Category: cosmetic dentistry

Various Long-Term Effects of Untreated Sleep Apnea?

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Are you always longing for a moment you can go back to sleep even after a full night’s sleep? Insufficient sleep can significantly impact your general health. Sleep apnea is among the various things that could prohibit good quality sleep at night. You would be shocked at how common the condition Is, even though very few people seek treatment for it.

What is Sleep Apnea?

It is a sleeping disorder that makes it difficult to breathe well at night. Patients with sleep apnea stop breathing for a few seconds or minutes during their sleep. It creates a dangerous condition where there is an insufficient supply of oxygen in your body and brain. Technically, the longer you go without breathing at night, the riskier your condition is.

What Is the Main Cause of Sleep Apnea?

If you visit a sleep doctor near you, you will find that sleep apnea is connected to various causes. However, the main reason for sleep apnea is muscle relaxation. Usually, when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, they disallow normal breathing.

Different factors can contribute to extreme muscle relaxation in your throat. Some of the risk factors that heighten your risk of sleep apnea are:

  1. Weight problems – obese or overweight patients have a high likelihood of sleep apnea.
  2. Posture – patients that prefer sleeping on their backs are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea symptoms than not.
  3. Gender and age – dentists in Frisco, TX, have found that older males are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women.
  4. The neck circumference – patients with thick necks are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than the average person.

Will You Know You Have Sleep Apnea?

The surest way to know you have a condition is by seeking medical attention at Millennium Smiles on Legacy. However, even before you visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment, you can consider the following symptoms of sleep apnea:

  1. Loud snoring – usually loud enough to wake up a sleeping partner.
  2. Gasping for air at night
  3. Headaches – particularly the first thing in the morning.
  4. Waking up extremely thirsty
  5. Excessive daytime sleepiness – you will feel sleepy during the day, despite having a full night’s sleep.
  6. Irritability and moodiness during the day
  7. Reduces focus and productivity

What Happens If You Do Not Fix Sleep Apnea?

Technically, patients with mild sleep apnea may get away with it without seeking treatment. However, the longer you go without sleep apnea treatment in Frisco, TX, the more the chances of advancement and progression of the condition. The stakes are higher if you continually stop breathing for longer periods when you sleep. You need a dentist or sleep doctor near you to evaluate your sleeping patterns and determine how long you stop breathing at night.

If sleep apnea continues to progress, you are at risk of severe health problems that result from a shortage of oxygen in the body and brain. Some of the complications of sleep apnea include:

  1. Heart attack
  2. Strokes
  3. Coronary artery disease
  4. Irregular blood pressure
  5. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  6. Type 2 diabetes
  7. Cognitive problems like reduced concentration
  8. Anxiety disorders and depression
  9. Shortened lifespan – the condition can shorten your life by 12-15 years.

What Is the Newest Treatment for Sleep Apnea?

Doctors can recommend various treatment solutions for sleep apnea, depending on the severity of your condition. Most treatments revolve around improving breathability when you sleep, particularly by opening the airways for better airflow. Some treatments your doctor may recommend are weight loss programs, physical exercises, changing your sleeping position and posture, or wearing a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask.

The newest treatment for sleep apnea in modern dentistry is Upper Airway Stimulation. UAS entails a minimally invasive procedure to install a device that treats sleep apnea. It works by stimulating the throat muscles that regulate the tongue, preventing it from collapsing into the airway. It is a maskless alternative suitable for patients who dislike wearing a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask.

Too Much of a Good Thing Could Be a Problem

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Do you want whiter teeth? Who doesn’t? While achieving whiter teeth is a goal for many people, for others, it becomes an obsession and can turn into a dangerous situation that costs time, money and tooth enamel. The situation is known as bleachorexia and is a very real problem for many people.

What Is Bleachorexia?

Bleachorexia is defined as an unhealthy obsession or over-fascination with tooth whitening. It is classified as a form of body dysmorphia. For individuals affected by bleachorexia, they feel that although their teeth are already white, their teeth are not white enough so they must continue to use tooth whiteners to achieve their vision of their smile.

Bleachorexia can cause individuals to seek out and use alternative methods to obtain the “ultimate smile”, such as charcoal toothpaste and whitening products containing high levels of bleaching agents and not approved by the FDA.

