September 30, 2011

Dental implants: Enjoy the healthy benefits of a complete smile

dental implants Fort WorthDo you suffer from the inability to eat, speak, laugh or enjoy life due to missing teeth or teeth so impaired that you wish you could go back in time and relive life when your natural teeth were healthy? Today you can enjoy that time again thanks to dental implants in Fort Worth.

You can start on the road to your new smile with a visit to your dentist where your general dental and medical health are evaluated to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants.  And everyone from adolescence to senior citizen can benefit from dental implants.  One of the primary determinations for candidacy is whether you’ve achieved mature bone growth .  Once determined that dental implantation is suitable for you, you can once again make plans to enjoy the healthy benefits of a complete smile.

Dental implants are a solution whether you have one or many missing teeth.  The implant itself is like an artificial tooth root that is placed in your gum tissue to support a final dental restoration or “cap”.  Once completed, the implant and restoration act much like your natural tooth.  By placing a dental implant, tooth strength is restored giving your teeth the stability to eat all the foods you love and keep your body healthy without struggling to chew.

Another advantage to dental implants is they help to stimulate and maintain jaw bone, possibly preventing further bone loss.  And today’s dental implant restorations are so lifelike that they are virtually impossible to tell from your natural teeth.  Your cosmetic dentist will match the shape and shade for your final restorations, and the appearance of the finished product will be so flawless your implants will be undetectable.

Your dental implants will require the same diligent care as you give your natural teeth … professional dental cleaning by your dental provider, along with daily brushing and flossing.  One of the leading causes of dental implant failure is the lack of proper care as infection can occur if the implant and surrounding areas are not properly cleaned.  Smoking is also a leading cause of implant failure, so it is advised that if you wish to proceed with dental implants, this is one more excellent reason to quit smoking.

Once your smile is restored you can go back and enjoy the healthy benefits you believed were forever lost.

September 15, 2011

What is the difference between a dental veneer and a crown?

When trying to make a decision between two choices, doing research as to your options and what they offer is usually going to help you make the right choice.  Veneers in Fort Worth is one option certainly worthy of your consideration.

A dental veneer is a form of cosmetic dentistry where a shell or layer of tooth colored material is placed on the front of your tooth.  A dental veneer is used to correct worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth spacing or alignment, staining or discoloration, or a tooth that is chipped or cracked.

A crown is required when a tooth needs to be completely covered to protect a broken tooth, or restore the tooth’s functionality due to excessive decay.  Dental crowns are commonly referred to as “caps”, and are also used to cover a dental implant, to hold a bridge in place or to cover and support a tooth with a very large filling where there isn’t a lot of natural tooth left.

Dental veneers are optimal for the person that is seeking a bright, white smile by providing perfectly aligned, shapely teeth.  Veneers also offer protection for the surface of damaged teeth, and may be the best solution for those that don’t require more extensive treatment.  Another benefit of veneers versus crowns is the durability they offer with little to no removal of permanent tooth structure.

Dental veneers are appropriate for the enhancement of one or many teeth.  If your cosmetic dentist makes the determination that your desired result may be achieved with dental veneers, you can makeover your smile in just a couple of visits.  Whether your smile has become dull and drab, you want to eliminate stains due to smoking, age, diet or medications; or you are interested in making those little corrections that will boost your smile and confidence, your cosmetic dentist has a remedy for you.

Regardless of the reasons for your dental cosmetic needs, a visit to your dentist for an honest conversation about what you can do for yourself can be the first step to a whiter, brighter, straighter and more confident smile.  Whether the solution can be achieved with dental veneers or you require more extensive dental treatment, our cosmetic dentistry team can address your needs to meet your total satisfaction.

September 2, 2011

Orthodontics: Purpose of a palatal expander

orthodontist Fort WorthA palatal expander is an oral appliance used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better.  Traditionally used in conjunction with wearing braces to straighten your teeth, your orthodontist in Fort Worth is ideally suited to answer all questions concerning this technique.

Typically palatal expanders are prescribed for children, although their use with adults has enjoyed some success.  Since the function of the palatal expander is to widen the upper jaw itself, if your jaw is no longer growing due to achieving maturity, this procedure becomes a little more extensive.

The palatal expander is attached to teeth strategically with bands.  This usually results in a couple of visits to your orthodontist.  Once the expander is in place, it is activated by the motion of turning a screw with a specially designed key.  The palatal expander is a permanent fixture in your mouth until your orthodontist is satisfied that the upper jaw has widened sufficiently.  Since the expander is not removable, turning the key to keep the expander doing its job must be done very carefully and precisely for success.

Initially there might be a sensation of pressure on your teeth, in the middle of your palate, in your nose or in your cheeks.  You will know the expander is functioning correctly when you see a space open up between your upper front teeth.  Although this space can seem quite large (sometimes the width of a tooth), this is natural and needed in order for your teeth to re-adjust back to their correct position when the expander is removed.

Your orthodontist will monitor the progress of your palatal expander, however you will likely be asked to turn the key yourself during the process of expanding your upper jaw.  Once your jaw has been successfully widened, the expander is usually left in place for approximately three months to allow your jaw to adjust.

After the expander is removed, your orthodontist will resume with treatment as needed.  You may be moving into braces or be given a retainer to help stabilize your new jaw.  Whatever follows, your new expanded jaw should help improve your bite and allow for a better fit between your upper and bottom teeth.