This blog is where we will post new information that is relevant to our valued patients. You will find information about a variety of topics, from dental health updates to information about our practice. We will keep this updated with topics about new services, technologies and special offers so our patients can stay informed. We hope you will include this page in your "favorites" and check back occasionally to see what's new.
September 2nd, 2010
Family and cosmetic dentists are concerned with your oral health and thus care about the condition of your mouth and all of your many teeth. At Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry we recognize that your teeth help you both eat and speak. You use your teeth to tear, scrape, and chew food, as well as to form words with your tongue. Teeth are an important part of your oral health and Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Arlington, Texas wants to help keep your mouth and teeth healthy.
Your family dentist will tell you, we humans have two sets of teeth in our lifetime. The first set are your ‘primary teeth’, which many folks often call ‘baby teeth’. Baby teeth typically start to come in at about 6 months old. An average healthy mouth for an Arlington resident has a total of 20 primary teeth by about age 5.
Your primary teeth will eventually fall out and new teeth known as ‘permanent teeth’ will grow in. Permanent teeth typically begin to come in around age 6, but every person is unique and it could be a little earlier or later. By about age 13 an average healthy mouth should have 28 of the total 32 permanent teeth. The last four permanent teeth may or may not come, but typically come in between the ages of 17 and 21 if they do. Because of the late age that these last teeth come in, they are commonly called ‘wisdom teeth’.
Many adults in the city of Arlington have their wisdom teeth pulled out because these teeth can be problematic to your oral health, such as crowding a mouth. Other adults may not have these teeth pulled out because they are not causing problems. If you are concerned about the state of your wisdom teeth you can visit our local Arlington office and we can help you make a decision.
Caring for all of your teeth whether you are young and have 20 primary teeth or are an adult and have 28 to 32 permanent teeth is important for your overall health. Visiting your Arlington family dentist regularly and brushing and flossing daily are great ways to care for your many teeth. Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Arlington, cares about your oral health and can be reached by phone at 817-200-7323.
August 25th, 2010
Ill-fitting dentures cause more problems for denture wearers than they solve. If you live with loose dentures, you probably regard them as a necessary evil. Though they certainly look better than a toothless mouth, in practical terms they leave much to be desired because they affect two essential activities: eating and talking.
Unfortunately, many frustrated denture wearers in Mansfield, Fort Worth, and Arlington TX have quit dining in restaurants or engaging in social activities because they are afraid their dentures will slip.
Dental implant procedures at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington are allowing former denture patients to re-engage in life.
Consider the advantages of implant anchored dentures:
- They are stable because the implant is anchored in the bone.
- Your denture is fixed, it will not move around in your mouth.
- They prevent bone loss that typically occurs when teeth are removed.
- They eliminate the necessity of regular denture relines.
- They do not irritate gums.
- No denture adhesive is required.
Our dental implant clients who have replaced their traditional dentures with implant overdentures enthusiastically say that the dental implant cost was more than worth it.
Do you want to eat normally again? What is the value of maintaining your facial shape? Can you put a price on confidence?
If you want more information about dental implants, call 817-200-7323 to schedule an implant tooth consultation with Dr. Stephen Ratcliff. Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 1007 West Randol Mill Road in Arlington. We have been providing advanced Fort Worth dental care since 1990.
Your Arlington & Fort Worth Cosmetic and Family Dentist
August 18th, 2010
A brilliant smile leaves a lasting impression. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically improve your overall appearance and give you a boost in self-confidence.
Our teeth often turn yellow or gray as we age. The things we eat and drink continually such as colored sodas, coffee and red wine contribute to the staining. Most of us are aware that smoking is not only bad for your lungs; it is an enemy to beautiful teeth. If you are considering having your teeth whitened, you must first decide which method to use. At Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we enjoy discussing treatment options with our clients. To schedule a consultation to talk about teeth whitening or any other dental procedure, call 817-200-7323.
At-home whitening treatments usually consist of trays filled with whitening solution. It takes 7-14 days to achieve 3-6 shades lighter. Brush-on teeth gels and whitening strips take up to 30 days to achieve barely noticeable results. Whitening toothpaste may lighten superficial stains but often provides no change in appearance of teeth.
Professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dental professional achieve dramatic results that last far longer than other treatments.
All of the whitening methods may cause tooth pain or sensitivity, but this usually goes away in a few days. If you have crowns, porcelain veneers or bonding, it is important to talk to your dentist before choosing a whitening method.
We do smile makeovers!
August 3rd, 2010
To remain dense, your jaw bone requires the continual stimulation and pressure of chewing, biting and talking. Each of your teeth has a root structure attached to the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates the bone to which the root is attached.
When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that previously surrounded the root structure begins to recede. Though tooth extraction is often the only possible treatment for our Arlington, TX or Fort Worth patients with tooth damage beyond repair, every effort should be made to preserve the root structure.
Fortunately, dental implants provide a new root which keeps the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant consists of a titanium post which is placed in the jaw bone. It replaces the original root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone. After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and meshed with the implant, a post is inserted into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or dental crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.
To learn more about dental implants, call Dr. Stephen Ratcliff at 817-200-7323. The friendly professionals at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington provide world-class dental treatment for patients in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas.
Your Arlington & Fort Worth Cosmetic and Family Dentist
July 28th, 2010
If you are planning extensive cosmetic dentistry work, you may be wondering whether to do it all at once or one procedure at a time over an extended period. Here are some factors to consider:
Cost
In the long run, It is less expensive to do it all at once. At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington, TX, we are able to complete several procedures in one visit. We know that complete smile transformations are a significant investment for most Arlington and Fort Worth, TX residents. We would be happy to discuss affordable dentistry financing options. Call us to schedule a no-pressure consultation.
Time
With the latest materials and cosmetic dentistry techniques, healing times are shorter than ever before. However, some procedures such as bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, root canals, and dental implants often require a longer healing period.
It is easier physically and psychologically to have the fewest possible visits to your Arlington or Fort Worth dentist. You should also consider how your dental visits and necessary healing periods will impact your employment and family life. You will have less down time if you receive several procedures at once.
Aesthetic Results
While we routinely achieve great outcomes when doing a smile makeover in steps, porcelain restorations such as dental veneers are best fabricated in the same “batch” for the most precise color matching.
Dr. Stephen Ratcliff
Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
1007 West Randol Mill Road
Arlington, TX 76012
July 21st, 2010
Tooth whitening in Arlington is easy, affordable, and pain free. If you are looking for tooth whitening in the Mansfield area, including Arlington, please give our practice a call at 817-200-7323; we are ready to help you navigate the options.
At our Arlington cosmetic dentistry office we offer Zoom! Whitening for fast and effective tooth whitening. After whitening gel is applied to your teeth, a special light will be exposed to your teeth, which activates the gel. In just one hour you can have a smile that is up to eight shades whiter!
Tooth whitening improves the look of any smile. Even aligned and beautifully shaped teeth stand out more with a brighter shade. If you are looking for a way to boost your appearance and your self confidence, visit with Dr. Stephen Ratcliff about the possibility of tooth whitening. After years of experience serving Arlington TX patients, we have transformed hundreds of smiles with effective and long lasting tooth whitening.
-Dr. Stephen Ratcliff
July 14th, 2010
Dental crowns have been used in dentistry for over 2000 years. There is evidence that the Etruscans experimented with crowns on teeth using ivory and bone as early as 700 B.C. By 200 A.D., they began using gold crowns to construct artificial teeth. Ancient Egyptians fashioned tooth replacements out of seashells and then hammered them into their gums (Oral sedation, anyone?).
Porcelain crowns were first used in the 1800s. With the refining of metal casting methods in the 1900s, crown dentistry advanced significantly.
Today, crowns are strong, comfortable and are made to match your surrounding teeth.
Dental crowns (also called caps) cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are cemented in place. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been worn down or weakened by decay or injury. Crowns are also used to restore the original shape of a tooth or solely to improve the appearance of a tooth.
