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Mar21

Veneers vs. Other Cosmetic Dental Options: Which One Is Best for You in Gibsonton, FL?

For many residents of Gibsonton, FL, enhancing their smile is a priority. Whether it’s to boost self-confidence, address cosmetic imperfections, or feel better about your overall appearance, there are several cosmetic dental options available to help you achieve your dream smile. At Your Time Dental in Gibsonton, Dr. Rick Kernagis offers state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry services, including veneers. But how do you choose the best solution? Understanding the differences between these treatments can help you make an informed decision.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are ultra-thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin that are carefully crafted and bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are typically used to correct issues such as:

Discolored or stained teeth
Chipped or cracked teeth
Gaps between teeth
Slightly misaligned or uneven teeth

Veneers are durable, natural-looking, and designed to transform your smile while maintaining a healthy, natural aesthetic.

Why Veneers Might Be Right for You

Choosing veneers at Your Time Dental means more than just a cosmetic improvement—they offer a long-lasting and minimally invasive solution for a perfect smile. Veneers provide a variety of benefits, including:

Customizable Results: Crafted to match the color, size, and shape of your teeth.
Durability: Porcelain veneers, in particular, are resistant to stains and built to last for many years with proper care.
Natural Appearance: Veneers blend seamlessly with your smile, offering a polished, natural look.

Whether you’re attending an event in the nearby South Tampa area or just strolling through Gibsonton neighborhoods, veneers can help you smile with confidence.

Veneers vs. Bonding

While both veneers and bonding can address cosmetic issues like chips, cracks, and discoloration, they differ in materials and durability.

Bonding: This involves using a tooth-colored resin applied directly to your tooth. It’s a quicker, more cost-effective option but is less durable and can stain over time.
Veneers: A more polished and stain-resistant solution, veneers are ideal for those looking for a longer-lasting and more natural-looking finish.

If you’re young or want a quick fix to a minor imperfection, bonding could be a reasonable choice. However, for a more transformational change, veneers are worth investing in.

Veneers vs. Crowns

Both veneers and crowns can enhance the appearance of your teeth, but they serve different purposes.

Crowns: Typically used for teeth that are severely damaged or weakened, crowns cover the entire tooth to add strength and functionality.
Veneers: Designed for cosmetic improvements, veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth.

If your primary goal is to restore a heavily decayed or damaged tooth, crowns may be the better option. On the other hand, if your concern is purely aesthetic, veneers are ideal.

Why Choose Dr. Rick Kernagis at Your Time Dental?

At Your Time Dental in Gibsonton, Dr. Rick Kernagis understands that each patient’s smile is unique. He specializes in providing affordable and personalized cosmetic dental treatments, ensuring exceptional results. Whether you’re exploring veneers, bonding, crowns, or other options, Dr. Kernagis will guide you through the decision-making process with care and expertise.

Don’t wait to enhance your smile! Call Your Time Dental to schedule a consultation today and discover the best cosmetic dental option for you. Whether you’re from Gibsonton or the South Tampa area, your dream smile is closer than you think!

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Feb21

Why Dental Implants Are Often the Best Solution for Tooth Replacement

When it comes to replacing a missing tooth, you want a solution that’s as close to having your natural tooth back as possible—something that feels, functions, and lasts just like the real thing. That’s where dental implants come in. At Your Time Dental in Gibsonton, FL, under the expert care of Dr. Kernagis, we provide advanced dental implant technology for patients throughout Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Riverview, and South Tampa. Learn why dental implants are often considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer an unparalleled combination of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Unlike dentures or bridges, which merely sit on or attach to other teeth, implants fuse with your jawbone, creating a solid and permanent foundation for your new tooth. Here’s why dental implants stand above other options:

1. Natural Look and Feel

Dental implants are designed to mimic the structure of natural teeth. They consist of a titanium post that acts as an artificial root, topped with a custom crown made to match your existing teeth. With implants, your smile looks flawless, and most people won’t even notice you’ve had a tooth replaced.

