Archives 2024

Vaccines are vital for your health and well-being. Whether your child is due for some important preventative medication or you are looking to build up an immunity to common diseases, you might be wondering: Can you have a walk-in vaccination? Will any doctor’s office allow you to get a quick vaccine with a same-day appointment?

Can You Have a Walk-In Vaccination?

At West Texas Health, the answer is yes! We invite you to visit our comprehensive immunization center where we have same-day services available for many different vaccinations. Find out what types of vaccines are available and what treatments you and your family are eligible for right away. With your trusted Abilene doctors, you can boost your health and your immune system as soon as today!

Preventing Common Illness With a Single Shot

One of the biggest reasons why patients will put off getting their vaccines is fear of pain. If you have never had a vaccine before or if it’s been a very long time since you last had one, you might be intimidated by the process. You might envision a cold and clinical waiting room where you have to endure a long and torturous appointment.

Fortunately, our immunization processes are not as daunting as that. We offer quick and easy vaccine options for patients on the go. Most of our vaccines can be administered in a single injection, although some patients will require more than one medication. A small needle prick is the only kind of pain you should expect. Before you know it, the immunization process will be over as quickly as it began.

Same-Day Vaccinations Offered at West Texas Health

As a proud member of the Privia Medical Group, we hold ourselves to a high standard of healthcare and customer service. We understand the immediate needs of our community and work always to provide accessible, same-day services to all patients. Instead of searching far and wide to find same-day vaccines, you can simply call your reliable neighbors in Abilene and we will get you on our calendar.

We offer a wide range of required and approved vaccines for children and adults, including:

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Whooping cough
• Hepatitis B
• HPV
• Measles/Mumps
• Chickenpox
• RSV

We also offer the flu (influenza) vaccine during certain seasons of the year, as well as updated COVID-19 vaccines using the Moderna brand. We carry a wide range of vaccines so that the correct medication can be made available to patients based on age and current immune health.

Lower Your Risk – Increase Your Benefits

Vaccines are one of the easiest and most important ways to keep your body healthy. You can prevent diseases while building up a powerful immunity against illness. Vaccines carry virtually no risk. However, there are a few side effects to be aware of.

Vaccines function by putting trace amounts of the disease into your body, helping you build strong antibodies against it. You may temporarily feel the symptoms of this disease, which can include things like nausea, feverishness, sore muscles, and fatigue. These symptoms should only last for a couple of days at most. As your body continues to process the vaccine, it builds a shield that keeps you healthy and protects you from getting sick in the future.

Schedule Your Same-Day Vaccine Today!

We allow walk-in appointments for many essential vaccines. Many of our immunization services are required by the CDC, which is why make it a priority to offer these vaccinations all day long. Make sure you and your children do the best for your health by scheduling a much-needed vaccine with our Abilene doctors. You can make a healthy decision for yourself as soon as today. Get in touch with us to learn more!

Gum disease is a common name for a periodontal disease that manifests in symptoms like gum irritation, inflammation, or bone and tooth loss at more severe stages. In fact, gum disease is an extremely common issue among patients in America. If you have gum disease but also want to straighten your teeth, you might be wondering: should you treat gum disease before Invisalign? In this article, we will answer this question and explain the connection between gum disease and orthodontic treatments.

Should You Treat Gum Disease Before Invisalign?

The short answer is that it is crucial to treat gum disease or sufficiently control it before starting any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign included. In fact, in some cases, orthodontic treatments can intensify existing gum disease. 

Your orthodontics expert will most likely refer you to a periodontist before starting the orthodontics treatment. In cases when gum disease has not yet progressed to the later, more severe stages, it is possible to treat it. Then, the orthodontics treatment can be started. In some cases, your local friendly dentist might continue periodontitis treatment when a patient is already wearing Invisalign. 

Gum Disease and Bone Loss

The first symptoms of gum disease are irritation, inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, bacteria and infection can start penetrating into the deeper layers of the gum tissue, causing gum recession. With time, the infection can reach the jawbone, leading to bone density loss.

Jaw bone density loss, also called bone resorption, means that there is not sufficient support for the teeth. This can result in tooth mobility and tooth loss. Thus, gum disease can seriously affect a patient’s quality of life, leading to difficulty speaking and chewing food, poor nutrition, premature wrinkling around the mouth, and changes in facial structure. 

