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

We Are Shedding Light on Common Health Myths in Our Family Dentist Office

As a local family dentist, we are asked many questions, and sometimes they come from common health myths that are circulating. Many of these myths develop out of convenience. For example, it is convenient to think that diet soda is good for your teeth if you love to drink it. The acid inside of it can lead to erosion, however, so this is one myth we are happy to debunk. Other times, these myths have simply been around forever. In either case, we can discuss oral health with you and shed light on these common misconceptions. With that in mind, here are a few myths we hear on a regular basis.

Myth – Only children get cavities.

As a family dentist, we treat both children and adults, and one thing is perfectly clear: anyone can get a cavity. It does not matter if you are a baby, child, adult, or senior, you can get a cavity. For this reason, we recommend that you brush and floss your teeth throughout the day and have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year.

Myth – Root canals are only necessary if you have a cavity or infected tooth.

While mostly true, we also perform root canals to treat roots that have become damaged. This can happen during an accident, from nighttime grinding and clenching, or because you had too much dental work completed in quick succession. When you visit our family dentist office, it does not matter why you need a root canal, we can ensure that it will be completed quickly and comfortably.

Myth – Fillings always need to be replaced.

While it is true that fillings typically do not last forever, there is no set expiration date. If you practice good oral hygiene and eat a healthy diet, you can prolong the lifespan of your fillings and may not need to replace them. But if you do not take care of your teeth, there is a chance that decay could spread, and you will need to replace the filling with a crown. As always, preventative care is important.

Myth – Only sugar causes cavities.

Everyone has bacteria in their mouth. When you eat or drink something that contains sugar or starch, the bacteria can feed on it and create plaque. The plaque can secrete an acid that attacks the tooth, leading to decay. This makes it important to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking and to cut out anything particularly high in sugar, starch, or acid. Examples include candy, soda, and limes, to name a few.

Myth – Baby teeth do not matter.

All teeth have a purpose, including baby teeth. You should take the same level of care with your children's teeth as you do with your own, so they will not experience cavities and toothaches. It is also important to help the teeth remain in place until they are ready to fall out naturally. Baby teeth hold space for future adult teeth, and early tooth loss can lead to overcrowding and the need for braces.

Dentures  >  Dental Implants

The Steps We Take When Creating Your Dentures

Dentures are an excellent replacement option for people who have lost a few or all of their teeth. The dentures process is simple, direct, and can be completed efficiently. We can have dentures created for your specific needs that look attractive when placed in your mouth. Our dentures will provide function and aesthetic value to your dental structure. They will also preserve your current facial bone structure, which could begin to deteriorate without the proper support system that teeth or dental replacements provide.

Dentures Impression
At your dentures appointment, we will first examine your gums and any remaining teeth that you may have to ensure dentures are the right option for you. We will make one or more impressions of your gums and any healthy teeth that may still be present in your mouth. The purpose of an impression is to create a mold that will be used in the creation of your dentures. The more precise the impression we obtain is, the better your dentures will fit. We will also take measurements of your dental structure and make notes on your bite and how your gum ridges align. During this time, we will also help you determine which color of dentures you think is best for you.

Dentures Creation and Fitting
In most cases, we will receive a wax appliance for you to bite into as a first step to trying on your dentures. This will give you a preview of how your dentures will fit into place and allow us to make necessary adjustments so that your dentures fit securely. Once we receive your finalized dentures, we will call you back in for another fitting session. If the customized dentures fit securely, we can cement them into place as desired. If adjustments need to be made at this point, we will perform final tweaks before we send you home with your dentures.

After Receiving Your Dentures
During the first few days or weeks of wearing your new dentures, you may notice that it is challenging to speak without a lisp. This common side effect will subside more quickly if you speak often and allow your mouth to get used to your dentures. Slight irritation as your gums and tongue get used to your dentures is normal. If irritation becomes more severe or you notice that your dentures have begun to slide around or fall out of place, then you need to come back into our office for additional adjustments. Your dentures should fit comfortably in your mouth, allowing you to eat and speak without any lingering issues. We want your dentures to feel and look natural so that you can truly enjoy your replacements.

Following the uncomplicated dentures process, you will have a new and improved smile. You will have teeth that function properly, and that give you a reason to smile. If you have any problems after your dentures are placed, please don’t hesitate to let our office know so we can fix the problems. Your dentures experience should be a good one from the beginning to end.

Dental Veneers Fast Facts That You Should Know

Before you get dental veneers, you may be interested in learning more about this great dental service. When it comes to covering flaws, veneers are a wonderful product that creates amazing results. You will be impressed with how much better your teeth will look once you have your veneers placed. Veneers can cover many dental flaws with minimal effort. For a few more important and quick facts about them, continue reading. 

• A veneer is a very thin, normally porcelain shell that is adhered to the fronts of your teeth to cover flaws. 
• Dental veneers can cover and improve shaping and contouring issues, discoloration or spotting, chips or gaps, misaligned or crooked teeth, awkward lengths, and a variety of other imperfections.
• Veneers are normally made of porcelain or composite materials depending on your specific needs. 
• Before your veneers are placed, we will gently etch the surface enamel of your teeth to create a better base for the adhesive. Once your enamel is prepared, we will adhere temporary veneers while your new ones are created in the lab.  Once ready,  the dental veneers will be bonded to your teeth with a long-lasting dental glue.
• Veneers normally last 15-20 years, sometimes longer. This length will range depending how well you care for your veneers and your surrounding gums and teeth. 
• They can be easily replaced if they become damaged or worn. 
• Dental veneers can be placed in as little as one dental visit or as many as three visits depending on what type of veneers you choose. 
• Before we can place your veneers, you will need to have a dental check up and allow us to fix any cavities and remove any dangerous infections. 
• The veneers placement is a minimally invasive and highly effective cosmetic solution. 
• You should not get veneers if your teeth are still developing or if you are suffering from ongoing periodontal disease. 
• Dental veneers are customized to fit only your teeth and improve the exact flaws you discuss with us. 
• Veneers are very natural looking and not easily scratched, stained, or damaged.
• The veneers procedure is not reversible unless you plan to have another cosmetic or restorative procedure completed to cover your vulnerable teeth due to the removal of enamel before veneers are placed. 
• Regular flossing and brushing can be done once your veneers are placed. No extra care outside of the avoidance of biting your fingernails or grinding your teeth is required. 
• Normally local anesthetic application is all the pain relief that is needed for a veneers placement. You will not experience discomfort during the procedure.
• The cost range of veneers varies depending on the location of treatment and severity of dental imperfections. 
• Dental veneers from our office should blend in perfectly with your other teeth. 

Now that you have learned some fast facts about how convenient, efficient, and affordable veneers are, we hope you consider visiting our office to learn more. The benefits of dental veneers are endless, and the results are attractive and natural looking. For all your dental veneer needs, we can help.