Preventative Dentistry
Modern preventative dentistry measures can save your oral and whole body health. At Hefton Dentistry, we provide advanced preventative techniques that can protect you and your loved ones from:
- Tooth loss, pain and sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath
- Collapsed jawbone
- Expensive dental procedures and surgeries
- Higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and dementia
Our top-of-the-line preventative measures ward off the buildup of dangerous bacteria. When you combine consistent at-home practices with preventative dentistry, you’ll maintain a winning smile for life.
Perioscience
The family of AO Pro products utilize novel combinations of specific antioxidants for any oral concern. PerioSciences complete oral care systems redefine oral care.
While historically, oral care research has focused on bacteria, PerioSciences utilizes many natural ingredients with well documented antibacterial properties, but our approach focuses on the mouth’s natural defense system – salivary antioxidants.
TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone.
Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Some of these disorders include: arthritis, dislocation, injury, tooth and jaw misalignment, stress and teeth grinding.
Mouth guards used for treating TMJ disorders can function differently. They are always made of rigid acrylic material. Also called a splint, these mouth guards help to raise the bite and reposition the jaw in a position that helps relieve the patient of any symptoms and discomfort. Due to the precise nature of a TMJ splint, the dentist may need to make multiple adjustments in order to achieve the perfect position. For patients suffering from TMJ, we do NOT recommend ordering a night guard online. Instead, patients should seek a solution from their dentist.
As dentists, we are determined to make sure your mouth and teeth are well protected during sports activities, no matter what your passion is. To do this, we offer many different types of mouth guards, depending on the types of activities in which you are involved, from low- to high-impact sports.
Many people clench their teeth while playing, which can give them temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). Mouth guards help to relax your jaw, allowing you to completely focus on the game!
Custom made to fit each patient’s unique bite, the NTI splint appliance features a snap-in fit to stay secure during the night. Children cannot wear the standard device, but a special appliance made for primary teeth can be made. Believe it or not, many insurance policies will help cover the costs of the appliance because it is FDA approved for migraine treatment and falls under the category of oral appliance or splint.
If you suffer from bruxism, migraines, or TMJ pain, ask about the NTI splint – which may provide needed relief.