greenbriar-dental-care

Some Interesting Facts About Dentistry!

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:11:31 GMT

The average American spends 38.5 total days brushing their teeth over a lifetime.
People who drink 3 or more glasses of soda each day have 62% more tooth decay, fillings and tooth loss than others. Put down the pop and sports drinks and pick up some nice fresh water instead.
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. However, we do not recommend that you use your pearly whites to open bottle caps!
If you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 40% of your tooth surfaces. Make sure you brush and floss twice a day!
If you’re right handed, you will chew your food on your right side. If you’re left handed, you will tend to chew your food on your left side.
Every year, kids in North America spend close to half a million dollars on chewing gum.
More people use blue toothbrushes than red ones.
Like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue print is different
The average woman smiles 62 times a day. The average man smiles about 8 times a day.
Kids laugh around 400 times a day, adults just 15 times a day.
Giraffes only have bottom teeth.
1882 was the year commercial floss was first manufactured.
The most valuable tooth belonged to Sir Isaac Newton. In 1816 one of his teeth was sold in London for $3,633, or in today’s terms $35,700. The tooth was set in a ring! (source: Guinness World Records 2002).

Sleep Apnea & Oral Appliances

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:10:08 GMT

Between 18 and 20 million people in the US suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Apnea is the obstruction of breathing which occurs when the tissues in the upper airway come too close together during sleep, temporarily blocking the inflow of air. Until very recently, only the most severe cases were able to be detected and diagnosed, and non-surgical treatment was limited to the CPAP, an air pressure device worn as a mask during sleep. This left those with mild to moderate apnea, if diagnosed, with the most inconvenient and expensive option in treatment.

Oral Appliances are an Effective Alternative

While the CPAP is the most familiar treatment, it is not the only treatment available for eliminating or reducing the interrupted breathing caused by sleep apnea. In many patients, oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective alternative. Oral appliance therapy refers to the use of a specially made dental appliance worn to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. Dentists trained in sleep medicine make the devices, and fit them specifically to each patient. Oral appliance therapy is more appealing and affordable than other therapies, and also well-tolerated by a larger group of sleep apnea patients.

How Do Oral Appliances Work?

After an initial evaluation by a dentist, technicians create the oral appliance specific to the patient’s mouth and indications. The device helps reposition the lower jaw forward during sleep, creating an open airway and helping prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues of the throat.

What are the Advantages of Oral Appliances?

The oral appliance is easier and more convenient to use than other standard therapies, which leads to increased compliance and greater treatment success. Unlike the CPAP which forces air into the patient’s airway and is not well tolerated by many patients, the oral appliance gently moves the lower mouth forward during sleep letting the patient breathe naturally.

Are Over-the-counter Appliances a Good Option?

Sleep apnea is a serious medical disorder, so proper treatment is important to the patient’s health. Because of this, custom-made oral appliances are always recommended over mail-order or over-the-counter devices for many reasons:

Custom devices are much more successful in treatment
Dental professionals use health grade materials in creating oral appliances
Oral appliance therapy requires short-term and long-term follow-up to assure proper treatment
Medical professionals need to monitor the patient’s physical response to the oral appliance
While the oral appliance is an effective treatment for many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, it is important that each patient only use devices specifically made for them by a dentist trained in sleep medicine.

Dental Anxiety

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:08:55 GMT

Few people look forward to the dental chair, but for some, that apprehension can turn in to full blown dental anxiety. This fear can stem from many things, such as the sound of the equipment, smell of the office, and anticipation of the treatment. Whatever the reason for dental anxiety, this fear causes many Americans to delay dental care– indefinitely. Though common, dental anxiety can be successfully managed so patients at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta can get the care they need, before avoiding care leads to additional oral health issues.

What Causes Dental Anxiety?

There are many different reasons people are fearful of going to the dentist. Sometimes, it’s a previous experience, the sound of the tools, or simply the fear of local anesthetic. There are lots of unfamiliar tools, sounds and smells in the dentist office and all of those elements can make some feel some extreme apprehension. Technically, it’s called dentophobia or odontophobia and you don’t have to have any particular dental trauma in your past to currently experience it.

Signs of dental anxiety include:

Trouble sleeping the night or nights before a scheduled dental appointment
Crying or feeling ill at the thought of visiting the dentist
Uneasiness when objects are placed near your mouth
Feeling as if it’s difficult to breathe when you get in the dentist chair
Feeling helpless and out of control when in the dental chair

Overcoming Dental Fear

Patients that experience dental anxiety need to know that there are ways to manage that fear, and make going to the dentist a lot more comfortable, if not stress-free.

