TMJ Therapy with Dr. Devlin in State College, PA, Relieves Pain and Restores Comfort

September 11, 2014

167121308Pain is the body’s way of telling you something is wrong. If you are experiencing pain in your jaw, this may be a sign of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. TMJ,or TMD, can affect the temporomandibular joint, the jaw muscles and nerves on either side of the face. Dr. Chris J. Devlin in State College, PA, offers TMJ therapy to non-surgically leave you smiling because the pain is gone.

What Causes the Pain of TMJ?

The temporomandibular joints, which are positioned in front of your ears, slide and rotate as you open and close your mouth to talk, chew, or yawn. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the most common cause of TMJ is a bite problem that affects the joint. An incorrect bite may move the lower jaw out of place, thereby pushing the joints out of socket in order to force the upper and lower teeth to fit together. Other causes include normal wear and tear from aging, clenching your teeth and grinding your teeth.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?

The most common and often the first symptom of TMJ is pain while chewing. Discomfort may extend to the ears, neck and shoulders. Other symptoms of TMJ Disorder may include:

  • A clicking or popping sound when opening or closing your mouth
  • An earache
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Waking up with a headache
  • A feeling that the jaw is “locked”

What Stops the Pain of TMJ?

Dr. Devlin is specially trained to treat TMJ disorder. To relieve your TMJ pain, Dr. Devlin will likely recommend a custom oral appliance to keep the jaw in its ideal resting position. He may also suggest rebuilding the surface of your back teeth in order to restore proper bite alignment.

Schedule An Appointment Today with Dr. Devlin and Relieve Your TMJ Symptoms

Had enough of the pain? Then call the office of Dr. Devlin in State College, PA, for an appointment. We treat Penn State students, as well as residents of Altoona, Centre Hall and Bellefonte.

How Can Implant-Retained Dentures Improve Your Life?

August 12, 2014

187007308For millions of men and women in America, full dentures and partials make it possible to eat, speak, and smile despite their missing teeth. While these prosthetic teeth do serve an important purpose, they can prove inconvenient and uncomfortable over time. At Chris J. Devlin, DMD, PC in State College, PA, Dr. Devlin offers a superior restorative solution that allows patients with dentures to enjoy life to the fullest once again: implant-retained dentures.

Advantages of Implant-Retained Dentures

Also called implant-supported dentures, implant-retained dental prosthetics closely resemble the dentures with which most of us are familiar. They may replace multiple teeth in a row, an entire arch, or various teeth situated throughout the arch. The replacement teeth look strikingly realistic and are customized to fit seamlessly with your natural smile. The problem with many dentures is that they do not fit precisely against the gums and the palate, resulting in a number of common issues like clicking, slipping, and rubbing. With implant-retained dentures, these worries are all things of the past.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the gum tissue and the bone of the jaw to serve as sturdy anchors for a dental prosthetic like a crown, a bridge, or a denture. After a brief period of healing following their placement, the implants become solidly fused with the bone. Then Dr. Devlin can attach a custom denture to the implants, effectively rebuilding your smile and bite in a way that looks and feels natural. You’ll never have to worry again about your dentures slipping while you speak or moving around when you eat.

Experience the Possibilities of Implant-Retained Dentures

Whether you currently wear dentures or you are planning to have teeth extracted to accommodate a dental prosthetic, we welcome you to contact our office and ask about implant-retained dentures. With the proven technology of dental implants and Dr. Devlin’s extensive experience, we can help restore and rejuvenate your smile. Our practice in State College, PA warmly welcomes patients from nearby areas as well, including Altoona, Centre Hall, Bellefonte, and more. Our team looks forward to seeing and serving your smile!

Get Your Smile Ready for Summer Fun with Teeth Whitening in State College, PA

July 8, 2014

shutterstock_200885033Summer is officially in the air and it’s time to head outdoors for some fun in the sun with friends and family. With all of the pool parties, backyard barbecues, and vacation plans ahead of you, make sure that your smile looks its best with cosmetic dentistry services from Dr. Chris J. Devlin in State College, PA. With our state-of-the-art teeth whitening services, you’ll be ready to show off your smile whenever and wherever you like all summer long, feeling confident in how great you look and feel.

The Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening

While many teeth whitening products you can find at your local pharmacy or grocery store claim to offer lasting whitening results, the fact of the matter is that the ingredients they use simply aren’t powerful enough to lift stains as well as professional whitening. With our selection of in-office teeth whitening and take-home whitening kits, our patients can effectively erase years of deep stains and yellowing in less time than ever before. The technology is proven safe, so you never have to worry about the health of your teeth and gums.

Regardless of which option you choose, your results will be the same: a lustrous, brilliant smile that still looks completely natural, only brighter and healthier once it’s free of discoloration caused by foods, tobacco, coffee, wine, and other common factors. You’ll love smiling and laughing freely and comfortably with family and friends no matter where your summer adventures may take you.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Visit Today

Whether you are looking for a quick fix for deep stains and discoloration or you’d prefer to whiten on your time with our take-home whitening kits, Dr. Devlin has everything you need to enjoy a bright, luminous smile you’ll be proud to show off to the world. Contact our office in State College, PA today to schedule your appointment, and to learn more about how our vast array of cosmetic dental solutions can transform your smile for the best. Our conveniently located office happily welcomes patients from throughout the nearby areas as well, including Centre Hall, Bellefonte, Altoona, and more.

