Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

We can provide you with dental implants or dental bridges to replace your missing teeth. While we provide preventative dental care to help reduce the risk of tooth loss, this is still an issue that many adults deal with on some level. If you have lost a tooth due to age, infection, or an accident, we recommend you take the time to consider all your options. As a cosmetic dentist, there are many ways to replace missing teeth, and it is important to select the option that is right for you. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, here is what you need to know:

Dental implants. The most secure and natural-looking solution for tooth loss is dental implants. Unlike a bridge that requires other natural teeth, implants are surgically placed beneath the gums and secured to the jawbone. As a result, no other teeth are required or impacted by the procedure. The new tooth is simultaneously more secure because of the process of osseointegration. This is where the titanium post and jawbone fuse together to create a new root system that will support your new tooth. This makes it possible to eat all your favorite foods and engage in normal activities without restriction. The only drawback to this when compared with a bridge is that since it is surgical, you can expect a longer recovery time. Simultaneously, osseointegration, while important, takes a few months to complete.

Dental bridges. If you want a solution that is more secure and durable than dentures, dental bridges is a good option. A bridge is used for partial tooth loss when there are natural teeth that are strong enough to support it. To complete the procedure, we make an impression of your mouth and take measurements so the dental lab can make your bridge. To secure it in place, a crown will be placed on the two teeth surrounding your missing one, and these crowns will serve as anchors to secure the bridge. As a result, you will have a semi-permanent tooth replacement that looks natural and functions like a natural tooth.

If you are interested in either dental implants or dental bridges, we are an ideal dentist office to visit. As a cosmetic dentist, we can provide you with both solutions and complete the procedure in a way that restores the form and function of your smile. Both of these solutions will look like natural teeth when we are done. This is not always the case with a dental bridge, so it is important to visit a cosmetic dentist who has the skill to create high-quality prosthetics. Both options will also allow you to eat your favorite foods, etc. The main difference is that implants not only replace your teeth, they improve the health of your jawbone by providing it with much-needed stimulation. To learn more, schedule an appointment.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Dental Veneers

As a General Dentist , We Debunk Common Oral Health Myths

As a local general dentist, we are asked many questions about oral health. We welcome these conversations because it gives us the opportunity to provide you with information about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During these appointments, we are also asked questions that arise from oral health myths. The problem is, if you believe myths that are actually bad for you, it can lead to further oral health problems. For this reason, we recommend that you visit our office with any questions or concerns you have. In the meantime, here are a few myths we hear on a regular basis and the truths behind them.

Myth #1: If your gums are bleeding, they should be left alone.
The Truth – As a general dentist, we want to examine you if your gums are bleeding because that is usually a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss, so it is important to do what you can to prevent it and have it treated immediately. We can help by deep cleaning your teeth and gums.

Myth #2: The natural sugar in juice and milk is not bad for you.
The Truth – All forms of sugar are bad for your teeth. As a general dentist, we recommend that you rinse your mouth after drinking anything that has sugar in it and brush your teeth two to three times per day. You should also avoid sugary foods and drinks whenever possible. If you have toddlers, be sure to keep this in mind, because many parents send their children to bed with a cup of juice or milk and end up with baby bottle tooth decay as a result. Stick with water instead.

Myth #3: Hard toothbrushes are best for your teeth.
The Truth – While it may seem like a hard toothbrush will give you a better clean, they can be bad for your teeth. Aggressive brushing can lead to enamel erosion and sensitive teeth. You have a limited amount of enamel, so if it is stripped away, your teeth could become sensitive and need to be protected with a bonding procedure or crowns. Instead, we recommend that you use a soft toothbrush or an electronic one. Apply steady pressure and brush in a circular pattern that begins at the gums and moves towards the center of the mouth. This will give you a good clean, but without the risk of erosion.

Myth #4: You can whiten your teeth with lemons.
The Truth – Yes, lemons can make your teeth look brighter, but the acid inside of them can harm your teeth and lead to erosion, just like if you were brushing too aggressively. It is unnecessary to do so because we can whiten your teeth safely in our dental office. Given the wide variety of procedures we offer and our in-depth expertise, we recommend that you call our office to ask any dental questions that you have.

