Talking veneers with Dr. Scheier

At Dr. Mitchell Scheier's office, we know that, for many people, porcelain veneers do more than change smiles—they change lives. After all, there’s no reason to put up with gaps in your teeth or with teeth that are stained, discolored, badly shaped, chipped, or crooked. A veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct nature’s mistake or the results of an injury and help you have a beautiful smile. Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their life-like tooth appearance!

Veneers—sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates—are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of your teeth. To prepare for veneers, Dr. Scheier and our team will create a unique model of your teeth, which is then sent to the dental technician to create your veneers. Before placing your new veneer, your doctor will remove a small amount of your tooth to make room for the veneer. When placed, you’ll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.

For more information on veneers, or if you have any questions about your treatment with Dr. Scheier, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

What's the deal with coffee and tea?

At Dr. Mitchell Scheier's office, we know most folks enjoy a hot-brewed coffee or tea in the morning, followed by a cola (or more coffee) in the afternoon. But what many don’t know is that both coffee and tea are especially tough on your teeth, because tannic acid (the substance that makes the dark color) etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel, and can stain your pearly whites brown.

So, if you can't give up that morning cup o’joe, what can you do? Dr. Scheier and our team suggest rinsing with a glass of water after every cup. If you enjoy iced coffee or tea, drink your beverage with a straw so that tannins don’t make contact with your front upper and lower teeth. Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, Dr. Scheier encourages you to swish and swallow some water at the end of each meal. Water, after all, helps neutralize acids left in your mouth after eating and also reduces cavity-causing bacteria.

Our team at the office also invite you to visit our convenient Havertown office for whitening options. We can help bleach your teeth with proven and professional products. To learn more about whitening options at our office, please visit our website, ask us on Facebook or give us a call!

How to ease dental fears in children

Dr. Mitchell Scheier knows that many children have fear when it comes to visiting the dentist. Our team at Dr. Scheier's office found a great article on how to help kids overcome fears of the dentist, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Dr. Mitchell Scheier's office excels at making children feel comfortable visiting the dentist. In fact, most of our patients look forward to their next visit!

Has your child visited us in the last six months? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment!

What oral issues should I be aware of during pregnancy?

Maintaining your oral health is an important part of keeping your entire body well, and never more so than when you’re expecting. If you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy, schedule an appointment with us, and remember to raise the issue of your oral health at prenatal appointments with Dr. Mitchell Scheier.

If pregnant, Dr. Scheier wants you to be aware of the following issues:

• Tooth Decay
Excessive morning sickness can also contribute to tooth decay, as the acids in your stomach introduced to the mouth during vomiting wear away the protective enamel coating on your teeth.

• Gingivitis & Gum Disease
This is a major issue. The precursor to gum disease is gingivitis, a condition in which plaque buildup on teeth irritates the gums, making them red, swollen and sensitive. The high levels of hormones in the bloodstream brought on by pregnancy exaggerate your gums’ reaction to irritation from plaque.

• Loose Teeth
Another risk faced during pregnancy is loosening teeth. The large amounts of hormones in your bloodstream can have an unfavorable affect on the bones and ligaments that create the foundation of your teeth, weakening them to the point that teeth may loosen.

The ideal time to schedule an appointment at Dr. Mitchell Scheier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry before becoming pregnant. Dr. Scheier will perform a check-up to determine the state of your oral health and how pregnancy might affect you. We will discuss completing any necessary treatments prior to your pregnancy. Give us a call today!

Which toothbrush should my child be using?

Dr. Mitchell Scheier will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!