The Importance of Periodontal Therapy: What You Need to Know About Gum Disease

June 9, 2014

shutterstock_84577195When most people think of gum disease, the first thing that typically comes to mind is redness along the gum line and bleeding when the teeth are brushed or flossed. While these are two very common symptoms of periodontal disease, there are even more serious complications associated with this condition. At Chris J. Devlin, DMD, PC in State College, PA, Dr. Devlin and his team offer a comprehensive array of general and preventive dentistry services to keep our patients wholly healthy, including laser periodontal therapy.

Gum Disease and the Mouth-Body Link

When an individual suffers from gum disease, the bacteria that thrive within the oral cavity can spread throughout the rest of the body, wreaking havoc on other tissues and organs over time. Though there may not be any symptoms of a larger infection at first, these complications can be incredibly serious. Research has proven the existence of a link between untreated gum disease and systemic health problems, including:

  • Respiratory illnesses, including an increased risk for pulmonary hypertension
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Complications in diabetic patients
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Dementia in older age
  • Low birth weight in babies born to mothers with gum disease

Fortunately, treating gum disease in its earliest stages may help to reduce your risk of developing these and other conditions. Dr. Devlin offers laser periodontal therapy to combat gum disease in its varying stages. Because a laser actually helps to stimulate healing as it treats infected gum tissue, recovery time is shortened considerably. Patients report feeling more comfortable during their healing period, and they are able to return to a normal diet more quickly than is the case with traditional scalpel and suture gum disease surgery.

Healthy Smile, Healthy You

If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from gum disease, contact our office in State College, PA. We also serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Altoona, Bellefonte, Centre Hall, and beyond. We look forward to helping you achieve your healthiest, most beautiful smile yet.

 

Enjoy the Full Benefits of a Gorgeous Smile with Porcelain Veneers

May 2, 2014

Shutterstock VeneersAn open, attractive smile is among the most desirable facial features a person can have, conveying happiness, confidence, and even success in the professional world. If your teeth are less than perfect, however, flawed by stains or cracks in the enamel, you may feel hesitant to share your smile with the people who matter most. At the State College, PA dental practice of Dr. Chris J. Devlin, we offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions for every need, including customized porcelain veneers.

How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?

Porcelain veneers are thin, durable, stain-resistant shells of dental porcelain that are customized to fit the precise shape and size of your natural teeth. They are capable of completely transforming your smile, covering common cosmetic imperfections in a way that still looks entirely natural. First, Dr. Devlin will take detailed impressions of your teeth to ensure a comfortable, flawless fit. These measurements will be sent to a specialized lab where your custom veneers will be crafted just for you.

When your porcelain veneers are bonded to the surfaces of your teeth, you’ll walk out of our office with a completely revitalized new smile. Veneers are used to cover a variety of issues, including:

  • Chips and cracks
  • Mild to moderate crookedness and/or crowding
  • Teeth that are too small or too large in relation to the rest of your smile
  • Deep staining and discoloration
  • Spacing issues, like gaps between teeth

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’d like to experience the innumerable benefits of a straighter, whiter, more confident smile, Dr. Devlin and our team want to help. Contact our office in State College, PA and schedule your appointment today to find out more about porcelain veneers and our other cosmetic dentistry services.

Whether you are self-conscious of your teeth for minor reasons – like staining or a small chip – or you’d like to explore the possibilities afforded by full-mouth reconstruction, our office offers all of the treatments and procedures needed to reveal your most beautiful smile yet. We proudly serve patients from throughout the State College area, including surrounding communities in Bellefonte, Altoona, Centre Hall, and beyond.

Preventive Dentistry in State College, PA

September 12, 2013

DSC_0020State College Dentist Dr. Devlin

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” said Benjamin Franklin. Or was it Mark Twain? Maybe it was Lincoln? Whoever it was doesn’t matter, its true.

“I don’t go to the dentist because I don’t have dental insurance”. Would somebody explain the logic here? Does your car insurance pay for oil changes and routine maintenance? No, but I’ll bet you take care of your car anyway. Why? Because if you don’t do the routine maintenance you will pay “in spades” for major repairs later.

I know, going to the dentist involves you sitting in the chair and letting someone use sharp instruments in your mouth. Please consider; why would you give higher priority to something that will be rust in a decade or two? You only get one set of permanent teeth to last your lifetime.

My advice to those of you who are avoiding a dentist due to money being tight or not having insurance. Find a dentist you trust and go there even when the economy is bad because you are preventing major problems that will be much more expensive and much more painful later. Take care of the most important thing you own; your health.

