Blog | Boulder Dentist | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

How Invisalign can straighten your teeth

Patients of the Boulder, Colorado area have heard of alternative orthodontic treatments that can help them achieve their dream smile without metal brackets and wires. This treatment is known as Invisalign, and is growing in popularity for teen and adult patients who want to straighten their teeth in a more discreet manner. Invisalign is a highly desirable treatment that can be used to address mild to moderate malocclusion and bite alignment for both men and women.

How Invisalign works

With Invisalign, patients avoid the placement of metal brackets and wires on their smiles and instead have a series of clear plastic trays. These trays are used to achieve beautiful smiles without traditional orthodontia, which is one reason why this treatment is so popular. Patients start with the first tray and wear it for two weeks, at least 20 hours a day. Patients can remove the trays for brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking. After the two weeks, patients remove the tray and start using the next tray in their series. By the time they reach the final tray in their treatment, they are able to see the dramatic changes that have occurred with their smiles.

Why choose Invisalign orthodontics?

Invisalign orthodontics is a reliable treatment that can help teenagers and adults in achieving a smile that is properly aligned and beautiful. In the meantime, while undergoing their treatments, patients can feel confident in their appearance as the trays are difficult to notice from the natural tooth enamel. This allows patients to make changes without having to feel embarrassed by metal appliances present. A consultation visit with Dr. Ania Mohelicki is the first step in finding out more about this treatment and whether or not a patient is a proper candidate for this or other cosmetic services available at the office.

Call Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, CO today to schedule a consultation appointment

Are you a good candidate for Invisalign orthodontics? Find out by calling our team of professionals today! Call 303-443-0998 to request an appointment with our team and discuss your unique dental needs. The office is located at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106 and is open to new patients.

Posted: April 15, 2022 By: henley.tabal

What bad breath says about you

It’s no surprise that eating garlicy foods or onions can cause temporary bad breath. Many of us will avoid these types of food if we are going on a date. But what about constant bad breath? If you are dealing with more chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, your Boulder, CO area dentist may be able to help. Finding the cause and the source of the problem is the first step in finding relief!

What can cause bad breath?

Below are just a few of the more common reasons patients experience bad breath:

Certain foods and beverages
Poor oral health habits
Recent oral surgery (wounds or infection)
Dry mouth
Certain medications

The cause of bad breath says a lot about a patient and their oral habits. When patients have bad breath due to poor oral health, it tells others that you are not committed to achieving and maintaining good oral health habits and making your smile a priority. This can lead people to think negative thoughts about an individual and the way they care for themselves. But some people are not even aware that they have bad breath and might not realize it until someone else says something to them.

How to address bad breath

There are a few approaches to treating bad breath for patients to consider. This includes avoiding certain foods and beverages that can contribute to halitosis to improving oral health habits. Even those who thoroughly brush and floss their teeth may want to consider the benefits of integrating a special mouthwash or using a tongue scraper to further improve their halitosis. If the problem persists, it’s a good idea to talk to a dental provider about other avenues to addressing the issue once and for all!

Call Dr. Ania Mohelicki to learn more about bad breath and what to do about it!

Boulder, CO area patients who are dealing with bad breath will want to speak to a professional about their options for treatment. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team are located at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106 and can be reached at 303-443-0998 to request a consultation appointment.

Posted: March 15, 2022 By: henley.tabal

Man in pain holding his cheek with hand, suffering from bad tooth ache

What is TMJ and how does it impact my smile?

Many general dentists such as Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, Colorado work with patients who have questions about a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition, often caused TMJ or TMD, can become problematic for individuals, causing pain and discomfort. By getting a proper diagnosis of the condition and speaking to a professional about solutions, many patients can find relief with appropriate treatment. Below are some commonly asked questions about TMJ/TMD.

What is TMJ/TMD?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, while TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition affects the jaw joint that hinges the upper and lower jaw together. It allows us to open and close our mouth for speaking, yawning, chewing, and talking. When this jaw joint becomes dysfunctional, it can result in various issues that may be difficult for patients to manage.

