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Many people are born with misaligned, crooked teeth affecting the appearance of their smile. Because smiling can play such an important role in a person’s self-image and in building personal and business relationships, a smile with crooked teeth can negatively affect multiple aspects of their life. Investing in teeth straightening is one of the best things you can do to enhance your smile.

The Psychology Of Smile

A great smile will build self-esteem in a person, giving them confidence that people will be attracted by their smile and making it easier for them to interact with others.

Unfortunately, the opposite is true for people who have a crooked smile. Someone whose teeth are crooked often refuses to smile and may even have negative experiences with other people.

However, thanks to modern technology, crooked teeth can now be corrected, giving countless people the hope and excitement of beautiful smile.

How To Get Straight Teeth

There are many procedures, such as conventional braces, that can be used to correct misaligned teeth. However, the simpler Invisalign method is becoming increasingly popular and typically delivers quicker results. With Invisalign, a series of clear removable aligners are used to gradually straighten the teeth without metal or wires.

Using 3-D computer imaging, an Invisalign preferred practitioner, will create a unique treatment plan with a number of customized aligners that are meant to be used in specific periods of time. Aligners are used in two-week increments and are each designed to move the teeth in specific ways so that they will align perfectly.

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, fully removable and comfortable allowing you to smile with full confidence sooner and start changing your life for the better

Other Benefits Of Straight Teeth

In addition to giving you an incredible smile, straighter teeth also offer you some extra advantages. Straighter teeth make it easier to chew many foods, while also making it easier to clean your teeth and keep your gums healthy.

Henderson Invisalign

At Foutz Family Dentistry, we are a preferred practitioner for the Invisalign Orthodontic System providing many patients with an effective means for straightening their teeth and finding a happier smile. Contact our office today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Regular brushing and flossing are two of the most effective ways to help avoid cavities. Young children, however, are often still learning to properly brush their teeth, especially the back molars, making them more prone to cavities and tooth damage. Even children who are great at brushing their teeth can still see decay in a tooth because of the small pits (indentations in the tooth) and fissures (natural grooves) that are difficult to fully reach with a toothbrush.  

Bacteria build up in these pits and fissures is five times more likely to cause a cavity than along the edge of the tooth where the toothbrush and floss can easily reach.  While toothpaste and fluoride are very effective in protecting teeth, back molars sometimes need an extra level of protection.  

Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surface of the back molars. This protective coating can prevent cavities by blocking bacteria and food from building up on the tooth and consequently stopping decay in its early stages.

Why Should Children Get Sealants?

Tooth decay happens when germs in the mouth convert sugars into acid.  This acid then erodes the tooth causing a cavity.  Sealants in children can reduce the risk of decay by almost 80 percent.  Even if a small cavity is covered up by the sealant, the sealant will still keep the cavity from spreading and protect the tooth from further cavities. A study by the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention found that children ages 6-11 without sealants have almost 3 times more cavities than children who do have sealants.

When Should Children Get Sealants?

Sealant should be put on permanent molars as soon as they come in, before decay can set in.  The first permanent molars come in between the ages of 5 and 7 with the second set come in between 11 and 14 years of age.  Some dentists might even recommend putting sealants on baby teeth as well to help prevent baby teeth from decaying and falling out too early. 

On average, sealants will last up to ten years and are routinely checked for wear and tear at dental check ups to ensure that they are still properly bonded and protecting the molar from decay.  If a sealant is showing chips or wear, it can easily be repaired or replaced.

The Process Of Applying Sealants

The first step in applying a sealant is to thoroughly clean and dry the teeth. An acidic gel is then applied to roughen up the surface of the teeth in order to help the sealant bond to the tooth.  After rinsing and drying the teeth once more, the sealant is painted onto the chewing surface of the molar covering it’s natural pits and fissures. A blue curing light is used to aid in the hardening process.

Henderson Sealants For Children

Dr. Barton Foutz of Foutz Family Dentistry has over 30 years of experience providing the Henderson and Las Vegas communities with superior dental care. Dr. Foutz can apply protective sealants to your child’s molars quickly and painlessly. If you have a child between the ages of 6 and 14, contact Foutz Family Dentistry today at (702) 792-5929 for more information or to schedule an appointment today!

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

For many people in this busy world, time is of the essence making the need for multiple visits to the dentist an unwanted priority. Same-day crowns provide a fast, convenient, and durable solution. Crowns are used if a large dental filling has worn out, if a tooth is cracked or to make a cosmetic improvement. However, traditional crowns often require multiple dental visits. With same-day crowns, Dr. Barton Foutz provides the Henderson community with custom crowns in a single office visit.

