January 26, 2012

Smile Confidently with Dental Veneers

Veneers Fort WorthDental veneers can correct a number of problems that can make you self-conscious about your smile. In many cases, treatment with dental veneers can help you avoid more invasive treatments such as crowns, or uncomfortable orthodontic work. If you are considering veneers in Fort Worth, here is some information to help you make your decision.

Conditions Treated with Veneers

Veneers are an innovative and versatile cosmetic treatment. They are relatively easy to apply and are minimally invasive. In addition, they are durable, long-lasting, and are custom-made to match your natural enamel.

Veneers are used to treat a wide variety of cosmetic issues, including:

  • Chips
  • Cracks
  • Pits on the surface of the teeth
  • Severe staining
  • Slight misalignment
  • Small gaps

In the past, many of these issues were best treated with dental crowns or with traditional braces. However, veneers can now provide cosmetic treatment of these issues with minimal restructuring of the teeth. If misalignment or gaps are minor and do not interfere with overall alignment, veneers are an effective treatment to make your smile appear straighter and more attractive.

Placement of Veneers

Veneers are made of very thin porcelain that is bonded to the front surface of the teeth with a special bonding agent. They are typically placed on the teeth in a two-part process. First, the teeth are prepared for the veneers. A small layer of enamel is removed from the teeth to make room for the veneers. A mold is then made from which the veneers are manufactured. Your dentist then places temporary veneers to protect the surfaces of your teeth.

When the permanent veneers are completed, you will return to your cosmetic dentist to have the temporary veneers removed and replaced with the final, custom-made veneers. They are color-matched to your enamel so that they are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Veneers also reflect light much like natural enamel. After your new veneers are placed, you’ll have the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

To schedule a consultation with our dental team of Drs. Batton & Harlin, call 817-918-4199 today!

January 16, 2012

How Do I Care for my Dentures?

If you have chosen to have dentures to replace your missing teeth, you’ll need to care for them properly to ensure long-term comfort and durability. If you wear dentures in the Fort Worth area, our offices can provide guidance on how to keep them clean and well cared for.

Everyday Denture Care

As with your teeth, the most important care you can provide for your dentures is everyday care. This includes:

  • Daily brushing. Just like your natural teeth, dentures must be brushed every day. Use a brush specifically made for denture care. Other types of brushes could wear your dentures down or damage the surface of the denture.
  • Rinsing after meals. Rinse your dentures after every meal to prevent staining and to remove food particles.
  • Use a denture cleaner. For deeper cleaning, use a denture cleaner periodically. Your dentist can recommend an appropriate cleaning solution.
  • Keep dentures moist. When you’re not wearing your dentures, it’s important not to let them dry out. Keep them submerged in a denture solution or in water. If your dentures include metal pieces, ask your dentist for a recommendation to keep from tarnishing the metal.

Diligent everyday care will keep your dentures clean, white, and free of food particles that can lead to bacterial growth in the mouth. Although dentures cannot decay, an excess of bacteria in the mouth can lead to other issues.

Periodic Adjustments and Other Care

Your dentures should remain stationary in your mouth, without causing discomfort. If your dentures don’t fit properly, the result could be sores in the mouth or irritation to the roof or the mouth or the gums. If you experience any discomfort, be sure to consult with your dentist immediately to have any necessary adjustments made.

If your dentures are broken, you should also see your dentist immediately so they can be repaired. In some cases, your dentures might have to be sent to an off-site lab for repairs.

To find out more about dentures and how to care for them, please contact our cosmetic and family dentistry office.

January 6, 2012

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children

orthodontics Fort WorthOrthodontic treatment is commonly associated with adolescents, but more and more dentists recommend orthodontics at a younger age. Younger children can be treated for issues such as crowding of teeth before they become a serious problem. If your child might need orthodontics in the Fort Worth 76107 area, here are some things to consider as you make your decision.

Reasons for Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics isn’t just about a straight smile. Long-term problems can result from improper alignment, including abnormal wear and tear, need to remove teeth, improper jaw growth, and issues such as temporomandibular joint disorder. In addition, earlier orthodontic care can prevent the need for braces later in life, or allow your older adolescent to wear braces for a shorter period of time.

The most common reasons for orthodontic treatment in younger children are crowding of teeth and teeth that are misaligned when they emerge. Rather than trying to correct the placement and alignment of teeth after they have emerged, many dentists now use interceptive orthodontics to make room for the teeth and ensure that they will emerge in proper alignment. Interceptive orthodontic treatments can be used before the teeth actually emerge.

Other uses of orthodontics address front teeth that protrude excessively and teeth that cannot emerge because they are blocked by deciduous teeth.

Common Orthodontic Treatments

In younger children, the jaw is still growing, so some treatments for early intervention involve widening the palate to make more room. This is accomplished with a palate expander. Because the jaw is still growing, this method helps create more room so that teeth do not need to be removed to prevent crowding.

Traditional braces can also be used to shift teeth that have already emerged, especially permanent teeth that have come in out of their proper alignment. Braces are also usually used later to complete treatment and ensure all teeth are properly aligned. With appropriate early orthodontic treatment, as well as additional treatment later, your child will have not only a beautiful smile, but will also have a healthy mouth and teeth.

For more information about orthodontic treatment for your child, please contact our Fort Worth dentistry office at 817-918-4199 to schedule a consultation.