These tips and techniques are effective in reducing the anxiety associated with going to the dental office.

Find a dentist at Greenbriar Dental Center that specializes in dealing with fearful patients. Remember, dentists are healthcare professionals that have training in dealing with patients that have anxiety.
Talk to your dentist about your fears prior to your visit. The dentist will discuss options such as medication, to help you manage your visit.
Understand that dentistry is more sophisticated and comfortable than ever. Many patients envision scenes from westerns when they think of dentistry. Today, treatment is safe, fast, and in many cases nearly pain-free.
Use relaxation techniques to help calm your nerves. Practice deep breathing or envision yourself on a beautiful beach.
If the sound of drilling or suctioning makes you feel tense, listen to your favorite music to drown out the sound.
Avoid caffeine or other stimulants the day before and day of the appointment.
Avoid sugary foods that provide temporary energy. Instead, eat protein rich foods that produce a calming effect.
Have friend or family go with you.
Get to know the dentist before you appointment so you already feel comfortable. Try following them on social media or giving them a call. It’s hard to trust someone you don’t know.
These positive techniques work wonders. Give them a try for your next visit at Greenbriar Dental Center in Atlanta.

Smoking, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:07:16 GMT

WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?

Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the gums and can affect the bone structure that supports your teeth. In severe cases, it can make your teeth fall out. Smoking is an important cause of severe gum disease in the United States.

Gum disease starts with bacteria (germs) on your teeth that get under your gums. If the germs stay on your teeth for too long, layers of plaque (film) and tartar (hardened plaque) develop. This buildup leads to early gum disease, called gingivitis.

When gum disease gets worse, your gums can pull away from your teeth and form spaces that get infected. This is severe gum disease, also called periodontitis. The bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place can break down, and your teeth may loosen and need to be pulled out.

WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE

Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Painful chewing
Loose teeth
Sensitive teeth
Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

HOW IS SMOKING RELATED TO GUM DISEASE?

Smoking weakens your body’s infection fighters (your immune system). This makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Once you have gum damage, smoking also makes it harder for your gums to heal.4,5,6

What does this mean for me if I am a smoker?

You have twice the risk for gum disease compared with a nonsmoker.
The more cigarettes you smoke, the greater your risk for gum disease.
The longer you smoke, the greater your risk for gum disease.
Treatments for gum disease may not work as well for people who smoke.

Tobacco use in any form—cigarettes, pipes, and smokeless (spit) tobacco—raises your risk for gum disease.

HOW CAN GUM DISEASE BE PREVENTED?

You can help avoid gum disease with good dental habits.3

Brush your teeth twice a day.

Floss often to remove plaque.

See a dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.

Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

HOW IS GUM DISEASE TREATED?

Regular cleanings at your dentist’s office and daily brushing and flossing can help treat early gum disease (gingivitis).

More severe gum disease may require:

Deep cleaning below the gum line.
Prescription mouth rinse or medicine.
Surgery to remove tartar deep under the gums.
Surgery to help heal bone or gums lost to periodontitis. Your dentist may use small bits of bone to fill places where bone has been lost. Or your dentist may move tissue from one place in your mouth to cover exposed tooth roots.

If you smoke or use spit tobacco, quitting will help your gums heal after treatment.

REFERENCES

Eke PI, Dye BA, Wei L, et al. Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. Journal of Dental Research 2012; 91(10):914–20 [accessed 2014 Jul 18].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Periodontal Disease [last updated 2013 Jul 10; accessed 2014 Jul 18].
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments [last updated 2012 Aug; accessed 2014 Jul 18].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Highlights: Smoking Among Adults in the United States: Other Health Effects [last updated 2004 May 27; accessed 2014 Jul 18].
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A Report of the Surgeon General. The Health Consequences of Smoking. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2004 [accessed 2014 Jul 18].
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2014 [accessed 2014 Jul 18].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral Health for Adults [last updated 2013 Jul 10; accessed 2014 Jul 18].

Root Canal Treatment

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:02:49 GMT

Root Canals are one of the most commonly practiced dental procedures in the world. Unfortunately, root canals are described as one of the most painful dental therapies and has a reputation of being excruciating. But in reality it isn’t any more painful than getting your filling done. The patient might experience high levels of discomfort prior to the procedure but heals completely after the therapy.

Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic treatment. Learn more about how root canal treatment can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile at Greenbriar Dental in Atlanta, Georgia.

Our team at Greenbriar Dental Care is committed to our patients and believes that they deserve the best dental experience. Call today to schedule your appointment online!