Through state-of-the-art technology, Foutz Family Dentistry is able to offer same-day crowns providing a strong, durable biting surface sooner. Same-day crowns are made through computer-aided manufacturing and computer-aided design allowing dentists to provide fast restorative dental services to their patients.

Durable

Although traditional crowns are known to be long lasting, same-day crowns are just as resilient. Feel confident that in one visit, your teeth can be thoroughly protected for decades to come. Moreover, through proper care and consistent hygiene, a crown’s durability often exceeds its typical 15-20 year lifespan.

Fast

For conventional crowns, patients are required to wait anywhere from one to three weeks for a custom crown to be made. Same-day crown dentistry puts the patient’s time first. Anyone can be in and out during one trip to the dentist’s office. Conventional crown producing methods cannot compare to this flexibility. Not only is this important to busy people, but also when the pain is unbearable. Speed is crucial to support patients’ needs sufficiently.

Affordable

The most obvious factor is the saved investment of time and transportation costs. Plus, traditional crowns yield a shorter lifespan of only ten years. Going through the tedious process of scheduling follow-up appointments and receiving work every decade for a crown turns out to be costlier. Affordability in stress is a huge aspect to consider as well. Completing the work correctly in one day versus weeks prevents unnecessary headache.

Convenient

Single visit experience is possible through 3-D printing technology. A clear benefit of same-day crowns is the ability to provide patients with custom crowns in the same visit, rather than requiring patients to schedule multiple appointments.

Safe

Same-day crowns also eliminate the possibility of temporary crowns malfunctioning. The traditional crown method calls for a temporary crown to either alleviate pain, protect the tooth, or both. From the moment you come into the office until you walk out, the above process appears redundant regarding same-day treatment. There is not any need for shipping out a custom mold to a specialized laboratory – everything stays in-house.

Genuine Appearance

It is recommended to acquire same-day crowns if appearance is a critical factor to the patient. The likelihood of traditional crowns resembling current teeth is undoubtedly lower than completing all the work in one day. The finished crown appears realistic and clean.

Henderson Same-Day Crown Dentistry

Through the application of modern dental technology, Foutz Family Dentistry has been able to save patients time and money while providing a safe and durable dental solution. For more information about same-day crowns, contact our office today.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Imaging is a crucial tool in dentistry used to evaluate and record the size and shape of bone structures inside the mouth. Two-dimensional static imaging is commonly used, however, it does not allow dentists to properly gauge the depth of the bone structure. As a result, 3D imaging was developed during the early 1990’s. Since then, 3D X-ray imaging has been widely accepted as one of the best methods for evaluating dental problems and making an accurate diagnosis giving it a significant place in dentistry.

Why 3D Imaging is Necessary

With the availability of advanced technology, dental professionals today have the opportunity to enhance their treatment methods. Apart from consideration of cost and risk factors, the benefits of switching to 3D dental imaging are pretty obvious with both dentists and patients alike standing to gain from a better experience. With 3D X-ray imaging, practitioners can have a better view of dental anatomy from a wide range of angles with higher accuracy. It also helps the dentist to view the bone structures like adjacent root positions making it easier to find canals or root fractures.

Such imaging allows for a higher success rate for treatment as it provides a great deal of flexibility for dentists in terms of planning treatment, conducting root evaluations, and performing individual care. 3D x-ray imaging is both quick and accurate, enhancing reliability and ensuring a confident diagnosis. With 3D imaging, dentists receive an in-depth and complete assessment, allowing them to identify specific conditions and decide on the most efficient course of treatment. 3D dental imaging technology combined with advanced software help dentists prepare for definitive treatment plans that will best meet a patient’s individual needs.

Applications Of 3D Imaging

With 3D x-ray imaging, dentists are better able to:

• Determine normal or abnormal dental anatomy
• Identify location of nerves
• Detect dental problems
• Measure density and size of the jawbone
• View the position and orientation of teeth
• Detect impacted teeth
• More effectively plan surgical procedures

The imaging technology which has been in use since the early 2000’s in many parts of the world are also used for planning dental implants, viewing abnormal teeth, evaluating jaws and face, assessing cleft palate, diagnosing dental caries, cavities, root canals, and make a definitive diagnosis for any kind of dental trauma that has been sustained by a patient.

For more information on the benefits of 3D X-ray Imaging or to schedule an appointment, contact Foutz Family Dentistry today at 702-792-5929.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Small diameter implants (SDI) have benefited a large community of patients who were once limited in treatment options. For many patients with loose dentures and missing teeth, conventional implant therapy does not work, however small diameter implants provide an effective alternative.

