Many people are diligent when it comes to brushing their teeth twice a day, but with flossing, it’s often a different story. Some people find flossing time-consuming, unpleasant, or just not very necessary.

The fact is, however, that it’s not enough to just brush your teeth a few times a day. If you want to prevent cavities and other oral health problems, you must also make it a habit to floss daily.

How Cavities Form

In order to understand how flossing prevents cavities, it’s necessary to understand how cavities form in the first place.

• A cavity is a hole in your tooth that results from decay. When food particles and bacteria are allowed to sit on your teeth for a length of time (rather than being removed by your toothbrush and floss), the bacteria turns into a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque can eat away at your tooth, creating a hole called a cavity.
• Once a cavity has formed, the integrity of the tooth is at risk. You’ll need a filling to ensure that you don’t lose the tooth.
• Teeth that have cavities may show signs such as pain or sensitivity, but they may not. This is why it’s imperative to make sure you are cleaning your teeth thoroughly and seeing your dentist on a regular basis.

Why is Flossing So Important?

Flossing is a crucial part of your oral hygiene routine. You should be flossing on a daily basis, and it should be as important to you as brushing your teeth.

• Flossing removes food particles trapped between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot easily reach. Bacteria hide out in the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, especially between your teeth.
• Flossing removes the particles and bacteria before they have a chance to cause decay.
• Flossing not only prevents cavities, but it can also protect you against periodontal disease, which is linked to serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke. Flossing is good for the health of your entire body!
• Flossing can also prevent bad breath, as it removes odor-causing bacteria.

As you can see, it is absolutely necessary to make flossing part of your daily routine if you wish to prevent cavities and other health problems. Rest assured, Dr. Clinton Timmerman and staff can help you develop and maintain good oral health care practices, including proper flossing, to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy for years to come.

Teeth Whitening

Our teeth can begin looking dull as we age. We may have stains due to years of drinking coffee or wine, smoking cigarettes, or taking medications. Conversely, a bright, white smile projects an image of youthfulness and healthiness.

If your teeth are looking dingy, a professional whitening treatment can remove stains and restore your smile to a brighter, whiter state. You’ll likely notice a difference after just one treatment.

Dental Implants

Having missing teeth or wearing dentures can make your face look older. Dentures rest on top of the gums, and over time, bone structure and tissues can be lost. When teeth, bone, or tissues are missing, it can cause a sunken in appearance in your face. This makes you look much older!

Dental implants can provide more structure to your face – the results are almost like a nonsurgical facelift. They’ll also help prevent bone and tissue loss.

Tooth Reshaping

It’s not uncommon for teeth to chip over the years. It’s part of growing older – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do something about it. We can gently reshape and contour your teeth to make them more shapely and attractive.

Replacing Your Fillings

Chances are, you’ve had a cavity filled at some point, and your dentist used silver amalgam to fill it. Modern dentistry uses tooth-colored composite rather than silver to fill cavities, so if you have a mouth full of metal, you’re showing your age.

We can replace your fillings, which will not only help you look younger, but may also prevent issues down the road (metal expands and contracts – another reason we don’t use it anymore).

Ready to Improve Your Smile and Look More Youthful?

There’s no way to turn back time, but you can take years off your face with cosmetic dentistry. Our dentist, Dr. Clinton Timmerman, is passionate about helping patients achieve beautiful smiles that make them look younger and healthier. If you’re ready for a smile makeover, we encourage you to schedule a consultation!

Here are 7 of the most common dental problems and the ways cosmetic dentistry can fix them.

The Problem: Crooked teeth

The Solution: Invisalign clear braces

• Crooked teeth, gaps, and bite problems are all issues that can be fixed using the Invisalign system or Six Month Smiles.
• The main benefit to choosing Invisalign over traditional braces is that Invisalign aligners are clear and unnoticeable to others.

The Problem: Stained or discolored teeth

The Solution: Teeth whitening

• A whiter smile is much more attractive than one that is yellowed or stained.
• People who have white, stain-free smiles appear healthier, and sometimes younger as well.
• Whitening treatments are highly effective for removing troublesome stains.

The Problem: Missing teeth

The Solution: Dental implants

• Missing teeth are an embarrassing and often debilitating problem.
• The best solution is to use dental implants, which are surgically placed within the jaw and completely replace the missing teeth.
• They also look and feel completely natural.

