"My front teeth look too short" in Flagstaff AZ

Short Teeth in Flagstaff AZ
Do your front teeth appear shorter than they used to be or than you wish they were?
Here are a few dental considerations:

1) Do your teeth measure wider than they are long?
2) Do your teeth have rough edges from chipping
3) Do the gums cover up part of the tooth?

There are different solutions to the above 3 reasons your front teeth may appear too short.
If your teeth are indeed wider than they are long, you may benefit from veneers.  Porcelain veneers can be used to increase the length of your teeth to a natural looking and proportional smile.
If the edges of your teeth are rough and worn, you may be grinding.  Again, porcelain veneers or crowns may be the restorative solution.  You probably would benefit from an occlusal guard also.
If your gums are overgrown and covering part of your teeth, a dental soft tissue laser may be as easy answer.  Same day results with little discomfort or healing time, this treatment is often used after recent orthodontics.
A combination of the above dental procedures is sometimes indicated.
Flagstaff dentist Dr. John Bacon can do a free mock up of your teeth at his Flagstaff Downtown Dental office. To take advantage of this offer you can make an appointment on his web site

Dental filling Material

If you have a cavity, what are your filling options?
25 years ago the choice was gold alloy or amalgam, with 99% being done in amalgam(a mixture of silver, mercury and smaller amounts of other metals).
Today, in  Dr. Bacon's office in Flagstaff, AZ we usually use a tooth colored plastic to fill your tooth.
IT has many advantages over amalgam:
1.  esthetic- we match to your tooth color
2. no mercury- health issue
3. bonds to your tooth- decreases chance for tooth fracture and need for a crown later.

Of composites, there are many (over 50) different brands and types.  Dr. Bacon has done extensive research and uses a few different types depending on the size of the filling and the need for cosmetic results (He uses a different kind for a back tooth than for a front tooth.) He does not choose his filling material based on cost but decides based on physical properties and cosmetic appearance.
Some composites shrink more than others while setting up.  This is very important because if the filling shrinks too much while setting it can leave a gap or even lead to tooth fracture.

It is recommended that your tooth color filling be placed with a rubber dam in place which assures a dry field for your filling.  Moisture contamination will interfere with the bond of the filling and cause it to leak.


Dr. Bacon will evaluate your situation and pick the material that is best for you.

If you don't live near  Flagstaff, be sure your dentist uses a rubber dam and has thoroughly researched his or her materials.

Flouride differences in Flagstaff, AZ

There are several ways Flouride can be useful for decreasing dental decay.  There is little to no flouride in Flagstaff' city water supply.

1.The first way is to consume(swallow Flouride for your body to absorb.  This is useful for children that have teeth that are still developing(ages 12 and under).  The Flouride is formed as a less soluable mineral in your teeth (Flouroappetite) that is less vulnerable to acid which promote tooth decay.
.25-.5 mg /day depending in a child's weight and age is the ideal dose according to research.

2. The second way Flouride can prove useful is to rinse and spit.  Rinsing for 1 minute followed by no eating or drinking is particularly useful for adults that have exposed root surfaces and anyone that has a high rate of dental decay. (Because there is no hard shell of enamel covering root surfaces they can decay more easily.)

3. Flouride Treatment in the office.  A concentrated use of fluoride .

4. Flouride toothpaste.  Another way to absorb a harder enamel surface to prevent decay.

The above are general guidelines for the use of Flouride.  Each person is a indivdual case and it is recommended that you get advise and guidence for what would be best for you or your family by seeing your dentist or Dr. Bacon at 902 N Beaver St. in Flagstaff, AZ.  More information can be found at flagstaffdentist.com