Austin Dentistry Blog

LeAnn Rimes amazed the world with her talent and larger-than-life voice at the young age of thirteen.  It’s hard to believe that it was sixteen years ago when her breakthrough album, Blue reached the number one spot on the Country Music Charts.  After that, Rimes quickly became a household name and for years she has continued to make records and entertain her many fans with her beautifully gifted voice.

Rimes may have reached celebrity status through her singing capabilities, but even the rich and famous starlit has struggled with physical issues that have held her back.  One of those struggles was a severe case of a temporomandibular joint, more commonly knows as TMJ disorder.

Just this past February, Rimes informed her fans via Twitter that she had undergone surgery to correct her TMJ disorder, which she later announced on the television talk show, Chelsea Lately was so severe that she had to pop her jaw back into place after the end of some of her stage performances.  Post surgery, Rimes tweeted about her chipmunk cheeks and how much post operative pain she was enduring. Thankfully, she was able to find some relief in pain medication until she healed.

Even though Rimes’ severe case of TMJ required surgery, the most common method of treating TMJ is not surgery but instead comes in the form of a bite splint or a neuromuscular orthotic.  A bite splint is an appliance that is used to bring the jaw joint into a more suitable position in order to keep it there so that the muscles eventually learn and adapt to a more ideal location when the mouth is closed.  It is a safe and effective alternative to TMJ surgery, and lets face it, no one wants to go under the knife if they can avoid it.

The fact of the matter is that TMJ will not disappear on its own, and ignoring it can create additional issues.  Therefore, if you live in the Austin area and suffer from a TMJ disorder, cosmetic dentist Dan Matthews can help you find the relief you seek.  Call his office today or make an appointment online for a free consultation.  He has just the treatment needed to eliminate all of your symptoms of TMJ disorder.

After a group of researchers investigated over 1 million health records kept in one of the largest health insurance databases in Taiwan, it was determined that sudden hearing loss could be directly linked to sleep apnea

Led by Dr. Jau-Jiuan Sheu of the Taipei Medical University Hospital, it was quickly found that 3,200 of the 1 million patients between the years of 2000 and 2008 had been treated for sudden deafness. Each of the 3,200 patients were then compared against five others of the same age and gender who have had no diagnoses or signs of hearing loss. After elements of lifestyle and health issues that were common to both those suffering from hearing loss and sleep apnea were considered in the study, researchers found that men who had been experiencing sudden deafness were 48 percent more likely to also be suffering from sleep apnea.

Though the data presented by this study is shaky at best and does not prove whether sleep apnea and sudden hearing loss are related, the findings from the study linking the two health conditions should not be passed over.

The Possible Connection

Those who are suffering from sleep apnea experience a wide variety of symptoms, not least of which includes a loss of breath that can last from 15 seconds to a minute at a time. The lack of oxygen in the body could be a link to sudden deafness, as the ear requires large amounts of oxygen when experiencing a bigger sound load or after an operation. Unfortunately, this possible link has yet to be tested or proven.

There are about 4,000 new cases of sudden deafness each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Ear infections and head injuries have been known to cause sudden deafness, and now sleep apnea may be yet another cause to add to the pile.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and would like to investigate treatment options, contact Dr. Matthews today to schedule a consultation.

Dentures are a great option for those who wish to replace lost teeth, allowing us to continue eating the foods that we want for much longer. Denture technology has improved significantly over the years, yielding to breakthroughs such as Facelift Dentures that not only replace the teeth, but give the wearer a much younger appearance. Slowly but surely these breakthroughs in cosmetic dentistry are allowing denture wearers more flexibility in what they want in their smile, including a new type of tooth that looks as close to the real thing as it can using nanocrystal technology.

Recent work conducted by Professor Dr. Christian Rüssel and his team of the Otto-Schott- Institute for Glass Chemistry has revealed a new glass ceramic made with nanocrystals that has been termed a great new type of denture. The nanocrystalline composition, which is made up of magnesium, aluminum and silicon oxide, has been said to be five times the strength of regular ceramic dentures. The composition also has a resonance and translucence that resembles the enamel on natural teeth.

The key to the amazing look and feel of these teeth lies within the nanocrystals themselves. In order to maintain a glass that is not too shiny or too dull, Rüssel’s team provides consistent nanocrystals throughout the glass that are each only 100 nanometers in size. This prevents too much light being dispersed from the glass and gives the tooth a more translucent look rather than a mirror effect that bigger bits of glass reflect.