The Problem: A gummy smile/an uneven gum line

The Solution: Gum contouring

• Some people have significantly more gum tissue covering their teeth, or what is known as a “gummy smile.”
• Others have an uneven gum line that detracts from the beauty of the smile.
• Using a laser, Dr. Timmerman can easily remove extra tissue and reshape the gum line to perfect the smile.

The Problem: Teeth that are too small, unshapely, or discolored

The Solution: Veneers

• Veneers are an excellent way to hide smile flaws and make the smile more attractive overall.
• Using thin layers of porcelain, veneers are custom-made and then bonded to the fronts of the teeth.
• They can be used to make teeth appear larger, more shapely, and whiter.

The Problem: A chipped tooth

The Solution: Dental bonding

• Teeth are covered by hard, strong enamel designed to withstand the pressure of chewing.
• However, teeth can become chipped in accidents or when biting down on something hard.
• Using composite resin, Dr. Timmerman can fill in the missing piece of your tooth and shape it to match the rest of the teeth.
• Dental bonding is an easy way to quickly repair a chipped tooth.

The Problem: Unsightly metal fillings

The Solution: Composite fillings

• In years past, silver amalgam was commonly used to fill cavities. Now, however, many patients choose non-metal, composite fillings.
• They’re tooth-colored, so they offer a more natural look.
• They’re also mercury-free, which many patients find desirable amidst concerns about the effects of mercury in silver fillings.

Your Brand New Smile Awaits!

If there’s something you dislike about your smile, you can be sure there’s a cosmetic dental procedure that can help you improve it. You deserve to love your smile! Contact Heritage Creek Dental today to schedule your consultation.

The best fix for your broken tooth will depend on the severity of the break. The three main treatment options are: dental bonding, a crown, or veneers.

1. Dental Bonding

Dental bonding, sometimes called cosmetic bonding, is a good choice for when you need to repair only a minor chip or crack in your tooth. Your dentist can use a tooth-colored composite resin to fill in the chip and reshape the tooth. Then, it will be filed and polished until it looks just like the rest of your teeth.

2. A Crown

A crown is the treatment of choice when the broken tooth is weak, especially if it is decayed. It acts as a cap, completely covering the tooth and making it stable again so you can chew and smile without worry. Crowns are custom-created to match the rest of your smile.

3. Veneers

Veneers are a good option if you want to improve the appearance of your smile. Unlike crowns, which strengthen the broken tooth, veneers are purely cosmetic. Crowns also cover the entire tooth, while veneers are attached just to the front of the tooth. Veneers are made of custom-created layers of porcelain or resin designed to perfectly match the rest of your teeth. They are a purely cosmetic solution for a chipped tooth, and are likely to be the most expensive option.

What to Do When Your Tooth Breaks

• Contact your dentist (if you have injured your jaw or have a life-threatening injury, you should instead go to the emergency room).



• Bring the broken piece(s) of your tooth with you to the dentist.
• Be careful not to let a sharp edge cut the inside of your mouth until your tooth can be repaired.

Breaking a tooth may feel like the end of the world at the time, but rest assured, our dentist, Dr. Timmerman, can repair your tooth and restore your smile using bonding, a crown, or veneers.

Almost any smile imperfection can be remedied with a cosmetic procedure. Here are three of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services patients choose to help them achieve the smile makeovers they desire.

1. Veneers

Veneers are a very popular choice for patients who are seeking dental treatment solely for aesthetic purposes. Veneers don’t change the position of the teeth; instead, they disguise flaws and create your ideal smile. Thin layers of porcelain or a similar material are attached to the fronts of the teeth that show when you smile. This is a permanent procedure that leaves you with the ideal smile specially created for you.

• One of the major benefits of veneers is that you can use them to obtain a customized smile.
• You can choose the size of the smile, the shape of the teeth, and the exact shade of white.
• Whether you desire a more natural-looking grin or you are after a dazzling white smile, veneers can help you achieve it.

2. Teeth Whitening

Teeth can become stained or yellowed due to several factors. Coffee, tea, cola, and red wine can all lead to teeth staining after consistent exposure. Certain medications can leave splotches on teeth. Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking or using chewing tobacco, can also cause staining. Discoloration can make you appear older than you are, and it gives off a less than healthy vibe.

With in-office teeth whitening treatments, we can blast away the stains on your teeth and help you achieve a smile several shades whiter. We can also provide you with whitening treatments to use at home to maintain your results.

A bright, white smile can help you look younger and more attractive and can increase your self esteem significantly. It’s no wonder so many people choose teeth whitening treatments.

