Star Ranch Dental

The Origins of Cosmetic Dentistry

staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:16:16 +0000

Anyone walking through a Renaissance portrait gallery will notice quickly that while almost every pretty girl and handsome man is smiling at the viewer, none of them are showing their teeth. The reasoning behind this is obvious: before the modern era, it was not unusual for even wealthy and healthy adults to be missing most or all of their teeth. George Washington famously had to wear dentures made from ivory and carefully strapped to his one remaining molar. World militaries demanded that their soldiers have at least three consecutive teeth somewhere in their mouth so that they could tear open packages. Even as late as the 1940s, it was not unusual for persons to have crooked or deformed teeth, often horribly discolored or chipped.

The advent of toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss and fluoridated water has done much to permit people to keep their teeth. This has led to an interesting phenomenon: because many humans once had fewer teeth than they do today, it is not unusual for our teeth to become crowded or deformed as they pile one on top of the other. Additionally, the sort of foods and beverages people now enjoy tend to discolor teeth. This has led to the invention and upsurge of cosmetic dentistry, which focuses on making teeth beautiful and more functional, as opposed to merely present and accounted for. Healthy teeth are linked to overall health and good body image, and many teens find their lives happier and more fulfilling if they have better smiles. A mouth of straight, white teeth is also helpful for those who want to be more friendly and approachable, as it helps others to feel that the person they are talking to is healthy and well cared for.

An increasingly common procedure conducted by cosmetic dentists and orthodontists all over the country, and of course – offered here at Star Ranch in Plano, is the installation and later removal of clear braces; like Invisalign. Braces have become extremely common among first-world teenagers, since humans, like most mammals, rarely have a perfect set of straight teeth. Traditional braces are painful and at times humiliating, but in the long term they provide the patient with perfectly straight teeth that are not only attractive, but also much less painful and much more useful. Bent and misaligned teeth make chewing and biting difficult, and as the teeth push up against one another they are extremely painful. Thankfully, modern clear braces are not only effective, they are way less obtrusive.

Dr. Barnett also offers the best in teeth whitening procedures. As previously mentioned, much of what humans eat tends to discolor their teeth. This also happens to some people due to genetics or childhood diseases. White teeth trigger a natural sense of good health in the observer, making anyone with white teeth appear more friendly and approachable. Improved techniques and equipment now make this procedure safer, more effective and less expensive than ever, allowing almost anyone to have the sort of bright, shimmering smiles that they see in the movies and on television.

If you live in the Plano, Frisco, or North Dallas area – give us a call! We would love to sit down with you to show you each cosmetic dental option available here at Star Ranch Dental, and help you decide which options are best for you!

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

staff — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:41:25 +0000

Society places great importance on the appearance of one’s smile. Many people work hard to obtain whiter and brighter teeth. A person’s smile is often the primary characteristic noticed in first impressions. Therefore, caring for your teeth and taking part in good dental health practices should be an essential part of personal hygiene. There are a variety of dental health tips that one can take to create a more beautiful smile. Here’s a good basic tip that you might not have considered before:

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush

Everyone is aware that they need to brush their teeth regularly. However, few people understand the importance of choosing a proper toothbrush. Many believe that as long as they brush, they will have healthy teeth. However, the brush that you choose has much to do with how effective your brushing will be. When looking for a toothbrush, choose one that has a head of around 1 inch in length and a rounded appearance. The bristles should be soft and not cause damage to the gums. Avoid brushes that feel abrasive and can irritate the mouth. The average adult needs a brush with four rows of bristles while those with smaller mouths and children need a brush with three rows of bristles.

If the correct toothbrush is not chosen, the gums can become irritated and sore. This leaves the gums more susceptible to being attacked by gum disease. People with sore gums are also less likely to care for their teeth through regular brushing and floss due to the pain.

Good dental hygiene also includes regular visits to a dentist. Gum disease is a common occurrence in adults. The reduction of plaque on the teeth during check-ups will reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Thus, the likelihood of gum disease also lessens. During regular check-ups, Dr. Barnett and our exceptional staff here at Star Ranch Dental in Plano can examine the mouth for any signs of potential problems and stop them before they occur or worsen.

Periodontal Disease: Learn The Signs, Avoid The Condition

staff — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:40:54 +0000

What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease affects the gums of hundreds of thousands of Americans, from Anchorage, Alaska to Plano, Texas. Gingivitis is the most common and mild form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen, and possibly infected. A person affected by gingivitis may find that their gums bleed easily, or without any provocation at all.

If left untreated, gingivitis will eventually become periodontitis, a serious disease with major health ramifications. Periodontitis is caused by plaque that forms and then builds up beneath the gum line, against and around the teeth. The gums will eventually separate from the teeth entirely, forming spaces that will become painful and infected with bacteria. As bacteria multiply within the gum pockets, it will eventually affect the surrounding tissues of the teeth, weakening them to the point where they may require extraction or fall out on their own.

