Arthritis Awareness Month: Dental Health and Arthritis

arthritis 300x300 Arthritis Awareness Month: Dental Health and ArthritisDuring these first few weeks of May, have you been wearing more blue?  If not, consider making a change to your wardrobe because it’s Arthritis Awareness Month and people nationwide are being urged to “Go blue for arthritis!” by the Arthritis National Research Foundation, a group that has been funding research to find a cure for arthritis for over forty years. Something people may not often think about when it comes to arthritis is its relation to dental health.  Dr. Steven Van Wicklen answers some questions below that arthritic patients may have regarding this correlation.

 “With my arthritis, holding a toothbrush is difficult. What can I do?”

This is not uncommon.  For many people with arthritis, the simple act of holding a toothbrush and flossing can be very difficult. Because of this, many people neglect their oral hygiene. Do not let that happen to you. Try an electric toothbrush because, although it still needs to be held, it performs much of the necessary cleaning motion all by itself. A floss holder is also helpful.  Again, it will not cut out all of the work, but it can definitely alleviate some of the frustration.  Continue reading ‘Arthritis Awareness Month: Dental Health and Arthritis’

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Austin with a Smile Makeover

80602623 Celebrate Mothers Day in Austin with a Smile MakeoverMother’s Day is coming up this weekend, and while any mom would appreciate a heartfelt card or bouquet of flowers, south Austin dentist Dr. Steven Van Wicklen wants to encourage you to think outside of the box this Mother’s Day. How? By giving the special lady in your life the gift of a beautiful smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry in South Austin

At our Austin dentist office, we offer several cosmetic dental procedures that are sure to make Mom smile as big, brightly, and confidently as possible.

These procedures include:

What are your Cosmetic Dental Needs?

smile61 300x224 What are your Cosmetic Dental Needs?What do you want to change about your smile? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the most common answer to that question is “whiter teeth.” Fortunately, Dr. Van Wicklen offers a full range of cosmetic services to improve your smile. Take this self-assessment to determine the treatment you need.

1. What color are your teeth? If your teeth are yellow, gray, brown, or black, Dr. Van Wicklen can remove stains with professional teeth whitening. However, if you have stains that just can’t be erased, we may suggest hiding your discolorations with porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding.

Continue reading ‘What are your Cosmetic Dental Needs?’