Digital Occlusal Mapping

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Precise bite alignment is essential for the longevity of crowns and aesthetic veneers. Our practice uses digital technology to map dental pressure points with extreme accuracy. This data allows our doctors to create restorations that function harmoniously with your natural jaw movements.

Local residents often seek dental care when they feel a subtle, uncomfortable shift in their bite. We utilize the iTero Element Intraoral Scanner to capture a three-dimensional model of your mouth without the need for traditional, messy impressions. This device measures proprioceptive feedback, the sensory information your brain receives about the exact position and movement of your jaw.

A regular visitor to the Avenues mentioned that their chronic jaw tension dissipated once we balanced their bite using digital data.

Biological Necessity of Precision

Misalignment can lead to premature wear or the unexpected failure of expensive dental work. Clinical data suggests that even a few microns of deviation can trigger inflammation in the temporomandibular joint, the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. By mapping your occlusion, or how your teeth meet, we eliminate the guesswork inherent in traditional methods. This ensures your dental restorations feel natural and function properly during every meal.

Common Questions About Digital Occlusal Mapping

Is the scanning process uncomfortable? The digital wand glides easily over your teeth while you relax in our modern treatment chair. There are no goopy trays or unpleasant tastes involved in this highly efficient diagnostic process.

How does this help my restorations last longer? Proper alignment ensures that no single tooth bears excessive force during chewing or speaking. We want your investment in your smile to remain beautiful and functional for many years to come.

Schedule Your Digital Occlusal Mapping Consultation

Achieve a balanced smile through digital precision. Contact us through our technology page to see the difference that accuracy makes.

Can Orthodontic Treatment Improve My Jaw Alignment Without Braces?

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When most people think of orthodontics in Onalaska, WI, they picture traditional metal braces. But jaw alignment issues don’t always require brackets and wires. In many cases, orthodontic treatment can help correct jaw positioning using other, more discreet methods—especially when problems are caught early.

Not Every Case Needs Braces

Jaw misalignment, also known as a malocclusion, can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even speech problems. While braces are a common solution, they’re not the only one. Depending on the cause and severity of the issue, your orthodontist might recommend alternatives like clear aligners in Onalaska, WI, growth-modifying appliances, or even special retainers that guide the jaw into better alignment over time.

Clear Aligners Can Do More Than Straighten Teeth

Most people associate clear aligners with cosmetic improvements, but they’re also capable of making meaningful changes to your bite. With the right plan and consistent wear, aligners can gradually shift both teeth and jaw position—without the visibility of braces. They’re comfortable, removable, and a great option for teens and adults who want a low-profile solution.

Early Intervention Makes A Big Difference

For younger patients, early orthodontic intervention can help guide jaw development before bones fully mature. Appliances like palatal expanders or functional devices can encourage proper growth and alignment, often reducing the need for more complex treatment later.

Find Out What’s Right For You

Every jaw is different, and so is every treatment plan. The best way to know whether braces are necessary—or if other options might work—is through a detailed evaluation. Your orthodontist will assess how your teeth and jaw function together, then recommend a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Jaw alignment can be improved without braces in many cases—what matters most is choosing the right path forward.

What Causes White Spots on Teeth?

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Have you ever noticed that some people seem to have polka-dotted teeth? Well, maybe not polka dots, but certainly white spots on their teeth. Maybe you’ve even noticed white spots on your own teeth. This isn’t a genetic thing, but caused by some other possible reasons, which are outlined here. If you are seeing spots in the mirror, contact your dentist in Onalaska, WI, because white spots are not a good sign.

Fluorosis

Fluorosis can happen when the teeth are exposed to too much fluoride, typically by drinking fluoridated water, swallowing fluoride toothpaste, or taking fluoride supplements. Don’t get us wrong, fluoride is good for teeth, but even water can be too much of a good thing, and too much fluoride is one of the causes of white spots on teeth.

Enamel Hypoplasia

In some cases, tooth enamel isn’t developed fully. This condition can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, prenatal smoking or illnesses during childhood. It’s not something that can be directly changed, but there are things your dentist can do to minimize damage.