How Are SDI’s Different?

Small diameter implants are the same as conventional-sized implants, simply smaller in diameter. According to FDA standards, any implant above 3.0-mm in diameter is deemed as a conventional implant, while those in a diameter range of 1.8-2.9 mm are deemed to be small-diameter implants. Just like conventional implants, SDIs are made of titanium alloy with precise thread patterns implemented on them and a unique surface treatment designed to facilitate osseointegration. Small diameter implants can be implanted through a minimally invasive procedure and offer the virtually the same effective performance as conventional implants.

Who Does It Benefit?

Studies have shown SDIs to have long-term success for various patients with unique situations that do not allow them to qualify for conventional implants. Typical patients who qualify for small diameter implants are those:

• Without adequate bone quantity or quality for implementing a conventional-sized implant
• Of older age who are not able to sustain extensive procedures
• Without adequate bone, but do not want to undergo bone grafting
• With a limited budget
• Who desire a more minimally invasive procedure

Small diameter implants are a more effective alternative for many patients. There is also comparatively a much quicker healing period and lesser post-procedure pain. SDIs are generally implanted without having to raise a soft-tissue flap making it easier for patients cannot undergo invasive procedures. The procedure for small diameter implants is quicker and require less appointments.

In addition, small diameter implants cost nearly half the amount of their conventional counterparts, making it a more accessible procedure for a vast number of patients.

Henderson Small Diameter Implants

Foutz Family Dentistry offers superior small diameter implants services for patients seeking to restore their smile, but do not qualify for conventional implants. For more information or to schedule a consultation contact Foutz Family Dentistry today at 702-792-5929.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Dental hygiene is a matter that is continually taken for granted. Not a lot of people know that poor oral hygiene can lead to a wide range of other health disorders, making a commitment to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is a necessary aspect of your health. Through routine dental check-ups and cleanings you are able to stop problems before they can become worse helping to prevent serious issues. Catching gum disease before it can affect a dental implant is a crucial benefit of routine dental cleanings.

Dental implants can be an excellent solution for missing or poorly structured teeth. More and more people turn to dental implants to enhance their look and help compensate for bad teeth. However, to get a dental implant in the first place, you must first ensure that the health of your gums is in good condition. Maintaining your dental implant requires the same thing. One of the primary factors that prevent people from getting a dental implant and one of the main threats to a dental implant is periodontal (gum) disease.

Unfortunately, many people fail to take the necessary measures to ensure that their gums are in good condition. This includes brushing and flossing on a regular basis as well as visiting the dentist at least twice a year for cleaning. You also need to be proactive in seeking out help when you find symptoms of gum disease such as bleeding or pain in the gums. If neglected, this could develop into other advanced conditions that can be difficult to diagnose. In such a situation, placing an implant would be out of the question.

Peri-Implantitis

After you have your dental implant in place, it’s even more important that you maintain your gums in a healthy state. Peri-implantitis is a type of periodontal disease and a condition in which infection and inflammation sets in around your dental implant. Symptoms of peri-implantitis are similar to those of gum disease with bleeding, sore, swollen gums and bleeding from gums when brush teeth. It is typically caused by plaque buildup from a lack of adequate brushing or flossing.

If peri-implantitis or gum disease is not treated in a timely manner, it can cause damage to your dental implant as well as to the underlying gums and bone. This could lead to the implant loosening and even detaching from the bone.

Fortunately, peri-implantitis is both preventable and curable. Through routine dental examinations and cleanings, you can stop gum disease before it can threaten your dental implant. Combined with consistent brushing and flossing, dental cleanings are the most effective way to prevent gum disease from affecting your teeth and implants.

Henderson Periodontal Therapy

At Foutz Family Dentistry, Dr. Barton Foutz and his skilled team provide superior and comprehensive dental services including routine dental cleanings, periodontal therapy and dental implants. Contact Us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

A significant amount of our population takes personal health for granted with oral hygiene often ending up even lower on the list of priorities. Although, you surely brush your teeth twice a day, rinse with mouthwash and occasionally floss, it does not take away from the importance of routine professional dental cleanings. Many think that the dentist’s recommended 6-month cleaning appointments are not necessary, however professional dental cleanings do, in fact, make a big difference in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

By not getting professional dental care checks at least twice a year, you’re putting yourself at risk of losing out on your quality of life, money, and time. By just spending a couple of hours a year, you’re saving a lot! Here’s why professional dental cleanings make a big difference.