Nanocrystal Dentures Still In Development Stage

Though nanocrystal dentures are still in the developmental process, there are plenty of denture options available to those in need of teeth replacements such as Facelift Dentures, a revolutionary denture that not only creates a beautiful smile but also works with your jaw muscles to give your face a natural lift without expensive surgery. Call Dr. Dan Matthews at his dental office in Austin to learn more about the latest denture options and to see if Facelift Dentures are right for you.

Cancer is an unfortunate reality among people today, becoming one of the leading causes of deaths in the world to date. Those who suffer from cancer must endure several types of painful treatments to overcome their disease, often survive tens to hundreds of invasive surgeries, and feel more pain than those without cancer feel in their lifetime. Because of these extreme hurdles, doctors have been urging cancer patients to keep an eye on any other problems that might arise because of their cancer and their treatment options, including visiting their Austin dentist.

According to a recent publication by the National Institute of Health it is important that cancer patients should ask for a dentist to be a part of their cancer research team, as chemotherapy and radiation can cause severe dental problems in many patients. The N.I.H. recommends that you see a dentist before undergoing cancer treatment for several reasons:

• You will feel better all around if you have no dental problems before treatment. Dentists can let you know if you have any mouth disease or other dental related issues and fix them accordingly, especially because some of those problems can actually be caused by chemotherapy and radiation or can be made worse by the treatments.
• Your dentist can help save your teeth, gums, and jaw bone if you are about to undergo head and neck cancer treatment.
• Problems in the mouth such as periodontal disease can actually get in the way and possibly prevent successful cancer treatment. This is also true of side effects in the mouth caused by your cancer treatment.

Many dentists will urge pre-cancer treatment options for their patients which includes a digital X-ray examination, custom fluoride trays to limit and prevent root decay from the chemo and radiation, and the possible removal of some teeth that are un-restorable that could abscess during your cancer treatment. An abscessed tooth could be the side effect in your mouth that could halt your treatment altogether. If you are a cancer patient and have dentures, your dentist might suggest a refitting after your treatment or may replace them depending on the effects of the treatment.

Fighting cancer is the most difficult yet can be the most rewarding experience in a person’s life, and struggling through chemotherapy and radiation, along with all of the side effects, is quite a challenge as well. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is important to your health to be sure you see a dentist that you trust and you take care of your teeth. If you require cancer pre-treatment, call Dr. Dan Matthews at his dental office in Austin today to schedule an appointment and get the care that you need.

It is no secret that many people are embarrassed by the look of their teeth. Some of them look in the mirror at their yellowing incisors and shudder to think about what others might think when they smile. Naturally some of these people would try anything to brighten their smile that can fit into their budget, and oftentimes will go to the most accessible source.

Teeth whitening kiosks in malls and other public areas have become a favorite source of teeth whitening for those who want a quick whitening at a much lower cost than they would at a dental office. Employees are usually wearing white dental coats and sit their customers in a chair much like a dental office to give you a whiter smile. Unfortunately these whitening kiosks are not what they seem.

Most if not all teeth whitening kiosks are franchise owned and are not in any way operated by a dental professional. Employees have been known to wear white dental coats to lead their customers into believing that they have had some kind of dental training, when most of them have had none, and this isn’t even the worst offense of these sham teeth whitening companies.

In order to continue being a marginally legal practice, employees of teeth whitening kiosks do not actually touch their “patients” mouths in any way. Instead, they hand their customers the teeth whitening trays with the bleach inside and the customers insert the trays into their mouths themselves. The company can always claim that they had no involvement in your mouth in any way and you are held responsible for any problem your teeth and gums may experience after your teeth whitening experience, and there have been quite a few complaints around the country about bleeding gums and sensitive teeth after a whitening treatment from more than one of these kiosks.

Because of these complaints states such as South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Alabama have termed every single teeth whitening kiosk an illegal practice and have shut their doors permanently. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners has been visiting kiosks in the Austin area that offer anything from Crest whitening strips to a light activated bleaching system that is offered in some areas. While they have not ruled these companies illegal in Austin, the board is assisting local authorities and the Attorney General with information about these questionable business to eventually decide what course of action to take.

At a licensed  dental office, your Austin dentist takes a look at your teeth and determines how to go about whitening your teeth in a safe way for both your own health and the health of your teeth and gums. He or she will use a different concentration of bleach depending on the amount of discoloration your teeth have and will brighten your teeth without leaving gums bleeding or your teeth sensitive to hot and cold.

