JL Dental Blog

Arnold, MO orthodontists go beyond general dental services

January 27, 2016

Filed under: Uncategorized — jldental @ 10:25 pm

JL Dental provides orthodontics for all ages. Learn how braces correct smiles, completing general and cosmetic dentistry from Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears.

What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist? They can be one and the same if the dentist has specialized training. Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears of JL Dental offer orthodontic services to complete their menu of general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry in their Arnold, MO office.

What does a dentist do?

Dentists take care of overall oral health for patients of all ages. This means their scope of practice includes preventing and treating problems with the teeth and gums and their associated connective tissue, nerves, blood supply and supporting bone.

Preventive care

The Arnold, MO husband-wife team,Drs . Jonathan and Laura Mears, focus their skills on preventing, diagnosing and treating dental health problems such as cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and TMJ dysfunction. Of course, they believe in patient participation in treatment planning and take opportunities for teaching young and old the benefits of good oral hygiene and a healthy diet. Simple sealants and fluoride treatments protect teeth from decay. The Mears would rather see their patients every 6 months for routine check-ups, x-rays and cleanings than for expensive and complex restorations later on.

Restorative care

Of course, problems do happen. So, JL Dental delivers excellent restorations such as:

l tooth-colored fillings to treat decay

l porcelain crowns to support failing teeth

l emergency care for injuries and painful toothaches

l root canal therapy for deeply decayed or injured teeth

l dental implants for the best in tooth replacement

l dentures and bridgework for tried and true spanning of smile gaps

Cosmetic services

For a dazzling, healthy smile, the team at JL Dental does smile makeovers. From simple professional teeth whitening to cosmetic bonding to fill gaps and cracks to realistic porcelain veneers to cover discolorations and chips, Dr. Jonathan Mears and Dr. Laura Mears craft attractive smiles that last with regular dental hygiene.

They also straighten crooked smiles with expert orthodontics. This area of dentistry combines the best of prevention with excellent aesthetic results.

Arnold, MO braces

Sometimes a crooked smile can be healthy, too, but many times, the spacing, bite and overcrowding cause hygiene, decay and gum problems. Self-confidence suffers when smiles are less than pleasing, too.

So, the professional team at JL Dental offer complete orthodontic consultations. Again, orthodontics complement and complete other dental services. The Arnold, MO dentists recommend children be evaluated by age 7 to catch potential bite problems while they are developing, making treatment easier.

The dentists offer both traditional metal bracket and wire braces and American-made ClearCorrect invisible braces. Metal braces work well for a wide range of bite and alignment problems, and clear braces discreetly treat mild to moderate issues without the discomforts, appearance issues and hygiene difficulties of traditional braces.

Do you need a dentist or an orthodontist?

Find both at JL Dental. Contact the friendly officestaff to arrange a convenient appointment. Whether for routine care or to create a healthy, straight smile, the knowledge and skills you need are just a phone call away.

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Beautiful, Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement in Arnold

December 22, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — jldental @ 6:28 pm

If you’re missing one or more teeth, Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears have excellent news for you, just in time for 2016: now, using the latest, most modern materials, they can make tooth replacement easier, quicker, more effective — and most of all, more beautiful than ever before. Attractive fixed bridges make tooth replacement in Arnold a breeze at JL Dental. Continue reading to learn more about this exciting option today!

Tooth Replacement in Arnold: Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges offer a non-surgical replacement option for patients who are missing one or several teeth. A more conservative choice than dental implants, for example, fixed bridges work by creating a literal bridge over the gap left by missing teeth.

How Fixed Bridges Work

When you decide a beautiful fixed bridge is the tooth replacement option that you and your smile need, Dr. Mears will apply a metal-free, porcelain crown onto the two teeth that surround the gap left by the missing teeth. These act as anchors for the prosthetic replacement tooth (or teeth). Permanent and attractive, fixed bridges are a wonderful option for anyone who wants something more stable than dentures but less invasive than dental implants.

Further benefits of fixed bridges include the following.