How Can Gum Disease Influence Invisalign Treatment?

First, gum recession and tooth mobility caused by gum disease can increase the risk of failure of any orthodontic treatment. Another issue is that Invisalign treatment (as well as other orthodontic treatments) can worsen the existing gum disease. All orthodontic treatments move teeth into a desired position by putting constant physical pressure on them. If the disease already weakens the gums, teeth, and bones, the pressure and physical movement will only aggravate the problem, compromising the supporting structure of the teeth. 

In addition, even in cases when Invisalign treatment appears to be successful, a lack of bone density and healthy gum tissue will compromise the newly achieved results. The teeth will not have enough support and will not stay in place, meaning that the time, money, and effort put into Invisalign treatment will be practically wasted.

Can Invisalign Treatment Improve Gum Condition?

Once your dentist decides that it is safe to start Invisalign treatment, it can actually improve the condition of your gums and help manage gum disease. When teeth are straight, it is much easier to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent plaque buildup and bacteria growth, which are the leading causes of gum disease. 

Advantages of Invisalign Treatment

Apart from enhancing the looks of your smile, Invisalign treatment has a lot of other advantages:

• Invisalign improves oral hygiene and dental health by dealing with overcrowdedness or gaps between the teeth and making the oral hygiene routine more straightforward.
• Invisalign can help to improve general health. Gum disease, tooth decay, and various infections in the mouth caused by insufficient oral hygiene can negatively influence such organs as the gastrointestinal system, heart, lungs, and even brain.
• Invisalign is removable and easy to clean. The fact that it is removable also means that oral hygiene is easy to maintain during the treatment.
• Invisalign treatment provides predictable results, as a personalized treatment plan using 3D imaging will be made at the beginning of the treatment. 
• Invisalign treatment does not require dietary restrictions. You can remove the trays during meals and enjoy the food you are used to eating. 
• Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign trays are clear and almost invisible. 
• Patients report having less discomfort wearing smooth plastic Invisalign aligners than metal braces.
• The orthodontic treatment course with Invisalign requires fewer dental visits than traditional braces. 

Make an Appointment Today

If you want to get your teeth straight but have concerns about gum disease, sign up for an appointment with one of the specialists at Smiles of Arcadia. We will carefully examine your gums, evaluate the prospects and risks, and offer you a plan of treatment. Our dentists are looking forward to welcoming you to our office. 

Dental veneers are a great way of enhancing one’s smile by making teeth appear straighter and whiter. This method is so popular nowadays because it is fast and permanent. However, there are some common misconceptions about dental veneers that prevent people from getting this cosmetic solution. Finding the right dental office that offers quality veneers is a must to ensure that you will be satisfied with the results. Also, read this article to learn about the myths about dental veneers to better prepare for the procedure. 

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are permanently affixed to the front side of your teeth. The most common material for veneers is porcelain because it provides a beautiful range of shades and natural-looking translucency. Also, porcelain is a durable and stain-resistant material that will serve you for years. Other common materials that can be used for veneers are composite and zirconia. 

Myths About Dental Veneers

Please read our list of the most common myths about dental veneers. Knowing these facts about veneers might help you decide on getting this treatment. 

Myth 1: Veneers Are Only Good for Whitening Your Teeth

In fact, in addition to giving you a perfect pearly smile, veneers can be effectively used to solve a wide range of dental issues, such as:

• Cover cracked or chipped teeth
• Reinforce and protect cracked or chipped teeth
• Cover stains and discoloration of the teeth
• Change the length of your teeth
• Change the shape of your teeth
• Improve gummy smile
• Fill in the gaps between the teeth
• Make the teeth appear straighter

Myth 2: Veneers Break Easily

Although veneers are very thin, this does not mean that they are fragile. The materials used for dental veneers, especially porcelain and zirconia, are durable and do not chip or break easily if properly cared for.

Myth 3: Veneers Stain Easily

Materials used for dental veneers, especially porcelain, are stain-resistant. In fact, porcelain is less likely to stain than your natural teeth because this material is less porous than natural enamel. 

Myth 4: Veneers Look Fake

In reality, veneers look just like natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are slightly translucent, which allows light to reflect off them, just like it happens with natural teeth. In addition, there is a wide range of shades available. You can choose the color of your new veneers that will look right for you. 

