Transform Your Smile with Veneers

Aesthetic dentistry is a specialty offered by Dr. Keith Rudolph in Fairfield, CT. It allows patients to improve the appearance of their teeth and gain more confidence through procedures such as veneers and aesthetic dentistry. Veneers are a popular way to enhance the appearance of the teeth with thin ceramic shells bonded to the teeth. They are made to fit over the teeth without being noticeable to others. Patients with discoloration or staining, misshapen, gaps or spaces, or cracked teeth often choose veneers for the benefit of an improved and stronger smile.

Getting veneers in Fairfield, CT typically requires two to three visits. It begins with preparing the tooth through contouring and shaping. This is done to make room for the veneer and allow it to fit properly. Once the tooth or teeth are ready, impression molds are made and sent to the dental lab so the veneers can be fabricated. The patient is sent home with temporary veneers which are shaped to look natural and beautiful. The veneers are made to match the same basic shape and color of the other teeth. Once they are ready, which takes about two weeks, Dr. Keith Rudolph removes the temporary veneers and bonds the permanent lab-made veneers to the teeth.

Fairfield, CT patients who have veneers placed by Dr. Rudolph say that their veneers feel just like their natural teeth. Patients can eat, brush and floss their teeth as they normally could before their veneers.  Dr. Rudolph encourages patients to contact his office to find out more about getting veneers through aesthetic dentistry.

If your teeth are cracked, misaligned, discolored, stained or broken, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keith Rudolph by calling 203-930-1214 or visit www.drkeithrudolph.com to learn more about veneers.

The Importance of Preventative Dentistry

Preventative care is a familiar topic of discussion regarding all forms of health.  The importance of preventative dental care is no different.  Dr. Keith Rudolph and his team at his Fairfield, CT Family, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Dentistry regularly stress the importance of preventative dentistry to their patients.  They encourage everyone to learn more about the steps that you can take in early preventative dental care.

Unlike many other forms of dental care, early preventative dentistry is dependent upon the everyday actions of the patient.  Brushing, flossing and keeping the surface of your teeth clean and protected from corrosive substances like carbonated beverages and orange juice are extremely important.  When we remove substances like sugar and starch from the surface of our teeth, we can prevent cavities before they even have a chance to form.  Brushing and flossing is also essential to preventing more serious oral health conditions, including periodontal diseases.  In addition to daily oral health routines, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are the best ways to reduce the risk of oral cancer.  By brushing and flossing daily and keeping up with bi-annual dental checkups, Fairfield, CT patients can prevent the buildup of bacteria that has been linked with advanced gum disease and even heart problems.

Preventative dentistry also involves addressing minor dental problems before they become expensive to treat. By restoring cavities when they are small, patients can prevent tooth loss and the need for extensive dental surgery.  It is important to maintain these preventative dental care practices on a daily basis and to visit Dr. Rudolph for regular examinations.  With preventive dental care, you can ensure your smile stays beautiful and healthy.

To learn more about preventative dentistry, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com or call 203-930-1214 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph in Fairfield, CT.

Invisalign

Wearing metal braces is unattractive and uncomfortable. When teeth need to be straightened or repositioned, Fairfield, CT dentist Dr. Rudolph recommends Invisalign treatment as an alternative to metal brackets and wires. Invisalign is a state-of-the-art orthodontic procedure developed by Align Technology that offers teeth straightening treatments using clear, plastic mouth trays to painlessly move crooked teeth into their proper positions. Because you are able to remove your Invisalign, you have the unique ability to consistently maintain good oral hygiene while straightening your teeth. Unlike metal braces that are glued to teeth and cannot be removed until the treatment is completed, Invisalign trays can be easily removed so that teeth and gums can be thoroughly cleaned.

Invisalign also works to eliminate gaps or spaces between teeth or crowded teeth that are overlapping each other. Dr. Rudolph begins an Invisalign treatment plan by first assessing the extent of misalignment and determining whether the patient would be a good candidate for Invisalign. Using computer software to plan and develop multiple Invisalign tray aligners that initiate movement of teeth, Dr. Rudolph can show you exactly how your teeth will move until satisfactory results are accomplished. In addition, Dr. Rudolph will take a digital impression of your mouth to be sent to a laboratory where technicians will fabricate customized Invisalign trays.

Every two weeks, Dr. Rudolph gives patients a new Invisalign tray to be worn 22 hours a day. Each new tray offers different dimensions that exact precise forces on teeth to effect movement according to the plan devised by Dr. Rudolph. Fabricated from transparent, hypoallergenic, plastic compounds, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible.  Comfortable, pleasant to wear and effective, Invisalign aligners are giving people the straight, healthy teeth they desire without suffering the discomfort and embarrassment of wearing metal bands and wires for several years.