What are the symptoms of TMJ/TMD?

Common symptoms of TMJ/TMD include:

Clenching and grinding of the teeth
Pain in or around the jaw joint and surrounding muscles
Clicking or popping of the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw in the open or closed position
Chronic headaches and migraines
Neck, ear, shoulder, and head pain
Difficulty or pain opening or closing the jaw

How does TMJ/TMD affect my smile?

Some patients experience dysfunction of the jaw joint due to poor bite alignment, in which certain treatments such as orthodontic services can alleviate the issue. In some instances, the problem lies in the joint and muscles themselves. Patients with significant muscle pain may consider certain injectable treatments to manage pain and discomfort such as Botox. Treatment may also include wearing a specialized night guard or mouthguard to protect the teeth and reduce tension in the jaw joint. Once a patient has a definitive diagnosis of TMJ/TMD, they can work alongside Dr. Ania Mohelicki to find a solution that works!

Ready to learn more about TMJ/TMD?

Speak to a dentist with extensive experience in helping patients with this and many other dental concerns. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, Colorado encourage new patients to learn more about this condition to better understand how it can affect oral health. Call 303-443-0998 to schedule a visit with our team at 2919 Valmont Road, Ste. #106.

Posted: February 14, 2022 By: henley.tabal

Beautiful parents and their daughter are looking at camera and smiling while brushing teeth

How fluoride can help your teeth

You may have heard of fluoride treatment. You might know that fluoride is good for you, but you may not be sure why. Learning about fluoride and dental treatments is the first step in taking a proactive approach to improving your oral health and wellness. Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, Colorado are available to assist patients in learning more about how fluoride treatments can protect their smiles.

What is fluoride?

First, it is a good idea to understand what fluoride is. Fluoride is an element that is naturally found in the environment, specifically in water sources such as the ocean. Fluoride has been found to be a wonderful, natural anti-cavity agent for humans. This is why fluoride is integrated into so many different products in the oral care arena. Fluoride can strengthen the natural tooth enamel, protecting it against the risk of cavities. It can also help rebuild tooth structure after small areas of decay have developed, restoring the area without the need for a dental filling.

How can fluoride help the teeth?

Fluoride strengthens the teeth and is readily available in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and even as a topical application performed at the dental office. Most city water sources also integrate fluoride into the drinking water, allowing for improved strength and protection of the smile. During a cleaning and evaluation, patients of all ages can ask about fluoride treatments that can be administered during an office visit.

Who is a candidate for fluoride treatments?

Patients of any age can benefit from fluoride at the dental office, though it is more commonly used for children and for older adults with thinning tooth enamel and sensitivity. Fluoride treatments may also be used for adults who may have signs of early cavities to rebuild the tooth structure and avoid the need for fillings. Dr. Ania Mohelicki will provide a thorough evaluation for a patient and decide if they would benefit from a fluoride treatment in the dental office.

Ready to learn more about fluoride treatment?

Contact Dr. Ania Mohelicki by calling 303-443-0998. The office is located at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106 in Boulder, Colorado and accepts new patients.

Posted: January 15, 2022 By: henley.tabal

Why do I have a bad taste in my mouth?

Do you find yourself experiencing a bad taste in your mouth? If so, you may be dealing with halitosis, or “bad breath.” Bad breath has hit everyone at one time or another. Sometimes it is caused by the foods we eat, such as onions or garlic, and other times it is due to poor oral health habits. It may also be the sign of a more serious dental problem. Boulder, CO area patients can schedule an appointment with Dr. Ania Mohelicki for a thorough assessment.

What are common causes of bad breath?

Bad breath may be caused by a variety of issues. By pinpointing the problem at hand, the dentist can then make recommendations for effective treatments. Some causes may be due to:

What you have recently consumed
Poor oral hygiene habits
Dry mouth (lack of saliva)
Tobacco use
Periodontal disease

What should I do if I have bad breath?