Bad Breath Prevention

Halitosis, most commonly known as bad breath, is one of the conditions most effectively treated through routine dental cleanings. Apart from the obvious social inconveniences, the worst thing about bad breath is that you may not even know you have it. Bad breath is an indication of an underlying oral disease or an accumulation of plaque. These issues cannot be resolved by simply brushing your teeth. Regular dental cleanings by experienced dentists and dental hygienists are the most effective way to treat the root cause of your bad breath.

Healthy Gums, Healthy You

Oral hygiene is directly related to your health. A surprisingly large number of people suffer from gum disease. Strong links have been found to exist between gum disease and cardiac disease conditions, making regular dental check ups and cleanings by a professional a priority can prevent more serious conditions.

Detect Problems

In addition to detecting gum disease, periodic dental cleanings are necessary to catch cavities that need to be filled before they can lead to a bigger procedure such as a root canal. Dental cleaning appointments also provide an easy way to perform follow-up work that may need to be done on a cavity that has been filled previously. Through routine cleanings, your dentist is able to more effectively monitor potential issues. In a number of cases, oral cancer has even been detected at an early stage during routine cleaning sessions.

Henderson Family Dentistry

At Foutz Family Dentistry, Dr. Barton Foutz and his team of experienced and professional dental hygienists perform thorough dental cleanings that will make a big difference in the health of your teeth and gums. Call us today at (702) 792-5929  to make an appointment.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Countless people find it hard to smile without feeling self conscious or embarrassed. Poor dental health can negatively affect the appearance of a person’s smile with issues such as chipped, crooked, gapped, discolored, stained, decaying or missing teeth. Cosmetic dentistry provides a wide range of aesthetic solutions that will help you to regain a healthy smile that you are proud to display. Cosmetic dentistry is dental work specifically aimed at improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums or bite by correcting aesthetic flaws

At Foutz Family Dentistry, we offer an array of safe and effective cosmetic dental procedures. Dr. Foutz has over 30 years of experience after receiving advanced dental training. You can rest assured that your teeth, gums and smile are in good hands.

Common Problems Treated Through Cosmetic Dentistry 

• Chipped or Cracked Teeth
• Cavities
• Discolored or Stained Teeth
• Crooked Teeth
• Misshapen Teeth
• Gapped Teeth
• Decayed Teeth
• Missing Teeth
• Uneven Gum Lines

Benefits Of Cosmetic Dentistry

The benefits of cosmetic dentistry are many and while they do vary by need and procedure, cosmetic dentistry can create positive results that will help you smile once more.

• Improve Appearance: Regardless of the procedure you need or desire, cosmetic dentistry is an effective method for improving the appearance of your smile by correcting the aesthetic flaws that keep you from smiling in the first place. Treating cosmetic dental problems can also help you look younger and rejuvenated.
• Boost Self-Confidence: The most worthwhile benefit of an improved smile created through cosmetic dentistry is the improved self-confidence and self-image that result. Feeling confident and pleased about the appearance of your smile and overall appearance takes away the stress of going out in public and creates freedom to laugh and smile freely.
• Prevent Future Dental Damage: Certain procedures go beyond improving the appearance of your teeth and aid in improving the condition of your teeth helping to strengthen your teeth and avoid potential damage.

Henderson Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures 

At Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS, we offer a variety of procedures to improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile including:

• Cosmetic Bonding – uses tooth-colored composite resin to fill, repair, and make aesthetic improvements to a tooth. Provides simple tooth contouring, minor corrections and straightens edges without removing enamel.
• Gum Contouring – uses Waterlase Dental Laser to sculpt the gum line quickly and painlessly. Creates even gum lines and resolves excessive gum around the teeth
• Onlays–tooth-colored ceramic onlays restore back teeth with large cavities and silver fillings preserving more of your natural tooth while strengthening and maintaining a natural appearance.
• Tooth Straightening – Invisalign is a comfortable treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth while working quicker than braces.
• Tooth Whitening – using either in-office or at home a procedure, Opalescence Boost PF has customized formulas that will whiten teeth by 5 shades on average.
• Veneers – porcelain veneers are strong, durable, permanently bonded and provide natural-looking solutions that correct minor flaws.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Foutz to find the ideal cosmetic dentistry procedure for regaining your smile.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Straightening your teeth is one of the best investments you can make. Properly aligned teeth enhance your smile improving appearance and self-confidence. The Invisalign Orthodontic System is a unique approach for straightening teeth using clear, removable aligners that straighten teeth without uncomfortable brackets and wires.