Family Dentist  >  Dental Office

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Dental veneers are among the most popular and well know ways to repair teeth that have been damaged or are in need of enhancement. There are any number of solutions that a person can choose when it comes to the kind of results that dental veneers can achieve. This raises the question, “Why are dental veneers so popular?” The answer to that question is really multifaceted. The most important reason for the popularity of the dental veneers is that they last such a long time. The average length of a dental veneers treatment is typically 10 to 14 years. There have been numerous studies done that have shown that the veneers are going to last a minimum of 10 years if you take care of them. In fact, 92% of people who have had dental veneers did not need repairs or replacements in the first 13 years. This alone makes the veneers an excellent option of repair or enhancing your teeth.

We know that the way dental veneers are placed play a significant role in them lasting as long as they do. It is not unusual for a dental prosthetic device to last at least 10 years. However, in the case of dental veneers, the ease of the placement, the fact that they were once viewed as a purely niche product, and the cost are all additional factors that come into play which make the longevity such an important part of the decision to get them. One of the most significant reasons why dental veneers last as long as they do is because they are attached to your natural teeth, giving them the strength and stability of the original teeth. Whenever you are going to get a restoration, there is typically a loss of enamel. In the case of dental implants, which are some of the longest lasting of the dental prosthetics, we would actually need to remove the entire tooth with the root. In the case of dental crowns, we would shave off most of the enamel so that only a nub was left. Compared to these are dental veneers which only require a tiny amount of enamel be removed to make room for the porcelain veneers. In essence, we repair the tooth, augment it, and strengthen it but you are still left with your original tooth, which bodes well for longevity.

It is important to understand that when discussing how long dental veneers last, there is an element of personal responsibility. Dental veneers can last for a very long time if they are taken care of. The great thing about taking care of dental veneers is that they only require you to do the things that you would do to maintain your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice each day, using mouthwash, flossing, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Plus avoiding doing things that could damage or crack the veneers is a good idea. In other words, if you treat your porcelain veneers like teeth, you are sure to have them for many years without needing to get repairs or restorations done.

General Dentist  >  Dental Office

Denture Care Tips For Your New Dentures

Caring For Your New Dentures

While dentures are relatively easy to take care of, how long they last will largely depend on how well they are cared for. If you have a brand new set of dentures, the following denture care tips should help prolong their life.

It is unlikely that anyone who has paid for a new set of dentures and gone through the sometimes challenging 'breaking in' period is going to want to repeat the process any sooner than absolutely necessary. Although dentures do not last forever, taking proper care of them will ensure that they both fit better and last longer. As you will see, when it comes to taking care of your dentures, most denture care tips are little more than a few basic ground rules and a sensible routine which, together, will pay large dividends.

Tips on Taking Good Care of Your Dentures

• Drink Plenty of Fluids: You need to be especially vigilant about drinking plenty of fluids, which increases the production of saliva. A moist mouth maintains a seal that keeps your dentures from slipping, and without adequate saliva, your dentures can irritate your gums.

• Avoid Liquids That Stain: Some of the worst offenders that stain both natural teeth and dentures are coffee, tea, soy sauce, red wine, etc. The general rule is that if the liquid can stain your T-shirt, it will also stain your dentures. If consumed in moderation, these liquids may not do any serious damage, especially if you rinse your dentures out soon after consumption. However, if the stains get really bad, they may have to be professionally cleaned.

• Watch What You Eat: While most denture wearers can eat almost anything they like, you should be aware that certain hard foods like popcorn could damage your dentures, especially if a kernel is inadvertently chewed. In addition, your gums could develop sore spots should pieces of hard food get under the dentures.

• Clean Them Regularly: Dentures have to be cleaned on a regular basis, which means at least twice a day. This both removes plaque and debris and can also help prevent the development of permanent stains on the surface. However, although they are very tough, dentures are not quite as durable as natural tooth enamel. They can be damaged by commercial toothpaste and by hard-bristled brushes. Use a brush with soft bristles that are specifically designed to clean dentures. Also, use either a special toothpaste that is made for dentures or gentle hand soap. Be very careful not to damage the plastic or any of the attachments. Never use bleach on your dentures as this can fade the pink portions.