If you need only one or several dental veneers, they can be perfectly matched in color to your natural teeth. In this case, veneers will seamlessly blend with the rest of your teeth and will not be noticeable.

Myth 5: Veneers Require a Lot of Special Care

In fact, you will need to brush and floss your teeth as you usually do. The main goal is to maintain a sufficient level of oral hygiene to avoid plaque buildup and cavities. 

Myth 6: Dental Veneers Are Painful

To prepare your teeth for receiving dental veneers, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth first. However, this procedure does not affect the deeper layer of your teeth. In addition, your dentist will use a local anesthetic during the procedure. Getting dental veneers is considered a minimally invasive procedure, and you will not feel pain.

You can have increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for several days after the procedure, but these feelings will go away. 

Myth 7: You Will Need a Special Diet with Dental Veneers

There are indeed certain foods you had better avoid with dental veneers. However, these are the same foods that dentists recommend their patients avoid with just their natural teeth. The list includes hard and crunchy foods (hard candies, popcorn with seeds, etc.) that require a lot of biting and chewing force. Such foods can damage your natural teeth in the same way they can damage your veneers. 

Myth 8: The Whole Tooth is Filed to Apply Dental Veneers

As we mentioned before, some of the tooth’s enamel will be removed to prepare and roughen up the surface of the tooth and ensure that veneers will hold on to it securely. However, your dentist aims to maintain the integrity of your teeth, and extensive filing is never done.

Make an Appointment Today

Getting dental veneers in Arcadia is a fast and effective way to a perfect smile. We hope that this article helped you feel more confident about the procedure. Please do not hesitate to make an appointment at Smiles of Arcadia today. Our veneer specialists are looking forward to welcoming you to our office and helping you achieve your best smile.

A good set of teeth is very important not just for functional purposes but also for aesthetic purposes. A missing tooth, especially when it’s in front, can damage a person’s self-confidence. However, the narrative of people with missing teeth changed when dental implants were introduced. Implants provide a long-lasting solution that restores functionality and aesthetics for many patients. And there’s no risk of them falling off while you’re talking, unlike with dentures. The problem is there are instances when they would need to be removed. In this post, we’ll explore the top reasons why dental implants need to be removed.

Top Reasons Dental Implants Need to Be Removed

Poor Implant Placement

To have a higher success rate, the skill and precision of your surgeon are of utmost importance. Bite misalignment, discomfort, loose implants, and unpleasant aesthetics can occur when implants are improperly placed.

If you’re thinking of having dental implants, your top considerations should be your surgeon’s expertise and experience. Call or visit a reputable dental office to learn more about dental implants and how you can have a higher success rate with them.

Peri-implantitis

Sometimes, infection can develop at the implant site, causing inflammation and swelling around the area. If this is not addressed promptly and the infection progresses, it can lead to bone loss and implant failure. In some advanced cases, implants may need to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading to the surrounding tissues.

Nerve Damage

When the implant is placed too close to or directly over a nerve, it can cause an extremely painful situation that requires emergency attention. In this case, your surgeon should remove the implant.  

Sinus Problem

This usually happens when the implant was placed in the upper jaw. This may cause a sinus problem which would eventually lead to the removal of the implant.  

Loose Crowns

When a dental crown becomes loose for some reason, it can result in the exposure of the dental implant underneath the crown. This can lead to implant failure and may result in the removal of the implant.

Natural Rejection

The human body has a mind of its own. When it comes to foreign bodies, it can decide that the foreign body is harmful and, therefore, needs to be removed. This is when rejection happens.

When your body rejects the implant, you may experience pain and inflammation. Sometimes, the site would simply refuse to heal, and the only solution would be for your surgeon to remove the implant.

Medications and Treatments

Some treatment procedures and medications can affect the mouth. They can cause your bones to weaken or cause dry mouth. This increases the risk of the implant loosening, which will lead to implant failure.

If you are set to undergo treatments or take medications, it is essential to inform your surgeon before you even have the implant.

Illnesses

There are illnesses that can impact the strength of your bones. Osteoporosis and diabetes, for example, are two illnesses that can affect your bones’ ability to support your implants. If they lose this ability, you run the risk of them falling out. Your surgeon may choose to remove the implants even before they do.

Broken Implant Fixture

Although they are designed to be durable and withstand the test of time and the friction caused by chewing, they may still be broken due to trauma or accidents. In such cases, it is imperative that the affected implant be removed to prevent further damage or complications.