2. Preserves Bone Health

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants help prevent bone loss by mimicking the pressure and stimulation a natural tooth root provides. This makes them the healthiest choice for your jaw.

3. Long-Lasting Solution

Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, which may need frequent repairs or replacements, implants are a long-term solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last decades—or even a lifetime.

4. Improved Functionality

Dental implants restore full chewing power, enabling you to enjoy your favorite meals without hesitation. They’re stable, secure, and won’t slip or click the way dentures sometimes do.

5. No Impact on Surrounding Teeth

Unlike traditional bridges, implants don’t require adjacent teeth to be altered or shaved down. They stand independently, preserving the integrity of your natural teeth.

How Does the Tooth Implant Process Work?

At Your Time Dental, we make the implant process as smooth and efficient as possible for South Tampa and surrounding residents. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect when you choose dental implants with Dr. Kernagis:

Consultation: Dr. Kernagis will evaluate your oral health and determine if you’re a good candidate for implants. This will include imaging, such as X-rays, to assess bone density and the health of your gums.
Placement: A titanium implant post will be surgically placed into the jawbone. This acts as the base for your new tooth.
Healing Process: Over the next few months, the implant will naturally fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, creating a sturdy foundation.
Crown Placement: Once healed, a custom-designed crown will be attached to the implant, completing your new smile. You’ll walk out with a tooth replacement that looks and works flawlessly.

We’re Here to Help

At Your Time Dental, we proudly help residents across Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Riverview, and South Tampa take back their smiles with advanced dental implant technology. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other reasons, dental implants offer a comfortable, natural, and lasting solution that restores both function and confidence.

Don’t settle for less when it comes to your oral health. Contact Dr. Kernagis and our team today to learn how dental implants can transform your smile. Your best smile starts here!

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Dec27

Suspect a Bite Problem?

Hello! I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis, DMD, of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton. Thanks for visiting my dental blog. The topic of today’s post is malocclusion–literally–”bad bite.”

Malocclusion Affects Many People

Edward Angle, a pioneer in modern orthodontics invented the term malocclusion. Malocclusion is fairly common in the population as a whole but, fortunately, in most cases, the misalignment is so slight that it causes no issues.

When you combine multiple teeth on two arches and a jaw joint with a considerable range of motion, it is easy to see how these elements can fail to align properly. In fact, it is a wonder that they work correctly for most people–allowing them to talk, eat, and breathe without giving it a second thought.

Malocclusion Has Multiple Causes

There are many causes of malocclusion–some originating with the teeth and some originating with the jaw. Misshapen teeth, extracted teeth, impacted teeth, crowded teeth, and widely spaced teeth can affect the bite. Injury to the jaw can also cause malocclusion as well as improperly fitting restorations and other dental appliances.

Childhood Behaviors Can Cause Bite Problems

Children with a normal bite can develop bite dilemmas with prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking, or bottle drinking. In rarer cases, oral tumors can move a bite out of alignment.

Dentists Can Treat Malocclusion

The treatment for malocclusion depends on the cause. Orthodontics can move teeth into alignment to correct bite dilemmas. Overcrowding often requires the extraction of one or more teeth. Misshapen teeth that affect the bite can often be fixed with crowns or dental bonding.

If the jawbone is significantly misshapen or misaligned, maxillofacial surgery may be required. Jaw surgery is a serious undertaking with significant risks and a long, painful recovery. While the jaw heals, it is secured with wires and screws. Ouch!

Don’t Ignore Bite Problems

If your jaw hurts or you observe unusual wear to your teeth, you must be examined by a professional.

Our comfortable dental team has been serving patients at our comfortable Gibsonton office since 2001. We can give you more specifics about malocclusion, root canals weekend dental care, or dental implants.

We also advise Gibsonton parents about important issues such as tooth development, thumb-sucking, water fluoridation, dental sealants, oral sports protection, and orthodontia. If you suspect that you or your child has any degree of malocclusion, schedule an exam ASAP. Untreated bite issues can inhibit proper nutrition, breathing, tooth development, and speech development.