They restore your ability to eat, speak and smile just like you always have
Fixed bridges restore the volume of your face for a more youthful appearance
Enjoy renewed self-confidence with a complete smile

Fixed Bridge Procedure

You can expect the procedure for your fixed bridge to take place over the span of two visits to Dr. Mears’ office. In the first, your surrounding teeth will be prepared for the porcelain crowns and impressions of your teeth will be made for the creation of your fixed bridge. You’ll leave this visit with a temporary bridge for use until your permanent device is ready.

In the second visit to JL Dental, your fixed bridge has been created and it’s time for placement. Dr. Mears will check its final fit and bite, and when we’re completely sure everything is 100 percent right with the fixed bridge, it will be permanently cemented into place — and you walk out of our Arnold dental practice with your beautiful, complete smile.

Schedule Your Appointment for Arnold Tooth Replacement Today

When you’re ready to complete your smile with an attractive, stable fixed bridge, contact JL Dental to book your appointment. We’re here to help you and your whole family enjoy the best in Arnold dental care. Book your appointment online today!

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Arnold family dentist stresses care for all ages

November 4, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — jldental @ 10:37 pm

Looking for dental care in a family-oriented office? Your Arnold family dentists at JL Dental provide what patients of all ages need in a caring setting.

From routine to complex dental care, few dentists can provide the caring, skilled dental services available from JL Dental. Husband/wife team of Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears understands the needs of children through senior adults. In fact, they are parents themselves and want only the best for their family and others in the Arnold, MO area.

What can JL Dental do for your children?

Beginning at age 3, the Arnold family dentists like to see children for a quick get-acquainted exam. As kids get older, the dentists add x-rays and cleanings to assess oral development, prevent cavities and keep teeth sparkling clean through all stages of child and adolescent development. These exam appointments provide time patient-teaching on oral hygiene habits, nutrition and other topics important for young teeth and gums.

Are orthodontics necessary for proper bite, aesthetics and long-term dental health? The Mears offer traditional braces and ClearCorrect for great new smiles–from mild/moderate misalignment problems to the most complex correction issues. In addition, in-office fluoride treatments and plastic sealants, applied to deeply grooved back molars, protect young teeth from cavities.

What can JL Dental do for adults and seniors?

All patients require 6-month cleanings and check-ups to keep gums healthy and to prevent extensive restorations and tooth loss. The dentists perform simple, painless oral cancer screenings on every patient at each check-up. They also perform periodontal probing to measure gum pocket depth, a very accurate indicator of gum disease.

If restorative care becomes necessary, JL Dental delivers the latest in dental implant technology, metal-free, tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bridgework and dentures. While extractions are sometimes necessary, the Mears do all they can to preserve natural teeth as the best foundation for a healthy smile. TMJ dysfunction, a common adult problem associated with the jaw joint, receives careful evaluation and recommendations. Comfortable root canal therapy preserves failing teeth by removing infected pulp, sealing the inner tooth chambers and capping the tooth with a custom-made, lifelike crown.

Additionally, the Arnold family dentists deliver a range of cosmetic dental services such as:

l professional teeth whitening to brighten yellow, dull teeth

l composite resin bonding to fill in chips, cracks and gaps

l porcelain veneers to cover heavy discolorations and larger defects with fine dental ceramic

Your aesthetic wishes are considered and planned for in a comprehensive treatment plan that combines cosmetic services as needed for a great look that increases self-confidence. Dr. Jonathan Mears and Dr. Laura Mears give the best care individualized for optimal results and long-term oral and systemic health, too.

Why look any further?

Your best Arnold family dentist can be found at JL Dental. Contact a team memberto arrange a convenient appointment time for you or a loved one.

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Visit the Orthodontist Arnold, MO Residents Trust

October 3, 2015

Filed under: bracket and band braces,ClearCorrect,orthodontics,traditional braces — jldental @ 3:47 pm

It’s never too late to get the flawless smile of your dreams. Whether you choose traditional bracket and band braces or ClearCorrect aligners, orthodontic treatment at JL Dental offers patients superior smile correction in a friendly dental office setting. Most general dental practitioners don’t offer traditional orthodontic treatment in-office, but JL Dental is committed to providing patients with a wide variety of quality dental care for the whole family. It’s our goal to offer patients the dental services they need in an office they are already comfortable with, and that includes orthodontic treatments to correct any misalignment.

