiveness with daily brushing and flossing to lower the risk of staining and dental disease, regular dental visits, and “tooth-friendly” eating habits.
And when your teeth need a little extra TLC, see us for a full evaluation. You may not be in the spotlight like this celebrity couple, but you can still have a beautiful smile just like theirs.
If you would like more information on ways to enhance your smile, please contact us or schedule a consultation.

One of the major signs that a young person's dental development is nearing completion is the eruption of the last four permanent teeth: the third molars, located rear-most on either side of both the upper and lower jaws. But the advent of these molars, also called wisdom teeth, isn't always a cause for celebration: They can give rise to serious dental problems.
Wisdom teeth often arrive on an already crowded jaw, making them subject to erupting out of position or becoming impacted, totally or partially submerged in the gums. This can cause harm not only to themselves, but also to other teeth: They can impinge on and damage the roots of their neighbors; impede brushing and flossing and increase the risk of disease; and skew the alignment of other teeth to create poor bites that affect dental health and function.
Wisdom teeth are considered so prone to these problems (an estimated 70% between ages 20 and 30 have at least one impacted molar) that it's been a common practice to remove them before they show signs of disease or poor bite development. As a result, third molar extractions are the most common surgical procedure performed by oral surgeons.
But the dental profession is now reevaluating this practice of early removal. On the whole, it's difficult to predict if the eruption of wisdom teeth in a particular person will actually lead to problems. It may be premature, then, to remove wisdom teeth before there's sufficient evidence of its necessity.
As a result, many dentists now follow a more nuanced approach to wisdom teeth management. An impacted wisdom tooth that's diseased or contributing to disease is an obvious candidate for removal. But if the eruption is proceeding without signs of impaction, disease or poor bite development, many providers recommend not removing them early. Instead, their development is allowed to continue, although monitored closely.
If signs of problems do begin to emerge, then removal may again be an option. Until then, a more long-term watchful approach toward wisdom teeth may be the best strategy for helping a young person achieve optimal dental health.
If you would like more information on managing wisdom teeth treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Wisdom Teeth: Coming of Age May Come With a Dilemma.”
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that serve as a permanent base for artificial teeth. They are a smart solution for people that have missing teeth. Dental implants are placed within the jawbone. After just a few months, they permanently fuse with the bone. Dental implants are offered to help you achieve a healthy, attractive smile. Dr. Daniel Morrison at Gillette Dental PC in Gillette, WY offers a wide array of dentistry services that will help you look and feel your best. Read on to learn what dental implants can do for you.
Dental Implants Improve Your Appearance
Missing teeth gradually cause a negative change in your facial structure. Over time, your face begins to sag. Dental implants immediately improve your appearance. They support your facial structure and make you look younger. Speaking with a cosmetic dentist in Gillette will help you learn more about how dental implants improve your appearance.
Dental Implants are Comfortable
When you wear dentures, they're not always comfortable. They may shift around in your mouth. In contrast, dental implants feel comfortable and look natural. They function just like your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, you never have to worry about them falling out when you eat or speak.
Dental Implants Improve Your Speech
When you have missing teeth, you aren't able to pronounce your words properly. Dental implants allow you to speak without difficulties.
Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss
If you lose your teeth, you also lose bone mass within your jaw. Dental implants help prevent bone loss because they stimulate the jaw bone.
Dental Implants Boost Your Self-Esteem
When you having missing teeth, you struggle with self-esteem. You hide your smile and avoid laughing. This interferes with your social life as well as your career. Getting dental implants immediately provides you with a boost of self-confidence.
Schedule Your Appointment
Just because you have broken or missing teeth doesn't mean you have to live your life hiding your smile. Cosmetic dentistry services in Gillette are the answer to your dental problems. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Morrison at Gillette Dental PC. Dr. Morrison and his experienced staff will provide you with the dental services you need to help you achieve a bright, beautiful smile. Schedule an appointment with Gillette Dental PC by calling 307-682-3353.