Although the reasons for dental implant removal may turn you off and scare you away, it is wise to remember that the functional and aesthetic advantages of having dental implants far outweigh the disadvantages of having them. In general, a lot of dental implant patients experience no problem for many years. Some implants can even last a lifetime.

If you are still worried, it is worth noting that there are things you can do and precautions you can take to ensure that your implants will be able to serve you long and well.  

• ✓ Good oral hygiene before the surgery
• ✓ Good oral hygiene after the surgery and throughout the healing period
• ✓ Regular follow-up visits to your surgeon
• ✓ Regular cleaning

Remember, if you will take care of your dental implants just like you would your natural teeth, you will be able to increase the lifespan of your implants.

If you think a dental implant is an option worth exploring, check out dental implants in Arcadia today.

Let us look at how to maintain facelift results. A facelift procedure has the potential to give patients a very high level of renewed appearance by tightening and enlivening the skin and muscles of the face. This has made it one of plastic surgery’s most requested procedures since its inception. 

However, like most plastic surgery procedures, if you want to keep your results looking their best, then it pays to learn a little bit about the best ways to preserve your results.

How to Maintain Facelift Results

If you’re considering receiving a facelift or have recently received one, take a look at this overview that describes the best ways to preserve your results.

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure

Exposing your skin to excessive amounts of sun can be very detrimental to your skin, and compromise your results before their time. You can protect yourself against the negative effects of sun exposure by wearing protective clothing, consistently wearing hats, and using sunscreen when you go outside. In addition, you should avoid venturing outside during peak daylight hours, when the sun is strongest.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is very hazardous for your health in several different ways, including in the way it impacts your skin. Smoking can reduce blood circulation and increase the risk of complications after surgery. Quitting smoking will inevitably lead to improved health over time and help you to preserve your results.

Employ a Thorough Skincare Routine

You can help extend your results by consistently employing high-quality skincare products. You can discuss with your physician what types of products would be most beneficial for you with your physician as you’re walked through the facelift procedure process. Exfoliation, moisturizers, and other techniques should be looked into.

Enjoy a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is also something that can benefit you and your facelift results. Packing your body with essential nutrients and vitamins can help reduce skin-damaging impacts from inflammation and sun damage. Fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can only benefit someone who’s attempting to preserve their results for longer.

Get Plenty of Rest

Sleep is another essential part of health that can help you preserve your skincare results. While you sleep, your skin and the rest of the organs of your body repair and regenerate. Getting plenty of adequate sleep should be considered essential for preserving your facelift results.

Research Cosmetic Injectables

Sometimes, applying injectable treatments from dermal fillers can help to enhance and maintain your plastic surgery results. Injectables have the potential to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and restore volume lost by the wear and tear of life.

Watch Your Weight

If you have excessive amounts of weight fluctuation, either in gaining or losing weight, it may affect the appearance of your face in the long run. Maintaining a steady weight through a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise can help you to maintain your results for longer.

Follow Your Doctor’s Advice

As with any medical procedure of import, your surgeon will provide you with some detailed post-operative instructions that are crucial for ensuring that you maintain the highest level of quality for your results. Following these instructions and attending all of the follow-up appointments they instruct for you should remain essential.

In addition, you should try to schedule at least a couple of follow-up procedures with your surgeon just to receive some checkups. This will help to ensure that you stay on track with your recovery process.

What to Do if Your Results Start to Fade

A facelift can provide an individual with a major revision in terms of the vivacity of their appearance. Despite this, it remains important to remember that your skin will continue to age in its natural way. This may find you returning to the surgery clinic if the proper steps remain not taken to preserve your results.

Although this doesn’t have to be the end of the world, if your results begin to lose their freshness, there are options available. You should return to your surgeon to discuss the best path forward for preserving or restoring your results before they degrade too severely. By keeping track of the quality of your results, you can assist your surgeon in making a plan for restoring them.

The Beverly Hills Center for Quality Facelifts

Beverly Hills Center for Plastic Surgery is one of the best resources for receiving a facelift procedure. If you’re considering undergoing this type of treatment for yourself, contact us today to find out why we’re considered the best place for plastic surgery in Beverly Hills.

