Dental visits are important for patients to maintain their oral and overall physical health and wellness. Visiting the dentist at least twice a year can help patients avoid common dental health concerns. We offer family dentistry services for patients in Boulder, CO, and work with families so they can easily schedule dental visits for their whole family.
As a family dentist in Boulder, we provide comprehensive general dentistry services for all ages, focusing on preventing oral health problems and complications. Scheduling regular dental visits for your whole family can prevent problems like gum disease or tooth decay. Our team provides dental exams, teeth cleanings, and other services that preserve the natural smile at regular appointments.
Family Dentistry Treatments in Boulder, CO
At your child’s first dental visit, we will examine their smile and take note of the position of their baby teeth and any permanent teeth as they emerge. We ensure that your child feels comfortable when they visit our office. Our team also welcomes questions from younger patients. Answering these questions can make their experience less intimidating and more relaxing.
Our dental office also offers these routine treatments for adults and children:
Dental Sealants
Sealants prevent food and bacteria from causing decay on the surface of the molars and premolars. Dental sealants are beneficial for children and teens as their permanent teeth erupt. Adults can benefit from a sealant, and we will ensure that the grooves in their teeth are deep enough for sealant treatment.
We clean and prepare the tooth before we apply the liquid sealant. Then, we dry the sealant using a special light. Sealants can last for many years. Receiving a sealant can prevent the need for dental fillings and crowns.
Fluoride Treatment
We provide fluoride treatments to strengthen the tooth enamel. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that protects teeth from tooth decay. Although tap water, toothpaste, and mouthwash contain fluoride, teeth can demineralize due to decay-causing bacteria. Fluoride remineralizes teeth. During fluoride treatment, we can fill a tooth tray with a fluoride solution and place the tray on the teeth. We can also use a fluoride rinse or varnish.
Cosmetic and Restorative Care
Sometimes, patients can develop dental problems as they age, including broken, stained, and even missing teeth. Our cosmetic and restorative treatments help patients renew the function and appearance of their teeth and gums.
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment that can benefit patients with extrinsic stains caused by foods, beverages, and tobacco use. Our take-home and in-office treatments can brighten the smile with multiple shades. Dental veneers and tooth bonding treatment are great options for patients with intrinsic tooth stains and broken or chipped teeth. They cover natural teeth to create a straighter and brighter smile.
Our dental restorations renew the full function of the smile. We can craft custom-made nightguards for patients who clench and grind their teeth due to a TMJ disorder. Our team can also provide routine periodontal cleanings that remove harmful bacteria that cause gum disease.
Age-Specific Dentistry
At our office, we practice age-specific dentistry. The problems that are the most prominent for toddlers aren’t the same as those that plague older generations. Our training lets us know the dental issues each generation will likely face, so we’re prepared with preventative care to keep your oral health on course.
Toddlers and Young Children
This is where the oral health journey begins. Just because they’re temporary teeth doesn’t mean they need care. Primary teeth are essential for the permanent development of your mouth. They serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth to grow in. If they’re compromised, the positioning of the permanent teeth can be compromised, too.
Early dental care is also a good way to get children used to the dentist. It lessens the possibility of them developing a fear of the dentist later in life. We provide patient education to both children and their parents to ensure everything is done properly at home between appointments. Our training also allows us to keep children as comfortable as possible. They shouldn’t see the dentist as a scary place to go, but a welcoming one.
Tooth decay is the most prominent issue with children. Their diets are higher in sugar, and they aren’t as adept at brushing their teeth as adults are. We recommend performing fluoride treatments every time your child is in the office for bi-annual checkups to strengthen their enamel. Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay. We may recommend those as well to protect harder-to-reach areas of your teeth.
Adolescents and Young Adults
Many significant changes occur during this period. All of your permanent teeth will erupt and eventually establish your permanent bite. Orthodontic issues become prominent. We monitor the oral development and refer you to a local orthodontist if needed. Though adult orthodontics are effective, it’s easiest to mold the shape of your smile as the mouth is still developing. We want to ensure you have a healthy, balanced bite.
Wisdom teeth erupt in the late teens or early 20s. Our mouths often aren’t big enough to comfortably contain these extra molars. They can erupt, causing the rest of our teeth to become more cramped and crowded. In other cases, they stay under the surface, called impaction. Impaction can cause pain and infection in the jawbone, among other consequences.
With regular dental appointments, we can monitor the development of your mouth and jawbone. Digital x-rays and other imaging services let us get a better look at how your teeth and jaws are forming. This allows us to catch problems in their earlier stages, so treatment is easier and less invasive.
Adults
Throughout adulthood, we focus on preventative care and trying to avoid bigger problems from forming. Dental crowns and bonding are often used to combat small issues with your teeth. As we age, our teeth wear down and show more signs of our lifestyle habits, like drinking coffee or smoking. We employ simple fixes that are usually non-invasive.
One of the most common dental problems we see is patients who are unhappy with their discolored teeth. It’s something that gets worse as we age. Professional teeth whitening is an easy way to drastically transform your smile with non-invasive techniques. Whitening takes years off your smile and makes you more confident again. It’s like getting a smile makeover in a single visit to our office.
Seniors
Dental needs become more extensive when we’re older. Medications and other things cause us to have less saliva than before. Seniors also have more medication side effects, diseases, compromised immune systems, and less dexterity. Like with young children, you may find it harder to brush your teeth properly to ensure they’re getting clean. We may recommend an electric toothbrush if you’re having this issue.
Seniors are the population group most likely to suffer from missing teeth. Missing teeth impact the look and function of your smile. We provide many different tooth replacement solutions and will help you discover the best option for your unique needs. Choices include dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges. You should be able to feel confident in your smile and chew and speak comfortably in public.
Call Us Today
Are you looking for a family dentist in Boulder, CO? Contact Gunbarrel Dental Center today at 720-881-0614 or request a dental appointment on our website.