Proven Fact: Sleep Loss Makes You Leave This Planet Sooner.

general dentistry, Sleep Apnea, Snoring, , ,

As seen on SleepDallas.com

Always Tired? You’d better find help. Sleep loss can kill you.

The upcoming fishing trip was just weeks away. Troy was already anxious; his apprehension growing. He was well aware that his snoring wasn’t typical. He knew it was abnormally disturbing and abnormally loud. The teasing was good natured but Troy was extremely embarrassed by it. He didn’t want to be that guy. He didn’t want to be the joke.

Not only is the snoring a nuisance for Troy, he finds he is extremely tired in the mornings. Not just after a restless sleep or a late night – but always. Daily, he wakes up unmotivated, sluggish and just mimicking the motions of the day. At 42 years of age, Troy looks, acts and feels way older than he actually is.

At some point, we have all laughed at or teased a person that snores. Everybody has a snoring story to share. What isn’t funny are the damaging affects snoring has on your health. Health concerns ranging from frustrating to life-threatening can result from inadequate or lack of sleep.

Sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea can increase the risk of hypertension, heart disease and strokes. It can also lead to serious illness and major accidents. Sleep apnea sufferers are over 300% more liable to be involved in a fatal car crash.

The label “sleep with sound” has been given to snoring but one thing is for sure. A snorer acquires no sound sleep. Those lacking regular, quality sleep increase their chance for heart attacks by more than 23 times! The compounded strain and stress on your body can activate depression, disease, illness, mental disorders and a myriad of physical obstacles.

We’ve all chuckled at someone’s snoring story. If you or someone you love snores and is habitually tired during the day, the possibility for health complications and even death, are increased. That is no laughing matter.

For more information and to make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website smilesbygeorge.com

Dr. George Kirtley welcomes patients from Spring Hill, Beech Grove and Warren Park

Problems That a Smile Makeover Can Address | Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, porcelain veneers, Smile Makeover, , ,

Your smile is typically the first thing that people will notice about your appearance, whether good or not so good. The term smile makeover usually refers to the combination of certain dental procedures to give someone a flawless smile. Dr. Kirtley takes a unique approach to each patients smile goals and needs, recommending options that are in their best interest.   Whether your teeth are broken, chipped, missing, discolored, or otherwise damaged, Dr. Kirtley can restore your smile.

Smile makeovers can address a broad range of aesthetic flaws. These issues include:

  • Discoloration of the teeth
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Eroded, misshapen, or disproportionately sized teeth
  • “Gummy” smiles
  • An uneven gum line
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Slightly crooked teeth

Smile makeover are designed to enhance or even transform your self-image by giving you a brighter and more youthful smile, making your teeth look and function better through cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. Keep in mind the primary focus of a smile makeover is to improve the appearance of your smile rather than the health of your mouth. Therefore, if you have underlying oral health issues, they will need to be addressed before your makeover can begin. Dr. Kirtley can of course help you reach all your dental goals.

To make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website smilesbygeorge.com

Dr. George Kirtley welcomes patients from Spring Hill, Beech Grove and Warren Park

Change your Smile with Veneers! | Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers, , , ,

One of the most common techniques your dentists can use to correct the appearance of teeth is veneers. Veneers are thin, custom made shells that are placed on top of existing teeth, fixing discolorations, gaps, chips, and broken teeth. While veneers and bonding are cosmetic procedures used to treat similar problems, veneers may be a better alternative in cases where the patient wants to adjust the size or shape of the tooth.

A normal procedure typically requires multiple visits – on the first visit, the dentist will inspect the tooth (or teeth) to make sure the patient is a good candidate and verify that veneers will properly fix the problem at hand. During this first visit, the dentist will remove a thin layer of tooth enamel, so that the veneer surface rests even with the rest of the teeth. Once the enamel is removed, the dentist will make a detailed impression of the tooth, and send the impression off to a laboratory for a custom veneer designed to fit the tooth precisely. The dental laboratory can make the veneer using either porcelain or resin, with porcelain veneers providing a more natural shine, and resin veneers requiring less enamel removal.

Once the veneer is created, the patient will return for a second visit. The dentist will continue shaping the veneer, and once the veneer is the right size and shape, the newly crafted veneer will be bonded to the tooth surface with permanent cement. Finally, the dentist will remove excess cement and ensure that the patient’s bite is correct. In many cases, the patient will be asked to return in a few weeks to evaluate the gums and make sure the patients’ gums are reacting well to the new veneer surface. Modern porcelain veneers tend to last many years, are easy to care for (normal brushing and flossing is fine, no special care is required), provide a very natural appearance, and offer a stronger alternative to other cosmetic options.