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Dec20

Implants or Traditional Dentures? Ask Yourself These Questions When Choosing

If you want to restore your smile due to extensive tooth loss, you have an essential decision. Will you choose conventional dentures? Will you choose tooth implants? There is really no contest when you consider the advantages of implants. Your Time Dental offers lasting dental implant solutions.

Let’s compare conventional removable dentures and dental implant procedures.

Feel

Dentures sit right on the gums. An adhesive is used to help maintain the daily fit A permanent dental 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 wearers say they feel bulky and uncomfortable. Implants feel and function like one’s real teeth.

Do you like the idea of putting adhesive in your mouth?

Effective years

Dentures typically last 7 to 15 years. As discussed previously, as one’s jawbone changes shape, dentures need to be adjusted to fit. Permanent dental implants are fitted once. the longest-lasting solution.

Do you want a long-lasting tooth replacement that preserves your oral health?

Cost

Dentures are the least expensive solution. But you get what you pay for. Although dentures are less expensive they are prone to problems. Implants have a higher upfront cost but are cost effective due to the fact that they are more like one’s original teeth.

What is more critical than speaking, eating, and tasting? What is your jawbone worth?

Bone Loss

This is a huge advantage, but it is relatively less known to men and women who don’t know much about teeth implants. Dentures lead to bone loss over time. This deterioration of the bone changes the shape of one’s jawbone. Implants help stimulate the jawbone. This bone stimulation helps to preserve the shape of the bone therefore maintaining one’s facial structure. This is one of the reasons denture wearers need to continually have their dentures relined. What is a reline? Relining is resurfacing the tissue side of a denture. Material is added to the appliance. Part of the reason that denture wearers need periodic relines is because their jawbone is diminishing. As it recedes, the dimensions of the jaw change.

Do you want to replace your shrinking jawbone with acrylic?

Speech

Dentures often get in the way of one’s speech patterns. Especially if they move around in the mouth. Implants don’t interfere with speaking. Because tooth implants are anchored securely in the jawbone, they don’t restrict speech at all.

Do you want to be able to speak normally?

Eating

Dentures require one to abstain from certain foods. Sticky or hard foods are difficult or even impossible to chew with dentures. It’s not only more difficult to chew these foods, but you can’t get certain foods off the dentures after eating. Denture wearers frequently have to give up steak, raw vegetables, popcorn, shelled nuts, sticky candy, and peanut butter. Implants renew one’s confidence in chewing any variety of food.

What foods do you want to give up?

We hope you have learned something about the vital choice you have when considering tooth replacement options. If you want to learn more about the advantages of dental implants, schedule a consultation today.

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Nov29

Modern Dentistry In Gibsonton

Hi, my name is Dr. Richard Kernagis. My team and I at Your Time Dental Urgent Care have been providing excellent dental care for our patients in Florida since 2001.

One of the vital habits of good oral health is daily tooth brushing with an effective toothpaste. There is a wide variety of toothpastes available. I recommend you use one with fluoride and make sure it has the ADA seal. This ensures that the toothpaste has been tested, claims are being met, and the ingredients are correct.

Just because a toothpaste claims to have a ‘whitener’ doesn’t mean it has fluoride.

Toothpaste as we know it has only been in existence since the late 1800s. Fluoride was added in 1914. The earliest evidence of toothpaste or dental cream dates back to 3000-5000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians pulverized oxen hooves, egg shells, pumice, myrrh, and water creating one of the earliest forms of toothpaste.

The Greeks and Romans began adding crushed bones and bark to the mix. The taste most likely was hard to take. During this same time the people of China and India were using a similar paste, but adding flavorings, like Ginseng and herbal mints making it a bit more palatable.

Tampa toothpaste users have no excuse for not brushing their teeth daily with the toothpaste we have available today.