Traditional Braces

Metal mouth, brace face, head gear. Traditional braces are often perceived negatively, but it’s no surprise to your Arnold, MO dentist that more adolescent, teen, and adult patients choose this smile correction option every year. Unlike metal braces even a decade ago, the braces we offer today are smaller and less obtrusive. The phrase “low profile” is used to describe some of the newer braces systems that offer excellent results with smaller brackets and bands. While many patients worry about how braces look, low profile braces not only look better, but feel better too because they don’t protrude as far from the surface of teeth. For image conscious adults and teens, we even offer tooth-colored traditional braces for a more conspicuous treatment plan. Bracket and band braces take between 18 and 24 months to correct smile alignment, but the results are predictable and long lasting. Even the most severe orthodontic conditions can be treated with traditional braces.

ClearCorrect Alignment Tray Orthodontics

Patients who wish to utilize a more cosmetically appealing braces system, those whose schedule prevents them from maintaining regular orthodontist appointments, or who lack dexterity to care for braces, may want to consider ClearCorrect. As the name implies, this orthodontic treatment utilizes a series of clear plastic alignment trays to correct alignment. These trays are removed during meals and while brushing and flossing, so there’s no impact on diet or dental care. Patients wear a set of trays for a predetermined time period and replace with the next set in the series, so orthodontist appointments are less frequent and much briefer than those necessary for traditional braces. ClearCorrect treatment is typically completed in under a year, and patients never worry about their appearance as ClearCorrect alignment trays are virtually invisible to the casual observer.

Contact Your Family Dentist Arnold, MO

If you’re interested in smile correction at any age, contact JL Dental to schedule an orthodontic consultation today. We offer both traditional and cosmetic orthodontic options.

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Don’t Let Cavities Infiltrate Your Kids’ Mouths

September 8, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — jldental @ 9:41 pm

A young mouth is one that should be carefully looked after. They’re more susceptible to disease than an adult’s mouth. Because they are still developing, it’s often difficult to keep a child’s mouth completely clean and averse from developing a disease. It all starts at home and how they’re taking care of their teeth. Of course, this all depends on their age. It’s important to keep a close eye on all of your kids’ oral health, but much younger kids need adult assistance. Practicing and maintaining excellent oral health habits will pave the road for a beautiful looking and feeling smile. Cavities are seen in kids more than any other disease, and we aim to try to lower those numbers.

Our dental team of Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears are parents themselves, and they are very cognizant of what require in order to grow healthy smiles. We preach family in our dental services, and you’ll notice that right off the bat. A young smile is a terrible thing to waste, which is why we do everything we can to ensure your child’s mouth is well taken care of. Dr. Jonathan and Laura Mears are the children’s dentists Arnold, MO residents can trust. Don’t let cavities take over!

What Happens During a Regular Checkup?

Did you know children’s dentistry starts around the age of three? It can always start earlier but this is the usual time period. Their first examination is usually quick and we introduce them to the office environment. From there, regular checkups and additional care may be required. Everythingi from regular exams and cleanings to dental sealants and fluoride treatments are available.

We constantly focus on creating a caring environment as it can be a foreign place for most kids. We concentrate on providing a gentle touch because, after all, they’re kids. We want everyone, not just kids, to enjoy coming to our office and receive high-quality treatment. Our dental team will thoroughly examine your child’s mouth and keep an eye out for any problems. Cavities are most often discovered by our dental team in a child’s mouth. Cavities are the result of excessive tooth decay that has embedded deep into your tooth. From there, it’s possible they could develop tooth pain and require a tooth canal…if it isn’t treated in time. This is where those general checkups come in handy – it’s a general overview of your child’s current dental health. Cavities can be pinpointed the moment we look inside their mouth. As a parent, you might think you know whenever there is a problem, but unless you have a degree in dentistry, you’re not going to know what to look out for.