Change your smile, change your life!

Contact Dr. George Kirtley today about veneers at 317-841-1111 or visit his website smilesbygeorge.com

Dr. Kirtley welcomes patients from Wynnedale, Spring Hill, Speedway and Rocky Ripple.

The Benefits of Flossing | Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist

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We all know we’re supposed to floss daily but lets be honest most of us don’t! We’re sure you all dread when you’re sitting in the dentists chair and they ask, ‘How often do you floss?’ While you’re calculating in your head how much you floss and if you should fib to the dentist about your flossing habits lets go over why it’s so important to floss daily.

1- Flossing and Brushing Are More Effective Than Brushing Alone

A toothbrush works to removing plaque with its bristles. Brushing alone has one big drawback: A toothbrush’s bristles can’t adequately clean between the teeth or under the gums. That’s where floss comes in, to get in those tiny spaces between your teeth to get the grime out your toothbrush can’t reach.

2- Flossing Protects Your Gums

Where the gums and teeth meet are where flossing plays its major role. Particles of food can get lodged here, and plaque in this area will harden over time to form tartar, that your dentist will remove with a scraper. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis.

3- Flossing Helps Prevent Other Diseases

Gum disease can have effects that go beyond discolored teeth, discomfort and bad breath. Research has shown that the bacteria in an unhealthy mouth can harm the rest of the body, leading to heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness.

So the next time your dentists asks you if you’ve been flossing regularly, we hope you’ll be able to answer with a resounding, ‘Yes!’

To make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website smilesbygeorge.com

Dr. George Kirtley welcomes patients from Spring Hill, Beech Grove and Warren Park

Sedation Dentistry Helps to Ease Your Fears of the Dentist

general dentistry,

Does the thought of having your teeth worked on make you anxious or uncomfortable? Do the sight of needles and the sound of dental drills make you cringe? Now imagine if you could have everything done while you nap comfortably and awake to not remembering anything from the procedure.

Sedation dentistry involves medications taken before a procedure to produce a relaxed feeling. Recovery time is a little longer and you’ll need someone to drive you home after your dental treatment is completed. Sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients, including people with:

  • High dental anxiety and fear.
  • A severe gag reflex.
  • Difficulty getting numb.
  • Extensive treatment needs.
  • A desire to have dentistry done comfortably while they are fully relaxed.

We understand that going to the dentist can be very difficult for some people. Dental phobia is actually a lot more common than you may think. It is estimated that about 15% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of this reason.

If you’ve avoided going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear of the dentist, this is your chance to make an appointment and lose that fear. Contact Dr. Kirtley 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

Tired of Yellow, Stained Teeth? Try Teeth Whitening! | Indianapolis, IN

Cosmetic Dentistry, ,

Are you tired of having yellow, stained teeth, despite your strict daily dental hygiene? You are not alone. There are millions of people suffering from the same problem. So if you brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly then why are your teeth still discolored? This happens because the outer layers of your teeth get stained over the years by consumption of  beverages with caffeine, soda, wine and smoking. When these outside sources of staining are left to sit on the teeth all day until your next brushing, the dentin on your teeth becomes yellowish or darkened. The best way to help your stained discolored teeth is professional tooth whitening.

Contributing factors to yellowing, stained teeth:

  • Tetracycline based antibiotics used before the age of 8 years old
  • Excessive exposure to fluoride as a child
  • Internal  bleeding due to trauma
  • Discoloration due to a health condition
  • Natural aging- as time goes by enamel gets thinner and thinner and will get a yellowish hue
  • Soda
  • Wine
  • Smoking
  • Caffeine

Simple rules to live by to try and stop the yellowing process:

  • Visit your dentist regularly for teeth cleanings
  • Rinse your mouth out with water several times throughout the day
  • Use toothpaste with whitening agents

One of the best ways to whiten your teeth is to visit your dentist for professional tooth whitening. You deserve a beautiful white smile. Contact Dr. George Kirtley for more information on tooth whitening and keeping your teeth white and healthy, 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Two Types of Veneers for your Smile | Indianapolis, CA

Cosmetic Dentistry, porcelain veneers, ,

Suffering from gapped and chipped teeth? Want to enhance your stained and unsightly looking teeth? Porcelain veneers may be the ideal solution to repair your dental imperfections! Porcelain veneers are thin, semi-translucent laminate that are bonded to change the shape and color of your teeth.