• Remove At Night: Removing your dentures every night allows your gums to rest and avoids damaging the dentures should you grind your teeth in your sleep.

• Keep Dentures Moist: If dentures dry out, they can lose their shape, which is why it is imperative that they are kept moist at all times. When you take them out at night, soak the dentures in cool water since hot water can warp them. If they do not have metal attachments, you can use a special soaking solution. This, however, is not a substitute for regular brushing.

• Handle Carefully: It is entirely possible that your dentures will crack or break should they fall onto a hard surface. Therefore, it is advisable that you place a folded towel or some other kind of liner in the sink before you begin to brush them. The liner will break their fall should you happen to drop them.

• See Your Dentist Regularly: Over a period of time, dentures that used to fit perfectly may become loose, which is usually caused by normal wear and tear and/or natural changes in the shape of the gums and jawbone resulting from age. Depending on the problem, your dentures can be relined with a cushioning material that will enable them to fit more snugly and comfortably while extending their life.

Teeth Whitening Can Improve Your Smile in Time for Your Wedding

If you want to see dramatic improvements to your teeth, try our teeth whitening procedure. This is an excellent way to brighten your smile before your wedding photographer starts to snap pictures. In fact, these photo-worthy moments will start long before your actual wedding day. From your bridal shower to bachelor/bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner, there will be plenty of opportunities for friends and family to take pictures to post on Instagram and Facebook. This makes it important to improve your smile early, so you can smile with confidence. Once your wedding day arrives, we can make sure that your smile is as stunning as you are.

Why should I visit a dentist for teeth whitening instead of buying something at the store?

The type of whitening solution you use will directly impact how white your teeth become. Most whitening products contain some level of peroxide. The type and chemical compounds used to create the solution will vary from product to product and brand to brand. The solutions sold in the store are typically designed to remove surface stains only. If your teeth are fairly white, this should be enough to improve your smile. However, most people have deeper stains and yellowing that comes from within the tooth, and this will not be impacted by what you buy in the store. By comparison, our whitening solution uses a peroxide that will penetrate your enamel and begin the process of oxidization. This is where the molecules inside your teeth are made to reflect less light and appear colorless. As a result, your teeth will be bright, white, and beautiful.

Timing is critical when it comes to your wedding.

While preparing for your wedding, it is important to have your teeth whitening procedure completed in time for your pre-wedding events. When you visit our office, we can whiten your teeth quickly, whereas if you buy something in the store, it can take weeks to begin working. Another benefit of whitening your teeth early is that we can perform any additional procedures that are necessary. For example, if you have a stubborn stain that is not responding like it should, we can use dental bonding or a dental veneer to cover it. We can also use these two solutions to restore teeth that have been cracked or chipped, close small gaps in between your teeth, change the shape and size of your teeth, and even make your teeth appear to be straighter. All this can be done fairly quickly, but if you have a month before your wedding, we can ensure that your smile transformation is complete and you feel normal again. With dental veneers, it can take a couple of weeks to get used to the changes we make to your teeth. In any case, we can discuss your options with you, what can be completed within the timeframe you have available, and go to work improving your smile. Even if you only have a few days before your wedding, we can still whiten your teeth, so there is always something that can be done to improve your appearance.

General Dentist  >  Cosmetic Dentist

Your Child's First Family Dentist Visit is Extremely Important

For many, the family dentist visit may not be the most exciting place to go, but it is a place families chose to go to so they have the best oral health and hygiene available to them. These families have learned it is important to focus on a holistic preventative form of dental medicine and do so by bringing all generations of the family in to see the family, dentist. There are intrinsic benefits that come with this kind of routine. The benefits are for both you and for us, who, as a family dentist, get the privilege of treating multiple generations in the same family. The biggest advantage for a family dentist is that we are able to build a relationship of trust with the family. In any service-providing situation, families tend to reserve their trust of a provider to certain individuals, like the family general practitioner. When the family dentist has this trust, we can build on it for future generations, as well.