The most common types of crowns are:
- All-porcelain (ceramic)
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- Gold
The material used is determined by several factors. If you suspect you need a crown, want to replace an old crown, or want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Dentist Dr. Stephen Ratcliff. Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 1007 West Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76012. We have been serving clients in the Fort Worth and Dallas area for several years. We can recommend the best tooth restoration or cosmetic dentistry option for you.
July 9th, 2010
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry in Fort Worth, tooth whitening is one of the easiest and rewarding procedures. There are a lot of tooth whitening options for those of us in the Fort Worth or Arlington, TX area. How do you find a good tooth whitening procedure in Fort Worth?
Visiting your local Fort Worth cosmetic dentist is a good start!
Whitening your teeth is an advanced dental procedure that you won’t want to get wrong on the first try. That’s why I always recommend a visit to Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (our dental practice) to visit with me and talk about it. I’m Dr. Stephen Ratcliff, and as a Fort Worth cosmetic Dentist, I am not only experienced with teeth whitening procedures, but care about your teeth and your smile. I can recommend teeth whitening procedures based on your age, dental hygiene, and personal goals.
Most importantly, I can help you assess the condition of your teeth and help you understand what to expect and how to care for your teeth once they are whitened.
Many of our Arlington and Fort Worth patients ask about teeth whitening. In fact it is one of our most popular dental procedures. There are many teeth whitening options, ranging from the kind you will perform at home to professional teeth whitening procedures we can do right here in our Arlington TX dental office. The one best for you can depend on many factors, starting with the color of your teeth, and how white you want your teeth to be after the procedure.
Consulting with your Fort Worth or Arlington cosmetic dentist before you begin a teeth whitening procedure has several advantages. Among the advantages are professional care, experienced advice, and reliable recommendations for which teeth whitening procedure will be best for you.
If you are contemplating a teeth whitening procedure, and you live in the Fort Worth area, come in and visit with me for just a few minutes. We’ll discuss your goals, the options that are available to you, and the results you can expect. You will be much happier with your results with the advantage of professional advice.
I look forward to hearing from you. Call 817-274-7875.
-Dr. Stephen Ratcliff
June 30th, 2010
It doesn’t take a great deal of research to understand that bright and healthy smiles are more attractive. Everybody in Texas likes to see a great smile, and having a great smile is not only healthy for your mouth, but healthy for your self esteem, too.
I’m Dr. Stephen Ratcliff, DDS, and I am a Dentist serving the Arlington community with dental services including cosmetic dentistry. We call our practice ‘Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry’, and we are located in the Arlington, Texas. I provide dental services to the greater Fort Worth area from our dental office in Arlington.
If you are looking for a dentist in the Arlington area, including Mansfield. Grapevine, or Grand Prairie, please contact us. I am currently accepting new Texas dental patients and would love to share with you some new and inexpensive ways to improve your bright and healthy smile.
I know the value of a bright and healthy smile, and can help you improve your smile with our Texas dentistry services including dental implants, dentures, and cosmetic dentistry; just three of the many dental services we provide at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Give me a call today, I am looking forward to hearing from you.
—Dr. Stephen Ratcliff, Dentistry in Arlington, 817-200-7323
June 23rd, 2010
At Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington, we use a variety of techniques to restore damaged teeth. Most Fort Worth dental clients are familiar with fillings. Traditional fillings are also called ‘direct restorations‘ because they are applied to the tooth, shaped and polished in one visit.
Another type of filling is called an ‘indirect restorations’ and is fabricated in a Texas dental lab. There are two types: inlays and onlays.
When a tooth needs more extensive dental restoration, a crown is often used. At Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington, we create strong, natural-looking crowns from a variety of materials.
What if the tooth is damaged beyond repair? There are a number of functional replacements for missing teeth. Dentures are not the only option.
Call 817-200-7323 to learn about the restoration options available. We have been improving smiles for Fort Worth and Grand Prairie patients since 1990.
Whether the damage is caused by decay, injury, bite problems, or natural wear; Dr. Stephen Ratcliff DDS will choose the best dental treatment plan for your tooth restoration needs. Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is conveniently located at 1007 West Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX in Arlington. We provide quality dental care for Mansfield and Grapevine families.
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