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If I asked you to look in the mirror right now and smile, would you be happy with what you saw? Or would you even do it?

If you are unhappy with how your smile currently looks, you might consider dental veneers. If you have discolored teeth, crooked or imperfectly aligned teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, or teeth with small gaps between them, dental veneers might be a good option for you.

One of the more popular types of dental veneers are porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are very thin pieces of ceramic that are adhered to the front of your teeth with a rugged bonding agent. These dental veneers are excellent at covering teeth imperfections and helping to give you a whiter, brighter, more “perfect” smile.

Before you consider porcelain veneers for your solution to a brighter, more “perfect” smile, weigh these factors, which may have an impact on your being a good candidate for porcelain veneers:

• Do you have habits such as biting or chewing hard objects such as pens, fingernails, paper clips, etc.?
• Do you have unhealthy or weak teeth? Do you have unhealthy gums?
• Have your teeth been weakened by large or multiple tooth fillings, decay, or breaks?
• Do you actively participate in contact sports?
• Do you clench or grind your teeth?
• Do you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine?
• Are you a heavy smoker – of either cigarettes or cigars?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might want to rethink the notion of getting porcelain veneers – or at a minimum, hold a more lengthy discussion with your dentist. He or she may recommend a mouth guard to better protect your new dental veneers.

But, for some of the conditions listed above, your dentist may recommend an alternative approach to dental veneers. Veneers are tough – but they are not completely indestructible – and some of these activities could pose a threat to your shiny new dental veneers.

If the idea of a bright, white, beautiful smile appeals to you, dental veneers (including porcelain veneers) may be for you. Talk to your dentist to see if you are a good candidate, or if some other approach to beautifying your smile may be better suited to you.

Let Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dental professionals help you achieve the beautiful smile you have been longing for. Contact Dr. Majka for an appointment today.

If you are asking yourself if a dental implant is right for you, chances are you could benefit from the restorative effects of dental implants. If you are missing a tooth or teeth, a dental implant could provide the restoration you are looking for.

If you have lost one or several teeth, dental implants could help you restore your smile. Whether the missing teeth are in the front of your mouth and are very visible, or are located at the back of your mouth and are not so visible, you could benefit from dental implants.

Conventional dental restoration techniques including crowns, bridges and partial dentures might be considered a thing of the past due the incredible restorative techniques of dental implants. The fact is, dental implants can be matched to your teeth and provide a virtually seamless, very natural looking appearance – even directly adjacent to your natural teeth.

If you experience anxiety, fear or shame when in public settings due to your missing teeth, or have difficulty eating or drinking, you might be a good candidate for dental implants. If you have consulted with your dentist about your dental issues and the use of crowns, bridges or partial dentures was either not an option for your particular situation, or it presented an unappealing solution for you, ask your dentist if dental implants might be a good solution for you.

If you have been asking ‘what is a dental implant’ and all of the above information sounds interesting to you, consult with your dentist about your specific situation and the restorative options available to you. Every patient is individual, and each should be evaluated individually for their applicability to dental implants.

Are you looking for an experienced dental implant dentist who truly understands dental implants and can answer all your questions, including ‘what is a dental implant’? Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dental professionals offers the kind of gentle, careful, professional dentistry you have been searching for. Contact Dr. Majka for an appointment today.

You have probably heard a lot about both teeth whitening and dental sealant. Both of these procedures offer a lot via today’s modern dentistry. But which one is what you really need?

A dental sealant is typically applied to protect the chewing surfaces of teeth. Dental sealants are not typically applied to provide a cosmetic benefit, but rather a protective benefit from longer term tooth decay and the potentially hazardous impacts that a lifetime of chewing can afford. For those individuals particularly vulnerable to tooth decay, such as with some children, a dental sealant can be highly effective. Consult with your Indiana dentist to find out if this procedure is right for you.