If possible, determine the source of the problem. If you recently had a meal with garlic and onions, your bad breath will probably be more temporary. However, if you have chronic bad breath, you may need to speak to a professional to determine the cause and discuss possible treatments. For example, patients with dry mouth might want to ensure they are always drinking water and staying hydrated to reduce the risk of bad breath, while those who have periodontal disease may need to seek periodontal treatments to resolve the problem and therefore, resolve their bad breath. The treatment chosen for a patient will be determined based on the cause of the bad breath and the severity.

Treatments may include:

Improved oral hygiene habits
Treatment for dry mouth
Stopping tobacco use
Treating periodontal disease
Avoiding highly scented foods and beverages

Are you dealing with chronic bad breath?

Make an appointment with Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, Colorado for a cleaning and evaluation. With a proper diagnosis and an evaluation into the cause of bad breath, she can help you eradicate it and feel more confident when socializing with others. Call 303-443-0998 to make an appointment with our team at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106.

Posted: October 15, 2021 By: content.team

What is the process of placing a tooth implant?

Tooth replacement with restorations such as dental implants are an excellent solution for many patients seeking permanent repair of the smile. These restorations are desirable by patients because of their many benefits. Dental implants are also extremely versatile and can be used in many different situations for completely different outcomes. One common question patients might have about dental implants is the process of obtaining them from start to finish. Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, Colorado can help in describing the process of dental implantations.

How am I determined as a candidate for dental implants?

Initial dental implant consultation – during an initial evaluation with Dr. Ania Mohelicki, patients may undergo a series of tests and digital imaging such as CT scans, panoramic films, and x-rays to check the bone structure where the implant will be placed. A medical history is performed, as well as a physical examination to ensure a patient can obtain an implant and have a successful surgery.
Surgical procedure – patients are then scheduled for oral surgery, during which the dentist will place the implant into the bone of the jaw. This is an invasive procedure, but patients often heal quickly.
Osseointegration – the placement of the dental implant stimulates the growth of natural bone around it through a process called osseointegration. This is how the implant becomes one with the jaw and is held firmly in place, just as the rest of the teeth are, within the jawbone.
Restoration – after the area has healed, the abutment over the dental implant is ready for restoration. The type of restoration is determined by the patient’s needs and may include a dental crown, a dental bridge, or a full denture.

How do I start the process of obtaining a dental implant?

Connecting with an implant dentist is the first step in achieving the smile of your dreams after tooth loss! Boulder, Colorado area patients can call Dr. Ania Mohelicki at 303-443-0998 to request a consultation visit and initial evaluation. During this time, x-rays may be taken and a thorough examination performed to determine if a patient is a candidate. The office is conveniently located at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106 and accepts new patients and families.

Posted: September 15, 2021 By: content.team

A man smokes an electronic cigarette on a gray background, blowing a stream of smoke

Is vaping bad for your smile?

It’s no secret that smoking and chewing tobacco is a habit that is bad for your both and your mouth. Smoking cigarettes can dramatically increase one’s risk of developing oral and lung cancer, while also contributing to the development of problems such as periodontal disease and chronic bad breath. But what about e-cigarettes? E-cigarettes, also known as vaping pens, have become incredibly popular over the last few years, but are they better for your mouth and body?

Nope! Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, Colorado educates patients on ways to keep their smiles healthy. This includes not only stopping the use of chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes, but ditching e-cigarettes as well. Vaping is bad for your teeth and gums just as traditional cigarettes are. Vaping is seen as a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes as there is no tobacco, but this isn’t exactly true! E-cigarettes still deliver nicotine, but do so with a vapor or “aerosol” that is often flavored. This water vapor is seen as harmless, but it’s not. It also includes metals and chemicals that have been proven to link to heart disease, respiratory disease, and cancers. This means that there is a health risk to vaping as well as smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco.