Cosmetic Teeth Whitening

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:01:48 GMT

Cosmetic dental procedures have come a long way. In our society, appearance means everything. Your smile is one of the first things people will notice about you. Are you unhappy with stained or discolored teeth? Do you want to impress social acquaintances? Do you have a job interview and want to leave a positive lasting impression? A professional in-office teeth whitening procedure is certainly a great advantage.

Your Time Is Valuable

We all lead a busy lifestyle. Between work, our family, and social responsibilities, you don’t have time for an at-home treatment system. While you can achieve a dazzling smile at-home, these results take weeks to achieve. You also need to avoid staining foods and drinks while using these systems.

However, a professional in-office whitening process allows you to get back to enjoying these foods and beverages within two days. In just an hour or two, you can leave your dentist’s office with a dazzling, white smile.

Receive Safe and Comfortable Results

Sure, you can whiten your teeth at-home, but there are a few concerns. For one, you may be unaware of just how sensitive your teeth and gums are. At-home whitening systems may not be your best choice because they can irritate your teeth and gums. This is caused by leaving the treatment on too long, or it comes into direct contact with your gums. This leaves days of pain and uncomfortableness.

Wearing porcelain veneers, dental bonds, or even braces is not a challenge for your dentist. Trying to find the perfect system at-home to use can have adverse effects on these dental items. Your dentist can target troublesome stains and areas of the teeth you may not notice. This gives you a total confident smile.

Your dentist is specially trained to use the latest innovative techniques with teeth whitening procedures. An in-office procedure is considered a more comfortable and safe approach as your dentist can adjust the whitening strength needed for your perfect smile. Your unique needs are met, such as the desired color you want and adjusting the treatment if it feels uncomfortable. Your dentist will carefully ensure the whitening agents are not exposed to your sensitive gums. They even have desensitizers for thorough protection.

Stains that are Best Removed with In-Office Whitening

Some stains just aren’t able to be removed with any whitening process. If you have experienced trauma to your teeth or have overexposure to fluoride, you may not be a candidate for teeth whitening.

However, organic stains caused by consumption of red wine, coffee, dark colored fruits and veggies and tobacco use are treatable with whitening procedures. Even discolored teeth due to aging are treatable.

If you’re looking to boost your confidence, you may be an excellent candidate for an in-office teeth whitening plan. For more information on a professional in-office teeth whitening treatment and discover if it’s best for you, contact us today.

Routine Dental Visits

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:58:48 GMT

Routine cleanings are one of the most important things you can do to keep your teeth healthy. Brushing and flossing daily are not enough to protect you from tooth decay, tooth loss and gum disease. Dr. Clarke recommends that you come in for a routine cleaning every six months. Routine visits can prevent plaque from building up and causing more serious problems. During your teeth cleaning, one of our wonderful dental hygienists will remove plaque, tartar and bacteria that can’t be removed with your regular toothbrush.

Let’s not forget about the importance of routine cleaning for kids: cavity prevention! During your child’s routine cleaning, Dr. Clarke can apply sealants, which are a thin, plastic material that gets painted onto teeth to prevent bacteria from attaching to the tooth. Fluoride can an also be applied during a routine cleaning to strengthen the enamel of your teeth. So what are you waiting for? Make an appointment today with Dr. Clarke at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta, GA.

Oral Hygiene Care in Atlanta

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:57:40 GMT

Routine Dental Care | Greenbriar Dental Care

When most people think of brushing and flossing, they think about keeping a healthy smile, preventing dental carries and gum disease, and decreasing the incidence of halitosis. Maintaining Good oral hygiene is much more than the best way to keep your teeth a lifetime though; it is one of the best ways to help maintain good overall health.

Improved Nutrition

Chewing is the first step in the process of digestion. Practicing good oral hygiene habits helps maintain the health, strength, and durability of the teeth and gums which helps in the process of chewing food. Poor habits lead to cavities, tooth loss, and infected or inflamed gums, all of which hamper eating nutritious foods. When your teeth are causing pain, you are more likely to avoid eating fresh, vitamin rich foods which leads to better long-term health.

Poor Oral Health Can Lead to Other Health Problems

It’s easy to assume that oral health only concerns the mouth, but doing so could lead to other potentially serious health concerns. Continued research proves the many direct links between oral and general health. Examples include:

Women with Gum disease show a greater incidence of pre-term, low-birth-weight babies.
Those with poor oral care show an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Mouth infections affect major organs.
Problems chewing can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.

What is Good Oral Hygiene?