Typically an acrylic-like substance, a dental sealant forms a strong barrier against the innumerable bacteria that are ever present in the mouth. As food and drink is broken down in the mouth, bacteria and acids are deposited on the teeth and gums that, over time, can wreak havoc on teeth. The fact is, at least 75% of tooth decay begins in this way.

The dental sealant bonds to the enamel of the tooth it is applied to, covering the small indentations and pits where acid and bacteria can be deposited. How is a dental sealant applied?

A solution is applied to the tooth surface to help prepare the tooth enamel for bonding. After allowing the solution to settle, the teeth are rinsed and dried thoroughly. The dental sealant is then applied, and is hardened under an ultraviolet light. Depending upon you chewing pattern, and what you typically eat and drink, a dental sealant can last for many years with proper care and routine checkups with your Indiana dentist. An additional layer of sealant may be applied in worn areas to provide good ongoing protection.

On the other hand, teeth whitening is primarily a cosmetic procedure, used to make the teeth appear whiter and brighter.

Even though we all start with bright white teeth, over time, routine chewing, eating and drinking (not to mention all the things we put in our mouth over time) wears down the natural bright white of tooth enamel, exposing  the natural yellow color of the tooth dentin below.

While the dentin remains intact, the tooth enamel begins to become cracked – and it is within these cracks that stains, bacteria and leftover food/dink residue collect. This causes the tooth to become dull.

Through teeth whitening, the stains and debris on the tooth enamel are washed away. The result is whiter, brighter teeth you can once again be proud of. Could your teeth use a shot of brightness? Consult with your Indiana dentist today.

Looking for an Indiana dentist who is experienced in both teeth whitening and dental sealants – and can help you achieve a brighter, whiter, more healthy smile? Contact Dr. Joseph Majka for the gentle, caring dentistry you have been looking for. Contact Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals for an appointment today.

You probably go to the dentist at least once a year – and if you don’t, you need to – to ensure your ongoing dental health! Call our office for an appointment right now!

But the fact is many people who go to the dentist don’t all go for checkups, cleanings and fillings. Some of these people have looked in the mirror and found that they are just not that happy with how their smile looks. If that’s you, cosmetic dentistry can help you do something about that smile!

Cosmetic dentistry is specifically designed to enhance your teeth and your smile. It works to restore the natural beauty of your teeth, not the function of your teeth.

You may have heard of porcelain veneers? These are just one form of dental veneers a cosmetic dentist can use to enhance your smile. But do you know some of the other wonderful things that cosmetic dentistry can offer? Let’s take a look at some of the options of cosmetic dentistry…

Dental veneers (including porcelain veneers and composite veneers)

Dental veneers are thin sheets of either durable porcelain or resin material (depending upon the type of dental veneers applied). These sheets are adhered to the fronts of the teeth, following a pre-application process to prepare your teeth. For teeth with tough stains, chips and cracks, dental veneers are a great solution to cover these dental imperfections and create a more attractive smile.

Caps / Crowns

Sometimes also known as crowns, dental caps are another option to cover imperfections on your teeth. They are custom designed fit to your mouth and teeth. They are designed to cover an imperfect tooth, or fill a void between teeth. Caps and crowns are durable and long lasting.

Bonding

You may have heard of bonding - yet another option to fill cracks, voids and unevenness in your teeth. Dental bonding leverages a resin compound applied to your teeth. It is ideal at filling imperfections in your teeth, but may need several layers to be effective. Also, it may have a shortened lifespan, often needing to be replaced within ten years. While less invasive than dental veneers, it is not nearly as rugged or long lasting. As such, many professionals in cosmetic dentistry opt for dental veneers (including porcelain veneers) in lieu of dental bonding. Consult with your dentist for the solution that is best for you.