Some of the dangers of over-whitening the teeth include:

Changing colors. Excessive whitening of the teeth could make them turn an unnatural shade or become translucent.
Erosion of tooth enamel. Overuse of bleaching products could result in tooth enamel erosion, which can lead to pain, tooth sensitivity and changes to the core structure of the teeth. If this occurs, you may be facing the need for porcelain veneers, crowns, and other restorative treatments so you can live pain-free.
Receding gums. Bleaching agents don’t just touch the teeth, they also touch the gums and other structures of the mouth, too. Products that are too strong can cause the gums to recede and even burn the soft tissue in the mouth.

Can You Achieve Whiter Teeth Safely?

Absolutely, yes, you can. However, the best way to whiten is under the supervision of a dentist. Dr. Korous offers patients safe, in-office whitening procedures and take-home whitening products with professional-grade bleaching agents to help you achieve the smile you want safely. Learn more about our tooth whitening options by calling Millennium Smiles at 972-987-4899.

Make Resolutions to Improve Oral Heath

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It’s a New Year, so it’s time for a new you! You’ve probably made your resolutions to eat better, work out more, and spend more time with your loved ones. But, what about resolving to take better care of your teeth? There’s no time like the present to get started, and it’s never too late to make sure your mouth is healthy! Here are a few suggestions from Dr. Korous on how you can make 2019 the best year for your smile.

Resolution 1: Be a Better Brusher

Want to have healthier teeth? The first stop is better brushing (and flossing). We suggest that you brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. For best results, use an electric toothbrush. While brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line to remove sticky plaque. Brush for a full two minutes each time!

Resolution 2: Don’t Forget to Floss

Flossing your teeth helps to remove the sticky plaque and is just as crucial as brushing! Flossing also removes bits of food your toothbrush can’t reach.

Resolution 3: Eat Better

No, not just for your waistline. For your mouth, too. Eating healthier snacks means a healthier mouth. We suggest limiting the consumption of food and beverages containing processed sugar, carbohydrates, and acids to help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Resolution 4: Get the Smile You Want

Did you hide your smile in 2018? What about 2017? 2016? If you’re hiding your smile because you don’t like the look, shape, or color of your teeth, make 2019 the year you stop hiding behind your hand or avoiding the camera. Learn about the cosmetic and restorative dental options we offer including tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign.

Resolution 5: Stop Living with Sleep Apnea

Do you have sleep apnea or think you have sleep apnea? If you can’t sleep without your CPAP, or you’re not sleeping at all, let us know. Dr. Korous can help those suffering from sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, which means a better night’s sleep and better overall health for you.

Looking to have a healthy and beautiful smile this year? We can help. Call Millennium Smiles today at 972-987-4899 to schedule a consultation.

Give Yourself a Gift

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We hope that you had a wonderful Christmas holiday with your friends and family! The holiday season is always a busy one – parties and gatherings, lots of fun and festivities, and making sure you select the perfect gift for everyone on your list. But, did you remember to give yourself a gift this year? If you didn’t treat yourself in 2018, that’s okay! You can make 2019 your year by giving yourself the gift of a new smile from Millennium Smiles!

Why You Should Give Yourself a New Smile Next Year

Don’t love your smile? You’re not alone. Many adults hide their smile by covering their mouth when they talk, not smiling for pictures and shying away from relationships and social events because they are self-conscious about how their smile looks.

Many people who don’t love their smile feel insecure or even depressed about their appearance. This is in stark contrast to those individuals who love their smiles; research has shown that smiling more often helps to boost confidence and mood. So, if you’re not living your best life because you are not confident in your smile’s appearance, it’s time to talk to Dr. Korous about smile restoration!

What Is Smile Restoration?

Smile restoration, also known as cosmetic dentistry, helps to bring your smile back to life. Restoration procedures include procedures such as dental implants, tooth whitening, Invisalign, and porcelain veneers to replace missing teeth, teeth that have become stained and to provide a new look to teeth that have been damaged in some way.

Millennium Smiles offers a full range of cosmetic dental treatment options to help restore your smile.

One More Thing

It is important to note that a beautiful smile is a healthy smile. This means that before any cosmetic procedure begins, Dr. Korous will need to make sure your mouth is healthy first. This means a full exam and therapies for any cavities, areas of decay, or gum disease before proceeding with cosmetic treatments.

We want your smile not only to look good but to feel good, too! Call us at 972-987-4899 to give yourself a gift in 2019!

Want Whiter Teeth? Try These Foods!