Good oral hygiene is everything you do to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. Doing this though requires more than brushing once a day. Make sure your daily oral care includes:

Brushing thoroughly at least twice a day
Flossing daily
Using a mouthwash to kill germs

In addition to daily care, good oral hygiene includes regular visits to the dentist and dental hygienist. Dental professionals at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta, GA use additional tools to help give your mouth the attention it deserves. Your dentist can also spot problem areas and treat any issues before they become more problematic. A dental professional can also help by telling you ways you can improve oral care techniques between visits. It is important to schedule regular visits at least once a year, and immediately if you notice any unusual wear, sores, swelling, or discoloration.

Great oral care should start at a young age and last throughout your lifetime. Not only with the effort pay off in a beautiful smile, it will also benefit your general health by improving nutrition and decreasing your risks for certain other diseases.

Go for the Glow: Teeth Whitening

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:55:02 GMT

Over time, teeth yellow or become stained from food and drink. Unfortunately, toothpaste alone cannot keep teeth at their whitest, and at home whitening kits only deliver marginal results. If your pearly whites are not quite so pearly anymore, professional teeth whitening at Greenbriar Dental Care might just be the thing that gets you smiling again.

At first glint, getting your teeth whitened might seem like an extra on your list. Look a little closer though, and you’ll see there are some important reasons for going for that beautiful glow.

Better First Impressions

First impressions are lasting ones so we all want to make the best one possible. Noticeably white teeth are associated with a positive and conscientious personality, and traits such as intelligence and reliability.

Increased Self Esteem

Having a beautiful smile gives you a boost of positivity. Feeling good about yourself is important in your daily life. When you feel good about yourself you are more likely to take chances and believe that you can achieve your goals.

Look Younger

Teeth discolor with age and can make you look much older. Having your teeth whitened can restore a more youthful look, and attitude. It is a simple way to celebrate a brand-new you.

Look Your Best For Pictures and Special Occasions

Birthdays, weddings, holidays, and school pictures all get immortalized… forever. Since those pictures will be widely shared, it is a great excuse to make sure you have a camera-ready smile.

An Affordable and Surgery-Free Cosmetic Enhancement

We all have a few things we would like to improve and teeth whitening is the most cost-effective and painless option in cosmetic enhancements. Cosmetic plastic surgery comes with a set of risks and a hefty bill. Teeth whitening delivers a dramatic difference in appearance without the cost, hassle, or recovery time.

Immediate Gratification

One of the best reasons to have your teeth whitened is that it provides immediate gratification. Professional whitening can be done on your lunch hour and instantly improves your appearance, and your outlook on life.

There are many reasons why getting your teeth whitened is not just fun, but practical. However, one of the most important reasons is that nothing beats a confident and beautiful smile. Contact us at Greenbriar Dental Care in Southwest Atlanta now to learn more.

Gingivitis

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:50:57 GMT

Gingivitis is a very common type of gum disease affecting over three million people every year in US alone. It causes redness, irritation, and swelling of your gums. In more serious cases, it could eventually lead to tooth loss.

It is a result of bacteria building up on your gums causing them to bleed when you brush your teeth. After 72 hours, plaque hardens into tartar, which forms along the gum line and makes it hard to clean your teeth and gums completely. Eventually this buildup irritates and inflames your gums, causing gingivitis.

If you think you may have gingivitis, you can take some simple steps to reverse it. Start by booking an appointment with Dr. Gloria Clarke today!

Teeth Cleaning

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:49:58 GMT

The American Dental Association and many dental and medical website stress the importance of cleaning your teeth. Although it may seem self-explanatory that a healthy mouth begins with clean teeth, the medical benefits associated with a clean mouth are not so obvious.

There are a number of reasons why maintaining good oral health, including teeth cleaning helps keep your total body in good health:

Mouths are full of harmless bacteria. Cleaning, flossing and the body’s natural defense system keep the bacteria under control. Infrequent cleaning may cause bacteria to grow out of control, contributing to gum disease or tooth decay.

Research indicates that cardiovascular disease is tied to infection and inflammation caused by oral bacteria.

Endocarditis is a condition that occurs when the lining of the heart is infected by bacteria from your mouth (or other areas).

Diabetes, HIV and Alzheimer’s can be aggravated by poor oral health.
Here at Greenbriar Dental Care we recommend that you brush and floss daily as well as coming in two times a year for a professional tooth cleaning.

Cavities

What are cavities? According to the Mayo Clinic, cavities are decayed places on your teeth that develop holes or tiny openings. There are three types of cavities, and all can be prevented with proper oral care including teeth cleaning. The three types are smooth surface, pit and fissure, and root cavities. All are a result of improper cleaning.