Teeth Whitening

Are your teeth the bright white you would like them to be? Our teeth are magnets for stains. Coffee, tea, red wine, dark fruits, smoking and all kinds of sugary substances can wreak havoc on our teeth and leave stains that are hard to eliminate with brushing alone. This is where dental whitening can help. Have you seen whitening solutions sold on the shelves of your supermarket? The whitening compound used in cosmetic dentistry is far stronger than that which you could buy at the store – and will work real magic on your teeth in far less time. Through cosmetic teeth whitening, your dentist can restore the bright white that your teeth once were.

Looking for a whiter smile, straighter teeth, or teeth that show less visible imperfections such as stains, chips and cracks? Cosmetic dentistry may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Before you sign-up for any procedure, be sure the dentist you choose is well versed in cosmetic dentistry and has plenty of references and photos he/she can show to represent past work. Talk to your dentist at length about what can be done with your teeth – and what they recommend.

Looking for a dentist who understands cosmetic dentistry and has the experience to restore your beautiful, natural smile? Dr. Joseph Majka in Valparaiso, Indiana knows the kind of cosmetic dentistry that will most benefit you. He and his team of dental professional offer the kind of gentle, caring dentistry you have been searching for. Contact Dr. Joseph Majka for an appointment today.

With proper care and routine dental visits, it is possible for your dentures to last a very long time. How can you help ensure they do?

Regularly take inventory of your dentures. Do they still feel good and fit well? Are they loose? Do they create sore spots in your mouth when you wear them? If they do – don’t shelve them! Dentures – whether partial dentures or a complete denture set – are a costly investment. Your dentist may be able to bring new life to your mouth with some simple adjustments to make them feel better and fit better.

You see, as we age, our mouth changes. Our gums recede and the gum line pulls back. This can cause dentures to loosen. Another factor of aging is that the bone in your mouth can shrink, and this can cause further problems. Your jaw can become misaligned – and this can further impact the fit of your dentures.

It is entirely possible that your dentures, which fit well a few years back, may now not fit so well. Not such an uncommon thing really. Poor fitting dentures can cause jaw pain, sore spots and can actually cause a change in your facial features. But that doesn’t have to be the case!

You know you need to wear your dentures – but if they don’t fit or feel uncomfortable, what choice do you have but to leave them out? Plenty of options actually!

At least annually, visit your dentist for a complete checkup and exam. He will ensure your dentures are in good shape and still fit well. Ensure proper care of your dentures too, which means brushing daily with a soft bristled tooth brush to remove plaque and any remnants of food. And, when not in use, always store your dentures in cold water, or a denture solution recommended by your dentist.

With proper care and regular visits to your dentist, you can enjoy proper fitting dentures for many years to come.

Looking for a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana who knows dentures? Dr. Joseph Majka, a Valparaiso Indiana dentist, offers the kind of gentle, caring dentistry you have been searching for. Contact Dr. Joseph Majka for an appointment today.

The practice of good dental health is something you can set in place with your child on early on. Instilling the habits of good oral hygiene is key to helping ensue the ongoing well being of your child’s teeth.

Here are some tips to help set the foundation for your child’s good dental health, provided by an experienced professional in family dentistry:

• Routine visits to your Indiana dentist

  Somewhere between six months of age and six months from the time first tooth pokes through, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants receive a thorough oral examination by a professional skilled in family dentistry or pediatric dentistry. Thereafter, children should receive a thorough dental examination at least annually. During these exams, your child’s teeth and gums will be checked to ensure they are healthy, and growth is on-par for the child’s age group.

• Brush and floss regularly

  Daily tooth cleaning should begin as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. Simply wipe the teeth with a damp cloth. As your child gets older, switch to a junior toothbrush with a children’s fluoride toothpaste. And remember flossing for your little one too! If you see two teeth that are touching each other, they should be flossed to avoid cavities from forming between them.

• Fluoride is vital!