3. Invisalign Clear Braces

Many people would love to have straighter teeth, but the idea of wearing metal braces for a long period of time turns them off to orthodontic work. For adults and teenagers who would like a straighter smile without having to endure a mouth full of metal, the Invisalign clear braces system is the ideal solution. Invisalign can handle nearly any case, from those who need only minor straightening to those who need to shift their teeth significantly.

• Invisalign trays are custom-created using strong, clear plastic. They are designed to slowly shift the teeth into place.
• Many patients choose Invisalign because the aligners are virtually invisible; no one will know you are straightening your teeth unless you tell them.

Regardless of what you’d like to change about your smile, you can be sure there is a cosmetic dental procedure at Heritage Creek Dental that can help you achieve your goal. For more information about getting the smile of your dreams, we encourage you to contact our office!

Some patients wait to go to the dentist until they are experiencing pain due to a problem that could have been prevented by seeing a dentist earlier – and the problem has likely become more costly at this point. Once they do decide to go, they worry that the appointment and any other treatments will be unaffordable.

It is essential to see a dentist on a regular basis to avoid serious problems and keep your smile in good shape. We assure you, there are ways to afford quality dental care!

How Much Will My Appointment Cost?

Until you have actually gone to the dentist, it is impossible to know how much it will cost, as there are several factors to consider. These include:

• Whether you have dental insurance
• What procedures you need done
• Whether you use sedation or require other medications
• Whether you’ll need follow-up appointments/treatments

Paying for Your Dental Care

When you go in for your appointment, you’ll be able to discuss the cost of any dental procedures you may need.

• Our office has someone on staff who can speak to you about your options for paying for your dental care. We never want our patients to go without the care they need to enjoy their smiles for life.
• We’ll help you maximize your insurance benefits if you have them. If not, we’ll set up a payment plan that will allow you to pay for your dental work in a timeframe that works for you.

Of course, the best way to avoid costly dental work is to be proactive and see a dentist for regular exams.

Problems that are caught in their early stages are often much easier to treat, cause less pain for the patient, and cost less.

We want to do everything in our power to ensure that you get the dental care you need. We’re happy to work with you to get your smile back to its healthiest state. Contact Heritage Creek Dental at either of our offices (Clive or Albia, IA) for more information about your payment options.

Teeth grinding is fairly common, but it can wreak havoc on your teeth if you don’t find a way to protect them. If you notice your teeth becoming shorter or smaller, the most likely explanation is that you are grinding your teeth at night. You may actually be grinding your teeth away!

Other signs you may be grinding your teeth include:

• Tooth sensitivity (teeth grinding wears away your enamel)
• Headaches
• Jaw pain or other signs of a TMJ disorder (earache, facial pain)

How to Stop Teeth Grinding

Once your tooth structure is gone, it’s gone. If you’ve recently discovered that you are grinding your teeth, it’s important to take action immediately to protect your smile. The best option for many patients is a mouth guard that is worn overnight.

• Mouth guards can be purchased at the drugstore and molded to fit your teeth perfectly. Or, your dentist can provide you with a custom guard to wear at night. Wearing a mouth guard protects your teeth and silences the grinding noise, which can be bothersome for a bed partner.
• In some cases, getting treatment for bite problems can help reduce this bothersome activity.
• Many people grind their teeth due to stress. By finding healthy ways to alleviate your stress, you may find that you can reduce bruxism.

Treatment for Worn Teeth

If your teeth have become significantly worn down, you may require treatment to reconstruct the worn away tooth surface. Using an overlay or crown, we can protect and restore the appearance of the tooth, as well as enable you to eat normally.

However, it should be noted that this type of treatment does not actually solve the problem of teeth grinding (and bruxism can destroy this reconstructive treatment). Wearing a mouth guard at night can protect your dental work and prevent further damage.

If you are concerned about heavy wear on your teeth, or if you are experiencing pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. Allow Heritage Creek Dental to offer solutions to protect your teeth long-term.

Some of our patients at Heritage Creek Dental come to us asking the same type of questions.

• I feel so tired and exhausted in the morning just after waking up. Why is that?
• My jaw is sometimes sore when I wake up. Could it mean that I’m not getting a good night’s sleep because of that?
• My wife tells me that I snore constantly throughout the night. Is snoring serious, and can snoring make me not rest good at night?

These are just a few of the many questions that patients have when they come see me.

Sleep apnea and sleep apnea treatment

When patients suffer from certain side effects, I talk to them about sleep apnea and the potential that they may be suffering from it. Not only are most of my patients unaware of what sleep apnea is, but they don’t know that it might be causing them disruptive sleep.

