Saturday, 31 March 2018

Three-Dimensional Dental X-rays

THREE-DIMENSIONAL DENTISTRY!

We are excited to be one of the first practices in our area to utilize 3-D cone beam CT digital imaging technology. This advancement allows Dr. Hicks to see his patients’ anatomy in 3-D, instead of flat, two-dimensional images. Three-dimensional X-ray images are more precise than conventional film X-rays. They require less time to produce an image and subject a patient to far less radiation exposure. Using ultra cone beam images when diagnosing patients represents a tremendous advantage for evaluating treatment options, particularly important for implant placement and oral surgeries.

Hicks Family Dentistry   
Kevin Hicks, DDS 
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543 
(717) 625-0596 
HicksFamilyDentistry.com

Wednesday, 28 March 2018

Saturday, 24 March 2018

Six Month Smiles

STRAIGHT TEETH IN SIX MONTHS – NOT TWO OR MORE YEARS!

Countless adults wish to have even, beautiful teeth that they can show off in a smile, but can’t afford the long-term time commitment required of traditional orthodontics. The possibility of wearing braces for years keeps them smiling tightly or covering their mouths. Well, we have the answer you’ve been searching for!

Six Month Smiles™ uses an innovative technique that changes only the teeth noticeable in your smile. The gentle but accelerated method can eradicate gaps, crowding, and overlapping in six months or possibly less! Another benefit to Six Month Smiles is how inconspicuous they are. The brackets are clear, and the clear or white-colored wires are scarcely discernible. Even though the process is quick, the system uses a low-intensity force that increases comfort. The reduced treatment time also allows for better hygiene and the prospect for an even cleaner look when it’s done.

Even better – Six Month Smiles is often less costly than conventional braces, aligner therapy, or veneers! Say hello to stunning, straight teeth in a matter of months!


Hicks Family Dentistry   
Kevin Hicks, DDS 
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543 
(717) 625-0596 
HicksFamilyDentistry.com

Sunday, 18 March 2018

Nutrition: What You Eat Affects Your Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. They’re essential for chewing and swallowing-the first steps in the digestion process. Your mouth is your body’s initial point of contact with the nutrients you consume. So what you put in your mouth impacts not only your general health but also that of your teeth and gums. In fact, if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your mouth. Here are a few helpful things to know about how what you eat can impact your dental health.

Diet and Tooth Decay
The foods you eat and the beverages you drink can have a direct influence on the incidence and progression of tooth decay, depending upon: 

  • The form of the food-whether it’s liquid, solid, sticky or slow to dissolve makes a difference. 
  • How often you eat sugary foods and beverages and how often you eat or drink acidic foods and beverages. 
  • The nutritional makeup of the food. 
  • The combination of the foods you eat and the order in which you eat them. 
  • Medical conditions you may have, such as gastrointestinal reflux and eating disorders, which can increase risk of cavities and weaken teeth.

How Snacking Affects Your Dental Health
For dental health, it’s recommended that people limit eating and drinking between meals. Of course, sometimes eating between meals must happen. Unfortunately, most people choose foods like sweets and chips for snacks; foods that harm teeth by promoting tooth decay. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables or nuts-for your overall health and the health of your teeth. Did you know that certain foods can put you at risk for cavities and other dental health problems? Here are some MouthHealthy tips.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • Recommended Nutritional Guidelines
  • Foods That Harm Your Dental Health
  • Sugar and Your Dental Health
  • How Sugar Substitutes Affect Your Teeth
  • 4 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Cavities

Hicks Family Dentistry   
Kevin Hicks, DDS 
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543 
(717) 625-0596 
HicksFamilyDentistry.com

Wednesday, 14 March 2018

What if an Object Gets Caught in Your Teeth?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "What if an Object Gets Caught in Your Teeth?".


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Hicks Family Dentistry   
Kevin Hicks, DDS  
756 Lititz Pike 
Lititz, PA 17543  
(717) 625-0596  
HicksFamilyDentistry.com

Sunday, 11 March 2018

5 Reasons Your Smile Is Stronger Than You Think

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

The right smile can leave you laughing, fill you with joy or make you melt with emotion. But, ultimately, the best smile is one that is healthy and strong. Here are some of the “tooth truths” about how tough your teeth really are - and how to keep them that way.

1. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body.
The shiny, white enamel that covers your teeth is even stronger than bone. This resilient surface is 96 percent mineral, the highest percentage of any tissue in your body - making it durable and damage-resistant.    

2. Your bite is powerful!
Did you know your teeth can exert an average of 200 pounds of pressure when you bite down? That’s probably what tempts us to use our teeth as tools from time to time ñ but as your dentist will remind you, that’s one of the worst habits when it comes to preserving healthy teeth.    

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • Teeth can last for hundreds of years
  • Strong as they are, teeth can't heal on their own
  • Healthy teeth have the power to resist decay, but they need our help

Hicks Family Dentistry   
Kevin Hicks, DDS 
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543 
(717) 625-0596 
HicksFamilyDentistry.com

Wednesday, 7 March 2018

How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?".

 
The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Hicks Family Dentistry   
Kevin Hicks, DDS  
756 Lititz Pike 
Lititz, PA 17543  
(717) 625-0596  
HicksFamilyDentistry.com