Benefits of Teeth Whitening

The truth is we are not all blessed with pearly whites. Even those who brush, floss, and visit the dentist on a regular basis may find that food, environmental factors, and the passage of time will eventually take a toll on the natural radiance of your teeth. Your smile is the first trait anyone notices about you, so we want it to be as vibrant as you are. Dr. T. Kirk Crane wants you to have a smile that is equivalent to your personality, which is why he offers a variety of teeth whitening options here at his practice.

Brightening your smile is as easy as visiting us for a whitening treatment. Teeth whitening is a low-risk procedure, and therefore is suitable for a wide range of patients. Certain foods, beverages and habits, such as smoking, can cause teeth to become discolored. Fortunately, professional tooth whitening offers overall health benefits, a greater amount of self-esteem and a boost of confidence.

If you want to desire a brighter smile, give us a call to discuss your treatment options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Traditional Braces in Lafayette, LA

When you hear the word “braces” the traditional ones most likely come to mind. These metal brackets and wires have become more modern in recent years, making the brackets smaller and less noticeable than the notorious “metal-mouth” braces. Plus, new heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past. Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS provides a variety of options of straightening your teeth and if braces are indeed the solution for you, he will prescribe an appliance specific for your needs.

Traditional braces have come a long way over the years, becoming sleeker, smaller, and more comfortable. Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are adhered to your teeth with an adhesive connected by wire. They require periodic tightening so pressure can gradually straighten your teeth. The pros of traditional braces is that they are the least expensive type on the orthodontic market and the colored bands may allow you to express yourself regardless of age, however the con is that they are the most noticeable type of braces.

If you want to straighten your teeth, give us a call to discuss your options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery

At his general and family dentistry practice in Lafayette, LA, Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS utilizes orthognathic surgery to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.

The definition of “orthognathic” means straight jaw. Often a patient may have orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth to achieve a healthier bite. However, there is a small group of patients that will require the expertise of the oral surgeon to help the orthodontist get the bite correct. A growth problem, traumatic injury, or pathologic process of the upper, lower or both jaws are common causes of this problem. Therefore, even if the orthodontist would get the teeth straight the bite would still not come together because the upper and lower jaw bones are not aligned. Jaw surgery can be performed entirely inside your mouth, so that no facial scars show on your chin, jaw, or around the mouth. Jaw surgery takes place in the hospital and requires a one-to-two day stay. Complete recovery at home typically takes three to six weeks.

If you have been told that your jaw is not properly aligned, give us a call to discuss your options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Bacteria causes periodontal disease and when plaque and calculus provide an irregular surface that allows these bacteria to attach easily, scaling and root planing are done to remove it. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue that could affect the teeth and supporting bone in your mouth. At his dental practice in Lafayette, LA, Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS utilizes the scaling and root planing procedure to stop gum disease in its tracks.

Root planing and scaling is done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have hard mineral deposits (tartar) on them. Dental scaling occurs with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments or both. Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS will start the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth. Next, an ultrasonic scaling device will be used to eliminate the plaque bacteria with sonic vibrations. Root planing involves detailed scaling of the root surface to decrease inflammation of the gum tissue. This involves Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS scaling the root surface to smooth out rough target areas, eliminating plaque and biofilm development.

If you wish to inquire about the scaling and root planing procedure, give us a call or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873.

Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards are the Best Option

Mouth guards should be used by anyone – children and adults – who play contact sports where any contact is a possibility. Wearing a mouth guard is an important precaution for athletes of all ages and abilities, helping to protect against chipped or broken teeth, root and bone damage, and tooth loss. At his general and cosmetic dentistry office in Lafayette, LA, Dr. T. Kirk Crane offers a variety of different types of mouth guards tailored to meet your specific needs, but the custom-fitted design is the most recommended option.

Custom-fitted mouth guards are more expensive than over-the-counter mouth guards, but they provide the greatest degree of fit, comfort and protection because they are made from a cast to precisely fit your teeth. To make them, Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS, will make an impression of your teeth and a dental laboratory technician uses the impression as a mold to create the custom-fitted mouth guard. Custom-fitted mouth guards are designed to cover all the teeth and can cushion against falls and blows to the chin. Some custom-fitted mouth guards have hard outer layers and soft inner linings for comfort against the teeth and gums.

If you want to protect your teeth with a custom-fitted mouth guard, give us a call to discuss your options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873.