Teeth Cleaning Procedures

The purpose of the cleaning is to remove tartar and plaque from the surface of teeth. Plaque is a sticky bacteria film over the teeth. Tartar is the result of calcium deposits in your mouth. Both are removed when the dentist or hygienist clean your teeth. In all likelihood, your dental professional will use ultrasonic equipment to shake tarter loose from your teeth. The equipment emits a high-pitched sound to shake big pieces of tartar.

After the larger pieces are removed, the hygienist or dentist will use a tool known as a scaler to get food deposits off the surface of your teeth. These curved instruments scrape your teeth smooth and clean.

The next step is known as polishing. A handheld tool with a rubber cup is used with Prophylaxis paste. This paste is a gritty toothpaste-type substance that is applied by the polisher. The final step is the application of fluoride. Your dentist or hygienist may apply fluoride in small soft tray that is placed over the teeth for about 30 seconds.

Gentle Dentistry at Greenbriar Dental Care

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:48:25 GMT

If you’re looking for a local dentist, you might have come across the term “gentle dentist” or “painless dentist.” So what exactly is a gentle dentist? To some people, going to the dentist is the least gentle and painless experience they can think of.

A painless, or gentle dentist is one that is aware of this, and aware that many people have negative associations with the dentist. Our dentist, Dr. Clarke at Greenbriar Dental Care , is so passionate about her work in dentistry and her patients, that she makes a personal effort to make all patients feel comfortable and at ease. Dental health is an important part of your overall health, so don’t avoid the dentist just because you don’t like doing it. Many dental practices today have evolved to accommodate patients’ needs for gentle, painless and comfortable dentist visits.

To maximize our patients’ peace of mind during each visit, we strive to make sure that every patient that walks into our office is greeted and taken care of by warm, friendly staff. Your hygienist will make you feel relaxed and at home, and will answer any questions you might have about your visit, procedures, preferences and worries. At Greenbriar Dental Care, we want to put all of our patients at ease, and make them feel safe and appreciated before the dental appointment even begins.

For patients with a high level of dental anxiety, and for all patients undergoing invasive and surgical procedures, we offer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. Laughing gas, is a simple, and painless way of sedating and relaxing patients. Laughing gas is safe and has no side effects, and rest assured that it is administered by a clinical professional at our Atlanta dental practice. If you suffer from a fear of the dentist, are highly pain-sensitive (not uncommon for oral work), or even susceptible to gagging during dental procedures, ask us about using laughing gas during your next visit.

Remember, Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta is a gentle dentist too! We want to make all of our patients comfortable and at ease so that they can have optimal dental and oral health for a lifetime.

Metal Braces Alternative

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:44:37 GMT

Cosmetic Dentist in Atlanta | Greenbriar Dental Care

Most adults and older teens want a terrific smile but many believe achieving one would be far too invasive, painful, or obvious. Traditional braces are a terrific option, but not a perfect fit for every patient. The highly visible metal brackets and wires and typical 2-year time investment can pose a problem for working adults and students. Fortunately, patients today have many choices in overcoming those obstacles and one of the most popular and effective options is the Six Month Smile Cosmetic Brace System at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta, GA.

Six Month Smiles is one of the most popular brace systems for creating an esthetically pleasing smile, rapidly and discreetly. So, what are the advantages of this advanced orthodontic treatment alternative?

Predictable Results

The Six Month Smile System uses the same techniques as traditional braces and achieves the same predictable results. The system uses low forces to gently reposition the teeth for optimum comfort.

Esthetics

The Six Month Smiles System uses clear brackets and tooth colored wire which are nearly imperceptible. For patients concerned about the esthetics of the traditional metal bracketing system, whether it is motivated by a personal or professional preference, having a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment option is a huge advantage.

Short Average Treatment Time

Devoting years to creating a pleasing smile is just not an option for many adults. Six Month Smiles offers the most time efficient mode of cosmetic orthodontic treatment with the average treatment lasting just six months.

Effective for a Wide Range of Dental Irregularities

The Six Month Smile System treats a wide range of dental issues with the same high standards and optimum results. Dentists use the short-term orthodontic system to treat issues such as gaps, crowding, underbite, overbite, and crossbite.

Fewer Appointments

One of the many reasons adults prefer the Six Month Smiles Systems is that it requires fewer appointments in a narrower time-frame. Most adults have difficulty scheduling around appointments made a month in advance and prefer a season of more concentrated efforts for the freedom it ultimately provides.

The advantages do not stop there, of course. All teeth straightening systems including the Six Month Smiles System can result in healthier gums and lead to better oral health since straighter teeth are easier to keep clean. Contact us at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta now to learn more.

