Improving Dentures with Dental Implants

improve dentures with dental implantsThey may be among the oldest forms of prosthetic dentistry, and they may go a long way in improving a patient’s confidence and quality of life after suffering tooth loss. Still, dentures are not perfect in their ability to replace missing teeth. If you’ve worn one for a while, then you may already be familiar with many of the common drawbacks of conventional dentures, like becoming loose and uncomfortable after a while.

If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, or if you already rely on conventional tooth replacement, then dental implants may be able to significantly improve the comfort and quality of your dentures. (more…)

Plaque – The Source of Dental Health Troubles

plaque - the source of dental health issuesSince childhood, most of us are taught that brushing and flossing our teeth helps keep our mouths healthy and reduces our risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Some people would readily and confidently agree that tooth brushing’s main beneficial purpose is the removal of plaque.

However, many people would be hard-pressed to explain what plaque is, or why it needs to be removed to retain your good oral health. In the firm belief that knowledge is power, we explain plaque formation and the dangers it poses to your dental health if not controlled properly. (more…)

Dental Crowns of Different Sizes

dental crowns of different sizesDental issues and tooth loss may be common, but your teeth were meant to last a lifetime. Still, years of use in the midst of poor oral hygiene can threaten your smile’s longevity. Dental trauma stemming from accidental impact can also bring your teeth to an early demise if the damage is severe enough. Typically, however, your tooth can be saved, even if it is too weak to support itself alone.

The purpose of dental crowns is to preserve healthy tooth structure, so when a tooth is damaged but doesn’t need a full crown, your dentist can design and place a partial crown – also known as a ¾ crown, or an inlay/onlay. (more…)

Teeth Whitening, for the Brighter Smile You Want

brighter smile you want with teeth whiteningA smile is one of the most common facial expressions we use in our daily lives. Therefore, having confidence in your smile is often vitally important to success in certain areas of your personal and professional life. Unfortunately, many people lack that confidence, and one of the most common causes is discolored or stained teeth.

With the right professional teeth whitening treatment, though, you can enjoy the brighter smile you want with no hassle, and amazing results. (more…)

Risks and Risk Factors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

risks & risk factors of obstructive sleep apneaNot all sleep disorders are obvious to the one who experiences them. For instance, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can deprive you of deep, restful sleep even if you don’t realize what’s happening. What typically hints at the condition is the loud, distinct snoring pattern that often marks its presence. Yet, patients who are not disturbed by the snoring may not realize that they should seek treatment for it.

Obstructive sleep apnea means your airway becomes clogged by oral tissues as you sleep, causing increasingly-loud snoring until the airway closes completely and you stop breathing. The nature of sleep apnea makes it a significant risk factor in a variety of systemic health issues(more…)

Important Things to Know About Gum Disease

important things to know about gum diseaseIf you’ve ever visited the dentist, or seen a mouthwash commercial, then you’ve probably heard of gum disease and its predecessor, gingivitis. Did you know, though, that the dental condition is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the nation? As a progressive illness, gum disease affects nearly 80% of adults in America in varying stages, the most severe of which (periodontitis) is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Despite its destructive power, however, gum disease is highly treatable, although once it develops beyond gingivitis, it is no longer curable. (more…)

Could You Benefit from Dental Implants?

could you benefit from dental implantsJust because you’ve lost a tooth, or more, doesn’t mean your days of confident smiles are over. You have several options for tooth replacement, depending on your specific needs, and most provide lifelike cosmetic results that make them indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Only one option, though, is able to replace all that you lost, including the roots that supported your missing teeth from within your jawbone. Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials, like titanium, so your jawbone bonds to them, supporting the implants like it does your teeth’s roots. (more…)

Is It Possible to Prevent Cavities?

is it possible to prevent cavitiesTooth decay, the reason why we develop cavities, may be the most widespread chronic disease among adults and children alike, but it’s also among the most preventable diseases in the world. In fact, knowing how cavities form can grant you the power to prevent them, even if you’ve already had one. If a cavity appears, then restorative dentistry can save your smile by eliminating the infection and restoring your tooth’s structural integrity. Before it becomes a factor, however, you can prevent cavity development by addressing the issues that cause them in the first place. (more…)

Invisalign vs. Braces: Which is Right for You?

Closeup of Invisalign TraysDid you know that crooked, gapped, or protruding teeth can harm your smile in more ways than one. You already know that crooked teeth can mar the overall look of your smile making it look unhealthy and unattractive. Second, crowded and overlapping teeth create a teeth cleaning nightmare and can increase the risk for gum disease and tooth decay. Traditional metal braces are the most conventional option for straightening a crooked smile, but Invisalign clear aligners, with their shorter average treatment time and discreet appearance might be just the right solution for you. (more…)

3 Helpful Uses for Dental Crowns

Business Woman Showing Three Ways Dental Crowns Can Help Her SmileThe ancient Etruscans used gold crowns to protect damaged teeth in addition to using them as a flashy way of showing off one’s wealth. For thousands of years, gold was the crown material of choice, but over the last 100 years or so, porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain-metal hybrid crowns have become more popular, due to their ability to blend in subtly with the surrounding teeth. Dental crowns are the second-most frequently placed dental restoration after dental fillings and with good reason: these simple dental restorations have a wide range of different applications in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. (more…)