In the 70s I remember the “Fram oil filter man” who would say, “pay me now, or pay me later” on a TV commercial stressing frequent oil changes to avoid costly repairs. Dental problems are preventable and it is my hope, as a dentist, you will choose wisely.
Come and visit us in our State College office. Or, you may contact us directly at (814) 238-3553. Come and see the Devlin difference, you will be glad that you did!

Discreet Orthodontic Care with Invisalign

December 28, 2012

Are your teeth crooked or have gaps? Have you been living with it because you don’t want metal braces? Well, dental technology has evolved and Invisalign from Dr. Chris Devlin could be just what you’ve been waiting for!

Invisalign uses clear braces technology to straighten your teeth without the metal or irritation associated with traditional braces. It works by using a series of clear alignment trays to gradually straighten your teeth.

The clear trays are virtually invisible, thus giving you self-confidence about your appearance while your teeth gradually straighten. Also, you have the freedom to remove them for important occasions, for eating, and for cleaning. Your teeth will still be straightened while giving you added flexibility for your life.

Your treatment will start with a consultation at Dr. Devlin’s State College dental office, where impressions of your teeth will be made and used to model the series of clear alignment trays.  Every few weeks you’ll switch to a new alignment tray, gradually straightening your teeth.

Invisalign could be just the solution that you’ve been waiting for. This clear braces solution will give you the straighter teeth you want without the visibility of traditional braces.

Interested in learning more about Invisalign or wanting to set up a consultation? Call us today to schedule a visit with Dr. Devlin. Our State College dental office serves patients from Bellefonte, Centre Hall, Altoona, and beyond.

The Artistic Side of Dentistry

September 13, 2012

In our last post we looked at how cosmetic care can address your needs for a more functional smile. Today’s we’d like to add onto that by discussing the artistic side of dentistry.

When you think about dentistry, do you ever think about the level of artistry it takes to design and complete a smile makeover? If you do, it’s probably not the first thing that comes to your mind. And yet the truth is that designing and crafting a new smile takes a genuinely artistic eye.

That’s because, when it comes to crafting a smile makeover, dentists like Dr. Devlin of State College have to think imaginatively and they have to understand what makes a smile aesthetically appealing. It takes both of these—imaginative thinking and an appreciation for aesthetics—to really make a smile makeover successful.

At Dr. Devlin’s dental office in State College, that’s what you’ll find. From the very first moment when you come to see us for your consultation, we’ll be putting our imaginations to work to find the best solution for your needs. Then, once we know which of our cosmetic and restorative services will benefit you the most, we can begin designing your smile according to traditional rules of aesthetics.  The results will be stunning and life-changing.

For a list of our services, including our cosmetic dentistry services, we invite you to explore our website, where you’ll also find more information about Dr. Devlin and his great team.

Call us today if you’re ready to schedule a visit with Dr. Devlin. Our State College dental office serves patients from Bellefonte, Centre Hall, Altoona, and beyond.

Cosmetic Care That Addresses Function

August 7, 2012

Often, when a doctor or patient talks about cosmetic dentistry, the focus is completely on appearance. Services like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and cosmetic bonding all do a great job of creating whiter, healthier –looking smiles, but that’s where they stop. None of them addresses the issue of functionality.

Thankfully, though, there are other services that do. At Dr. Chris J. Devlin’s State College dental office, we offer multiple services designed to meet a combination of cosmetic and restorative needs. Those services include:

With each of these great services, providing cosmetic care is just the tip of the iceberg. Just as important is restoring a smile’s functionality. That means improving the patient’s ability to speak clearly and to enjoy healthy foods that might be hard to eat with missing teeth. By doing these, Dr. Devlin can help his patients from State College and beyond improve their overall wellbeing and enjoy a better quality of life.

But which of these services is most right for you?

If you’d like to know which cosmetic-restorative service will do the most to help your smile, Dr. Devlin and his team would be happy to help you. Call our State College office today to schedule your consultation appointment. Our team serves patients from Bellefonte, Centre Hall, Altoona, and surrounding areas with great general, cosmetic, and restorative care.

Quality Dental Care with Long-Term Success in Mind

July 30, 2012

For Dr. Chris J. Devlin, providing great dental care is about more than just solving an immediate problem; it’s also about creating a strong, healthy smile that will last for the long-term. That spirit was reflected in our last blog post, where we mentioned our commitment to providing soothing IV sedation, just as it’s also reflected on our website.

One way we’ve committed ourselves to long-term care is through services like dental implants. With dental implants, Dr. Devlin can help his State College patients replace missing teeth with new, custom-made teeth and prosthetic roots. As a result, the jaw is preserved and bone loss is prevented. That means that when we restore a patient’s smile with dental implants, we’re working with the future in mind.

What we’re really talking about here, though, is a philosophy more than a specific treatment. When you come to Dr. Devlin’s State College dental office, you’ll encounter a team that cares about doing great work to help you prepare for you future.

Are you ready to find out how Dr. Devlin can help your smile? Feel free to explore our website to find out about all the great services we offer. We also invite you to call our State College dental office to schedule a consultation appointment. We gladly serve patients from Bellefonte, Centre Hall, Altoona, and surrounding areas.

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