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Want a bright, white smile? Who doesn’t? If you’re like most people, you want your pearly whites to look, well, pearly. One way to keep your teeth looking great is to brush and floss regularly and to visit Millennium Smiles for regular cleanings. Another way to keep teeth looking bright is to avoid foods that can leave them stained, such as wine, coffee, tea, and some fruits. However, did you know that eating certain foods can help to whiten your teeth, too?

Whiten Teeth with These Foods Teeth – Naturally!

Consider Crunchy Foods. Crunchy and fibrous foods such as carrots, celery, and apples require much chewing, and as a result, their fibrous pulp helps to scrub away sticky dental plaque and polish stains away from your tooth enamel. Broccoli, especially, serves a natural toothbrush and helps to brush away stains.

Don’t Forget About Dairy Products. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese contain lactic acid which can help whiten your teeth and lighten stains. Do you love cheese? If so, you’ll be happy to know that eating cheese yields an additional benefit for your teeth; cheese can affect the pH balance of the mouth and make it unfriendly for decay-causing bacteria.

Think About Citrus Fruit. Citrus fruit such as oranges and grapefruit can help brighten your teeth because citric acid can neutralize decay-causing bacteria, too. However, a word of caution before you start stocking up on citrus – too much citric acid can cause damage to your tooth enamel.

Stop and Eat Strawberries. Strawberries? Yes, strawberries. Although these favorite-of-many-fruits seem to stain everything else, the malic acid found in strawberries acts a natural whitening agent against stains.

Choose Chocolate. Yep, chocolate. Specifically, dark chocolate. Why dark chocolate? Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that work to neutralize that bacteria that cause tooth decay, and an alkaloid known as theobromine that can help repel stains.

Stay Hydrated. By now, you probably know that staying hydrated can help protect your health and keep your body systems functioning properly. But, did you know that water helps keep your teeth looking great, too? Yes! Water helps by rinsing away foods and drinks that cause staining.

Do you want whiter teeth? Call Millennium Smiles today for more information about tooth whitening and other cosmetic treatments.

Don’t Live with Tooth Loss – Think About Dental Implants

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Did you know that over 70 percent of adults over the age of 35 have lost one more of their permanent teeth? It’s true. Tooth loss is a widespread problem in Frisco, Little Elm, and the rest of the United States and happens due to a variety of factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, and injury. If you’ve lost a tooth for whatever reason, you should consider a dental implant from Millennium Smiles.

Why Do I Need a Dental Implant?

If you’re missing a tooth, it does more than changing the appearance of your smile; it also changes the physical makeup of your mouth and can also leave you at risk of losing more teeth. This is because when you bite down or chew, the pressure of these activities stimulates nerves and blood flow to the opposite jaw, and increased blood flow helps to keep teeth healthy. If there is nothing in the space, the tooth across from the gap does not get the blood flow and oxygen needed for survival. Without the oxygen, blood and other nutrients, the tooth can loosen and fall out.

Losing a tooth can also cause the teeth around that space to shift, which also means changes to your bite. When your bite changes, the stress on your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) increases, which can lead to pain, loss of function, and TMJD.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Not only do dental implants play a role in filling the space of a missing tooth to keep your bite intact and your teeth healthy, but dental implants are also made of high-quality, durable porcelain that is very similar to tooth enamel. This means you can brush, floss, bite and chew just like you would with a natural tooth.

Dental implants are long-lasting, which means you may not ever need to have them replaced. This gives dental implants a significant advantage over other tooth replacement options such like bridges, partials, and dentures. Dental bridges also require that the teeth on either side of the gap be shaved down to make room for the restoration – implants do not. Dentures and partials can fill the space but can be uncomfortable, make chewing and speaking difficult, and wear out over time, which means you may need several replacements.

Lastly, dental implants provide the aesthetic and emotional benefits of restoring your smile. Dr. Korous is an expert in smile restoration and can help give you a smile you deserve.

Are you thinking about a dental implant or smile restoration? We would love to talk to you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Korous today by calling Millennium Smiles at 972-987-4899.

6 Tips for Taking Care of Your Porcelain Veneers

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Did you just make over your smile with porcelain veneers from Millennium Smiles? We know that you love your new smile and are probably still grinning from ear to ear showing off your new pearly whites. We want you to keep it that way, so we have compiled a few tips to help keep your porcelain veneers looking great:

Take Care of Your Veneers. Taking care of your porcelain veneers is as important as taking care of your natural teeth. This means you should brush at least twice per day (with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste) and floss at least once per day. This is to maintain your healthy teeth that are under your veneers and prevent tooth decay.