Affordable Dental Bridges

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:43:27 GMT

Best Dental Care in Atlanta – Greenbriar Dental Care

Lost a tooth? Don’t fret- though it may be uncomfortable and look unappealing for now, cosmetic dentistry has several options for tooth replacement like bridges, partial dentures or dental implants. To many dental patients, partial dentures sound unappealing- unless they’re senior. While you may have already heard of dental implants, the latest craze in restorative dentistry- we’re going to talk about bridges today. Dental bridges at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta, GA are still a viable, economic and visually appealing option for tooth replacement.

Traditionally, dental bridges require the adjacent teeth to be crowned- so that fixing the permanent bridge does not damage the surface of the existing teeth. Crowning the remaining teeth next to the bridge ensures that the bridge and prosthetic teeth stay in place for life, and the existing teeth stay healthy and secure.

Bridges vs. Dentures

If you’re missing just one tooth, a dental bridge will better suit your needs than getting a set of partial dentures. Especially if the remaining teeth are relatively healthy, aside from the missing tooth, there is little need for dentures and a fixed dental bridge will function better. Dentures can be fairly inconvenient, when it comes to eating, speaking and care, so if they can be avoided choosing an alternative option will usually suit the patient’s dental and lifestyle needs better.

Bridges vs. Implants

Sometimes a patient isn’t the best candidate for dental implants. Depending on how long the tooth has been missing, the facial bones may have receded too much for implantation surgery to be possible without an additional bone graft surgery.

Not all patients are candidates for bone graft surgery, making a dental bridge the next best option. Lucky for these patients, bridges are much more affordable than dental implants, which rely on some of the latest technology and materials and are still one of the most expensive treatment options on the market today.

Dental Implants in Atlanta

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:41:50 GMT

Cosmetic Dental Services – Greenbriar Dental Care

Many state-of-the-art dental treatments and preventative options available today that have reduced the need for extraction and have prevented tooth loss in a vast number of cases. While our teeth can last a lifetime, unfortunately, sometimes they don’t. Millions of Americans suffer from the embarrassment and problems that come with tooth loss, and must choose the best tooth replacement option for their situation. Until recently those options were limited to bridges and dentures. Today, at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta, we add dental implant technologies to that list of tooth replacement options. While we now have a several dental treatment options for missing teeth, not all of them provide the same long-term benefits as do dental implants.

Dentures for example, are used when most or all of the natural teeth are missing in a dental arch. The denture closely resembles natural teeth, fit into the mouth and fixed in place daily with a dental adhesive product. Dentures provide an advantage in affordability when a significant number of teeth are missing, but lack other advantages such as stability.

Fixed bridges are great solutions for replacing one or more missing teeth. They look natural and are economical. Some of the disadvantages include the need to crown two healthy teeth in order to hold the appliance in place. For removable bridges, the adjacent natural teeth don’t need to be capped, but the appliance does use metal clasps which are impossible to conceal.

While dental implants are a more costly option, both short and long term benefits far outweigh the cost. A dental implant most closely restores the beauty and and function of a natural tooth, and provide benefits beyond aesthetics, making it a very economical choice.

The structure of dental implants acts like that of the natural tooth, with the tooth structure placed on top of the metal anchor implant which replaces the root of your tooth. This makes the implant permanent, like a natural tooth, and as stable as your natural tooth.

This structure is beneficial in many ways. Often when dealing with dentures or bridges, eating certain foods becomes difficult which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. They can also slip, an d cause some embarrassment. Implants however, are fixed in place, undetectable, and function as a natural tooth. An implant also preserves the facial structure, unlike dentures or bridges. If a tooth is missing, the bone recedes and the remaining teeth shift. An implant stimulates the bone so that the health of the jaw bone and the facial structure isn’t compromised.

Since implants preserve the bone and are permanent, the only thing that can rival their long-term usefulness and beauty is a natural tooth. The natural appearance and feel of an implant from Greenbriar Dental Care lets you confidently enjoy life without worries of embarrassment, discomfort, or hassle. Ask about dental implants at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta, GA.

Cavity Fillings in Atlanta

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:41:00 GMT

Tooth Colored Fillings | Greenbriar Dental Care

A cavity is essentially a progressed incident of tooth decay in which the decay has eroded the enamel on the outside of the tooth, and progressed to erode a part of the tooth’s internal structure. To prevent further damage caused by decay and to preserve the compromised structure of the tooth, Dr. Clarke will “fill” in the eroded portion of the tooth with a conventional or amalgam filling – commonly just referred to as a “filling”.