Demineralization

White spots can also occur as a result of demineralization, which is the loss of minerals from the enamel. This is often due to poor dental hygiene and frequently occurs in people who wear braces, as plaque accumulates more easily around the brackets and is harder to clean. These white spots are early signs of tooth decay.

Dietary Choices

Acidic foods and drinks, such as sodas, citrus fruits, and candies, can erode enamel and lead to demineralization. Frequent consumption of these items without proper dental care can cause white spots to form as the enamel surface weakens.

Preventing white spots involves maintaining good oral hygiene, moderating intake of acidic and sugary foods, and ensuring appropriate fluoride exposure. Regular dental check-ups in Onalaska, WI can help. Contact us today to book your appointment.

3 Benefits of Routine Dental Visits

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When you visit your general dentist in Onalaska, WI, one of the first things your dentist does is check to see when you last visited. Experts recommend that you visit your dentist at least once every six months. However, if you have underlying issues, like gingivitis, diabetes or other problems, you may be advised to see your dentist once every three months or even more often. There’s no downside to more frequent visit. In fact, here are three benefits of routine dental visits you can enjoy every time you book an appointment with Valley Dental.

1. Fresh Breath

Although bad breath can be caused by a variety of issues, one of the main reasons is tooth decay. As bacteria eat away at the teeth, it produces an unpleasant odor that we all know as halitosis or simply, bad breath. Routine dental visits will help to ensure your breath is always fresh and ready for your close-ups!

2. Saving Teeth

The longer you go without a dental visit, the more time that bad bacteria has to cause damage to your teeth and gums. Left untreated, gum disease will eventually cause your teeth to fall out, but you don’t want that, do you? Saving teeth is a simple matter of paying a visit your dentist on a regular basis!

3. More Confidence

There’s nothing worse than silently worrying that you have untreated dental problems. When you have routine dental visits, you can stay on top of your oral health, and you’ll have no nasty surprises the next time you book an appointment for a dental exam in Onalaska, WI.

If you’re unsure of how often to see your Valley Dental dentist, just ask! We’ll help to make sure your oral health is the best it can possibly be!

 

What to Expect During Your Next Routine Dentist Appointment

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If you don’t often go to routine dentist appointments, you may not know what to expect. Your routine dentist appointment is an opportunity to see the dentist, ask questions, get your teeth cleaned, and find out whether you have any dental problems that need to be addressed. Here’s what to expect when you make an appointment with your dentist in Onalaska, WI.

Cleaning

Before your examination, you’ll receive a cleaning from a dental professional at the office. Your dental professional will use basic tools like a scaler and an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth.

The dental professional will also use a mirror to see inside your mouth and spray the inside with water from time to time. The cleaning usually takes up most of the time at the dental office.

The dental professional may also polish your teeth and give you a fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, they may also give you an x-ray to see what’s happening inside your teeth.

Examination

Once the cleaning is over, the dentist will examine your teeth to look for problems like cavities, infections, and wisdom teeth that aren’t growing in properly. The examination is important for identifying problems that may be occurring in your teeth.

Chance to Ask Questions

Once the examination is over, you’ll be allowed to ask questions or talk to your dentist about any concerns you have. Your dentist can teach you how to brush and floss your teeth. If your dentist has identified problems with your tooth and gum health, they’ll tell you the next steps.

Is it time for you to make an appointment for dental cleaning in Onalaska, WI? Call today.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Dentist

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Finding a top-notch dentist in your area is important for maintaining optimal dental health. However, choosing the right provider can be challenging. With so many dentists to consider, how do you pick?

In this post, we’ll discuss 5 things to consider when looking for a dentist.

Recommendations

First things first, ask your friends, family, and locals where to find the best dentist in the area. Facebook Groups and other online outlets can be a great resource for this. If you can find recommendations from people you trust, this makes the process that much easier.

Credentials

Another suggestion is to check the credentials of the dentists you’re considering. After all, you want to make sure they’re qualified and certified for the work they provide. Luckily, finding credentials online can be pretty simple. Try to research the dentist’s education and experience and learn if they still participate in any training.