Vaping and your smile

Many patients who are considering the switch from cigarettes to vape pens may want to ask Dr. Ania Mohelicki about the impact it can have on their teeth and gums. Below are just a few of the problems that can occur with vape pen use:

Receding gum tissues
Dry mouth (poor saliva flow)
Increased bacteria (and increased gum disease risk)
Bruxism (clenching and grinding)
Tooth decay

In addition, patients may experience:

An increased risk of heart disease
Poor immune system
Damage to the lungs
Damage to blood cells
Increased cancer risks

Discuss your dental needs with Dr. Ania Mohelicki

Boulder, Colorado area patients ready to improve their oral health and start practicing good habits are welcome to book an appointment with our dentist to discuss their options. The office is located at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106 and accepts new patients who call for an appointment at 303-443-0998.

Posted: August 15, 2021 By: content.team

Sign of obstructive sleep apnea and how your dentist can help

Do you find yourself tired each day, even though you’re getting the recommended hours of sleep each night? Do you find yourself dealing with snoring, daytime headaches, and poor memory and concentration? If you are experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to speak to a professional about getting tested for obstructive sleep apnea. Approximately 12 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea, and many go undiagnosed.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Dr. Ania Mohelicki and the team at her practice in Boulder, Colorado describe obstructive sleep apnea, or “OSA,” as a condition that can cause patients to stop breathing hundreds of times each night. This causes patients to experience a wake/sleep cycle that never allows them to reach the deeper, restorative levels of sleep that help them feel their best each day. It is often caused by an obstruction of the airway, including excess fat on the throat or the tongue falling back into the back of the throat.

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea

Some of the more common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

Shortness of breath at night
Chronic snoring and gasping
Insomnia/trouble sleeping
Choking/snorting sounds during the night
Morning headaches/migraines
Poor concentration and memory
Extreme daytime drowsiness and fatigue
Periods of falling asleep during the day

What can a dentist do for OSA?

Obstructive sleep apnea is often addressed with a CPAP machine, which is a device that is prescribed by a doctor to use at night to keep the airways open. However, this machine can be cumbersome and many patients stop using it. Instead, a dentist such as Dr. Ania Mohelicki may suggest the use of a special oral appliance to wear at night and keep the airways open. This device is small, comfortable, affordable, and improves patient compliance when compared to traditional CPAP usage.

Call your dentist today

If you believe you are dealing with OSA, it might be time to talk to a physician or dentist about treatment. Contact Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, Colorado at 303-443-0998 to request a consultation visit with her team and learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of this and other dental concerns. Her facility is open to new and established patients and families at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106.

Posted: July 15, 2021 By: content.team

Achieve a straighter smile with orthodontics

An attractive smile is more than just white teeth. Many patients with overcrowding or misalignment will want to speak to a dental professional to determine the ways in which they can enhance their smile. In many cases, orthodontic treatment is the way to do this! Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, Colorado believes in providing her patients with solutions that fit their needs—and their lifestyle. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, now is the time to learn about traditional and non-traditional methods.

Conventional braces – when patients think of orthodontic work, teenagers with metal bracket and wire braces often come to mind. Conventional braces still have great purpose today in helping patients with malocclusion. For some individuals, it is still the idea way to improve the smile, especially for those with moderate to severe misalignment. At the practice of Dr. Ania Mohelicki, patients may find that this is the best choice for their needs. Metal bracket and wire braces are not only for teenagers but can be used on adults as well. Patients might undergo two phases of braces but often never regret receiving treatment, even if it is later on in their life.
Invisalign braces – an alternative that many patients choose is the of Invisalign. Invisalign is a method of straightening the teeth with the use of clear aligner trays. These trays are swapped out every two weeks for the next tray in the patient’s series. Invisalign gently repositions the teeth in a discreet way, and helps patients feel confident throughout treatment.
Lingual braces – another option for patients to consider is lingual braces. These are braces that are actually put behind the teeth to realign the smile without them being visible. This is a great solution for patients who have more severe misalignment but don’t want to cover their smiles with metal appliances.