  Fluoride is a naturally-occurring chemical that is essential to strengthening tooth enamel and helping repair damage in young teeth. Be sure you are using a children’s toothpaste that contains fluoride. Consider drinking water that has fluoride added too! This is an easy way to give your kids an extra boost of fluoride. If you feel your child needs more fluoride, consult with your Indiana dentist. You want to be sure not to provide too much fluoride, as that can result in fluorosis, or spotted teeth. Your family dentistry professional may recommend a fluoride paste be applied according to a scheduled regimen.

• Help your child eat right

  To help ensure good dental health, provide your child with a well-balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables – and plenty of water. Reduce sugary food and beverage intake, particularly just before bedtime or naptime, to help ensure a positive oral exam.

These helpful tips are brought to you by Dr. Joseph Majka, an Indiana dentist focusing on family dentistry. For the kind of gentle, caring dental care you have been searching for, contact Dr. Joseph Majka for an appointment today.

Do you floss? If you don’t, no doubt you have heard time and again that you should. And for good reason too!

Your family dentist will be the first to tell you of the many benefits of flossing. To effectively remove food and sugary substances that have been trapped between your teeth and at the gum line, there is simply no better way to ensure your teeth stay clean.

The principles of general dentistry are founded on brushing and flossing regularly. To ensure the ongoing health of your teeth, you should follow a daily regimen of brushing and flossing.

Brushing alone cannot effectively clean between the spaces of your teeth – not like floss can. Flossing can greatly help to reduce the chances for cavities and gum disease. You’ll even notice a fresher, cleaner feeling in your mouth when you floss. Just ask your family dentist if you could benefit from flossing – I’m sure he/she will say you could!

Start with buying a quality un-waxed floss – several are available today. Ask your family dentist for a recommendation.

Then stand in front of your bathroom mirror and follow these helpful tips for effectively flossing your teeth:

·         Wind about 18 inches of floss between your two middle fingers.

·         Start with your middle teeth and work back, working between all your upper and lower teeth.

·         Gently glide the floss between the teeth, down to the gum line. Gently curve the floss around each tooth to clean as much of it as possible.

·         Glide the floss up and down gently between your teeth.

·         When you move from tooth to tooth, use a new section of the floss.

·         Be careful not to push the floss into your gums.

·         Sore or bleeding gums the first few times you floss is normal – so don’t be alarmed. This will go away after a few times of regular flossing. If you have any doubts, just ask your family dentist.

·         If you have difficulty navigating the floss between your teeth or in the far reaches of your mouth, you may consider a flossing device. Ask your family dentist for their recommendation.

For better oral hygiene, try flossing. Ask your family dentist for their advice on proper brushing and flossing - and don’t put it off another day.

Dr. Joseph Majka is a family dentist practicing general dentistry in Northwest Indiana. If you are looking for professional, gentle dental care, look no further than Valparaiso dentist Dr. Joseph Majka. Contact us today for an appointment.

At some point in your life, you will likely change dentists. It may be because you have relocated, your dentist retires, or you just need a change and a new face to look at while you lay back in that dental exam chair. Whatever the reason, finding a family dentist can be a trying experience.

Just in your local community, there are so many to pick from. How would you know which dentist is the right one for you and your family? How do you know the family dentist you find is dependable?

The key to finding a quality dentist in Indiana – a dentist you can truly depend upon – is to ask around. Ask your family, your friends, your neighbors. The experiences of others will tell a lot about a dentist, and what these people have experienced themselves. Pay attention to these comments and make mental notes – keep track of what you hear. If you have specific needs, such as cosmetic dentistry or dentures, or you have specific scheduling needs, be sure to ask others about this too.

You’ll want to also review the dentist’s web site, as well as their marketing materials. Do they appear professional and well organized? Visit their office. Are they warm and inviting? Are the surroundings neat and clean and well organized?

In just a matter of minutes, you can have a pretty good feel for a dentist – and a better determination if they are a good fit for you.

Once a new dentist in Indiana is found, how do you know if they will be dependable or not? Chances are if you have listened to others and have done your homework, you will likely find that dependability is right there too.