The experienced staff at Your Time Dental Urgent Care want to help all Florida smiles be whiter and brighter. Contact us today at 813-519-0128 so we can answer any questions you may have about tooth whitening, invisible braces, or cosmetic dentistry. Your Time Dental Urgent Care provides emergency same-day dental care, emergency dental care, weekend dental care, and sedation dentistry.

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Nov8

7 Steps For A Healthy Smile

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Benjamin Franklin coined this phrase as advice for fire safety. However, like all timeless quotes, it applies to many more features of modern Gibsonton life, particularly dental health.

Keeping your smile beautiful and healthy is done most effectively with preventative measures from Your Time Dental. Some critical guidelines are highlighted here.

1. Make a habit of brushing your teeth. Do it twice a day for 2 minutes. Be sure to use an ADA-approved toothpaste and toothbrush.

2. Don’t forget the floss! Flossing between your teeth daily will do wonders for your teeth and keep your gums healthy too.

3. Wear a protective mouthguard when joining in an activity where your mouth could possibly be damaged.

4. Don’t smoke. As if you needed yet another reason not to!

5. Avoid piercing your lips, tongue, cheek, or any other part of your mouth that someone decided you should shove a metal bar through. Piercings put you at greater risk for chipped teeth, infection, and nerve damage. It’s a perilous fashion that you’ll want to avoid.

6. Avoid snacks that have a lot of sugar or starch.

7. Schedule regular dental visits, of course!

My name is Dr. Richard Kernagis. Helping my dental patients establish good habits and achieve the smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening, and complete smile makeovers is important to me.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care has been serving the Gibsonton area since 2001. If you are in the market for an excellent dentist, we invite you to contact us so we can make an appointment for you.

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Oct18

Have You Thanked Your Dental Assistant Lately?

Your dental practice would be a very different place if it weren’t for the experienced dental assistants who work there.

Today, Your Time Dental would like to discuss the importance of these experts who are typically overlooked.

Dental assistants not only make your dental appointment more comfortable, but they also make it effective, efficient, and safe.

You, the patient, are prepared for treatment by dental assistants and, during services (such as cavity filling, crown placements, root canals, or teeth whitening), the assistants speed things along by passing instruments, taking x-rays, holding devices, and recording important information.

Keeping the dental office clean and sterilizing instruments are other critical responsibilities completed by dental assistants. What would we do without them?

My name is Dr. Richard Kernagis. I have been serving the Tampa area since 2001. The skilled dental assistants at my practice, Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, are world-class, along with the rest of our comfortable staff.

We can address your dental care needs as well as any cosmetic dentistry procedures you might be interested in, such as veneers, dental implants, gum contouring, or a smile makeover.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

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Oct11

Are You Smiling in Gibsonton?

Hello Gibsonton! Welcome to Your Time Dental, where we have been here serving the Tampa area since 2001. We are constantly striving to cater to the oral health needs of our patients, and we hope that you might be one of these patients soon!

One innovative way that we keep our patients and others informed is by this blog, the Your Time Dental Urgent Care blog. We want to keep families informed about how they can have healthy, beautiful smiles.

A central objective of this blog is to encourage everyone to develop more effective oral health habits, such as proper brushing and flossing.

Cosmetic dentistry is another vital topic that we like to address. We offer a full menu of cosmetic dentistry services. Ask us about dental implants, teeth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, tooth-colored fillings, and gum contouring. We hope to educate Tampa residents on what these procedures are and how they can help you get the beautiful smile that you’ve always wanted.

If you have any questions, reach out to us and a member of our comfortable staff can schedule an appointment for you. Whether you want to know more about in-office teeth whitening, or problems such as dry mouth, dental implants, or invisible braces, we can help.

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Oct4

The Crucial Role of Preventative Care from Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Preventative care is the cornerstone of maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems before they arise.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care in the Gibsonton, Florida area, we believe in the power of proactive dental care to keep our patients smiling confidently for years to come.

Why Preventative Care Matters

Early Detection of Issues: Regular dental check-ups allow our skilled team to identify potential dental issues in their earliest stages. By detecting problems like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer early, we can intervene promptly and effectively, often preventing the need for more extensive and costly treatments later on.