Schedule Your Child’s Checkup Today

Now is a great time to have your child checked at our office while school is still in its beginning stages. There’s only so much we can do at our office, so it’s doubly important that you’re helping your children practice good dental hygiene habits. It will help them achieve maximum oral health for years to come. We have the dentists Arnold, MO residents will adore.

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A Root Canal Is No Longer a Painful Procedure

August 31, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — jldental @ 9:42 pm

Root canals have received a bad rap over the years. Often the butt of jokes in movies and various television programs, they’re stereotyped as extremely painful procedures that often leave patients reeling in pain and will do anything to relieve said pain. Well, we’re here to tell you that root canals aren’t the painful procedures that you’ve been coerced into believing. With the help of many advancements made throughout the years, this procedure is highly effective, virtually painless, and can bring harmony back to your oral health.

There are many reasons why people lose teeth, but the important thing to take away from that is knowing that just because a tooth is lost doesn’t mean the rest of your oral health has to suffer. Most often, a root canal is performed on teeth that have either “died” or become infected. Once an infection occurs in a tooth, the only way to save it is by receiving a root canal. Dr. Jonathan Mears and Dr. Laura Mears form the perfect team that can perform gentle root canals in our Arnold, MO office. With their help, and the friendliness of our dental staff, you’ll enjoy fantastic root canal treatment that can help promote excellent oral health. We have the dentists Arnold residents can trust!

Root Canals Made Easy

It doesn’t matter how your teeth became infected, what matters is getting in there and removing any signs of an infection. It’s a painless procedure that is designed to save your tooth. How did it come to this, you ask? Large cavities are usually to blame. However, a past dental injury could also cause a pulp to become infected.

The process is fairly complex, but basic:

First, we will remove the diseased tissue from inside the tooth. This helps to stop the spread of an infection and ridding your mouth of pain.
The nerve is also removed if it has been infected.
We will seal the just-cleaned area with composite material to help keep it protected.

There are several signs to look out for if you think you may need a root canal:

Excessive pain in a tooth
Pain or tenderness in your gums
Dental trauma
Abscess tooth

Any type of excessive pain or tenderness should be looked at immediately.

Schedule a Root Canal Today

You’ll soon discover that a root canal is painless and can bring maximum comfort to your mouth. A smile that’s suffering from a deep cavity or excessive pain needs to be treated, and we’re just the ones to do it. If you’re looking for the best root canal in Arnold, MO, look no further than our office. We invite residents in Merrimac, Imperial and Oakville to experience the JL Dental difference!

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August 6, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — jldental @ 6:07 pm

Your Arnold, MO orthodontist at JL Dental uses traditional braces to create straight, healthy smiles

Doctors Jonathan and Laura Mears of JL Dental are family dentists who offer orthodontic treatment as part of their practice. They use traditional metal brackets to correct bite, tooth function and smile aesthetics in a typical 1 to 2 year process for youngsters and adults.

Traditional metal braces change facial appearance, improve the health and function of teeth and correct bite and alignment problems that can lead to gum disease, dental decay, tooth grinding and TMJ dysfunction later in life. Averaging 1 to 3 years, orthodontic treatment with metal brackets and archwires remains the fastest process with the most predictable and satisfactory results.

Treatment from your Arnold, MO orthodontist should start early

While individuals of all ages get braces these days, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends children get orthodontic screening by age 7. This early evaluation forestalls future dental problems almost before they start. Plus, teeth are just easier to reposition when the mouth is young.

Dr. Mears begins evaluation with a simple oral examination, looking the number and alignment of teeth and how the top and bottom jaws bite together. X-rays and photographs are often part of this initial evaluation, too.

Treatment proceeds in 2 parts

At first, braces should move teeth to correct bite and align the top and bottom jaws. The Arnold, MO dentist also wants to ensure emerging teeth come in as straight as possible and to protect teeth that may be protruding or overlapping and crowding other teeth.