If you want to have your teeth whitened, or have any other cosmetic dentistry concerns, do not go to anyone but a licensed cosmetic dentist in Austin. Your teeth are an important part of you and should be treated with care and respect. You only have one set of adult teeth, and having them cleaned at a teeth whitening kiosk could ruin your teeth completely. Contact Dr. Dan Matthews at his cosmetic dentistry office in Austin to schedule a teeth whitening consultation today.

Our health is vital to a longer and happier life, but if you have a poor diet such as eating too much sugar or fat in your day to day life, it is possible that you will be facing the same health problem that many Americans experience – diabetes.

Diabetes is one of the largest health concerns in America and is considered a western lifestyle disease, as there are around 258 million children and adults with either type 1 or 2 diabetes in the United States alone. It often begins with a terrible diet of soda, sweets, and fatty foods such as burgers from fast food restaurants which leads to weight gain and ends with a life-long condition and possibly death.

Before a full onset of diabetes occurs, the cells of the body become insulin resistant for many years. The normal levels of insulin are no longer enough to move sugar from the blood stream into the cells so the pancreas increases its insulin output, which then increases the insulin resistance in the cells. Eventually the pancreas cannot keep up with the raising need of insulin in the body, and as a result blood sugar levels rise rapidly and begins full on type-2 diabetes.

Unfortunately periodontal disease, also commonly known as gum disease, can also increase the insulin resistance in your cells just as diabetes can decrease the health in your teeth. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that diabetics are more prone to receive and is much more difficult to treat. The extra proteins released from the infections caused by periodontal disease will increase insulin resistance and make it harder for the pancreas to control your blood sugar levels. Gum disease may also put you on the fast track to full blown diabetes if you are a pre-diabetic.

Periodontal disease severely works against diabetics by increasing their conditions and other health risks if not properly treated. For example, diabetics are more prone to having heart attacks and strokes if they have gum disease, and 80% of diabetics will die from both conditions.

Diabetes has become a serious problem among the western world and can only be cured in its earlier stages by diet and exercise. There are also no drugs available to cure an insulin resistance, however you can get tested for it and redesign your lifestyle accordingly.

While Dr. Matthews is a cosmetic dentist, he is able to call for a glucose tolerance test if he notices any issues with your teeth and gums that are commonly associated with diabetes and can direct you to an appropriate doctor if needed. If you are a diabetic and are suffering from periodontal disease, do not wait to call Dr. Matthews at his Austin dental office to schedule an appointment.

If you currently suffer from or have ever suffered from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD), you know how painful it can be. Symptoms can start with jaw pain and progress to clicking, popping, and even lockjaw. The University of Florida is in the process of extensive studies regarding TMJD. Here is an overview of their findings.

University of Florida Research Findings

A research team from the University of Florida is conducting a study on TMJD to determine pain patterns, sensitivity, and triggers regarding this condition. They have found that TMJ seems to be linked to other pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, migraines, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and potentially chronic ear problems and vision changes.

Researchers have also determined that differences in pain tolerance and sensitivity play a big role in which types of treatments work best for patients. Some patients have been unable to handle treatments such as heat and mechanical stimuli. These patients have responded much better to numbing and pain-free type treatments.

TMJD Triggers and Standard Treatments

Participants in the TMJD related studies have been able to identify many triggers. These triggers can include stress, jaw clenching, teeth grinding, chewing gum, eating chewy foods, and sucking through straws. It is recommended that people who suffer from jaw pain and related issues watch for triggers and avoid the activities that cause pain and irritation.

There are several different treatment options for people with TMJD. According to studies conducted at the University of Florida, the most common treatment options for TMJD include relaxation techniques, jaw exercises, physical therapy, oral appliances, and surgery in severe cases.

Get TMJD Treatment in Austin

Dr. Matthews, a local Austin dentist, currently diagnoses and treats TMJD. If you believe you might be suffering from this condition, contact Dr. Matthews for a consultation. The preferred treatment used by Dr. Matthews is an oral appliance. These appliances are designed and specifically made to fit your mouth. It is usually required that patient’s wear the oral appliance while sleeping. In most cases, it is not necessary to wear the appliance during waking hours.

Treatment helps decrease pain and sensitivity caused by TMJD. The process of TMJD diagnosis and treatment also helps sufferers become more aware of triggers. It is possible to avoid TMJD episodes or dramatically decrease them by avoiding triggers and treating the condition. Dr. Matthews has been diagnosing and treating TMJD with good results. Contact our Austin dental office today to schedule your consultation and examination.

The most common form of diagnosed sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea, which causes ones breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. Unfortunately, those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea often times complain of not getting a good nights sleep, and they might be tempted to take prescription sleeping pills.

According to a recent article on CBN News, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans use sleeping pills, but those with sleep apnea should take heed! Taking sleeping pills that cause sedation can worsen sleep apnea, and since sleep apnea has been linked to death, taking sleeping pills to treat sleep apnea may increase the risk of death.

So what can you do to get a good night’s sleep if you suffer from sleep apnea? Well, instead of reaching for a quick fix in the form of a prescription sleeping pill, the best way is to always just treat the sleep apnea first.

Sleep apnea is completely treatable once it is diagnosed. Many patients find that treatment only involves a change in their lifestyle, such as losing weight. Yet others who suffer from more severe cases of sleep apnea will need to undergo additional forms of treatment that may involve wearing a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine at night.

The bottom line is that sleeping pills and sleep apnea are like oil and vinegar: they just don’t mix! So, if you are not sleeping well at night and have been known to snore and possibly wake up gasping for air, the first thing to do is seek out a diagnosis with a sleep test like our Ares in-home sleep test. Once you have that diagnosis, you can start on the proper sleep apnea treatment that is right for you. Austin Cosmetic Dentist Dan Matthews can help get you the treatment you need for your sleep apnea. So don’t reach for the sleeping pills! Instead, call or make an appointment with his office today and soon you will be sleeping normally once again.

This week the Norfolk State University Spartans will play against the Missouri Tigers in the first week of the NCAA tournaments. Ranked in the 15th seed, Norfolk State will have to work hard to beat the Tigers who hold the 2nd seed in the West Region. However, no matter what the outcome is for the Spartans, one thing is for certain; two of the players will be marching right into the dentist’s chair after the madness is officially over.

Norfolk State seniors Brandon Wheeless and Chris McEachin both share the same missing tooth in common and will undergo dental implants to restore their smiles after the season is finished. Wheeless lost his tooth last year during the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament. For months he was teased by his fellow teammate McEachin about his missing front tooth. As luck would have it, this season McEachin suffered an elbow blow to the face by a Toledo player that resulted in the exact same missing front tooth. Call it Karma, fate, destiny, or just plain rotten luck. One thing is for sure; both players now have to undergo dental implant surgery to restore their missing teeth.

On a different note, with March Madness in full swing this week, many players this week will be seen sporting mouthguards to protect their teeth from any damage during the tournaments. Mouthguards are a great way to keep your smile from getting destroyed while playing any type of sport. In fact, neuromuscular mouthguards can even help improve your performance during any type of athletic activity. Studies have shown that by aligning your bite and your jaw’s position with the help of a neuromuscular mouthguard, it can actually help improve your game, regardless of what it is. Wearing a neuromuscular mouthguard has been shown to give you more strength and speed, a higher level of endurance, more range of motion and agility, a quicker recovery time, and improved balance.

Austin Cosmetic Dentist Dan Matthews and his trained staff can get you set up with a custom neuromuscular mouthguard at his Austin dental office. However, if tooth loss does occur like in the case with Wheeless and McEachin, Dr. Matthew’s can also replace your missing tooth with a dental implant. Call his office today or make an appointment online for a free consultation.

Traditional braces tend to bring about images of middle school-aged children with giant embarrassing metal apparatuses on their heads and heavy metal wires running throughout their teeth. Not everyone, however, was fortunate enough to have parents that could afford those unsightly braces and they might now find themselves with crooked teeth in their adult years. If this describes your situation – don’t fret! Thanks to a new technology called Six Month Smiles, adults can now have straighter teeth without the embarrassment of those chunky metal braces of the past.

Six Month Smiles is best described on its official website as “an orthodontic system that makes straight teeth accessible for adults.” This new system in orthodontics focuses on moving only the teeth that are visible when you smile and is only intended for patients that are 15 years or older that suffer from crooked or spaced teeth and do not need any major alteration to their bites.

Traditional braces are highly visible, expensive, painful, and can take years to see results. On the contrary, Six Month Smiles are barely visible, typically less expensive, offer increased comfort, and can make your teeth straighter in as little as six months. With the use of the latest technology and techniques, Six Month Smiles use clear brackets and tooth-colored wires that quickly and safely move your teeth to create the straight smile you always desired. As an added bonus, Six Month Smiles are also more hygienic than their traditional counterpart.

Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Dan Matthews is now offering Six Month Smiles at his Austin, Texas dental office. Therefore, if you are an adult living in the Austin area and are unhappy with the way your smile looks, call or make an appointment online for a free consultation with Dr. Matthews. Within six months you could have the smile of your dreams!