Preservation of Natural Teeth: Preventative care focuses on preserving your natural teeth for as long as possible. Through routine cleanings, examinations, and fluoride treatments, we can help maintain the health and integrity of your teeth, reducing the risk of decay and tooth loss.

Gum Disease Prevention: Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss and systemic health issues. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are essential for keeping gums healthy and preventing the progression of gum disease.

Overall Health Benefits: Oral health is closely linked to overall health and well-being. Studies have shown associations between poor oral health and various systemic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

By prioritizing preventative dental care, you’re not just safeguarding your smile but also promoting your overall health.

Components of Preventative Care

Regular Dental Examinations: Comprehensive dental exams allow us to assess your oral health, identify any concerns, and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Professional Cleanings: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Education and Prevention: We believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain optimal oral health at home. Our team provides personalized oral hygiene instructions and tips for effective brushing, flossing, and dietary habits.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care is Your Partner in Oral Health

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we’re committed to providing comprehensive preventative care to help our patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles for life. By partnering with us and prioritizing preventative dental visits, you’re investing in your long-term oral health and well-being.

Preventative care is the foundation of a healthy smile and a vital component of overall wellness.

By scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Your Time Dental Urgent Care in the Gibsonton, Florida area, you’re taking proactive steps to preserve your smile and protect your health.

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Sep6

When Something’s Gotta Give in Gibsonton, Don’t Let It Be Your Smile

Life is hectic for many Gibsonton residents. At times, it’s impossible to get all the “gotta do’s” done, and many are postponed or dropped altogether.

Sometimes your car has to wait another 500 miles for an oil change. Or you are a month late replacing your furnace filter. Or you realize that you’ve had a leaky faucet for as long as you can remember.

Many important things get put on the back burner, but Your Time Dental urges you not to disregard essential dental care.

Here are some typical dental care shortcuts. Are you guilty of any of them?

Rushing Through Brushing

Your teeth deserve a conscientious two minutes or more. Slow and methodical beats quick and dirty. Use a system to make sure you get every tooth. Playing one of your favorite two- or three-minute songs may help you go the distance.

Only Seeing Your Dentist When You Have a Toothache

We hope none of our patients put off examinations and cleanings. When you feel tooth pain, it may be way too late to prevent a filling or even a root canal.

Neglecting Professional Cleanings

When softer plaque turns to calculus, you can’t clean it away with a toothbrush. Six-month cleanings help get rid of the calculus or tartar before it can hurt your enamel or irritate your gums.

Using Floss Picks Instead of Dental Floss

While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to understand that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. A floss pick holds just a small length of floss stretched in a straight line. Looking down, a tooth is shaped somewhat round or oval.

A straight piece of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss. When you wrap a string of floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more thoroughly clean that vital area around and just below the gumline. We have seen patients who are observant floss pick users who developed decay in a very small crack the floss pick missed day after day.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we urge our patients to practice preventative dentistry to safeguard their smiles for life.

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Mon:	8:00am - 5:00pm
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Mon:	8:00am - 6:00pm
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What Are Veneers?

Why Veneers Might Be Right for You

Veneers vs. Bonding

Veneers vs. Crowns

Why Choose Dr. Rick Kernagis at Your Time Dental?

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

The Advantages of Dental Implants

1. Natural Look and Feel

2. Preserves Bone Health

3. Long-Lasting Solution

4. Improved Functionality

5. No Impact on Surrounding Teeth

How Does the Tooth Implant Process Work?

We’re Here to Help

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

Malocclusion Affects Many People

Malocclusion Has Multiple Causes

Childhood Behaviors Can Cause Bite Problems

Dentists Can Treat Malocclusion

Don’t Ignore Bite Problems

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

Rushing Through Brushing

Only Seeing Your Dentist When You Have a Toothache

Neglecting Professional Cleanings

Using Floss Picks Instead of Dental Floss

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

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