In a world where people are judged by their looks, celebrities are often the most scrutinized and criticized. The good thing is that there are a lot of options they can take to fix problematic areas. From flawless skin to face lifts to captivating eyes, a lot of celebrities have chosen to have cosmetic enhancements to maintain their youthful beauty. Plastic surgery has indeed gained more and more popularity not only among the rich but also among the famous. In fact, there are many celebrities who have had eye surgery because of sagging skin and eye bags. And if you are wondering what celebrities have had eye surgery, you are on the right page.

What Celebrities Have Had Eye Surgery

Paris Hilton

Paris has been very open about getting eye surgery. She has had two of them. The first one in 2006 was to clear up some eyebags. Unfortunately, the procedure made her eye look droopier and left her face with an uneven look. She got her second eye surgery to fix this. Fortunately, this time, the surgery was a complete success.

Robert Downey Jr.

Drugs have a way of making people look haggard, sick, and, worse, old. Before our well-loved Ironman became a supervillain-fighting hero, he was addicted to drugs and underwent a long process of healing from drug addiction. He knew that a younger, fresher look would greatly help him land movie roles, and he seemed to have made the right decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. Robert has not openly admitted it, but some doctors think that he had eye surgery and some anti-wrinkle injections to restore his looks.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino is still active in show business despite his age. For reasons like looking better on camera and/or boosting his self-confidence, Al Pacino has admittedly undergone some cosmetic procedures like botox injections and eyelid surgery.  

Joan Rivers

Former movie star, singer and comedian, Joan Rivers, supported the cosmetic surgery industry when she was still alive. Along with an eyelid surgery, she also had a neck lift and a nose job.

Tom Cruise

Another celebrity who has benefited from eyelid surgery is one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, Tom Cruise. Having been in show business for more than just a couple of decades, Tom Cruise needed more than just makeup to keep himself looking young and his eyes looking clear and attractive.

Paul McCartney

Beatles star Paul McCartney, while already in his old age, still keeps an active lifestyle. To maintain his good looks, he has admitted to having had eyelid surgery to address his concerns about his eyebags.

Cher

Cher is one of the stars who has been very open about her cosmetic enhancements. From boob jobs to facelifts to eyelid surgery, Cher has undergone different surgeries to maintain her good looks, especially while performing.

Reasons Celebrities Undergo Eyelid Celebrities

The eyes are said to be the mirror of one’s soul. They are the focal point of one’s face. However, aside from the skin, the eyes are usually the first to show visible signs of aging. Just like ordinary people, the rich and the famous are not immune to this problem. In Hollywood, where one’s physical appearance is just as important as one’s talent, celebrities have to go to extra lengths to keep themselves looking young and fresh in front of the public. This is why many celebrities have resorted to eyelid surgery. After all, it’s an easy way to address one’s concern about their eyes.

Although some celebrities admit to having eyelid surgery with no hesitation, some do.

Other celebrities who are rumored to have undergone eyelid surgery are Jennifer Anniston, Nicole Kidman, Megan Fox, Patrick Dempsey, George Clooney, Renee Zellweger, and Ryan Gosling.

If you are wondering if eyelid surgery can give ordinary people the same results, the answer will depend on the skills, expertise, and experience of their surgeon. Proper aftercare instructions should also be followed in the letter.

Issues an Eyelid Surgery Can Address

• eyebags
• sagging skin under the eyes
• sagging upper eyelids
• dark circles
• fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids

Possible Complications of Eyelid Surgery

Whether you are a celebrity or an ordinary person, an eyelid surgery, just like any other surgery, has risks and may lead to complications. Infection, bleeding, eye muscle injury, scarring, skin discoloration, anesthesia complications are some of the known complications.

The best way to lower the risks is to avail of the services of a reputable clinic and a skilled and experienced surgeon. Start by exploring the services of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc.

The facial features one has are perhaps one of the most impactful elements in terms of how an individual is perceived and treated in society. On top of that, these features are some of the most important in terms of one’s overall attractiveness. Below, we cover the benefits of having a strong jaw.

For both men and women, one of the most important elements in terms of facial features is having a strong and well-defined jawline. Achieving this definition has the potential to take years off of one’s appearance.

Benefits of Having a Strong Jaw

If you’re interested in non-surgical jawline contouring, then take a look at this guide that describes some of the benefits.