As treatment continues, goals change. The brackets and wires maneuver teeth into permanent position, and appearance becomes a priority.

Traditional orthodontic treatment corrects issues such as:

l cross bite

l over bite

l under bite

l open bite

l overlapping, crooked and crowded teeth

l teeth that are emerging improperly or not at all

l facial imbalances

l jaw misalignment

How are braces installed?

During a 1 to 2 hour dental appointment, Dr. Mears cleans and dries the teeth and then bonds the metal brackets onto the tooth surfaces. Metal archwires connect the brackets. While this process is not painful, teeth will be sore for a week or so afterwards as the mouth adjusts to the vector forces exerted on each tooth.

Periodic soreness continues through

out treatment, and sometimes mouth sores develop from the friction of the appliances against the soft tissues of the mouth. Placing special wax on selected areas alleviates friction, and products such as Orajel relieve pain.

After care of Arnold, MO braces takes some time and effort

The team at JL Dental recommends a soft diet for a few days and also use of over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate discomfort. Patients should brush and floss 2 times daily, taking extra care to clean around brackets and between the teeth. Interdental brushes and water flossing devices remove plaque and food particles efficiently when used each day.

Patients see their Arnold, MO orthodontist every few weeks or so for adjustments on their braces.

They also should eat a healthy diet and avoid extra-hard, sticky or sugary foods.

Orthodontics could help your smile

You may have questions about braces for your child or for you! Contact the office at JL Dental to arrange a consultation. Bring your questions because Doctors Jonathan and Laura Mears will be happy to answer them.

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Everything You Need To Know About Braces

July 23, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — jldental @ 10:11 pm

There are lots of people who have had to wear braces at some point in their lives, and they all have had roughly the same experiences. Everyone knows before they get braces what they’re getting into, they just don’t know exactly what it is that is in store for them. It’s been a tradition to outfit young or older mouths with braces when there are teeth that are misaligned. Not everyone is born with beautiful teeth. There are alternative teeth-straightening methods that have been introduced to the market over the years, but a good chunk of patients still opt for traditional metal braces. Our office in Arnold, MO specializes in putting patients in braces, so if you think it’s the treatment choice for you, we’d love to see you in for a visit.

Metal Braces

When you walk around and see someone wearing braces, how long would you guess they’ve been wearing them? A year? Maybe two? The average braces-wearer is in braces for roughly five years. That’s a long time, but it makes sense. Your teeth can’t be moved to a different area in the blink of an eye; these things take time, and it’s all worth it in the end. Not only do metal braces shift teeth into their rightful places for a beautiful look, but your bite can be corrected as well. Having beautiful teeth doesn’t mean a thing if they don’t operate correctly, and having a correct bite will help bring serenity back to your oral health.

As far as pain is concerned, yes, there is some. It makes sense — your teeth are shifting. Naturally, there is going to be soreness and pain, but it isn’t anything you can’t handle. Most pain can be eliminated with a simple antibiotic or ibuprofen. If you can stand a little pain and stay dedicated for the long haul, then you’ll have no problem getting through braces treatment.

It is possible for some patients to wear braces for a much shorter time, but it depends on several factors like age, your present dental health, how severe the misalignment has become and the distance between teeth. It’s possible you may be able to receive Invisalign or alternative ceramic-braces treatment. It all comes down to the decision our dental team makes.

Schedule an Appointment

Having straight teeth doesn’t have to be a pipe dream for patients. It can be a reality when you come to our office in Arnold, MO. Our dental team will go over your options and inspect your mouth before any recommendations are made. Getting you the smile of your life is what we care about most. Here’s looking at you Liguori, Oakville and Antonia residents.