The two types of veneers are composite resin veneers and porcelain veneers. The following are facts on both types of veneers.

Composite:

  • Last about 4-8 years with proper maintenance.
  • Made of high quality reinforced plastic. Given today’s high-end technology these veneers look and feel very good, but under pressure they can damage quite easily.
  • Have a porous surface, which can affect their look after years of use.
  • Stain more easily. Often needing whitening treatments to maintain their appearance.
  • Chip easily.

Porcelain:

  • Porcelain veneers on the other hand last up to 25 years and do not require as much maintenance.
  • Made of high quality porcelain, natural in color and more resistant.
  • Maintain strength and appearance over several decades.
  • Do not stain because of the non-porous material.

Both types of veneers will give you that beautiful smile you have always dreamed of. For more information on veneers and changing your smile, contact Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.porcelainveneersindianapolis.com.

 

Taking Care of Your Dental Implants

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IF you have just received dental implants, half of the battle is over. Getting them in is one thing, however, maintaining them is more important. Now is the time in which you should practice better oral hygiene than you did before. Good oral hygiene before, during, and after placement of dental implants will ensure the health and longevity of the implants.

Proper care of your implants is important to their continued function and good health. While they are not subject to cavities as our natural teeth are, they can develop gum inflammation, and even infection and bone loss if not properly maintained. Whereas localized inflammation and infection around your teeth is known as periodontal disease, a similar process can occur around implants and is known as peri-implantitis.

Your “new teeth” will require periodic checking by your dentist to ensure the surrounding gums and bone are maintained and healthy. This also requires periodic x-rays to evaluate the level of bone around your implants. The dental restorations attached to your implants will also require periodic checking by your dentist to verify that they are secure and functioning properly.

Implant dentistry can restore your smile and oral health. To see if dental implants are right for you, contact Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit the website www.dentalimplantsindianapolis

Veneers to fix Your Teeth!

Cosmetic Dentistry, porcelain veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are an option for correcting stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth. Veneers are made by a dental technician, usually in a dental lab, working from a model provided by your dentist. Placing veneers is usually an irreversible process, because it’s necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth to accommodate the shell. Your dentist may recommend that you avoid some foods and beverages that may stain or discolor your veneers such as coffee, tea or red wine. Sometimes a veneer might chip or fracture. But for many people the results are more than worth it.

A veneer is often prescribed for a tooth that is:

  • Discolored or stained
  • Worn down, chipped or broken
  • Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped

It may also be prescribed to “fill the gap” between two otherwise healthy teeth.

After a thorough exam of your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure, your Dentist will discuss treatment options with you and answer your questions. If the agreed upon treatment is a dental veneer, your Dentist will:

  • Apply a local anesthetic to the affected area of your mouth
  • Remove a small amount of enamel from the front of your tooth to make place for the veneer
  • Use 3-D imaging to design and create your veneer
  • Clean and polish the tooth’s front surface
  • Bond the veneer in place to permanently affix it
  • Expose the veneer to special hand-held light to harden the repaired surface of your tooth

For more information on porcelain veneers or to make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website http://www.porcelainveneersindianapolis.com/

 

Tooth Whitening Procedures | Indianapolis Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, general dentistry

Zoom Plus Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can help you achieve a beautifully white smile by bleaching your teeth and removing any deep stains that cannot be removed by brushing or hygiene appointments. Here at our Indianapolis teeth whitening office we use the latest Zoom Plus in-office laser tooth whitening system as seen on hit TV shows such as Extreme Makeover. The Zoom system delivers great results and in about 1 hour we can brighten your teeth by several shades.

Home bleaching

In addition in-office power whitening we also offer professional home bleaching kits. We custom fabricate whitening trays to fit over your teeth and then supply you with a professional grade teeth whitening solution to carry out the whitening procedure in the comfort of your own home. The home bleaching delivers results over a longer time period. Many of our patients choose combination treatment with in-office whitening followed by the home bleaching. This enables you to maintain your beautiful white smile and top it up whenever you want.

Dr. Kirtley is the only dentist worldwide who has the distinction of being accredited by both the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Visit him today for a dental check-up! To make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website smilesbygeorge.com