Signs Of Periodontal Disease
Every case of periodontal disease is unique, and symptoms vary from person to person. You may not have all of these symptoms, and in the early stages, you may not even be aware you have gingivitis.

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Pockets between your gums and your teeth
• Pain when chewing or brushing your teeth
• Halitosis (bad breath)

How Do You Prevent Periodontal Disease?
Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing the onset and spread of periodontal disease. Brush at least twice a day – after breakfast and before going to bed – and use antibacterial mouthwash. Regular flossing is a must. Proper flossing, between and around teeth, will help to break up and clean out bits of food and bacteria your toothbrush cannot reach.

If you already have periodontal disease, it is not too late to pick up good oral hygiene habits and overcome the condition. Get together with us to discuss your periodontal treatment plan. Gingivitis can often be treated simply by brushing and flossing every day and periodontitis can be alleviated with our help.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
The first step your periodontist will take is to clean your teeth and gums of plaque and tartar. This is a process known as root planing and scaling. The periodontist will take a metal utensil and carefully scrape tartar off the roots your teeth and out of the pockets in your gums. Laser therapy may be used alongside the dental instrument, as it reduces discomfort and is often more effective at removing tartar.

After the root planing and scaling, your periodontist might decide to prescribe a medication. You may be prescribed an antibiotic gel that you apply topically, or an oral antibiotic that you ingest. You may also be expected to use an antimicrobial mouthwash.

If these methods do not fully rid you of your periodontal condition, you may require surgery. The most common form of periodontal surgery is flap surgery. The surgeon will make an incision in your gums, clean out tartar hiding beneath, and then stitch the gums back closer to the teeth.

So where do I find a qualified Periodontist?
Look no furthur! Patients searching for a qualified dentist in and around Plano, Texas, can make an appointment here at Star Ranch Dental with Dr. Barnett. Dr. Barnett has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years and has been offering quality dental services and building a record of trust with his patients that is unrivaled in the area.

Headaches and jaw pain? Find out what you may be suffering from…

staff — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:47:01 +0000

Chances are you’ve never even heard of Temporomandibular disorders, known to patients and doctors as TMJ/TMDs. Although this group of disorders is singularly unpublicized, millions of people currently suffer intense pain and debilitating symptoms for TMJ/TMDs, conditions which affect the muscles and joints in the jawbone. Unfortunately, these disorders are so little known to the public that right at this moment there are people suffering from TMJ/TMDs in Plano, DFW, and all over the country who aren’t even aware that there is a condition causing their pain, and know nothing about the various treatments available to alleviate it. So let’s take this opportunity to learn a little about TMJ/TMDs, and what your dentist can do to help.

What is TMJ/TMD?
TMJ/TMDs are a group of disorders affecting the muscles and joints which control jaw movement. The joints connecting skull to jaw are part of a complex and delicate system involving bones, muscles, ligaments, and the nervous system associated with all of these areas. TMJ/TMDs arise from an imbalance in the working relationship between these complex parts, and can result in a vast and debilitating array of symptoms, including joint and muscle pain, spasm, and fatigue, headaches and facial, ear, and jaw pain, difficulty in chewing or opening the mouth, muffled hearing, neck pain, clicking jaw, and dizziness. Just as every person is different, every case of TMJ/TMD has a unique pattern of symptoms, so many people could be walking around undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed with other problems, such as migraines or lockjaw. If you have any pain in your jaw area, or any of the symptoms above, it’s important that you see your local Frisco dentist and talk about whether you could actually be suffering from TMJ/TMD.

How Dentistry Can Treat TMJ/TMDs
Although TMJ/TMD can be caused by a trauma to the head, in many cases it appears more gradually, from repetitive habits such as clenching the jaw or excessive gum chewing, grinding the teeth, or from a misaligned bite. Overtime, these factors cause the jaw musclesto contract and lock, causing the patient pain and accelerating the system imbalance. Here at Star Ranch Dental in Plano, TMJ/TMD is first treated by inducing relaxation in the muscles of the jaw. Once the muscles have been relaxed, a thorough dental exam is typical.

Since TMJ/TMDs often stem from misalignment of the jaw, treatments often involve bite correction, with teeth repositions options ranging from discrete removable retainers, braces, or in extreme cases, oral surgery. As simple as it seems, a misaligned bite can cause a disturbing array of symptoms in its own right, including eventual tooth loss, and the effects upon your jaw bone, joint and muscles, gradually cause the extreme discomfort and imbalance known as TMJ/TMD. Getting proper dental care, and professional bite evaluation and adjustment is an integral part of successful TMJ therapy.