Enhance Your Confidence

A strong jaw can make an individual appear more confident and assertive. Most people perceive an individual with a strong jawline to be more aesthetically appealing, which can contribute to someone feeling more confident in their day-to-day activities. Many aspects of the body can have subtle psychological effects on the people you interact with. A strong jawline is one of the elements that can subtly influence people into perceiving that you are a source of strength and power.

Convey the Right Message

A strong jawline can imbue an individual with coveted cultural attributes. Qualities like dominance, determination, assertiveness, and success are conveyed by the presence of a strong jaw. On the other hand, an under-defined jawline is associated with weakness and a lack of self-control.

Appear More Attractive

For the most part, a strong jawline is seen as a sign of attractiveness and desirability for members of the opposite sex. Women are often drawn to men that are masculine and strong, which can contribute to an individual’s overall sexual attractiveness. Although the type of definition is usually softer in women, the presence of a strong definition is also seen as desirable in women.

Appear of Good Health

A strongly defined jaw can speak quite a bit in terms of one’s overall health. A strong and well-defined jaw can indicate that an individual is of good health and vital. A chiseled jawline can indicate a healthy body fat index, while a double chin or sagging jawline can indicate obesity and aging.

Good for Both Men and Women

Although having a strong jawline is more commonly associated with men, it is also a desirable quality for women. In men, a strong jawline is seen as an indicator of high testosterone. In women, this type of definition is an indicator of feminine appeal, as well as strength and confidence.

Showcase Your Smile

A healthy smile is also seen as an indicator of social success. In addition, smiling frequently can also improve the quality of one’s general mood. A powerful jawline can help to accentuate the qualities of one’s smile and bring out the appealing features of the face. Overall, the presence of a strong jaw and healthy smile make the perfect pair.

Invites Success

Many of the people who find the most success in this life, in both the political and business spheres, are those who have strong and well-defined jaw features. Some studies have shown that those with dominant facial features are more likely to be hired for leadership positions, which contributes to them making more money over the course of their life.

Improve Your Oral Health

Having a healthy jaw that can handle whatever food you choose to eat is paramount for chewing and digesting food properly. If food isn’t properly chewed and digested, then the body has more problems breaking down and digesting it – this can lead to malnutrition and other health problems over time.

On top of this, a strong jaw helps to keep teeth in alignment. This can prevent oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease and tooth decay. A strong jaw can be considered to be part of having an overall satisfactory oral health profile.

Stay on Top of Your Speech

Having a healthy jaw is considered essential for maintaining healthy speech patterns. Everything we say is dictated by the physiological systems of the jaw and mouth. Therefore, having a healthy jawline can be considered an essential part of one’s ability to communicate in the modern world.

Beverly Hills Best Site for Jaw Contouring

Epione Beverly Hills is one of the best resources available for those who are looking to improve the appearance of their jaw and the rest of their face. If you’re interested in receiving this type of treatment from a licensed professional, schedule a consultation with us and find out why we’re a leader in cosmetic dermatology.

A Doppler heart test is a non-invasive medical test that creates images of your heart. The test is performed using a handheld device that transmits sound waves throughout your chest. This creates images of your heart that provide valuable information to your doctor. This includes your heart’s function, structure, and blood flow. The test is commonly used to monitor and diagnose heart-related conditions. If your doctor recommends the test, you may wonder, what does a Doppler heart test feel like? Below you will find more information about the test and what to expect.

What Does a Doppler Heart Test Feel Like?

A Doppler heart test is non-invasive and fast. You may wonder what to expect if your doctor recommends a Doppler heart test. In many cases the preparation is minimal. Your cardiology doctors will provide you with instructions on how to prepare. Most often, you will just need to avoid drinking or eating a few hours before the test. Once you are at the office, you will lie on a table so the sonographer can perform the test. The test involves you lying down on a table. The gel is applied to your chest as the transducer is used to create the images of your heart. In some cases, you may need to change positions or hold your breath. This ensures optimal image quality. Once the test is over you can resume your normal activities. 

Why Do I Need A Doppler Heart Test?

A Doppler heart test is an effective tool that your medical provider may recommend for a variety of reasons. Most of these reasons are either to diagnose or monitor a heart-related issue. Below are some of the common reasons why you may need a Doppler heart test.

Congenital Heart Disease: 

A Doppler heart test can evaluate congenital heart disease. This condition involves a defect in one or more of the heart structures during the formation of the fetus.