Enhance your smile with orthodontic care today

Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team in Boulder, Colorado are pleased to provide not only traditional orthodontia, but nontraditional alternatives such as Invisalign. Call the office today to request a consultation appointment and initial evaluation at 303-443-0998 and visit at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106.

Posted: June 15, 2021 By: content.team

Porcelain Veneers: Are Instant Orthodontics Too Good To Be True?

If you have always dreamed of changing your smile quickly, Dr. Ania is here for you. Dr. Ania offers porcelain veneers. Instant orthodontics, also known as porcelain veneers, can quickly change your smile. If you have misshapen or stained teeth, this is a way to easily take your smile back. Read on to learn who best benefits from veneers — and how they can give you a brand new smile almost instantly.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers thin, custom shells of tooth-colored materials that are made to cover the front surface of your original teeth. These porcelain shells are bonded to the front of a patient’s natural-born teeth to change their appearance for the color, shape, and size they desire.

The Best Candidates for Porcelain Veneers

While we refer to this procedure sometimes as ‘instant orthodontics,’ it is not able to correct every dental health issue a patient could have. Patients who have one of the following problems with their smile are likely to be good candidates for porcelain veneers:

Discolored teeth due to reasons like: root canal treatment, stains from tetracycline or other medications, excessive fluoride, large resin fillings, and other causes.
Teeth that are worn down.
Chipped or broken teeth.
Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth (like teeth that have craters or bulges in them).
Teeth with gaps between them (veneers can close the space between the teeth).

The benefits of dental veneers include that they:

Provide a natural tooth appearance.
Are tolerated well by the gums.
Can make your teeth appear whiter.
Generally don’t require as much shaping as crowns do, yet they are stronger and tend to look even better.

The Prep

Veneers aren’t done in only one appointment, however, it doesn’t take too long to redo your smile with this treatment. When you come in for your first appointment, Dr. Ania will discuss with you what will work best for your smile and how many veneers you will actually need. Typically, veneers are not placed on every single tooth in the mouth. Rather, they are only placed on the teeth that show when you smile.

Then, your dentist will often take X-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth. If there are any signs of decay, gum disease, or other health issues, veneers may not be able to be used on your smile.

One you have the green light to get the veneers, Dr. Ania will trim down a small part of your tooth before they take an impression of your teeth. This mold will then be sent to a lab and your veneers will be created.

The Procedure

When your veneers are sent to the lab, we can expect them to come back within two weeks. Once your veneers come in, we will call you to schedule your appointment to come in to have them bonded to your teeth.

When you come in for the procedure, your dentist will evaluate the fit, shape, and coloration of the veneers to make sure that they are the perfect fit. Once the fit is confirmed, we will clean your teeth before using a grinding tool to create a rough texture on each tooth so the veneer can be easily attached.

Next, Dr. Ania will use a dental cement to bind the veneer to your tooth. We will finish by using an ultraviolet light to harden this cement quickly.

How to Care for Veneers

Caring for veneers begins as soon as you walk out of the dentist office. According to Healthline, porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years depending on how well you care for them. To best care for them, they suggest to take the following precautions:

Don’t chew on hard objects like pens, ice, or even your fingernails.
Never use your teeth to open packaging of any sort.
Try to not chew using your front teeth. Rather, eat harder foods with your back teeth only. If needed, cut food into small pieces so this is possible.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you will need to get a night guard to protect the veneers.
When playing sports, always wear a custom-fit mouthguard to protect your smile — whether you have veneers or not.

Learn More About Porcelain Veneers with Dr. Ania

If you’re ready to learn what instant orthodontics can do for your smile, we encourage you to make an appointment with Dr. Ania today. Current technology and materials enable us to create veneers that are truly life-like. Call us today at (303)-872-9940.

Posted: May 21, 2021 By: content.team Comment: 0

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