May 16, 2012

Tooth Restoration Options: Crowns vs. Veneers

Veneers and dental crowns are both treatments that can be used in cosmetic dentistry to correct issues with the teeth. However, there are several major differences between the two types of restoration, including how invasive the procedures are and what types of problems they are best used to treat. While veneers tend to be purely cosmetic, dental crowns can be used for other types of restoration.

How Veneers Work

Veneers are thin restorations made of porcelain. They are custom made and can be color matched to your teeth. Although they are thin and delicate, they are bonded to the surfaces of the teeth with a special adhesive that creates a strong, durable bond.

Veneers can be used for a variety of cosmetic applications including:

  • Chipped or pitted teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Discolored teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening
  • Teeth that have small gaps between them
  • Slightly misaligned teeth

Our cosmetic dentist applies veneers in a two-step process. First, he prepares your teeth for the veneers by removing a thin layer from the tooth surface to make room for them. Then he makes a mold of your teeth. This mold is used to make your final veneers in an offsite laboratory. Temporary veneers are placed to protect your teeth. When the final veneers are completed, the temporary veneers are remove and replaced with the permanent veneers.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are also used for restoring teeth, but the procedure to place them is more invasive than that for veneers. More material must be removed from the existing tooth to make room for a crown. As with veneers, the dentist takes a mold of the teeth from which the crown is constructed. After the tooth is prepared, a temporary crown is set into place, which is later removed for the permanent crown.

Crowns are used for cosmetic purposes, but are also used to fix severely cracked teeth and to protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal. Because crowns are more invasive, veneers are more often used for less serious cosmetic issues.

For more information about crowns and veneers in Fort Worth TX, please contact our office for a consultation.

May 4, 2012

Widely Spaced Teeth: Is Invisalign an option?

orthodontist Fort WorthMost of us think about braces and orthodontics as the solution for teeth that are crowded or overlapped. Orthodontic treatment is frequently recommended when we need to make room for more teeth. But what are the choices when the teeth are spaced too far apart?

Our orthodontist offers a viable solution when your goal is to close or reduce the spaces between the teeth as well. For many teens and adults, the real challenge is how to maintain a low-profile or natural appearance during the orthodontic process.

Invisalign is a virtually clear alternative to traditional braces. Without any visible wires, brackets, or bands, you can have your orthodontic concerns addressed privately and comfortably.

It’s important that Invisalign not be confused with “clear braces”.  Like traditional braces, clear braces still require the use of bands and wires, though the actual bracket that attaches to the teeth may be made from a clear or white resin or porcelain. This treatment method continues to present many of the same challenges posed by metal braces. Irritation to the lips and tongue, difficulty brushing and flossing, and a change in your facial profile can be anticipated throughout your treatment.

Invisalign technology offers patients the opportunity to correct any number of orthodontic conditions, including wide spaces between the teeth, with the help of clear, removable aligners. Although the aligners should be worn as much as possible during your treatment, they can be easily removed for normal eating, brushing, and flossing.

When the aligners are in place, they cannot be detected by those around you. There are no telltale signs to alert others to your treatment. For your comfort, the aligners are customized to fit snugly around each tooth and contoured at the gumline to eliminate sharp edges. Your speech pattern and facial profile will remain unaltered as well.

There is one detail that could give away your orthodontic secret: Your beautiful new smile will begin to emerge! The gaps and spaces between your teeth will disappear a little more each week, and you’ll be smiling more and more as a result.

To begin your Invisalign journey in the Fort Worth area, call the office of Drs. Batton and Harlin at 817-259-1380 for a consultation.

April 27, 2012

Orthodontic Treatment: Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy Smile

An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who deals primarily in correcting malocclusions, or bite issues. Malocclusions can be caused by crooked or overcrowded teeth, misaligned teeth or jaws, or other physiological problems. One of the most common ways an orthodontist corrects malocclusions is with appliances such as braces or retainers.

Children with bite issues can experience a number of issues. They may develop a thumb-sucking habit, loose baby teeth too soon, or develop tooth decay. Crooked or crowded teeth can cause problems with speech, chewing, or swallowing. Bad bites can lead to tension headaches or issues with the jaw joint. If your child has any of these bite issues, an orthodontist can give him the gift of a healthy smile.

Most orthodontists recommend that parents bring in their children for a consultation as early as age seven, even if they show no visible bite issues. This will allow the orthodontist to catch any problems as they are developing, preventing more serious issues down the line. If the orthodontist does detect an issue, braces may be the best option for correcting it.

Braces work by putting steady, purposeful pressure on the teeth in order to correct crookedness and crowding. The patient may need to have teeth removed prior to receiving braces in order to provide more room for surrounding teeth to become straight. Once the braces are removed, the child will have a straight, healthy smile that will boost his confidence and prevent future dental health issues.

The process for getting braces is simple. The orthodontist will take an impression of the child’s teeth, as well as x-rays. Once a course of treatment is selected, the orthodontist will install the braces, which will passively correct the existing issues. Orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from six months to thirty months, depending on the patient. Once the braces are removed, the orthodontist may recommend a retainer to prevent the newly straightened teeth from shifting.

Contact the Fort Worth TX office of Drs. Batton & Harlin to schedule an orthodontic screening today.

April 16, 2012

Headaches: Is Malocclusion the Cause?

braces Fort WorthMalocclusion is a medical term for a bad bite, or a misaligned bite, such as an over or under bite. With a healthy, aligned bite, the molars fit together and the front teeth sit just in front of the teeth on the lower jaw. A bad bite can lead to stress on the temporomandibular joint and the muscles in the jaw, which can in turn lead to headaches. The most effective way to treat a malocclusion is to consult with an orthodontist.

The link between headaches and malocclusion is present in both adults and children. A 2008 study by the Department of Orthodontics at the State University of New York showed that children between the ages of 8 and 16 who had overbites, posterior cross bites or overjets had a significantly higher risk of developing headaches. Patients with more than one of these malocclusions had an even higher risk of experiencing headaches. The headaches can range in severity from mild to debilitating.

Braces are a dental appliance that orthodontists use to correct malocclusions. Braces will correct crooked, crowded teeth, and bad bites, but they can also be used to correct some jaw and joint issues. By using braces to correct a malocclusion, an orthodontist can relieve the strain on the temporomandibular joint and the surrounding sore muscles, effectively removing the cause of the headaches.

Headaches caused by malocclusions can be debilitating, and can be accompanied by other physical issues such as pain in the joints of the jaw, clicking sounds, and trouble chewing or swallowing. When a patient has a malocclusion corrected with braces, these other issues will be solved in addition to the headaches.

If you find yourself experiencing frequent jaw pain, muscle soreness in your mouth, and headaches, and you are tired of taking over the counter medication that only treats the symptom, schedule an appointment with our experienced orthodontists. Braces may be just the solution you’re looking for.  Call our Fort Worth office at 817-259-1380 to schedule your visit.

April 2, 2012

Receding Gums: Are Dental Implants Still an Option?

A dental implant is an artificial root (usually made of titanium) that is placed in the patient’s jawbone to replace a lost tooth. A color-matched artificial tooth is then attached to the implant, which fuses to the jawbone, creating a permanent artificial tooth that blends in with the rest of your teeth and requires no special care. There are a few health conditions that can interfere with the success of a dental implant, including receding gums.

Receding gums, also known as gum recession, occurs when the gums begin pulling away from the teeth, exposing the roots of the teeth. The most common cause of receding gums is brushing too hard. If you have receding or thinning gums, your implant dentist will examine them to determine if they are thick enough to support dental implants.

One difficulty with placing dental implants into receding gums is that the implant itself is sometimes visible through the gums as a gray discoloration. This defeats the purpose of installing a dental implant, which is supposed to blend in with the rest of your mouth. Gums that have already receded may continue to recede further, exposing the implant post and possibly even leading to bone recession.

There are a number of options available to an implant dentist to correct receding gums and allow the patient to have a successful dental implant. The most common is a gum graft. The dentist can remove excess gum tissue from one part of the mouth and attach it to the receding gum line, creating a normal gum line and preventing further recession

Receding gums can be a cause of implant failure if not treated properly. When you go in for your consultation, your implant dentist will discuss your condition and recommend which corrective options are best for you. With proper treatment of the receding gums, you should be able to have a successful dental implant that will last decades.

To learn more about dental implants and to see if you are a candidate, call our Fort Worth office today to schedule your consultation.

March 26, 2012

Orthodontic Treatment: Signs the Bite’s Not Right

orthodontist Fort WorthA misaligned bite can cause a wide variety of symptoms and side effects. Some of these are more obvious than others. Some might only be obvious to your dentist or orthodontist. If any of these signs appear, it might be time to consider orthodontic treatment.

Signs of Bite Problems

Signs of problems with the bite can range from barely visible wear and tear to the teeth to persistent discomfort in the jaw or other areas. Some common symptoms that could be attributed to bite misalignment include:

  • Persistent grinding or clenching, especially at night
  • Uneven wear on the teeth, especially on the chewing surfaces
  • Persistent headaches or earaches that cannot be attributed to other causes

These symptoms can also indicate the presence of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), in which the joint where the lower jaw meets the skull at the temporal bone is not properly aligned. Realigning the bite through orthodontic or other treatment can alleviate these symptoms and correct the joint alignment, as well.

Types of Orthodontic Treatment

You and your orthodontist can determine the proper treatment to correct your bite misalignment. This might involve traditional braces or another treatment such as Invisalign.

With traditional braces, our orthodontist will make a mold of your teeth and use digital photography to give you an idea of what your teeth will look like after treatment is completed. Metal braces are affixed to the teeth and bands are used to move the teeth gradually into the proper position. Treatment with braces is very effective.

Many adults would prefer an alternative to braces because traditional braces can be unattractive and uncomfortable. One popular alternative orthodontic treatment is Invisalign.

Invisalign uses clear plastic aligner trays rather than braces and bands to move teeth into the proper position. During Invisalign treatment, you wear a series of these trays, changing to a new tray about every two weeks. Each tray moves your teeth a small amount, until the cumulative effect is a corrected bite.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a misaligned bite, please contact the Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Fort Worth office of Drs. Batton & Harlin to find out what orthodontic treatment is best for you.  Call us at 817-259-1380 to schedule your consultation today!

March 16, 2012

Should a Denture Be Worn at Night?

If you wear dentures, or are considering wearing dentures, you might wonder if it is all right to wear them around the clock. Some people are self-conscious about removing their dentures, and would prefer to wear them during the night as well as during the day. However, there are many reasons why it is better not to wear your dentures overnight.

Basics of Denture Wear and Care

A properly fitted denture should be comfortable in your mouth. It also should not require denture adhesive, although some denture wearers are more comfortable using adhesive for additional security. If your dentures are uncomfortable or cause abrasions or blisters in your mouth, you should consult with your dentist to determine if they are properly fitted.

Dentures require everyday care just like your natural teeth, though this care is slightly different. Dentures should be cleaned daily with a special denture brush and a denture cleanser. Regular toothbrushes and toothpaste are more abrasive than cleansers made specifically for dentures, and so can damage your dentures.

You should also visit your dentist regularly, both to check the fit of your dentures and to provide cleaning and care for your remaining natural teeth. Your dentist will also look for any signs of gum disease or buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This is important to prevent buildup of infection, which can occur if your teeth and/or your dentures are not kept clean.

Reasons to Remove Your Dentures at Night

Even with diligent care and cleaning, there are several compelling reasons to remove your dentures for a period of time each day. It is usually most convenient to remove the dentures at night while you are sleeping.

Leaving your dentures in all day and night can result in any of the following:

  • Additional wear and tear on your gums, especially if you grind your teeth at night
  • Build-up of bacteria in the mouth
  • Accelerated breakdown of bone in the jaw

To maintain the best possible health of your gums, your jawbone, and your remaining teeth, follow your dentist’s guidelines regarding when and for how long you should remove your dentures.

For more information about dentures and how to care for them, please contact our dental team in Fort Worth.

March 6, 2012

Is it Best to Get Dental Implants Before or After Orthodontic Treatment?

dental implants Fort WorthDental implants are used to replace missing teeth. If your teeth are improperly aligned to begin with, it is sometimes a good idea to have orthodontic treatment before implants are placed. In other cases, it is better to have orthodontic treatment after placing your implants. Our implant dentist can help you determine which of these options is best.

Reasons for Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is usually recommended when your teeth are crooked, improperly spaced, or misaligned. Misalignment of the teeth can lead to numerous problems such as abnormal wear and tear, grinding, clenching, and temporomandibular joint disorder, which can cause headaches, earaches, and other issues.

You might also choose orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons. If you are self-conscious about crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, orthodontics can help you feel better about your smile.

The most common approach to orthodontic treatment is traditional braces. Braces must be affixed to existing teeth. Rubber bands are then added between the braces. The tension created by the bands moves the teeth gradually into the proper position.

Orthodontics: Before or After Implants

When you consult with your implant dentist, he will discuss the options regarding whether orthodontic treatment would be best before or after your implants are placed. If your teeth need to be realigned to correct bite problems, it might be best to have your orthodontic treatment beforehand so that the implants can be added to your mouth in the correct position. Orthodontics might even be necessary to make room for the implants so they can sit in the proper position.

On the other hand, if you are missing a number of teeth, you might not have sufficient teeth on which to affix braces. If you do not have enough teeth in place to anchor braces, it might be better to have your implant procedure before you have your orthodontic treatment.

To find out more about orthodontics, dental implants, and how they can help give you a perfect smile, please contact our Fort Worth office at 817-259-1380 to schedule a consultation.

February 23, 2012

Will I Need to Have Teeth Extracted Prior to Getting Braces?

Extracting teeth before undergoing treatment with braces used to be much more common than it is today. Most orthodontists now attempt to correct misalignments or other problems without extraction. However, in some cases extraction is the best way to achieve the best possible result. If you are debating orthodontic treatment with braces, here are some things to consider as you make your decision.

How Can Extraction Be Avoided?

Particularly in younger patients, extraction can be avoided by making more room in the mouth. This allows permanent teeth to grow in straight and in the proper alignment. Making more room in the mouth can involve the use of a palate expander.

A palate expander is an expandable plate placed against the upper palate. It can be gradually made larger to open the space between the bones that form the roof of the mouth. In younger patients, these bones have not yet fused, so this gradual movement creates extra space in the mouth.

Extraction can also sometimes be avoided if the orthodontist decides to use other available alternate methods such as special braces that use a smaller amount of force to ease teeth into the proper position. Be sure to consult extensively with your orthodontist before deciding upon an approach that will require extraction.

When is Extraction Necessary?

The most common reason for teeth to be extracted in conjunction with orthodontics is because of crowding. If there is simply not enough room in the mouth for all your permanent teeth, extraction might be necessary so that the remaining teeth have room for proper alignment.

Extraction is more common among adults than in children. In adults, the jaw has completed its growth, and there is less chance of being able to expand the palate or the lower jaw to make additional room. However, even in adults, methods are available that can increase the amount of space in the mouth to avoid extraction.

To find out how orthodontics can help improve your smile, please call our Fort Worth office for a consultation.

February 13, 2012

Subtle Straightening with Invisalign

Invisalign Fort WorthEven slight imperfections in your smile can make you self-conscious and affect your overall quality of life. If you have minor misalignment or teeth that are slightly out of place, Invisalign can help you achieve the perfect smile without the discomfort of conventional orthodontics.

Advantages of Invisalign?

Invisalign uses clear plastic aligner trays custom-made to move your teeth gradually into the proper position. Each tray is slightly different from the previous tray. The slightly different contours of the aligner trays move your teeth in the correct position over the course of your Invisalign treatment. You will wear each tray for about two weeks, then switch to the next tray in the sequence.

Advantages of Invisalign treatment over traditional wire braces include:

  • Aligner trays are transparent, so they are virtually invisible
  • Trays can be removed
  • Trays are more comfortable than wires and bands

All these advantages make Invisalign popular among adults who wish to have orthodontic treatment without the self-consciousness and inconvenience associated with braces.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

The length of Invisalign treatment depends upon your goals for your treatment. When you initially consult with your orthodontist, he/she will give you an idea of how long your treatment will take and what the results will be when treatment is complete. On the average, Invisalign can take from twelve to eighteen months.

After Invisalign treatment is complete, you will probably need to wear a retainer to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position. This retainer might be a standard retainer, or it might be a plastic tray much like the trays used during treatment. Your orthodontist will recommend the best type of retainer for you to keep your teeth properly positioned and maintain your smile for years to come.

Any Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation with your orthodontist. To find out what Invisalign can do to perfect your smile, please contact our Fort Worth TX Cosmetic & Family Dentistry office at 817-918-4199 to speak to one of our experienced Invisalign dentists.

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