Heart Failure: 

Heart failure is a condition where the heart muscle becomes weak or stiff during heart relaxation. This results in inefficient blood plumping that can cause serious issues. This includes fluid buildup in the blood vessels and lungs, in addition to swelling in the feet, ankles, and other parts of the body.

Cardiomyopathy: 

A Doppler heart test is an effective tool to evaluate cardiomyopathy. This is a condition characterized by an enlargement of the heart due to thick or weak heart muscles.

Heart valve disease involves a malfunction in one or more of the heart valves. This can cause abnormalities in blood flow in your heart. A Doppler heart test can examine if heart valve disease has impacted your valves. This is common among those who have the condition, as the valves can narrow and restrict blood flow. The condition can also cause leaks, with blood flow moving backward.

Cardiac Tumor: 

A cardiac tumor can occur in any one of the chambers of your heart. It can also be present on the outside surface of your heart or within the muscles. If your medical provider thinks you may have a cardiac tumor, a Doppler heart test can be used to diagnose and monitor the issue.

Cardiology Specialists

Your heart health is critical to your overall health. Because of this, issues with your heart health need to be treated promptly and with care. Apex Cardiology has the top cardiologists who have the necessary skills and experience to address your heart-related issues. They understand how stressful heart health issues can be and are committed to ensuring your comfort and care. Contact their team today if you need care related to your heart health!

Getting porcelain veneers is a great way to enhance the appearance of your smile. Veneers make the teeth look whiter and straighter and also can change their size and shape. Porcelain veneers are also resistant to damage and can last quite some time. However, veneers are not invincible and can lose their original color over time, especially if not taken proper care of. Your dentist will be able to accurately determine why your veneers changed color and suggest the best course of action. In this article, we will give you tips on how to improve your veneers color.

Do Veneers Stain?

Porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant than natural teeth. Porcelain is less porous than natural enamel, which means it is less absorbent. However, you should still adhere to the recommended diet and lifestyle restrictions to preserve the original color of your veneers for as long as possible. Over time, some discoloration and staining might appear, spoiling the appearance of your veneers. 

Another material used for dental veneers is resin composite. This material is much less stain-resistant than porcelain, and you need to take extra care to preserve its appearance. 

Why Have My Veneers Changed Color?

Dental veneers can change color with time for several reasons, including:

• Consumption of staining foods and beverages, such as red wine, black coffee and tea, berries, drinks, and candies containing dye, etc. It is best to avoid these types of products as much as possible and brush your teeth immediately after the meal containing them. 
• Tobacco consumption.
• You have had your veneers for a long time. Two factors can cause staining in this situation. Firstly, your veneers can be stained and due to replacement just because they are old. Porcelain veneers tend to last for about 15 years and composite veneers—for about 7 years. Secondly, as you age, your gum can start receding, exposing the top part of the veneer. This results in darker spots being visible along the gumline.
• The adhesive seal that attaches veneers to your teeth is broken. When this happens, food and beverage residue can accumulate between the tooth and the veneer, making the latter appear stained or discolored.
• Micro abrasions on your veneers. If you use abrasive toothpaste or toothbrushes, it can result in micro scratches on the surface of your veneers. The damaged area absorbs pigment and bacteria, which provides for staining. 
• The tooth underneath the veneer became discolored or decayed. Modern veneers are made to be partially translucent to resemble natural teeth by letting some light through. This means that if there are issues with the tooth itself, your veneer can appear discolored or stained.
• The glazing of your veneer is wearing down. In most cases, this can happen if your veneers are too old or if they are damaged. Glazing protects the harder and more absorbent parts of the veneer. When they become exposed, the veneer can become more prone to staining. 

Tips to Improve Your Veneers Color

• The first and main tip is not to use any at-home whitening solutions on your dental veneers. Unfortunately, such whitening kits are made of natural enamel and are not compatible with porcelain or resin composite. In fact, using whitening solutions at home can make your veneers look worse. 
• Toothpaste with bleach and baking soda also can damage your veneers, so avoid using them.
• Make an appointment with your dentist for a professional dental veneer cleaning. Your dentist might be able to remove stains and discoloration and refinish the porcelain glaze. This is the most effective cleaning method for your dental veneers, and it can make them look significantly better. However, in cases when the staining is too severe, your dentist might offer to replace your veneers altogether.