One of the largest advantages for the family to having a family dentist is the building of confidence. From a child's perspective, which is often the best place to start, the dentist office can be a scary place. There are all kinds of people walking around dressed in lab coats, whom the child perceives as strangers. In addition to this, there are strange sounds and smells, a number of funny-looking instruments, and the dentist chair. However, when a child comes in with their parent and sees them getting a routine examination or tooth cleaning, the fear turns to curiosity. The idea that Mom or Dad would trust the family dentist and allow them to do the work creates a scenario in which most children are unafraid to do the same thing. Ironically, the same holds true for the parents, as well. Once a child is being treated, the parents develop a greater sense of trust for the dental professional and are able to defeat their own dental anxiety.

One advantage to a family dentist is the ability to schedule all of the family needs around a specific time. With families, the schedules are often busy and conflicting. Trying to get everyone to different appointments on time can be stressful, so when you work with a family dentist, you do not have to worry about it. Instead, you can work with us to have a central time that works for everyone. The same holds true for the kinds of services you can get. Since everyone is coming in to get their teeth cared for by the same provider, it stands to reason that we provide you with all the services these multiple individuals might need, all in the same place. From x-rays to braces to dentures, we do it all so you are not running from pillar to post trying to get the needs of your family met. Finally, we also help with things like insurance plans where we can assist you to maximize the benefits you get from your family's flex spending plan.

Dentist  >  General Dentist

Professional Teeth Whitening FAQ's

When considering teeth whitening, we know you are going to face a veritable barrage of choices. The reality is that the popularity of teeth whitening has made it a household pursuit, with billions of dollars in sales driving an insatiable industry. As a result, what you have is a marketplace saturated with hundreds of products, advertising that promises instant and fantastic results, and a patient that is often more confused than when they first started out. With that in mind, here are some frequently asked questions and our answers to them.

Is there more than one way to whiten my teeth?

Yes, you can have them professionally whitened or try a DIY kit from the drug store.  The first question you should be asking yourself is if you want to try multiple products and attempt to find the one that is best for you, or if you would prefer to come in and allow us to handle your entire teeth whitening process. When starting to look at the nuances of teeth whitening, it may not seem like much until you pay attention and realize how complicated it can be when done by yourself. For example, you will want to know what teeth whitening kits can give you the right amount of whitening solution, while making sure it is not too much. You will also need to ask yourself what to do about individual teeth or teeth that are unevenly stained.

Are the results the same no matter what?

No, they are not.  The only way to guarantee a dramatic change is to schedule a professional teeth-whitening.  Perhaps the most important question of all is what you do if you do not get the results you desire. Most people make the mistake of using a product over and over again with the hope that eventually their teeth will be white enough. Overuse is the most common reason why people who are whitening their teeth end up needing to see the dentist since it can result in sensitivity and weakening of the teeth. Keep in mind that to whiten teeth, you need to use an oxidization process that releases free radicals into the enamel. It is always recommended that you, at the very minimum, consult with a dentist before using any product that could influence the condition of your teeth. This is not an issue when you have a professional teeth whitening because our solution will work to remove the deep stains and discoloration from within your teeth.  This way, you can see positive results on the first attempt.

How is the whitening solution applied?

Apart from the solution containing the whitening ability, the most important part of a teeth whitening kit are the trays. These trays are designed to do two things: fit over the teeth and hold the solution that will do the whitening. The objective is for the whitening trays to keep the whitening solution in constant contact with the enamel for the duration of the whitening process. However, this is where mass manufacturing fails to meet the same standards as your teeth whitening dentist. When you come in to see the dentist, the trays we use are custom fabricated for your teeth. This captures every nuance and every millimeter of your unique teeth. As a result, you get a clean product application that does not get everywhere and maximizes the whitening ability. On the other hand, the over the counter products are mass produced using a “one size fits all” approach to their trays. More often than not, this allows the whitening solution to leak onto the sensitive gum tissue or does not provide an even coating of the whitening solution, bringing about uneven results.

General Dentist  >  Cosmetic Dentist