Crooked teeth are known in the world of dentistry as “malocclusion.” Malocclusion can impact the aesthetics of your smile and may affect your overall oral health and enjoyment. At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in the Arlington area, we understand the significance of addressing crooked teeth to ensure our patient’s smiles are healthy, confident, and functional. Understanding Crooked Teeth Crooked teeth can result from various factors, including genetics, inadequate jaw space, early childhood habits (such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use), or trauma to the mouth. Regardless o ..read more

Think you don’t have time to perfect your smile? It may not take as long as you think if you come into Stephen Ratcliff Family And Cosmetic Dentistry. How many visits does it take to get dental implants? Each patient is different. But in most cases, complete implant procedures take fewer visits than they used to. The team at Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can restore missing teeth with just a couple of visits. Don’t count on second-hand accounts or outdated information. We invite you to come and get the facts. Call us Today If you are embarrassed by missing teeth or ill-f ..read more

You can’t buy implants at Costco. You can’t compare price tags on Amazon. The rates aren’t listed on your dentist’s web page. There is a reason for this. A permanent dental implant procedure isn’t one-size-fits-all. The price of a tooth implant depends on many factors, and Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can know why. First, let’s define what we are talking about. A dental implant is a tooth replacement that is screwed directly into the jaw bone. It is not attached to the adjacent teeth like a dental bridge. The post replaces the tooth root and is inserted where the tooth root ..read more

Every stage of life has its benefits and drawbacks. For example, in our golden years, we may enjoy traveling, more free time, and grandchildren. However, most Arlington retirees do not welcome wrinkles, limited mobility, or dental issues. Fortunately, your smile can be healthy and beautiful throughout your life. With cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can have a youthful smile at any age with the help of Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Regain Your Youthful Smile Even if your teeth are showing visible signs of wear, we can help. Do you have any of the following issues? Ena ..read more

People get food stuck in and between their teeth all the time. Most of the time it is not a malfunction to get the food unstuck with floss or a toothbrush and move on with your day. However, once in a while, there is a pesky piece of food that seems almost impossible to get out of your teeth. So, what do you do if this is the case?  Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is available to help you when something is stuck between your teeth and is too problematic or dangerous to get out on your own. Remember that you do not need to do everything yourself, and it is okay and oftent ..read more

In the intricate tapestry of our body’s health, a thread often overlooked is the profound connection between oral health and overall well-being. As the gateway to our body, our oral cavity is pivotal in influencing our general health. Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, nestled in the heart of Arlington, is at the forefront of understanding and advocating for this crucial link. Let’s look into the profound connection between oral health and overall wellness and how Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is guiding patients toward a healthier and more vibrant life. The ..read more

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a stealthy adversary that can creep into our mouths with little warning. For some individuals, the risk of developing gum disease is significantly higher due to various factors. Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, located near Arlington, is dedicated to shedding light on the importance of understanding gum disease risk factors and providing tailored care for those who need it most. The Hidden Menace: Gum Disease Gum disease is a progressive condition that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the gums and bone ..read more

Did you know a cavity may be reversed? These small holes in our teeth caused by acidic tooth erosion can be prevented from getting worse and require filling. Currently, around 90% of adults have cavities and almost 30% have untreated cavities. However, by taking a few needed precautions suggested by Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, you can stave off tooth decay and decrease your chances of getting cavities. What causes a cavity? Every time we eat or drink, plaque bacteria break down sugar that allows for the release of certain acids in our mouths. This acidic solution will slowl ..read more

If you want to restore your smile due to extensive tooth loss, you have an important decision. Will you choose conventional dentures? Will you choose tooth implants? There is no contest when you consider the advantages of implants. Let our team at Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry compare conventional removable dentures and tooth implants. Feel Dentures sit right on the gums. An adhesive is used to help maintain the daily fit A tooth implant is surgically fixed into the jawbone similar to one’s original teeth. Dentures fit like there is an obstruction in one’s mouth. Denture wear ..read more

In a Match.com survey, over 5,000 single men and women were asked what they found most attractive in a potential dating partner. 60% of men and 71% of women said straight, white teeth and an attractive smile were the highest-ranking feature. and… Research by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), found that a healthy, beautiful smile makes you appear more intelligent, successful, friendly, and interesting. plus… Research reveals that many individuals believe when meeting someone for the first time, an attractive smile makes a deeper impression than the first thing a person says. H ..read more