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We Can Handle Any Dental Emergency

June 22, 2015

Filed under: Uncategorized — jldental @ 9:54 pm

A dental emergency can happen at any time. Seriously, you could be out and about at the grocery store and a dental emergency could occur. We always like to say that everyone needs to be prepared, but sometimes nobody can every really prepare themselves for a traumatic experience. The important thing to know is that we can handle the emergency. We have seen plenty of emergencies come through our office and we always handle them with the utmost care. Time is of the essence whenever a dental emergency arises and we want you to be in great hands. Our office in Arnold, MO can handle your dental emergency, all it takes is a call. Saving your tooth is our goal and in order to do that you will need to see us immediately.

Dental Emergencies 101

We’ve treated a lot of dental emergencies. But, sometimes patients think what could fall under the dental-emergency category sometimes doesn’t. It’s possible for a regular toothache not to be a dental emergency and instead should be looked at for possible cavities. Severe toothaches, on the other hand, need prompt service. How do you know if you’re dealing with a dental emergency?

Below are the most common dental emergencies:

·         Chipped teeth

·         Fractured tooth

·         Tooth or teeth that have been knocked out

·         Severe toothache

·         Missing crown, filling or other type of dental restoration device

We’d love to treat everyone who has minor toothaches, and we can. But, it’s important to know the distinction between what is and isn’t a dental emergency. With children, dental emergencies can be traumatic experiences for them. It’s easy to see why children are more susceptible to dental emergencies – they’re a lot more adventurous. We’ve seen many cases of children falling on the ground or slipping that results in their teeth being affected. Knowing there’s a dental office that can provide them with the best treatment should help keep you reassured in our expertise. You want to keep your family healthy and happy, and we’re committed to keeping their oral health in tip-top shape.

You can yourself prepare better by keeping items in a first-aid kit like a small container with accompanying lid, handkerchief, gauze, and a list of contacts and their phone numbers. Staying prepared is the first step in dealing with a dental emergency.

See Us for Any Dental Emergency Assistance

Don’t waste time – it’s the one thing you need. Our staff in Arnold, MO is at-the-ready for any dental emergency. Patients in and around the area are encouraged to see us if one occurs, especially those of you in Merrimac, Imperial, Liguori, Oakville, Fountain, Mehlville and beyond.

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Strong, Durable Dental Implants in Arnold, MO

April 22, 2015

Filed under: Arnold,cosmetic dentistry,dental implants,JL Dental,MO,restorative dentistry — jldental @ 9:31 pm

Are you one of thousands of Americans who lost a tooth? We all dream of having a perfect, pristine smile that can light up a room, but, due to several factors, thousands of people suffer from a lost tooth every year. Tooth decay, facial trauma, and severe oral injuries lead to tooth loss. These situations are frustrating and painful, but if left untreated, a missing tooth can lead to future oral health problems. So, is it possible to find a tooth replacement that can correct future problems? JL Dental, a stellar practice located in Arnold, MO, offers permanent dental implants.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Your jawbone requires stimulation throughout the day. It receives stimulation via contacts from your teeth. As your teeth chew food, press against each other, etc., they stimulate the jaw, which in turn triggers growth. When a tooth is missing, stimulation is lost, and over time, that section of the jaw can begin to lose density, height, and width. Dental implants, provided by our stellar duo of doctors and our team of expert dental practitioners, are permanently bonded to the jaw, providing stimulation, while also giving a strong, durable replacement tooth to restore function to the mouth.

What is the Procedure Like?

During your initial visit, our team will take impressions of your teeth, particular the problem area, and begin planning the treatment. With a plan finalized, we will surgically insert a biocompatible titanium post in the jawbone. You will undergo a healing period as the jaw naturally accepts the post and grows over it, and the gums heal. After everything has healed properly, we will bring you back into the office to complete the process. We will cement a permanent tooth on the post, bonding it within your mouth. After finishing the bonding process, you can walk out of our building with a complete, full smile.

Restore Your Smile Today

A missing tooth is a burden, but with our dental implants, it no longer needs to cause grief. Our implants look natural and are completely comfortable. If you are ready to restore your smile to pristine form, then contact us today and schedule your appointment with our incredible staff. Our warm, welcoming office is always open for those who live in Arnold, MO, Imperial, Oakville, Barnhart, and the surrounding communities.

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