Blog

Lasers: Why Dentists Use Them

In this video on our YouTube channel, Dr. Sweeney – one of our experienced Austin dentists – sheds light on the concept of laser dentistry. According to Dr. Sweeney, state-of-the-art Waterlase® MD lasers were designed to seek out and ablate water-containing tissue, generally resulting in fewer side effects and a much quicker healing time. He explains the factors that make these devices ideal for routine cleanings, cosmetic gum treatments, and more.   Check out the video here: Video Image Placeholder […]

Read More

Will Porcelain Veneers Look Fake?

Our Austin dentists are frequently questioned about the final result of porcelain veneers; in particular, patients are eager to know whether the effects of this treatment will look fake. In a recent video, Dr. Sweeney explains that patients have the final say in what their veneers look like. With that in mind, an experienced dentist will aim for a natural-looking improvement that flatters the patient’s authentic smile. Watch the video here: Video Image Placeholder To schedule your porcelain veneers consultation, […]

Read More

Is Invisalign® Treatment Faster Than Traditional Braces?

Many who pursue Invisalign® desire a less noticeable, more comfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces. And in most cases, the treatment delivers these benefits – and more! Free from brackets and wires, Invisalign® aligners are virtually undetectable, and they’re custom-designed to fit your unique bite. If you’re considering Invisalign®, you may also be wondering about the timeline of the process. “How long does Invisalign® take to address misalignment issues?” “Is Invisalign® faster than traditional braces?” These are […]

Read More

Obstructive Sleep Apnea vs. Palatal Snoring

Although some believe that snoring and sleep apnea are one and the same, this is actually a falsehood. It’s true that both conditions can disrupt sleep – but when it comes to causes, risks, and potential solutions, a few key differences set them apart. Firstly, let’s look at obstructive sleep apnea (or “OSA”). This sleep disorder is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night, which occur when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep […]

Read More

Oral Health and Your Heart

Dental and Oral Health Model

For this Wisdom Wednesday, Dr. Sweeney discusses a very popular topic in the dental world: the relationship between cardiovascular and oral health. He explains that 800,000 – or one in three – Americans die every year from heart problems. Additionally, both periodontal and heart issues are linked to serious complications like diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Thankfully, there are various strategies that can help you maintain both your oral and cardiovascular health, from exercising to sleeping well to refraining from smoking. […]

Read More

Austin Dentist on the Relationship Between Oral Health and Nutrition

Austin Cosmetic Dentist on Nutrition

Dr. Mark Sweeney of Austin Dental Spa discusses the relationship between nutrition and oral health and explains why patients should be mindful of both. Austin, TX – Austin cosmetic dentist Mark Sweeney, DDS believes that maintaining optimal dental health begins with a strong foundation: nutrition. He states that even when patients diligently brush their teeth, floss, and attend check-ups, they often overlook the profound role that a healthy diet plays in overall oral function. As Dr. Sweeney has discussed in […]

Read More

Social Isolation And Tooth Loss

In a video on our YouTube channel, our Austin cosmetic dentist – Mark Sweeney, DDS – discusses a study performed by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing.* The research, which was performed over a period of seven years, found that social isolation is closely linked with missing teeth and tooth loss! Check out the Wisdom Wednesday video for more information about this study and professional commentary from Dr. Sweeney: As always, we welcome you to reach out to Austin Dental […]

Read More

How Long Do Veneers & Porcelain Crowns Last?

How long do porcelain veneers and dental crowns last? In a Wisdom Wednesday video on our YouTube channel, Dr. Sweeney provides insight into this question, which is frequently asked by patients pursuing cosmetic dentistry treatments. Dr. Sweeney explains that these restorations often last for years – even decades – when properly maintained. While phenomena like teeth grinding (bruxism), injury, or biting into hard objects may cause damage, such issues are very rare and can typically be successfully remedied. To learn […]

Read More

Keep Your Gums Healthy

According to our Austin cosmetic dentist, clinical research in the last 20 years has linked gum disease to various health problems – and these issues are not localized to the mouth. On our Youtube channel, Dr. Sweeney discusses this phenomenon, which is known as the “oral-systemic connection.” Infections that start in the mouth or gums can spread throughout the entire body, leading to complications like diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight, strokes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. To keep these and […]

Read More

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

At Austin Dental Spa, many of our patients undergo annual professional teeth whitening treatments. In a video on our YouTube channel, our cosmetic dentist addresses a common question: is this type of cosmetic dentistry procedure painful?  According to Dr. Sweeney, whitening can be somewhat uncomfortable for those who have sensitive teeth; however, he is well-versed in techniques to make the process more tolerable for these patients.  Check out the Wisdom Wednesday video on our channel:  Continue reading our blog for […]

Read More