What Is Invisalign? 

Invisalign uses a series of computer-customized aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Invisalign aligners are clear, removable and custom-made to incrementally move teeth. 3-D computer imaging creates a treatment plan using a series of aligners. Each aligner is used for about two weeks and is then replaced by the next in the series.

Reasons To Choose Invisalign Over Braces 

Invisalign offers several advantages over the traditional orthodontic approach of braces. 

• Appearance: Conventional braces fill your mouth with unsightly metal brackets and wires that can easily get food trapped in them. Invisalign aligners are clear, invisibly straightening your teeth without unattractive pieces of metal on your teeth. Invisalign aligners are also easier to keep clean as they can easily be removed to clean rather than spending extensive time flossing out food from hard to reach places.
• More Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are smooth and custom-made to fit your teeth comfortably within each step in the series. Each aligner is just slightly adjusted so you may feel some tightness for the first couple days. However, there are no painful metal brackets or wires allowing you to avoid discomfort, irritation and painful adjustments.
• Quicker Treatment Plan: Invisalign typically takes only one to two years to straighten teeth in comparison to the several years it takes through conventional braces.
• No Food Restrictions: With braces, there is a list of foods that should be avoided in order to not damage the brackets or affect the teeth. With Invisalign there are no food restrictions. Aligners are easily removed making it possible to eat whatever you want with worrying about causing damages.
• Previewed Treatment Plan: Invisalign’s technology allows you to preview your treatment plan before you even begin. Through computer imaging, you will be able to see how your teeth will look when you’ve completed your treatment. You will also be able to know what to expect during the entire series.

Henderson Invisalign Treatment 

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS is a preferred practitioner for Invisalign and encourages choosing this method instead of braces for teeth straightening. For more information about invisibly and comfortably straightening your teeth with the Invisalign Orthodontic System, call our office today (702) 792-5929.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires a commitment to regular dental checkups. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis do not cancel out the importance of seeing your dentist every six months. During a dental checkup, your dentist and dental hygienist are able to check the overall condition of your teeth and gums, catching potential problems before they become worse.

Poor dental health has been linked with other serious conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and respiratory infections among others. Bacteria found in your mouth can be breathed in or can enter your bloodstream affecting the overall health of your body. At Foutz Family Dentistry, we are committed to monitoring your oral health to ensure that your teeth and gums remain in the best condition helping to avoid other serious physical conditions.

Dental cleanings and examinations are typically recommended every 6 months, although for some patients a shorter period of time may be recommended. During a routine dental visit, Dr. Foutz and his team of oral hygienists will perform a visual inspection, periodontal probe and take digital x-rays along with a thorough dental cleaning.

Reasons For A Routine Dental Checkup 

• Disease Prevention – Staying consistent with dental visits allows Dr. Foutz to catch diseases or dental problems in the early stages, saving you from costly and more complicated procedures. During a dental examination, your teeth are thoroughly inspected for signs of periodontal, or gum, disease, vitamin deficiencies, oral cancer, cavities, plaque and tartar. Dr. Foutz and his knowledgeable team are highly trained to recognize signs of dental diseases making it possible to catch any

• Encourage Healthy Habits – During a dental cleaning and examination, dentists and hygienists alike are able to identify habits that might be negatively affecting your oral health. Damage to your teeth and gums can be cause by smoking, nail biting, teeth grinding, diet and even brushing habits. A dental checkup also is an ideal time to introduce healthy habits that will better benefit your teeth and gums. Your hygienist will likely recommend methods or habits that will help improve the condition of your teeth. Going to your dentist appointment every six months will help keep you accountable for staying consistent with proper brushing, flossing and avoidance of bad habits.

• Dental Cleaning–No one has perfect dental home care, which makes regular dental cleanings essential for maintaining dental health. Our hygienists at Foutz Family Dentistry will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup that was not removed with regular brushing or flossing. Removal of plaque and tartar during a cleaning is one of the most effective way to prevent gum disease and improve bad breath.

• Head And Neck Examination – During a routine dental visit, Dr. Foutz also performs an examination of your head and neck checking lymph nodes and jawlines for any abnormalities. Dr. Foutz is able to identify swelling, lumps and other abnormalities that could be signs of a serious health issues allowing you to seek treatment before it can get worse.

Henderson Dental Examinations and Cleanings 

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS strongly encourages patients to remain consistent with dental appointments every six months. Through routine dentist appointments, you will better be able to maintain the condition of your teeth and oral health. Contact our office today to schedule your routine dental examination.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929