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108 Central Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801(256) 536-3386
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The Importance of Proper At-Home Oral Care

April 14, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Oral Care  

Proper dental care at home is important for people of all ages. After all, not only does it protect you from tooth decay and gum disease, but good oral hygiene can also reduce your risk of heart disease. Although your dentist, Dr. Michael S. Pugh of Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, and his team provide general and cosmetic dentistry to patients, at-home care is still essential to maintaining proper oral health—read on to learn more.

10 Tips for At-Home Oral Care

  • Make a smart toothbrush choice: Pick an angled toothbrush that has soft bristles and is the right size to fit comfortably in your mouth.
  • Pick the right paste: Use a toothpaste with fluoride, this will help strengthen your teeth enamel.
  • Get the right brushing motion: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and make small, circular motions that include your teeth and gum line.
  • Make your timing right: Brush twice each day, morning and night. You should wait at least 30 minutes after eating before you brush to avoid damaging your teeth.
  • Don't forget to gloss: You should floss after brushing to remove trapped food particles from between your teeth. If you find it tricky to use dental floss, try using a water flosser.
  • Stick your tongue out: Don’t forget to clean your tongue with a scraper. Some toothbrushes have a cheek and tongue scraper on the base of the brush.
  • Kick bad habits: Quit smoking. Avoid sugary foods/beverages, and don’t grind your teeth.
  • Drink plenty of water: It’s important to keep the inside of your mouth moist. If it dries out, plaque can build up faster.
  • Visit your dentist: You should make a regular 6-month visit to your Huntsville dentist for a check-up and professional cleaning. This will help reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Huntsville, call Dr. Pugh of Artistic Dentistry at (256) 536-3386.

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How Teeth Whitening Can Improve Your Look

By Artistic Dentistry
March 06, 2020
Category: Cosmetic Dentistry
Tags: teeth whitening  

Is your smile making you look older than you want to? Are your teeth dull and yellow? Do you want to make your smile whiter and more attractive? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are ready for a professional teeth whitening treatment.

Dr. Michael Pugh in Huntsville, Alabama offers a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services including professional teeth whitening to enhance your smile.

You may have tried over-the-counter whitening products, only to find they didn’t whiten your teeth enough, made your teeth sensitive, or the results didn’t last. Professional teeth whitening is different. When you choose professional teeth whitening, you can be sure of:

  • Excellent results, because you can whiten your teeth up to 8 shades whiter.
  • Long-term benefits, because your results can last for years.
  • Safe treatment, because professional teeth whitening products have been approved by the American Dental Association.

There are many things that can make your smile dull and yellow. Aging is one of the main factors. As you age, your enamel becomes thinner, allowing you and others to see the layer underneath, called dentin. This layer is naturally yellow, so the more dentin you can see, the more yellow your smile will look.

If you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, the pigments in these beverages can give you dark stains in your smile. Even blueberries, a healthy food, can stain your teeth. If you use tobacco products, they can add layers of stains to your teeth.

The good news is, professional teeth whitening can eliminate stains and yellowing, giving you the bright, white smile you deserve. Professional teeth whitening treatment is quick, offering excellent results in about an hour. That means you can have a bright, dazzling smile just in time for a special event like a wedding or reunion when you want to look your best.

You don’t have to settle for a dull, unappealing smile when a brilliant smile is just a phone call away. It’s time to discover the magic of professional teeth whitening by calling Dr. Michael Pugh in Huntsville, Alabama at (256) 536-3386. Let professional teeth whitening improve your look by calling today.

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Straighten Your Smile Discreetly With Invisalign

By Artistic Dentistry
March 05, 2020
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: Invisalign  

Orthodontic treatment is a great investment in your smile and oral health, but some teenagers and adult patients can be understandably reluctant to commit to wearing traditional metal braces. Invisalign clear aligner trays are a discreet and effective alternative to braces for a number of common orthodontic problems like crowding or an overbite. Our Huntsville, AL, dentist Dr. Michael Pugh offers Invisalign and other general and cosmetic dentistry services.

The Invisalign Difference

The Invisalign system corrects bite and alignment problems in much the same way as traditional braces: by gently shifting your teeth into the correct position gradually over time. Unlike braces, Invisalign trays are made of clear plastic that fits over your teeth, so in addition to being practically invisible, they don't require wires or rubber bands.

Invisalign trays are also removable for up to two hours every day, so you also have the freedom to continue enjoying your favorite foods and to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. The trays are custom designed for your specific needs, and each tray is worn for approximately two weeks. Everyone is different, but in some cases the length of the treatment period is also shorter than with traditional braces.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Like all dental treatments and procedures, Invisalign is not a one size fits all solution, and are not always the best choice for everyone. Dr. Pugh will perform a comprehensive dental exam at our Huntsville office to help determine whether Invisalign is the best option for you or your child. The Invisalign system works best for mild to moderate bite problems, and there are some situations where traditional braces may be the better option.

Find a Dentist in Huntsville, AL

For more information about the benefits of choosing Invisalign and to find out if clear aligner trays are right for you, contact us today by calling (256) 536-3386 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pugh at in Huntsville, AL.

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Improve Your Smile With Veneers

By Artistic Dentistry
November 18, 2019
Category: Cosmetic Dentistry
Tags: veneers  

A couple of dark and chipped teeth can ruin your whole smile. If this describes your dental situation, consider porcelain veneers from here at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL. Beautifully crafted from high-grade ceramic, these thin laminates disguise a variety of cosmetic flaws and improve tooth strength, too.

Are veneers right for you?

Here at our Huntsville office, Dr. Michael Pugh can give you sound cosmetic dentistry advice through an examination and X-ray screening. Customized to exactly fit your teeth, veneers are thin, realistically-colored, and can camouflage dental flaws such as:

  • Hairline cracks
  • Large chips
  • Craze lines
  • Chips
  • Small gaps and crowding
  • Tooth rotation
  • Stains which don't lighten even with professional whitening
  • Uneven or worn teeth

The best outcome starts with a plan

During a consultation, you will discuss how you wish to improve your smile. Dr. Pugh will then offer you options that fit your goals and budget. In the case of porcelain veneers, your dentist will take pictures and impressions and actually preview how your finished smile will appear.

A two-visit procedure

Once your treatment plan is in place, Dr. Pugh will prepare your teeth. For proper placement and bonding, porcelain veneers require tooth resurfacing—a gentle removal of a half millimeter of enamel.

While you wait for your permanent veneers, you'll wear temporary laminates. At the next visit, Dr. Pugh will remove the laminates and use a tooth-colored cement to bond the permanent veneers in place. Because your dentist carefully adjusts and positions your veneers, you'll experience a comfortable fit, perfect bite, and best of all, no dental or gingival sensitivity.

Caring for veneers

If you already have solid brushing and flossing habits, you're well on your way to maintaining your new veneers. Additionally, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recommends:

  • Six-month hygienic cleanings and examinations with your family dentist
  • Limiting highly staining foods and beverages
  • Avoiding hard foods and biting on objects such as pencils, bottle caps, or plastic packaging

With this care regimen, your veneers can last for over ten years!

Look at that nice smile!

For more information or to arrange a consultation with your dentist, please contact the team here at our office in Huntsville, AL, by dialing (256) 536-3386.

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Rebuild Your Smile with Crowns and Bridges

By Artistic Dentistry
August 05, 2019
Category: Cosmetic Dentistry
Tags: crowns   bridges  

Here at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, your dentist, Michael S. Pugh, D.M.D, uses crowns and bridges to rebuild smile. If you have been feeling the need to improve your damaged smile, read on to see if these treatments are right for you!

What are dental crowns?

Crowns are porcelain caps that are placed over a tooth in order to restore a biting/chewing functionality and improve aesthetic appearance, especially after a restorative procedure like a root canal. They also prevent tooth cracks from worsening and can protect teeth with thin enamel.

In addition to being an individual restoration, crowns are also used in conjunction with a variety of other procedures such as bridges and dental implants.

What are bridges?

These natural-looking dental appliances are used to help patients that need to replace multiple missing teeth. Consisting of a series of porcelain crowns, bridges are placed over already-existing teeth, in order to replace a missing middle tooth. Custom-made bridges are inconspicuous and can restore the natural look and functionality of your smile.

Two types of bridges exist:

  • Fixed dental bridges which are bonded to existing teeth or implants and cannot be removed
  • Removable bridges, which obviously can be removed if need be, and are easier to clean.

How do you care for crowns and bridges?

  • Avoid biting into ice
  • Eat healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, instead of sugary foods that decay teeth
  • Brush and floss your teeth every day
  • Wear a nightguard if you have a jaw clenching/teeth grinding problem
  • Visit your dentist on a regular basis for a dental examination
  • Have your teeth cleaned every six months by a hygienist
  • Use fluoride-containing products like toothpaste and mouthwash
  • Drink plenty of water to wash away food debris

Need dental work? Call our Huntsville office today

For more information about crowns and bridges in the Huntsville, AL area, contact Artistic Dentistry by calling (256) 536-3386 today!

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Archive:

  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • 5 Signs Its Time To Visit the Dentist
        • Don't Wait When You Have a Toothache
        • Build a New You With Dental Veneers
      • August (1)
        • How Crowns and Bridges Can Help Your Smile
      • June (1)
        • Preventing Gum Disease
      • April (1)
        • The Importance of Proper At-Home Oral Care
      • March (2)
        • How Teeth Whitening Can Improve Your Look
        • Straighten Your Smile Discreetly With Invisalign
  • 2019
      • November (1)
        • Improve Your Smile With Veneers
      • August (1)
        • Rebuild Your Smile with Crowns and Bridges
      • May (1)
        • Do You Have Periodontal Disease?
      • March (1)
        • Don't Ignore A Toothache
      • January (1)
        • Are Dental Crowns Right for Me?
  • 2018
      • December (1)
        • Root Canal Treatment FAQ
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        • Why You Shouldn't Neglect Regular Dental Visits
      • June (2)
        • Do You Need a Dental Filling?
        • Signs You May Need a Root Canal
      • May (1)
        • How Crowns Help Your Smile
  • 2017
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        • How’s Your Oral Hygiene?
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        • What You Can Do About Toothaches
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        • The Effects of Soda on your Teeth
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        • When to Visit Your Dentist
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        • Breathe Life Back into Your Smile with Dental Veneers
      • March (1)
        • What Dental Crowns And Bridges Can Offer Your Smile
      • February (1)
        • Don't Neglect Your Regular Dental Cleanings
      • January (1)
        • Teeth Whitening: What Are My Options?
  • 2016
      • November (1)
        • Do I Really Have to Brush Twice a Day?
      • September (1)
        • Improve Your Smile With Veneers
      • July (1)
        • Dental Crowns And Bridges Stabilize Your Smile
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        • A Dentist for Your Whole Family
      • March (1)
        • Protect Your Family's Teeth with Sealants
      • January (1)
        • What Should I Do if I Have a Toothache?
  • 2012
      • November (3)
        • Don't Let Tooth Pain Linger — The Cost May Just Be Too High
        • Top 5 Reasons Not to Fear Bone Grafting
        • Tooth Replacement: It's Come a Long Way
      • October (5)
        • Crowns: Do You Know Your Options?
        • Some Facts About Thumb Sucking
        • Facts You Need To Know About Root Canal Treatment
        • Are You at Risk For Oral Cancer?
        • Sleep Apnea - a Hidden Danger
      • September (3)
        • Tooth-Colored Fillings - Do They Really Look Natural?
        • Don't Like the Drill? Now There's Drill-Free Cosmetic Dentistry
        • Grrr! FAQs about Teeth Grinding
      • August (10)
        • Your Cure for Bad Breath
        • Understanding The Maintenance And Lifespan Of Porcelain Veneers
        • What Is A Veneer?
        • How Modern Dental Fillings Mimic Real Teeth
        • Dental Implants: Quiz
        • Rebuilding Your Smile With Dental Implants
        • Father's Day Tip: Step Up & Improve Your Dental Health!
        • Actress Florence Henderson Shares Her Secrets for Keeping Your Natural Teeth as You Age
        • Nancy O'Dell Helps Put New Moms At Ease About Infant Oral Health
        • Five Reasons to Choose Dental Implants
      • July (4)
        • If Your Child Chipped A Tooth, What Should You Do?
        • When Teeth are Lost, Bone is Lost
        • Frequently Asked Questions about Bumps in the Mouth
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Heart and Gum Diseases
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        • How Does Tooth Bleaching Work?
        • Nine Things to Expect During Your Appointment with the Dental Hygienist
        • Oral Health Tips for Special Needs Children
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        • Not Just Filling in the Gaps: Lost Teeth Have Unexpected Consequences
        • Understanding Dry Mouth
        • Whitening a Discolored Tooth from the Inside Out
        • How Tooth Decay Can Cause A Root Canal Problem
      • April (4)
        • Are You at High Risk for Tooth Decay?
        • Questions You Should Ask Before Whitening Your Teeth
        • Dental Injuries: The Type Of Sports You Play Really Matters
        • Aspirin: Not Just a Harmless OTC Medication
      • March (4)
        • Understanding the Latest News on Fluoride
        • Full Dentures: Frequently Asked Questions
        • Facts You Should Know About Tooth Wear
        • Gum Disease & Diabetes: Two Diseases With A Common Enemy — You.
      • February (3)
        • Determining Your Risk For Tooth Decay — And Reversing It
        • Tooth Brushing: Don't Overdo It!
        • Testing Your Knowledge on Caring for Your Dentures
      • January (4)
        • Can A Root Canal Save My Tooth?
        • Little Known Facts About Bad Breath
        • TV's Nate Berkus Discusses Dental Sealants, Fluoride Treatments and Flossing
        • The Secrets Behind Vanna White's Smile
  • 2011
      • December (4)
        • Cracks in Corners of the Mouth: Are They Serious?
        • TV Wellness Guru Jillian Michaels Discusses Breaking Her Two Front Teeth
        • Seal Your Children's Teeth from Decay
        • How We Make Dental Implants Match Existing Teeth
      • November (3)
        • Bleeding Gums Mean Something is Wrong
        • Don't Keep It A Secret: Tell Us About Your Dry Mouth
        • Testing your Knowledge: Dental Implants vs. Bridgework
      • October (5)
        • Root Canal Treatment FAQs
        • Are Dental Implants A Good Choice for My Teenager?
        • Tooth Sensitivity FAQs
        • Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Right for You?
        • Are Porcelain Veneers Right For You?
      • September (4)
        • Testing your Knowledge on the Facts and Myths of Thumb Sucking
        • Can Thumb Sucking Harm Your Child's Teeth?
        • Your Guide to Whiter Teeth
        • Testing your Knowledge on Tooth Pain
      • August (4)
        • The Facts About Thumb Sucking
        • A Chewing Gum That's Good for your Teeth: A Quiz About Xylitol
        • Your Crowning Achievement
        • Six Ways to Get Whiter Teeth
      • July (5)
        • Rate Your Oral Hygiene
        • Fluoride: You Can Have Too Much of a Good Thing
        • Is Thumb Sucking Really that Bad?
        • Can You Whiten Traumatized Teeth?
        • Test Your Dental Injuries IQ
      • June (4)
        • Sinus Surgery — Creating Bone for Dental Implants “Out of Thin Air”
        • What Can A Deep Cleaning Do For Gum Disease?
        • How The Biggest Loser Star Jillian Michaels Keeps Her Winning Smile
        • Testing Your Knowledge: Do Your Children Have Good Oral Health?
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        • Test Your Knowledge: Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Whitening
        • The Effects Ordinary Tap Water Has On Your Oral Health
        • What Are Baby Teeth, And Why Do They Come Out?
        • Oral Piercings — Tongue & Lip Bolts: Trendy But Dangerous
        • Sealants FAQ: How Do Sealants Prevent Decay and Protect Your Child's Teeth?
      • April (4)
        • “Prepless” Porcelain Veneers: Are They Right For You?
        • The Top Ten Reasons To Consider Porcelain Veneers
        • Dental Implants: The Best Solution For Missing Teeth
        • Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Porcelain Veneers
      • March (4)
        • Questions You Should Ask Before Getting A Dental Implant
        • Testing Your Oral Health IQ
        • Sports-Related Dental Injuries: Do You Know What To Do?
        • Oral Health Tips: Brush Up On A Great Smile
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        • Newsletter
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        • Welcome to Our Blog!

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Artistic Dentistry
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