Prevent Stains. Veneers are formulated to resist staining, but bonding materials can be affected by dark-colored food and drinks like berries, wine, soda, and coffee. When this bonding material becomes stained, your teeth can appear yellow or brown. To prevent this from happening, Dr. Korous recommends that you use a straw when drinking wine or other dark beverages and brushing immediately after eating foods that can leave you with stains.

Veneers are a great way to update your smile. Keep them looking great with these tips.
Quit Smoking. Smoking and the use of tobacco products can cause staining and can negatively impact the bond between your teeth and the veneer overlay. When this bond becomes damaged or weakened, it leaves you at risk for cracking and lifting. Not only can quitting smoking and tobacco products prolong the life of your veneers, but it can also help to prolong your life by reducing your risk developing oral and other forms of cancer.

Avoid Hard Foods. Porcelain veneers are very durable, but you can cause chips, cracks, and other damage by crunching on hard foods like hard foods like nuts, hard candies, and ice. You should also avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages, remove bottle caps and wine corks (yes, people do this!)

Grind Your Teeth? Wear a Mouthguard. Grinding your teeth can put stress on your veneers, just like on your natural teeth. This stress means cracks, chips, and damage to your tooth enamel and your porcelain veneers. Talk to Dr. Korous about being fitted for a mouthguard to prevent damage to your veneers.

Schedule and Keep Your Dental Appointments. Be sure to visit Dr. Korous at least twice per year for your dental checkups and cleanings.

Questions about porcelain veneers? Call Millennium Smiles today at our Little Elm dental office 972-987-4899 for a consultation.

 

 

Invisalign® In Faster Time

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Many patients have heard of the clear braces option Invisalign®. This effective dental treatment for straightening crooked or misaligned teeth is a discreet orthodontic option for teens and adults. But did you know there is a way to speed up the tooth straightening process by up to 50%? Have you heard of Propel?

Frisco cosmetic dentist Dr. Dunia Korous offers Propel and Invisalign for quick, effective and discreet orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign works best for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Adults and teens can benefit from the results of Invisalign. If you have had orthodontic work completed in your past but your teeth have shifted since, Invisalign may be ideal for tooth readjustments. Invisalign can straighten your teeth without the stigma and embarrassment of metal braces. Invisalign is also removable for big events like weddings and holiday portraits. Clear braces can give you the confidence to maintain your professional and personal life without feeling self conscious.

Propel For Clear Braces

Propel is a handheld device that Dr. Korous will utilize to speed up the movement of your teeth. Propel is FDA registered and clinical trials show that it is effective at speeding up bone adjustment. You will receive Propel treatments in the comfort of our Frisco dentist office. Propel activates blood flow, stimulating your body’s natural response to shift your teeth.

Invisalign With Propel

Invisalign works through a series of custom made aligners. Each set of aligners are worn for several weeks and work to gradually shift your teeth. Propel works with Invisalign to help stimulate your body to shift your bone structure at a slightly faster speed. During your consultations Dr. Koros will discuss whether Propel will be right for you. Propel has been shown to decrease braces wear time by up to 50%. That is a significant decrease and and many patients experience satisfactory results with the Invisalign, Propel partnership.

Schedule An Appointment Frisco, TX

To find out what treatment option will work best to realign your crooked teeth, contact our Frisco dentist office. Not all treatment plans are right for every patient. Dr. Korous will work with you to best meet your cosmetic dental goals. Dr. Korous offers a full range of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments to help you achieve a healthy, functional and beautiful smile.

Smile Makeover

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Are you embarrassed by your stained, chipped or crooked teeth? Do you find yourself holding back your full smile in social and professional interactions? Concealing your smile from the world is stressful and can affect the quality of your life. Stop worrying about what others think about your smile. Frisco cosmetic dentist Dr. Dunia Korous incorporates her advanced education with the latest in dental technology to offer her patients full Smile Makeovers.

Some patients may struggle to justify the expense of cosmetic dentistry because they may view the procedures as vain. It is important to remember that many cosmetic dental concerns can develop into serious oral health problems. Chipped, broken, or missing teeth can cause infection or even gum disease. Treating the underlying cause of your dental concerns can build a healthy foundation for your teeth and gums, promoting a naturally beautiful smile. A healthy oral foundation is critical in building an aesthetically pleasing smile and supporting long term dental health.