Dental fillings, long considered a staple of traditional dental work are still around today, though the method and technology has advanced considerably. Most people are familiar with fillings as dental work because they are usually the first line of defense and recommended treatment option for tooth decay caused by cavities. Fillings may also be necessary for teeth with structural damage from things like teeth grinding, which is a not uncommon in the adult population.

Dental fillings can be done with different materials, and Dr. Clarke will talk to you about which material is best for your medical, cosmetic and personal needs. Silver fillings, also included a safe level of mercury, are traditional but can be visible from the inside of your mouth. For patients more concerned about the cosmetic repercussions of the silver filling materials, we also use a tooth-colored, resin amalgam filling material.

Dr. Clarke will first explain to you the procedure for your filling as well as post-procedural care for your tooth. The process of getting a filling is simple, so there’s no need to feel very nervous or fearful of any pain you might experience. For the procedure itself, don’t worry about pain. Our staff at our Atlanta, Georgia office will work hard to ensure that you’re at your most comfortable, and we go out of our way to accommodate every patient’s individual needs for comfort.

When you get a filling, the area will be numbed with localized anesthetic. The cavity, or affected area to be filled, will then be cleaned and prepared for the filling procedure. While the filling is completed with one material, the material is applied and hardened in a multi-layer process. Dr. Clarke will apply the material – whichever one is best for you – in layers, and then use a specialized light to cure and harden it, before moving on to the next layer. When the material is filled to the external portion of the tooth, it is sculpted and smooth to blend in with the shape and contours of your natural tooth.

Be sure to follow the procedure with good oral hygiene and keep up with any extra routines Dr. Clarke recommends for you. Tooth sensitivity is normal after a filling procedure, but it’s important to avoid any foods that seem to increase sensitivity in the tooth directly following the procedure.

Atlanta Orthodontist

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:39:14 GMT

Best Braces in Atlanta – Greenbriar Dental Care

Most of us aren’t born with a red carpet ready smile. This doesn’t mean you should resign yourself to a life with crooked teeth. Here at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta we have a qualified team prepared to help you achieve that perfect smile through traditional orthodontics. Traditional orthodontics is the dental science of repositioning teeth in order to create a proper bite. This can be accomplished throughout the use of braces, spacers, retainers, and other mechanisms.

Braces have come a long way in recent years in order to increase comfort for you and to gently move your teeth in to position. There are quite a few myths about braces out there but at Greenbriar Dental Care we want to share with you the realities and benefits of traditional orthodontics.

Do braces hurt? Braces do not hurt! Individuals feel different levels of discomfort in the first few days, but nothing that can’t be handled by some over the counter pain medication.

Are braces only for children? You are never too old to have the smile you’ve always wanted. Braces have become more commonplace and one in five patients is an adult.

Do children need to have all of their permanent teeth to begin treatment? It is important to consult with your orthodontist early in order to help break poor habits as well as to fix alignment issues early. Your child may still require a second phase with a more aggressive solution once all of their permanent teeth have arrived.

Braces Are More Than Just a Cosmetic Solution

Orthodontics are most known for their cosmetic benefits, however, there are a variety of known symptoms associated with a misaligned jaw. These can include dizziness, headaches, neck pains, and earaches. Fixing your bite could help to alleviate some of these. This will help to improve both function and comfort.

Here at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta, GA we will help to determine which treatment most suits your needs in order to give you a healthier smile!

Affordable Dental Crowns in Atlanta

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:35:09 GMT

Trusted Atlanta, GA Dentist

What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth shaped cap or covering that encases the visible part of the tooth above the gum line called the clinical crown. It’s a permanent fixture, and once cemented in place a crown becomes the tooth’s new surface.

Why Do I need a Crown?
A dentist at Greenbriar Dental Care might recommend a crown for many reasons. The first and most common reason a dentist uses a crown is to preserve the reaming tooth structure after another procedure, such as after a root canal or large filling. It might also be used to cover a cracked tooth to preserve the natural dentition and to give the tooth strength. Other common reasons dentists use crowns include holding a dental bridge in place or covering a dental implant.

In other cases, a dentist might use a dental crown on worn teeth to help improve the size or shape of a tooth to help in the tooth’s appearance or to help in improving the bite.
In children, the dentist will use dental crowns to save a tooth so damaged by decay that there is not enough tooth to support a filling as well as for protecting teeth at risk of decay. In other cases, a crown might be used to decrease the frequency of sedation or anesthesia in children not able to cooperate during dental procedures do to age, medical restrictions, or other factors.