• When you come in for your appointment, I will ask you about your symptoms and why you think you may be not resting properly. Sometimes it can simply be due to high stress, but if disruptive sleep is happening over and over and over again, there might be a bigger problem.
• Not many people know and understand the signs of sleep apnea. We are here to educate you regarding this disorder, a very treatable sleeping disorder.
• If, after the sleep study, it is determined that you have it, we provide sleep apnea treatments right here at our office!

So if you or a loved one are experiencing signs of sleep apnea, we invite you to call us today. We can help you have a more restful night’s sleep so you can wake up feeling recharged and refreshed!

Dr. Clinton Timmerman at Heritage Creek Dental provides several treatment options for patients near Clive, Des Moines, Albia, and West Des Moines. Here are some of the choices patients have for replacing missing teeth and getting a complete smile.

Option #1: Dental Implants

Dental implants are often the ideal option for people who need to replace a missing tooth or several teeth.

• Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace tooth roots and anchor the replacement teeth. Then, they are topped with abutments, which are used to attach porcelain crowns to replace the missing teeth.

• Dental implants are the most natural solution for replacing missing teeth. They are just as strong as natural teeth and are a permanent solution. Patients who choose dental implants do not have to worry about the inconveniences of removable appliances such as dentures and partials.

• The process of getting dental implants takes place over multiple appointments, as some time must pass for the implant to fuse with the jawbone before a crown can be placed.

Option #2: Dentures

For patients who are not good candidates for dental implants, dentures can be used as a missing tooth replacement and to enable the patient to eat and speak normally. Dentures are custom-created for the patient and sit atop the patient’s gums.

• Today’s dentures are much more comfortable and easier to use than ever. Dr. Timmerman works to ensure that patients’ dentures will not slide around or cause discomfort.

• For patients who still have some of their natural teeth, a partial denture can be used to replace groups of missing teeth. This type of appliance is removable and can be taken out by the patient at any time.

• It should be noted that dentures will likely have to be replaced at some point, as the patient’s bone and gums are likely to change over time.

Option #3: Bridges

A bridge is a permanent appliance used to replace either a single tooth or multiple teeth.

• A bridge can be fashioned multiple ways depending on the individual case, but typically, the teeth on either side of a missing tooth (or row of missing teeth) are reduced to allow for crowns to be placed over them. These abutment teeth support the crown that replaces the missing tooth or teeth.

• Unlike removable partial dentures, a bridge is considered a fixed partial denture, which cannot be removed by the patient.

• Patients may also choose an implant-supported bridge, which provides greater stability.

As you can see, there are several options available to patients who are ready to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of their smiles. To determine which option will be right for you, schedule your consultation with Heritage Creek Dental. We look forward to helping you get your best smile.

Dr. Timmerman: A Children’s Dentist in Des Moines

• For a child, going to the dentist’s office can be a scary experience – the noises, equipment, and unfamiliar environment can all make your child nervous. Dr. Timmerman recognizes this, and he does everything he can to make your child’s experience pleasant and easy, from taking the time to get to know your child to explaining each procedure and tool he will use.

• The fear of going to the dentist plagues many adults. It is often a strong fear that develops after a negative experience during childhood, and it can stick with a person for life. Dr. Timmerman works to prevent your child from being afraid of the dentist and instead set him or her up for a lifetime of visiting the dentist on a regular basis and enjoying good dental health.

The Importance of Children’s Dentistry

• Though your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by adult teeth, it is still very important to maintain your child’s oral health. Visiting the dentist regularly will help prevent cavities and other problems and keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy, which in turn will create a healthy environment for the adult teeth to grow into.

• By taking your child to the dentist regularly, you will teach him or her the importance of maintaining good oral health and get him or her into the habit of going on a regular basis – a habit that will likely last.

• During your child’s regular dental checkup, Dr. Timmerman will likely provide a fluoride treatment after his or her teeth cleaning to help prevent cavities from forming. This preventative treatment is another important reason to make sure your child goes to the dentist regularly.

• A visit to the dentist is also a good way for your child to learn proper brushing and flossing techniques so they can develop good oral hygiene habits.

Selecting your child’s dentist is a very important decision, much like choosing a pediatrician. Dr. Timmerman is a highly qualified general dentist who truly does care about his patients, including children. If you are looking for a family dentist in Des Moines who will provide excellent care for your child as well as your entire family, look no further than Dr. Timmerman and the Heritage Creek Dental staff.