Want to work with a trusted, experienced dentist in your area? For reliable, professional dental services in Onalaska, WI, make an appointment at Valley Dental today!

Covering the basics

Finding the perfect dentist means you choose one that checks all your boxes. This could involve the services they provide, the cost of treatment, customer service, or something else. Before choosing a provider, ask questions about any information that may seem relevant.

Insurance coverage

Another important tip is to ask dentists if they cover your insurance. This can save you from a huge surprise bill down the road! Dental visits without insurance can be costly.

Reviews and testimonials

You should also check reviews and testimonials from patients. These are often found online and possibly on a provider’s website or social media accounts.

Valley Dental is happy to have a reputable dentist in Onalaska, WI. Contact us today to learn more about us!

Periodontitis: What It Is and How It’s Treated

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You’ve heard of periodontitis, but how do you know if you have it? And if you do, how is it treated? Your dentist in Onalaska, WI, can tell you more about periodontitis, including its common symptoms and causes.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a fancy term for advanced gum disease. If you go a long time without seeing your dentist, or if your at-home oral-hygiene routine is lacking, you may be at risk of developing this painful condition.

Periodontitis is actually an infection in your gums, and it’s caused by a build-up of plaque, which is a form of bacteria. Without regular trips to the dentist to have plaque removed, it can harden and from tartar, which is a precursor to periodontitis.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Periodontitis?

If you see your dentist for regular cleaning, you most likely won’t have to worry about developing periodontitis. But common signs to watch out for include:

  • Swollen, red, and painful gums
  • Gums that are tender or that bleed during brushing
  • Pain when chewing
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loosening teeth

If you do develop gum disease, a few trips to your dentist can usually stop it in its tracks. However, if the disease progresses, you may need more aggressive forms of intervention or restorative dental work.

How Is Periodontitis Treated?

Treatment for periodontitis begins with removing stuck-on tartar from your teeth. Your dentist will do this by using an instrument or laser to scale your teeth. This may be followed by root-planing, which smooths the root areas of the teeth to help the gums re-adhere. Afterward, you may begin a round of antibiotics to stave off any further infection.

Treatment for periodontitis in Onalaska, WI, begins with making an appointment with your dentist. Call Valley Dental today to set up a convenient time to come in. Our dental professionals are ready to answer all your questions regarding the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.

3 Benefits of Routine Dental Checkups

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Seeing the dentist on a routine basis is very important! If you fail to see one of these specialists every few months for a checkup, serious health consequences can occur. In fact, those who skip out on regular dental visits tend to have a higher risk of developing oral disease and other severe dental problems.

Need even more reasons to visit the dentist? Keep reading to learn 3 benefits of routine dental checkups.

Provides a Professional Clean

Even if you floss and brush properly every single day, it’s impossible to clean every inch of your mouth. Unfortunately, those hard-to-reach areas can experience an excessive buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. This is one of the reasons why a dental checkup is essential. During these appointments, a dental expert professionally cleans your teeth and gums. This helps to attack those troublesome areas, removing bacteria and lowering the chance of tooth decay.

If you’re interested in a routine dental checkup and teeth cleaning in Onalaska, WI, Valley Dental is here to help. Contact us today to make an appointment!

Looks for Signs of Oral Cancer

During a dental checkup, a dentist will also look for any signs of oral cancer. As oral cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, this is why dental checkups are vital. If this issue goes unnoticed, it can turn into a life-threatening situation over time. When checking for signs of cancer, a dentist utilizes a special light to detect dead tissue caused by tumors. This is referred to as a VELscope cancer exam. This process isn’t painful at all, and the entire exam only lasts one to two minutes.

Keeps Teeth Looking Great

Let’s face it—everyone wants a white smile. However, brushing properly and using teeth whitening solutions doesn’t always lead to the best results. This is another area where an experienced dentist can help! During a checkup appointment, a dentist performs a thorough cleaning process to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause stains if left untreated.

To work with the leading dentist in Onalaska, WI, contact Valley Dental today to get started!