Dr. Korous is passionate about helping her patients. With her enthusiastic approach to dentistry, she offers her patients individualized treatment. The first step in your personal Smile Makeover at Millennium Smiles is a individual and comprehensive oral exam. Dr.Korous will take the time to discuss the positive outcomes of each cosmetic procedures she recommends. All recommendations will be based on your specific oral health and cosmetic goals. Dr. Korous will help you build a healthy foundation for a beautiful and functional smile.

Millennium Smiles of Frisco TX offers a full range of cosmetic dental services. Each service is designed to repair and strengthen the beauty and function of your smile.

  • Porcelain veneers: A thin ceramic coating attached to your existing teeth. Can solve chips, cracks, or misshapen teeth.
  • Dental crowns: Can strengthen the natural tooth for various dental health concerns.
  • Teeth whitening: Can take years off your yellow or stained smile.
  • Tooth bonding: Can reshape teeth, fill gaps between teeth or repair discolored teeth.
  • Cosmetic fillings/white fillings: Can discreetly fill cavities and replace old metal fillings that may be visible.

Advancements in Smile Makeover Technology

Advancements in cosmetic dentistry have given dentists like Dr. Korous the ability to create more natural looking smiles. Whether you want to whiten your teeth, or need a total smile makeover, Dr. Korous can help.

Dr. Korous utilizes the most advanced in dental technology. CEREC is a professional software program used to design and fabricate dental restorations all in the convenience of our Frisco, TX dentist office. CEREC allows Dr. Korous to obtain 3-D imagery and models of your mouth for a more accurate diagnosis and precise treatment.

Using advanced quality materials cosmetic dental restorations are more natural looking than ever. Dr. Korous can perform most cosmetic dental restorations in our Frisco dentist office. CEREC helps reduce the time it takes to complete cosmetic dental restorations. CEREC’s onsite milling component eliminates the need for a third party dental lab. This saves our patients time and money. Dr. Korous can have most patients fitted with their dental restorations in just a few short visits.

Schedule An Appointment

If you are wondering what cosmetic restorations could restore your beautiful smile, contact Dr. Korous today. Our caring and dedicated dental care team will be happy to answer questions and schedule your Smile Makeover consultation.

Fix Crooked Teeth- Without Braces!

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Crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic dental concern. Did you know that crooked teeth can cause serious dental health concerns? Crooked teeth can lead to dysfunction in the jaw and bite, and can make it difficult to properly clean your teeth. Crooked teeth can be a leading factor in causing tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ. If the stigma of adult braces is holding you back from straightening your smile, Dr. Korous at Millennium Smiles in Little Elm offers cosmetic alternatives to braces that may be right for you.

Dr. Dunia Korous, a highly trained and experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist, will spend one-on-one time with each patient to build an individualized dental treatment plan. After a comprehensive oral health exam, Dr. Korous can advise you on what treatment options are best for you unique dental health concerns. If your teeth are severely crooked, braces may be your best option. In less severe cases, we may be able to straighten your smile with leading cosmetic dentistry techniques and advanced technology. Dr. Korous will discuss and educate you on all of your options, so you can make the most suitable, well-informed decision.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

ntal Bonding
Completed in one single visit to our dentist office, Dr. Korous applies a tooth-colored resin directly to your teeth. She then sculpts the biocompatible composite material into the desired tooth shape. With the use of a painless, special light, the form is bonded to the natural tooth. Offering a long-term and natural appearance, dental bonding can offer the appearance of straight teeth.

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are an aesthetically pleasing and an effective way of straightening teeth without braces. Dr. Korous uses the most advanced materials and technology to give you a natural-looking smile with veneers. An ultrathin clear ceramic material is applied to the front and sides of the teeth creating a permanent and long-lasting solution to crooked teeth.
Invisalign®
Virtually unnoticeable, this removable braces alternative can create a straight smile without the discomfort of traditional metal braces. Dr. Korous will take molds of your teeth to create a series of retainers that will gradually straighten your teeth. Using state of the art Invisalign software Dr. Korous is able to more accurately and precisely straighten your teeth.

Schedule An Appointment

To find the right path to your straightest, healthiest smile, contact Dr. Korous today. Call our Little Elm dental office, or schedule an appointment online.

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