How Long will Crowns Last?
Crowns are permanent, but they do not last forever. Typically a crown will last five to eight years but can last much longer with good oral hygiene and dental supervision. It is important to avoid habits such as nail biting, crunching ice or hard candy, and teeth grinding that can compromise the crown. You might also have certain restrictions based on the type of material used to make the crown. Crowns are not invincible, and all porcelain crowns for example, can chip and crack much like a natural tooth. While the dentist can repair some chips, repairs do not last long and compromise the strength of the crown.

What Type of Crown Should I Get?
There are several different types of crowns including the most common, ceramic, porcelain, resin and stainless steel. Each type of material has advantages and disadvantages and your dentist can tell you which material will be the best match for your specific situation. There are many options and the dentist will factor in the strength of the material as well as the cosmetic result in making suggestions.

Are There Other Options
If your dentist recommends a crown, you can be confident it is a necessary course of action. Dentists use dental crowns when it is the best clinical choice in the preservation of your natural tooth structure. Preserving your tooth and the root is always the most preferable course of action.

Affordable Teeth Whitening in Atlanta

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:32:30 GMT

Boost Your Appearance with an In Office Teeth Whitening Treatment

Your Time Is Valuable

However, a professional in-office whitening at Greenbriar Dental Care allows you to get back to enjoying these foods and beverages within two days. In just an hour or two, you can leave your dentist’s office with a dazzling, white smile.

Receive Safe and Comfortable Results

Wearing porcelain veneers, dental bonds, or even braces is not a challenge for Dr. Clarke. Trying to find the perfect system at-home to use can have adverse effects on these dental items. Dr. Clarke can target troublesome stains and areas of the teeth you may not notice, giving you a total confident smile.

Dr. Clarke and the team at Greenbriar Dental Care are specially trained to use the latest innovative techniques with teeth whitening procedures. An in-office procedure is considered a more comfortable and safe approach as your dentist can adjust the whitening strength needed for your perfect smile. Your unique needs are met, such as the desired color you want and adjusting the treatment if it feels uncomfortable. Dr. Clarke and the team will carefully ensure the whitening agents are not exposed to your sensitive gums. They even have desensitizers for thorough protection.

Stains that are Best Removed with In-Office Whitening

Some stains just aren’t able to be removed with any whitening process. If you have experienced trauma to your teeth or have overexposure to fluoride, you may not be a candidate for teeth whitening.

However, common organic stains caused by consumption of red wine, coffee, dark colored fruits and veggies and tobacco use are treatable with whitening procedures. Even discolored teeth due to aging are treatable.

Atlanta’s Dental Implants - Greenbriar Dental Care

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:29:46 GMT

Many state-of-the-art dental treatments and preventative options available today that have reduced the need for extraction and have prevented tooth loss in a vast number of cases. While our teeth can last a lifetime, unfortunately, sometimes they don’t. Millions of Americans suffer from the embarrassment and problems that come with tooth loss, and must choose the best tooth replacement option for their situation. Until recently those options were limited to bridges and dentures. At Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta, we have added dental implant technologies to that list of tooth replacement options. While we now have a several dental treatment options for missing teeth, not all of them provide the same long-term benefits as dental implants.

While dental implants are a more costly option, both short and long term benefits far outweigh the cost.

A dental implant most closely restores the beauty and and function of a natural tooth, and provide benefits beyond aesthetics, making it a very economical choice.

Since implants preserve the bone and are permanent, the only thing that can rival their long-term usefulness and beauty is a natural tooth. The natural appearance and feel of a dental implant from Greenbriar Dental Care lets you confidently enjoy life without worries of embarrassment, discomfort, or hassle. Ask about dental implants at Greenbriar Dental Care in Atlanta.

Tooth-colored Fillings

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:26:30 GMT

Forget the “metal mouth” look–you can have your natural smile back again!

It’s unpleasant to smile and flash a series of ugly old metal fillings. Our tooth-colored cosmetic dentistry restorations can help you achieve a beautiful, youthful smile that looks completely natural. Not only will you look beautiful, but your tooth-colored composite fillings are less likely to show wear or cause teeth to erode. Tooth-colored fillings can substantially improve the beauty of your teeth.

For more than 100 years, dentistry has restored teeth primarily with a material made of mercury and silver. It has done its job well, although we have had to live with its weaknesses. Those weaknesses consist of cracking teeth due to expansion of the material and restorations turning black as the silver in the material corrodes.

Now we have many ways to provide tooth-colored restorations at Greenbriar Dental Care. We can use adhesives to bond tooth parts that look and act like teeth. We can provide a bright, healthy and strong smile with these exciting new techniques in dentistry.