Always remember, before you decide to go with any one dentist, ask around and do some checking. It will be time well spent. This will enable you to be more assured of finding a dentist in Indiana that will meet your needs. For a quality family dentist in Indiana – and for that kind of gentle caring dentistry you have been searching for – call Dr. Joseph Majka. Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals will be happy to make their office your new dental home!

If you are looking for a new family dentist in Indiana, you might be feeling some anxiety over choosing the right one. In fact, with so many options available today, you might find few things easier than actually locating a dentist in Indiana. However, the key is finding the right family dentist to meet your families’ needs.

Whether you have moved to a new area and need a new family dentist close by, or you simply want a change from your current Indiana dentist, identifying the key attributes for the ideal family dentist will help the search go easier.

Try these five key factors when searching for a new family dentist in Indiana or elsewhere:

• Office LocationWhere the dentist office is located should be paramount to your evaluation criteria. Either close to home or close to work will help ensure you keep your appointments — and help make them seem less daunting and inconvenient. After all, you need just one more excuse to cancel your next dentist appointment, right?
• Accepted InsuranceProbably more important than the location is checking on which insurance your prospective family dentist will accept. Make sure the dentist you are considering accepts your insurance or you could be looking at much larger fees. Further, ask about co-pay requirements, and billing too. Will the prospective family dentist require a co-pay up front? Or will they bill you for your portion later? Will they file insurance for you, or do you have to do that yourself? All good questions to ask.
• Office EnvironmentBeyond location, you’ll want to make sure the office of the prospective family dentist you are considering is clean, well lit and well organized. Be sure the staff is professional, friendly and courteous. Ask for a tour before you commit – make sure you see the environment and talk to the staff up front.
• Office HoursMake sure the prospective family dentist you are considering has office hours that meet the needs of you and your family. If you are like most of today’s families, you are super busy – so you need a dentist with flexible office hours that meet your unique needs.
• Ask AroundBy all means, always ask your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers who they see, and if they have heard anything about the prospective family dentist you are considering. Word of mouth can be a powerful – or dangerous – influence mechanism, particularly when choosing a dentist.

Searching for a quality family dentist in the Northwest Indiana area? Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dedicated dental professionals in Valparaiso will provide the gentle dental care you are looking for. Contact Dr. Majka today to learn more about his practice.

If you have ever considered dental implants, or asked yourself ‘what is a dental implant’, you will happy to hear that millions of people each year get dental implants to restore their smiles.

Whether you need a dental implant to fill in for a single missing tooth or you need to replace multiple teeth, dental implants can meet your needs effectively. In fact, today’s dental implant is perfectly matched to your existing teeth to present a natural-looking, complete smile.

Dental implants are durable and long lasting – you won’t have to fear eating hard candy or apples with them either! In fact, if you are having difficulty with your current set of dentures and they just don’t feel secure, you might speak to your dentist about dental implants.

So what is a dental implant?

A dental implant is merely an artificial root for a tooth. Your dental implant dentist will insert this root into your jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Modern dental technology has enabled dentists to deliver a consistently strong, artificial tooth root.

Dental implants are self-supportive; they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. In fact, after having received dental implants, many people comment that they are so natural feeling, they often forget they ever had a tooth missing. And they are look so natural in appearance too! Most people don’t even notice them. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

If you have good oral health and have lost a tooth or multiple teeth due to an accident, injury, or periodontal disease, a dental implant may be ideal for you. It is possible to restore your complete smile once again – and a dental implant dentist can help.

Dr. Joseph Majka is the dental implant dentist you need to restore your natural smile with dental implants. Consider what a complete smile could do for you! Contact Dr. Majka today for a personal consultation and find out how dental implants can improve your smile. With the gentle dental care provided by Dr. Majka and his team of dedicated dental professionals, and his many satisfied patients, you too can experience the dramatic oral transformation that dental implants can provide for you.