How to Take Care of Your Veneers Properly

Proper and regular care can ensure that your veneers stay white for years to come:

1. Thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night. It is crucial to remove food residue and bacteria to prevent them from accumulating on and between your teeth. On top of that, maintaining proper oral hygiene will help to avoid tooth decay underneath your veneers.
2. Use a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid micro scratches on the surface of your veneers. 
3. Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash.
4. Use a special dental veneer cleaner. Ask your dentist to recommend one that will be the most suitable for your veneers.
5. Visit your dentist regularly for oral health checkups and professional cleanings to prevent plaque and tartar accumulation and other oral health issues.

Make an Appointment Today

If you are concerned that your veneers do not look as good as they used to, make an appointment at Smiles of Arcadia with a porcelain veneers expert. We can professionally clean your dental veneers and improve their appearance. Do not hesitate to call our office today.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say, and can be hard to measure objectively. However, there are certain qualities that tend to bear repeating when individuals are asked to describe what they find attractive in a person. What makes a nose beautiful?

One of the parts of the body that tends to draw attention is an individual’s nose. Positioned prominently in the center of one’s face, the nose can be a deal breaker in terms of appearance for many people. Many of these qualities are considered beautiful because they match one’s unique facial features well.

What Makes a Nose Beautiful?

If you’re curious about the qualities that many find beautiful in a nose, take a look at this primer that describes many of the common qualities that are often cited for individuals seeking plastic surgery in Beverly Hills.

Horizontal Thirds and Vertical Fifths

Many of the elements of one’s appearance that are considered attractive are based on a style of mathematics of the face. Put otherwise, people tend to find symmetry appealing, and there are certain proportions that can be applied to the human face that tend to make them more appealing or desirable.

One of the more commonly referenced elements of these proportions is the idea of “horizontal thirds” in regards to the face. This rule dictates that an appealing and proportional face can be split into three equal parts. This idea posits that the nose should take up approximately one-third of the overall face height. The closer that the nose is able to achieve these proportions, the more appealing the face, generally speaking.

Accompanying the horizontal rule of thirds is the vertical rule of fifths. This rule posits that the nose should take up approximately one fifth of the vertical space of the face. If a nose is either too slim or too wide, then generally speaking, the nose isn’t considered as attractive. The fifths in the vertical rule of fifths are generally measured by the width of a patient’s eye.

Elements of the Ideal Nose

Nowadays, medical professionals are able to model ideas of what makes a perfect nose digitally, drawing from the extensive literature surrounding the subject through various studies. These studies observe many of the elements surrounding the angels and dimensions of the face. Some of the findings in these studies have found the following qualities to be ideal:

· A straight dorsum

· A nose length that is approximately .67x the midfacial height

· A nose that has a nasolabial angle of 95-115 degrees in women and 90-95 degrees in men

· The projection of the nose is approximately half of the nasal dorsal length

Generally speaking, there are certain differences to be found in the ideal nose for men and women. More obtuse angles are considered more attractive in women, while more acute angles are considered more attractive in men. Many claim that round, soft features are more attractive in women, while stronger and more angular features are more attractive in men.

Many of these elements illustrate the fact that there is no easy answer in terms of describing the ideal nose, as much of what constitutes the ideal nose is dependent on the accompanying aspects of the face.

Changing the Nose with Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty has the potential to change many of the primary features of the nose, amounting to a total change in appearance. Some of the common areas of focus include the following aspects of the nose:

· Nose width

· Dorsal hump

· Narrowing the nostrils

· The angle of the nose tip

· The shape of the nose tip

Your physician will take into account the unique features of your face when determining what elements of your nose to modify.

Types of Noses

Noses come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, though medical professionals have partitioned most of the shapes they come in into a variety of sub-types. Most noses are able to fall into the following categories:

• Greek nose: A Greek nose is characterized by a completely straight line from the bridge to the tip.
• Upturned nose: The upturned nose is smaller than the other types, and represents the most commonly requested type of nose in rhinoplasty.
• Aquiline nose: This nose has a pronounced bridge and a curved or bent shape. These noses are also known as “eagle noses” or “hawk noses”.
• Nubian nose: The Nubian nose is a long nose with a wide base, common among certain ethnicities.

Your First Stop for a Rhinoplasty

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc. is the premiere destination for individuals looking to enhance their appearance with rhinoplasty. If you’re thinking about receiving this type of treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment.