Stephen Ratcliff Blog

Do you have a damaged tooth that causes you embarrassment? Even if all your other teeth are nicely shaped and pearly white, guess what other people notice? Yep, the ugly duckling. You have probably experienced that yourself when you have looked at a smile that contains one discolored tooth. No matter how hard you try, the unsightly one is impossible to ignore.

A beautiful smile is an important component of your overall appearance. Unattractive teeth draw the eye away from other pleasing features such as thick shiny hair, gorgeous eyes or a peaches and cream complexion.

Fortunately, there are several cosmetic dental procedures to restore or repair one or more teeth. At Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington, we can complete most of them in one short visit. Think about it; you could achieve a stunning smile in less than an afternoon!

Veneers, Bonding and Cosmetic Implant Dentistry
Dental bonding is an affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure available in Arlington at Dr. Stephen Ratcliff. We use dental bonding in a variety of applications. In addition to repairing damage, dental bonding can close gaps between teeth. Porcelain veneers are another minimally invasive cosmetic fix. Like cosmetic dental bonding, veneers correct chips, cracks and improve tooth shape.

What if your problem is not an unattractive tooth but a missing tooth? Don’t despair, a beautiful smile is still possible in Arlington with dental implants.

For more information about veneers, bonding, implants and other cosmetic denistry procedures, call Stephen Ratcliff DDS at (817) 274-7875. We are conveniently located at 1007 West Randol Mill Road, in Arlington, Texas. We provide advanced dentistry for patients in Arlington, Grand Prairie and the surrounding areas. We look forward to showing you cosmetic dentistry ‘before after’ pictures.

If you have children in the Arlington area, there is no better time to consider pediatric

dentistry than right now.

The best time to start your children on a pediatric dentistry program is when their teeth first appear. This may seem a bit early, however it is a great time to become acquainted with pediatric dentistry options, learn training techniques for teaching your children, and assessing the health of your child’s teeth before problems begin.

We can also help you identify pediatric dentistry programs and services in the Arlington area, for you child.

If you have questions about pediatric dentistry, please give us a call at Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. My name is Dr. Stephen Ratcliff, and my leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff will be more than happy to talk with you about pediatric dentistry.

Remember: The best time to consider pediatric dentistry is while you have options. Waiting until problems appear reduces your options and misses the very reason we are concerned about pediatric dentistry; to help your child grow healthy and strong teeth that will last a lifetime.

Bring your questions to our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff at Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We are located at 1007 West Randol Mill Road, in Arlington, Texas.

We are looking forward to seeing you, and to discussing pediatric dentistry with you and your children.

‘We’re your lifelong dental health partner’

Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Arlington residents.

As your Dentist, it’s my job to help you understand how to care for your teeth and to keep them healthy.

Everyone knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires regular daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local dental practice is also necessary to keep watch for cavities and to help you maintain proper dental hygiene. We often forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial for the health of your teeth.

A diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as breads and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.

All foods increase the production of saliva. Saliva is important to healthy teeth because it helps to maintain the pH balance in your mouth. Maintaining this balance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out dental fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum and which brand to chew.

Just as certain diet choices in the Arlington area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be detrimental. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes, and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.

Making good diet choices and limiting between meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your teeth and gums.

If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth, contact Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (817) 274-7875. We would love to hear from you.

-Dr. Stephen Ratcliff

Tooth whitening has really taken off in Arlington. It has become a popular dental

procedure and can provide excellent results if done properly.

There are a lot of options when it comes to tooth whitening. You can choose from a selection of over-the-counter options that you can get at your local pharmacy, or can go to a professional to get a complete tooth whitening solution.

It is a good idea to consult with your dentist before a tooth whitening, regardless of whether you choose to use an over-the-counter product. Your dentist will be able to help you understand the results you can expect, and can help recommend a product that will work for you.

There are many variables when it comes to tooth whitening. The color of your teeth at the beginning of your treatment will make a difference for your ending result. Different tooth whitening treatments will each produce a different result. Your Arlington dentist has experience with tooth coloration and the types of treatments available.

In many cases, your dentist will be able to provide you with a tooth whitening solution that you can take home with you. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a professional treatment that is done at the dentist’s office.

Professional tooth whitening can produce dramatic results in a single treatment, and is often done over a few treatments.

Tooth whitening is less expensive than it was in the earlier days of tooth whitening technology. Today, tooth whitening treatments are very affordable, and don’t take the time they used to.

If you are interested in a tooth whitening consultation in the Arlington area, please call Stephen Ratcliff DDS and make an appointment to see me. I will be happy to give you a check up, assess your tooth color, and recommend teeth whitening treatments that may be right for you.

-Dr. Stephen Ratcliff, Dentist

Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry is Never Necessary for a Healthy Smile

Many so-called Arlington cosmetic dental procedures are not solely cosmetic.  Dental procedures such as tooth replacement are smile-enhancing and, more importantly, prevent many potential problems such as tooth movement, bone loss and difficulty chewing and speaking.

Myth #2: An Arlington Dental Bridge is the Only Way to Replace a Missing Tooth

Dental bridges are an Arlington dental cosmetic procedure that have been used for many years with success. However, dental implants are often a better choice for replacing one or more missing teeth. Dental implants have many advantages for  dental patients. They feel like natural teeth, they are stronger, and they are easier to clean than dental bridges. Texas tooth implants can also be used to anchor dentures or partial dentures.

Myth #3: At-Home Kits are as Effective for Newark Tooth Whitening Than a Professional Dental Solution

At Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer our dental patients teeth whitening treatments that provide a much greater level of whiteness than at-home kits. At-home kits may remove surface stains, but they do not provide optimum results and can often lead to uneven coloring.

Myth #4: Dental Bonding is the Best Way to Fix a Chipped Tooth.

Dental bonding can restore the shape of a tooth, but may not be the best long-term solution. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Call us at (817) 274-7875 to set up an appointment so we can determine the best solution for you.

Myth #5: Arlington Braces are the Only Way to Straighten Teeth

Braces are often part of a transforming dental makeover for our teens and adults alike. However, if your teeth are only slightly crooked, lumineers can reshape your teeth and dramatically improve your smile. And the best thing about veneers? They offer instant results!

Dentist Stephen Ratcliff
patient comfort
Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1007 West Randol Mill Road
Arlington, Texas 76012
http://www.myarlingtoncosmeticdentist.com/
(817) 274-7875

If you are one of the many Arlington denture wearers, you know that they are not the ideal solution for missing teeth.

The problems with dentures include slipping, gum irritation, trouble eating and talking, bone loss, and inability to taste food due to a covered palate. Clearly, dentures do not feel and function like natural teeth.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help you avoid the need for dentures later in your life, but other factors can make dental replacements an inevitability.

The good news? Modern dental implant technology is making dentures a thing of the past.

At Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family and Cosmetic Dentistry we have information and expertise that can help bring hope to denture wearers through dental implant technology. There are a variety of effective denture/implant tooth configurations.

Call Dr. Stephen Ratcliff at (817) 274-7875 to book an implant overdenture consultation. We can help you understand your options and can recommend options.

If you currently wear traditional dentures and are not happy with them, implant anchored dentures may dramatically change your life. Your chewing ability will be similar to that of natural teeth and you will be able to eat hard foods again. How about a thick T-bone at your favorite Arlington steakhouse? In addition to being able to enjoy your meal, you will avoid the embarrassment of having your dentures rattle around in your mouth in public.

http://www.myarlingtoncosmeticdentist.com/services_implants_dental_implants.php

Attention Arlington denture wearers: there is life after dentures with tooth implants!

Come see us at Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 1007 West Randol Mill Road, in Arlington, TX 76012 for more information about dental implants.

The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for

choosing a dentist in Arlington. We have already talked about how word of mouth is an important factor in how many people find a dentist. Here are some things you should look for in an Arlington dentist:

Location is always a factor when choosing a dentist. If you live in the Arlington, Texas area, there are many options. While location plays an important role in convenience, many people are willing to drive a little farther for a better experience with their Arlington dentist.

Relationship is a strong factor. Your Arlington dentist should be approachable, and should make you feel comfortable when you are in the dentist chair. After all, your Arlington dentist will be working very close with you to help you achieve a high level of oral hygiene; you most certainly will want to have a good, professional, comfortable relationship with your Fremont dentist and the dental office staff.

Specialty is another important factor in choosing a dentist in Arlington. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Others specialize in corrective dentistry such as braces. Depending on your need, you may select a local Arlington dentist who can solve your immediate concern. Bare in mind, however, that it is good to have a general dentist who can maintain your dental history and work with you to through the years.

If you are looking for a dentist in Arlington, please come by and speak with me. I can address your interest in any of these critical areas, and will be happy to introduce you to Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Dr. Stephen Ratcliff, DDS

(817) 274-7875

Whether you have lived in Texas for a long time, or just

moving in to the Arlington area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family and Cosmetic Dentistry located at 1007 West Randol Mill Road, in Arlington, Texas, and our specialty is restorative dentistry.

You can reach Stephen Ratcliff DDS by calling (817) 274-7875.

Going to the dentist for the first time in Arlington, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Arlington area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.

Choose an Arlington dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your Arlington dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Arlington dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.

Be prepared to provide your dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.

I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with a Arlington dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.

At Dr. Stephen Ratcliff - Family and Cosmetic Dentistry our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.

If you are in Arlington, Texas and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at (817) 245-7875, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.

-We’re your lifelong dental health partner

We’re Stephen Ratcliff DDS, and we practice family dentistry in Texas.

If you are looking for a new Texas family dentistry experience, Stephen Ratcliff DDS is here for you.

I would like to invite you to bring your Texas family in to our office and see for yourself. You can find us at 1007 West Randol Mill Road, in Arlington, Texas. We serve the Texas community including the 76012 zip code area.

Or just give us a call at (817) 274-7875.

I look forward to seeing you.

-Dr. Stephen Ratcliff, Dentist

As your local Arlington dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your

mouth. Sometimes mouth sores can be an issue, and while dentists often defer to an oral surgeon for extreme cases, we can help you make an assessment.

If you live in the Arlington area and have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; come and see me. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment is the best bet. A better understanding of your mouth sores can lead quickly to comfort and a resolution. If necessary, treatment and pain relief can be offered.

There are two types of mouth sores that are common; canker sores and cold sores.

Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Typically a canker sore heals in a week or two. Antimicrobal mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods may offer you temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of a canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations range from a cut on the inside the mouth, and reactions to extreme temperatures or acids from food or drink, to fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or viruses, or combinations of all these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but usually heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics may provide relief. There are some antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in reducing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often occurs before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause occasional cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

As your Arlington dentist, I can’t do much to stop canker sores or cold sores in your mouth. I can discuss the health of your mouth, and examine any causes that make your mouth sore. In some cases a change in the way you care for your mouth can reduce the chances of getting mouth sores. If you are in the Arlington area, and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, area give us a call at Stephen Ratcliff DDS.

Our number is (817) 274-7875.