If you’re living with pain in your jaw muscles or joints, or suspect that you could have TMJ/TMD, come see us immediately to discuss your options. There’s no reason to keep suffering, or going to doctors who don’t understand why you have this pain, when the answer could be as simple as straightening your smile. And relief from TMJ/TMD is really something to smile about.

Get the Smile Nature Didn’t Give You – and Still Look Natural

staff — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:54:07 +0000

If you feel like you’ve been cheated out of a perfect smile, don’t despair. With the technology and materials available today, Dr. Barnett at Star Ranch Dental in Plano can give you a smile that rivals the best of even Hollywood’s smiles. Cosmetic dentistry has come far beyond the days of gold teeth and dental crowns. Today’s super-light materials allow cosmetic dentists to create veneers that are virtually indistinguishable from nature’s finest work.

Cosmetic dentists use several different techniques and products to create natural-looking teeth, including porcelain veneers, composite bonding and Lumineers. Dr. Barnett will work with you to decide which smile restoring option is the best fit for your mouth, your life and your wallet. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, from a single tooth repair to a total smile makeover, understanding your options will help you make a decision.

Porcelain Veneers
When working with porcelain veneers, Dr. Barnett is much like an artist working in fine porcelain. The procedure involves making impressions of your existing teeth, then creating a thin porcelain cover that fits them precisely. The outside of the cover can be sculpted to shape your teeth into the smile you want. Veneers can close the gap between your front teeth, repair the chip you got when you fell off your bike at 10 or even out uneven sizes that make your smile look crooked. The porcelain is thin and translucent enough to look just like your own teeth – only better.

Lumineers
Lumineers are high-quality veneers crafted of ceramic porcelain that is nearly as thin and light as a contact lens. Because Lumineers are so light and easy to apply, there’s far less likelihood of damage to the sensitive tooth structure. Dr. Barnett works with a specialized lab that creates the porcelain veneers based on silicone impressions of your natural teeth.

Composite Bonding
Unlike veneers, composite bonding involves applying a composite material to your tooth surface and sculpting it to shape. The dentist will first roughen the tooth surface and contour it, then apply an adhesive to your tooth. Once the composite has adhered, the dentist will sculpt it to the appropriate shape.

Whether you’re looking for a total smile makeover, or just want to improve on the smile you were born with, contact Plano dentist Dr. Peter Barnett at Star Ranch Dental about the various options available to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Give New Life to Your Smile

staff — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:11:10 +0000

Your smile is the one thing you want to wear every day. With just one smile, you can instantly express pleasure, friendship, sympathy and trust. It’s probably your number one communication asset, and yet many people are embarrassed to use their smiles because their teeth have been dimmed or yellowed by stains. Countless people just like you buy home teeth whitening kits, only to be disappointed with the results. The fact is, some stains just can’t be washed or bleached away, but our dentist Dr. Peter Barnett has a solution for you.

Tooth Staining- An Overview

While there is no one “perfect white” for everyone’s teeth, you do have a natural healthy tooth color underneath those stains. So how did they get so dingy?

Over time, tobacco products and chromogenic foods, such as coffee, tea and red wine will stain your teeth. The good news is that this type of simple staining responds well to professional whitening procedures, the bad news is that they will reoccur if you don’t modify your behavior. Now for some tougher characters. Medications, like tetracycline and minocycline can discolor your teeth, as can tooth decay and trauma, which cause “grayed out” areas. Your teeth will also naturally discolor with age. But unlike tobacco and food stains, these stains won’t disappear with any amount of cleaning or bleaching because they go beyond the surface of your teeth. These are deep down stains, but that’s where Dr. Peter Barnett and his team of Frisco cosmetic dentistry staff come in.

Introducing Clear Braces (ClearCorrect, Lumineers)

Like their predecessors- dental veneers- lumineers laminate your teeth with a thin porcelain shell. Because they are even thinner than veneers, the light refracting through the porcelain gives your laminated teeth the same gorgeous translucence that your naked teeth have, which means that they look even more natural than veneers. But the real innovation is the technique. Veneers require extensive tooth shaving, causing permanent damage to your teeth. In Plano, Frisco, and all over North Dallas clear braces (like Lumineers) are increasingly popular because they require only moderate etching to bond into place. Lumineers preserve more natural tooth area, and are actually reversible. For deep down stains, Dr. Peter Barnett invites you to come in and check out the possibilities offered by clear braces.

Eliminate the Headaches!

staff — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:37:48 +0000

Do you have frequent headaches, earaches, dizziness or sleep problems? The problem might be all in your head – or more specifically, in your teeth. TMJ disorders – problems with the temperomandibular joint – can cause any of those symptoms, along with many other symptoms that appear to be neurological or muscular in origin. If you live in Plano, TMJ dentistry by a certified Plano neuromuscular dentist could hold the key to relief.

What Is TMJ Dentistry?

The temperomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull. They are the most-used joints in your entire body – you use them when you smile, when you talk, when you frown, when you chew – in short, every time you use your mouth, you use your TMJ. Your teeth help keep those joints properly aligned. When your teeth are misaligned, worn down or otherwise compromised, it may lead to TMJ pain or more serious problems with the joint. Dentists who are trained to diagnose and treat neuromuscular dental problems can identify dental problems that may be cause your pain and treat the dental issues in a variety of ways.

What Treatments are Available to Alleviate TMJ Disorders?

The treatments for pain and other issues associated with TMJ depend upon the actual cause of your problems. Those causes range from worn joint pads to crooked teeth to habitual tooth clenching and grinding. A Plano TMJ dentist can help determine what is causing your problems and recommend an appropriate treatment. Some of the most common treatments include:

• Custom mouth guards to help prevent teeth clenching and grinding
• Special exercises to help you learn to control jaw clenching and grinding
• TMJ bite therapy to help determine whether your jaw problems are caused by misaligned teeth or an uneven bite that puts pressure on the jaw muscles

Once the cause is determined, the dentist may recommend braces to help realign the teeth, dental appliances to keep you from grinding your teeth while you sleep or reconstructive dentistry to help repair broken, chipped or missing teeth that contribute to malocclusion. If you suffer from frequent headaches or myofacial pain, contact a Plano dentist who specializes in TMJ treatment.

Teeth Whitening

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:49:09 +0000

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In-Office teeth whitening treatments offer a customized approach to teeth whitening. Teeth whitening , also called teeth bleaching, is a great way to make a quick and immediate difference in your smile’s appearance.

The Teeth Whitening Process
Our dental assistant personally oversees your entire in-office experience, applying the teeth whitening system Opalescence Boost while staying in the room with you.

We will start by taking a shade test to see where your teeth fall along the continuum. We will also complete another test at the end of your whitening visit to show you how white your teeth have become! Your teeth whitening system at Star Ranch Dental includes:

A Before & After Shade Test
30 minute treatment with Opalescence Tray Whites (strengthens and conditions for bleaching – removes surface staining from tea, coffee, and soda)
Build dam, for gum protection
2 x 20 minute sessions with Opalescence Dental Grade Bleach
No dehydration of teeth – continuous bleaching all day
No unsupervised visits. We will never just apply a treatment and leave you!

How is this whitening process different from Zoom!?
Our whitening system won’t dehydrate your teeth. Research has shown that the light used in Zoom! dehydrates the enamel on your teeth, making the “white” appearance noticeable right away for the patient – but fades back to the starting shade quickly. Our product, Opalescence, actually hydrates the enamel while still leaving your teeth actually whiter. After a day or two, your teeth will continue to lighten and brighten!

Laser Teeth Whitening & “The Light”
Studies show that the light (or heat and laser) used in other types of tooth whitening treatments may have an adverse effect on your teeth, and “the light” used is relatively in-effective in the process. Often times, the light used in various whitening treatments is confused with laser teeth whitening. This is not true laser teeth whitening! Actual laser whitening is very expensive in comparison, and while the results are realized much quicker, the change can be very abrupt and noticeable – a disadvantage for some patients.
If you’re looking for the best teeth whitening system available in Plano, Frisco and surrounding areas of North Dallas, Texas – Star Ranch Dental is simply the best!

Questions? Comments? Contact Us Now!

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Star Ranch Dental in Plano, TX offers Teeth Whitening and Bleaching to patients in Plano, Frisco, and all of North Dallas.

TMJ Therapy

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:37:59 +0000

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TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint disorders, are chronically painful conditions caused by a number of factors. TMJ affects the jaw joints and muscle nerve systems that allow the jaw to function. Dr. Barnett and Star Ranch Dental specializes in offering TMJ therapy, which offers relief from muscle and joint pain and seeks to curb the causes of the disorder. Come in today to see how Dr. Peter Barnett can help you with this painful condition.

Questions? Comments? Contact Us Now!

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Star Ranch Dental in Plano, TX offers TMJ Therapy to patients in Plano, Frisco, and all of North Dallas.

Sedation Dentistry

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:33:15 +0000

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Dr. Barnett hopes that your visit to Star Ranch Dental is as relaxing and inviting as possible, but never-the-less, he offers Sedation Dentistry, a solution for nervous or even phobic patients undergoing dental procedures in Plano, TX.

Questions? Comments? Contact Us Now!

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Star Ranch Dental in Plano, TX offers Sedation Dentistry to patients in Plano, Frisco, and all of North Dallas.