For more information about Invisalign, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com or call 203-930-1214 to schedule an appointment with Fairfield, CT dentist Dr. Keith Rudolph.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Oral and pharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and upper throat) collectively kill nearly on person every hour, and in recent years, people without traditional risk factors associated with oral cancer have been experiencing an increase in occurrences. With only 60 percent of all those diagnosed with the cancer living longer than 5 years, everyone should be getting screened this April. At our office in Fairfield, CT, we take oral cancer seriously, and we are dedicated to keeping all of our patients safe with thorough screenings.

While everyone is at risk for oral cancer, certain factors can increase your risk of developing the disease. Lifestyle choices, such as heavy drinking or smoking, can greatly affect the health of tissues in the mouth, so those that partake in these activities. If oral abnormalities are caught early, it will not only expand your treatment options, including less invasive and less radical treatments, but it will also increase your chances of beating oral cancer. 

Screening for oral cancer can be done during your routine checkup by Dr. Keith Rudolph, and this month is the perfect time to come in. This Oral Cancer Awareness month, the dentist can look for abnormal or suspicious tissue in your mouth, and if the dentist thinks it might be cancer, he will order a biopsy.

Oral cancer is a serious issue, and we are all at risk. To schedule an appointment, call 203-930-1214. For more information on the dentist or his services, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com.    

Night Guards in Fairfield, CT

In Fairfield, CT, Dr. Keith Rudolph sees a number of patients who suffer from bruxism—a practice also known as teeth grinding. While this is a conscious problem for many who clench and grind their teeth throughout the day due to stress, even more people unconsciously grind their teeth at night while sleeping. Bruxism can cause damage to patients’ enamel, as well as cause jaw pain, headaches and gum irritation, making it is important to treat the condition, and night guards are usually the best way to do it.

Similar to those worn by athletes, night guards provide a barrier between the top and bottom teeth while the patient sleeps. By reducing the wear to their teeth and making it harder for them to grind, the patient’s smile will be healthier and they will feel better overall. Dr. Rudolph custom fits each night guard to make it as comfortable as possible. To do this, he takes an impression of the patient’s teeth and has the mouth guard created in the dental lab. These guards are very durable and can last up to 10 years.

Patients who frequently wake up with headaches or pain in their jaw may be grinding their teeth in their sleep, and treatment can prevent any serious wear to the enamel that can expose the dentin and make the teeth more sensitive to temperature changes and decay.

For a diagnosis of and treatment for night grinding, schedule an appointment by calling 203-930-1214. For more information about our practice and services, please visit www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

Benefits of Digital X-rays

Dental technology has improved greatly over the years, enhancing every step of dental care, from diagnosis to treatment. New technology has even made dental X-rays safer and more convenient, and many dentists have adopted digital radiography to view their patients’ teeth. At our practice in Fairfield, CT, we have many state-of-the-art technologies, including digital X-rays, to provide patients with the best dental care available.

Digital X-rays are taken in a similar manner to traditional X-rays that use film. However, instead of placing film in the patient’s mouth, the dentist uses a digital sensor is used. This sensor is connected to an imaging program on a computer that projects the image, which allows Dr. Keith Rudolph to view your teeth more closely and with better accuracy than traditional dental X-rays. Better images mean that there is a greater chance that the dentist will spot potential problems and be able to fix them before they become more serious or possibly more painful. In addition to better accuracy, digital radiography produces 80 percent less radiation than regular film X-rays, granting peace of mind to those who take X-rays frequently.

Whichever treatment you’re receiving at our practice, from a regular check-up to dental implants, we will strive to provide you with the best service with the most up-to-date technology.

To schedule an appointment with our office, call 203-930-1214. For more information on our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com.

Food and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth

If you’re determined to keep your pearly whites actually white, then you probably already brush your teeth daily and see your dentist periodically, but brushing can often times not be enough to keep your smile bright. This is because a lot of the food and drinks we consume can stain our teeth.

The staining power of food and beverages depends on two factors, and the first is the color of the food. Intensely colored foods and beverages tend to be the worst for our teeth. If you would be worried about spilling a certain food or drink on a white tablecloth, you can bet that it has the potential to stain your teeth. The color in food comes from chromogens, which are highly pigmented molecules that have the tendency to latch onto tooth enamel. The second factor that determines staining power is a food or beverage’s acidity level. Acidic food and drinks, even those that are not brightly colored, can promote stains by eroding the dental enamel, temporarily softening teeth and making it easier for chromogens to stick.

The top teeth-staining foods and beverages that you should avoid for whiter teeth are wine, tea, soda, sports drinks, berries, sauces and sweets. To minimize staining without forgoing your favorite foods and drinks, you can try using a straw, swallowing promptly and swishing your mouth with water after consumption. This minimizes the amount of time the acidic and colorful food is in contact with your teeth.

If you’re still unhappy with the color of your teeth after practicing good oral hygiene, you can also come to our practice in Fairfield, CT for teeth whitening services. Dr. Keith Rudolph offers the tray-whitening system, which can whiten your teeth up 4 to 8 shades in only a matter of days. To schedule an appointment, call 203-930-1214. For more information, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com.